Lem yawned as he rose from his child-sized bed. He glanced outside the window of his room, still bleary-eyed from sleep. The sun was setting, so his shift at the guard tower would be starting soon.
He had begun to settle into his new life in Magnimar over the past week or so. The tall stone buildings and bustling streets still felt strange, but at least he knew his way around now. He and Valeros had taken to covering the graveyard shift in one of the guard towers along the city wall after the disappearance of some of the local guard. It was not uncommon of late for citizens to go missing, but it was no less unsettling.
Lem
Card Feat: Spell
Skill Feat: Carisma +2
Power Feat: 1D4 +2 to another character’s check
Starting Deck
Sling
Burglar
Toad
Aldern Foxglove
Sihedron Medallion
Wand of Force Missile
Cure
Aid
Enfeeble
Holy Light
Lightning Touch
BoPharasma x2
BoShelyn
BoDesna
BoG
He descended the stairs of the small house that he shared with his partner and found Valeros already at the table eating some leftover soup. The man nodded at Lem as the halfling crossed the room to grab a bowl of his own. When Lem had first met Valeros, he would never have imagined surviving a day with him, much less sharing a home with him. But through their ordeals they had formed a bond that only those who had survived horrific experiences together would understand.
Valeros didn't love taking over the graveyard shift in the tower any more than Lem did. He would much rather be out on the streets, getting to the bottom of these deaths and disappearances. They hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary after the night at the mill, but they could feel it. Something sinister was out there.
Valeros
Card Feat: Item
Skill Feat: Strength +2
Power Feat: Hand Size – 5, 1D4 +1 to another characters combat check
Starting Deck
Glaive
Spiked Chain
Warhammer +1
Bastard Sword
Shock Longbow +1
Sheriff Hemlock
Grizzled Mercenary
Magic Leather Armor
Chain Mail
Magic Half-Plate
Holy Candle
Staff of Minor Healing
Masterwork Tools
BoSarenrae
BoIomedae
BoG
After finishing their meal and donning their uniforms, they proceeded to the tower. As usual, the streets were still teeming with merchants, sailors and a variety of others humanoids of all shapes and sizes.
As they neared the guard tower, the alarm bells began to ring. The tower was under attack! The pair broke into a sprint, weapons drawn. Just outside the stone guard tower, they could hear the clash of steel on steel. Lem turned his gaze to Valeros and smiled.
"Well, at least our shift will go by quickly." he said wryly as he blasted the tower door off it's hinges with his wand, sending it flying into a bandit.
Turn 1
Lem – BoAbadar
Guard Tower
Summon Bandit Henchman per location – Recharge a card
Wand of Force Missile + Valeros = 5D4+1 = 15 = Success
Recharge Wand = Fail
Potion of Hiding – Intelligence = D6 = 2 = Fail
But this was no ragtag band of raiders. As they entered the tower, they could see all manner of creatures running through the staircases and hallways of the place, wreaking havoc on the defending guardsmen. Valeros kicked one bandit square in the face, grabbing the man's sword in mid-air. He then spun and buried the sword into a malformed creature that was loping towards him.
Turn 2
Valeros – BoLamashtu
Guard Tower
Summon Bandit Henchman per location – Recharge a card
Bastard Sword = D10 + 5 + D10 = 12 = Success
Short Sword = Auto-Success
BoIomedae explore – Bunyip – Fail wisdom check – Reveal and recharge short sword + Lem Recharge = D6 + D6 + 5 + D4+2 = 15 = Success
Use Staff of Minor Healing on self
Lem jumped backward to avoid an axe swing from another bandit. His back was against the stone wall that faced the outside of the city. In the din of battle, he swore he could feel the stone walls shake. Before he could investigate further, the stones of the wall exploded inwards with a thunderous crash. Lem was quickly buried, his cry muffled by the debris.
Turn 3
Lem –BoG
Summon Bandit Henchman per location – Recharge a card
Enfeeble – Evade Bandit
Recharge Enfeeble = Fail
Ambush – Dexterity + Aid + Valeros BoG = D8 + D6 + D8 = 20 = Success
Recharge Aid = Success
Scarecrow Golem – Gets ass kicked – Buries one of the damage cards per scenario
As the dust settled, a behemoth lumbered into view the likes of which Valeros had never seen. It appeared to be a scarecrow, but was massive in both height and width. It's featureless face was impassive as it continued it's forward movement, stepping over the rubble that had entombed Lem. Valeros took a step back, trying to think of a way to stop this creature and rescue his partner.
Turn 4
Valeros – BoErastil
Summon Bandit Henchman per location – Recharge a card
Bastard Sword – D10+5 + D10 = 14 = Success
Longsword – Auto-Success
Lem was lost in darkness. There was muffled sound, but it was all indecipherable. He slowly came to his senses, trying to shake off the almost certain concussion. He hurt everywhere, but he could not tell how grievous his wounds were. He pushed upward with all his might, desperate for air.
With a loud grating sound, the slab of rock directly over him began to shift. Once he had moved it aside enough to squeeze out, he looked for his partner while gasping for fresh air. As he stood, he saw the axe-man from before bearing down on him with a sinister grin. Fortunately, his sling had not been lost in the rubble. He took aim and fired one of the many stones that surrounded him at the man. His shot was true, and the man fell. Relieved, Lem took a moment to gather his wits and say a healing prayer. Convinced that nothing was broken, he turned his attention to the huge construct that strode towards Valeros.
Turn 5
Lem – BoG
Summon Bandit Henchman per location – Recharge a card
Sling + Valeros – D8 + D6 + D4+1 = 9 = Success
Exchange Lightning Touch in hand for Cure in discard
Cure – 5
Recharge Cure = Success
Shield of Fire Resistance – Constitution = D6 = 3 = Fail
Toad Explore – Thieves’ Tools – Dexterity = D8 = 5 = Success
Still considering the best course of action in taking down the monster, Valeros helped the surviving guards escape the ruins of the tower. As for how to deal with the golem, Valeros was at a loss. This thing had no vital organs, and was much too large to cut apart with a sword. He was running out of time.
Turn 6
Valeros – BoIomedae
Summon Bandit Henchman per location – Recharge a card
Warhammer +1 = D10+5 + D8+1 = Auto-success
Guard – Diplomacy = D6+2 = 3 = Fail
Sheriff Hemlock explore – Guard (really?!) = Diplomacy = D6+2 = 4 = Fail
Lem, on the other hand, had plenty of ideas. This thing had been created with magic, and so could be undone by magic. He first let loose a stone at the creature, to grab it's attention. As the golem turned, Lem readied his wand. Let's see how the creature liked being blasted. Arcane force pulsed from the wand impacting the creature directly in it's torso. There was a brief shimmer around it as the energies struck the magic that held the thing together.
Turn 7
Lem – BoCalistria
Summon Bandit Henchman per location – Recharge a card
Sling + Valeros = D8 + D6 + D4+1 = 12 = Success
Scarecrow Golem – Wand of Force Missile + Valeros + Bury Grizzled Merc = 5D4+1 + D8 = 27 = Success
Recharge Wand = Success
Strength 5 check to close + BoShelyn = 2D4 = 4 = Fail
The spell that bound it could not stand against the force missiles. The magic shield warped and then shattered under the barrage. Straw and rags erupted behind the blast, showering Valeros. Just when Valeros started to forget, Lem always had a habit of reminding him of his usefulness. He walked to the halfling.
"You OK?" He looked down and saw that beneath the layer of dust, blood caked his partner's face and hands. The sounds of battle in the tower had died down as the rest of the bandits were taken down by the defending guards.
"Yeah, I'll live." He stopped and looked out into the fields that could be seen through the hole in the wall. "Whoever did this won't, though." Lem grumbled. He walked towards the gaping hole in the wall, prepared to track down whoever, or whatever had sent that monster to the city.
Turn 8
Valeros – BoTorag
Summon Bandit Henchman per location – Recharge a card
Warhammer +1 = D10+5 + D8+1 = Auto-success
Strength 5 to close – Auto-Success
The pair made their way through the fields that surrounded the city. This area was largely populated by farmers and their livestock. The golem's trail was easy to follow, even in the dim moonlight. Large footfalls could be seen in the mud, thanks to recent rains. It led them to a small farmhouse that bordered an inlet from the sea.
Lem scouted the area, trying to ignore the aching pain that coursed through him. In the darkness, he managed to spot metal leaning up against a nearby barn. Moving towards it, it became apparent that it was a fine spear. Even more interesting was that the tip was cold to the touch, completely covered in frost. The spear was more than twice his size, but he took it anyway, and motioned his partner to join him.
Turn 9
Lem – BoG
Farmhouse
Icy Longspear +1 – Strength +Aid + BoPharasma = D4 + D6 + 2D4 = 12 = Success
Recharge Aid = Fail
He and Valeros entered the barn cautiously, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Valeros spied a pouch that sat atop one of the many barrels that lined the walls of the interior of the barn. He opened it and was rewarded with a nice set of lockpicking tools. Between the weapon and these tools, it was clear that ordinary farmer dwelled here. Whatever had made the golem must be nearby.
Turn 10
Valeros – BoIrori
Farmhouse
Masterwork Tools – Dexterity + Lem Recharge = D8 + D4+2 = 9 = Success
Movement from above snapped them out of their reverie. Barrels began to fall upon them, followed by a cackling laughter. As they dove out of the way, something dove upon Lem. The stench of it nearly overpowered him as it clawed and gnashed at his face. It smelled rotten, but it was no mindless zombie. This thing was fast, with long limbs that ended in talons sharp as razors. Though human in appearance, it's limbs were unnaturally long and thin, powered by unholy strength.
Lem forced his newfound spear between him and the creature as they rolled on the floor of the barn in struggle. The speartip pierced the creature and it recoiled, screeching in a pitch that left Lem nearly deafened. As the creature staggered back, Valeros swung his sword, burying it deep in the ghoul's side. To Valeros' surprise, it pulled itself off the blade and ran into the darkness outside, leaving behind it a thick noxious trail of ichor.
Turn 11
Lem – BoSarenrae
Rogors Craesby – Fail Con check – Icy Longspear + Valeros = D4 + D8+1 + D4+1 = 176 = Success
2nd Check – Valeros – Reveal and recharge Bastard Sword + Lem Recharge = D10+5 + D10 + D10 + D4+2 = 17 = Success
Location closed
They ran after it, nearing a wooden bridge that crossed the gap of the inlet. This creature must be responsible for the attack on the city. Or at the very least, it could have valuable information regarding whoever or whatever was responsible.
Turn 12
Valeros – BoCalistria
Wooden Bridge
Archer – Diplomacy = D6+2 = 5 = Fail
As the pair reached the bridge, Lem spied a chest next to the wooden posts that held the bridge. He motioned to his partner, and started towards it. A foul goblin snake struck from the tall grass nearby, but Lem had not let his guard down. The snake quickly rested on the frosty point of his new spear.
The lock on the chest was easily picked, but unfortunately examination of the items inside would have to wait. Lem quickly stuffed the contents of the chest in his pack and the duo carried on across the bridge.
Turn 13
Lem – BoG
Wooden Bridge
Goblin Snake – Fail Con Check - Icy Longspear +1 + Valeros = D4 + D8+1 + D4+1 = 14 = Success
Discard BoDesna Explore – Battered Chest – Discard Thieves Tools = D4 items = 4
Blast Stone, Potion of Vision, Potion of Energy Resistance, Tome of Knowledge
The bridge swayed beneath them, but it was in good repair. They crossed without incident, still following the trail of the ghoul. It appeared to have run into the nearby woods that lined the opposite side of the bridge.
Turn 14
Valeros – BoTorag
Merchant – Diplomacy + Lem recharge = D6+2 + D4+2 = 11 = Success
Discard Merchant Explore – Burglar – Diplomacy + Lem recharge = D6+2 + D4+2 = 8 = Success
Looming before them, the woods appeared ominous in the moonlit night. Unlike the woods surrounding Sandpoint, the trees here were gnarled, and rotten, showing little signs of life. It was silent, and it was dark.
They neared the edge, looking for any sign of the creature's passage. Following the trail as it wound through the lifeless vegetation, Lem failed to notice a taloned hand until it closed around his throat. The creature had left a false trail and doubled back behind them! Lem stabbed behind him with his spear and felt it strike something soft. The scream that followed told him that luck was on his side and he had found his mark.
The hand that had gripped him suddenly loosened and Lem dropped to one knee, gasping for air. Valeros jumped towards the creature with his glaive, but tripped over an exposed root, landing on his face. The ghoul ran deeper into the wood in desperation.
Turn 15
Lem – BoShelyn
Rogors Craesby – Fail Con check – Icy Longspear +1 + Valeros = D4 + D8+1 + D4+2 = 17 = Success
2nd Check – Valeros – Glaive = D10+5 + D10 = 13 = Fail = Recharge Glaive to reroll = 14 = Fail = 1 damage
Rogors escapes
Valeros picked himself up. He was furious at his own carelessness. It would not happen again. He sensed movement in his peripheral vision and struck out with his warhammer, throwing it at the darkness. Snatching his glaive off the ground, he went to see what he had hit. It was not the ghoul, but some other foul creature. Grimacing in disgust, he retrieved his hammer and continued after the trail of the ghoul.
Turn 16
Valeros – BoSarenrae
Bunyip – Fail Wis Check – Warhammer +1 + Lem Recharge = D10+5 + D8+1 + D4+2 = Auto-Success
Lem followed after Valeros, knowing that his partner was now fully lost in his bloodlust. The man had a tendency to be nearly single-minded in his fury, losing sense of anything else. It was up to Lem to protect him from the other dangers that surrounded them. He lodged his spear into a man that took aim at Valeros from nearby foliage. If nothing else, Valeros was a great distraction for their enemies to focus on. Lem couldn't help but wonder what kind of men would ally themselves with a ghoul, though. It was a disturbing thought.
Turn 17
Lem – BoGorum
Chain Mail – Con = D6 = 6 = Success
Discard BoG explore – Scout – D4-1 combat damage = 3 = Bury Chain Mail
Icy Longspear +1 + Valeros = D4 + D8+1 + D4+1 = 16 = Success
Valeros had reached a small clearing that seemed to act as a border between the sparse, dead wood that they had crossed, and the living woods beyond. These woods were still far from welcoming, and likely a great deal more dangerous in the night. Valeros doubted that any moonlight would benefit them in that dense network of trees.
From that wood, a horrid creature crept into the clearing. The light of the clearing shone on pale flesh that was covered in the rags that one would normally use to dress a scarecrow. Saliva dripped from cruel fangs in the creature's mouth, it's face mostly covered by rotted burlap. It circled Valeros, waiting to make it's move.
In this clearing though, Valeros had the advantage. He charged at the thing as he bellowed a battle cry. No unholy abomination would get between him and the ghoul he pursued. He swung with his hammer again and again. Though the creature was unnaturally fast, it could not avoid the blows from his magical hammer forever. It crumpled to the ground, lifeless. Valeros continued to swing until he was satisfied, then moved deeper into the dark woods before him.
Turn 18
Valeros – BoG
BoG
Discard BoG Explore – BoG
Discard BoG Explore – Ghoul Scarecrow – Warhammer +1 + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D8+1 + D4+2 = Auto-Success
Dex Check to close + Lem Rechage= D8 + D4+2 = 9 = Success
Lem watched from the edge of the clearing as Valeros took off into the wood. Lem followed the man, taking care to steer clear of the mangled corpse that he had left in his wake. As they moved into the wood, Lem said another prayer of healing. Though he was not at risk of death, he was still in a great deal of pain.
Suddenly, a figure rose out of the darkness before him. The ghoul had been lying in wait for them! It clawed Lem's face in a frenzy, leaving deep gashes. The halfling stumbled backwards in a mixture of pain and surprise. The ghoul loomed over him menacingly. Where was Valeros?
Turn 19
Lem – BoG
Woods
Cure – 3
Recharge Cure = Success
Rogors Caesby – Fail Con check – Icy Longspear +1 = D4 + D8+1 = 8 = Fail = Discard Icy Longspear to reroll = 7 = All the damage ever = Bury 1 card
Rogors escapes again
Valeros heard his partner's cry, and looked around him frantically. They had gotten separated in the labyrinth of darkness and foliage. He lit a candle from his pack and attempted to follow his own trail which he hoped would lead him back to Lem. As he cleaved another snake in two, he could hear movement ahead. He hoped he was close.
Turn 20
Valeros – BoG
Woods
Holy Candle – 4
Goblin Snake – Fail Con Check - Reveal and recharge short sword = D10+5 + D6 + D6 = 18 = Success
Lem had lost all feeling in his body. His muscles refused to listen to his commands. The ghoul must have paralyzed him! He could only watch in silent horror as the creature stooped over him, it's saliva dripping on the halfling's armor. The ghoul's talons reached toward his face. Lem had never known fear like this before.
Turn 21
Lem – BoG
Battered Chest – Dex + Aid = D8 + D6 = 3 = Fail
Recharge Aid = Fail
Valeros could hear that he was getting closer to something, and he hoped it was Lem. Suddenly, a vibration shook the earth near him, then another, and another. A tree beside Valeros was knocked aside with ease as another scarecrow golem charged towards him. Valeros steeled himself and readied his hammer.
Lem had taught him something today. This thing had been created with magic, and so could be undone by magic. It was a valuable lesson indeed. Just as the golem reached him, he swung upwards with his hammer as hard as he could. purple-tinted sparks flew from the thing's torso as the magic in the hammer fought against the magic that held the beast together. The hammer reached the golem's head, and it erupted in straw like a great volcano. The energy that had bound the creature was broken.
Valeros moved forward into the clearing just in time to see the ghoul beginning to set it's talons into Lem's flesh. He threw his hammer with incredible force, knocking the ghoul into a nearby tree. Valeros did not break stride, but instead sprinted towards the body of the creature, grabbing his hammer from the ground as he ran.
The ghoul sat up against the tree just in time to see the flat of Valeros' hammer before it crushed the ghoul's skull against the wood. The rotten body slumped and fell lifeless.
Turn 22
Valeros – BoAbadar
Staff of Minor Healing on self
Ghoul Scarecrow – Warhammer +1 + Lem Recharge = D10+5 + D8+1 + D4+2 = Auto-Success
Remove all cards but Rogors
Discard BoIomedae explore – Rogors – Pass Con check
1st Check – Warhammer +1 + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D8+1 + D4+2 = 18 = Success
2nd Check – Reveal and Recharge Warhammer +1 + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D8+1 + D6 + D4+2 = 23 = Success
Lem awoke, bleary-eyed, and glanced around his room. He started and tried to sit upright, but searing pain forced him back down. He cleared his vision and glanced down. His entire body was bandaged, from head to toe. This was quite possibly the worst first aid he had ever seen. The bedroom door opened, and Valeros stepped in with a bowl of soup.
"Ah, good, you're awake. You've been sleeping for 3 days." A note of concern sounded in Valeros' voice. Realizing this, he quickly added, "You lazy ass."
Beneath his bandages, Lem smiled.
Scenario Reward - Random Armor
Lem – Magic Shield
Valeros – Chain Mail
Post-Game Analysis
I'm really enjoying watching the bond between these two continue to grow as we move along the AP. We're getting closer to uncovering the foul mystery of Magnimar, then who knows where our heroes will end up (Spoiler alert - Adventure Deck 3 ).
I was glad to get another magic weapon this time around. Unfortunately, Valeros isn't going to let Lem keep it. With D4 strength, Lem was lucky that he could even lift the thing to begin with. That was probably our biggest coup this time around, but it was another solid outing overall. Till next time!
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