The one ring, but not as you know it - not as you know it.

[Madame DM]

PC starting level: # 2 #

Difficulty: Easy

Mission:
Your character just had a geas/quest performed on him/her.¹ In
exchange for the geas a magical weapon has been given to your
character. The geas/quest is to bring a certain ring to Briar
Cavalier, a simple armour smith. A very special ring, this ring has a
six point star on it and four jewels. Someone named Asmodeus might
currently posses the ring.² Your mission is to liberate the ring and
bring it back. However, it is common knowledge that the world is
currently at war and therefore not very safe. Carthage and Rome
battle across Sicily; while the sea fills with enemy wooden warships.
Wage/Bonus: A +2 weapon with an enhancement bonus*
[*shown in game]

Location: Small town in Sicily - that is besieged by Carthage.
Historical reference/overview: The first Punic War meets D&D.

Notable NPC's:
*Archon Francis Uther Calvin Kyle III, the leader of Greece
*Jack - Caesar Delgado ‘McLoud’ de la Pena de Vazquez, the leader of
Rome
*Tyrant Magnos Hammerfist, the leader of Carthage
*General Cecil Paden, leader of Rome’s Navy
*General Hamilcar Barca³, leader of Carthage’s armies
*General Leksi Urian, leader of Greece’s Navy

Scene:
Outside the smithy, Carthage and Rome battle across the island of
Sicily; while the sea fills with wooden warships. The ships can be
seen in the distance from opposite sides of the island. Inside, Briar
Cavalier smiles as she hands her latest forged weapon over. Her grin
broadens across her white tiger face as she purrs, “I hope this
weapons serves you well. Bring me the ring as soon as you can and I
will reward you further. May the spirit of the great cat guide and
protect you…”

[¹DM note: Please see page 234 PHB for the spell description]
[²DM note: Historical name]
[³DM note: Historical name]

[waffletime]

Corin grabs the Greatsword and gives it a quick spin, he whistles as
the lightning arcs after the blade.
"I do not know how metal can be crafted into such beauty, even I can
not do this!"
Corin Sheathes the blade onto his back and lets out a "Doggish" grin
showing off all his teeth.
"I Corin, Soldier of Light shall do what it takes to retrieve this
ring that you so desire, I Corin, Defender of the people shall destroy
all evil as it comes near" after the last sentance he lets out a
little snarl then lets out a big yawn "Let me know when I should
depart" and turns into a wolf and then lies down.

[joe b]

~Mask~
I grasp the gnarly looking Scythe and I smile under my mask as I think of the things that would happen should it hits the right spot.
I look up from my thoughts and give a nod of approval towards the smith.
I mumble a bit as I say.
"This will do very nicely, now what is it you want me to do?"
I notice that a mutt-man has decided to go full mutt.
"Wait, I am supposed to work with a dog?"
I hook the scythe into a special little spot at my waist near my packs of food and..poisons.

[Joseph Beland]

Corin looks up and bares his fangs at the comment shifts back into archon form.
"I am no mutt, masked one I am soldier of light, treat me with some respect,"
He then folds his arms together as he waits for others to retrieve their promised weapons.

[Briar Cavalier]

"A greatsword and a scythe - I have worked long and hard on these
weapons for you. They will not let you down. I suggest you get better
acquainted with each other; as you have a long road to travel. I also
have a suggestion, that, you do some research and discover all you can
before you start your grand adventure." rumbles the white and black
tiger-humanoid that runs the smithy (also well known far and wide as
Briar Cavalier).

[joe b]

~Mask~
I nod in agreement.
"I am known as Mask, I am...a rouge of sorts"
I then remove my black mask to reveal a white mask.
"I am hired to deal with retrieving things from items to people"
I then pull out my new scythe.
{This will work well with my killing strike}

[Joseph Beland]

"As I have said I am Corin defender of light, pursuer of evil"
He Smiles as he says this and continues on.
"I am here to strengthen my body and my mind, to become a better archon"
Corin turns to Briar.
"Thank you very much for this wonderful sword, I am ready to go for your ring, Mask are you ready?" as he turns back to the small man

[Briar Cavalier]

"You are both welcome. If you check in now and then with me I will be
better able to send others to aid you on your quest. Be careful
outside as there is quite a war going on.", almost growls Briar but
clearly not at the pair in front of her.

[Joseph Beland]

Corin nods his head.

"Battles are fine, but this war not so much, Now where should we go first to find this ring you seek?"

[Briar Cavalier]

"Harrreeeerrrrr-cough-hahahahaha! Well, if I knew that I would go get
it myself.", roars Briar in laughter.

[Joseph Beland]

Corin looks slightly puzzled.

"Then tell me Smith Briar, are there any legends or our we in the dark on this?"

[Briar Cavalier]

> Corin looks slightly puzzled.
> "Then tell me Smith Briar, are there any legends or our we in the dark on
> this?"

Briar grins like only a great cat can,"Ah, an excellent question." She
pauses to lick her lips before continuing,"There are quite a few tales
- stories - and legends. However, most importantly - I am no mere
smith."

[joe b]

~Mask~

I'm hardly paying attention to what the cat and dog are talking about.

I am drifting in my own thoughts about the treasure I will get during this adventure.

I shake my head as the dog speaks to me but I'm not to sure what he said.

"What? Yes absolutly we should"

{Try to cover all the bases there}

I then key into the talk of legends, but it seems very boring until the cat talks about being a fancy smithy.

"Then tell us, what are you, if not a mere smith?"

[Madam DM]

> ~Mask~

> "Then tell us, what are you, if not a mere smith?"

+++Everyone, please make a knowledge Religion check or Knowledge
Planes.+++

[Joseph Beland]

Corin looks at Briar then at Mask.

(doesn't have either)

"I can't tell anything different except the feline qualities, but who am I to judge?

"It matters not what she is, we are honour bound to assit her no matter what,"

[Briar Cavalier]

> Corin, "It matters not what she is, we are honour bound to assist
> her no matter what."

Briar looks at the pair and purrs,"You are more than honour bound.
Each day you do not search for the ring you will go through
excruciating pain and torment. You both have geas-quests placed upon
you."

[joe b]

~Mask~
I am growing very impatient from these 2 avoiding my questions.
"Very well If my question will not be answered then I am ready to begin our travels, thank you for my new weapon, I will do my best to find this ring,"
I try to think of who of my contacts in my rouges guild would know where to start, I may be of the lower ranks of the guild, but I still have some contacts who owe me some favors.
"Corin! let us be going, we have no more need to wait any longer,"
Gather Info roll 01: 20=20
I begin walking out of the smith and I will wait for Corin to leave as well before I continue.
But, first I remove my mask to reveal my real face, or so my disguise...
disguise check Roll 02: 17+ 5 ranks +2 MWK kit= 24

[Joseph Beland]

Corin nods.
"Yes, perhaps it is best if we take our leave, I'm sure we will find a way to get this ring"
Corin smiles and walks out the door.
"Mask, where should we go first?"
He then goes wolf mode and is prepared to leave whenever Mask is.

[joe b]

~Mask~
Finally the dog has come out .
"I believe I may have some resources at my guild which may help us in our search, I just need to find this cities guild building"
I look around the area and I think I see where to go.
"Don't draw attention, just stay a dog and it'll be all good"
I walk across the street to an alley and see if there is anyone I recognize from the guild.

[Briar Cavalier]

The deity known as Briar Cavalier waves good-bye to the pair and
says,"No make sure to check in now and then so I may send others to
assist you. Good luck!"

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
I nod at my companion and follow him towards his alley, not sure what will happen I prepare to shift back and strike down any villainy.
I can not speak right now so I let out a little growl, these people in the alley can not be good.

[Satyr General]

> ~Corin~

> I can not speak right now so I let out a little growl, these people in the
> alley can not be good.

A cloaked figure moves forward from the back of the street toughs. A
horse or goat can be heard moving nearby. The cloak is odd for such a
warm day. The figure looks welcoming though; especially after he
says,"Ah, more to join our merry band. Please come closer." With that
he pulls out a set of beautiful pipes and begins to play them.
[Charm person]

[joe b]

~Mask~
Will Save Roll 3: 18+0=18
I don't really recognize this cloaked man, but he seems well enough.
OoC: regardless of the result I will go with this man.
I whisper near Corin
"Come Corin This man may be able to assist us with our search"
I begin walking to the man and I expect Corin to do the same.

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
I am an outsider and therefore unaffected.
Those pipes are very good sounding, and enjoyable, but It appears as though the people around us enjoy it more then normal.
I make a Listen and Spot check just in case.
Listen Roll 4: 02+5=7
Spot Roll 5: 20+7=27
I heed Mask's words and follow him towards the man, but I am not as trusting as he.

[Madam DM]

> ~Mask~
> Will Save Roll 3: 18+0=18

*Save!*

[Madam DM]

> ~Corin~

> I make a Listen and Spot check just in case.

> Listen Roll 4: 02+5=7 & Spot Roll 5: 20+7=27

*The alley is full of street toughs; they are all listening to the
pipes. These youthful punks seem to be armed to the teeth and ready
for action. However, most do not have swords or martial weapons of
any sort - clubs, axes, sythes, and other simple weapons are their
lot.*

[joe b]

~Mask~
I follow this man.
"Hello my good man, what can I do for you?"
I wait for a response from this man and I give Corin a slight pat and whisper to him,
"Do not lash out, these men may be dark but they shouldn't cause any trouble,"

[Satyr General]

> ~Mask~
> I follow this man.
> "Hello my good man, what can I do for you?"

"You - of course can all join my glorious army!", replies the
character in the cloak who dramatically reveals himself to be halfman-
halfgoat (Knowledge Nature: Fey). He is also armed to the teeth but
his weapons are much more martial in nature.

[joe b]

~Mask~
I am somewhat suprised to see a goat man but regardless his weapons are more important.
"Your army? and what is your army for?"
I still have my scythe in hand and I am prepared to kill this man in a single strike if nessacary.
(I ready to attack if he does something hostile to me)
I whisper to Corin.
"Corin, be ready,"

[Satyr General]

> ~Mask~

> "Your army? and what is your army for?"

The 'goatman' turns and looks at Mask as if truely seeing him for the
first time and replies loud enough for all assembled to hear,"Well,
you see I have these couple of boats. And these boats need a place to
land to restock supplies. Let's call it a secure harbour, if you will,
and I need some trusty lads to make that a reality - that's where you
come in. After which I will handsomely reward all of you."

[joe b]

~Mask~

"This proposal is tempting unfortunately we are being set to locate an item, unless you can provide information for us, we have no reason to assist you, sorry,"
I believe this man will not be pleased by my answer so I still remain at the ready.

[Satyr General]

"Ah, how nice - have you ever heard of a term - dragoon? You are all
to be my Dragoons!", he smiles broadly and raises his hands in the air
charismatically. All the street toughs roar their approval thinking it
is a play on a type of dragon and are quite excited by it.
Quietly, he adds," Incidentally, what information do you need? If you
scratch my hairy back - I may be able to reciprocate in kind."

[joe b]

~Mask~
"I hope that was not literal" I say with a slight chuckle.
"We are hoping to find the whereabouts of a ring with six point star on it and four jewels. Someone named Asmodeus might have it at moment"
I go somewhat serious.
"If you have any information to offer, I would be very grateful,"
I do hope he does give the information for free but I excpect not

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
I yawn as Mask is trying to get information.
I decide to change form to my Archon form and try to hurry the conversation.
"Excuse me, I am Corin, WE need to find this ring, if you can not help us then we must leave shortly,"

[Satyr General]

"I have heard of Asmodeus. Are you sure you that you are after
something of his? That will be very dangerous. I would be able to
offer you assistance - after you assist me first.", replies the goat
man who ignores Corin's outburst focussing on Mask.

[Madam DM]

+++Corin still needs to make a Charm person save.+++

[joe b]

~Mask~
I nod as the Goat man tells me that I need to assist him first.
"I understand my good man, then We shall assist you in your army, what do you need us to do?"

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
I nod my head in approval as Mask decides to help these men, they can't be so bad if they didn't attack me when I changed they can't be too bad.
"You said to defend something or other, well I Corin view defending as one of the greatest honours a soldier can have in an army, I believe we should set off soon to prevent anything from being attacked before we get there."

[Satyr General]

"Well, how are you at stealth? We could use a few of you brave lads to
scout out the harbour and report back to the main party. That way we
don't go marching into anything - like an ambush!", smiles the
'goatman'.

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
I growl slightly at the goats question.
"Stealth is not honorable, open combat is proper,"

[joe b]

~Mask~
I look to Corin then back to the goat man.
"Yes, I am stealthy, but do not assume I am a lock picker, my jobs are more in removing other people without alarm, it may not be honorable to some but meh I'm still alive"

[Satyr General]

"No, you misunderstand me - I like the cut of your jibe! No, I want
you to scout the harbour for enemy forces that could be gathering
there. You two are to be my scouts. I think I know what you are after.
And I will assist you - after you reconnoiter the harbour. Do not cut
any purses or attract the watch! I need to know where the watch and
any troops or irregular forces are - understood?", replies the 'goat-
man'.
Before he adds,"Wait where are my manners - have I introduced myself?"

[joe b]

~Mask~
"No you have not, but just to clarify I am Mask and this is Corin,"
I shift the weight on my feet.
"Scouting is something we can do, sure let us go to the harbor and begin yes?"

[Shana Warren]

"Wonndderful! Also, my name is Leksi Urian - you may have heard of
me?", answers the 'goat-man'.

[Shana Warren]

+++Knowledge Local+++

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
"No I have not heard of you, my apologies should I?"

[joe b]

~Mask~
I shake my head.
"Yes I am sorry, I have not heard of you before, but I am sure I will get to know you soon"

[Satyr General]

> ~Corin~
> "No I have not heard of you, my apologies should I?"

The colour in Leksi's face begins to change to a deep crimson. He
takes a deep breath before he replies with,"yes."

"Yes, yes - you will.", as his face begins to clear up with multiple
deep breaths.

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
I rub my head as I am somewhat embarrassed by my not knowing this man.
"I am very sorry Leksi, I am not from this area, how could I have known? Now then good Leski, Shall we head off for our scouting?"

[Satyr General]

"Well no worries. Wait - we? No, you misunderstand me Corin. You shall
scout ahead and report to me. The rest of us will await you in the
nearby tavern.", replies Leksi as he points at a Triton on a large
wooden sign.
"Come on lads I will buy you all a drink!"

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
"It appears that you misunderstood my as well, by we I meant Mask and Myself, I apologize for not being specific,"
I shake my head at the offer for the drink.
"My good man, ale weakens the warriors senses, I need to remain sharp for the scouting, where is it we are to go again?"

[joe b]

~Mask~
I turn to Corin.
"Corin, do not be rude to our employer, there is no need to be hasty," I then turn to Leski, "Yes we will join you for drinks, do not worry I will have Corin's share of ale, haha"
"But yes I would not like to stay still for a long period of time, perhaps we should go to this bar for our drinks?"

[Satyr General]

Leksi looks stunned and shakes his head before clarifying for Mask,
"No - we are going to the tavern - you are going to the harbor. When
you are done I will be waiting here. I will buy you an ale and Corin a
cider or maybe a sarsaparilla if they have that here. Meanwhile - get
going!"

[Satyr General]

"NOW!", barks Leksi.

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~

I nod.

"Yes My apologies"

I then turn into my dog form and begin moving towards the harbor, always alert with a keen ear.

[joe b]

~Mask~

I give a low bow, and do a spin on my toes and with a flourish I put my scythe in its holster.

"We are off!"

I run after Corin.

"Corin, It would be faster for our troubles if I rode you, I am not so fast, but you are, what do you say?"

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~

I look over to my halfling comrade and give a slight frown but I do see his point I will outrun him very quickly, So I nod in agrreance, I hope he can ride bareback, though I'm not overly worried, as I should be able to keep him on.

[Madam DM]

++Please make WISdom checks or INTelligence checks; whichever is higher
++

[Madam DM]

Fail!

This is an excellent plan which will not attaract any undue attention.

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
With the halfling on me I begin walkling towards our destination, without a true worry at the moment.

[joe b]

~Mask~
I hop onto Corin and let him take the lead through the people towards the dock.
I try to be inconspicous by looking like we have no real reson to be going to the docks.

[Madam DM]

As the pair approaches the docks the smell of fish and salt water
clogs their noses. The masts of large sailing vessels poke skyward
and the foot traffic increases more and more.
+Spot Checks please+

[Joseph Beland]

~Corin~
Spot roll 02: 17+7=24

[Madam DM]

> ~Corin~
> Spot roll 02: 17+7=24

This is actually Roll#6: 19 + 7 = 26

Corin spots several humanoids taking more than a casual interest in
his approach of the harbour. A few he could easily dismiss but a two
figures are not intersted in a roll in the hay but more along the
lines of in a meeting in a dark alley.

[NPC Hound Archon]

In a blur of red colour a figure darts towards the pair and tries to
shove them down a deserted alley [Bull Rush = attack of opportunity].

[Madam DM]

> In a blur of red colour a figure darts towards the pair and tries to
> shove them down a deserted alley [Bull Rush = attack of opportunity].

No attack of opportunity as no reply from players.

[NPC Hound Archon]

> No attack of opportunity as no reply from players.

The red blur shoves both Corin and Mask into a narrow alley just as ...

[NPC Rhinoceros]

> The red blur shoves both Corin and Mask into a narrow alley just as ...

...a large grey shape crashes through the nearby area of the harbour.
Narrowly missing Corin and Mask.

[NPC Hound Archon]

"Watch it children. The harbour is a dangerous place to play.", smiles
a large red-dog-like-man. He nods at the two and walks quickly away;
heading after the large grey shape.