Adventure Logs - Shaelrick Adventures - PF2e

Welcome to the bustling city-state of Shaelrick, where shadows dance with the light of political intrigue, and secrets linger in every corner. As you embark on this journey, your characters will take on the roles of children who have faced tragedy and now seek refuge and new beginnings in the heart of the city.

Synopsis:
Your characters were once residents of the coastal village of Eldrithorn, where your families lived peaceful lives. However, tragedy struck when the village was attacked by undead-like monsters, resulting in the loss of your parents. In the aftermath of this devastating event, you were brought to Shaelrick by Brother Aldric Shieldheart, a compassionate figure who took you under his wing.

Although you were spared from the horrors of the attack, the memories of that fateful day linger in your minds. Now, as you settle into life in Shaelrick, you find yourselves assigned to different schools based on your interests and talents. Despite the challenges you face, you are determined to build new lives for yourselves in this city of opportunity and intrigue.

As you navigate the bustling streets of Shaelrick, you will forge bonds with your fellow orphans, uncover secrets about your pasts, and embark on quests that will shape your destinies. Together with Brother Aldric, who serves as both a mentor and a father figure, you will confront the shadows of your past and embrace the promise of a brighter future.

Prepare yourselves, brave adventurers, for the City of Shadows awaits your arrival. May your courage be your guide as you embark on this epic journey.

You can find more details about Shaelrick here:
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Aucd2-LeAFRkhJlDCmPHcF4CmeyXBw?e=L3Zxcc

Go here for Character Creation Instructions:
https://nwgamers.forumotion.com/t1854-pathfinder-2e

20240216 - Session Zero - The Haunted Library and Ghost Cats!
Ross - DM - Pathfinder 2e

Sorcha Azure - Stuart (Versatile Human Swashbuckler)
Saraphine - Tom (Flexible Catfolk Swashbuckler)
Enzo - Mick (Whisper Elf Ranger
Foxy - Tena (Chameleon Gnome Rogue)
Peld D'Loasch - Chris (Umbral Gnome Monk)
Alexandria Sokolov - Steve L (Ratfolk Investigator) (Great Mouse Detective??)

Last night, we thought we were clever sneaking out to attend a party thrown by one of the "rich" kids in town. But our luck ran out when we returned to the orphanage and found Brother Aldric Shieldheart waiting for us, disappointment etched deeply in his features. The next morning, we were tasked with cleaning the library in the School of Arcane Mastery under the watchful eye of Mrs. Mabel Harper, a task we quickly realized was more than just tidying up.

As we scrubbed and dusted, Mrs. Harper stumbled upon a forbidden book hidden among the shelves – the Necronomicon. Her curiosity got the best of her, and she inadvertently read aloud from its pages, transforming herself into a ghoul and animating the bones and taxidermied animals in the library. A frantic battle ensued, with us barely managing to fend off the reanimated creatures and restore Mrs. Harper to her original state.

Brother Aldric secured the Necronomicon in a dimensional box for safekeeping before deciding we needed further punishment for our reckless behavior. Our next task led us to the Curious Relics Emporium, owned by Magnus Blackwood, where we were put to work cleaning his store. Among the clutter, we stumbled upon a haunted collar once worn by Toffee, a spectral cat who guided us with a mysterious map he made with his paws, and led us to the abandoned Crown Point lighthouse, next to the village of Terkovo.

Venturing inside, we encountered the ghosts of Verna Tesaab and her beloved cats, along with the unwelcome presence of pirates and the grim discovery of Verna's murder. Through courage and determination, we vanquished the pirates, laid Verna and her cats' spirits to rest, and returned the stolen goods to the grateful merchants. Toffee, now free from his haunting, chose to remain with us as a loyal companion but wanted to stay at the Curious Relics Emporium.

Back at the Curious Relics Emporium, Magnus Blackwood showed his gratitude by offering us a generous 50% discount on our next (1st level item) purchase. As we reflect on our harrowing adventure, we can't help but wonder what other mysteries await us in the shadows of Shaelrick.

20240224 - Adventure at the Magaambya School
Ross - DM - Pathfinder 2e

Tennent of Kord - Stuart (Versatile Human Cleric)
Saraphine - Tom (Flexible Catfolk Swashbuckler)
Geico - Mick (Lizardman Druid)
Alexandria Sokolov - Steve L (Ratfolk Investigator) (Great Mouse Detective??)
Finrod - Steve T (Half Elf Champion)
Lynx - Vic (Catfolk Swashbuckler)

Brother Aldric extended an intriguing invitation for us to engage in an exchange student program. Utilizing an enigmatic teleporting tower, we embarked on a field trip to Nantambu in the Serpentine Isles. We were going to the Magaambya School, the renowned magical institution. We were filled with excitement and anticipation as he spoke of the school's history and its founder, Old-Mage Jatembe.

The next morning we approached the towering Teleport Tower, and we could feel the energy pulsating from within. We stepped into the chamber and were enveloped in a whirlwind of colors and sounds. In an instant, we were transported to the vibrant city of Nantambu. The air was rich with the scent of exotic spices and the sounds of the bustling marketplace filled my ears. Our guide, Professor Mara, led us through the city, pointing out various points of interest such as the grand bazaar and the bustling harbor.

We eventually reached the city's outskirts where the towering spires of the Magaambya School came into view. The school was nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, and its elegant architecture blended seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. We were welcomed by Teacher Takulu Ot, who assigned us to assist the fisherwoman Alandri with her morning tasks as part of our initiation.

We raced across Nantambu to Alandri's stall, led by a grinning dwarf named Haibram, who challenged Tennent and Finrod to a race. They beat him and he rewarded them with magical potions. We helped Alandri catch fish in the Vanji River, using bubbling scales to breathe underwater. We were successful in our task and Alandri rewarded us with a lion badge and another bubbling scale for tomorrow's work.

But our adventure took an unexpected turn when we discovered that Teacher Ot was missing. We investigated his office and found clues that led us to the Gonbossa Canal. Venturing into the canal, our attention was drawn to drag marks discovered by the keen senses of our companion mouse. Following the trail, we encountered a Fungus Leshy named Gusa but talked him down by convincing him we would assist him in stopping his boss.

However, our progress was impeded when Geico, attempting to scout ahead, was ambushed by a pair of lizardmen. Though the ensuing battle proved arduous, we emerged victorious, pressing forward and negotiating passage past a sentient mushroom entity. Yet, our respite was brief as we found ourselves confronted by a formidable crocodile, Ngaja's pet, necessitating another intense struggle.

Eventually, we reached a grotto where Teacher Ott and two captive children awaited us. However, our efforts at rescue were swiftly challenged by an ambush orchestrated by the Sea Hag, resulting in yet another grueling confrontation, but we eventually prevailed.

Informed by Teacher Ott of the impending flooding of the school, we hastily returned with one of the rescued children, who had planted water runes. We successfully averted the catastrophe, vanquishing the wayward shark and disarming the magical runes that were causing the flood thus securing the safety of the school.

We stayed for another week, to actually attend classes, and took the teleport tower back to Shaelrick.

20240308  Murder in Plaguestone
Tennet of Kord - Stuart (Human Cleric)
Lynx - Vic ( Catfolk Swashbuckler)
Geico - Mick (Lizardfolk Druid)
Foxy - Tena (Chameleon Gnome Rogue)
Peld D'Loasch - Chris (Umbral Gnome Monk)
Alexandria Sokolov - Steve L (Ratfolk Investigator) (Great Mouse Detective)

We embarked on our journey to Midland in the caravan led by Bort Bargith, a stout dwarf merchant. Our travels were rudely interrupted by a ferocious pack of wolves just six days in. Their leader was particularly vicious, spewing acid that threatened our very lives. Through grit and steel, we managed to fend them off, saving the caravan from disaster.

We stopped at a small farming village called Etran's Folly, which our coachman referred to as Plaguestone. Upon our arrival in Etran's Folly, Bort graciously invited us to dinner as a gesture of gratitude for our valor. Little did we know, this evening would be marked by tragedy. First, a big fight broke out between the drunken farmers in attendance. We neutralized a few of them and were able to restore order. As we finished our dinner with some delicious turnip porridge, Bort suddenly collapsed, poisoned by a virulent toxin concealed within his food. Despite our efforts, Bort succumbed to the poison, leaving us stunned and bewildered.

With Bort's death weighing heavily upon us, we resolved to uncover the truth behind his murder. The local sheriff, Rolth Garley, proved ineffective in his investigation, prompting us to take matters into our own hands. We scoured the town, interrogating every soul present during Bort's final moments.

Our inquiries led us to Phinick, the goblin kitchen assistant, who confessed to poisoning Bort's food under duress from Hallod, the notorious town bully. Phinick claimed ignorance, believing he was merely adding a special spice to the meal.

Venturing into Hallod's hideout, we confronted the bully and uncovered his sinister allegiance to someone named Vilree. Although defeating Hallod may have cleansed the town of his influence, it provided no immediate leads to Vilree's whereabouts. Disheartened but undeterred, we learned that Vilree's dealings were shrouded in secrecy, with her goods delivered to a hidden location in a hollow stump.

As the sun sets on another day in Etran's Folly, our resolve remains unbroken. Though our path forward may be uncertain, we are determined to pursue justice and uncover the truth behind Bort's murder, no matter the cost. The shadows of Vilree's schemes loom ever darker, but we stand ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

20240329 Murder in Plaguestone Part II
Tennet of Kord - Stuart (Human Cleric)
Peld D'Loasch - Chris (Umbral Gnome Monk)
Geico - Mick (Lizardman Druid)
Lynx - Vic ( Catfolk Swashbuckler)
Foxy - Tena (Chameleon Gnome Rogue)
Alexandria Sokolov - Steve L (Ratfolk Investigator) (Great Mouse Detective)


...battled some wolves and some plants, so many plants!
<place holder, others feel free to add more>

20240406 Murder in Plaguestone Part III
Tennet of Kord - Stuart (Human Cleric)
Lynx - Vic ( Catfolk Swashbuckler)
Foxy - Tena (Chameleon Gnome Rogue)
Decker - Brendon (Human Fighter)
Yasuo - Chris - Psychic  
Alexandria Sokolov - Steve L (Ratfolk Investigator) (Great Mouse Detective)

...battled some guards, then some lesser alchemists, then the big guy himself.
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After purging the Blighted Den of its foul creatures, we headed back to the Feedmill Inn for a well-deserved meal. Noala, our generous benefactor, treated us to some delicious Turnip-inspired dishes. As we dined, we mingled with the locals, gathering tidbits of information about Vilree and her mother.

With our bellies full and our minds focused, we discussed our next move. Noala suspected that the polluted water was the root of the problem, but how it was being contaminated remained a mystery. Despite our best efforts, no nearby caves seemed to hold the answer.

Without a clear lead, Noala proposed a bold plan: journeying to the oldest and largest blight in the woods. It was a risky one-day trek through the wilderness, but it could hold the key to unraveling this mystery. Noala urged us to depart immediately, but she was willing to wait until morning if we preferred to rest at Etran’s Folly first.As we finally reached the area, the air grew thick with the stench of decay, much like the blight surrounding the wolf den we encountered earlier. With her departure to patrol the perimeter once more, we were left to contemplate our next move.

The corruption within this blighted area was far more peculiar than what we had previously encountered. It manifested in distinct bands, each more twisted and sinister than the last. The outer band mirrored the blight near the wolf den, with rotting trees and dying plants. Deeper within, all signs of life had withered away, leaving behind a landscape of limp, rotten vegetation and an air thick with the scent of decay. No birds or insects broke the silence, only the remains of unfortunate creatures that had succumbed to the poisoned flora.

But it was the third area that truly unnerved us. Here, smaller trees and plants had twisted back to life in grotesque forms. Their leaves dripped with an oily sap, their branches gnarled yet strangely pliable. Some were covered in odd pustules emitting a faint, eerie light, attracting swarms of biting gnats. Swatting these pests caused them to burst into flames, releasing a foul odor. It took us an hour to locate the heart of the blight, though keen eyes could spot faint boot tracks.

Upon reaching the Pen, we were met with a formidable obstacle: Vilree's plant guardians. These vine lashers lay in wait, ready to ensnare us with their fibrous tendrils and drag us closer to the poisonous blooms. If we ventured too close, clouds of mindfuddle gas would envelop us, leaving us stupefied and confused. The thorny iris, our gateway into the Pen, presented another challenge. It required keen observation to discern the correct branch to twist, lest we risk injury from its jagged thorns.

Inside, we found ourselves in a yard filled with cages housing grotesque experiments—a wretched horse, gigantic rats covered in blisters, and a fiery leopard writhing in agony. Combat ensued, and we dispatched the orcs guarding these creatures, freeing them from their torment.

Further exploration led us to a forest laboratory, where the Sculptor and his assistants conducted their twisted experiments. They attacked us with alchemical weapons, hurling bombs and concoctions in a desperate bid to defend their work. In the chaos, we uncovered notes detailing Vilree's dark ambitions and her involvement in horrific experiments on captured humans.

Finally, we confronted the true horror of the Pen: a blood ooze feeding on the life of a tortured human. The Sculptor, driven to desperation, unleashed the creature upon us, hoping to escape. We fought bravely, ultimately defeating the Sculptor and the blood ooze, but not before learning vital information that would lead us to Vilree's lair.

With newfound resolve, we pressed on, determined to put an end to Vilree's malevolent schemes and bring justice to those who had suffered at her hands.