Session #5: Thistletop

Heroes:

Bock (3rd level Shoanti ranger)
Valdaire (3rd level Elven wizard)
Uzbad Grokk Lodeseeker (3rd level Dwarven fighter)
Nando (3rd level Shoanti rogue)
Tyack (3rd level Varisian monk/sorcerer)

Synopsis:

The heroes met with Shalelu Andosana, Mayor Deverin, and Sheriff Hemlock after his return to Sandpoint with reinforcements. With the Catacombs of Wrath cleared out and safe underneath town, the players decided to assault Thistletop, the goblin fortress north of the Nettlewood, and forces led by Warchief Ripnugget. It was there that they believed they would find the main goblin threat as well as Nualia, the daughter of Ezakien Tobyn, the former priest of Sandpoint. Shalelu relayed some information about the goblins and their location as well, and agreed to accompany the heroes on their short journey.

Bypassing many locations in the Nettle tunnel complex, the party crossed the long, unstable wooden rope bridge that spans across the bay onto the unusually shaped rock that holds the Thistletop stockade atop like a crown. The party entered the stockade and avoided raising the alarm by silently and swiftly eliminating goblin resistance. Eventually they came upon the throne room and fought Ripnugget (astride his giant gecko, Stickfoot), three goblin commandos, and a warchanter. The battle was over relatively unceremoniously, and the heroes were feeling confident.

Once the main level was cleaned out, except for a few goblins that remained outside the now-barricaded main doors, the heroes descended down to the next level. There they encountered a couple of human accomplices. One was a dark skinned spellcaster with braided hair who attempted to flee. The other was a strong fighter with an impressive masterwork steel shield. Both were subdued and captured for later interrogation. The party also defeated Bruthasmus the Bugbear, considered a local goblin hero. In one of the more memorable scenes of their young careers, Bruthasmus missed Valdaine with his surprise attack from his bow (Valdain had earlier cast Protection from Missiles, unbeknownst to the monster!). The first three heroes to respond quickly dispatched the menace with a series of critical hits and an incredibly damaging scorching ray. Bruthasmus dropped in less than one round. His goblin henchmen panicked and fled, only one making his way across the rope bridge to warn the others.

The heroes also discovered a chapel dedicated to Lamashtu, where they defeated two Yeth hounds, and also narrowly saved Nando's life after he was slowly being crushed and gouged by a mysterious tentacled creature that craved living organs. A spectacular, albeat half-starved, warhorse was also discovered in a rudimentary stable in the goblin courtyard. The party agreed to leave it for now and plans to return to Sandpoint with it. The horse had apparently been too much for the goblins who captured it, killing two of them with its strong kicks.

The party ended the marathon session by resting at the base of the stairs leading down into the dungeon, near a small prison room where they are holding their captives. They sense they are nearing the conclusion of the introductory portion of this massive adventure path....

Experience:

Uzbad Grokk: 2,415 (session, journal, time) for a total of 6,375 xp
Valdaire: 2,415 (session, journal, time) for a total of 5,635 xp
Tyack: 2,290 (session, journal) for a total of 5,775 xp
Nando: 1,990 (session) for a total of 5,270 xp
Bock: 2,115 (session, time) for a total of 5,400 xp