#sandpoint hinterlands

[dmtbelle87]

During their travels to the Fallen Fortress, the party saw a group of three Goblin Scouts near Cougar Creek, nearly 2 miles from where the Brinestump Marsh clan resides. They tried to sneak up on the Goblins, but could not get a shot off before the Goblins saw them and began firing back.

Zevran successfully knocked one unconscious via Color Spray, while Sabacen was able to kill another. Snubs ended the unconscious Goblin; Tansy was able to corner the last Goblin, who was trying to flee. Zevran talked to him and tried to get information, but Tansy’s upbringing and instinct took over as she provided the Coup de Grace on their last foe.

They inspected the bodies finding little interest in the weapons or armor; instead, they were surprised to see that one of the Goblins was from a different tribe than the two others, given that the Goblins had been happy and goofing off together before the ambush. However, they all had the same stamp in their leather armor -- that of the ancient Thessalonian Sihedron Rune, a seven-pointed star whose background is virtually unknown.

Photo from Pathfinder Bestiary

[dmtbelle87]

The Fallen Fortress

The wild geography of Varisia is dotted with ancient ruins from the Thassilonian Empire. The Fallen Fortress was one of the ruins, though no one knew what mysteries it held for hundreds and thousands of years.

The stone structure held its ground against storms and industry; while many were interested in its contents, they were loathe to destroy the tower by breaking in. Still, a tall, stone tower with no doors or windows was a mystery some could not leave alone...

Historians won out, choosing to leave the structure alone until time or decay won over; and a few months ago, it finally did.

For nearly a year, the stones started moving; after the heavy spring storms, the Eastern Wing finally gave way, collapsing and spreading debris for yards around. However, the increased Goblin population and threat kept historians away, at least for now.

Brodert Quink was not about to lose what potential history could be found in the tower; he decided that if he were too old and feeble to travel himself, he would just have to find some to travel for him: his trusted assistant who would know history from trash; the lonely dwarf knew enough of history to respect it, and enough of stonework to keep them from another collapse; the weathered ranger whose knowledge and swords would keep them safe as they traveled; and the frustrated gnome whose dexterous fingers could unlock anything that came in their way. A dream team, skilled enough to handle the odds, yet young enough to not worry about the dangers (and probably still live through them).

Now if only he could have found that adventure-thirsty bard Balenor Forsend to inspire and unite them...