Review 10/29/2014

It took two teleports but Jaren was successful at transporting the brothers red as well as Savidia, Sorosh, Maycorth, Potior and Hiens Imber to Nimbus. We were well received by a trusting Erilis and two half-dragon supplicants from the front lines. 

Erilis gave us a parchment from our first acquaintance Lopel, who recognized our encounter and the prestige it gave him. The parchments were writs of property purchased in our name, an joining estate off of his own. Interesting to note Lopel is a regular in temple worship as well. We send a message to have Lopel for dinner. 

We share our short term goals to Erilis- docks, barbarians, Lowport. When Lowport was mentioned it took us to the subject of Avericia's nemesis as Kazgorogg's chosen. As for the barbarians, they have unsettled the immediate region with their logging techniques- people are concerned. We advise that Nimbus is our primary nest while on Africa. 

Pleased as can be Erilis hosts the NPCs as we fly down to the hamlet near the docks. After some initial observations of the area we encounter the Catman we were told of earlier that day speaking with aquatic elves. We did not advance but made it clear we were approachable. Just then a dozen ogre barbarians rage against the trees causing chaos. 

The Catman, tall, was dressed simply and seemed to air walk. It was Sorosh who would make formal introductions. His name is Tenovive. We tell him our plans for the docks with the goal for mutual benefit. He thanks us for the courtesy, and asks for a day before Jaren begins. When asked what his interests in the docks are- he said he secures passage for his kind for sea voyage... anywhere and everywhere. 

After sealing the gentleman's agreement with a cigar Ague further questions his local connections and discovers Tenovive as a viable tobacco supplier. Ten 100 gp gems was given to Tenovive toward that venture. 

With that concluded we confront the *branded*, giant speaking ogre barbarians. After asking them where they were camped they led us down an obvious path to Giant Ruins. The ogres had pulled out treasure from a portion of the ruins, a cache from the traveling giant hoarders. There was a variety of aged weapons and one ancient giant magical pole arm. Earthbreaker a weapon from an earlier age.  

The two ogres that discovered the weapon led us into the ruins where they raged against the stone to unearth the weapon. In a collapsed room was an earth elemental font; a one way gate from the elemental plane of earth not unlike our dragonheart for earth creatures. 

The sun was affecting the ancient pole arm so after discussing the matter, we would eventually move it to the temple in Nimbus. Then we considered all the implications and decided it was time to deal with these giant hoarders and hopefully find the starmetal Erilis wants. 

Durg set out tracking the giants and found that they have a special way of traveling, then we discover their ruse as disguised trees just in time to be surprised. 

Durg rages against the giants. 

The giants sunder, grapple, daze, stun and fuck us all up. 

Sorosh teleports Jaren and Auge 300' away. (edge of the path)

Versel's intelligent item casts magic circle vs. chaos

Durg is dazed. 

Giants 2 and 4 charge toward the approaching ogres. Two ogres on Durg and Versel. 

Jaren casts a maximized empowered fireball to make everyone's day then a quickened maximized orb of force at the tallest giant to seal the deal. 

Versel is dazed

Auge is stunned and dazed. We begin next week with round 3 of combat. 

(The Mooshae Islands) Halls of the High King

Music streamed in perfect harmony from the assembled bards. Some of the most renowned minstrels and singers in the Realms had come to perform for King Tristan Kendrick and herald his new Queen. Many of the most powerful lords and family leaders of the Moonshaes had turned out for this joyous celebration. Rich foods were conveniently placed about for the guests as black-tied servants toiled about serving drinks on silver platters and taking orders.

Jerit McCaugh stood beside the plaza’s center north pillar watching the party. He and the rest of the group presented the document they procured from Panthras inviting them to Calladyrr, it was their angle on gaining access to the party; but Shar insisted they not announce their intensions. Deloche and Angelian had serious reservations on using their foreknowledge in setting up a trap for the iron cult and their plans for ambush.

In the moonwell grove outside Aithe, surrounded by clawing cadavers Jerit dove for the fleeing man catching him by his iron-grey cape. Scrambling, the cape tore off causing Mack Snome to lose his balance and fall into the yielding underbrush. The Dernall Forest too was at risk of being tainted just as the moonwell was causing the iron-like undergrowth to slash and rip flesh. Crawling up to Mack, pinning his arms to the ground Jerit looked intensely into the eyes of anti-paladin’s squire searching his soul, defining him.

Around Jerit and Mack groups of undead who had answered the Dark Druid’s call mindlessly attacked every living man and woman in the moonwell grove. This included any Iron clerics of Bane who did not have the chance to hide themselves from the undead before falling victim to the summoned hungry cadavers. Elsewhere in the din of combat, Jerit could hear Harsk cry out in pain- it sounded like a death cry as swarms of crawling skeletal claws overwhelmed the dwarf

Working quickly Jerit bespoke truespeech to name his prisoner, with it came a geometrical form unique for Mack Snome as well as his constellation; Jeirt must know each in detail if he hoped to bind Mack Snome’s spirit.

*******

“My liege, I present to you Lord Danrly and Lady Natalia Bladesemmer from Waterdeep,” a stately gentleman announced, the pristinely groomed man was well practiced in courtly means. Many people turned to see the prestigious Waterdeep couple, Danrly with his wife Natalia who was once head of the Umbrusk House before the godsfall.

“My Queen,” Danrly said going down to one knee, Natalia at his left and just slightly behind repeated the gesture. “As a gift to your union, I bring a suit of mithril platemail for your queen. Made from finest ore of the north and forged by our finest crafters so that the Queen may be protected… when not at your side of course my King.” As he finished he smiled at King Kendrick but offered a wink to the Queen. The magical suit of armor was filigreed with gold and rare crimson silver; it was shaped and contoured for a woman. It was forged to offer protection while not surrendering the queen’s curves and physical beauty under dull bulky plates. This produced laughter but was soon replaced with awes as the suit of armor walked itself to the gift tables, turned and stood still as a statue.

“The cult of Bane causes so much death,” Shar said to no one in particular, first it was Meghan, the merchant, and now Harsk- this had to stop. “So much death.” Shar said again before drawing himself inward in prayer.

“How much longer?” Agenlian asked her words were flat and resolute. “They know we are on the hunt, they will accelerate their plans.”

To this the pact-druid answered. “It takes time to pact with and bind a new spirit. It is said in my early teachings that one must know thy self before one can know, and thus bind, another.” Deloche’s look became grave, “then there is the challenge of binding a hostile spirit…”

They each turned to Jeirt who had painted a binding circle and was sealing the pact.

 *******

  

On a tor outside Callidyyr, hidden by magical darkness Ord stood among Arnivon the anti-paladin, and Halamather, his oldest friend overlooking the People’s Plaza. The People’s Plaza in Calladyrr was surrounded by twenty foot tall marble pillars that held up a grand roof but was otherwise open on all four sides. It was the Queen’s wish that they have the ceremony out where the Ffolk can see and embrace their new queen.

The music was faint but Arnivon could discern the melody the bard’s were playing. “The Rose and the Queen,” the anti-paladin said. “I hate that song.”

“It is because you are tone-deaf Arn now mount up.” Ord said curtly. Ord was under stress as of late, not only was there a team of adventurers fucking everything up but it was impossible to move the time table. The plan was to strike at the wedding, and Ord could not change that. “Leave everything; take only your weapons and armor or your Pegasus may fail to navigate the plaza under the weight.”

Arnivon had never considered this before but then had never tested the black Pegasus under these conditions. It would take an amazing feat of flight as it was, flying in between the pillars and out while he deals a death strike to the King. As the anit-paladin removed his pack and saddle bags Halamather fell deep into spellcasting giving Arnivon and his mount invisibility, swiftness in flight, and deadly precision with the Cauterizer.

“Your legacy will be written today Arnivon, when historians chronicle the Risen Cult of Bane’s dominance of the Moonshae’s, they will say it began this day.” Halamather said. Only you will not be here to enjoy your fame Halamather thought to himself.

  

In Jerit’s mind he walked Mack Snome’s path and shared in his memories in order to completely bind the evil man’s spirit and to gain some insight and benefits for the struggle ahead.

Mack Snome was an aquantance to the new Bane during the godswar during which he rose in power over the course of the year, gained training under Giller Kull and Randal Flagg, murdered Lormo Agundar after which he was recruited by Arnivon a fallen paladin of…Illmater. Fast-forward to the present…

“I have it! I know where they intend to strike next,” Jeirt McCaugh said coming out of his reverie with the spirit of Mack Snome appearing alert and rested. “they intend to kill the King of Alaron!”

*******

Shar Auvryndar was on the wide flat roof of the People’s Plaza magically hidden from view; he was the link

by which everyone could magically communicate with each other. Fifty feet below Shar’s location Jerit McCaugh was present in the plaza amidst the partygoers; Deloche, Dashiell, and Catrina were posing as small Ffolk waiting in the long line of guests; and Agenlian and Cren Tosh were the floaters around the plaza and would respond when and where needed.

He was just about to ask everyone’s status when a clout from the back of the head knocked Shar to the roof surface and dangerously close to the sloped edge. Turning expecting to see an opponent Shar saw none, he waited for the death strike but none came. Then came the screams from below.

*******

Arnivon, mounted on his black Pegasus, swooped in from a low pass over the People’s Plaza to fly through a field of countermagic that caused the Pegasus to revert back to a figurine. The anti-paladin, while surprised, adjusted in a complicated dismount and landed within five steps of the king.

The Queen screamed as guards reacted moving to form a ring around the royal couple. Just then the floor of the plaza began to buckle as black thorny vines wormed out of the ground grapping and pulling everyone as venomous vines begin to slow everyone. Then a fireball explodes destroying all the wedding gifts in a sudden rush of fire and heat, all except one.

Arnivon recovered and came for the king, cauterizer leading the charge. Just as the anti-paladin took his first step several arrows came from different directions, each king's guards men had aimed for a vital organ but each was  harmlessly deflected aside by the anti-paladin’s armor.

*******

Jeirt reached and touched the magic of his pact with the spirit of Mack Snome. He was once a paladin in service to Illmater… It was just the information he needed to address the anti-paladin by his truename.

*******

Shar recovered from the unexpected blow and stepped off the roof. Using his innate magical ability of levitation Shar lowered himself to witness the chaos below. Still invisible Shar watched as the black-tie servants smashed wine bottles and turned their silver trays into shields- iron ring members. Using the jagged points of the bottles the iron ring rogues began to work in deadly precision attacking the king’s guards before they could form a defensive ring around the king.

Deloche, Dashiell, and Catrina immediately called upon their abilities to counter the vines and to fight the iron ring; forty feet from them Agenlian, Cren Tosh and Jerit were slowly closing in on the King’s dias, fighting thought people not all of whom were friendly.

Then Shar saw Cauterizer, the blade held out even and straight.

*******

The King reacted with hereto unknown swiftness and drew his sword in defense against the anti-paladin. Metal ringed out as the two blades clashed but it became more than a clash of weapons and armor- it was also a contest of wills and faith.

*******

From the blackened gift table the Queen’s Armor, a gift from Danrly Bladesemmer, moved toward the Queen- the noble himself gone in the chaos. The armor looked like an attack form but when the gilded armor came into contact with the Queen it disassembled into its component parts and then reassembled itself around the Queen.

*******

Shar sent volleys of magic missiles into the fray careful not to target one of the Ffolk trying to clear a path for…

*******

Jerit could see the king and the anti-paladin fighting, many of the king’s guard were either dead or overwhelmed by iron ring thieves. Violet magic missiles cleared much of the way to the defense of the king but the terrain and general chaos made the distance for Jerit, Cren, and Agenlian seem far indeed.

Another fireball erupts but it’s blast radius was cut short by Agenlian’s strange alchemy. Then a odiferous smoke begins to drift off the black vines blanketing the floor with black wafts of gas.

*******

Jerit could see that even without benefit of a shield the king was matching the anti-paladin strike for strike. However with a shield… Jerit fell back and took Harsk’s shield off Cren Tosh’s back. The half-elf looked at him briefly then understood. Agenlian hastily smashed an oil upon the shield before Jerit hailed the Queen.

“For the King!” Jerit said tossing the shield to the Queen who was close to the King’s fight with the anti-paladin. Jerit was not close enough to employ his truename. 

  

*******

The Queen Regent Cherillyn Kendrick however did not catch Harsk’s shield as much as deflected it at the King. The act caused King Kendrick to unnecessarily block the missile giving the anti-paladin the opening he needed to bring the Cauterizer around in a deadly arc.

*******

“It is done.” Halamather said to Ord. “The king is dead and Cherillyn is Queen of Alaron praise the Iron Hand.”  

*******

A week later Jerit McCaugh, Deloche Silvermane, Dashiell, Catrina Nesher, Agenlian, Cren Tosh, and Shar Auvryndar stood in the court of Cherillyn (Anteos) Kendrick, Lady of Caladyrr, and Queen of Alaron. A week of mourning was observed for the deceased King and as her first decree as Queen Cherillyn named her wedding day as a day of remembrance for the Ffolk who had suffered.

“Please stay. I have need of you in Dultann- the Iron Ring are still a threat...” Queen Cherillyn implored. “The seven of you would be my small council.”

“We cannot.” Shar said evenly. “fate calls us elsewhere.” Behind the drow arcanist the six other’s nodded their agreements. This day had been seen coming.

“Is there anything else I can do to repay your heroics?” The Queen asked.

To this Shar answered. “I hold you to your promise that the sword used to kill the king will be destroyed.”

“You have my word upon my crown.”

But had Meghan heard these words or had Shar began is path of Inquisitor earlier they would have heard these seven words as they were- lies.

I am you as you are me as you are we as we are all together

Sampson Dragonsbane understood the crossroad he stood at when the Sultan mentioned his idea of a Global Exchange. Stormhaven was dying, the salt empire of shipping lanes and mercenaries his family had built would die along with it unless Sampson made the correct choice here at the Vial and Flask on Jacket & Ale night. Sampson had traveled all over the world and had faced numerous moments of decision that were truly life and death but never before had his choice meant the life or death of his families heritage.  The still new leader and Chairman of the Four Winds decided he needed to listen as long as he could before making a decision.  

Luck seemed to be with Sampson as he simply took steps back away from all those gathered during Hogni’s impressive construct display. Standing back in the shadows, Sampson stepped behind a counter and listened, his mind pouring over his family’s limited options.

“What have we here?” a metallic voice, tinny and small spoke from Dragonsbane’s feet. Looking down at a strange sight, Sampson stared at a strange little clockwork creature, barely two feet tall, he was not sure if he could believe it was talking to him.  Sampson looked around to see if one of the guests or Hogni was playing a trick on him.  The clockwork creature tugged on Sampson’s pant leg, “Down here simpleton, I’m speak’en to YA.”  The chairman of the Four Winds found his voice stammering out, “Excuse me?!” The tiny creature was a marvel and Sampson found himself enraptured, staring, almost laughing at the top hat it wore.

“Well you are a polite trespasser, you’re in my work space, you need to step around the counter” continued the metal miracle, “Quickly before you break something.”

Sampson stepped around the counter lost in conversation with the clockwork builder.  After much conversation Sampson realized that the time had gotten away from him and the others had left the Vial and Flask.  Sampson was alone with the creature. “I’m sorry but in all this time I never asked you, what is your name? Mine is Sampson, Sampson Dragonsbane and I must confess this is one of the most amazing nights of my life”

From the corner of Sampson’s eye he could see Hogni entering the shop.  Turning towards the crafter just as Hogni passed by, Hogni appeared to ignore that Sampson was there, startling Dragonsbane. “What, sorry, Hello?”  Sampson called out to Hogni.  From behind the chairman of Four Winds, the tinny metallic voice responded to Sampson’s query, “I am, we are, Hogni”.

Chains dropped down from the ceiling immediately grappling Sampson while several small clockwork builders swarmed over the shocked nobleman, cutting and tearing into him. Several small tinny metallic voices now spoke as one, “Now is your time to become the creation!” 

Jacket and Ale Mixer

The Sultan- Human? Male. Seizing an opportunity organized many of the Jacket and Ale attendees to hearing an idea for a Global Exchange Merchant Society. To exist wholly outside of politics and to build and strengthen individual trade ports. Each would be given hometown rule; we would support each other and dispense disciplines monetarily in the spirit of business- not politics.

 

Melissa Izanami- Half-dragon female. Was the one who brought up the jailer and her contention that current Stormhaven leadership was not good for its long term trade prosperity, but her expertise earns her favor with Adalwin. Melissa’s expertise lies in planar travel, therefore her value with ‘G.E.M.S.’ comes from that. Furthermore while not from Stormhaven she volunteers herself as the organization’s tie to the Dragon Docks.  

  

Maycorth- Human male. Was every pleased and agreeable with just about everything.

  

Vesper- Elf female. Conveys to Durg a response from the Dwarves and Elves to Adalwin’s offer of the Dirftdowns or nothing; a truce until the Jailer is defeated. Given her past associations Auge thinks she may be a viable unwitting spy for us in Africa.

  

Turlock- Human male. Trades with exotic sea races.

  

Potior- Human male 11^th level Wizard. Former house wizard, now Cinder Block wizard under Jaren’s leadership; he gives Jaren two spellbooks.

  

Hiens Imber- Human male 9^th level Wizard. Former house wizard, now Cinder Block wizard under Jaren’s leadership; neither men are from Stormhaven but are agreeable to returning when their services are needed.

  

Fiest- Human male. Language expert and black marketer (who has the ticket for when the jailer is defeated).

  

Cramston- Human male. More gold than the world’s largest churches his trade interest is due to his lack of presence in Africa.

  

Cadmar Embry- Human male. Expressed interest in entering Versel’s school of the Winter Blade. As for the global exchange, he was our biggest supporter in our armada to Nimbus.

  

Sampson Dragonsbane- Human male master rapierist. (we skipped him or I have no notes.)

  

Savidia Rockhammer- Gnome female alchemist. opted out of the Sultan’s proposition.

  

Archia Starkmore- Human female. Daughter of Etrian Starkmore also opted out.

Review 10/22/2014

We began our session during Friday night’s Jacket and Ale night. This exclusive party was host to several announcements, the gifting of sipping jackets, Hogni’s golem demonstration, and the planting of an African tree. White Spider was made manager of the new Dragon’s Breath; Savidia was placed on the payroll, and the drow Anan was introduced to our circle of trust.

Talk at the affair ranged along current topics before The Sultan proposed an idea for a Global exchange, merchants allied during these dire economic times. The merchant society would give home rule to that individual exchange partner but is aimed at opening ports that were unreachable before.

This seems aligned with our general plan for restoring Stormhaven as a resource, so it was not long before an agreement for a Global Exchange Merchant Society was conceived.

Outside the meeting Savida and Archia Starkmore waited. Versel spoke with Savida about her expertise with nonmagical alchemy and that we collect gnomes. She will return in the morning. Potior and Hiens are given rooms in the Cinder Block.

Later than night Jaren sees this.

The next morning we speak with Savidia at length about her alchemy, bandersnatches, and her coming to Africa to practice her trade. In exchange for protection, titles, land and lasting wealth she will create our dirty-bombs for a year. Satibell and Pilini also sit in on the meeting.

Later Versel acclimates Cadmar to the School of the Winter blade and distributes some magic items to some of Versel’s trusted minions.

Durg informs Adalwin of the Dwarves and Elves counter offer to which his response was: agreed contingent on them organizing a vanguard to lead against the jailer.

We begin next session Monday- our day of departure to Nimbus. 

Turlock's Challenge

His fear wasn’t just his life or Turlock would have visited the Vial and Flask well before the “Jacket Party”.  The risk wasn’t just the curse or even discovery and exposure.  No the greatest risk was being returned to the Jailer’s waters where he would awaken again in the deepest ocean trenches, stuck, not swimming, the slow torture of time.  He would be forced to wait until the new form was freed from the greater depths and he could once again escape, or he would experience his new form perish, only to begin the nightmare anew.  Turlock knew that if he didn’t attempt to sway these surface folk they would soon discover why the city they called Stormhaven had been abandoned.   Turlock entered, offering a silent prayer to Dakuwaqa to keep his curse from ruining both his and their chances. 

Scrying Time Again

Jaren cast his spell sending his magical sight to the ship moot a week north of Waterdeep. The images shocked him, he had seen death before, but these people were harvested.

The Undefeated

Several months ago Janus Winthwil felt small, not only small in the scheme of current events, but small in size, standing in this King’s throne room.  The King and his six advisers towered to heights of twenty feet, while others in the chamber were considered small at fifteen feet.  The room itself was out sized along with the groaning furniture, which Janus and his two companions eyed with suspicious fear whenever a giant adjusted his bulk while sitting upon it.  Janus had only agreed to the elves plan in order to be away from the mental barrage of attacks that had come at him from the below the waves of Stormhaven.  Now standing in the storm giant king’s presence he wondered if he had not traded a psychic death for a physical one. 

Janus looked to his body man, The Powell, who was still retching from the teleportation magic that Aldarr the old had used to bring them here. Aldarr had lowered his illusions when travelling here, revealing himself to be an elf of unknown age, not the old bearded human that was normally seen.

An amazingly handsome Giant stood, motioning for the others to remain seated, his voice low and rumbling, “I am Nimbosus, son of King Rieci. What would you offer to receive the services of his army?”

Janus Winthwil felt his throat constrict while his mouth went dry.  Luckily Janus would not be making his offer with his voice.  The King and all six advisors jolted with surprise feeling Janus touch their psyche as his mental voice spoke to them telepathically, “Inside of six months I can train your best this talent along with several others.” 

Now King Rieci stood causing all in the throne room to rise, “Your offer has been conditionally accepted.  If your training is successful your elves of Stormhaven will have acquired The Undefeated for two years.” 

(The Moonshae Islands) The Dark Druid

Jerit McCaugh spent much of the next hour calling upon the various vestiges in his circle of power; none of them could hope to bring back Meghan Gundwynd from death. To Jerit’s surprise one of the individuals who rushed from the keep to save the caravan was in facta pact druid.

Deloche Silvermane

In the wake of the godsfall Deloche Silvermane felt a shift in ethos and thus followed a shift in profession to become a binder, but with vestiges that sympathized with Deloche’s divine calling.

Also sitting in the keep’s chapel was Shar, who had sustained almost as many wounds as Harsk and Cren Tosh, remained with Jerit and the pact-druid adding his voice to the choir of prayers. The loss was palpable to say the least with both Shar and Jerit largely impacted by the death of the inquisitor. For Shar it was the loss of a mentor and friend, for Jerit- the affair happened so fast he had difficulties sorting his thoughts.

The ambush also resulted in the loss of over three hundred masterwork swords as well as the death of the Balder’s Gate merchant. As far as the crew of the burned out Mermaid Sword, no one seemed to know.

**************

A short time later the Lord of Aithe, Haembar Cauldyth summoned everyone to his war-room. The hour was late but Lord Haembar was an intelligent warden and who bears a real concern for the Moonshaes and the Ffolk he is responsible for protecting. He longed to put these troubled time behind them all. Lord Haembar is a stout man in his middle years whose brawn has not yet gone to fat; he is charismatic, well-spoken and strong for his age.

Food and beverages were set out, enough for twice their number, but no one –not even Harsk- had the stomach for food, only occasionally would someone pick a fruit or pour a cup of port wine to wet the mouth or removed the taste of death. Grimly Lord Haembar broke the silence.

“There are others,” Haembar said still wearing his mail. “priests and necromancers who serve the Iron Hand, and unfortunately for the Moonshae Ffolk, these vile men have gathered enough strength to challenge all who rule these lands.” Haembar liked to talk with his hands which became swings and gesticulations when he became agitated as he was now.

“It started with the Iron Ring who proved to be well organized and informed; spies bankrolled by Iron Clerics who healed them when I,” pounding his fist across his broad chest for emphasis, “came hunting them down.” Lord Haembar picked up his sword fondly smiling to his reflection as he was reminded of a particularly good hunt.

“Then Deloche informs me of druids slain around the Isles and their moonwells despoiled. I have the word of local serfs and small Ffolk who have seen the twisted fell magic- undead at the command of black-robed priests who proudly call themselves The Risen Cult!” as he said this he spat at the floor.

   

“I’m not going to lie to you my new friends,” Haembar said, seemingly now composed. “the Moonshae’s need individuals like the four of you to put things back into balance. I ask that you stand and fight for Chauntea.” Lord Haembar looked to everyone in attendance. In fact my sword will ride with you, if you will have it.”

“Father?” said a soft voice from a far entryway. As the owner of the voice entered the chambers almost at once a petite woman appeared in the radiance of the light. Immediately she seemed to command the room with a natural comeliness that came with worldly honesty and loyalty.

“Agenlian,” Haembar said surprised. “my friends this is my daughter Agenlian Starwand.”

“My Lords I am sorry, I… OH!” Agenlian said then saw the drow. Her surprise was obvious in her startled tone as well as her body language as she instinctively reached for an item. Shar did not see what the item could have been but was not surprised at her hostile reaction.

Agenlian Starwand

“My apologies again.” Agenlian said for her small lapse of etiquette. “Father are you thinking of going out there again? If you are then I will hold you to your promise.” She said in a no contradiction fashion.

Agenlian was a stunning woman in her late twenties of average height and slim build, Jerit intuited her immediately as an alchemist- mayhap the one Cren Tosh spoke about. Entering the chamber behind Agenlian was an older woman, her sister Jerit correctly surmised.

**************

A short time later the companions agreed to split up and investigate the two contacts the necromancer on the Mermaid Sword gave Meghan: a butcher named Duskerell Thimbottle and a wood carver named Kantivel Chonn.

“I thought I saw the wood carver’s place near where they ambushed us.” Shar said, seemingly redeemed in purpose, ready for judgments to be served.

“Very well, Harsk and I will find Duskerell while you and Jerit inspect the wood carvers?” Cren Tosh posed to Shar and Harsk who each conveyed their silent agreement.

**************

The Woodcarvers shop panned out to be boat repair business and judging from the appearance it sold small used fishing boats as well. Shar noticed that it was shortly after midnight which made a dim glow within in the shop dubious. Outside the streets between Shar and Jerit and the Woodcarver’s had only an occasional passersby but no one lingered.

“Let me do the talking.” Shar said to Jerit. “Put up your cloak so that the color of your skin will not show.” Shar naturally did this by habit so Jerit was familiar with the deception.

Coming around the east side of the shop Shar was able to find a privacy fence and door around the back of the shop that was off its hinges. The door was placed back so that it looked normal under casual inspection. Using magic the two mages were able to silently remove the gate and proceed into the back lot where three rows of five capsized fishing boats sat on sawhorses waiting for repair. They looked like pale coffins in the pale moonlight. To the left of Jerit and Shar were two doors, a bay door and an office entry; the two mages approached the office door. The door had no window, only warped shutters to keep out vermin. All was still when without warning the dubious light from a lamp entered the office. That was Shar’s signal to knock.

Tak. Tak. Tak.

From behind the door hands worked and the shutter opened whereby the viewer was stunned to see what he believed were two drow.

 “I thought everyone was dead!” the nervous man said from behind the door. “I have been here alone since the ambush; the weapons are strapped under the boats behind you ready to go.”

“Are they now?” said Jerit revealing himself, “and just where were they supposed to go?”

**************

Not long before midnight the companions debriefed Lord Haembar, Deloche, and Agenlian. Jerit and Shar recovered the lost masterwork weapons from the wood carvers and captured Kantivel Chonn, an Iron Ring spy. The man said the swords were to be sent to Dultann on the other side of Alaron by boat then to a place called Darkhorn Castle where the Iron Ring are.

For Cren Tosh and Harsk the ‘butcher’ proved to be an Iron Cleric in service to Bane. Duskerell had Captain Veldyrina Flaenitarr restrained and was preparing to move her to the nearby moonwell in the Dernall Forest and an individual Duskerell referred to as the Dark Druid.  

“Dear spirits,” Deloche said aghast, “We must hurry before this Dark Druid defiles yet another moonwell or I fear Chauntea will forever be severed from the realms.

**************

The Dark Druid and High Hand, Ord Gauntather floated gracefully over the pale waters of the

moonwell; his fluidity of movement contrasted his vile words of defilement. Ord was not a ‘druid’- was in fact a clerc who knew by divine word that by spilling the life-blood of Chauntae’s followers into her sacred waters would profane the waters and sever her ties to the Moonshaes. Dark syllables issued form his blood red lips.

Dashiell Clouter

At the north point of moonwell Dashiell Clouter, and Catrina Nesher knelt hands and legs restrained before the moonwell; magical ropes and ties prevented anything but simple and total compliance. Behind the two cleric-rangers, Vlakkados and Tyrostarr, the Hooded Menace and Dark Imperceptor; Vlakkados stood with a mace ready to bat Dashiell’s head forward so that when Tyrostarr cut open his throat, Dashiell’s blood  would flow unfettered into the moonwell staining its placid waters. Tears streamed down Catrina’s face eventually making a ripple in the moonwell.

Proudly presiding over the affair were Halamather, Arnivon the anti-paladin and Mack Snome; their combined presence enhanced Ord’s ritualistic processes. Minor priests toiled about them serving their menial needs whilst traveling, mostly Bladesemmer or Umbrusk men vying for attention. Ironically it was one of these minor priests that alerted Arnivon of an attack when an arrow pierced his Adam’s apple causing him to vomit blood.

**************

Floating unnoticed above the moonwell Ord Gauntather watched with horror as his immediate plans unraveled before him. Adventurers lead by the Lord Haembar Cauldyth penetrated the grove and joined his cultists in battle. Outnumbered Ord closed his eyes and spoke the words of the dead, he was descending Ord knew but kept his concentration on the magic. He could hear the battle waged around him but still he kept his eyes shut calling out- summoning undead to his aid.

**************

Arnivon was immediately on the defensive, weapons and magic erupted around the anti-paladin confusing his senses. Vlakkados and Tyrostarr were the first to fall after the unfortunate under cleric; it looked like the same party from the Mermaid Sword! Looking around Halamather was gone and now it was just him and Mack.

Ord Gauntather

Closing in around the perimeter of the grove scores of dirt and moss covered skeletons converged answering Ord’s call; slimy worms dripped from the caked soil on their pale frames. It was just the opportunity Arnivon needed. Calling upon the black Pegasus Arnivon mounted the creature, flew up to retrieve Ord, to make his second narrow escape of the night.

“High Hand Gauntather Vlakkados and Tyrostarr are dead and Halamather gone.” Arnivon advised his divine patron.

“It is unfortunate,” Ord said as he set into a comfortable positon on the Pegasus; his undead covering their escape. “But I know where Halamather has gone, to Callidyrr my squire and the seat of the High King where we will strike next.” 

Review 10/15/2014

We began the session Friday morning; Auge finishing his pearly white spindle ioun stone and Jaren concluding three days of construction on the Temple to Tiamat, swirling chromatic colors washing through the veins of the marble. 

A brief morning messaging with Adalwin points to a shortage of guards men; he has drafted bards into the mageguard but not a day has gone by since the maelstrom that there has not been fighting in the streets. Talk wavered between sending 100 Dragonsbane soldiers to bolster peace keeping and to forging new contracts with Twilight House. 

Adalwin handed down an executive order whereby until the unrest subsides all mageguard henceforth will be uniformed and disguised as to appear the same. Because he plans in secret on participating in field detail to attack the elves and the dwarves. The tactic would hopefully keep the founding families offguard. In the meantime Adalwin would extend a ludicris offer to the elves and dwarves... you may have the driftdowns, in other words you'll have nothing and like it. 

In light of this news and in the vein of Versel's tactics on keeping our enemies busy fighting each other, Auge posed a suggestion to anonymously send a message to the elves and dwarves warning them of Adalwin's personal involvement in patrols and identical appearances.

Also during our breakfasts messages came in as well as Arkiel's valid concern for Stormhaven's longterm economic outlook- it would be many cycles before normal commerce resumes. One message from Evaristus Phocas and his information about Kaer Maga: it is receding in accordance to its normal behavior.  

After breakfast the brothers red split up. Auge pretty much busied himself with the night's Jacket and Ale event. First stopping by Sunbow Mansion to discover a somber affair as many of the patrons were sailors who had lost everything in the maelstrom.  Speaking with one of the Scarski's Auge pays 1500 gold to move Sunbow's whores and operation for the night to the Cinder Block. 

After Sunbow Auge then heads to the Dragon's Breath to make a large purchase of cigars for that night. After enventually making his way in Auge discovers a mystery- Atavah Sunthrower is gone. 

Durg logs in time at the office as he looks for a way to follow through with the proposed plan of warning the elves and dwarves of Adalwin's deceptions. He comes up with three scribes that would be easy to frame the message on: Eichorn, Feagle, and Bailentine (a goblin or whatever). 

Jaren and Versel teleport to Nimbus to retrieve Anan Viator. While in Nimbus they speak with Erilis about expanding SONS presence in Nimbus by setting up a corporation with him as our representative. Again he expressed interest in Ioun stones- green or lavender ellipsoids, offering to pay creation costs but he's in no hurry. Seeing we have ships waiting to dock that have ogre-barbarians Versel sets them on lumbering detail- at least for the next three days. 

Back in time for lunch Jaren and Versel return with Anan and her two guards Max and HP. Once here she asks if she can plant a feather token in front of the Cinder Block. A tree from the continent, tonight during our party. 

About this time Auge returned to the Cinder Block and informed his brothers about the Dragon's Breath. Investigating the Dragon's Breath we find a couple of house wizards/ members: Potior and Hiens Imber. Together we were able to piece together Youvalan's capture of Atavah using her Truename as well as the pilfering of the membership database, purchase orders, and the personal affects stored here by the various members- including Auge's luxurious smoking chair.  There was dried blood and magical copy ledgers that hold a truename in its code, but Jaren has yet to puzzle it out. 

Auge tasks the White Spider with 1500 gold to see all the humidors and equipment moved to the Cinder Block where the New Dragon's Breath will now be located. 

Later that night, during the Jacket and Ale, a dozen individuals arrived each bearing gifts, disguised and accompanied with security. Each were given free memberships to the New Dragon's Breath as well as a Sipping Jacket. Over time either by scent or by their own reveal we identified each: 

Cadmar Embry

Melissa Izanami

Maycorth

The Sultan

Vesper

Sampson Dragonsbane

Savidia Rockhammer (Gnome alchemist)

Archia Starkmore

Turlock

Potior

Hiens Imber

Fiest

Cramston

We begin next session still at the party, speaking first with Savidia. 

In the Blink of an Eye

Sarosh and Indira sipped freshly brewed coffee on the balcony, watching the sun come up on Friday morning. She reflected on how odd it was to see the serenity of the oceans after the past weeks unchecked destruction.None now doubted the existence of a malevolence beneath the waves, and whatever it was, it was first and foremost an enemy. Even with the recent upheaval on topside, the violence, destruction, and death toll was a massacre unlike most Stormhaveners had ever even imagined, let alone experienced. Even the most insensitive closed minds could hear the anguished astral cry of thousands upon thousands of souls severed from this earthly world in the blink of an eye.

Over the course of the week, most of the followers and henchmen loyal to Jaren had come to congregate at the Cinder Block. Although the Dragon Docks stood strong, they were all but deserted. What ships that were able to escape the maelstrom had sailed off to ship moots or even farther, and none of them could blame the captains' decision.
Vormite was quick to pick up on the doom and pall over the driftdowns when the LC hunkered down for their trap. He quickly dispatched Sons ships to get them out of harbor and on the seas.  He then ordered all dock guard to fall back to the Harbormaster dock office and to work only towards saving company assets and people. Hislop, Bar-Bazu and his cousin Breaker, and Firi all seemed to treat Vormite a little bit differently. He had proven to them all, in both the best and worst of times, that he was a leader to be trusted and respected for his intelligence and preparedness. Besides themselves, they were able to save about 50 others from the  sodden execution the rest of the driftdowns were subjected to. They all peered out from the reinforced Harbormaster office and watched all they debris, fallen ships, flotsam and jetsam that made up the driftdowns succumb to the torrent of the enraged ocean and sink forever below. In the blink of an eye, the driftdowns was no more.

Filis Fey was warming another pot of tea friday morning, and was hosting a small party of close associates in the lobby of the Dragon Nest, a room that has come to be known as Filis' Tearoom.  Dalia Toma, her eager student and devotee despite her own talents, was there with her uncle, Pippen. Embre, Jaren's master craftsman, was also here. He had found his only real friendship here in Filis, who seemed to regard the lost flame of the azer with profound pity.  Sarosh and Indira joined, as she had in particular begun to enjoy morning tea with Filis. The discussion was a little different today, because it was friday. The brothers seemed to have an energy they saved up for fridays, and the staff and indeed the neighborhood around the Cinder Block fed off that energy, always culminating with the week's celebration on friday night. Neither Lord Auge nor Lord Jaren had announced a theme yet, and there was a lot of talk about what Neutral Grounds was going to be like tonight.
There was talk over tea of tributes to the fallen, prayers for the lost, and tranquil morose moods. There was talk of celebrating those who survived. Then there was talk of using the destruction from the Beast to fuel a surge in those looking for some protection from such a creature - couldn't the church built by Lord Jaren offer that hope? In the blink of an eye, the worship of a dragon god started to make sense.

 

Gazetteer: Lowport

Notes of Lowport
Lowport is a large city on the east coast of the great continent. It is more correctly classed as a metropolis, boasting a regular population of 50,000 people. The true count of people in the city can be as high as 70,000 depending on trade seasonal influx. Low port used to be part of a trio of city states, being the southern most city of the three. Ten days of travel on the coast road to the north is Shabbad, the coastal port of the dragon king Kazzurog. Ten more days on the road to the north brings one to Rendgard,  little more than a surface trade city serving the needs of an Underdark collection of races in the ample caverns below this small walled city. Of the three cities, Lowport is by far the biggest, wealthiest, and most secure. An impressive navy is complemented by an effective guard and army corps in the defense of Lowport's interests.

Lowport is mostly humans and dwarves, but there are several races that call it home. Of course, as with any major port, nearly any type of creature could be here.
45%  humans
20%  dwarves
10%  1/2 orcs
 5%   1/2 elves
 5%    elves
 5%    gnomes
 5%    halflings
 2%    1/2 dragon humans
 1%    1/2 dragon ogres
 1%    drow
 1%    kobold

Above all else, Lowport is a trade hub. It has a large number of exports, as follows. Lumber, ore, refined metals, jungle produce, salted fish, gems, fine crafts and finished goods are all major components of Lowport's wealth and trade. The city's docks rival any for the finest docks in the world. Expansive and well guarded by the navy, as many as fifty ships can be at dock. Separate from the ocean docks are the river docks set in the city within the Low River, which bisects the city as it empties into the ocean. This river drains a massive lake far inland and further south, a lake that has come to be known as Elf Lake. This lake is home to two other cities, a city of elves called Elfhome, and a city of ferrations called Haven. Being down river, Lowport serves as the trade hub for those communities, and any others along the Low River.

With such diversity comes many points of view, but generally the city has an alignment of lawful nuetral, with 14 major public temples. Ra, the Sun God is the most popular church, worshipped by humans, dwarves, and half-elves in three different temples. Most dwarves, especially those of wealthy or minor noble status worship Moraddin in a grand temple located close to a volcano dwarf embassy. Kord is paid homage to by humans, dwarves, half-dragons and half-orcs in two different temples. Fharlanghn is just as popular as Kord, worshipped in two different temples by sailors, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, half-elves and humans. Boccob and Hecate  each have a temple that serve the wizards and sages of the Coast, regardless of their ethos. Set has one temple that serves the needs of rites of death, and the evil plotters of Lowport. Erythnul  and Gruumsh each have a temple, each being worshipped by violent humans and half-orcs. Nearly all half-orcs that live in Lowport still worship their all but forgotten god Pelor, a sun god, in a fairly large and richly appointed temple.

As mentioned, the city is cut in half by a river, and the two halves are set apart by a number of differences. The northern half is older, and the original site of the city. Most natives call this area "Old Port". This area is riddled with sinkholes that open up to the sea caverns below the soft limestone surface. The southern half, known as "New Port", is built upon much harder stone, and was carefully planned and constructed by the humans and dwarves that settled this city nearly 1000 years ago. It sits upon a marvel of dwarven engineering, an expansive sewer system that continues to serve as well now as it ever has. Although Old Port has a large number of fishing docks and a few trade docks, the navy and large trade ship docks are in New Port. Old Port has a large number of business districts, a few middle class neighborhoods, and a lot of lower class and slums, especially around the dangerous areas around sinkholes. New Port is home to most of the temples, government buildings, military housing, upper class and middle class neighborhoods. New Port has been built up and expanded much more over the centuries than Old Port. It has a couple of inner walls that shows its growth, and is surrounded by a sturdy outer wall. Old Port is also surrounded by a great outer wall, but it has not expanded nearly as much, so there are some buildings and commerce outside of that wall. Both sides of the river are covered with river dock and hippopotamus holding pens.

As a city state built upon trade, it's highest government authority is The High Trade Council. Nine councillors sit on this board, and serve ten year terms once voted in by the sitting councillors. It costs ten thousand gold pieces to enter an election, and councillors are the only ones to vote. Most councillors are wealthy merchants or senior guild leaders. To accompany the rule of the council, the Minister of Lowport is the highest office in Lowport government. It also has a term of ten years, and only navy, army, or guard officers may serve. They are voted on by navy, army, and guard members, and then by the councillors. The candidate presented need only win four votes from the council to be confirmed; that is to say it takes six negatives to deny a candidate. The minister runs the defense and navy of Lowport, and he also has the authority to call for a vote of no confidence on any councillor at any time. When this happens, that councillor must go before the council and win a simple majority of five votes to keep his seat. No one may serve more than one term as Minister.

There are a few threats for the city to defend against. Kazzurog marks his border by the Coast Road and Five Tower Road. Although not in his kingdom, the port city of Shabbad is his for all intents and purposes. The ultimate antagonist, his subjects and minions are too dangerous to not guard against, though they rarely make trouble or go against law or even their own word. Inside the Dragon King's lands, it is rule through force and and will, ever watchful for friends and enemies alike to usurp what is yours.
Piracy has been a particular scourge the past 300 years or so. They literally come from all over to poach the shipping lanes to and from the port city.
Horcton is a ruined city upriver. It used to be the home of a culture of noble half-orcs that strangely and suddenly suffered drastic decline 500 - 300 years ago. It is often whispered by some that the city lost some divine protector, and that loss poisoned the bloodlines of these good peoples and caused them to revert to the more violent ways of their orcish heritage.
Not to be discounted is the ferocity of the weather and the landscape of the continent. After all, it's a jungle out there.