Just a typical day at the office

Prophet of Jubb

The Prophet of Jubb waited impatiently for the familiar mage to make her morning appearance. The fledgling wizardess was conveniently punctual and would enthusiastically fulfill his request.

Insanity etched the Prophet’s dark features as he scanned his environment of fine gardens and willow trees with malevolent intent. Benches and tables, often used for games of chess were occupied despite the early cold hour. Quietly almost in-perceptively the Prophet of Jubb bespoke the truespeach fundamentally changing the tapestry of reality within his regard. To the unfortunate individual at the table to whom the mad Prophet spoke; today would be the unluckiest day of their lives.

Nevertheless he did not come to the Black Crown to wrack spontaneous misfortune on random people; today he was here to attempt to obtain a critical component to make contact with Jubb...

           

Callran Willowand is a young crafty half-elf but lacking in the experience her intelligence might otherwise

Greya of the Cöos

indicate. It is because of this handicap she often consults Greya Agathena, Oracle of the Cöos.

The widely known sage and oracle occupied a hut somewhere in the Fox Run. The hut itself is remarkably difficult to find, except by those willing to pay her price. The crone looked up from the seven cards placed deliberately on the table. 

“You will meet two men this day whereby I see two possible fates for you child,” Greya of the Cöos had said that morning. Callran loathed being talked to as a child but suffered the comment to gain a better understanding of her life course. It is what she paid for. Greya was a bitch but a bitch with the sight nonetheless.

“Each road augurs sin,” she continued cryptically. “One course will ignite a red passion and a burning lust within you; the other will be a darkness that will fill every corner of your being with righteous wrath.” ...

Armed with this portentous information Callran equipped herself defensively and was on time for work. As the Black Crown came into view, like a colossal castle chess piece in the middle of the World Disk, Callran encountered the first path as seen by Greya.

After a brief introduction and conversation with an unsteady man about the destruction wrought after the Solstice the man said, “I am very interested in obtaining Scraphite. It will enable me to consult with the my... oracle to whom I am dedicated to.” The dark figure was fretful, almost panicked. Having just come from an oracle herself, Callran deeply sympathized with him.

Callran Willowand

“I was hoping your office could assist me, perhaps there is something I can provide.” The man said in a giddy tone. This man is deliriously unstable Callran thought, but when he spoke that last phrase her mind instantly thought of her project at work and the encroaching deadline. It was the first time she had even thought of the magical rod in days.

“As a matter of fact I am researching for a new metamagic rod and lack the ideal material component to infuse into its creation. I can use others types but I believe this creation requires something unique and rare.” 

The Prophet of Jubb had the answer for her...

Arriving at her desk in an unremarkable, unnoticed cubical Callran sat looking at the message delivered via a small black mouse. Disappointment covered her like a shroud. The message said for her to serve a summons firstthing that morning; she would not be logging any hours on her rod today.

An hour later, Callran Willowand stood before what was the second path as seen by Greya. The half-red dragon before her was handsome and fair spoken with an enthusiasm that ignited her deepest passions. She lusted for him both physically and for what the future held for her because of what she needed... the perfect material component for her Burning Metamagic rod was a scale from a red dragon wizard. 

Guess What I Heard

"The dragon queen and her select court are here in Stormhaven now, sir." Obryn as always answered and waited patiently for the old dwarfs next question.

"It seems as if her stated intentions upon arrival are indeed her primary interests, sir." Obryn went on to explain " They have advertised having large quantities of potions, thousands in fact, enough to outfit troops for important conflicts. They also have a wide variety of other magics for barter, and they are trying to engage in trade for magic weapons."

"Well, sir, it's hard to tell. They seem to only discuss prices in carefully planned meetings with potential trade partners. It is generally believed however, that the best deals are to be had by trading weapons with them."

The old dwarf finally thanked Obryn for his time and knowledge, dismissing. The old dwarf was growing more foul tempered with every additional dragon that had shown up. As he watched Obryn exit the marble and oak office he said aloud, to no one in particular, "We are being overrun by these damn dragons!"

Review (10/30/2013)

This week’s foray in to fantasy catches up with the Sons of Nissian Saturday morning with an early summons for Jaren from the Black Crown. Once there we are ushered into a banquet hall where Three sits gathering his magical energies via a cornucopia of gluttonous delectables. Three was gluttony perfected, a great component for the right dragon of sin but also in danger from the virtues for what he represents.

 

Several Black Crown wizards were listening raptly as Three describes Kaer Maga. Nefertiti Xanthippe complements Jaren for the ‘gift’ of Three.

Conversations shifted to Adalwin Joscelin (who takes another illithid body off our hands & gives Versel a Book on Chess) in his magnificent mansion. Peering out of the mansions windows we see a thousand skies and hundreds of landscapes ticking by at an impossible rate. Joscelin believes this plane is in a free-fall and he fears where the aperture opens into.

The Crown has agreed to intervene in regards to the portal to Kaer Maga. Altering the turnabout of planes and restore rightful position. The question was posed to us if this would be to our benefit or detriment. We agree to disclose when Tiamat knew of Stormhaven: ‘one of us pierced the gateway’ during Obadiah’s funeral. With this information the wizards can attempt to return to a time before the portal (this plane) became in flux. The power is here already and that power is Three, it just has to be done.

We have no problem with their plans as of now, though Durg has his doubts; the Black Crown business switches to preparing spells, formuli, gaining tattoos, and a meeting with Robalar Smithe.

Robalar is a master chemist at the Crown who agrees to barter alchemy formuli with Auge in exchange for languages and metals. After explaining the amenities found at the Cinder Block he makes an apt for Monday (after ‘swords and stuff’) adamantine short sword and scimitar. 

That night brings Cadmar Embry.

1 am. We discuss the five ships and what he knows:

1.       Dragon's Hangman (Uncle’s ship)

2.       Neptune's Serpent (Cousin’s)

3.       The Bloody Serpent (Cousin’s)

4.       The Greed of the Corsair (Loyal Mercs Captains)

5.       The Fear of the Devil (Loyal Mercs Captains)

(Please add more if you remember more.)

Invisible, we fly out over the ocean and split up. Durg and Jaren attempt to track the scent of the Scraphite on the two ships Greed and Fear while Versel and Auge scout out the Hangman.

After some expert investigation we discover a distraction afoot on the Hangman and the scent of the list on the Scraphite on the Fear of the Devil- then all hell breaks loose.

Versel captures Balasar Frodo (the spellcaster/talker from the Dragon’s Hangman) and we are able to subdue Tappa, Argo, and a monk. Right now we have Domharo backed up into a corner and some other individual in the water who has an air elemental hot on his trail. 

Vercel's ship to ship fighting style. 

Rumor Has It

There are a lot of ships anxious to get rid of merchandise.  If the rumors are true, these items are on the market… (Ultimate Equipment Guide Items)

BANDED MAIL OF LUCK PRICE 18,900 GP

AURA strong enchantment CL 12th WEIGHT 35 lbs.

Ten 100-gp gems adorn this +3 banded mail. Once per week, the armor allows its wearer to require that an attack roll made against him be rerolled. He must take whatever consequences come from the second roll. The wearer’s player must decide whether to have the attack roll rerolled before damage is rolled.   CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS COST 9,650 GP Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Bless

BUCCANEER’S BREASTPLATE PRICE 23,850 GP

AURA moderate transmutation CL 9th WEIGHT 30 lbs.

This +1 breastplate is made of shiningamber metal and decorated with faint motifs of the waves and water.  It allows the wearer to continually utilize the effects of the spell water walk. If a creature puts on the armor while underwater, the wearer is borne toward the surface at a rate of 60 feet per round. CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS COST 12,100 GP Craft Magic Arms and Armor, water walk

WINGED SHIELD PRICE 17,257 GP

AURA faint transmutation CL 5th WEIGHT 10 lbs.

This heavy wooden shield has a +3 enhancement bonus. Arching bird wings are carved into the face of the shield. Once per day, it can becommanded to fly (as the spell), carrying the wielder. The shield can carry up to 133 pounds and move at60 feet per round, or up to 266 poundsand move at 40 feet per round. CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS COST 8,707 GP Craft Magic Arms and Armor, fly

GLOOM BLADE PRICE 8,810 GP

AURA strong evocation CL 13th WEIGHT 2 lbs.

As black as coal, this short sword grows more potent the fartherit is kept from light. It acts as a +1 short sword when in dim light. In darkness, it acts as +2 short sword. When surrounded by supernatural darkness, such as in an area of deeper darkness, it acts a +2 short sword and bestows the benefit of the Blind-Fight feat on its wielder. In daylight or bright illumination, the sword temporarily loses all its magical enhancement bonuses and acts as a masterwork weapon, though it resumes its magical functions once it is no longer in the bright light. CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS COST 4,560 GP Craft Magic Arms and Armor, deeper darkness

Embry's Plan

“Cadmar Embry”, the Red Keep butler intoned, “apologizing for the lateness of the hour.”  The servant sniffed his disapproval, his bearing and attention turned away from the late arriving guest.   Stepping into the receiving hall, the skull-born Cadmar greets each of you and explains that the list, as his father had planned, has been stolen, not two hours before.   As your questions are shot forward Cadmar raises his hand and hands you this scroll, “father said this would explain.” 

Friends it would have been easy enough to try to catch the thief who was after the list but with this little charade, I’m hoping to find out just who is behind the theft and moving against me.  The list that was stolen was created on very unique paper called Scraphite, a paper I’m told that besides being traceable to spell is also traceable to smell, so I thought it might help your group if this note was on the same style of scroll paper.  The list, that my enemies think they have stolen, is the five ships that are my personal investment, separate from Guild endeavors.  Further by utilizing Scraphite, I’m hoping to fool my enemies into believing that the value on board those vessels is worth more than simple personal wealth.  I’m sure with your arcane interests and draconic heritage, that at least some of you realize that there is an additional value to Scraphite, for its rarity is such that it is used in True Namings Rituals.

 

Now that the list is out there, the plan is for my loyal men to track and learn as many members of the thieves chain on Upside, while you deal with whatever agents come to those ships.  I hope to expose enough of this secret cabal as to weaken their network and reveal their existence to the light of day. Because of the danger involved on your end, I will not seek to advise you on how to handle whatever comes; I just ask that you try to learn as much as you can about these enemies.  Obadiah deserves justice and both your houseshave been attacked by these same forces.

P.S. A delivery of 20 Scraphite Sheets has been delivered to Red Keep this night along with this missive.

Note: a common habit of sea druids, priests, and wizard is to hide their true-name within pieces of ship, those pieces moving on to other sister ships when a new ship is christened and “birthed”.  For instance a mounted desk from the captain of one ship to another, or a piece of a mast, etc.

Note 2: Our contacts at sea are very suspicious of a Sloop that is out there, The Wandering Killer.  Right in our face, I know.

The List: 

1.       Dragon's Hangman

2.       Neptune's Serpent

3.       The Bloody Serpent

4.       The Greed of the Corsair

5.       The Fear of the Devil

Orders:  Exchange all lots to final two vessels, prepare the rest for departure, dangerous conditions, abort full delivery, secure final items.

The Sea Sultan

“I don’t know anymore! Please I beg!I told you what I knew-  the North Cutter was headed to Stormhaven!”

“If are holding out on me whelp your pain will burn hotter than…”

Ahmad al-Mudill

Ahmad watched the gruesome interrogation unfold but it would end the same; it always ended the same. Ahmad al-Mudill is a kind of talent-scout; trained to look for certain talents that the Brotherhood of the True Flame would value- new recruits and of course potential enemies. Ahmad climbed to this coveted position in the Brotherhood through subterfuge and craft; to be one of the selected was an honor. Not to bear witness to this....

Hovering over the prisoner was a Thuba Mleen; intense and cruel he seemed to be reading the screams as they exited the pirate prisoner; invisible cuneiform of the man’s violent life pressed into the air or was it malevolent prophesy surfaced on the tide of a dire scream?

Known as The King in Yellow Thuba Mleen is an infamous a pirate hunter and scholar of dark powers. His ship- the Sea Sultan is a simple Persian caravel retrofitted with chambers and cells for his sadistic practices. Preferring fine furs and teeth as accents to his outfit, his is known as the Lion only to his closest trustees.



Thuba Meleen

The cargo hold of the Sea Sultan was filled with the rank of a steadily decreasing number of prisoners. Images of domination and power decorated the walls to further denigrate the prisoners. Sounds of screams continued until the pirate’s voice ruptured thereby muting him forever. 

Ahmad stood watching Thuba administer his sadistic urges on the pirate, Thuba’s hand never leaving the familiar bottle tied to his wide belt. Ahmad noted again how Thuba’s hand seemed was always clasped around that bottle, though the King in Yellow was never seen drinking from it.

“Ahmad prop him up so he can read this.” Thuba said as he produced an old book from his voluminous sandy robes. The book had a burned look to it, old as the desert- but the magic it contained had denied the fire and thus has survived the ages. The book listed every sin committed by man. 

Propping the book in the empty air; magical forces hummed and held the book in place, it seemed to turn pages on its own.

“I want you to read these pages...” The King in Yellow commanded the helpless and defeated prisoner.

------------------------------------------------------

“Do you think he will survive reading form the tome?” Ahmad asked Thuba when they were back on the deck of the Sea Sultan. The night sky was nearing a crescendo of brilliance. Both men could see the glow of Stormhaven along the horizon like a small candle flame. 

"Your move." Ahmad said returning his attention to the unfinished game. 

“It matters little to me, but if he does he will join the rest of the crew.” Said Thuba. "Check mate." 

All around the the two men several 'crew members', all former pirates captives, mindlessly worked the ship from aft to stern absent of free will, for their King in Yellow. 

Review (10/23/2013)

Kaer Maga

After healing our wounds Versel, Jaren, and Auge hasten to reprise the search for Durg 'the missing' when he suddenly appeared on the map. He was in the Kraken’s Nest but it was Durg alright so we take to the air and ventured below the world disk.

On our flight many of us notice the general warfare that pervades Stormhaven except where Secordia dens. The dragon of sloth will suffer no extraneous or excessive activity- not on her watch.

It was about the time when we were assessing the docks and the stair way that emerged when the world disk was elevated when Durg plunged into the air and back into the fold of his brethren.

He recounts and describes Kaer Maga as an immense disk made of the skeletons of titans or gods with a wall surrounding a fortress that could be hundreds of feet thick with a height greater than the tallest spire on Stonehaven. It was a sinister and dark plane where Durg was able to feel the presence of Tiamat who then banished him forthwith and who seemed to close the portal behind him in the process.

Cough

Durg has a debt to repay Uvrok, the Illithids and the aboleth slaver for the devious trap.

Returning to the Cinder Block we spent the next two days cleaning up from the mind flayer ceremony that stole the lives of seventy-five percent of the folk gathered that day. Individuals who trusted in the protection of the Cinder Block.

During this time we were summoned to the Heartstone to commune with mother who was not so much angry at us as she was extremely pissed off. She warned us that Tiama now knows about our existence and that she would be coming for us. The black sphere, now clouding the portal to Kaer Maga, contracts and dilates according to Tiamat’s will; furthermore she can likely control who can use the portal… gate keeper?

Mother advised building a temple for Tiamat for when she arrives or mayhap feel her unpleasantness.

Picking up Friday morning we assess who remains of our primary work-force when Jaren is approached by Sai Needlelong and a desperate request. In exchange for passage for his wife and two children Sai Needlelong would dedicate his artistry service to Jaren. Seeing this as a way to benefit Jaren granted the request while everyone else emptied their haversacks and bags of holding for probable cargo and definite profits.

It was not long when the four of us with the Needlelongs, terrified for their lives, were flying over the sea away from Stormhaven. Approaching the Floating Argyle we see they had raised four white flags in our honor. After some brief introductions and explanations as to our visit we then offer our unique services as specialized delivery agents.

Three

Luck was on our side because he indeed had three chests of product to be delivered to Deidre  Salture as well as ten thousand gold in raw ore (5k) and an array of masterwork exotic weaponry of various metals intended for the Sea Foam Co.; all capable of being enchanted.

Finally there is Three, a bloat-mage who needed passage to Stormhaven to restock on magic components before his return to his homeland… Kaer Maga. Over the ocean he discovers his magic is lacking; Three uses a style of blood magic, but all is not lost… if one has a watermark.

Three tells us what he remembers of his homeland then we cut him loose at the Cinder Block, he will be back after all- but after he first visits the Black Crown.

3 pm. Back at the world disk we keep the weapons bound for the Sea Foam Co. but decide to visit the Underwriter’s and deliver the cheststo Deidre Salture. Although she was not available, a slick stain of a man was- Dambode. We conveyed our desire to meet with Dedre’ to Dambode.

Dambode

6 pm. We head to the Architects of the Sea for food and information on two prospective maybe three possible takeovers… Flashing Blade and Crossed Swords who collectively are under the Rain of Blades Academy while the School of the Winter Blade is more an exotic fighting school; the Rain and the Winter’s Blade are rivals.

Meanwhile at the Architits of the Sea there was discourse among the Loyal Order of Shipwirghts as to what should happen to the driftdowns docks: the Re-builders were workers who wanted to rebuild them then there is the up-graders who desired a new design to the downside.

We ate then ran into Alistair Embry who, after removing us from the prying ears of his peers explained there are still questions about Obadiah’s death and that Alistair believed he was next. We tell him of the 777s connection to the money changers and then explained our intensions as cargo haulers for the night when he said this would be a great way to expose a mole in his organization.

We pick up next game session with Alistair giving us target ship at sea. We rescheduled the mind flayer warehouse central job for Sunday and we have yet to reschedule Neutral Ground’s fight finals.

Exotic Masterwork Weapons: (4) Darkwood Double Crossbows (780 gp ea./3120 gp), (4) Cold Iron Temple Swords (360 gp ea./1440 gp), and 440 gp in crossbow ammunition.

                                                                                                     

Auge’s VIPs: the White Spider, Pilini, Tamros, Kiton, Spade,and Farley, and Janisgoblin and Skuttlefish. 

Inheritance II

Your type changes to outsider, you are also elf & dragon.

Immunity to fire and poison*

Resistance to acid 10 and cold 10**

Darkvision, if you already have it increases by 30ft.

See in Darkness (Su) See perfectly in magical darkness of any kind, even that created by a deeper darkness spell with a successful luck check DC20.  On a successful check treat similarly to a successful spell resistance.

Your natural weapons, as well as any weapons you wield, are treated as lawful and evil for the purpose of resolving damage reduction.

*Immunities to fire & poison do not apply to unique magical fires & poisons such as epic or those that are designed to specifically effect those who are immune or to racial type.

**If you already have either resistance, your resistance increases by 5

Wild Talent

When Janus Winthwil’s powers manifested, a time when boys become young men, he became persecuted by the two major forces in a young man’s life: his peers, students from other families and individuals in his own family. 

Janus’ latent destructive powers provoked ridicule among his fellow adolescents- scorn wrought from their obvious fear of him, while at home Janus’ family sought to exploit his abilities for political gain in the Hall of Voices. In his mind Janus was always at conflict- one good side, one evil; it was how he coped with the angst and struggles of a teenager.

Now after the winter solstice and decades separated from his turbulent youth Janus ‘Bad Penny’ Winthwil for the first time feared for his life. There was an intellect at large, something alien and terrible beyond reality. He knew this because it seemed that reality was being remade; not wholesale alternity but subtle changes that served as a dire warning.

                                            

Janus Winthwil stood in the marketplace near the Cinder Block and considered at length the choice before him; he was in dire need of physical protection and therefore was in the market for a strong warrior, one who would not be easily swayed by telepathic suggestion.

A recently arrived trade ship from one of the continents came burdened with a cargo of spice, raw ivory and a single surviving slave for the Habibs. Fortunately for Janus the Habib brothers were dead so their wares became goods for public auction…

 -------------------------------

The Powell was the best hunter in his tribe, a fine catch for any of the revered women of the costal aborigines. Powell was handsome by tribal standards- good stock, a cunning hunter, and the most talented druid along the sea coast until a curse transformed Powell into a strange beast-man. 

Exiled from his tribe he was eventually captured by slavers and taken to Stormhaven where he stands watching Janus Winthwil watching him…

 -------------------------------

“I have arranged for your freedom in exchange for a service.” Janus explained to the Powell.

“You mean slave.” The Powell said flatly.

“No I mean service. When the threat to my life is gone I will no longer require your… company.” Janus said. Then added, “You do not want to be around my ‘other side’, trust me.”

But before Powell could inquire as to what Janus spoke a powerful mental shock-wave flowed over them like an invisible weighted net.

“They are here!” Janus exclaimed, his voice the color of panic.

From the direction of the Cinder Block terrible sounds came rolling out like an avalanche of dying screams. Brain creatures leaped and bounded like vicious marsupials trying to nest in the brain matter of Janus.

The Powell beat and pummeled protecting Janus until finally he became exhausted and collapsed to the ground. Powell looked up and saw what looked like an old bearded wizard falling form the sky, the man crash landed next to him, and moved to help Powell onto his feet just in time to beat back another brain. 

"I am Aldarr." The old wizard said. "Go! I will ensure your escape, escort your master and be gone." 

Sudden strength surged though Powell giving him renewed health and vigor; turning he grabbed Janus, and fled into the city leaving the alien horrors behind. He had failed to notice that the strange wizard had slipped a ring onto one of his bestial fingers. 

Review (10/16/2013) Book Two: Rise of the Reds

There we were: Jaren cursed with a disease, Auge and Versel- stand amidst a counterattack by their enemies and faced with a choice: Go after Durg? Or root out invaders in our home? After a brief discussion on the matter we agree to evict the illithid invaders; may they reach a fiery end.

Making his way first from the Vault to the public rooms of the Cinder Block; Auge pauses to take in the air. Illithids had a flat greasy quality to their scent; it was one that was hard to forget. Although Auge detected no presence of the tentacled ones, their effects were clearly written in the actions of the many patrons and bar flies unfortunate enough to be in attendance. He hid until more information was known about the numbers of their enemies. This did not; however spare the alchemist from the powerful suggestions of our unseen adversaries.  

The moments stretched as several Cinder Block patrons, Auge, as well as staff were lured into Neutral Grounds for an alien brain feasting ceremony. It was one elite flayer of minds which stood apart from his -common partners not just in his attack style but also in his pulsating, vile-tentacular appearance. Disembodied brains floated about the illithid like lumpy grey clouds and littered all around were discarded bloody headless corpses.

Versel entered the fray, his confidence in his abilities clearly burning in his eyes, quickly dispatched one of the lesser mind flayers as Jaren casts a spell to counter the effect that enthralled the peoples. After a few dire seconds Jaren and Auge eventually fell to stunning mind blasts and Versel is deafened by a critical slam from the illithid, it was looking dire for the brothers fire.

When suddenly all the floating brains slammed together in a magical explosion calling into being an elder brain. The Brain was unnaturally big, pulsed and contracted in high definition. Versel tried in vain to stun the Brain just as the remaining mind flayer moved to the Brain and plane shifted safely away, its foul ceremony complete.