Legendary Campaign - Of Dwarven Forges and Pirates

Monday June 13, 1066 SE, continued

Having anchored the Tall Tale a hundred yards from the cliff, Captain Popov retrieves two magical lanterns from the cabin that will allow himself, Mon and Marigold to see in the cave beyond the low luminosity provided by the tunnel. Branna, as an elf, can see fine in darkness. After dressing down to his skivvies and his undershirt. Popov jumps in the water first. When his head bobs back to the surface, he tells Marigold to jump in and grab his leg. He will swim under and through the tunnel, which should take less than half a minute. Marigold jumps in, and takes a hold of Popov. Branna follows. Mon jumps in but immediately sinks to the bottom of the sea, and he starts walking towards the tunnel's opening.

As they swim in the water, Branna notices that Popov moves like a fish in the water. He is clearly in his element when in water, since on land his uneven gait and his use of a can makes walking laborious. Mon carefully observes the old man, suspecting that perhaps he, like himself is more than meets the eye, but he does see air bubbles coming out of the captain's nose, indicating he is very much alive.

They emerge inside a large cave. The tunnel comes out at the bottom of a shallow lake surrounded on three sides by a sandy beach. As Popov said, there is enough light coming from the tunnel's mouth that a few dozen feet in all directions can be dimly perceived. The rest of the space is cast in darkness. Holding one lantern, Marigold walks out of the lake onto the sandy beach. Holding the other one, Mon climbs out of the tunnel and also reaches the sand, and they are soon joined by Branna, who helps Popov gain his footing back on the sand. They begin exploring the cave.

To the east, they find a staircase carved into the stone, flanked by two pillars. Dwarven runes have been inscribed on the pillars. Branna, who has some knowledge of the dwarven language, reads the sign and translates it into Common, revealing that it says "Welcome to the home of the Firebreather Clan." Surprised to find evidence of dwarven occupation, Mon, Marigold and Branna have an animated discussion about whether dwarves go swimming, and whether aquatic dwarves exist as a subspecies of dwarves. Perhaps such a clan might dwell in the depth of the seas, near a crack in the planet's crust so they can benefit from the heat. Popov tells them that dwarves once occupied the northern part of Katarina and mined its mountains to retrieve the iron used in Kat steel, but most clans left in a hurry about 200 years ago. At the time, rumors suggested that the dwarves had been split asunder by a war of succession, but because they didn't come back to this day this remains a mere speculation. 

Carefully climbing the stairs, Popov ascends about 25 feet above the lake's level, to reach another large cave. Covered in a layer of dirt, this cave is filled with piles of boxes. Each pile seems to have boxes of the same size. The air is dryer, and a red glow in the east indicate the presence of a fire. Not noticing any sounds or movement, Marigold looks around and locates a crowbar. She picks a pile at random, and opens the box on top. Inside, she finds ten pieces of chest plate armor. They are utilitarian in nature, and all of them are made of Kat steel. None of them have crests or other symbols that would identify ownership. These are well crafted, but the lack of finishing touches and flourishes on the metal indicate that they were also crafted rather quickly. Still, they are in remarkably good condition for having been stored in an underground environment that is humid.

Mon borrows the crowbar and opens a box from another pile. This box contains four human-sized helmets, also made of Kat steel, and also utilitarian in nature, without any markings or decorations. Looking at the boxes here, there are approximately 90 helmets here, and most likely a similar number of chest plates. Marigold next opens a crate of small swords. They to are made of Kat steel, and are utilitarian in nature. She makes a crude sheathe, and claims one of the swords.

Noticing Popov's limping, which has been aggravated by walking on the soft sand, Mon casts lesser restoration on the old man, easing his physical discomfort. He uses the occasion to talk to Popov about the Order of the Oak. Popov mentions that its structure is cell-based, with individuals only knowing a few of the other conspirators. The goal of the Order of the Oak is to protect the Archduke and his family. The Order has not taken a position on the independence of Katarina, but would support it with the Archduke as leader. Popov knows of two other movements on Katarina that support total independence. The Katarina Resurgence seeks to eliminate any royal authority, including that of the Archduke, and would instead implement a governing body made up of various elements of the island's population, to insure a fair representation. The more radical anarchist Freedom Initiative has been behind some of the more violent actions in the last three years, including a few murders and several kidnappings. According to Popov, the Freedom Initiative seeks to destroy all forms of government and return to a natural state of affairs, whatever that means. 

While Marigold searches the boxes and Mon talks with Popov, Branna discovers three large wooden tables behind several piles of boxes. One of the tables is covered with many maps. These maps are of Katarina at various scales, and show the various emplacements of mines, military camps, roads, and forts. More concerning are floor maps of several locations, including the Legendary, the Katarina Palace, the Winter Palace, the Cathedral, and the Classic. There are other maps of shops, warehouses, and even private homes. Some appear to be professionally made, but most are crude drawings, often placed on the back of advertising posters. Many of these are from plays the Legendary presented in the last two years. Digging further in the maps, Branna finds one where someone has identified the various positiosn where ships could be observed entering the fjord leading to the city of Katarina with minimal risk of encountering a patrol from one of the forts that protects the fjord's entrance. 

After taking inventory of the maps, Mon realizes that about half of the buildings are connected in some way to the Legendary, either through business relationships or as places that are frequented by the theater's clientele. Mon, Marigold, and Branna speculate that perhaps these maps are designed to provide housing for troops of soldiers. They have an intense discussion on whether Marigold should misdirect the maps by altering them in subtle ways. Branna removes the map for the Needle and Threads, while Marigold takes that of the Archduke's residences at the Katarina Palace and the Winter Palace. Branna spots a map of Sidorov Manor, and she takes that one as well. Planning to take them back with them through the tunnel, Marigold fashions a container made of leather and she seals the seams.

Deciding to continue exploring, Mon becomes invisible. He discovers another set of stairs leading east. These too have been carved by dwarves in the stone surrounding the cave, and they rise another 25 feet from the lake's surface, faintly visible below due to the tunnel's entrance. At the top of the stairs, they are greeted by three blazing furnaces on the south side, billowing with intense heat. Roaring flames are contained behind a thick stone door featuring a large pane of strange glass. Inside each furnace, Mon spots eyes staring back at him. Each furnace is occupied by a fire elemental, no doubt tethered there by the dwarves. The odor of molten metal still hovers in the air, though it is appears that no one has used this facility in some time.

Two rows of large and sturdy anvils, each with unique sets of markings from countless years of use stand to the side. A few wooden boards attached to work benches are filled with hammers, from the massive sledgehammers used to shape the toughest of iron ingots to small precision tools used to carve finishing flourishes into the completed metal product. Grindstones are near the workbenches, while four quenching barrels, containing either oil or water, would be used to dip in newly forged weapons and armor.

Above the forge to the south is another room, which can also be accessed by a staircase carved in stone. There Mon finds the smelter, where large stone cauldrons would be used to melt down and purity raw iron ore into the valuable Kat steel that made Katarina's fortune and renown. The head from the furnaces in the forge flows directly under the cauldrons, keeping them hot and ready to melt ore. Piles of raw iron ore are stacked in the corner of this room. Cooling troughs flow from the cauldrons back to the forge, while many long-handled ladles with insulating grips are hooked on racks, ready to be used to scoop molten metal and move it through the troughs to shape it into ingots.

South of the staircase leading to the smelter are tunnels heading into the mountain. These are clearly mine shafts, used to follow the veins of iron that were then mined by the dwarves and smelted on site. Mon then turns his attention to the north side of the forge, where he finds rooms once occupied by dwarven families, as well as a storage room and an office. He picks up what he thinks is a manifest of sorts, and he returns to the storage cave. Captain Popov loses his wits when he notices a book floating by itself, but Mon reveals himself and apologizes.

A voice echoes through the cave as Marigold, Branna, Mon and Captain Popov find themselves surrounded by seven pirates. One of the pirates wears a very wet hat with limping feathers and a prominent golden cross attached to a fine gold necklace around his neck. He steps forward and tells Popov he is surprised the old man would even be at sea with his derelict ship. He almost took pity on the old man and thought about sinking his boat, but decided not to, at least for now. Captain Popov identifies the pirate as Captain Lafoy, the most successful pirate in these parts and one who made the Cardinal into a fool years ago. Lafoy is not sure how Popov discovered this space, and muses that perhaps he should eliminate all four of them, as witnesses are bad for piracy. In a threatening conversation, Lafoy reveals that the equipment in this room belongs to a sponsor, who has commissioned weapons and armor about five years ago to equip a large company of men. Lafoy won't reveal who the sponsor is, but he acknowledges that in between piracy cruises himself and his men withdraw to the safety of this old dwarven outpost, where they spend time crafting these weapons. Asked on whose side Lafoy and his men are, the pirate replies that he is on the profitable side.

While his men keep an eye on them, Lafoy looks for a specific crate. He opens it, and seems pleased that its contents have not been disturbed. Returning to the group, Lafoy then agrees to let them depart, provided that they swear on their honor never to reveal this place to anyone. All four of them comply with the pirate's request. Marigold gives him back the sword she took. They head back to the lake, still fearful for their lives. Jumping into the waters, Marigold, Popov and Branna swim through the tunnel, and emerge outside near Popov's Tall Tales. Mon, for his part, turns himself invisible again, and stays behind. 

A few dozen feet from the Tall Tale is Lafoy's own ship, the three decks, three masts Hangman, reputed to be the fastest ship in Katarina waters. Sailors on board the ship jeer at Popov as the old captain and his friends board his small ship, but they do not interfere as Popov guides his ship back south towards the fjord a few hours away.

Captain Lafoy's ship, the Hangman

Marigold mentions that they probably earned some respect from Lafoy as they did not loot anything. But they shouldn't travel anywhere unaccompanied for a few days, as the pirate captain could change his mind and have them killed, or might just be toying with them, since . Marigold suspects that Lafoy's sponsor might in fact be the Freedom Initiative. The Tall Tale returns to Katarina late in the afternoon, and Marigold and Branna hurry back to the Legendary in time to catch the evening's performance. 

Mon, for his part, explores the rest of the dwarven complex, and discovers a staircase that emerges in the ruins of a dwarven tower on the western flank of Mount Kilina. Deciding to walk back to Katarina on land instead of in the water, Mon hikes the mountain, reaching the top of Mount Kilina as the sun sets. Mon suddenly realizes his understudy will be performing for him tonight, as there is no way he will be back in time.

Back at the Legendary, Luba inquires where Mon is. She tells Branna and Marigold that Mon has set up a dinner date with the Marquess of Sidorov, and now she has to go. She enjoyed the flowers, but wanted to give Mon a piece of her mind, and now he's not here. Luba is concerned Mon is missing, but Marigold and Branna assuage her fears. Having climbed down the mountain, Mon finds a peaceful and quiet grove of trees, where he decides to rest. During the night, he sees a majestic owl, and he apologizes for invading the grove. He tells the owl he will be respectful and will depart in a few hours.

 

Tuesday June 14, 1066 SE

Mon returns to the theatre mid morning. Entering through one of the many secret doors, he sees Luba and Yurchik  standing in the lobby of the theatre. Yurchik is yelling at Luba, telling her that if her boyfriend Mon does not return for tonight's performance, he will be fired. Mon hurries up into the false ceiling above the lobby, then falls through by Yurchik's feet. Having attracted a crowd, Mon stands up and dusts himself. He tells everyone he heard the Cardinal's voice: "Eyes and flames, I swear I heard Matviyko pledge allegiance to the Cardinal." With briny hands and a crust of salt in his hair, he pretends to pass out at Yurchik's feet. The theatre director kicks him, before storming off. Luba goes and gets Marigold, who returns and cleans Mon up

With the story having spread throughout the theatre, Pavel tells Mon that he saw Matviyko stands with soneone backstage after the play last night, but that the person Mon's understudy was with was wrapped in shadows, and he couldn't see who it was. 

Having changed clothes, Mon and Luba head to Khoroshim for their lunch date with the Marquess of Sidorov. Mon hopes the Marquess might know some juicy gossip about Verushka, the Archduke's eldest daughter, that they can use when they entertain her the following day ...

Legendary Campaign - Mon's Deals

Friday, June 10, 1066 SE

With the arrival of the King of Sezja in a few weeks, the Legendary and its people have been busy. Over the last week, a friend system has been implemented when actors and staff travel to and from the Legendary. The personnel has been asked to wear only modest clothing, to avoid drawing attention from the Cardinal and his men. However, people have noticed that they have not been seen on the streets this last week. Word on the street from local employees of the Cathedral is that the men are preparing for the King's arrival by analyzing possible situations, determining some of the risks, and preparing countermeasures. Darker tongues whisper that they are instead planning a secret mission. The most outlandish scenario concerns a possible plot to arrest the Archduke and his family and transfer Katarina's rule to the Cardinal or a close representative of the King.

During the understudy rehearsal in the afternoon, Luba and Mon talk about Matviyko. Mon's new understudy has learned his lines very quickly, and he appears to be quite the gifted actor. In fact, he appears too good for someone who supposedly has no acting experience. Mon suggests that perhaps Matviyko is a plant, sent there to spy on the Legendary and its crew for the Cardinal or some other nebulous power. Luba agrees that it is possible, but unless and until Matviyko made a move, there would be no way of telling for sure. Mon ponders whether a spell could help.

Mon also mentions to Luba that he noticed Verushka had a strange reaction when she first met Matviyko. She seems to know who he is. Perhaps, Mon muses aloud, they could invite Verushka, the Archduke's eldest daughter, to the Legendary for a tea party and private rehearsal, and then bring the subject of Matviyko. Verushka might be willing to explain what she knows about the new actor. Luba enthusiastically supports the idea, and she agrees to send an invitation to the Archduke's daughter.

Sunday, June 12, 1066 SE

Luba meets Mon before the afternoon performance of General Toptigin Cheats Death, and she informs him that Verushka replied back, and she loves the idea. The first daughter suggested either Tuesday or Wednesday as dates, as her parents will be at the Winter Palace to prepare it in case the King requests use of the Palace in Katarina. Mon suggests that Wednesday would probably be better. Luba agrees, and rushes to send Verushka a reply.

 

Monday, June 13, 1066 SE

Katarina is in full cleaning and renovating mode. The Archduke has ordered that every building in town receive a fresh coat of paint and that repairs be done to present its best face to the royal crowd as the King's arrival nears.

Early that morning, Mon is stopped at the front desk by the Palace's clerk on duty, who advises him that the doctor has been here and found that Herald's isolation could now conclude, as the cad is no longer contagious. As a result, Mon has received permission from the doctor to return to his room. Mon inquires with the clerk if he can stay in his single room for now. The clerk confirms that he can for the next week or so, but that new crew members are coming in to help support the staff during the King's presence, and all the rooms will be occupied. 

Mon thinks that perhaps he could build himself a suite in some of the unused space in the Legendary. This space could then be converted to deluxe suites that some of the wealthier members of the cast or crew could rent, at rates cheaper than those for a town apartment, and which would provide them with better security since they would remain on campus. Thinking this is a good idea, Mon decides he will present this idea to Sir Gregory today, as the owner of the Legendary requested a meeting with him at the 10th hour.

Over breakfast, Mon, Marigold and Branna discuss the current situation and examine several possibilities. Perhaps Duhka could infiltrate the Cathedral and gather more information. She could join the kitchen staff and learn how many men are training and what they are actually training for. Marigold postulates that as long as she gets in, gathers information, gets out and doesn't come back, she should be relatively safe. No decision is made on whether this idea should be broached to the precocious ghost resident of the Legendary.

On the way out of the Palace, the clerk on duty gives Marigold a letter they just received for her. In a wrinkled envelope, she finds an invitation written in a halting and trembling hand from Captain Popov, inviting her and her friends on a boat trip out to sea around Katarina. He has the abalone she requested, and he would like to show them something he discovered.

While Marigold and Branna return to work in the Legendary's backstage, Mon heads to the head office on the fourth floor of the front building for his meeting with Sir Gregory. Arriving at 9:45, Mon is greeted by Ony, Sir Gregory's manservant, who explains that Sir Gregory has not yet arrived, but he should be here shortly. He offers Mon some pastries and tea, listing seventeen different brands of teas. Mon politely asks what the brands are, and Ony is more than pleased to list them all as he hands a small jar of tea to the actor at a time:

1. Celestial Elixir, an ethereal and light blend of moonlight-infused chamomile and starflower petals, creating a soothing, dreamy infusion generally enjoyed before bed but sometimes consumed in the daytime.
2. Dragonfire Chai, a fiery and robust blend of black tea, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes, offering a spicy kick reminiscent of dragon breath. Considered by many to be a great picker upper.
3. Enchanted Grove, a crisp and refreshing tea from the Sezjan mainland composed of fresh green tea leaves and hints of forest berries, invoking the serene essence of enchanted woodlands.
4. Mermaid Serenade, a smooth and graceful fusion of black tea and tropical fruits, accompanied by a subtle hint of ocean mist, as if serenaded by mermaids.
5. Phoenix Rising Herbal Blend, a full-bodied herbal infusion of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, reminiscent of a phoenix's fiery rebirth.
6. Faerie Kiss Floral Infusion, a delicate and airy blend of rose petals, lavender, and elderflower, crafting a floral symphony inspired by the gentle touch of faerie kisses.
7. Kraken's Embrace, a rich and bold blend of black tea leaves, infused with hints of sea salt and blackcurrant, capturing the essence of the deep sea, and much favored by sailors in Low Town.
8. Unicorn White Tea, a tranquil blend of white tea with notes of apricot and elderflower, evoking the feeling of contentedness that comes from meeting a unicorn. Not that anyone has ever met a unicorn, but at least that's what they say happens when you meet a unicorn.
9. Starfall Chamomile, a calm and soothing chamomile infusion with hints of honey and vanilla, reminiscent of a starry night's peaceful descent.
10. Pirate's Gold Honeybush, a medium-bodied and earthy honeybush tea infused with wildflower honey, golden raisins, and a touch of caramel, capturing the essence of pirate treasures.
11. Gryphon's Graceful Green, a crisp and vibrantly refreshing green tea blended with hints of lemongrass and ginger, embodying the graceful spirit of the gryphon.
12. Enigma Elixir, a mysterious and complex blend of black tea, anise, and blackberries, creating a taste that hints at ancient secrets. Rumored to be drunk by conspirators before swearing allegiance to their dastardly plots.
13. Moonlit Meadows White Peony, a gentle white peony tea with subtle notes of wildflower honey and a touch of moonlit magic, evoking the serenity of moonlit meadows.
14. Sweet Dream, a velvety and soothing blend infused with creamy vanilla and the essence of rainbow berries, creating a dreamy concoction.
15. Phoenix Feather Mint Infusion, a refreshing infusion of peppermint and spearmint leaves, with a subtle undertone of lemon zest, reminiscent of a phoenix's plumage.
16. Leprechaun's Lucky Chai, a spicy and full-bodied chai blend with cardamom, ginger, and cloves, enhanced with a touch of Katarina whiskey, promising a dash of luck with each sip.
17. Enchanted Forest Berry Black Tea, a bold and fruity black tea infused with forest berries, wild blackberries, and a hint of enchanted forest magic, taking the drinker on a mystical journey through the woods with every cup.
    

Inspired by all of these choices, which is a change from the plain black tea served at the Palace, Mon assembles a custom blend, and offers a cup to Ony, who is immediately taken by the flavorful drink and by its smooth body. Ony suggests that Mon should present this new blend of tea to Sir Gregory, as it could become the Legendary's own house blend, generating new sales in the theater's cafe and in its gift shop. Mon puts a dab of alcohol in Ony's cup. Dubious, Ony has a sip, and reports that it tastes fine, but that as Sir Gregory does not drink, and in fact has an aversion to alcohol, perhaps Mon should refrain from presenting that particular combination to Sir Gregory.

Finally, about 10 minutes past 10, Sir Gregory comes in, hat askance, hair messed up, mustache not properly twirled. He apologizes profusely to Mon, and then requests that Ony join him in his office. Even with the door closed, Mon is able to overhear part of the conversation. It seems that money is tighter than even Mon suspected, and Sir Gregory has unkind words about an individual who is evidently trying to foreclose on the Legendary. The situation must be dire indeed for Sir Gregory to be this out of sorts!

Finally summoned to Sir Gregory's office, Mon enters a large room with a large desk and a plush chair in one corner. The desk is devoid of papers, mementos, or even of any object. Four comfortable leather couches are placed in the opposite corner surrounding a coffee table filled with newspapers reviewing the most recent play. The walls are covered with posters, advertisements, and portraits of famous actors. A door in the back of the room leads to a small bathroom. A cart filled with more teas and pastries stands near the main door. Sir Gregory directs Mon to one of the couches, and the theater owner sits on the closest couch to Mon. He presents him with a small gift placed in a box wrapped in powdered blue paper with a white ribbon.

Mon then proceeds to present two ideas to Sir Gregory. He explains how he discovered a cache of wine in an abandoned cellar, and some of this wine is rare and pricey. He suggests that a wine auction could be held, raising funds for the Legendary. Sir Gregory heartily agrees, and proposes a finder's fee of 20% for Mon. Mon then presents his idea of the deluxe suites. The suites would be single, so more valuable staff members would not need to share. Sir Gregory offers him another 20% from profits made on the suite, but Mon instead suggests that he could receive one of the suites, so that he does not have to stay with Herald as the cad is back. Sir Gregory finds the idea attractive, but wonders who would clean these suites. Mon suggests that each suite would contain enough space to have a small room for either a maid or a manservant to stay with the suite's occupant. Sir Gregory agrees this is a good idea. He tells Ony to notify Pavel and begin construction at once, after consultation with Mon and suitable spaces being found. Mon noticed that Ony's eyebrow raised at the mention of Herald's return.

Mon then presents his idea for a blended tea. Ony returns with two cups of tea, perfectly heated. Sir Gregory takes a sip and is immediately taken. He agrees this is a brilliant idea, and offers Mon another 20% of the profits. Sir Gregory will provide the teas for the blend, and Mon will mix them together. Now, all they need is a catchy name.

With business now concluded, Mon opens Sir Gregory's present. It is a pair of silver cufflinks in the shape of a seashell. These cufflinks are Shadowcloak cufflinks. The wearer can activate them to become invisible for 10 +1d10 minutes. The wearer can also use the cufflinks up to five times a day to teleport up to 60 feet through shadows. However, each cufflink will only work if both cufflinks are worn by the same person. Mon casually mentions that the cufflinks would also have been very noticeable had they been shaped like an oak leaf, but the remark does not seem to mean anything to Sir Gregory.

Shadowcloak cufflinks

Just as Mon is about to ask Sir Gregory another question about the Oak, the loud voice of the Marquess of Sidorov carries from the hallway into the reception area. Sir Gregory quickly gets up, and politely asks Mon to escort the Marquess away as he hides in his bathroom. Mon steps out of the office, and informs the Marquess that Sir Gregory just left, but he has a brilliant idea for her she might be interested in hearing. Taking her by the arm, Mon explains to her the idea of the wine auction and of the tea, and the Marquess is impressed and requests that Mon inform her of the most precious wine before it goes to auction, as she would like to purchase it to impress the King, as surely his Majesty will come to Sidorov Manor for an evening of great food and entertainment.

After revealing some tidy gossip about Kisa's kidnapping, Mon promises to have lunch tomorrow with the Marquess and Luba at Khoroshim at noon to tell the Marquess all about it, as she cannot wait to hear the story of the attempted kidnapping. With the Marquess now safely out of the Legendary, Mon gives one of the pageboys some silver to purchase a large bouquet of flowers and send it to Luba with an apologies explaining tomorrow's engagement. He tells the pageboy that half of the flowers should be red roses, half other flowers, which should suitably confuse Luba as to the meaning behind the flowers.

Looking for Pavel, Mon learns that the head carpenter traveled to Low Town to attend a wood auction for exotic wood for the Legendary's workroom. Returning to his room to get ready for the afternoon's escape on Captain Popov's boat, Mon runs into Herald, and manages to convince the cad to seek work in the Cathedral to gather information on an upcoming role Mon is writing. In exchange for 7 gold, Herald reluctantly agrees to Mon's proposal.

At the wood auction, Mon discovers that Pavel has already left after purchasing wood. The auctioneer is curious, however, as Pavel paid with a promissory note, which is unusual as the Legendary usually pays cash for its wood purchases.

Mon finally arrives at the dock where Captain Popov's Tall Tale is anchored. Marigold and Branna, who were already here, have been waiting for an hour, and Captain Popov is concerned they will miss the tide. Marigold brought a basket filled with sandwiches. As they sail out of the fjord, they talk about Matviyko, and Popov mentions that they could bring him down to the Anchor's Luck for some libations and interrogation. 

Popov captains his boat to the northwest corner of Katarina. While diving for abalone, he tells them,, he found an underwater tunnel that leads to a dry cave system, something Mon had previously mentioned he was looking for. He didn't go too far into the cave, as he didn't have a good source of light, and was worried something could happen and no one would know he was here. But now that they are here, he would like to explore it with them. Popov has two necklaces, the Rainwarden Necklaces, and he lets Marigold and Branna each borrow one of them. As the ship gets closer to the northwestern cliffs of Katarina, Popov regales them with the tale of his finding these necklaces.

Once upon a time, when the city of Katarina was nothing but a quaint village nestled on the edge of a cliff at the end of afjord, lived two twin sisters named Elena and Darina. Daughters of a rich steel merchant, the two were known throughout the island of Katarina not only for their beauty but also for their peculiar aversion to getting wet. Rainy days, which were as common then as they are now, were their worst nightmares, as they detested the feeling of water soaking through their hair and dresses, leaving them cold, uncomfortable, and wet.

One day, as a storm loomed on the horizon, Elara and Darina decided they had had enough. They were determined to find a way to stay dry no matter the weather. So, they sought the help of an enigmatic jeweler named Halina, renowned for her mystical creations marrying gold and magic.

The sisters explained their predicament to Celestia, who nodded thoughtfully, before agreeing to craft the twins a matching pair of necklaces that would protect them from the rain. After several weeks of laborious work, Celestia presented them with two exquisite gold necklaces, each adorned with a shimmering sapphire pendant. The gemstones were enchanted with a powerful spell, promising to keep their wearers perpetually dry, no matter how torrential the downpour.

Elated, Elara and Darina wore their new necklaces everywhere, reveling in the newfound freedom to enjoy the outdoors without fear of wet dresses and frizzy hair. They would stroll through the village on rainy days, heads held high, and dresses as pristine as a sunny morning, as people admired their ability to stay dry.

One sunny morning, the sisters were invited by their father to embark on a grand adventure—a sailing expedition tto the mainland to deliver a load of finely forged Kat steel. Excited by the prospect of discovery and adventure, the twins eagerly accepted their father's invitation, packing their finest dresses and donning their precious necklaces before heading out to sea.

As the ship set sail, the sun bathed the deck in golden light. Traveling through the fjord was breathtaking, and the sisters marveled at the vastness of the ocean as the ship emerged from its sheltered passage. However, as they ventured farther from the safety of their village, a tempestuous storm brewed on the horizon and moved quickly across the sky.

Soon, waves roared and lightning danced across the firmament as thunder made it nearly impossible for the twins to hear each other. The once-stalwart ship was tossed like a mere twig upon the furious sea. Panic surged through the passengers and crew as they struggled against the mighty storm.

Amid the chaos, Elara and Darina clung to each other, their necklaces glowing with a protective aura. At last, the ship could bear no more punishment, and it was sundered into splinters. Unfortunately, the two sisters did not know how to swim, and as the wreck began to sink, the sisters descended with it, their necklaces keeping them impeccably dry even in the heart of the raging storm.  The debris, along with the passengers and crew finally came to rest on the ocean floor, a silent graveyard of splintered wood and lost dreams. The once-bustling vessel had become a ghostly reef, and the storm had claimed the lives of everyone on board. 

Many years later, a lone sailor, while exploring the depths for abalone, chanced upon the sunken ship and the lifeless forms of the sisters. To his astonishment, he discovered them as if they had just been resting on the ocean's floor, with their dresses as dry as if they were attending a royal ball. He carefully brought each of them back to the surface, still enchanted by the sisters' beauty and the mystery of their perfectly dry attire.

Pondering how this could be, he noticed the necklaces and the glowing light reflected off the saphire. Removing the necklace from Elena's lifeless form, the sailor found himself completely dry, as if he had not just been dozens of feet under the waves. The sailor returned the bodies to Katarina, where they were buried in their fancy dresses in the Whispering Waves cemetery, a reminder that sometimes, magic could keep them and dry, but could not keep them safe.

As he concludes his tale, the ship anchors right above the underwater tunnel's entrance ...

Legendary Campaign - Of Pranks and Commissions

Friday, June 3rd, 1066 SE, continued ...

Following their rescue of Kisa, Mon, Marigold and Branna return to the Legendary to prepare for the grand opening of General Toptigin Cheats Death later that evening. Mon is surprised where there is a knock at the door to his changing room, and Yurchik comes in, followed by a youth that somewhat resembles Mon. Yurchik introduces the youth as Matviyko, a newly hired aspiring actor who will be performing as Mon's understudy. When Mon asks what happened to Andriy, his previous understudy, Yurchik replies that he was terminated this morning based on allegations of improper conduct with some of the female musicians and actresses. The theater director notes that Matviyko is a quick study and he will no doubt be able to replace Mon should something happen to him.

Slightly puzzled and concerned at this turn of events, Mon takes Matviyko to see Oskana, who recommends they see Branna so that Andriy's costume can be properly resized. Branna takes Matviyko's measurements, and tells Mon and the young understudy that his outfits should be ready by the end of the day.

While this is happening, a page boy finds Mon and delivers a note from Captain Popov. The good captain informs Mon that he received the two tickets the actor sent for opening night, and that he will gladly be attending with his friend Yevheniy. He closes the letter by thanking Mon profusely and invites him down to the Anchor's Luck for a drink or two following the performance. 

Remembering past incidents where items disappeared, Marigold checks all of the props that will be used for opening night, and everything is there, properly labeled, and in working order. 

The Legendary has been readied for opening night, with brass glinting, fresh coats of paint, and cleaned drapery. Around supper time, the crowd begins to stream inside the theater. The Archduke and his family arrive thirty minutes before the curtain raises, while the Cardinal makes his way to his private booth a few minutes before the show begins. Word is spread to the actors and theater workers that opening night is sold out.

As is his habit, Sir Gregory ascends to the front of the stage, and he welcomes the crowd, thanking them for being in attendance for what promises to be the best show the Legendary has put on. In a nod to the Archduke and the Cardinal, he welcomes both authorities to the theater, and trust that they will thoroughly enjoy themselves tonight. He then departs, and General Toptigin Cheats Death begins.

During the play, second actor Vadim does something uncharacteristic by messing up a line. It is but a tiny slip, and he quickly covers his mistake, but the man never makes mistakes, so Mon makes a mental note of it and wonders what could have tripped such a professional actor.

Following the performance, both Branna and Marigold receive invitations from the Marquess of Sidorov. Marigold is invited for lunch on Saturday, while Branna is invited for lunch the following day. Both of them send replies back agreeing to meet with the Marquess.  The crew is visited by the Archduke and his family, and he congratulates them on a play well done. Both Mon and Marigold notice that Verushka, the Archduke's eldest daughter, was startled to see Matviyko in the crew. 

Following the Archduke and his family's departure, the crew celebrates its successful opening night. Mon takes the opportunity to reflect on why Vadim messed up his lines, and wonders if the man noticed something strange in the audience or received a signal he did not expect. Whatever it is, Mon has a brilliant idea ...

Later that night, as Mon is resting on his bed, he is awakened by his bedroom door opening. Herald, who has been missing for weeks now, enters the room and immediately throws himself on his bed. Mon notices that the cad is about 25 pounds later, and he has a nasty cough. Under questioning, Herald says that he's been out on an adventure with a lady friend, but his horrid smell and the repulsive state of his clothes say otherwise. Following Herald falling asleep, Mon descend the stairs to the Palace's reception, where he checks in with the nurse on duty and recommend that Herald be isolated for a few days to ensure that he is not contagious. On his way back to a spare room for the night, Mon notices that one of the page boys eating a meal in the cafeteria is Duhka.

Not able to sleep, Mon returns to the Legendary and continues to explore the many secret and hidden passages.  As he walks through the hidden passages within the Legendary, a feminine voice speaks to him from the shadows: “I see you are making good use of your first gift, you left this world before your time. I have watched your portrayal upon the stage of the sacred guide and find it favorable. I have come to offer you a second gift, a pact if you will. Will you accept?”

Mon is at first startled, then intrigued by what he hears, “So you know who I once was, If I had family, a wife, children, will you give me those answers?  What would you have me do in exchange for this pact?”

The voice answers, sounding as if “she” is moving, slowly, through the darkness around him “ Your history, I cannot give you, but you will learn it over time. What will you do for me? Why what your are already doing, remembering your history as your new story grows and to be one of my agents or champions, if you say yes to the pact.”

Mon replies “If I say yes, what do I get in exchange?”

“Gifts, tools, insight from time to time, all to help you accomplish the tasks that you will face.” Comes the voice from someplace new in the shadows.

“And what if I say no?” Mon asks, to which he hears a sigh and “ Then nothing, the tasks will still come before you but the challenge may be much harder and the answers you seek may take longer to uncover.”

Mon stands up straighter and says “ Who are you to offer these gifts? Why do you walk in the shadows unseen? Will you show yourself?”

I the dim light, about half way down the hallway Mon stands in, shadows pull away from the walls and coalesce into a figure “I walk in the shadows and watch all those who walk the mortal realms. I am angered by those who take lives before their appointed time and those who cheat death by the blasphemy of undeath.” The figure take on a more solid form, that of a woman in a long black gown, pail, bare feet seen just below it’s hem. “I am she who seeks to right these wrongs.” Pale hands clasp each other in front of her waist. A mantle of raven feathers drape themselves upon her shoulders as long black hair cascades down her back. “ I am she who walks in the night, and dwells in the shadows by day.” She strides closer with gliding steps, her feet landing just above the floor boards, never touching them. “I am, in the end, She who is seen by all…..” With this last statement, a mask of plain white porcelain appears where her face would be and just as quickly she vanishes from Mon's sight. “Will you accept my gifts, Mon DeGreen?”

Mon, knowing who he thinks he has just seen, kneels and says “ How can I refuse. Yes, I will accept this gift.” The porcelain mask reappears next to Mon’s right ear and he hears a whisper, “ Then take up this blade, my agent and the pact will be sealed.” And a pail hand holds out the hilt of a sword to Mon and he reaches out and takes hold and upon his cheek he feels the cold kiss of the Raven Queen.

 

Saturday, June 4, 1066 SE

Eating breakfast in the morning at the Palace's cafeteria, Branna asks Joseph how well financially the play did the night before. Joseph nervously gets up and leaves without answering. Lena is upset that the Branna asked Joseph. At the table, Mon, Branna, and Marigold discuss ways in which an assassin could use a bow to strike at the King if he were to attend a performance at the Legendary. The group discuss Matviyko's new arrival and wonder whether he might be planted as an agent. Mon finds the timing of Andriy's termination and Matviyko's subsequent hiring particularly troubling, and remarks on Verushka's reaction when she first saw Matviyko, clearly recognizing him.

After breakfast, Mon goes shopping. He purchases a book at Fabled Pages, a Low Town bookstore, where he purchases a thesaurus. He crosses the small alley and enters Enchanted Soles Cobbler, a compact cobbler's shop, where he purchases baby shoes. His purchases in hand, he heads back to the Palace where he prepares a packaged containing the thesaurus and the baby shoes, which he gives to a page boy to deliver to Vadim with a note that reads "Remember, baby steps."

Another page boy finds Mon and delivers him an invitation from Luba, inviting him to have lunch with her at the Warm Whistle. Mon gives the page boy a silver piece to spread the news that he and Luba will meet for a lovely lunch while the boy is on his way to return Mon's acceptance. He sends a note to Captain Popov requesting a meeting on his boat after the performance tonight.

Marigold meets with the Marquess of Sidorov over a very lavish lunch at Sidorov Manor. The Marquess commissions Marigold to craft an intricate golden pendant assorted with three rubies that can hide a very small vial, along with a matching pair of earrings. She will provide the gold and the jewels, but she wants everything ready before the King's arrival. She also requests an original silver tiara that would contain several silver oak leaves distributed among the other leaves. She further tells Marigold she will be asking Branna to create a red dress that will match the rubies in the pendant. Marigold tells the Marquess she will connect with Branna and send her sample drawings after the two of them have met.

Meanwhile, Mon heads to the Warm Whistle, but Luba does not come, leaving Mon alone in the tea shop.

Branna runs into Lena again, and the halfling is near tears. After calming her down, Branna learns that Lena has just overheard a conversation Joseph was having with another accountant, and despite the recent plays filling most of the Legendary every night, the theater is currently running a 7,000 silver pieces deficit for the year, and painful cuts are forthcoming.

The second performance of General Toptigin Cheats Death is done in front of another sold out crowd, and the play goes off without a hitch. Following the end of the show, Branna, Marigold and Mon head to the Anchor's Luck to see Captain Popov.

After a few rounds of drinks with Popov and his friends, Marigold asks the good captain if he knows where abalone could be found. Captain Popov tells her he knows a spot, and he will get her a few of them in the next week or so.

 

Sunday, June 5, 1066 SE

Following a hearty breakfast, Branna heads over to Sidorov Manor, where she is received by the Marquess of Sidorov. After an overindulgent meal which resembles the meal Marigold described to hear the day before), the Marquess commissions Branna to craft a series of outfits for the King's stay on Katarina. Most importantly, she wants a red dress that will complement a beautiful golden pendant she is having Marigold craft.

When Branna returns to the Legendary, Marigold and her talk about the outfits and the jewelry. Branna mentions what she heard from Lena. The two of them are worried for their positions at the theater, but with the income coming from Marquess de Sidorov it may be enough to tie the both of them over for a while....