Sarenith 28, 4712
Returning from their latest trip to the Emerald Spire, the Coopers arrive in Fort Inevitable to find the town in uproar. The entire Hellknight guard has been deployed at the gates and on the walls as if an assault was expected. People entering the town as well as people leaving are being thoroughly searched, and traffic is backed up on both sides of the gates. Noticing this, and realizing that there is now a dwarf and a gnome among their party, the Coopers decide to avoid the questions and fees their appearance would receive at the gates and instead enter through the sewer tunnels. Instead of following her siblings, Daryle heads back into the woods. She will hunt for a few hours, then return through the Juliver Gate and see what information she can obtain from the guards.
The gnome Olifrit is the first one to enter the town, followed by the rest of the party through the sewers. They head directly to the secret door that leads into Dr. Mordel's basement. A few creatures are laying in clean beds, while in the corner the silver demon paces his cage relentlessly. They come up the stairs and meet Erynna, who greets them warmly. When questioned by Darelle as to what is happening, she informs them that two nights ago, Duke Mosley returned in a covered wagon. Deathly ill, he has taken residence on the top floor of the Citadel in Roscoe's old quarters. The few that have seen him report that he is bleeding heavily from a large gash on his shoulders. Magical healing has been unable to staunch the flow, and remove curses have all been ineffective. He is ghastly pale and shivers uncontrollably. Even though it is the height of summer, fires burn in all fireplaces of the Citadel. She further tells the Coopers that though Dr. Mordel's healing and alchemy skills are well known, his services have not been called for.
They then join Dr. Mordel himself in his small laboratory on the second floor. He also greets them warmly, and tells them that he suspects Duke Mosley is both dying and highly infectious, if the rumors and gossip reported by his network of informants are to be believed. Most people who can flee the town have already done so, but the Hellknights are ensuring that valuables are left behind. Hence the heavier security details at the gates. Darelle asks him what Mosley might be suffering from. Dr. Mordel replies that to the best of his knowledge the Duke was stabbed by a demon during a campaign in the World Wound, and Mosley has never recovered. He's not sure what it could be, but with magical healing not working, it has to be some seriously powerful demonic magic. Dr. Mordel might be able to analyze the sickness and prepare an antidote, but he would have to get a sample first. Concerned about herself, Olifrit interrupts the discussion and asks Dr. Mordel to restore her hands and her left foot to their proper nature. She confesses that she used to be Gerald. Dr. Mordel agrees to do so but it will require some time, extensive and very painful testing, and most of Dr. Mordel's patience, but it should be possible to at least address some of the issues currently plaguing Olifrit.
Pulling Darelle aside, Dr. Mordel also tells Darelle that her that Fort Inevitable's enemies are marshaling their forces against the town. Events are coming to a head and the fate of the town's citizens hang in the balance, he warns her. Armed with this newfound knowledge, Darelle and the remaining members of the party, minus Olifrit, head back out of town to avoid the contagion.
Thorne enters the town a little later through the same sewers wearing a disguise. He returns to his old shop, and finds it shuttered by Roscoe's orders, but it has not yet been repurposed. The rogue gathers gear, and he bids farewell to his place of commerce. He heads to Dr. Mordel's house, but Erynna turns him away and does not let him in the house. Dejected and sad that no one recognizes his role as a hero and savior of the town, he enters the sewers and heads out. Thorne manages to avoid two Hellknight patrols, but he runs into his siblings right outside Dr. Mordel's basement. As they leave, Darelle fills him on what has happened in town, but tells him flat out that she does not trust him. They emerge from the sewer outside the walls, but unfortunately Thorne is noticed by two guards and the alarm is raised. Thorne runs away, pursued by a Hellknight patrol but eventually manages to lose them.
Daryle comes in a little later with the produce of a hunt through the Juliver Gate. She encounters Bolgur, the Hellknight half-orc who leads the guard detachment. He seems very unhappy to see him, but he's generally unhappy so she's not too worried. She tells him she's been gone for four days, and she inquires as to what is happening in town. Bolgur reports that the Duke has returned with a small escort of four guards, and is now living atop the Citadel. He's real sick, and it is said he's taking it out on the staff. Bolgur then tells Daryle that Maralictor Wirt has left her a letter. He retrieves it and hands it to her. Daryle reads Wirt's message, which tells her not to enter the town but to send word she's back with a place to meet. Daryle tells Bolgur she forgot something at the farm she must get. Could he send Wirt a message? The half-orc replies that he can, but it will cost her. Daryle agrees to leave him the result of her hunt.
Half an hour later, Wirt meets Daryle outside in the shade of a grove by Mother Holworth's farm. The Hellknight reports on the event of the last three days. On top of the information already gathered by the other Coopers, Daryle learns that the Hellknight contingent that transits through Fort Inevitable every three months has disappeared. More than 600 troops have simply vanished. On top of everything else, quarterly taxes are due in three days, the merchants are stuck in Daggermark awaiting their Hellknight troops as escort, and the population is restless and panicky due to persistent rumors of infection. Wirt advises Daryle to avoid entering the town right now due to the possibility of contagion. She also tells the ranger that the Seven Foxes have all left the town. Daryle requests that a meeting be set up at the Hunters' Lodge with everyone to discuss the current situation. Wirt replies that she should be able to get them there in time for supper.
The necromancer Rowen, who has finally recovered from the betrayal of his cult, has spent the greater part of the last months rebuilding his evil forces. Having returned to Fort Inevitable, he decides to investigate Duke Mosley's claims to see if there's any way Mosley might be entreated to join him in his last days. Rowen contacts a highly placed servant in the Citadel, and that servant describes that the mental status of the Duke has deteriorated and he's been abusing his staff. The servant also reports that Duke Mosley is compiling a list of individuals he plans on executing before his death to settle old grudges. No one seems to know who's on the list, but speculations are rife among the Hellknights. Rowen wonders how he can capitalize on this situation. He decides to spread rumors through town and wipe up the hysteria that surrounds the fears of an epidemic. Throughout the day, more and more people gather to listen to speakers at the fountain boasting of the benefits of joining the Death Cult. Rowen rubs his hands in glee.
Daryle and Darelle connect at the Hunters' Lodge. There they are met by Shim Longbranch, who is very much out of breath. He has run all the way from Dimsdale to report that an army of emerald automatons has laid siege to the village. They are left by four different Geralds. Shim reports he barely managed to escape the siege. Gerald has threatened to burn the village down to the ground if a powerful object is not turned over to him before nightfall. Shim tells the Coopers that the inhabitants have fled across the bridge into the forest, but all fighters have remained behind to resist the invasion. The Dimsdalers have some experience with a siege, having suffered one only a few months back. The sisters agree to help Shim. Darelle summons her jar of cloud and they fly south, reaching Dimsdale a half hour later. Shim also mentions that his patrols have discovered that the giants have finally arrived and that they have setup a camp at the base of the Emerald Spire and could attack at any moment.
They spot from the sky four distinct forces arrayed against the village, all led by a different Gerald. They all appear to be collaborating together. Darelle and Daryle land beyond the village, connect with the refugees, and then enter the village. They meet Dunleaf Appletop, Dimsdale's mayor, who informs them of Gerald's demands. He doesn't know what Gerald wants, but he'll fight to protect his village. Daryle heads out and, under a flag of truce, meets with Gerald. He reveals that he has had a vision that the Hellknights have hidden a powerful weapon in Dimsdale. In his vision he has seen Duke Mosley use the weapon to destroy Fort Inevitable, and he wants to prevent that from happening. He's not sure what he is searching for, but he is convinced it is here in the village. If it is not turned over by nightfall, he will order an assault and burn everything to the ground. During this conversation, Gerald is joined by the other Geralds, who all agree that this is the proper course of action. All of them have had similar visions, and they all sincerely believe that they are saving the town from certain doom. Daryle informs the Geralds of the events that have transpired in Fort Inevitable over the last few days. Gerald is encouraged that his vision is coming true, and he threatens his sister with bodily harm if she remains in the village.
Daryle returns to the village and reports what she has discovered from Gerald. Darelle, meanwhile, searches the former Hellknight barrack and discovers a secret space behind a wall. In this small space she finds a lead chest. Even without any particular ability regarding the detection of evil, Darelle feels a faint trace of it emanating from the chest. The sisters remove the chest from Dimsdale and depart on their cloud. The Geralds sense that the object has been removed. One Gerald returns to Fort Inevitable to retrieve his wife and mother and save them from the destruction that's about to take place. One Gerald takes control of some automatons and heads back to the Emerald Spire. Another Gerald decides to search for the missing Hellknights, while the last Gerald launches an assault on Dimsdale with greatly diminished forces and is quickly wiped out. Darelle and Daryle head back to the Hunters' Lodge.
There they meet six members of the Seven Foxes. Dunleaf remained in Dimsdale. The Foxes advise they have about 80 fighters ready to seize key infrastructure areas of Fort Inevitable if an attack by giants and Greenhide leads the Hellknights to attempt a sortie. They are concerned, however, about the remaining civilian population still in the Fort. Darelle and Daryle agree that in case of an assault on the town, the Foxes' forces will need to remain hidden until needed to either turn the tide of battle or to remove weakened Hellknight forces. Abernard Royst identifies the object the Coopers retrieved from Dimsdale as the Octillio Crystal Sphere, a deadly weapon that could destroy a large section of the town.
In the late afternoon, feeling that the Death Cult has been sufficiently frenzied, Rowen leads a group of about 100 individuals out of Fort Inevitable. The Hellknights do not oppose this departure, correctly assuming that these discontented folks were better off beyond the wall, and possibly dead, in their quest to get rid of the powers that dwell in the Emerald Spire. Having taken refuge in a barn, Thorne spots the procession and follows it. The crowd walks down the road and passes in front of the Hunters' Lodge. Rowen senses the evil of the object newly acquired by the Cooper sisters, and he attempts to break into the Lodge. His attempts are repulsed none too gently by Daryle, and Rowen accepts for the time being to move his group away from the Lodge, bidding his time.
Omok, who also joined the Coopers at the Lodge, feels the pull of the object as well. Rowen attempts to convince Omok to join him and take the object by force, but reason prevails and Omok chooses not to align himself with Rowen at this time. Thorne, who has observed this whole exchange, also attempts to enter the Hunters' Lodge, but is turned away by Daryle. She vociferates a series of threats and advises him that he needs to step up. To prove his loyalty to the family, he must organize an evacuation of Fort Inevitable. If an assault does come, he must get as many inhabitants out as possible.
Thorne returns to town and, working with his remaining contacts, creates a plan that will safely see most of the remaining residents depart Fort Inevitable in the first minutes of the conflict. Darelle contacts Zoarth and delivers a message telling him about the alliance between hill and cloud giants and Greenhide, and request any possible assistance the cloud giant could provide. Worried about their new object, the sisters decide to hide it in the dimensional gate below the Hunters' Lodge. It's possible, but improbable, that a creature from that level of the Abyss would stumble upon it, and it would also remove its influence from the Material Plane. The sisters thus take into the basement, through the mine tunnels, and into the Abyss, before using the hand of banishment to block access again from the Abyss.
As night falls, the Coopers feel as ready as they ever will for what is surely to come on the following day.
Showing posts with label Bolgur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bolgur. Show all posts
Friday, September 8, 2017
Friday, November 11, 2016
Finally, a relaxing level!
Pharast 17, 4712
Abernard returns home to find his house destroyed. He immediately rebuilds the house, and for most passerbys it is as if the house had never exploded. The Coopers know better, however. Gerald brings the jar that contains a live remnant of the critter that Rowen took out of him, and he fills him in about the destruction that happened to Fort Inevitable during his absence and the discovery of the massive Azlantian star gazer machine. Abernard takes furious notes. Cassandra comes to the house and invites Gerald for dinner. Gerald skillfully dodges the invitation.
Roscoe receives the bad news from the Hellknights' Exchequer that the treasury is empty. There is just enough money to either meet quarterly payroll or the Hellknight tithing share to be sent with the quarterly convoy, but not both. Roscoe summons Thorne, and the thief justifies his actions to support the town's food acquisition since the fire, but says they can borrow easily, he just need to get a few signatures. Perhaps they should also not collect taxes this month. Roscoe approves both measures. Roscoe also receives reports that food shortages are afflicting the town, and there is increasing resentment that the Hellknights are not sharing food.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Volunteer Society, a Daggermark outfit closely linked with the Assassins' Guild, approach Thorne to offer "protection" against perceived enemies in the Poisoners' Guild. After a heated conversation, Thorne agrees to pay them 1,000 crowns a month for protection.
There has been several infections afflicting the town, including influenza and typhus. The worse, though is a devil's chill, which is spreading quickly through town. Dr. Mordel is very concerned that the overcrowding in the shelters and the arrival of foreign construction crews is fueling this disease. Darelle wants to institute quarantine measures. She brings this issue to Roscoe, who in turns instructs Gerald to cast detect magic. The necromantic disease has been brought in magically but has now transformed into a regular illness and is spreading rapidly. There are 7 to 12 individuals being infected a day. Roscoe agrees to the quarantine. Darelle seeks High Mother Sarise Dremagne of the Temple of the Golden Key and she agrees to help.
Daryle visits with Karlyle the Butcher, and he reports that none of his hunters have seen or captured goblins in the last month. Karlyle the Butcher is concerned that they are plotting something. He also reports that a far ranging hunter has spotted a pair of hill giants on the edge of the Emerald Wood. Daryle reports this conversation to Roscoe. After much back and forth he decides to send a few scouts out, but does not plan on immediately dealing with this situation.
A small group of necromancers approach Rowen, and inform him they would like to worship him. They have heard of his exploit with Gerald, and they want the opportunity to learn from him. Rowen agrees to let them live in his farm.
Omok has been arm wrestling 37 times at the Juliver Arms. He has a match coming up with Bolgur in a few days. Thorne and him plan on rigging the match by using a ring of reflection. While there, Omok hears a rumor from one of travelers from the north who is rooming at the inn for the night: Duke Mosley was badly hurt in an battle against a demon army.
After dealing with their various issues, the Coopers gather at Gerald's house and head out to the Emerald Spire. They are ready to begin the exploration of the 12th level. After a morning trek they enter the underground tunnel and transport to the Yarrix level. They then descend the stairs. After a hundred feet they reach a large hole with a ladder going down. Thorne begins the climb down, followed by the others. The thief reaches a point where the ladder has rusted away, but it seems to pick up again about nine feet below. As everyone hangs on the ladder, a long discussion ensues among the Coopers to decide how to proceed. Gerald passes a torch down, and eventually it gets to Thorne, who drops it down on the ground. It fizzles and extinguishes. Darelle throws a coin down, and it does not hit the ground.
Thorne ties himself, then is lowered down by Roscoe. The thief stops at the ceiling of the room, and waits there. Omok throws himself off the ladder and lands in the room. He immediately notices a gelatinous cube hanging from the ceiling. The cube oozes down, and combat ensues, as more Coopers drop from the hole. Eventually they manage to destroy it. Within the remains of the cube Darelle discovers a wax statue that strangely resembles herself. Omok, for his part, finds a small golden imp. Gerald casts detect magic and discovers that neither of these objects are magical.
While the Coopers argue about their next move, Thorne takes the initiative and moves down the corridor. He finds a room that features a small but now empty pool. He moves around the room, and the bronze double doors in the southern wall open up automatically. The room beyond is cozy and warm. Thorne is greeted by the head butler, an automaton's head that sits on a table. The head welcomes him to the tea room. The thief makes himself at home, and soon a servant automaton brings him a tea cup and come cookies.
The Coopers settle their disagreement and meander down the hall. They too arrive at the tea room, and soon the entire party is enjoying warm food and tasty drinks. Rowen switches personalities and is now lawful good. Roscoe asks the head butler if he can get a map, and the servant automaton returns with a map of four rooms. The servants don't venture outside these four rooms. They were assigned by the Patron to remain here and assist any who call, but the visitors have been few and far between over the last 10,000 years.
The Coopers tour the oasis. The rooms are dedicated to relaxation, and soon all of the Coopers are enjoying the services the automatons offer. Omok and Rowen get antsy, however, and they decide to explore some more. They enter the old alchemy kitchen, and they begin poking around. It appears something exploded in here a long time ago. They do not notice the crystal creatures hiding in one of the corners, and they are ambushed. The battle is joined and soon both Omok and Rowen are in real trouble. Roscoe, hyper vigilant as always, notices that they are missing, so he steps in the room weapons drawn. Soon all Coopers are participating in the fighting, but it takes effort on everyone's part to finally defeat them.
Noticing a crack in the kitchen's wall, Darelle discover a greater fire elemental in the other room. The elemental has been enslaved to fire the forge. Various molten metal parts are being crafted here. The Coopers bargain with the elemental that if they free him, he will help them. The elemental agrees, and as soon as it is free it returns to its plane. It considers leaving the forge helping the Coopers. With that potential enemy gone, the Coopers are ready to pursue their exploration.
Abernard returns home to find his house destroyed. He immediately rebuilds the house, and for most passerbys it is as if the house had never exploded. The Coopers know better, however. Gerald brings the jar that contains a live remnant of the critter that Rowen took out of him, and he fills him in about the destruction that happened to Fort Inevitable during his absence and the discovery of the massive Azlantian star gazer machine. Abernard takes furious notes. Cassandra comes to the house and invites Gerald for dinner. Gerald skillfully dodges the invitation.
Roscoe receives the bad news from the Hellknights' Exchequer that the treasury is empty. There is just enough money to either meet quarterly payroll or the Hellknight tithing share to be sent with the quarterly convoy, but not both. Roscoe summons Thorne, and the thief justifies his actions to support the town's food acquisition since the fire, but says they can borrow easily, he just need to get a few signatures. Perhaps they should also not collect taxes this month. Roscoe approves both measures. Roscoe also receives reports that food shortages are afflicting the town, and there is increasing resentment that the Hellknights are not sharing food.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Volunteer Society, a Daggermark outfit closely linked with the Assassins' Guild, approach Thorne to offer "protection" against perceived enemies in the Poisoners' Guild. After a heated conversation, Thorne agrees to pay them 1,000 crowns a month for protection.
There has been several infections afflicting the town, including influenza and typhus. The worse, though is a devil's chill, which is spreading quickly through town. Dr. Mordel is very concerned that the overcrowding in the shelters and the arrival of foreign construction crews is fueling this disease. Darelle wants to institute quarantine measures. She brings this issue to Roscoe, who in turns instructs Gerald to cast detect magic. The necromantic disease has been brought in magically but has now transformed into a regular illness and is spreading rapidly. There are 7 to 12 individuals being infected a day. Roscoe agrees to the quarantine. Darelle seeks High Mother Sarise Dremagne of the Temple of the Golden Key and she agrees to help.
Daryle visits with Karlyle the Butcher, and he reports that none of his hunters have seen or captured goblins in the last month. Karlyle the Butcher is concerned that they are plotting something. He also reports that a far ranging hunter has spotted a pair of hill giants on the edge of the Emerald Wood. Daryle reports this conversation to Roscoe. After much back and forth he decides to send a few scouts out, but does not plan on immediately dealing with this situation.
A small group of necromancers approach Rowen, and inform him they would like to worship him. They have heard of his exploit with Gerald, and they want the opportunity to learn from him. Rowen agrees to let them live in his farm.
Omok has been arm wrestling 37 times at the Juliver Arms. He has a match coming up with Bolgur in a few days. Thorne and him plan on rigging the match by using a ring of reflection. While there, Omok hears a rumor from one of travelers from the north who is rooming at the inn for the night: Duke Mosley was badly hurt in an battle against a demon army.
After dealing with their various issues, the Coopers gather at Gerald's house and head out to the Emerald Spire. They are ready to begin the exploration of the 12th level. After a morning trek they enter the underground tunnel and transport to the Yarrix level. They then descend the stairs. After a hundred feet they reach a large hole with a ladder going down. Thorne begins the climb down, followed by the others. The thief reaches a point where the ladder has rusted away, but it seems to pick up again about nine feet below. As everyone hangs on the ladder, a long discussion ensues among the Coopers to decide how to proceed. Gerald passes a torch down, and eventually it gets to Thorne, who drops it down on the ground. It fizzles and extinguishes. Darelle throws a coin down, and it does not hit the ground.
Thorne ties himself, then is lowered down by Roscoe. The thief stops at the ceiling of the room, and waits there. Omok throws himself off the ladder and lands in the room. He immediately notices a gelatinous cube hanging from the ceiling. The cube oozes down, and combat ensues, as more Coopers drop from the hole. Eventually they manage to destroy it. Within the remains of the cube Darelle discovers a wax statue that strangely resembles herself. Omok, for his part, finds a small golden imp. Gerald casts detect magic and discovers that neither of these objects are magical.
While the Coopers argue about their next move, Thorne takes the initiative and moves down the corridor. He finds a room that features a small but now empty pool. He moves around the room, and the bronze double doors in the southern wall open up automatically. The room beyond is cozy and warm. Thorne is greeted by the head butler, an automaton's head that sits on a table. The head welcomes him to the tea room. The thief makes himself at home, and soon a servant automaton brings him a tea cup and come cookies.
The Coopers settle their disagreement and meander down the hall. They too arrive at the tea room, and soon the entire party is enjoying warm food and tasty drinks. Rowen switches personalities and is now lawful good. Roscoe asks the head butler if he can get a map, and the servant automaton returns with a map of four rooms. The servants don't venture outside these four rooms. They were assigned by the Patron to remain here and assist any who call, but the visitors have been few and far between over the last 10,000 years.
The Coopers tour the oasis. The rooms are dedicated to relaxation, and soon all of the Coopers are enjoying the services the automatons offer. Omok and Rowen get antsy, however, and they decide to explore some more. They enter the old alchemy kitchen, and they begin poking around. It appears something exploded in here a long time ago. They do not notice the crystal creatures hiding in one of the corners, and they are ambushed. The battle is joined and soon both Omok and Rowen are in real trouble. Roscoe, hyper vigilant as always, notices that they are missing, so he steps in the room weapons drawn. Soon all Coopers are participating in the fighting, but it takes effort on everyone's part to finally defeat them.
Noticing a crack in the kitchen's wall, Darelle discover a greater fire elemental in the other room. The elemental has been enslaved to fire the forge. Various molten metal parts are being crafted here. The Coopers bargain with the elemental that if they free him, he will help them. The elemental agrees, and as soon as it is free it returns to its plane. It considers leaving the forge helping the Coopers. With that potential enemy gone, the Coopers are ready to pursue their exploration.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Who let the dogs out?
Abadius 26, 4712
Over the last four days, Darelle, Daryle and Gerald rested and re-equipped. They bought healing potions and Darelle invested into another invisibility potion. Daryle, meanwhile went hunting and captured 48 crowns' worth of pelts and goblin ears. She meets with Karlyle the butcher, who mentions that most of the goblin ears that have been turned in are those of juveniles.
Darelle spends some time with Dr. Mordel, who reports that there is a flu epidemic in the town. About one in five people seem to be affected. They are stricken and bed-ridden, but after three or four days they are able to return to their regular activities. The population outside the walls seems not to be as affected.
Gerald continues his research into the magical bow he wishes to build, and he begins to seek out components to build his copper coin change mail. He thinks that Roscoe will be rather impressed with this new invention.
In the late afternoon, Cassandra knocks on Gerald's door. After a sharp exchange that included a discussion about not telling her that he was back in time, Gerald reveals that he was badly injured. Cassandra forces her way inside, and she cooks him a nice meal. Over dinner she mentions that she is doing research in ice magic. Gerald mentions the idea of a unified theory of elemental magic where the elements could be stronger when combined properly than the sum of their parts. For example, earth to mud. She teaches Gerald the orison spell of ice over, which allows him to freeze roughly a cup of a normal liquid. Used on a water elemental, this will cause 1d4 points of damage. She departs late in the evening, after sharing a passionate kiss with him.
Calistril 24, 4712
Following the sisters' return from Xer and their quest for information on the Shadowborn family, the Coopers meet in the morning for breakfast at the Juliver Arms. Daryle tells her siblings about the goblins and what Karlyle told her. She speculates that it could either be a new tribe moving into the area, or the older goblins might have all been slain and are replaced with younger and more inexperienced troops. The breakfast is delicious, fried potatoes, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs. Suddenly, they hear a scream. Through the window, they see two people running away. Both of them are elderly townfolks.
They hear a scream, then see two people running away, while Hellknights run in the opposite direction. Darelle is the first one out. She sees two automated hounds two street corners away, bent over two unlucky victims. The Hellknights have formed a defensive perimeter and are fighting them. Darelle sprints down the street and takes one of the corners next to the soldiers. One of the dogs lunges and bites down on a soldier's arm, chopping the arm right off. Darelle strikes at it, followed by Daryle firing arrows, while Gerald expands several magic missiles. It's enough damage to destroy the dog, who explodes. Darelle peels pieces of shrapnel from her face, but one of the Hellknights perishes. The combat continues for a few more moments, but the other dog is swiftly dispatched. Both dogs are constructs. Darelle attempts to heal the heavily injured soldier, but instead severely cuts his carotid artery. She is forced to use a few healing spells to restore him back to health.
Daryle examines the civilian bodies. Both victims were female and had black hair. One of the girls appears to be about 17, while they know the other is known to be a mother of three children who's about 37 years old. Daryle loots the bodies and picks up 17 copper coins and a small silver pendant while pretending to check for their injuries. The Hellknights roll their eyes and are aghast at this behavior. As more Hellknights arrive, Gerald orders six of them to bring the bodies to the Temple of the Golden Key to see if they can be revived. High Mother Sarise Dremagne tells him that the Hellknight can be brought The cost is too prohibitive. Gerald speculates that their black hair made them targets. Gerald makes all necessary arrangements to notify next of kin for all three victims, then leaves the paperwork on Roscoe's desk.
While examining the destroyed parts, Daryle finds a specific mark on both dogs. She has seen similar elements on some of the constructs in the Spire. Maralictor Wirt arrives on the scene to take command. In their discussion, Daryle mentions that she has seen similar constructs on Klarkosh's level in the Spire. She surmises the constructs could probably not escape by themselves. The symbol on the dogs is unique and though it vaguely reminds her of something she's seen before, she can't put her finger on what that was.
The house itself belongs to Geoffrey Kirker, according to Wirt, but, according to a neighbor, he and his family usually reside in Daggermark during the winter months. The house is searched, and no bodies or constructs are discovered inside. Daryle also explores the house to see how the dogs got in. She comes to three possible conclusions. The dogs could have been deposited by a green storm, summoned, or placed in here a while ago then activated today.
Meanwhile, Darelle tells Gerald to go ask Cassandra if Nissa has been summoning creatures. Gerald heads over there and carefully weaves the dogs into his discussion with the two of them. Nissa is very interested in the dogs, and Gerald quickly discerns that the child is not responsible for their presence. Returning to the scene of the attack, Gerald mentions to Maralictor Wirt his interest in training Nissa, the budding sorcerer. Wirt carelessly waves him away to do what he thinks is best, before tasking Gerald with investigating dimension doors and ways to prevent them. It would be unfortunate if enemies were able to introduce themselves in Fort Inevitable this way.
Wrapping up the investigations, a carpenter rebuilds a door to replace the destroyed door on the Kirker residence, and the Hellknights leave the scene. The Coopers continue their investigation for a while, but discover nothing. Gerald detects faint hints of magic in the air, but any of the three scenarios mentioned by Daryle could have been the cause.
As they head to Darelle's house, the Coopers encounter Cassandra again. She's wearing a cloak and carrying a strange package wrapped in leather. Gerald exchanges pleasantries with her, then offers to walk her home. At first Cassandra is very reticent, but then agrees. They all continue their walk down the street.
Three houses away from Dr. Mordel's house, the Coopers see a woman being thrown out of a second floor window. She smashes to the ground and dies instantly. They take a quick look at her. In her mid forties, she too has black hair. Daryle heads to the North Gate which is manned by a platoon of Hellknights led by the inept half orc Bolgur. She tells him what has happened, and connects this incident to the two deaths that happened earlier. Bolgur dispatches three Hellknights to investigate the matter. The officer in charge is surprised that Signifier Gerald did not invest the house to attempt to catch whomever threw the woman out the window. Gerald replies that he had to secure the scene first. The soldiers exchange glances. They break down the door and search through the house, finding nothing. Daryle receives permission from Gerald to enter the premises, but does not find dog tracks inside the residence. There are no other people present in the house.
Darelle documents the names of the three victims, and plans to investigate if there are any links between them aside from their black hair and their gender. With such a trying day, Darelle and Daryle return to Darelle's house, while Gerald heads back to his house. In the process, everyone forgot about Cassandra ...
Over the last four days, Darelle, Daryle and Gerald rested and re-equipped. They bought healing potions and Darelle invested into another invisibility potion. Daryle, meanwhile went hunting and captured 48 crowns' worth of pelts and goblin ears. She meets with Karlyle the butcher, who mentions that most of the goblin ears that have been turned in are those of juveniles.
Darelle spends some time with Dr. Mordel, who reports that there is a flu epidemic in the town. About one in five people seem to be affected. They are stricken and bed-ridden, but after three or four days they are able to return to their regular activities. The population outside the walls seems not to be as affected.
Gerald continues his research into the magical bow he wishes to build, and he begins to seek out components to build his copper coin change mail. He thinks that Roscoe will be rather impressed with this new invention.
In the late afternoon, Cassandra knocks on Gerald's door. After a sharp exchange that included a discussion about not telling her that he was back in time, Gerald reveals that he was badly injured. Cassandra forces her way inside, and she cooks him a nice meal. Over dinner she mentions that she is doing research in ice magic. Gerald mentions the idea of a unified theory of elemental magic where the elements could be stronger when combined properly than the sum of their parts. For example, earth to mud. She teaches Gerald the orison spell of ice over, which allows him to freeze roughly a cup of a normal liquid. Used on a water elemental, this will cause 1d4 points of damage. She departs late in the evening, after sharing a passionate kiss with him.
Calistril 24, 4712
Following the sisters' return from Xer and their quest for information on the Shadowborn family, the Coopers meet in the morning for breakfast at the Juliver Arms. Daryle tells her siblings about the goblins and what Karlyle told her. She speculates that it could either be a new tribe moving into the area, or the older goblins might have all been slain and are replaced with younger and more inexperienced troops. The breakfast is delicious, fried potatoes, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs. Suddenly, they hear a scream. Through the window, they see two people running away. Both of them are elderly townfolks.
They hear a scream, then see two people running away, while Hellknights run in the opposite direction. Darelle is the first one out. She sees two automated hounds two street corners away, bent over two unlucky victims. The Hellknights have formed a defensive perimeter and are fighting them. Darelle sprints down the street and takes one of the corners next to the soldiers. One of the dogs lunges and bites down on a soldier's arm, chopping the arm right off. Darelle strikes at it, followed by Daryle firing arrows, while Gerald expands several magic missiles. It's enough damage to destroy the dog, who explodes. Darelle peels pieces of shrapnel from her face, but one of the Hellknights perishes. The combat continues for a few more moments, but the other dog is swiftly dispatched. Both dogs are constructs. Darelle attempts to heal the heavily injured soldier, but instead severely cuts his carotid artery. She is forced to use a few healing spells to restore him back to health.
Daryle examines the civilian bodies. Both victims were female and had black hair. One of the girls appears to be about 17, while they know the other is known to be a mother of three children who's about 37 years old. Daryle loots the bodies and picks up 17 copper coins and a small silver pendant while pretending to check for their injuries. The Hellknights roll their eyes and are aghast at this behavior. As more Hellknights arrive, Gerald orders six of them to bring the bodies to the Temple of the Golden Key to see if they can be revived. High Mother Sarise Dremagne tells him that the Hellknight can be brought The cost is too prohibitive. Gerald speculates that their black hair made them targets. Gerald makes all necessary arrangements to notify next of kin for all three victims, then leaves the paperwork on Roscoe's desk.
While examining the destroyed parts, Daryle finds a specific mark on both dogs. She has seen similar elements on some of the constructs in the Spire. Maralictor Wirt arrives on the scene to take command. In their discussion, Daryle mentions that she has seen similar constructs on Klarkosh's level in the Spire. She surmises the constructs could probably not escape by themselves. The symbol on the dogs is unique and though it vaguely reminds her of something she's seen before, she can't put her finger on what that was.
The house itself belongs to Geoffrey Kirker, according to Wirt, but, according to a neighbor, he and his family usually reside in Daggermark during the winter months. The house is searched, and no bodies or constructs are discovered inside. Daryle also explores the house to see how the dogs got in. She comes to three possible conclusions. The dogs could have been deposited by a green storm, summoned, or placed in here a while ago then activated today.
Meanwhile, Darelle tells Gerald to go ask Cassandra if Nissa has been summoning creatures. Gerald heads over there and carefully weaves the dogs into his discussion with the two of them. Nissa is very interested in the dogs, and Gerald quickly discerns that the child is not responsible for their presence. Returning to the scene of the attack, Gerald mentions to Maralictor Wirt his interest in training Nissa, the budding sorcerer. Wirt carelessly waves him away to do what he thinks is best, before tasking Gerald with investigating dimension doors and ways to prevent them. It would be unfortunate if enemies were able to introduce themselves in Fort Inevitable this way.
Wrapping up the investigations, a carpenter rebuilds a door to replace the destroyed door on the Kirker residence, and the Hellknights leave the scene. The Coopers continue their investigation for a while, but discover nothing. Gerald detects faint hints of magic in the air, but any of the three scenarios mentioned by Daryle could have been the cause.
As they head to Darelle's house, the Coopers encounter Cassandra again. She's wearing a cloak and carrying a strange package wrapped in leather. Gerald exchanges pleasantries with her, then offers to walk her home. At first Cassandra is very reticent, but then agrees. They all continue their walk down the street.
Three houses away from Dr. Mordel's house, the Coopers see a woman being thrown out of a second floor window. She smashes to the ground and dies instantly. They take a quick look at her. In her mid forties, she too has black hair. Daryle heads to the North Gate which is manned by a platoon of Hellknights led by the inept half orc Bolgur. She tells him what has happened, and connects this incident to the two deaths that happened earlier. Bolgur dispatches three Hellknights to investigate the matter. The officer in charge is surprised that Signifier Gerald did not invest the house to attempt to catch whomever threw the woman out the window. Gerald replies that he had to secure the scene first. The soldiers exchange glances. They break down the door and search through the house, finding nothing. Daryle receives permission from Gerald to enter the premises, but does not find dog tracks inside the residence. There are no other people present in the house.
Darelle documents the names of the three victims, and plans to investigate if there are any links between them aside from their black hair and their gender. With such a trying day, Darelle and Daryle return to Darelle's house, while Gerald heads back to his house. In the process, everyone forgot about Cassandra ...
Friday, January 29, 2016
The Changing of the Guard
Abadius 1, 4712
As the bells of the temple begin to ring, announcing the birth of the new year, Daryle begins searching the offices on the ground floor of the Citadel. She finds all the doors locked, so she feels confident Duke Mosley's men must have gone to the upper level to ensure the Lady Commander was dead. She moves up to the second floor.
Meanwhile, Gerald heals himself using a potion of healing he had smuggled inside. He winces a little at the smell, but quaffs it anyway. Feeling better, he also decides to head upstairs, and heads straight to the fourth floor.
Darelle, in the Lady Commander's room, sees the army outside the walls continues to move. Drovust asks Mordel what her next move should be, and he advises her that Duke Mosley has begun his final move, but it is not yet time to intervene.
Arriving on the landing, Gerald notices two Hellknights standing strangely still. He observes the situation for a few minutes but realizes that the Hellknights must be paralyzed. He climbs behind the nearest one and puts a blindfold on him. By doing so, however, Gerald breaks the spell. The Hellknight bites his finger and holds him hostage. Moving forward with a dagger pressed hard under Gerald's chin, the Hellknight pushes the sorcerer forward until he is in striking distance and he throws his knife at one of the two guardsmen by the Lady Commander's door. Gerald trips the man behinds him but ends up underneath him.
Hearing the commotion outside, Darelle removes her skirt and charges out of the Commander's room. A brief but bloody battle ensues, and the Coopers are triumphant. Daryle comes charging up the stairs but finds the situation under control. Mosley's assassins are quickly dispatched. The Coopers return downstairs, but Daryle ties the door to the 2nd floor.
Duke Mosley, having returned from the wall, is once again in the Receiving Hall surrounded by his men when the Coopers return to the ground floor. He tells the ladies to move along, but he takes Gerald with him to the bathroom to wash off some of the demon goo off the sorcerer. Coming out of the restroom, he invites Gerald to accompany him to the treasury to account for the gold that might be missing. He tells the sorcerer that he finds it odd that during a green storm and a battle someone would have been able to physically break through the defenses of the treasury, buried deep under the Citadel, and steal more than 600,000 crowns without being noticed. The Duke tells Gerald he believes it was a set-up from the inside, and he wants to confirm his opinion.
Daryle and Darelle are being pressed to leave the Citadel, but they grab a hold of a drunken Bolgur and decide to carry the stinking half-orc down to the prison floor to find Roscoe's new offices. Mosley's men let them take the drunkard downstairs. In their brother's office they discover the Book of Warrants, that include the warrants served on all the prisoners. They notice that the prison cells are all empty, and that Thorne has successfully escaped. Darelle takes Thorne's warrant and burns it. She then notices that there are no warrant, or even a prisoner file, on Dr. Mordel. It's as if there was no reason for him to be here in the first place.
Daryle decides they must rescue Gerald, or at least follow them to the treasury. Darelle wakens Bolgur, who leads them back to the first basement floor and to an intersection. Unsure of himself, he heads in one direction, while the Coopers head in the other. Fortunately for Daryle and Darelle, their keen ears hear the sounds of a wench coming from Bolgur's hallway, and they retrace their step. They find the sound coming from behind a locked door. They barricade the door from the outside and wait.
Inside the room Duke Mosley, Gerald and the Duke's men are heading down a large platform, more than a hundred feet below the sewers and the base of the Citadel. They arrive in a large antechamber with two large iron-plated doors guarding the way. The doors radiate magic and Gerald is quickly able to determine that several guarding spells have been placed to protect the treasury. The Duke politely asks Gerald to open the door, but the sorcerer declines, finding reason after reason to allow the Duke to do the deed himself. Unfortunately, this is a battle of wits that Gerald cannot win, and, in his last desperate gambit Gerald tells the Duke that only a ranking Hellknight could open the door without triggering the trap. The Duke commissions Gerald on the spot, offering him the grade of Signifier of the Hellknights. Unable to come up with another delay, Gerald comes up with what he thinks is a clever plan. He triggers one of the traps, a fireball spell, but at the same time he casts one of his own and sends both of them towards Mosley and the rest of the group, knowing that he will most likely suffer terribly. And indeed he does. But as he falls towards unconsciousness, he notices four of the Duke's seven men collapse to the ground, crisply burned. The remaining three appear grievously wounded. To his amazement, however, the Duke look as freshly pressed in his white uniform as he did when he first walked in the Receiving Hall.
Daryle and Darelle wait a while by the door when they finally hear the winch start again. Soon, the sounds of people behind the door can be heard. There is a short struggle with the barricaded door, and then a hush. Suddenly, the wall next to the door begins dripping, and it turns into mud. A hand sticks out, then another, and soon there is a rough doorway. One of Mosley's badly burned man steps through. Daryle quickly dispatches him. Duke Mosley steps through next. Daryle shoots a few arrows at the Duke, two of which hits. But he then rubs his arm and a large fireball discharges, and both Coopers are hit. Mosley's remaining swordsmen charge the sisters, and a fight ensues. Mosley, meanwhile, hangs back, a few small blood stains slowly spreading on his otherwise immaculate uniform.
The Coopers manage to slay one of the swordsmen, but a stalemate is quickly reached, with neither the swordsman nor the sisters able to triumph over the others. Duke Mosley then proposes a truce. He tells the Coopers he is neither after the Hellknight treasury nor does he wish to become Fort Inevitable's master. How is it, he asks the Coopers, that he would know so much about the comings and goings in the area without a spy? He reveals that he has in fact two independent spies who are not aware of each other. He's willing to make a deal with the Coopers to end this stalemate. If they leave the Citadel now, the Duke will go about his business, and he guarantees their safety and that of Gerald and Roscoe. In fact, Roscoe will be appointed Commander of Fort Inevitable. When questioned about Thorne, he tells them there is nothing he can do for the thief. Daryle tells Mosley that she needs a token of good will, and Mosley agrees to reveal that one of his spies is Maralictor Wirt. Daryle realizes that she's the only one who had told them about the thief of the Hellknight treasure. Perhaps they had been set up after all.
After conferring with each other, the Coopers agree to Mosley's terms, but not before they retrieve Gerald from the treasury room. Soon thereafter, all of the Coopers exit the Citadel and retire to Shadowborn Manor.
Abadius 2, 4712
After a restless night, Gerald leaves Shadowborn Manor and heads back to Fort Inevitable to meet with Duke Mosley, who had previously invited him for breakfast. The Duke is enchanted to see him. He tells Gerald that the matter has been resolved, and that he will depart with his army in the afternoon, after the changing of the guard ceremony. Later in the afternoon, Audara Drovust will also depart Fort Inevitable, along with the usual contingent of Hellknights returning to Cheliax. Gerald realizes that the Lady Commander is about to depart with a very large treasure, and there is nothing they can do about it. He does request a letter certifying his commissioning as a Hellknight officer. Duke Mosley laughs and gives this letter to Gerald, certifying his appointment as a Signifier.
Hellknights present themselves to Shadowborn Manor and deliver invitations for the Coopers to attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony where they will be awarded the receive the Second Level of the Order of the Crow. The Coopers respectfully decline, citing ill health.
Over the next few days, Daryle spends some time hunting, while Darelle returns to visit Mother Holworth. She catches up on the news from Fort Inevitable. Mother Holworth tells her that things have relaxed a little in the area. Taxes were not due until the 2nd instead of the 1st of the quarter. Both Mosley and Drovust have departed, and the garrison is now down to about 1,000 men.
The Coopers head back to Fort Inevitable to pay their taxes and the interest on the late payment. Gerald attempts to convince the Tax Collector that, because of his filial relationship with Roscoe, the charges should be waived. The Tax Collector chuckles and refuses. The Coopers then withdraw money from the bank so they can pay Captain Rémi, when, in the next few days, he returns to Fort Inevitable to collect his fee for transporting them away from Razmiran.
With this first year now over with, the Coopers are faced with five remaining questions:
As the bells of the temple begin to ring, announcing the birth of the new year, Daryle begins searching the offices on the ground floor of the Citadel. She finds all the doors locked, so she feels confident Duke Mosley's men must have gone to the upper level to ensure the Lady Commander was dead. She moves up to the second floor.
Meanwhile, Gerald heals himself using a potion of healing he had smuggled inside. He winces a little at the smell, but quaffs it anyway. Feeling better, he also decides to head upstairs, and heads straight to the fourth floor.
Darelle, in the Lady Commander's room, sees the army outside the walls continues to move. Drovust asks Mordel what her next move should be, and he advises her that Duke Mosley has begun his final move, but it is not yet time to intervene.
Arriving on the landing, Gerald notices two Hellknights standing strangely still. He observes the situation for a few minutes but realizes that the Hellknights must be paralyzed. He climbs behind the nearest one and puts a blindfold on him. By doing so, however, Gerald breaks the spell. The Hellknight bites his finger and holds him hostage. Moving forward with a dagger pressed hard under Gerald's chin, the Hellknight pushes the sorcerer forward until he is in striking distance and he throws his knife at one of the two guardsmen by the Lady Commander's door. Gerald trips the man behinds him but ends up underneath him.
Hearing the commotion outside, Darelle removes her skirt and charges out of the Commander's room. A brief but bloody battle ensues, and the Coopers are triumphant. Daryle comes charging up the stairs but finds the situation under control. Mosley's assassins are quickly dispatched. The Coopers return downstairs, but Daryle ties the door to the 2nd floor.
Duke Mosley, having returned from the wall, is once again in the Receiving Hall surrounded by his men when the Coopers return to the ground floor. He tells the ladies to move along, but he takes Gerald with him to the bathroom to wash off some of the demon goo off the sorcerer. Coming out of the restroom, he invites Gerald to accompany him to the treasury to account for the gold that might be missing. He tells the sorcerer that he finds it odd that during a green storm and a battle someone would have been able to physically break through the defenses of the treasury, buried deep under the Citadel, and steal more than 600,000 crowns without being noticed. The Duke tells Gerald he believes it was a set-up from the inside, and he wants to confirm his opinion.
Daryle and Darelle are being pressed to leave the Citadel, but they grab a hold of a drunken Bolgur and decide to carry the stinking half-orc down to the prison floor to find Roscoe's new offices. Mosley's men let them take the drunkard downstairs. In their brother's office they discover the Book of Warrants, that include the warrants served on all the prisoners. They notice that the prison cells are all empty, and that Thorne has successfully escaped. Darelle takes Thorne's warrant and burns it. She then notices that there are no warrant, or even a prisoner file, on Dr. Mordel. It's as if there was no reason for him to be here in the first place.
Daryle decides they must rescue Gerald, or at least follow them to the treasury. Darelle wakens Bolgur, who leads them back to the first basement floor and to an intersection. Unsure of himself, he heads in one direction, while the Coopers head in the other. Fortunately for Daryle and Darelle, their keen ears hear the sounds of a wench coming from Bolgur's hallway, and they retrace their step. They find the sound coming from behind a locked door. They barricade the door from the outside and wait.
Inside the room Duke Mosley, Gerald and the Duke's men are heading down a large platform, more than a hundred feet below the sewers and the base of the Citadel. They arrive in a large antechamber with two large iron-plated doors guarding the way. The doors radiate magic and Gerald is quickly able to determine that several guarding spells have been placed to protect the treasury. The Duke politely asks Gerald to open the door, but the sorcerer declines, finding reason after reason to allow the Duke to do the deed himself. Unfortunately, this is a battle of wits that Gerald cannot win, and, in his last desperate gambit Gerald tells the Duke that only a ranking Hellknight could open the door without triggering the trap. The Duke commissions Gerald on the spot, offering him the grade of Signifier of the Hellknights. Unable to come up with another delay, Gerald comes up with what he thinks is a clever plan. He triggers one of the traps, a fireball spell, but at the same time he casts one of his own and sends both of them towards Mosley and the rest of the group, knowing that he will most likely suffer terribly. And indeed he does. But as he falls towards unconsciousness, he notices four of the Duke's seven men collapse to the ground, crisply burned. The remaining three appear grievously wounded. To his amazement, however, the Duke look as freshly pressed in his white uniform as he did when he first walked in the Receiving Hall.
Daryle and Darelle wait a while by the door when they finally hear the winch start again. Soon, the sounds of people behind the door can be heard. There is a short struggle with the barricaded door, and then a hush. Suddenly, the wall next to the door begins dripping, and it turns into mud. A hand sticks out, then another, and soon there is a rough doorway. One of Mosley's badly burned man steps through. Daryle quickly dispatches him. Duke Mosley steps through next. Daryle shoots a few arrows at the Duke, two of which hits. But he then rubs his arm and a large fireball discharges, and both Coopers are hit. Mosley's remaining swordsmen charge the sisters, and a fight ensues. Mosley, meanwhile, hangs back, a few small blood stains slowly spreading on his otherwise immaculate uniform.
The Coopers manage to slay one of the swordsmen, but a stalemate is quickly reached, with neither the swordsman nor the sisters able to triumph over the others. Duke Mosley then proposes a truce. He tells the Coopers he is neither after the Hellknight treasury nor does he wish to become Fort Inevitable's master. How is it, he asks the Coopers, that he would know so much about the comings and goings in the area without a spy? He reveals that he has in fact two independent spies who are not aware of each other. He's willing to make a deal with the Coopers to end this stalemate. If they leave the Citadel now, the Duke will go about his business, and he guarantees their safety and that of Gerald and Roscoe. In fact, Roscoe will be appointed Commander of Fort Inevitable. When questioned about Thorne, he tells them there is nothing he can do for the thief. Daryle tells Mosley that she needs a token of good will, and Mosley agrees to reveal that one of his spies is Maralictor Wirt. Daryle realizes that she's the only one who had told them about the thief of the Hellknight treasure. Perhaps they had been set up after all.
After conferring with each other, the Coopers agree to Mosley's terms, but not before they retrieve Gerald from the treasury room. Soon thereafter, all of the Coopers exit the Citadel and retire to Shadowborn Manor.
Abadius 2, 4712
After a restless night, Gerald leaves Shadowborn Manor and heads back to Fort Inevitable to meet with Duke Mosley, who had previously invited him for breakfast. The Duke is enchanted to see him. He tells Gerald that the matter has been resolved, and that he will depart with his army in the afternoon, after the changing of the guard ceremony. Later in the afternoon, Audara Drovust will also depart Fort Inevitable, along with the usual contingent of Hellknights returning to Cheliax. Gerald realizes that the Lady Commander is about to depart with a very large treasure, and there is nothing they can do about it. He does request a letter certifying his commissioning as a Hellknight officer. Duke Mosley laughs and gives this letter to Gerald, certifying his appointment as a Signifier.
Hellknights present themselves to Shadowborn Manor and deliver invitations for the Coopers to attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony where they will be awarded the receive the Second Level of the Order of the Crow. The Coopers respectfully decline, citing ill health.
Over the next few days, Daryle spends some time hunting, while Darelle returns to visit Mother Holworth. She catches up on the news from Fort Inevitable. Mother Holworth tells her that things have relaxed a little in the area. Taxes were not due until the 2nd instead of the 1st of the quarter. Both Mosley and Drovust have departed, and the garrison is now down to about 1,000 men.
The Coopers head back to Fort Inevitable to pay their taxes and the interest on the late payment. Gerald attempts to convince the Tax Collector that, because of his filial relationship with Roscoe, the charges should be waived. The Tax Collector chuckles and refuses. The Coopers then withdraw money from the bank so they can pay Captain Rémi, when, in the next few days, he returns to Fort Inevitable to collect his fee for transporting them away from Razmiran.
With this first year now over with, the Coopers are faced with five remaining questions:
- Who is Karlyle the Butcher?
- What about Greenhide?
- What's Abernard up to?
- What is Mordel's role?
- What are the green storms and what causes them?
Friday, January 15, 2016
Duke Mosley Makes a Play
Nehn 31, 4711
Remembering what happened at the Summer's Ball and how constrained she felt at having to fight in a dress, Darelle decides she will wear pants under her dress in case another battle ensues.
Roscoe returns to the Citadel and meets with the Lady Commander Drovust one more time. She tells him of the plan, such as it is. She plans on "dying" then being immediately taken back to her room. Only six other Hellknights will know she has not passed. She will then await Duke Mosley's move. Roscoe can enter in contact with her through Alfred the pageboy. She also tells him that if things go horribly wrong, he is to return to Cheliax and report to Citadel Gheradesca where he is to deliver a report she hid in the cornerstone of the fountain.
Daryle decides she will be violently ill a few minutes after shaking the Lady Commander's hand and will use this excuse to leave the Citadel and flee to Gerald's house. She will also shake many people's hand, including Gerald's, so that she's not accused of being responsible for Drovust's sickness and apparent death.
Still in his prison cell, Thorne talks to Dr. Mordel to see if the vampire will escape with him and the rest of the prisoners when the time comes. Mordel tells him no, he will remain here. Thorne briefly entertains the idea of capturing and sacrificing one of the prisoners to Mordel, but then abandons it as impractical.
At ten o'clock, the carillon begins to ring, and the New Year's Eve party starts. Over the course of twenty minutes, over 150 civilian guests join the 90 Hellknights already present. Drovust has positioned armed guards every few feet along the wall to keep an eye on the hall, and all the guests are searched when they enter. A valet announces every guest, and as they enter they are welcomed by Drovust. The first Cooper to arrive is Darelle. Gerald is next. Duke Mosley makes an entrance after the sorcerer. At 5'1 and wearing a full military uniform, he looks ridiculous yet it is undeniable he exerts a certain magnetism. Accompanied by 17 unarmed guards and companions, he occupies a large space. Finally, Daryle arrives at the Citadel. She goes down the receiving line, and she shakes every person's hand, including the Lady Commander's. The assassination plot is now in motion.
As they gather together by the refreshment table for some small talk, Roscoe mentions to his siblings that nine of Mosley's men are expert swordsmen, and the others may be veteran spellcasters. Clearly the Duke is up to no good. Speaking of the short man, he leaves his guards behind and he approaches the Coopers. "Hello, Riverbottoms triplets," he says in a high-pitched voice. The Coopers look at each other. Does the Duke know about their past? Daryle corrects him, telling him that their surname is Cooper and not Riverbottom. The Duke winks at them, and replies that, of course, he was mistaken. He questions Roscoe on the apparent lack of leadership within the Fort Inevitable Hellknights, especially given the destruction of the northern wall and the too close for comfort failed invasion led by Greenhide and ilk. Roscoe plays it cool and admits that it could have gone better, but under the circumstances as the commander he did the best he could. Gerald then brings up the green storms and the monsters that afflict the area at seemingly random intervals. Mosley seems very interested in that phenomenon. The Duke then turns to the Emerald Spire and the adventures the Coopers have had there over the last year. Once again, Gerald is careless with his words and begins to tell a few stories until Daryle pokes him in the ribs to shut him up. The Duke thanks the Coopers and moves on to other guests.
A few minutes later, Drovust collapses on the ground. The crowd immediately goes silent. Several Hellknights rush in and carry her away back to her room. Maralictor Wirt requests a doctor or a healer, and Darelle volunteers. They rush upstairs. Darelle mentions to Wirt that Mordel, the town's best physician, is in a jail cell, so the Hellknight orders he be brought up to the Lady Commander's room, and asks Darelle to fill him in on the details as they climb the stairs.
The assembled crowd in the hall is now quiet and contemplative, and it is clear many of them are now calculating new odds of various plots succeeding. Sensing the tension ratcheting up, Roscoe steps forward and assumes temporary command, telling the crowd that the Lady Commander will be fine, and that they need to enjoy themselves in the meantime.
These words are unfortunately pronounced at the same time as a flash of blinding light in the center of the room reveals a large demon wearing chains and a sharp-looking silver scythe. Pandemonium breaks out. The demon swings his weapon and decapitates one of the civilian guests. Hellknights pull out weapons and join the fray against the demon. Civilians scream and run wild, trying to escape. While a ring of guards form around Duke Mosley, Roscoe notices that half of his entourage has disappeared up the stairs towards the Lady Commander's private apartments. The Duke himself seems neither surprised by the demon's appearance, and he simply stands there, surveying the chaos. Daryle jumps into action and helps civilians escape the Citadel's receiving hall. Roscoe and Gerald attack the demon.
While the demon causes panic in the hall, Dr. Mordel and Darelle rapidly climb on the 4th floor and see five Hellknights wearing Duke Mosley's colors in the hallway near the door. The Hellknights inform Darelle to return downstairs. The ranger refuses, and a violent confrontation ensues. With Darelle's life in danger, Dr. Mordel casts darkness. In the few moments that everything is black, Darelle hears the faint noises of battle, as if she was wrapped in heavy covers, and when the light returns Dr. Mordel stands sagely next to her, while Mosley's men lay dead on the floor, each with a broken neck. Darelle and Dr. Mordel are admitted to Drovust's room. Dr. Mordel and Drovust stand together, looking outside the window and whispering to each other.
Down in the prison, the chaos draws away all of the guards. Using his amazing thieving skills, Thorne escapes from his cell, to the delight and derision of the other prisoners, who beg him to free them. Thorne walks into the guard post, and searching through the pile of paper he finds his arrest warrant. He pockets it and heads out. Carefully climbing the stairs, he hears the sounds of battle. When the opportunity presents itself, the rogue jumps out of his hiding spot and joins the fleeing crowd.
After several blows and many dead bodies, Roscoe strikes the demon and manages to slay it. Having escorted the last of the civilians out of the Citadel, Daryle locks the gates and remains inside to support her brother. Finding himself free again, Thorne elaborates a plan. He goes to the store, packs his gear, and heads out of town through the sewers hoping that the heat will drop and that his disappearance will be unnoticed for a while.
Back in the Citadel, Roscoe receives the disturbing news that the Hellknights camping outside the wall around Fort Inevitable have mustered and are massing around the gates. When confronted with this information, Duke Mosley tells Roscoe that his men must be worried for the Duke's safety since they probably heard the battle taking place inside the Citadel and the screams of a terrified populace. Roscoe escorts Duke Mosley and some of his men to the Juliver Gate. Duke Mosley observes his army moving towards the Fort for a few minutes, but then dispatches Roscoe with a message to stand down, the situation in the Fort has been rectified.
Gerald notices that some of Duke Mosley's men remained in the hall and are now issuing orders. When questioned, they tell Gerald that with the Lady Commander gravely ill and possibly dead, Duke Mosley thought it best to assume temporary command of the Fort until a local commander could be appointed. Daryle, meanwhile, spots Bolgur and tells him the Lady Commander is in danger and that five of Mosley's people are missing...
Remembering what happened at the Summer's Ball and how constrained she felt at having to fight in a dress, Darelle decides she will wear pants under her dress in case another battle ensues.
Roscoe returns to the Citadel and meets with the Lady Commander Drovust one more time. She tells him of the plan, such as it is. She plans on "dying" then being immediately taken back to her room. Only six other Hellknights will know she has not passed. She will then await Duke Mosley's move. Roscoe can enter in contact with her through Alfred the pageboy. She also tells him that if things go horribly wrong, he is to return to Cheliax and report to Citadel Gheradesca where he is to deliver a report she hid in the cornerstone of the fountain.
Daryle decides she will be violently ill a few minutes after shaking the Lady Commander's hand and will use this excuse to leave the Citadel and flee to Gerald's house. She will also shake many people's hand, including Gerald's, so that she's not accused of being responsible for Drovust's sickness and apparent death.
Still in his prison cell, Thorne talks to Dr. Mordel to see if the vampire will escape with him and the rest of the prisoners when the time comes. Mordel tells him no, he will remain here. Thorne briefly entertains the idea of capturing and sacrificing one of the prisoners to Mordel, but then abandons it as impractical.
At ten o'clock, the carillon begins to ring, and the New Year's Eve party starts. Over the course of twenty minutes, over 150 civilian guests join the 90 Hellknights already present. Drovust has positioned armed guards every few feet along the wall to keep an eye on the hall, and all the guests are searched when they enter. A valet announces every guest, and as they enter they are welcomed by Drovust. The first Cooper to arrive is Darelle. Gerald is next. Duke Mosley makes an entrance after the sorcerer. At 5'1 and wearing a full military uniform, he looks ridiculous yet it is undeniable he exerts a certain magnetism. Accompanied by 17 unarmed guards and companions, he occupies a large space. Finally, Daryle arrives at the Citadel. She goes down the receiving line, and she shakes every person's hand, including the Lady Commander's. The assassination plot is now in motion.
As they gather together by the refreshment table for some small talk, Roscoe mentions to his siblings that nine of Mosley's men are expert swordsmen, and the others may be veteran spellcasters. Clearly the Duke is up to no good. Speaking of the short man, he leaves his guards behind and he approaches the Coopers. "Hello, Riverbottoms triplets," he says in a high-pitched voice. The Coopers look at each other. Does the Duke know about their past? Daryle corrects him, telling him that their surname is Cooper and not Riverbottom. The Duke winks at them, and replies that, of course, he was mistaken. He questions Roscoe on the apparent lack of leadership within the Fort Inevitable Hellknights, especially given the destruction of the northern wall and the too close for comfort failed invasion led by Greenhide and ilk. Roscoe plays it cool and admits that it could have gone better, but under the circumstances as the commander he did the best he could. Gerald then brings up the green storms and the monsters that afflict the area at seemingly random intervals. Mosley seems very interested in that phenomenon. The Duke then turns to the Emerald Spire and the adventures the Coopers have had there over the last year. Once again, Gerald is careless with his words and begins to tell a few stories until Daryle pokes him in the ribs to shut him up. The Duke thanks the Coopers and moves on to other guests.
A few minutes later, Drovust collapses on the ground. The crowd immediately goes silent. Several Hellknights rush in and carry her away back to her room. Maralictor Wirt requests a doctor or a healer, and Darelle volunteers. They rush upstairs. Darelle mentions to Wirt that Mordel, the town's best physician, is in a jail cell, so the Hellknight orders he be brought up to the Lady Commander's room, and asks Darelle to fill him in on the details as they climb the stairs.
The assembled crowd in the hall is now quiet and contemplative, and it is clear many of them are now calculating new odds of various plots succeeding. Sensing the tension ratcheting up, Roscoe steps forward and assumes temporary command, telling the crowd that the Lady Commander will be fine, and that they need to enjoy themselves in the meantime.
These words are unfortunately pronounced at the same time as a flash of blinding light in the center of the room reveals a large demon wearing chains and a sharp-looking silver scythe. Pandemonium breaks out. The demon swings his weapon and decapitates one of the civilian guests. Hellknights pull out weapons and join the fray against the demon. Civilians scream and run wild, trying to escape. While a ring of guards form around Duke Mosley, Roscoe notices that half of his entourage has disappeared up the stairs towards the Lady Commander's private apartments. The Duke himself seems neither surprised by the demon's appearance, and he simply stands there, surveying the chaos. Daryle jumps into action and helps civilians escape the Citadel's receiving hall. Roscoe and Gerald attack the demon.
While the demon causes panic in the hall, Dr. Mordel and Darelle rapidly climb on the 4th floor and see five Hellknights wearing Duke Mosley's colors in the hallway near the door. The Hellknights inform Darelle to return downstairs. The ranger refuses, and a violent confrontation ensues. With Darelle's life in danger, Dr. Mordel casts darkness. In the few moments that everything is black, Darelle hears the faint noises of battle, as if she was wrapped in heavy covers, and when the light returns Dr. Mordel stands sagely next to her, while Mosley's men lay dead on the floor, each with a broken neck. Darelle and Dr. Mordel are admitted to Drovust's room. Dr. Mordel and Drovust stand together, looking outside the window and whispering to each other.
Down in the prison, the chaos draws away all of the guards. Using his amazing thieving skills, Thorne escapes from his cell, to the delight and derision of the other prisoners, who beg him to free them. Thorne walks into the guard post, and searching through the pile of paper he finds his arrest warrant. He pockets it and heads out. Carefully climbing the stairs, he hears the sounds of battle. When the opportunity presents itself, the rogue jumps out of his hiding spot and joins the fleeing crowd.
After several blows and many dead bodies, Roscoe strikes the demon and manages to slay it. Having escorted the last of the civilians out of the Citadel, Daryle locks the gates and remains inside to support her brother. Finding himself free again, Thorne elaborates a plan. He goes to the store, packs his gear, and heads out of town through the sewers hoping that the heat will drop and that his disappearance will be unnoticed for a while.
Back in the Citadel, Roscoe receives the disturbing news that the Hellknights camping outside the wall around Fort Inevitable have mustered and are massing around the gates. When confronted with this information, Duke Mosley tells Roscoe that his men must be worried for the Duke's safety since they probably heard the battle taking place inside the Citadel and the screams of a terrified populace. Roscoe escorts Duke Mosley and some of his men to the Juliver Gate. Duke Mosley observes his army moving towards the Fort for a few minutes, but then dispatches Roscoe with a message to stand down, the situation in the Fort has been rectified.
Gerald notices that some of Duke Mosley's men remained in the hall and are now issuing orders. When questioned, they tell Gerald that with the Lady Commander gravely ill and possibly dead, Duke Mosley thought it best to assume temporary command of the Fort until a local commander could be appointed. Daryle, meanwhile, spots Bolgur and tells him the Lady Commander is in danger and that five of Mosley's people are missing...
Monday, August 25, 2014
Great, now that we're here, what should we do for work?
Abadius 23, 4711
Upon arriving in Fort Inevitable, the first thing the Riverbottom family did was look for their mother's cousin, Alina Merlon. She had married a Numerian and had left Razmiran decades ago.
They approached the Juliver Gate, one of the two gates leading into the Fort. There, they encountered a half-orc Hellknight named Bolgur, who gave them a hard time. The siblings noticed that the guard presence was heavy and that everyone entering or leaving was questioned by the master of the gate, and all cargoes and bags were thoroughly inspected. After a few exchanges, Bolgur revealed that Alina Merlon lives next door to Mother Holworth, one of the most successful farmer in the area. So the siblings made their way back to the farm, and finally met their mother's cousin for the first time. At first, she wasn't convinced, but when she recognized the triplets and read Gertrude's letter, she welcomed them with open arms.
The Merlon farm currently is currently run by Alina, as her husband died in the Mendevian Crusade. She's assisted by two indentured servants, Brand Plentygold and Lister Cartwright, who assigned to her by the Hellknights. The estate is small, but produces wheat and barley, an array of vegetables, as well as apples and cherries. A few dairy cows are kept, along with a coop of chickens and a small herd of goats. Alina informed the siblings that she could provide them room and board, but that they would have to work around the farm and help out whenever they could, taxes being high and money being short.
Abadius 24, 4711
With the dawn of a new day, the siblings decide to change their last name from Riverbottom to Cooper, in case anyone from Razmiran is searching for them. On the advice of Alina, Darelle pays a visit to Mother Holworth, from the farm next door. A stern, sharp-tongued woman in her mid 70s, she has outlived two husbands and now lives with her children, grandchildren, and even a few very young great-grandchildren. She runs the best dairy farm in the region, and Holworth cheeses are renowned far and wide. Upon seeing Darelle's animal affinity, she hires her for 5 bits a week, a modest sum even in Fort Inevitable.
Daryle is more enterprising. She enters the town, and heads straight to Karlyle the Butcher, where she inquires whether he would be interested in purchasing game from her. He informs her that he would certainly buy deer, but smaller game does not interest him. He also advises her that he also purchases goblin skins, for 3 crowns each, after they are turned to the Hellknights for the 5 crowns bounty. Daryle promptly obtains her work permit from the Hellknights, and begins to explore the countryside, looking for the best place to capture deer.
Gerald, being weak and often sick, inquires with Alina if there were anyone in town that could use his intelligence and his creative talents. She tells him that Falandra Nolm, owner of Nolm Bindery, may, but she's not sure. That's not a service she often uses. Hopeful, he still makes his way there. Falandra informs him that she does not need an employee, but that is Gerald is skilled enough with ink and feather, she will pay him a set piece, generally 25% of the sale price, to transcribe books. He graciously accepts her offer, and she gives him a quick tour of the bindery. A small space is dedicated to the bindery business itself, with about half of the floor housing book shelves covered with books on many different subjects. In the back, behind the counter, is Falandra's office, and Gerald is able to glance what appears to be an alchemist lab before Falandra closes the door, telling him that he is not allowed to go there. She provides him with a basic book, and he begins recopying it. Later on in the afternoon he meets Abernard Royst, a whire-haired sage of about 60. Knowledgeable, he comes to the bindery every day to talk with Falandra, browse books, and generally purchase one or two.
Roscoe decides to earn coins by plying his love of music into a trade. He approaches Doliver Reedbank, the owner of the Juliver Arms, one of two drinking establishments in Fort Inevitable. After hearing and seeing him play a couple of songs, Doliver hires him to play six nights a week in exchange for a small room on the third floor, breakfast, and dinner. Roscoe is on his own for lunch, but he may keep all the tips he earns.
Alina doesn't want Thorne to leave the farm and go to the Fort, but he doesn't listen, and, after careful inquiries, decides to contact Thom Braddon, the owner of Braddon's General Store, the only general store in Fort Inevitable. Perhaps this is a place where he may be able to ply his trade.
Upon arriving in Fort Inevitable, the first thing the Riverbottom family did was look for their mother's cousin, Alina Merlon. She had married a Numerian and had left Razmiran decades ago.
They approached the Juliver Gate, one of the two gates leading into the Fort. There, they encountered a half-orc Hellknight named Bolgur, who gave them a hard time. The siblings noticed that the guard presence was heavy and that everyone entering or leaving was questioned by the master of the gate, and all cargoes and bags were thoroughly inspected. After a few exchanges, Bolgur revealed that Alina Merlon lives next door to Mother Holworth, one of the most successful farmer in the area. So the siblings made their way back to the farm, and finally met their mother's cousin for the first time. At first, she wasn't convinced, but when she recognized the triplets and read Gertrude's letter, she welcomed them with open arms.
The Merlon farm currently is currently run by Alina, as her husband died in the Mendevian Crusade. She's assisted by two indentured servants, Brand Plentygold and Lister Cartwright, who assigned to her by the Hellknights. The estate is small, but produces wheat and barley, an array of vegetables, as well as apples and cherries. A few dairy cows are kept, along with a coop of chickens and a small herd of goats. Alina informed the siblings that she could provide them room and board, but that they would have to work around the farm and help out whenever they could, taxes being high and money being short.
Abadius 24, 4711
With the dawn of a new day, the siblings decide to change their last name from Riverbottom to Cooper, in case anyone from Razmiran is searching for them. On the advice of Alina, Darelle pays a visit to Mother Holworth, from the farm next door. A stern, sharp-tongued woman in her mid 70s, she has outlived two husbands and now lives with her children, grandchildren, and even a few very young great-grandchildren. She runs the best dairy farm in the region, and Holworth cheeses are renowned far and wide. Upon seeing Darelle's animal affinity, she hires her for 5 bits a week, a modest sum even in Fort Inevitable.
Daryle is more enterprising. She enters the town, and heads straight to Karlyle the Butcher, where she inquires whether he would be interested in purchasing game from her. He informs her that he would certainly buy deer, but smaller game does not interest him. He also advises her that he also purchases goblin skins, for 3 crowns each, after they are turned to the Hellknights for the 5 crowns bounty. Daryle promptly obtains her work permit from the Hellknights, and begins to explore the countryside, looking for the best place to capture deer.
Gerald, being weak and often sick, inquires with Alina if there were anyone in town that could use his intelligence and his creative talents. She tells him that Falandra Nolm, owner of Nolm Bindery, may, but she's not sure. That's not a service she often uses. Hopeful, he still makes his way there. Falandra informs him that she does not need an employee, but that is Gerald is skilled enough with ink and feather, she will pay him a set piece, generally 25% of the sale price, to transcribe books. He graciously accepts her offer, and she gives him a quick tour of the bindery. A small space is dedicated to the bindery business itself, with about half of the floor housing book shelves covered with books on many different subjects. In the back, behind the counter, is Falandra's office, and Gerald is able to glance what appears to be an alchemist lab before Falandra closes the door, telling him that he is not allowed to go there. She provides him with a basic book, and he begins recopying it. Later on in the afternoon he meets Abernard Royst, a whire-haired sage of about 60. Knowledgeable, he comes to the bindery every day to talk with Falandra, browse books, and generally purchase one or two.
Roscoe decides to earn coins by plying his love of music into a trade. He approaches Doliver Reedbank, the owner of the Juliver Arms, one of two drinking establishments in Fort Inevitable. After hearing and seeing him play a couple of songs, Doliver hires him to play six nights a week in exchange for a small room on the third floor, breakfast, and dinner. Roscoe is on his own for lunch, but he may keep all the tips he earns.
Alina doesn't want Thorne to leave the farm and go to the Fort, but he doesn't listen, and, after careful inquiries, decides to contact Thom Braddon, the owner of Braddon's General Store, the only general store in Fort Inevitable. Perhaps this is a place where he may be able to ply his trade.
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