The soldiers bind our hands, and people stare as we are marched to the keep and to the dungeons
Ariza and Liadan are placed in a cell to one side of Telamro. Rem’e and Rhun are placed in a cell on the other side.
Ariza maintains four daggers that she hides with slight of hands after being padded down.
All our weopons are otherwise taken – but they did not take ammunition from Rem’e
Liadan uses her engineering to examine the cell; cells have bars across the front, stone walls between. 9ft x 9ft, windows are wide but not tall (about a foot tall) – bars are too close to fit through. There is a chamber pot and bunks.
Four cells across from us are empty; no guards in the hallway, but there are guards outside the hall.
What we know about the local nobles: all the noble families are widespread; e.g. the emporer is a Hahn. The rest of the great eight families are many and varied – some are very wealthy, some are not. It mixes up.
Rem’e sits on the the lower bunk. Ariza and Liadan determine that there is no one in the cell next to them.
Rhun calls Telamro over to the bars: “We found your girlfriend and delivered her to a safehouse.” “Where” Rhun tells him. “We also ran into the Tang – three thugs and were attacked” Telamro asks what happened to them – Rhun explains that they are dead.
Telamro is relieved – can sense that he is grateful. “And Sarenrae helped,” Telamro states. “As she will,” says Rhun.
We are brought reasonable food – old bread, but not bad.
Sleep through the night
Next day:
“Rem’e the halfling: the constable will see you now”
Conversation:
Constable: “You stand accused of murdering three men in a boarding house two nights ago – how do you answer to that?”
Rem’e: “Self defense. We were peacefully leaving the premises and three men accosted our companion, and one cast a spell on me – and I felt very violated” He plays this up. He also compliments the jail while not fawning too much.
“These men cast a spell at you first? What kind of spell?”
“I can’t be sure, but I was knocked unconscious with no provocation on my part, and the only reason I can think to do that was for the purpose of attacking us. When I awoke they were attacking my companions.”
Constable nods and listens. Pulls out the pistol from desk drawer. “Can you explain what this is?”
“I can’t fully explain how it works myself.”
“Do try.”
“There’s a chemical process that takes place, a loud bang, …well you’ve shot a bow of course … you tip the projectile…”
“So it is a weopon.”
“Of course.”
“How did you come into this device?”
“Tinkering and ingenuity … but I cannot describe more than that … perhaps if you had a writ from a general.”
“No more questions, thank you. Guards, come.”
“The gnome – Ariza” is called
They bring her upstairs – she sits in the same seat across from constable Riverman. “We’ve heard much about this event. Please tell me your version.”
Ariza: “Were in boarding house, and when three men came in, Everyone in the boarding house was in danger.”
“So you drew no blade against these men?”
“First I made sure that the halfling in our party was ok. Then I defended my companions.”
“What are you doing here in Amber?”
“We were doing work for Master Wu.”
“He says you are not associated with him.”
“We were supposed to leave with him today, but I guess that’s not happening.”
“Oh yes the caravan…”
The constable sends her back to the cells.
Calls up Liadan and Rhun and then Telamro.
Telamro doesn’t come back.
Eventually five guards come down past midday -…they didn’t bring us lunch. And they unlock the cells. “The constable requires your presence – bring your things.”
Trial
Upstairs in a hearing chamber – Five guards escort us in. Vosa, Renalda, Telamro, and a number of others are here. A woman with a gold breastplate and crossbow across her back – Honorable justice Nalia Li (church of Abadar) “I have seen to gathering the facts of this investigation. I have heard testimony of people from the boarding house. Also Renalda Kun has also given testimony to the aggressive nature of the deceased. Vosa Goldenrod has given character witness. We have determined that you have acted not only in self-defense but also in defense of this Khun clansman here – as has Telamro, and I am dismissing this case forthwith. HOWEVER, there is the unethical behavior: you have scavanged the corpses of your enemies,”
Rhun “Thank you for your judgement” – we return all the takings from the dead.
Rem’e “I would like to settle this debt.” He steps forward and presents a writ of credit (which just happens to be underwritten by the church of Abadar).
Rem’e knowledge local on Nalia Li — knows that she’s been here a while. She lives here. She’s the chief priest of temple in town (human).
The others walk off (Vosa, Renalda, and Telamro walk off together)
When we return to the pipe and pint, but the bartender stops us: “We don’t rent to criminals”.
Rhun puts down 4 GP and says thank you, “we were completely exonerated” — Rem’e backs Rhun up. Makes a bit of impression.
We decide to go visit Kiff. Listening as we go … no one pays us any mind.
We enter Kiff’s establishement, and he is there.
Kiff: “Ahhh! Ariza! Back from incarceration I see.”
Liadan: “Justice prevailed.”
“Ah yes, Justice. How can I help you this fine day?”
Ariza: “We’re here for two reasons.”
“If only it were three.”
“We’re checking in on that research project”
“I have dispatched capable people but it could take quite a while to determine what that powder is. I’ve dispatched others to the mine to investigate, but could be a while.”
“We were to be leaving today, but we missed our departure time. …Wondering if there is any help we can give you or pick up some work. We have to find a place to say too.”
“Can’t help at the moment – you do stand out in a crowd, and you might be a bit warm right now. I’m always on the up and up, of course. As it happens, the caravan has not left yet – they are waiting on a ranger who has not yet arrived. If I find anything I will let you know. “
Liadan leads in the agreement that we should leave town for a while.
Kiff: “Seek out Tudyk Worsh leader of the caravan – trademaster – speak with him. I suggest you not approach the advisor – he’s rather class minded and may be annoyed. Tell Tudyk I sent you – he’s a colleague of mine and good to me.”
Ariza: let’s sell off some of our trinkets
Rhun asks to see the war wolves mask again – Kiff dissapears and comes back with a “booo!” wearing it. Rhun doesn’t buy it.
We look for the taskmaster
Rem’e asks about a place to stay. We are pointed to the “Sandy Landing” (near docs) or the “Portly Fishwife” – slightly nicer area of town.
Ariza suggests not skulking around docks – we head to the Portly Fishwife. Almost across the streets from Fitgerand’s Reagents. The Portly Fishwife is bustling.
We clean up; rooms are ok, not that nice, but ok. Food is simple but filling. Good crowd in the bar.
We then head out to find the wagon caravan. Warsh is staying in the Pipe and Pint. There are couple of guards watching the caravan. They attempt to shoo us off.
Ariza approaches guards “ we were looking for Warsh but we got held up”
Guards: “Ohh! I know who you are! Ha! The murderers – that’s awesome!”
Ariza: “Exonerated, murderers”
“Yeah! Exonerated … Ha! If you want to talk to Warsh, get here at sunup. He knows his way really well, we doubt he’s going to wait for that ranger.”
There’s just a few wagons. Basilisk’s Bluff is a settlement, perhaps a collection of 10 or so buildings.
Rem’e asks the guards – “Is there anything that can be done to make the journey less comfortable for the advisor.”
Guard: “You know, I wouldn’t mind pissing in his wine, but he’s already a miserable SOB, and I don’t want to be on his wagon – Don’t want to do anything to make him worse.”
We’re making friends with janitors and rubes, as it were. They don’t really get it.
Guards: “Just don’t murder us. Haahahahah!” They are very amused.
Morning
We show up early. Preparations are underway. Some guards already there. These are hoop type wagons.
A number of guards have red shirts – mercenary band called the Blood Brothers. Reports of their abilities are mixed. They’re all fairly young, fairly fit. 100 on a field vs hobgoblins, you’re taking your chances … but they’re ok – some are pretty good; many of them think of themselves as awesome. (But in reality, they’re mixed)
There are 4 guards, 2 drivers, 2 horses each, 2 wagons. There are some other passengers
Masr. Wu – is off to the side. He’s not giving us the time of day.
Ariza approaches Warsh. She waits to speak with him.
Yes?
We want to get out of town. (And Kiff suggested that we talk with you, and that our services might be of use.)
“We leave wthin the hour – if you want to ride, there’s a cost. If you want to walk and earn your keep, you can come along. The recommendation is noted.”
Liadan: “I’m no substitute to a ranger, but perhaps I can help”
I know my way pretty well, but if I second guess myself I will keep it in mind.
Rem’e: “Anything specific we can help with”
Nope – just stay out of the way and be ready to roll. Just be ready to go.
At the last minute, two more red shirts show up and hang out with the three other passengers.
On the front wagon is a man with a large potbelly, large and muscled – he carries himself well.
Wu is travelling alone in the second wagon.
Ariza checks the three other passengers: sturdy looking humans, probably prospectors.
With a groan, the gates to the wild open up, and we head out on a trodden path, almost a dirt road.
Ariza: is this ranger a regular, or was this unusual?
“Heh. Hemanil? She does whatever the heck she wants. But she’s great – hardly a better elf out here on the plains. Brave enough and crazy enough tto help some of the farmers out here”
First day: quiet. Two rutted tracks through the grasses. Plains…some trees. Pass a couple of farms. Pretty easy going. Farmers are crusty and tough, being out here and beyond. No issues, nothing marauding. Heading more due North than our last venture out.
We end our first day of travel at one farm in particuar – a nice little walled compound, little courtyard with a farm. Older man with two grown sons and one grown daughter – all tough, used to hard work and could probably weidl a cudgel just fine. There are sixteen travelers … Warsh stables the horses; can be put up in the barn. Nice big campfire outside.
Prospectors have hired some of the blood brothers. Otherwise evening is quiet.
Second day. Travel
Warsh calls a halt – he heads up. There’s is blood in the grass. A large animal was killed here. Ariza senses it was perhaps a bison. Liadan notices a rather large paw print in some fo the softer dirt.
Warsh folds his arms nervously, “woofh. Looks like a dire tiger or sabertooth. WIsh Havanil was here now. Not in our interest to be here”
Guy with potbelly is off wagon (his name “Osho”). He and Warsh confer, pointing in various directions.
We can see what direction thing was dragged off.
Wu is annoyed at the stop. Warsh says it would be smartest to do the detour.
Wu “why the delay? it’s just an animal”
Warsh “an animal that can eat our animals. It would be a long walk to Basilisk Bluff”
So we head towards the detour. No more farms, away from civilization – more in the directon of the Redwood (can’t see them, but that general direction)
Second night, we make camp. Fire for cooking that’s it.
Third day. Travel
Hills get a little more rugged. Expect to get ot BB by the end of the day.
Going through a couple of higher hills, we hear a battle roar up ahead on either side of the hills. Four Ogres come over the hills – two on each side.
BATTLE:
Rem’e uses focused aim and shoots – 9 pts of dmg; report of his pistol echos off into the horizon…horses panic a little, but don’t pull away; Rem’e rapid reloads an alchemical flare. Splash of blood comes out orgre’s shoulder where bullet tore through
Liaden lays in a MM which sears into him. (6 dmg)
Ariza produces flame and throws fire at him (pyro-gnome skill). Ogre slows down a bit but it keeps coming (8 dmg)
Ogre swings with his long arm at Rem’e – smashing soundly. Rem’e doing a gunslinger dodge – trying to jump backwards under the wagon, Ogre misses! He slips under the wagon dodging at the last minute.
Mercenaries fight other beasties in the background – we’re focused on the current Ogre
Rhun shoots his crossbow and misses
Rem’e shoots through the wagon wheel – grazes him, but flare cartridge goes off in Ogre’s face and he’s blinded – it puts his arm up and curses (we assume) in some Ogre language
Liadan puts on mage armor
Ariza moves to the blinded ogre and attacks the blinded Ogre with rapier
Ogres swings and misses Ariza (other Ogres fight)
Mercenaries fight other beasties around us again.
Rhun slices with Scimitar and misses (strikes his club)
Rem’e shoots again and hits! Another ball of lead into his chest cavity – thing just groans and falls on his face.
Liadan turns and MM against the Ogre on other side of our front wagon. (6 dmg – max!)
Ariza hops to the other side of the wagon
Osho goes down to Ogre on other side of wagon. Wu is doing ok against one by his wagon, and Warsh on the other side also.
Rhun runs around to other side of wagon alongside Ariza
Rem’e uses focused aim and shoots. Bullet goes in, and he doesn’t like it at all. Rem’e rapid reloads.
Liadan does a force missile and harms him, then goes to calm the horses in front of wagon
Ariza throws one dagger and misses, but hits with second throw
Ogre hits one of the horses – and horses bolt – Liadan dives out of the way. Rem’e is under the wagon – back wagon wheel is coming right at him and he rolls out from under the wagon. Driver who was hiding in the wagon, jumps out and tries to regain control of the horses.
Rhun uses flaming hands – burns him; his clothes burn and club smoulders
Rem’e fires at him. Hits with a grazing blow.
Liadan casts another force missile and drops him.
We check around – Ogres are all dead; Osho is down. Rhun lays hands on him, and he wakes, groans, but is certainly alive (9pts of healing)
The drive calms the horses and brings them back around.
Two of the blood brothers are dead – one missing his head.
Rem’e asks Warsh how his men are doing. “One of my hirelings is down – you saved Osho, he’s my man and I’m glad for it. All things considered, I’m greateful that you are present.”
Rhun calls “are any hurt? Gather round and feel the light of Sarenrae” — they do, including Wu – provide a bit of healing, even to the injured horse.
Rem’e checks out the ogres – searches the two we destroyed. They each have a little back of personal goods – find a handful of gems and more than handful of gold coins (93 gold, 7 turquois pieces (10gp each), 4 rose-colored onyx about 50gp apiece; Tudyk comes over and says – you earned it in payment for your help and saving my man.
Tudyk: would you like to investigate where they came from? We find a camp – in a bag there is a masterwork chain shirt, human size; also a masterwork scimitar – some of the scrollwork on the hilt is elvish; a fur cloak at one point fine, 30gp – another bag inside the the carry bag. Ariza is checking out the lumpy little bag inside the the bag.
We open the bag – out spill 4 heads; all trophies – some attempt at curing the heads – but they smell awful. All elves.
We call Warsh over – he wrinkles his nose at the heads. Doesn’t recognize any of them. “Go bury them… uck”. We offer him the chain shirt – he accepts, “the original owners aren’t going to use it”
We spend some time burying the remaining blood brothers; words are said. We have to camp one more night. No troubles. Wake up the next day all set.
BASILISK BLUFF
We make it to Basilisk Bluff the next day. Up on a hill – there is a three story building with a commanding view of the area around with a wall around it — kind of an adobe. There are about a dozen building around the walls. Kind of a fired brick. There is a gate. We catch the smell of bricks being made. There are some gardens to suppliment the town.
This is an outpost – there’s a small detachment of soldeiers here. Some farmers live under the protection of the bluff. This is where they’d come and hole up. There is an inn.
Arriving at the inn – the walls are 9 feet high – sound of swords clashing from within (soldiers practiciing) – gates were open (it’s day). Someone gave notice that we were approaching. Waiting at the gate there is amnd wearing leather aremour – god armour, he’s tall and strong – waves to Warsh, warsh waves back – they shake hadns m big hug
“This is Sir Cronen Chin” – also Dessa Chin (obviously not nobility – but his wife).
Tuxel approaches – Cronen welcomes him.
Rhun sense motive – can tell that Tuxel accpets the welcome but actively disrepects Dessa (f’ing commoner). Cronen is trying to be nice. He seems warm, welcoming and sincere.
Cronen “where’s Heminile?”
Wu “that ragtag piece of … nevershowed up”
Cronen and Walsh give a look (“that’s kind of serious”)
Cronen – why not come to the inn. Tuxel walks off to another building kurtly.
Walsh “Let me introduce Rem’e and his band of cohorts. We were waylaid by ogres on the way here, and withtout their help we might have had a harder time”
Cronen – “Glad you came” banter; Dessa begins helping with the unloading, directing – has it down to a T
The town not too big, but wooden walkway up behind wall. On top of main building is a manned lookout.
Rem’e “Can we get rooms for the night?”
Of course! Rooms for everyone naturally – at a fair price. I assume you’re here to find gold. Ther’s a barracka s and a stable – and an inn and pub.”
Rhun – thanks to Dessa; Rem’e “my priest friend here is a good healer and I’m sure would be able to thelp if you have any ill or wounded” (You’re my priest bitch now…)
Thank you but we have a priest here of Old Deadeye (Erastil) — he’s at his shrine in town.
The blood brothers go into the inn with the prospectors. Horses being unhitched etc.
Rem’e how long to stay in town?
Warsh “couple of days, will have to get back to Amber after to collect my due. Be here for alittle bit” He’s busy.
Hear a high voice “Haha! yOU’re here at last!” Under a pink mowhawk – outlandishly dressed male gnome comes right up to us. “Welcome welcome — Ariza right? I’m Habistaw the Devine – I’ve been wiating for you. And Liado? “ “Liadan” “Oh Liadan, of course!” He names us all.
Ariza gives him a big hug. (Pats him down a bit.)
He says “Do you want to get married? Just kidding! Come get a room – I’m a diviner you know – I have a crystal ball. Come and get settled!”
He seems excitable but sincere. Others don’t react much to him, so he seems like a local fixture.
