The Forgotten City XX

General Summary

Slavers. Why did it have to be slavers?   The Company decided to attempt to try to purchase as many slaves as possible from the Yafwadi village – despite their rather violent encounter earlier. Kegho, Teho, Tele, Alex, Riven and Khufu present themselves as a party of buyers at the village, at sunset.   Khufu translates the negotiations with a white robed Yafwadi. Once the party reveals they have Golden Lotus, the Yafwadi take immediate interest and agitation. Theo clams the situation with Soothing Word, and the party is admitted to the village. While passing through the gate, the party notices strange sigils on the gate itself – also symbols seen previously in the Cave Sugar excavations.   Despite these ominous signs, the party moves inward, through the fighting pit area, where they see a chained ogre. A larger, more intact Yafwadi swaggers out of the cave mouth adorned in mirror plate and a long sword – he announces himself as Sarus and demands what the party’s business is here.   When the party tells of its intentions to buy slaves, Sarus claims that Harun would be displeased, as he has a claim to either slaves or proceeds of their eventual sale in larger markets. AN offer of Golden Lotus interests Sarus – but primarily in how the party has such a large amount and where they procured it. Also, Sarus wonders why the party is here, and not “expendables” instead.   Theo proclaims that the normal methods no longer work, as it is too dangerous, and that their Eknoi buyers insist on expeditious service. The mention of Eknopolis leads to Sarus quizzing the party on their contacts in the city. When the Basicos and Kerularios families are mentioned, Sarus tells of the Master having significant contacts with the Kerulaios. With Sarus describing the loss of their underground brethren (smoothly covered by Alex, as having been only witnessed in the aftermath, rather than any involvement) the party learns that there may be deeper things going on across the Eknoi realm.   Sarus informs the party that only the ogre is for sales out of the current “crop” – as the others are needed for a ritual sacrifice (Ascension). The party exchanges the on-hand Golden Lotus for the ogre, and lead him away, after being Soothed by the words of the Mother of Mercy.   Back at the campsite, Kegho generously gives the ogre a massive meal, and hands him his own chain. Once the ogre understands he is being freed, he points to the North, and lopes off. Riven pointedly mentions that the party IS going back to rescue the sacrificial slaves, WHO BY THE WAY MOST LIKELY INCLUDE HERK. Greeted with indignant “Of course, why wouldn’t we?” answers (some hiding the shameful hesitancy of certain clerical members) the party sets off.   At the gate, Khufu issues a regal COMMAND “come” to one of the two sentries at the gate. The other guard follows, in curiosity. Both are surprised, and dispatched without giving alarm by a flurry of Alex’s stabs from the dark, Riven’s bowshots, Theo’s mace blows, and Teleptyon’s staff swangin'. The party now stands at the gate….WITHER THE COMPAGNIE?