Returning Nobles and Lost Children Report

General Summary

A rude awakening

  Shades of Blue set up camp again in Tal'Higek and got some much needed rest after saving Eikellan Von Cuthburt and exploring Mol'Higek. There was nothing of note through the night as the party awoke to a beautiful late summer scene in the rolling highland hills of Galeaha. A fine mist covered the countryside and animals were beginning to make their way comfortably past the group at a distance. Kico and Neoon noted some deer that were rooting about in the early morning hours, then heard strange tinkering noises from an incredibly preoccupied Randuraas Thombo. After a moment, Randuraas exclaimed "I think this should do it!", clicked something into place, and extended his arm pointing a strange tube-like device into the distance. With a slight click, a massive explosion erupted, echoing through the countryside and sending the wildlife scattering. The others awoke screaming at the sound, and Randuraas's excitement, proclaiming "I've done it! I have completed my Banshee!", showing his newly minted pistol to the group.   After a change of pants and a bit of breakfast, the group spoke with Eikellan about his plans to return home. He said that he and his attendant were making their way for the port town of Fenburn. He described it as a poor town but one of the most reliable ports in Wilthon Bay, and the quickest route back to Wallsard. The party collected their belongings and made their way south.  

The scent of wet dog

  While travelling across the hills, looking for any travelled road to connect to, Neoon observed a well perched atop a hill. The party approached cautiously, eager to refill their water at a fresh source. The smell of wet dog lingered in the air and Neoon noted the trampled grass and worn dirt ring around the well; it was definitely still in use. She monitored the surrounding area and noted a few gnoll scouts on the hills north of them. The party took notice as the gnolls, aware they were being watched, fled north over more hills, putting considerable distance between them and the party. Deciding it was safe, Neoon took Kico into the well to investigate a small tunnel she saw partway down on the side.   Inside the tunnel, they discovered a small satchel of gems as well as a shield caked with mud. Deciding it was good fortune for them, they hauled the goods up and shared them with the party. Randuraas studied the shield and identified it as a Sentinel Shield, which was given to Kico.      

Blood on the trail

  Finally finding a road to make travel a bit easier, the party continued south. The road twisted between the hills, the grooves in the road a sign of obvious wagon traffic to the surrounding farmlands and wilds, and potentially towns further to the north. However, they happened upon an overturned cart alongside the road. The area showed signs of a struggle. A blood trail led slightly away to the body of a man, cold and lifeless, his cause of death unknown to Randuraas who investigated. Blue, Neoon, and Kico followed a series of tracks that Neoon discovered. There were multiple sets of medium humanoid footprints and one larger set pursuing them. Further into the brush, they found the body of a woman, dead with one arm outstretched toward the footprints. A bit further on the trail, and they discovered a torn piece of light blue cloth, likely from an apron or dress. The tracks reconnected with the trail, and the party gave chase.     They came to a footbridge across a creek, and spotted a bandit camp off the trail. The party charged into the fray and dispatched the villains, Anduro executing the last one as he fled from the camp. Blue managed to tackle and capture the leader, a very large half-orc that fought viciously. Inside his tent, Neoon discovered a young girl, around 10 years old, bound and terrified, with a torn light blue apron. Neoon and Anduro tried to comfort her, but had to break the news that her parents did not survive the attack. Kico, oblivious to the ways of the common folk of Cyorion and caught listening to the interrogation of the half-orc and observing the child, was accosted by the group for her comments.  

You can sell children?

— Kico

 

Another amphibious creature

  After the half-orc was captured, Magnus quickly went to a tree he spotted behind the leader's tent. Bound to the tree was a frog-like humanoid. He had been tied up and beaten bloody, his eyes and face swollen, cuts and blood oozing from various parts of his body. He collapsed outside the tent and asked for water. Blue tossed a water skin and the creature grabbed it out of the air without raising his head. He drank deep and cleaned the blood from his face and eyes as the party interrogated the half-orc. They discovered that the leader had planned to sell the captured girl into slavery, claiming he knew people in Fenburn willing to move the commodity. When asked about the frog creature, he claimed that it had cut down five of his men before they captured it, and they hadn't decided what to do yet aside from beating it nearly to death.     When the party was satisfied with their line of questioning, the frog creature asked if he would be permitted to satisfy his honor. With the party's permission, he entered the bandit leader's tent, and returned with two swords that fit the empty scabbards on his back. He dragged the bandit leader to the center of the camp, tossed a sword to his feet, and walked 30 feet away, turned, and faced him.  

You have dishonored me, and for that we will face each other in honorable combat to determine our fates.

— Jakuul

  The half-orc laughed at the insult of this creature not only killing his men, but providing him a weapon to finish the job he his men had started. He roared as he charged with the weapon held high. Jakuul's eyes tightened, his muscles tensed, and he cut through the man in a flash. From the journal of Anduro Taeri:     The creature introduced himself as Jakuul, and spoke to Magnus. He claimed that Magnus had saved his life, and he owed him a life-debt, vowing to watch his back until Magnus was satisfied. Magnus agreed, and Jakuul continued with the party.   Eikellan was brought to the camp by Randuraas after everything had been deemed safe and was told of the plight of the child, who introduced herself as Guinevere, or Gwen. He was taken aback and offered to bring her into his family's service, that she would be educated and well fed, and would learn to earn her keep in a noble household as a member of the staff. The conversation seemed to upset Guinevere, and they decided it would be best for another time.  

Hot baths and stinky pubs

Continuing south, the party came upon the town of Fenburn in the evening. They moved about town to find the only tavern, The Crying Devil and the Quarterstaff. Kico, nearly forgetting that she was in her true form and that people were not used to Fairy folk, ducked into an alley and quickly changed form into a Gnome.       The establishment's primary level had a putrid odor lingering, and boasted a single large room with a bar and plenty of tables. It did, however, have a wonderful view of the harbor. A jovial halfling introduced himself as Wellby Warmwater, the proprietor of the establishment, and was immediately enthralled by Kico's beauty. The party quickly negotiated to rent all seven rooms available, and Hinto Honiahaka Otaktay Qaletaqa tossed 10 gold pieces on the bar. Taken aback, Wellby stammered for a moment, and provided room keys as well as calling for assistance to provide whatever food and drink the party required be brought up to their rooms.   Jakuul downed a drink, had a snack, and offered to room with Magnus. Eikellan took a key and retired to a room himself. Magnus and Anduro enjoyed a meal and quite a few drinks before heading up to turn in for the evening. Kico retired to her own room, eager to get away from the overbearing bartender. Neoon got access to a hot bath and took Gwen to have her cleaned from the road. Blue escorted Neoon, stood watch in the private bath access hall from the suites. A half-elf employee named Naal took Gwen's dirty clothes to be cleaned, provided a nightgown for the evening, and escorted the ladies to their accommodations after their bath, gingerly stepping over a passed out Blue in the hallway.