GoS Session 17: Voices from beyond the Veil Report

General Summary

Thunderday 28th Lowsun 619PR Last time we left our heroes they had successfully hunted down the Skinner Murderer. Feeling battered and bruised the party decided it was best to rest up, they now had possession of the Skinner's diary. Both William and Shiloh returned to Adara's tower, while Theseus headed to the Sisters of Ntegi's Convent. On his journey through the winding streets of Freetown, Theseus became aware of the two figures trailing him. Sensing that his pursuers were up to no good, Theseus made a bold choice. He turned, held his wand of wonder in the air and bellowed, for them to flee. Theseus was as surprised as his assailants as a bolt of lightning exploded from the wand, arcing through the air. His would-be muggers turned on their heels and ran, allowing Theseus to reach the safety of the convent. Awaking from his rest, Theseus inquired after the name they had saved from the Skinner; Johnas Fledge. He found Fledge arguing with the Sisters of Ntegi, attempting to leave the convent and return to his life. Theseus revealed why he was concerned; the man had been bitten by a Ghast; such a wound may cause him to transform into a monster. Johnas became very compliant as this was revealed to him. Calling forth the power of Katora, Theseus reexamined the wound discovered no trace of disease. Meanwhile across town, Shiloh and William arrived at Adara's tower, where they found a note pinned to the door. It was from Eliander Fireborn, and asked for the group to return to Saltmarsh. Before sleeping, William had deposited the body of the Skinner and his victims in Adara's antimagic chamber. Now he was awake, William read over the Skinners diary and then ventured into Adara's library. During his research, he identified that the Skinner might be a warlock, or at least have some powerful patron. With William distracted, Shiloh took the opportunity to scout around Adara's tower; They stole a particularly interesting crystal decanter filled with brandy.

After Theseus arrived at Adara's, the trio decided to reach beyond the vale and speak with the spirit of the Skinner. William created the illusion that they were still in the Skinner's hideout and then disguised Theseus as a female Triton to prevent the Skinner from recognising them. As Theseus cast his spell, the room chilled, a thin layer of frost appeared on the corpse of the Skinner. His head turned to face Theseus, and in a hollow voice, he answered the Triton's questions. "I am currently in the realm of my King." "I don't know any of the others." When asked for the name of his Patron, the Skinner started to answer, but a strange blue energy spread over the Skinner and Theseus lost his spell. Shiloh noticed that it looked as though William was casting a shadow of a hooded figure, more terrifying were the shadows reaching out to touch the trio. Sensing that the other two hadn't noticed their assailants, Shiloh rushed out of the room, hoping that the antimagic field would destroy the shadows. Alas, this plan did not work, and Shiloh reentered the fray. The battle quick, but dangerous. The Shadows touch drained strength, and William almost succumbed to this drain. Still, a quick-thinking Theseus managed to dispatch the creatures with several well-timed shatter spells. As the shadows dissipated, Shiloh checked their shadows, but couldn't see the hooded shadow. The group decided that is might be best to inform Leutenant Aegis and Brother Brice. Shiloh found Aegis, and brought him to the tower, describing to the officer the events of the last few days. Theseus met with Brother Brice, explaining about the strange experience with the failed speak with dead spell. Brice agreed to accompany Theseus but asked if the Triton would be happy to wait until he completed a small task. Theseus agreed, taking the opportunity to pray, he was disturbed a little later by Brother Brice. He wore half plate and had a large mace affixed to his side. In the tower, they reviewed the evidence, with Brother Brice reading over the Skinner's diary and examining the corpse. The priest was able to confirm the parties findings, suggesting that they shouldn't attempt to contact the Skinner again. Brice would take the body and ensure that it would remain undisturbed. Aegis would sketch the Skinner, and find out if anyone knew who he was. Brice promised to keep in contact and inform the party if he discovered anything further.

Rewards Granted

Inspiration

William; discovering the Skinner's intentions.
Shiloh; discussing the strange appearance of 'Williams' Shadow.
Theseus; evading the stalkers in Freetown while heading to the Convent of Ntegi.

Treasure
Shiloh

Crystal Decanter (50gps)
Brandy (25gps)

Missions/Quests Completed

The Skinner Murders: the heroes have now stopped the Skinner, however reading his diary has lead them to believe that the danger is not over yet. The Skinner refers to there being several other worshipers of his 'King'.

Campaign

Ghosts of Saltmarsh

Protagonists