Volume 3, Chapter X - Jed's Journal - Meetings & Departures
General Summary
The others told me about what happened on the cliffs. After Arpeggio plunged over, Gamble was struck by a vision of Umberlee. After accepting the demigoddesses offer of servitude, Gambles blades ignited with green flame.
A strange rage rippled through Karnak. The others were still in shock over Gio’s vanishing. It was probably this shock that led to Karnak strumming the abandoned lute and taking a psychic impact to the head.
Lavanel realised that they were on the West Coast of Ebrion. They were near the town of Weslannin. As the others discussed heading to a drink and a bed, Rhobur contemplated the ring that had been cast out by the Heart of the Storm, bonding to it as they walked.
In Weslannin the party found the dodgy Fisher King pub. The women collapsed into bed, while Rhobur slept outside in the rain. I met them there in the morning, after a very dissatisfying night with a very unprofessional professional. While we were catching up, a large man Zarkon Pelk accosted Karnak, which led to a somewhat aggressive response. It was carnage. Karnak had Pelk on the floor, savaging him with the great white Rho-bear. Gamble sprayed green fire over two of Pelk’s thugs and beheaded another when he tried to flee. We devastated the thugs and the bar, killing Pelk and his final thug on the door step of the pub.
We left the pub to escape the eyes of the crowds. We brought Shin, the divination wizard who had assisted us within the brawl. He turned out to be from Mitzu and known to the High Magus of Dolon. Gamble began to talk of travelling to Mitzu, trying to persuade us that it would be easier to continue our quest in a smaller land; It would be easy to discover the things we sought. As we found a seafront pub, Rhobur plunged into the polluted water to clean off. We met a purple tiefling called Frullo, a sailor of The Umberlee's Howl. Gamble recognised him as a former shipmate, one who had left her in the prison. His ship was heading to Mitzu and he invited us to join him.
Aboard the Umberlee’s Howl we met Jack Filletter, a half elf, Captain Odessa Zaine - a dark skinned, dark haired human and Stryx, a green dragonborn with a talent for singing. A half orc called Dorat was apparently a new member of the crew. After reconnecting with her friends, the sails unfurl and Captain Zane commanded us to set a course. As the crew began to sing, we folded to social pressures and joined in. After the song was done, a voice continued the song from below, singing verses that Gamble didn’t recognise. She went below to speak to a strange gnome who was singing, named Corrick Nugg. He was a bit rum-crazed, but seemed to have some knowledge of Captain Thorne. Shin attempted to read his mind, but it was largely addled by lack of rum. Corrick had been marooned on a tiny island, apparently by Captain Thorne.
That evening aboard ship we ‘enjoyed’ hard tack and grog. Rhobur attempted an intimate assignation with Stryx, but lost his coin purse - his Faerie Dragon stole hers in return. The next morning, we awoke at a hideous hour to Captain Zane’s command. While most of the party engaged in various forms of manual labour I set about killing the bugs that seemed to infest the ship. They grew more aggressive, then suddenly swarmed over us. We had barely begun destroying the clumps of smaller bugs when suddenly two giant bugs appeared and sprayed me with acid. I vanished into the ring, forced to watch helplessly as the rest of the party fought off the hideous beasts.
Fortunately, it was discovered that my greater attunement to the Ring of Obfuscation allowed a lesser restoration to extricate myself. Lavanel cast the spell that affected my escape. It seemed like we had only a short while to recover before a storm began tossing the ship about. All of us worked hard to help the ship survive, with Karnak’s great strength keeping us secured while Gamble worked amongst the rigging. We passed through the raging weather and Lavanel could see Mitzu from the top of the mast.
Gamble continued to interrogate Corrick. With the assistance of Shin she was able to extract the location of Thorne's Island. Following this, she sparred with Jack, the swashbuckler who gave her training. Meanwhile Rhobur and I hatched a plan for his revenge on Stryx. We poured a laxative of his manufacture into an unlabelled Hony potion (which was of disguise) and deceived the horrendous woman into stealing it. Stryx stole it, drank it and got the squits.
The beautiful sights of the city of Szhen-Dgou surrounded us. The gorgeous imperial palace soared above us, but the docks were a riot of noise, dirt and grime. We met a halfling guide called Ro-Tun who tried to rob us but seemed to have helpful knowledge of the city and its ways. The city is divided into many levels, into which access is only permitted by demonstrating certain levels of achievement. After speaking to the local guards (Kalobi, named after some sort of beetle) we learnt that access to the second level was achieved by one of the party demonstrating the capacity to read the strange Mitzu script. We planned to pass beyond the second level (the Opoli), but the office of testing was already closed. We followed Ro-Tun to an inn he was aware of. The inn was hideously expensive, but the steam bath was very pleasant and the food not too bad. We resolved to go shopping for potions the following day.
The shared room was simple, but not uncomfortable. However, in the morning we found a mysterious bag and a silver spider sitting next to the sack. The Shinobi, under an organisation called the School of the Spider of Mitzu had left us a message, offering information in return for magic items. We resolved to offer them something and took ourselves to the potion shop. After the very pleasant apprentice sold us some good potions, we visited a relative of Hony’s and bought many excellent things. Karnak has a book that flaps around and farts (my present) and I have a quill that engraves on anything.
We went back to the tearoom prior to sleeping, to discuss our plans. Shin visited Hony’s Trinketorium and sought out magical books. He found a book, written in draconic by Umm Jy’feekha’ha Al-Mudhai, a journal that contained coded elements. Then, Lavanel had an idea. Personally, I thought it was more than absurd. She decided to use Karnak’s strength and skill to bounce arrows into a loop, a burning hoop created by Shin’s firebolts, through which Apollo would jump. Apparently, it was the cat’s idea. Beyond possibility it seemed, but amazingly all involved pulled it off while Rhobur and I ate kelp chips and watched. This drew the attention of a local high Lord, Matsu Tomio, an Isika of the Olippini. He seemed interested in our adventures, Rhobur was unusually charming, and he said he come to view our performance the following day. As we turned in, Shin sent Hiroto to watch over the room while Gamble left the shutters open. The bag with our offering to the Spider vanished magically - nothing was seen. In the morning, Lavanel and I went shopping for ammunition. We met an extremely rude dwarf, who vastly overcharged Lavanel for ammunition. I suggested that he not try the same and took a decent number of quarrels for my handbows. After that we met with the rest of the party and headed to the hut where we were to be tested for entry to Shexu. The little old woman we had met before led us to a courtyard. For a moment it seemed like the trick would be impossible, as we didn't think the courtyard would provide enough angles for the arrows to ricochet and provide the loop. However, the party improvised. Shin located a gong, which Gamble held to provide another point of rebound. With Rhobur and I in the front row, the act went off with only minor injuries to Gamble, which was hilarious. The party was awarded a transit icon and we progressed to Shexu. We wandered through well-dressed dragon born and humans, admiring the stone and plaster architecture. It was quieter, more civilised, and I enjoyed the air of higher culture. We continued up the stairs to the gate to the next level. The guards here were larger, obviously better warriors. They informed us (arrogantly) that the only way to ride further was to fight in the Colosseum. Karnak, Gamble and I enthusiastically agreed. We went shopping in the craftsmens district, where Rhobur found an elven woman who could shape his chitin into a shield and armour, while I found a master swordsmith selling incredible blades that caught my interest. Sadly, they were far too expensive, so I resolved to raise more money. We headed to the Colosseum. I decided to place an enormous bet on our party winning and did so with a shaggy haired halfling. Shin went to another bookie, placing a wager simply that we'd pass the test. Rhobur went to a third and bet that Gamble would get the first knockout. Gamble, Karnak and I entered the arena to much fanfare, and frankly it was a slaughter. A dwarven barbarian, a Dragonborn rogue and an Elven spell caster entered the arena. The beserker came at us first, and we combined to crush them. We reset to our former positions on either side of the arena. When combat recommenced ran forward, peppering the elven spellcaster with bolts and javelins, one of which dropped her before she could even move. We then gathered around the Dragonborn and hammered her into the ground. The judges have us ⅔ and we had won access. Then we discovered the halfling had fled with my money.
Lavanel put Apollo to the scent of the fleeing bookie (whom a Bookies' Guild enforcer called Tsahi Ha). We followed Tsahi’s trail through the fish district, which initially confused the big cat, but we found the scent again and continued the pursuit. We came to a poor shanty town, built over the foulest water in the harbour. A group of old men responded to my politish enquiries and pointed us to a particularly noisome hovel. As I was starting to stride towards the door, the decking gave way beneath Rhobur and Apollo. Fishing them out took valuable time, required a great deal of effort and rope, and was thoroughly trying. Shin used his owl to spy on the hovel from above, while Gamble watched from below the decks. My firm knock knocked down the door, where a little old lady was briefly terrified. We found Tsahi hiding in a cupboard, where he confessed that he had only 500 gold pieces. I very, very much wanted to kill him, but then I would have no chance of making the money back. Instead, I was offered a lifetime of servitude, which I accepted as selling him into slavery wouldn’t have made the money back either. He will now spy for me on the doings of the arena, offering me information and future services. I sense many opportunities now, but at the time I was still thoroughly enraged - I was still out 1500 pieces and I had to leave some money so my liegeman wouldn’t starve. I immediately went to a nearby brothel and slammed the door. I later heard the rest of the party proceed up to the fourth level. It was heavily militarised, with no shops, only exercising warriors. Apparently the next level was an intellectual challenge, some sort of board game played with real warriors. A somewhat odious bureaucrat informed them of the challenge - but the real fun was Lavanel treating a local lord like a stripper. The Isika of Karta, a large if aged half orc (Shizu Kune) seemed to be taking great offence, but thankfully Karnak charmed him with her feminine wiles. It would have ended there, but Rhobur was feeling frisky, and when Shinzu Kune called for another challenger he faced him as a bear. An oily bear. Rhobur won. Shizu Kune was obviously impressed, though he didn’t consider himself defeated, and he swore great respect to Rhobur. Rhobur rejoined Lavanel and Friends at the Lonely Star Inn, where we recounted our various discoveries. We drank hard tea (squiffy), had an expensive meal then went to bed. Rhobur and I had a rough night, but apparently one of the mysterious shinobi came to our room, bringing a message; an attempt would be made on the Emperor’s life the next night by the Obliviati. Careful questioning led to clues from the Shinobi of the School of the Spider, who said the Emperor would be meeting with the Isika in council, then leaving for the palace. The (female) ninja then vanished in puff of smoke. Rhobur, who had been awakened, took the opportunity to pee in the tea kettle, woke me briefly, then told me it was water. I drank it. In the morning, I was first to wake up. I really needed to pee, so did so in the empty tea kettle. I then told Rhobur it was water, who proceeded to drink it. We both vomited out the window. We only had a short time to get to the arena to play Shogitsu, so we ran (painfully, in mine and Rhobur’s case, due to truly horrible hangovers) and made it to the gaming area on time. The same bureaucrat as before informed us that we would wear magic helms, taking on the role of chess characters. We would possess each piece as we play. Lavanel and Friends manifested in the arena, surrounded by the cheering crowds. Shin managed to cheat an attack with his lightning that burned out half their back row but was terrified by the aura of their threatening Queen piece. The judges didn’t notice, but everyone noticed as we began carving up the rest of the board. Karnak provided a wall of terrifying pawns, while my bishop provided deadly fire across long range. Though half of me was knocked out, we were victorious and won the medallion for access to the next level. Before we all removed the helmets, Gamble swept her eyes across the stands and saw the Isika Tomio who Rhobur and Lavanel had befriended. Gamble, Karnak and I headed up the stairs towards the upper levels to find out how to access the final entrance. It was an enormous waste of time as access could only be affirmed by the Isika. But Shin, Rhobur and Lavanel were able to catch up to the Isika. Shin delved his mind as they spoke to him about the upcoming assassination, but he appeared innocent. While he was largely dismissive of the threat, he nevertheless offered his permission for access to the highest levels. It was late afternoon by the time we won access to the summit of Mitzu society. The upper level was like a well-groomed rural village, apart from the huge white facade of the palace. It was a marvellous sight in the late afternoon sun, worked in blue lapis, white plaster and gold leaf. Beautiful scenes swept across it, picked out with utmost skill. It was breathtaking. Doors swung open and we were permitted to enter the palace itself. We were met by a short half eleven man, the Arakon, who was initially suspicious of our warning. However, after Gamble showed the man her Mysterious Pearl he went suddenly silent, insisting that he take us before the Emperor immediately. We were led into the Isika Council, sitting in a semi-circle in front of a large screen mural. They were affronted by the interruption, demanding answers. But from behind the screen a hidden voice echoed over their rising objections - the hidden emperor. The high lords were distressed by the breach of protocol, insisting we were potentially a greater threat. The Emperor promised he would offer us an audience. After the Isika left the Emperor invited us in to speak to us from behind the screen. Gamble told him of his relative, the innkeeper in Dolon. The Emperor said his relative would only have given the black pearl to someone he thought was destined to find the Eye of Mercannan. We could see the Emperor’s silhouette as he paced back and forth… but then we saw another rushing up behind him. Two assassins struck from the shadows behind us, even as Gamble lunged through a slash she cut in the screen. I followed close behind, joining her in engaging the killer striking at the Emperor. Despite being cut deep by poisoned blades Karnak, Lavanel and Rhobur engaged the two who in the larger part of the room. They were holding their own when Rhobur decided enough was enough and summoned a pack of wolves. The snarling beasts immediately surrounded the assassins, tearing one down next to Karnak and catching the other as he tried to run towards the screen and the Emperor. On the far side of the screen Gamble tussled with one assassin as he tried to get to the Emperor. I came through the slash behind her and opened fire immediately. When the killer we faced cut at the Emperor I managed to blind him with my blood twisting powers, preventing harm to the ruler of Mitzu. Shin’s familiar owl cast invisibility on the Emperor, who hid from the assassin as I shot him down. Guards burst into the chamber, but the Emperor told them to halt. He inducted us into the Family Guard, allowing us to look upon him. We were shown to the vault of the Family Guard and given beautiful weapons of Szhengo steel. I was given a Katana. A Kingsdown as Imperial Guard! It’s almost as good as being of rank in Ebrion. We started to follow the wet footprints of the assassin out of the palace. Twilight had fallen even as the assassins struck and now it was fully dark. Shin and I took a break on a bench, enjoying the evening garden, while Lavanel and Rhobur searched around the small streams and rivulets that surrounded the water features. They found the stream entrance the assassin used and we all reported to the Arakon. He spoke to us of the School of the Scorpion, rivals of the Spider shinobi, who were usually mercenaries (though somewhat still bound by social taboos). These assassins appeared to have been converted by the Obliviati, and broke powerful traditions by entering through a clean water source. They appeared to have come from the estate of Koryama Hisa, a verdigris stained copper dragonborn of the clan (something). The Isika has powerful allies on the council who would have supported his push for the Emperor’s throne. He also has the magical power to overcome the wards on the waterway entrance. We decided to rest in the Imperial Barracks, ringing the Imperial Bells as we went. The party breakfasted with the Arakon, who had already summoned the Isika. By the time we had discussed how to interrogate the nobles they had arrived and were filing into the hall. Despite Shin and I scanning their minds as they went past we could find no evidence of wrongdoing. Gamble interrogated them in her capacity as the captain of the imperial guard, first as a group or then individually. Despite many suspicions, indicating Suki Yumi - Old woman with tattoos - (squinty) Vaki Sani - Young human female, straight dark hair - Isolationist tribe. (Stoic) Koryama Isa - Verdigris Dragonborn - Ambitious - (dead) Shizu Kkune - male half orc, militant - (twitchy) Yakan Gawa - Male elf - traditionalist Hiki Yunin - male half elf - Money grabber (distracted)
Shexu
We went back to the tearoom prior to sleeping, to discuss our plans. Shin visited Hony’s Trinketorium and sought out magical books. He found a book, written in draconic by Umm Jy’feekha’ha Al-Mudhai, a journal that contained coded elements. Then, Lavanel had an idea. Personally, I thought it was more than absurd. She decided to use Karnak’s strength and skill to bounce arrows into a loop, a burning hoop created by Shin’s firebolts, through which Apollo would jump. Apparently, it was the cat’s idea. Beyond possibility it seemed, but amazingly all involved pulled it off while Rhobur and I ate kelp chips and watched. This drew the attention of a local high Lord, Matsu Tomio, an Isika of the Olippini. He seemed interested in our adventures, Rhobur was unusually charming, and he said he come to view our performance the following day. As we turned in, Shin sent Hiroto to watch over the room while Gamble left the shutters open. The bag with our offering to the Spider vanished magically - nothing was seen. In the morning, Lavanel and I went shopping for ammunition. We met an extremely rude dwarf, who vastly overcharged Lavanel for ammunition. I suggested that he not try the same and took a decent number of quarrels for my handbows. After that we met with the rest of the party and headed to the hut where we were to be tested for entry to Shexu. The little old woman we had met before led us to a courtyard. For a moment it seemed like the trick would be impossible, as we didn't think the courtyard would provide enough angles for the arrows to ricochet and provide the loop. However, the party improvised. Shin located a gong, which Gamble held to provide another point of rebound. With Rhobur and I in the front row, the act went off with only minor injuries to Gamble, which was hilarious. The party was awarded a transit icon and we progressed to Shexu. We wandered through well-dressed dragon born and humans, admiring the stone and plaster architecture. It was quieter, more civilised, and I enjoyed the air of higher culture. We continued up the stairs to the gate to the next level. The guards here were larger, obviously better warriors. They informed us (arrogantly) that the only way to ride further was to fight in the Colosseum. Karnak, Gamble and I enthusiastically agreed. We went shopping in the craftsmens district, where Rhobur found an elven woman who could shape his chitin into a shield and armour, while I found a master swordsmith selling incredible blades that caught my interest. Sadly, they were far too expensive, so I resolved to raise more money. We headed to the Colosseum. I decided to place an enormous bet on our party winning and did so with a shaggy haired halfling. Shin went to another bookie, placing a wager simply that we'd pass the test. Rhobur went to a third and bet that Gamble would get the first knockout. Gamble, Karnak and I entered the arena to much fanfare, and frankly it was a slaughter. A dwarven barbarian, a Dragonborn rogue and an Elven spell caster entered the arena. The beserker came at us first, and we combined to crush them. We reset to our former positions on either side of the arena. When combat recommenced ran forward, peppering the elven spellcaster with bolts and javelins, one of which dropped her before she could even move. We then gathered around the Dragonborn and hammered her into the ground. The judges have us ⅔ and we had won access. Then we discovered the halfling had fled with my money.
Tsuvatu
Lavanel put Apollo to the scent of the fleeing bookie (whom a Bookies' Guild enforcer called Tsahi Ha). We followed Tsahi’s trail through the fish district, which initially confused the big cat, but we found the scent again and continued the pursuit. We came to a poor shanty town, built over the foulest water in the harbour. A group of old men responded to my politish enquiries and pointed us to a particularly noisome hovel. As I was starting to stride towards the door, the decking gave way beneath Rhobur and Apollo. Fishing them out took valuable time, required a great deal of effort and rope, and was thoroughly trying. Shin used his owl to spy on the hovel from above, while Gamble watched from below the decks. My firm knock knocked down the door, where a little old lady was briefly terrified. We found Tsahi hiding in a cupboard, where he confessed that he had only 500 gold pieces. I very, very much wanted to kill him, but then I would have no chance of making the money back. Instead, I was offered a lifetime of servitude, which I accepted as selling him into slavery wouldn’t have made the money back either. He will now spy for me on the doings of the arena, offering me information and future services. I sense many opportunities now, but at the time I was still thoroughly enraged - I was still out 1500 pieces and I had to leave some money so my liegeman wouldn’t starve. I immediately went to a nearby brothel and slammed the door. I later heard the rest of the party proceed up to the fourth level. It was heavily militarised, with no shops, only exercising warriors. Apparently the next level was an intellectual challenge, some sort of board game played with real warriors. A somewhat odious bureaucrat informed them of the challenge - but the real fun was Lavanel treating a local lord like a stripper. The Isika of Karta, a large if aged half orc (Shizu Kune) seemed to be taking great offence, but thankfully Karnak charmed him with her feminine wiles. It would have ended there, but Rhobur was feeling frisky, and when Shinzu Kune called for another challenger he faced him as a bear. An oily bear. Rhobur won. Shizu Kune was obviously impressed, though he didn’t consider himself defeated, and he swore great respect to Rhobur. Rhobur rejoined Lavanel and Friends at the Lonely Star Inn, where we recounted our various discoveries. We drank hard tea (squiffy), had an expensive meal then went to bed. Rhobur and I had a rough night, but apparently one of the mysterious shinobi came to our room, bringing a message; an attempt would be made on the Emperor’s life the next night by the Obliviati. Careful questioning led to clues from the Shinobi of the School of the Spider, who said the Emperor would be meeting with the Isika in council, then leaving for the palace. The (female) ninja then vanished in puff of smoke. Rhobur, who had been awakened, took the opportunity to pee in the tea kettle, woke me briefly, then told me it was water. I drank it. In the morning, I was first to wake up. I really needed to pee, so did so in the empty tea kettle. I then told Rhobur it was water, who proceeded to drink it. We both vomited out the window. We only had a short time to get to the arena to play Shogitsu, so we ran (painfully, in mine and Rhobur’s case, due to truly horrible hangovers) and made it to the gaming area on time. The same bureaucrat as before informed us that we would wear magic helms, taking on the role of chess characters. We would possess each piece as we play. Lavanel and Friends manifested in the arena, surrounded by the cheering crowds. Shin managed to cheat an attack with his lightning that burned out half their back row but was terrified by the aura of their threatening Queen piece. The judges didn’t notice, but everyone noticed as we began carving up the rest of the board. Karnak provided a wall of terrifying pawns, while my bishop provided deadly fire across long range. Though half of me was knocked out, we were victorious and won the medallion for access to the next level. Before we all removed the helmets, Gamble swept her eyes across the stands and saw the Isika Tomio who Rhobur and Lavanel had befriended. Gamble, Karnak and I headed up the stairs towards the upper levels to find out how to access the final entrance. It was an enormous waste of time as access could only be affirmed by the Isika. But Shin, Rhobur and Lavanel were able to catch up to the Isika. Shin delved his mind as they spoke to him about the upcoming assassination, but he appeared innocent. While he was largely dismissive of the threat, he nevertheless offered his permission for access to the highest levels. It was late afternoon by the time we won access to the summit of Mitzu society. The upper level was like a well-groomed rural village, apart from the huge white facade of the palace. It was a marvellous sight in the late afternoon sun, worked in blue lapis, white plaster and gold leaf. Beautiful scenes swept across it, picked out with utmost skill. It was breathtaking. Doors swung open and we were permitted to enter the palace itself. We were met by a short half eleven man, the Arakon, who was initially suspicious of our warning. However, after Gamble showed the man her Mysterious Pearl he went suddenly silent, insisting that he take us before the Emperor immediately. We were led into the Isika Council, sitting in a semi-circle in front of a large screen mural. They were affronted by the interruption, demanding answers. But from behind the screen a hidden voice echoed over their rising objections - the hidden emperor. The high lords were distressed by the breach of protocol, insisting we were potentially a greater threat. The Emperor promised he would offer us an audience. After the Isika left the Emperor invited us in to speak to us from behind the screen. Gamble told him of his relative, the innkeeper in Dolon. The Emperor said his relative would only have given the black pearl to someone he thought was destined to find the Eye of Mercannan. We could see the Emperor’s silhouette as he paced back and forth… but then we saw another rushing up behind him. Two assassins struck from the shadows behind us, even as Gamble lunged through a slash she cut in the screen. I followed close behind, joining her in engaging the killer striking at the Emperor. Despite being cut deep by poisoned blades Karnak, Lavanel and Rhobur engaged the two who in the larger part of the room. They were holding their own when Rhobur decided enough was enough and summoned a pack of wolves. The snarling beasts immediately surrounded the assassins, tearing one down next to Karnak and catching the other as he tried to run towards the screen and the Emperor. On the far side of the screen Gamble tussled with one assassin as he tried to get to the Emperor. I came through the slash behind her and opened fire immediately. When the killer we faced cut at the Emperor I managed to blind him with my blood twisting powers, preventing harm to the ruler of Mitzu. Shin’s familiar owl cast invisibility on the Emperor, who hid from the assassin as I shot him down. Guards burst into the chamber, but the Emperor told them to halt. He inducted us into the Family Guard, allowing us to look upon him. We were shown to the vault of the Family Guard and given beautiful weapons of Szhengo steel. I was given a Katana. A Kingsdown as Imperial Guard! It’s almost as good as being of rank in Ebrion. We started to follow the wet footprints of the assassin out of the palace. Twilight had fallen even as the assassins struck and now it was fully dark. Shin and I took a break on a bench, enjoying the evening garden, while Lavanel and Rhobur searched around the small streams and rivulets that surrounded the water features. They found the stream entrance the assassin used and we all reported to the Arakon. He spoke to us of the School of the Scorpion, rivals of the Spider shinobi, who were usually mercenaries (though somewhat still bound by social taboos). These assassins appeared to have been converted by the Obliviati, and broke powerful traditions by entering through a clean water source. They appeared to have come from the estate of Koryama Hisa, a verdigris stained copper dragonborn of the clan (something). The Isika has powerful allies on the council who would have supported his push for the Emperor’s throne. He also has the magical power to overcome the wards on the waterway entrance. We decided to rest in the Imperial Barracks, ringing the Imperial Bells as we went. The party breakfasted with the Arakon, who had already summoned the Isika. By the time we had discussed how to interrogate the nobles they had arrived and were filing into the hall. Despite Shin and I scanning their minds as they went past we could find no evidence of wrongdoing. Gamble interrogated them in her capacity as the captain of the imperial guard, first as a group or then individually. Despite many suspicions, indicating Suki Yumi - Old woman with tattoos - (squinty) Vaki Sani - Young human female, straight dark hair - Isolationist tribe. (Stoic) Koryama Isa - Verdigris Dragonborn - Ambitious - (dead) Shizu Kkune - male half orc, militant - (twitchy) Yakan Gawa - Male elf - traditionalist Hiki Yunin - male half elf - Money grabber (distracted)
Report Date
13 Jan 2018
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