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Session 26 Report

General Summary

Hossen 29 Frostwind 834EA

Pōtiki, Jodariel Balakin and Harthe disguised as the old human travelling carpet salesman, 'Gorn' approached the stranger at the table in Haunui's and asked if they could sit with them as there were no other tables available. The stranger, Selestine Ignasia looked shocked and dumbfounded at the party but nodded their assent. The group sit and are soon delivered their meals by Haunui. Pōtiki apologised for interrupting their solitude and Selestine told them it was fine but that it was unusual to see a group like theirs travelling together. Pō wondered aloud if it was because there are only short people around Nuvar. Selestine apologised for unintended offense and referring specifically to Pō and Jodi, asked if they had come from Grech. Pō looked suspicious and answered 'Yes, why you asking?' and Jodi answered 'Maybe... Do you have news?'. Selestine told them she didn't have news but that it was incredible that they had just turned up at her table but that they must be the people she'd heard about because how many white tieflings and purple firbolgs could possibly be travelling together from Grech. Pō unnerved by this, rested their hand on their sickle, while asking if she was expecting them. Selestine pulled out a small cloth-wrapped parcel from their bag and unwrapped it in front of the group, revealing a large glass ball. Pō and Jodi immediately recognised it as an artifact and quickly covered it up again with the cloth and looked around to ensure no one else saw. Jodi warned Selestine not to show it around and Selestine looked surprised and asked if they knew what it was, as she safely stowed it away again in her bag. Pō asked how they had it and why they were looking for them. Pō nervous of onlookers cast detect magic again and again noticed an aura over Jodi's head this time indicating that they were being watched. Trying but failing to be subtle in informing the others, the orb quickly disappeared again as the others looked around to where it had been and waved at it. Selestine was cagey about how they acquired the orb and Pō told them to be careful what they say as people might be listening or watching. Selestine looked around but seemed assured that no one was paying attention. Harthe cast detect thoughts on Selestine and gleaned that she wasn't sure if she could trust the group but surprised that the people she was looking for were in front of her instead of having to travel further down to Grech to find them and the motivation to get information from them. Harthe, still disguised as Gorn asked Selestine why she had been looking for them. Selestine looked confused and clarified that she had no idea who he was but had overheard a description of Pō and Jodi from a conversation the person she got the artifact from was having, and that she wanted to know what the artifact was and that whoever had it didn't want Pōtiki or Jodi or the others they had been travelling with to get it. She told them she had no reason to respect the wishes of the person she stole it from anymore. Harthe gleaned through his detect thoughts that some tragedy had occured and a motive for vengeance. Jodi finally asked her name and after quick introductions, Pō suggested they all go to a room upstairs to discuss more privately. Selestine agreed with a hesitant trust.   The group went up to a room and Pō asked Gorn if he could cast detect magic to ensure no one was spying on them again. As he had to cast it via a ritual, the others sat awkwardly making inconsequential small talk for ten minutes. Selestine told them that she was from Vikstamas. Pō and Jodi told them about the giant crabs they fought and their regrets about not bringing any crab meat with them. Jodi told a 'hilarious' story about when she was on guard duty and a man wanted to come through the gate but he didn't have any money to pay the toll so she turned him away. Pō then told a story about a child in a town near where they had grown up who got sick and then died. The ritual finally completed and Harthe/Gorn noted that there was no sign that they were being magically observed.   Assured that they were able to speak freely and privately, Pō asked Selestine who the person was that had been talking about them. Selestine told them that she overheard a conversation that the person she acquired the artifact from had with a man's voice who called himself 'The Shadow Duke' and that he said he wanted the artifact delivered to him and that a party of adventurers made up of a purple firbolg, a heavily plated white tiefling woman, a pale elf man, and a red tiefling man had been causing trouble for him in Aetreas particularly in Grech but that they should not cause trouble where she was in Uferath and Vikstamas. Pō told Selestine that the Shadow Duke is a very very bad man and that they don't think he should get his hands on the artifacts. Selestine said it sounded like they were all on the same page as just hearing his voice had given them the chills and that it seemed like finding the purple firbolg, pale elf and red and white tieflings were the best chance of stopping him from getting it but she had no idea what it was or what he wants it for. Pō informed them that they also didn't know but they did know that if he collected enough of the artifacts that he would do something bad with it so Selestine should not show anyone else the artifact because someone might try to kill them for it, but that the Venturers were good people. Selestine told them that someone already had, but that she had got away just barely. Harthe/Gorn asked if she knew who it was that tried to kill her. She got uncomfortable and turned away, shrugging. Harthe-Gorn, reading the situation as distrust in them decided to drop his disguise and revealed his true identity. Selestine looked surprised and asked where the pale elf was then. The group told them that he had gone back home. Pō indicated concern that they had been identified and were known to bad people and that perhaps they should all disguise themselves as a general rule and asked Jodi if she had abilities that enabled her to do so. Jodi said no but that she would like to look like a human. Harthe shared that he had a disguise kit that he was quite good at and Selestine told them that they too were good at creating disguises with their disguise kit.   Pō told Selestine that they were on a mission to stop the Shadow Duke because he's a bit of a dick and asked if she knew about lots of bandits going around and about mages going missing. Selestine said she was aware of increased bandit activity but not about mages. Pō said that that was how they'd come across the Shadow Duke's plots through notes in bandit camps and how they'd met Jodi at a bandit stronghold and Jodi said she had been there on a mission from Unnia. They also told Selestine that the missing mages were being mindcontrolled to find more of the artifacts, so they wanted to stop him. Selestine told them that they were on their way to Grech as that was where the Shadow Duke had said the party was and that now that they were here they would like to see this through and could they join them on their quest? The others agreed. Harthe asked Selestine if the Shadow Duke had done anything to her or someone she knew. Selestine told him that they didn't know who the Shadow Duke was but they knew someone who was working for him and that they had taken a lot from them. Harthe thanked them for sharing and the others agreed that it helped to understand why she was so eager to help them. Pō asked what Selestine's skills were and Jodi awkwardly demonstrated her strength by lifting a chest of drawers. Selestine politely acknowledged the feat, before showing her bow and arrows, daggers, and rapier, saying she was a fairly good shot.   The party then told her that they weren't entirely sure what to do next to stop the Shadow Duke but that they were in Nuvar heading to Rouvray to find Harthe's old mentor who was in prison there as they had heard that the Shadow Duke was looking to obtain him. Harthe asked again where Selestine had come from and she told them that she had come from Vikstamas via boat from Duchavar. Pō commented that that was a long journey and Selestine commented that it had taken a little over a month or so. The Venturers observed that it was impressive to come all that way. Selestine told them there wasn't much of their old life to go back to and all they had was a lead of the strange party in Grech. They had arrived in Nuvar a few days ago and had been recovering from the trip in Haunui's readying to travel south to Grech. The party acknowledged the uncanny coincidence that they'd all found themselves in the same bar, and Jodi prayed a prayer of thanks to Unnia and Pōtiki a prayer to Kuzmjir. They all decided to rest for the night and regroup in the morning to embark on their quest. They then each found their own rooms and settled for bed, Pō first moving the chest of drawers in front of the door, and Jodi deciding to sleep in her armour.   That night, Pōtiki had another dream.  

Dorent 30 Frostwind 834EA

The following morning, the party gathered in one of the rooms to discuss their plans. Jodi suggested that she would be able to talk to the guards in Rouvray as she knows how guards work. They discussed the route to Rouvray and how long it would take. Pō asked if they would be able to buy magical items in Nuvar, and Harthe informed them that the trade in Nuvar was very tightly controlled by the Nuvar Merchants' Guild and generally only potions were available in town at The Elixirium and Rouvray would be a better place to buy items. Pō asked if it might be worth checking the noticeboard for any quick jobs for money before they left. The others agreed and Jodi commented that she did need more money. Harthe disguised himself as Gorn again. They headed downstairs for breakfast and to check the noticeboard.   The party ordered their meals and Harthe-Gorn read out the notices on the board.
  • "Mother looking for her lost son - Please see Theodelinda Whitfoot." (no reward mentioned)
  • Kittens for sale
  • "Want to show your strength? Visit the Nuvar Fighters' Guild."
  • "Adventurers needed at The Gatherers' Roost. 20gp for experienced adventurers. Enquire within."
  • "These goblins have been a menace to our lands for long enough! 3000gp to anyone who brings back the head of the goblin boss, Bree-yark! Payment guaranteed by the Nuvar Merchants' Guild."
Harthe said that the final notice would be a good way for them to put Selestine through her paces and see how she worked. Jodi told them that she wanted to help find the child and make sure he was safe. Harthe looked confused and said he thought she wanted money. Jodi agreed that she did but that children were worth everything, before covering her face in her hands in embarrassment. Harthe commented that the child might be with the goblins. The party discussed whether the jobs were a distraction or worth doing. Jodi felt they were important and the others agreed. They found a small alley outside to discuss privately their plan of attack. They decided to split up with Pōtiki and Jodariel going to investigate the missing child, and Selestine and Harthe making enquiries about the goblins as they needed to be disguised and Pō could only keep themself disguised by magic means for an hour. Jodi also commented that she was interested in proving her strength if there was time but that was unlikely. Harthe used his disguise kit to put a moustache on Jodi, and Pō disguised themself as a long lanky elf man and reiterated to Jodi they needed to be done within an hour. Harthe wanting to help added bushy eyebrows to their disguise with his disguise kit.   As they were about to head out, Harthe overheared a town crier in the distance shouting.
"Woman killed in the collapse of her home and shop after an ongoing series of highly localised earthquakes in Millfield! Surrounding buildings also sustained damage!"
Harthe told the others and he and Pō discussed whether or not they had any responsibility for it, realising the casualty had to be Atheona Daemaris. They decided they weren't as they had asked her about the damage to her shop and she had claimed ignorance and denied their help. Pō told Jodi and Selestine about what had happened when they were in Millfield and suggested they investigate later when the other work was done. Jodi told the others she needed to go to the post office and that she would meet the others afterward while Pō went to ask Haunui about the missing child. Pō expressed frustration about Jodi insisting on going by herself and the risk of being shanked, but Jodi was not to be disuaded and told them to meet her at the post office after talking to Haunui. Pō agreed as long as neither of them died and that if she died they would make sure her spirit went to the right place, and then went back inside to talk to Haunui. Selestine and Harthe left them to it and headed to the Nuvar Merchants Guildhouse.   Pō talked to Haunui and asked about Theodelinda and where she was. Haunui said it was really sad but the child is surely dead as he's been missing for a couple of weeks now and she's in denial and seems to be hallucinating as she says she can still hear him. He told Pō where Theodelinda lived and that she happened to live near the post office.   Jodi ventured to the Nuvar Post Office and was greeted by a young half-elf woman called Mary Fossoway. Jodi asked how secure the postal service was to send money. Mary assured her that it was secure as valuables were accompanied with paid professional mercenaries. Jodi told her that she wanted the money sent to Grechia. Mary told her about a caravan being sent out in the next couple of days and pulled out a lockbox in which she put the money in and told her the 25gp delivery fee. Jodi paid and the lockbox was secured again and put it with the deliveries to go out with the address in the Doki District stamped onto the box. Jodi thanked her and headed outside to find Pō patiently waiting outside.   Meanwhile, after some small talk on the way in which Harthe asked about Selestine's experience with goblins, Harthe and Selestine had found themselves in the lobby of Nuvar Merchants' Guildhouse in the Upper city of Nuvar. Harthe-Gorn asked the grumpy elf, Nyx'eral at the desk about the goblin problem and was pointed to the next room and directed to speak to the leader of the guild, Armel Feravia. The next room was an ornately decorated sitting room full of bookcases and plush furnishings. Inside, a male half-elf and a male human were talking in hushed voices. Harthe approached them and asked if either of them were Armel. The half-elf stands and in a grandiose voice introduced himself as Armel and his associate as Tristand Fortier, the treasurer and recordkeeper of the guild. Harthe told them about their plans to help with the goblin problem. Armel enthusiastically accepts the help and asks Tristand to take down Harthe and Selestine's names and details. Tristand eyed the two doubtfully but asked for their names and their next of kin. Harthe-Gorn took great offence and declared that all his kin were dead. Tristand noted that no one would care if they died and said it was probably for the best. Selestine eyed Harthe-Gorn warily and also declared that they had no next of kin either and that they were lone tumbleweeds. Tristand told them that every adventurer before them had been unsuccessful and killed on the job. Harthe asked how they knew they'd died when the goblins may have just paid them off more than the guild was offering. Tristand said it was highly unlikely as goblins were not known to amass and dole out wealth and several adventurers had been sent to deal with them. He also told them that the only civilised goblin he'd encountered was Korang but that was because he was raised away from his own kind. Harthe vaguely recalled that Korang was the goblin alchemist owner of The Elixirium. Tristand drew Harthe and Selestine a map to the likely location of the goblin encampment just out of the city and told them the biggest goblin was the leader and they wanted his head. The two adventurers left and Armel enthusiastically wished them luck, misnaming them 'Cinnamon and Gorb'. Harthe-Gorn told him off and corrected him on his name and Armel apologised and corrected himself incorrectly calling them 'Serpentine and Grom'. Selestine shrugged and dragged Harthe away. As they left, Harthe whispered to Selestine asking if they thought they bought it. Selestine assured them it was a great performance.   Harthe suggested they go chat to Korang for tips. Selestine seemed doubtful that asking a friendly goblin for tips on killing goblins was the best idea, but Harthe seemed convinced of the idea so they followed him to The Elixirium. They were greeted by a well dressed goblin with a monocle and waistcoat and tailored trousers. Harthe asked him about potions for an adventure to fight goblins. Korang showed them several potions he had in stock but Harthe noted that the costs were very ramped up. After much discussion and back and forth where Harthe tried to talk the prices down and Selestine tried to intimidate Korang, and Korang being very cagey and uncomfortable about reducing the cost, Harthe eventually bought four potions of greater healing. Selestine tried to steal a potion but was caught and Selestine covered their tracks by claiming they were just looking. Korang asked them to look with their eyes instead. Korang was not able to offer any advice to help with fighting goblins and seemed greatly relieved when the two finally left his store.   Meanwhile, Pō and Jodi had wandered to Theodelinda's house and knocked on the door. A small halfling woman answered the door. Jodi told her that they were there to help find her son. Theodelinda told them her son's name was Duncan and that sometimes she could hear his voice in the walls. She told them that her son often used to play with the children at the orphanage down the street and had gone off to play one day a couple of weeks ago and never returned and that the people at the orphanage did not know where he was either but did not seem overly interested in helping either. Pō asked about what she hears Duncan saying when she hears him. Theodelinda told them that he's not saying words perse but crying out. Jodi cast divine sense to detect any fiends, celestials, or undead within 60ft. She was able to detect a few celestials in the house next door and when asked about it, Theodelinda told her there was a family of aasimar living in the house next door.
Campaign
Venturers of Iklarel
Protagonists
Selestine Ignasia
Pōtiki
Jodariel Balakin
()
8 / 8 HP
STR
DEX
CON
INT
WIS
CHA
Harthe
Report Date
28 Mar 2021
Primary Location
Secondary Location
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