Session 4 - Bad Memories & Good Cheer

General Summary

WE FIGHT A HIDEOUS DEMON! It charges out from its cage and attacks, a battle ensues but the heroes prevail. We are awarded bags of gold and a magical bronze sword that belonged to the hero Amphis; Aga takes it as it’s ideal for him. We confront Kriton about bringing demons into the city but the arguments largely fall on deaf ears; he seems to feel like this was a great success and he should bring in even more dangerous creatures into the arena. Xanthos seems to be thinking about going back to speak to Kriton alone… ominous and suspicious (probably his plan involves fangs). He is convinced to come along to the next event instead: the chariot race! Xanthos washes off some blood and asks for spare clothes from Rhoecus, who is concerned about his rival Copreus sabotaging the race. He thinks that the track might have been tampered with.
Kestor speaks to some gamblers and buys a tip that Rhoecus is going to crash at a particular corner of the track (Tyrictus Corner). Ionessa and Aga go investigating down one side of the track, Xanthos and Neo go another way. Aga pushes a cart down a hill that was poised to crash onto the track at a key moment, solving the problem preemptively. Xanthos and Neo don’t notice anything strange with the track. We warn Rhoecus and head to Tyrictus Corner to see what is happening there; it is a sharp turn where crashes frequently happen.
There is a particularly nervous man standing nearby holding a scroll tightly in his hand. The party confronts him but he is abrasive and dismissive. Xanthos grabs him, Ionessa throws an apple, it’s anarchy. He says “let me go or you’ll feel the thunder” but in a way that isn’t that intimidating. He starts counting down from 3. Aga takes the scroll right outta his fist; it is a scroll of grease! Cheater! He starts swinging, Xanthos is taking a beating like he’s never seen before. Xanthos picks him right up and drags him out into the open and turns him over to the guards.
With our best efforts put forward, the chariot race begins. Rhoecus is clearly more skilled than Copreus, but a gang on the sidelines pelts him with fruit and he falters! Luckily he makes up for it in the second half and crosses the finish line first! We flock to him and shower him with praise. Xanthos is feeling a little down on himself but gets a pep talk. Ionessa says she’s into Rhoecus and is planning on getting to know him better at the feast.
We get some food and drink and spot Menarcles again. Aga and Kestor follow him in secret. It’s going well until Kestor has an episode; he perceives Aga as a tall cloaked figure who chases him through a crowd and into a dead end alley. The figure has a gnarled, chipped beak and wields a curved black knife. Just as it comes towards Kestor, the vision fades and Aga is there instead. Kestor explains what he saw and that it was not one of his memories. Aga wants to know more but Kestor is too shaken to go into details right away. Aga finds Menarcles again and follows him, there is some business with a mysterious shady alleyway but Aga cannot see exactly what is happening there, but takes note for later.
They return to the inn and meet Rhoecus who gives Xanthos some clothes. Then we head off to the feast! It is an incredible atmosphere, grand and full of libation, jubilation, inebriation, all the ‘ations! We go to talk to the King and take a seat at his table.
There is dancing! There is singing! Everyone’s having a great time! Kestor tells the party they can’t rely on him due to his curse, but they are quite supportive. Aga asks about the figure from his vision, and recognizes the description of the blade but can’t quite place it. Kestor tells Aga about a cursed play that ruined his life and is causing his current state. Xanthos is doing a bang up job getting laid. Aga tries to talk to the king about Mourionoss but Bion is unwilling to discuss that in public.
Ionessa talks to Rhoecus and discusses going to the mountain where his ancestor befriended the dragon Therseandropos. He doesn’t seem to share her sense of urgency but she is quite excited to go check it out and climb the mountain. Ionessa asks if he’s good in a fight, he’s okay but he’s not carrying a weapon. She tells him there is going to be an attempt on the King’s life, and he kinda freaks out about it. Ionessa and Xanthos have a nice conversation about their plans, Xanthos says he’ll help her climb that mountain. They hug and dance!
King Bion gives a brief speech and moves to unveil the statue. Menarcles stands too, a dark look upon his face…

Rewards Granted

500 gold pieces
Sword of Amphis

Missions/Quests Completed

Kriton's Beast! (slay the demon at the arena before someone gets hurt)
Greasing the Wheels (prevent Rhoecus from being sabotaged at the chariot race)

Report Date

29 May 2022