Session 34: Fractured Report
General Summary
The night of the 6th of Slaying, Uk-thin approaches Bubbles at the river and, once they notice the stoneborn, Uk-thin asks the Hunter if they will be their second in the duel. Specifically, Uk-thin requests Bubbles refuse to negotiate and state to Virion's second, "Uk-thin will not be satisfied", because Uk-thin wants Sylvenne dead.
Uk-thin turns to leave after Bubbles states they like Virion, but Bubbles calls after them, and says they will be Uk-thin's second on the condition that Uk-thin not outright kill Sir Virion Sylvenne. Uk-thin just wants a fight, just wants blood. They're mad about the scar, and Dr. Cauce, and Sir Sylvenne's general attitude.
Bubbles, rightfully, points out that Virion has already accidentally killed Uk-thin once. And after they find out it's with blades, they become hysterical. "You want me to negotiate - but not really negotiate - a duel to the death with blades, when you don't know how to use a sword, against the elf renowned for their bladesong?!"
Uk-thin explains that they have a plan, and is ominous with their battlefist. Bubbles ask if they're going to cheat, and Uk-thin explains no; they're going to make it straight blades, or blades with bladesong & battlefist. Bubbles is confused by much of this, but is really cautioning against such a duel because Uk-thin will lose and, if they get their terms, will die.
Bubbles even offers to teach them basically how to use a sword, and Uk-thin refuses; they have a secret plan B.
Meanwhile, Sir Sylvenne approaches Talon Co'oquilan. He actually addresses Mystan and says "Hi Mystan."
"Hello, Virion." Mystan responds. Unlike Bubbles, Mystan knows how duels work - though he's never been part of one (Virion has been, though). Virion asks if Mystan would be willing to be his second, and without hesitation Mystan agrees. Mystan doesn't want Uk-thin to get their way - stating they think Uk-thin is detrimental to the party's progress. As long as Virion is prepared to fight them, Mystan will see what can be done.
As Virion leaves Mystan's area, Ciara approaches and asks to talk to the fellow elf. Virion agrees, and says they were about to look for her. Virion asks if Ciara will be the doctor for the duel tomorrow morning. Ciara also does not understand the duel, and asks for clarification.
"Fighting with weapons can leave one maimed or killed, so we need a doctor-"
"Wait," Ciara interrupted, "You're fighting with weapons?!"
The pair go back and forth, Ciara not understanding that Virion's honor is worth killing over. After, much back and forth, Ciara finally agrees to be the doctor, after Virion explains how surface time and sunrises work.
Following this, Ciara brings up the matter of getting a meeting with Faeryn, the cultist in captivity. Virion finds it interesting that now Ciara is interested specifically in Faeryn, but Ciara sidesteps it by sort of implying that there's two drow on the surface: Faeryn and her sibling. The sibling is simply suspected of occult acitivty. That said, Virion agrees to pull some strings after the duel.
Later on, the seconds meet. Bubbles admits they're a little confused how this works, but states Uk-thin's position, "Unfortunately, Uk-thin gave me one term; a duel to the death. I was able to negotiate it to the near death, but Uk-thin isn't willing to back down."
Mystan in turn lays out Virion's offer; Sir Sylvenne is willing to concede harm for the lightning bolt, and even be held liable in a civil court and provide the healing potions to heal the injury, if Uk-thin stops slandering Virion. The injury to Virion's honor is the constant slandering and lies about Virion's honor and character, especially regarding Dr. Cauce's death.
The seconds return to the parties, and present the terms. Uk-thin doesn't even want to hear Virion's term's. Even after they do, they refuse. Bubbles is outraged, but accepts this. Mystan approaches Virion, who assumes Uk-thin will refuse - and they do! Virion offers to sweeten the deal with 50pp for damages and the sunblade rapier. And a grappling hook, just for kicks.
"As expected, Mystan," Bubbles started, "Uk-thin refused the offer. In fact, they further slandered Virion in their refusal. They are quite insistent that Virion either spills blood or walks away."
Mystan states, "As a last effor, Virion is in addition offering more payment for damages" and lays out Virion's above goods. When Uk-thin refuses, nobody is surprised.
Uk-thin breaks protocol and screams across the field, "You can't buy me off Sylvenne! Either we cross swords or you walk away!"
Uk-thin then lays out their dueling terms: shortswords only. No magic, no bladesong. If Mystan offers bladesong, then they get to use Battlefist. Virion counters with an unorthodox proposal, and instead tries to take away the platinum, hook, and sword and instead offer retribution of a free strike; they can cause Virion a serious wound - still with the magic healing. Virion decides to not fight back. All of this on the condition that Uk-thin not further slander Sir Sylvenne.
Uk-thin, for once, pauses to consider those terms. They look at the ground, look at Bubbles, and then look at the ground. Ultimately, Uk-thin refuses to those terms. It's clear by now that the duel is going to happen, and thus it's terms must be decided.
For the sake of efficiency, Mystan agrees. Bubbles lays out the shortswords only policy, to which Virion - via Mystan - suggests allowing bladesong but no spells. They argue back and forth, and Uk-thin suggests Bladesong being fine if Battlefist is allowed. Normal unarmed strikes are fine.
They agree, eventually, on blades (mechanically, shortswords) with bladesong & battlefist.
The two go to the center of the field, the doctor and seconds clearing back. They stand back to back, and walk their paces until they are 30 feet apart. They each draw swords simultaneously, but Virion goes first within a hair's breadth. He easily closes the gap and starts his bladesong, stabbing into Uk-thin. They then slash across the stoneborn, making them bleed further.
Uk-thin retaliates with their battlefist, but Virion dodges the telegraphed attacks with ease. In Uk-thin's rage, they leave themself open to Virion's vicious saber. However, on the backswing Uk-thin recovers and the Bladesinger misses.
Virion's miss causes him to falter, and Uk-thin's battlefist connects with his nose, and then his stomach, breaking Virion's face and leaving a Horrible Scar. Then, because they are ninth level and that means the Battlefist counts as a shield, Uk-thin's strike nearly drives Virion to the ground.
Virion holds his nose and looks at the blood, "here's your fucking blood, you happy?"
"Not. Yet." Uk-thin says, to which Virion flicks the blood at them.
"You know, I knew from the moment I did this it was fruitless to actually fight you, right?"
"Then why did you agree to it?" Uk-thin asks, "Why did you bring the challenge?"
"I thought you wanted an opprotunity to strike someone. I gave you that opportunity," Virion explains. He's trying to make a point and talk him down.
Uk-thin drops their battlefist to their side, and states "We're done."
"We're done?"
"Yes." With that, Uk-thin yields, and walks away. Ciara rushes over to patch Virion up, as Uk-thin returns to Burle. Once Virion is good as new, they chase after the dwarf to attend to Uk-thin's more minor injuries, but they refuse - Ciara still calls a Healing Word to them, to ensure the honor the duel is maintained.
Upon Uk-thin's return, they are greeted by soldiers feigning ignorance and asking if they require assistance. The group waiting at the northern gate feigns ignorance but whispers of the duel, wondering if Sylvenne survived. Uk-thin stays quiet.
When the rest return, the looks between guards and questions bouncing around the fort only grow. Uk-thin stays alone, while everyone else gathers their things.
Once things have settled down at the fort, both Selina and Ciaran wish to speak with the Order of Raan. Talon Delmirev happens to be there now. He agrees to talk with his superiors about information regarding half-dragons and get back to Selina during the Green Corn Festival in Saltmarsh. They also agree to let Ciara speak with Faeryn by the 20th. All of this is on the condition the drow and kor help Eliander Fireborn secure Ironbeard via the Tower of Zenopus.
After a few days days kayaking - during which Uk-thin stays behind to apply to the marines in Burle - the party arrives in Saltmarsh on the 13th in the evening. Bubbles decides to go back home given how horrifying the underdark and duel were, and they return to the Cobalt Sea.
When they return, the party is overwhelemed by people excited at their return and full of questions - where are Dr. Cauce, Uk-thin, and Bubbles? What happened to Virion's nose? Who is the drow and kor? Do they know anything about the break-in at the tower? Etc. - but eventually are saved by the Town Council and pulled away to the council hall, and asked for a briefing. Now Councilwoman Maria Primewater has taken after her father's ostentatious style and her attire is capped by two large earings with stones and feathers, as well as a massive hat.
Just like with Talon Delmeriv, the party gives a full report but makes no mention of the Mushroom Appreciation Society and the ritual on the 19th. At Virion's discretion, the duel is also left out and Uk-thin simply enlisted, while Bubbles opted to return home because of the underdark.
The council then reveals that on the 2nd of Slaying, brigands broke into Keledek's Tower and seemed to steal Dr. Cauce's things - but none of Keledek's, strangely.
Captain Fireborn wants the case with the tower solved before Keledek returns. The Council is fascinated by the Tower of Zenopus's involvement and the underdark. Furthermore, Captain Fireborn wants to get Selina and Ciaran's help constructing a winch to get Ironbeard out of the mushroom feilds. But for now, he wants to petition the council to hire the party to investigate; Dr. Cauce's incompetence and the resulting robbery reeks of a cover up and possibly even someone opposing the party.
Captain Fireborn then proposes the plan to the council. Eda Oweland seems open to it, and Mannistrad Copperlocks is begrudgingly accepting the proposal, citing the party's good track record with solving mysteries. Interestingly, Maria Primewater and Anders Solmor oppose the party's involvement in the investigation. Solmor argues that the party is half people they have no history with, and that Virion should return to Seaton and Mystan ought to be helping the town prep for the Green Corn festivel. Primewater, meanwhile, thinks the party is too close to the case - and cites their tendency for bending the rules.
Nonetheless, the dissidents are outvoted and the party is hired on, offered 1000 gp - and the new two having citizenship/access to the house, if the others are OK with that - to solve the case.
The guard has no leads on who they were or why they did it, but the guard has already interviewed neighbors. There looked to be four of them, and a rope left behind - as well as witness testimony provided by some of the nearby dwarves - indicated they left via the western cliffs and escaped by rowboat, probably to the other side of the river.
The party first checks out the hook. Indeed there is a grappling hook attached to the cliff, with a rope descending to the bottom of the cliffs. Virion checks out the hook and rope, and learns that the knots on the hook and rope are very sturdy, clearly made by someone who knows their way around ropes. The rope looks old, but the hook is free of rust. The party notes that such a hook could be bought from Winston's Store.
At the bottom, the water is actually a somewhat shallow five feet. Seklyn notes two details. One, a nearby rock above the waterline has marks indicating something was tied to it. Two, in the sands of the riverbed is a scroll case. Judging by the lack of algae and other growth, it was likely new. Fishing it out reveals two things. One, it has Dr. Cauce's name written on it. Two, it has a single map in it. A copy of a map of Saltmarsh, with the Jail circled and an encoded message written over the Oweland house in printed handwriting reading: "Akzp bl isoxtvno hk hpnbwsz".
Searching Keledek's tower reveals that, indeed, all of Keledek's stuff is where he left it. But Dr. Cauce's maps, degree, clothes, and baubles - including his pueblo-style ceremonial mask - are missing. Also of note is that it appears care was taken not to disturb the wizard's things, and nobody broke it. Either someone teleported into the defintiely warded tower, or someone had a key. Ciara uses Find Traps In fact, none of Keledek's wards or other magical traps were set off. There are a hell of a lot of Glyphs of Warding and Alarm spells up, and some of them are nasty. Whoever broke in did so without setting any off.
So then who the hell did this, and why? Even Uk-thin's things are undistrubed. The handwriting doesn't match anybody elses' - it isn't Keledek, or Cauce's, or Uk-thin's, or anyone's. A mundane or magical dead man switch from Cauce could set this off. But who's the main player? Dr. Cauce must've had a benefactor to cause this operation - and afford the sunblade.
The guards are largely unhelpful, talking about events at the jail like Ned Shakeshaft's death, the break-in by Faeryn, Corporal Cazador's birthday, etc.
Mystan and Seklyn go to talk to Winston.
Uk-thin turns to leave after Bubbles states they like Virion, but Bubbles calls after them, and says they will be Uk-thin's second on the condition that Uk-thin not outright kill Sir Virion Sylvenne. Uk-thin just wants a fight, just wants blood. They're mad about the scar, and Dr. Cauce, and Sir Sylvenne's general attitude.
Bubbles, rightfully, points out that Virion has already accidentally killed Uk-thin once. And after they find out it's with blades, they become hysterical. "You want me to negotiate - but not really negotiate - a duel to the death with blades, when you don't know how to use a sword, against the elf renowned for their bladesong?!"
Uk-thin explains that they have a plan, and is ominous with their battlefist. Bubbles ask if they're going to cheat, and Uk-thin explains no; they're going to make it straight blades, or blades with bladesong & battlefist. Bubbles is confused by much of this, but is really cautioning against such a duel because Uk-thin will lose and, if they get their terms, will die.
Bubbles even offers to teach them basically how to use a sword, and Uk-thin refuses; they have a secret plan B.
Meanwhile, Sir Sylvenne approaches Talon Co'oquilan. He actually addresses Mystan and says "Hi Mystan."
"Hello, Virion." Mystan responds. Unlike Bubbles, Mystan knows how duels work - though he's never been part of one (Virion has been, though). Virion asks if Mystan would be willing to be his second, and without hesitation Mystan agrees. Mystan doesn't want Uk-thin to get their way - stating they think Uk-thin is detrimental to the party's progress. As long as Virion is prepared to fight them, Mystan will see what can be done.
As Virion leaves Mystan's area, Ciara approaches and asks to talk to the fellow elf. Virion agrees, and says they were about to look for her. Virion asks if Ciara will be the doctor for the duel tomorrow morning. Ciara also does not understand the duel, and asks for clarification.
"Fighting with weapons can leave one maimed or killed, so we need a doctor-"
"Wait," Ciara interrupted, "You're fighting with weapons?!"
The pair go back and forth, Ciara not understanding that Virion's honor is worth killing over. After, much back and forth, Ciara finally agrees to be the doctor, after Virion explains how surface time and sunrises work.
Following this, Ciara brings up the matter of getting a meeting with Faeryn, the cultist in captivity. Virion finds it interesting that now Ciara is interested specifically in Faeryn, but Ciara sidesteps it by sort of implying that there's two drow on the surface: Faeryn and her sibling. The sibling is simply suspected of occult acitivty. That said, Virion agrees to pull some strings after the duel.
Later on, the seconds meet. Bubbles admits they're a little confused how this works, but states Uk-thin's position, "Unfortunately, Uk-thin gave me one term; a duel to the death. I was able to negotiate it to the near death, but Uk-thin isn't willing to back down."
Mystan in turn lays out Virion's offer; Sir Sylvenne is willing to concede harm for the lightning bolt, and even be held liable in a civil court and provide the healing potions to heal the injury, if Uk-thin stops slandering Virion. The injury to Virion's honor is the constant slandering and lies about Virion's honor and character, especially regarding Dr. Cauce's death.
The seconds return to the parties, and present the terms. Uk-thin doesn't even want to hear Virion's term's. Even after they do, they refuse. Bubbles is outraged, but accepts this. Mystan approaches Virion, who assumes Uk-thin will refuse - and they do! Virion offers to sweeten the deal with 50pp for damages and the sunblade rapier. And a grappling hook, just for kicks.
"As expected, Mystan," Bubbles started, "Uk-thin refused the offer. In fact, they further slandered Virion in their refusal. They are quite insistent that Virion either spills blood or walks away."
Mystan states, "As a last effor, Virion is in addition offering more payment for damages" and lays out Virion's above goods. When Uk-thin refuses, nobody is surprised.
Uk-thin breaks protocol and screams across the field, "You can't buy me off Sylvenne! Either we cross swords or you walk away!"
Uk-thin then lays out their dueling terms: shortswords only. No magic, no bladesong. If Mystan offers bladesong, then they get to use Battlefist. Virion counters with an unorthodox proposal, and instead tries to take away the platinum, hook, and sword and instead offer retribution of a free strike; they can cause Virion a serious wound - still with the magic healing. Virion decides to not fight back. All of this on the condition that Uk-thin not further slander Sir Sylvenne.
Uk-thin, for once, pauses to consider those terms. They look at the ground, look at Bubbles, and then look at the ground. Ultimately, Uk-thin refuses to those terms. It's clear by now that the duel is going to happen, and thus it's terms must be decided.
For the sake of efficiency, Mystan agrees. Bubbles lays out the shortswords only policy, to which Virion - via Mystan - suggests allowing bladesong but no spells. They argue back and forth, and Uk-thin suggests Bladesong being fine if Battlefist is allowed. Normal unarmed strikes are fine.
They agree, eventually, on blades (mechanically, shortswords) with bladesong & battlefist.
The two go to the center of the field, the doctor and seconds clearing back. They stand back to back, and walk their paces until they are 30 feet apart. They each draw swords simultaneously, but Virion goes first within a hair's breadth. He easily closes the gap and starts his bladesong, stabbing into Uk-thin. They then slash across the stoneborn, making them bleed further.
Uk-thin retaliates with their battlefist, but Virion dodges the telegraphed attacks with ease. In Uk-thin's rage, they leave themself open to Virion's vicious saber. However, on the backswing Uk-thin recovers and the Bladesinger misses.
Virion's miss causes him to falter, and Uk-thin's battlefist connects with his nose, and then his stomach, breaking Virion's face and leaving a Horrible Scar. Then, because they are ninth level and that means the Battlefist counts as a shield, Uk-thin's strike nearly drives Virion to the ground.
Virion holds his nose and looks at the blood, "here's your fucking blood, you happy?"
"Not. Yet." Uk-thin says, to which Virion flicks the blood at them.
"You know, I knew from the moment I did this it was fruitless to actually fight you, right?"
"Then why did you agree to it?" Uk-thin asks, "Why did you bring the challenge?"
"I thought you wanted an opprotunity to strike someone. I gave you that opportunity," Virion explains. He's trying to make a point and talk him down.
Uk-thin drops their battlefist to their side, and states "We're done."
"We're done?"
"Yes." With that, Uk-thin yields, and walks away. Ciara rushes over to patch Virion up, as Uk-thin returns to Burle. Once Virion is good as new, they chase after the dwarf to attend to Uk-thin's more minor injuries, but they refuse - Ciara still calls a Healing Word to them, to ensure the honor the duel is maintained.
Upon Uk-thin's return, they are greeted by soldiers feigning ignorance and asking if they require assistance. The group waiting at the northern gate feigns ignorance but whispers of the duel, wondering if Sylvenne survived. Uk-thin stays quiet.
When the rest return, the looks between guards and questions bouncing around the fort only grow. Uk-thin stays alone, while everyone else gathers their things.
Once things have settled down at the fort, both Selina and Ciaran wish to speak with the Order of Raan. Talon Delmirev happens to be there now. He agrees to talk with his superiors about information regarding half-dragons and get back to Selina during the Green Corn Festival in Saltmarsh. They also agree to let Ciara speak with Faeryn by the 20th. All of this is on the condition the drow and kor help Eliander Fireborn secure Ironbeard via the Tower of Zenopus.
After a few days days kayaking - during which Uk-thin stays behind to apply to the marines in Burle - the party arrives in Saltmarsh on the 13th in the evening. Bubbles decides to go back home given how horrifying the underdark and duel were, and they return to the Cobalt Sea.
When they return, the party is overwhelemed by people excited at their return and full of questions - where are Dr. Cauce, Uk-thin, and Bubbles? What happened to Virion's nose? Who is the drow and kor? Do they know anything about the break-in at the tower? Etc. - but eventually are saved by the Town Council and pulled away to the council hall, and asked for a briefing. Now Councilwoman Maria Primewater has taken after her father's ostentatious style and her attire is capped by two large earings with stones and feathers, as well as a massive hat.
Just like with Talon Delmeriv, the party gives a full report but makes no mention of the Mushroom Appreciation Society and the ritual on the 19th. At Virion's discretion, the duel is also left out and Uk-thin simply enlisted, while Bubbles opted to return home because of the underdark.
The council then reveals that on the 2nd of Slaying, brigands broke into Keledek's Tower and seemed to steal Dr. Cauce's things - but none of Keledek's, strangely.
Captain Fireborn wants the case with the tower solved before Keledek returns. The Council is fascinated by the Tower of Zenopus's involvement and the underdark. Furthermore, Captain Fireborn wants to get Selina and Ciaran's help constructing a winch to get Ironbeard out of the mushroom feilds. But for now, he wants to petition the council to hire the party to investigate; Dr. Cauce's incompetence and the resulting robbery reeks of a cover up and possibly even someone opposing the party.
Captain Fireborn then proposes the plan to the council. Eda Oweland seems open to it, and Mannistrad Copperlocks is begrudgingly accepting the proposal, citing the party's good track record with solving mysteries. Interestingly, Maria Primewater and Anders Solmor oppose the party's involvement in the investigation. Solmor argues that the party is half people they have no history with, and that Virion should return to Seaton and Mystan ought to be helping the town prep for the Green Corn festivel. Primewater, meanwhile, thinks the party is too close to the case - and cites their tendency for bending the rules.
Nonetheless, the dissidents are outvoted and the party is hired on, offered 1000 gp - and the new two having citizenship/access to the house, if the others are OK with that - to solve the case.
The guard has no leads on who they were or why they did it, but the guard has already interviewed neighbors. There looked to be four of them, and a rope left behind - as well as witness testimony provided by some of the nearby dwarves - indicated they left via the western cliffs and escaped by rowboat, probably to the other side of the river.
The party first checks out the hook. Indeed there is a grappling hook attached to the cliff, with a rope descending to the bottom of the cliffs. Virion checks out the hook and rope, and learns that the knots on the hook and rope are very sturdy, clearly made by someone who knows their way around ropes. The rope looks old, but the hook is free of rust. The party notes that such a hook could be bought from Winston's Store.
At the bottom, the water is actually a somewhat shallow five feet. Seklyn notes two details. One, a nearby rock above the waterline has marks indicating something was tied to it. Two, in the sands of the riverbed is a scroll case. Judging by the lack of algae and other growth, it was likely new. Fishing it out reveals two things. One, it has Dr. Cauce's name written on it. Two, it has a single map in it. A copy of a map of Saltmarsh, with the Jail circled and an encoded message written over the Oweland house in printed handwriting reading: "Akzp bl isoxtvno hk hpnbwsz".
Searching Keledek's tower reveals that, indeed, all of Keledek's stuff is where he left it. But Dr. Cauce's maps, degree, clothes, and baubles - including his pueblo-style ceremonial mask - are missing. Also of note is that it appears care was taken not to disturb the wizard's things, and nobody broke it. Either someone teleported into the defintiely warded tower, or someone had a key. Ciara uses Find Traps In fact, none of Keledek's wards or other magical traps were set off. There are a hell of a lot of Glyphs of Warding and Alarm spells up, and some of them are nasty. Whoever broke in did so without setting any off.
So then who the hell did this, and why? Even Uk-thin's things are undistrubed. The handwriting doesn't match anybody elses' - it isn't Keledek, or Cauce's, or Uk-thin's, or anyone's. A mundane or magical dead man switch from Cauce could set this off. But who's the main player? Dr. Cauce must've had a benefactor to cause this operation - and afford the sunblade.
The guards are largely unhelpful, talking about events at the jail like Ned Shakeshaft's death, the break-in by Faeryn, Corporal Cazador's birthday, etc.
Mystan and Seklyn go to talk to Winston.
Uk-thin Rolsar
Lawful Good Gensai (Guild Artisan)
artificer 4
artificer 4
31 / 31 HP
STR
16
16
DEX
13
13
CON
14
14
INT
17
17
WIS
12
12
CHA
11
11
Bubbles
Ciara(n)
Virion Sylvenne
C/N Wood Elf (Noble)
Wizard 2
Wizard 2
7 / 12 HP
STR
12
12
DEX
16
16
CON
13
13
INT
16
16
WIS
14
14
CHA
14
14
Co'oquilan Mystan
Bronze Dragonborn (Acolyte)
Cleric 3
Cleric 3
10 / 24 HP
STR
14
14
DEX
11
11
CON
14
14
INT
13
13
WIS
16
16
CHA
13
13
Seklyn/Selina
Report Date
31 Dec 2022
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