Power Play at the Pit

Written by Chrundle_the_Great

General Summary

Spurred on by vengeance, the debtors impress at Buckledown Row's fighting pits, meet with the enigmatic leader of the Queen's Men, and recruit a zealous paladin for their appearance at the Sanguine Gala.

Session Notes

• Hearing Vikari's name, Sarlen rushes towards the fighting pits
• The group gives chase, but he beats them to the arena, a repurposed cistern
• Bull the referee informs the group that all newcomers are required to fight
1. Sarlen names the group the Shattered Shields after a famous party
• The Queen of Thieves is in attendance, partly because of the potion deal
1. Blackjack Mel took partial credit and urges the group not to disappoint
2. Lies and Deceit, tiefling and aasimar retainers guard the Queen
3. Vikari, Cecito, and guests from other factions are in the audience
• Fighters on behalf of the Queen's Men are the following:
1. Smiley Pete, toothless dwarven pugilist with delerium knuckles
2. Bloodhound, hobgoblin archer with various ranged weapons
3. Glassjaw Jake, impervious warforged with a distaste for organic matter
4. Mamba Jones, quadriplegic gnome martial artist
• Outclassed in raw power, the group narrowly wins with magic and ingenuity
• Impressed, the Queen offers a chance to face her mysterious champion
1. Sarlen accepts, and the Queen calls for anyone willing to test the group
2. A disgruntled Vikari volunteers and taunts the group into a 4v1
• Brutal and resilient, the tactician cuts throats, throws daggers, and incapacitates each of the group, one by one
1. His amulet deflects Sarlen's arrows, and, bloodied himself, Vikari wins
2. Glassjaw Jake remotely detonates Grimgar's bomb, knocking out the would-be victor, and ending the battle in a draw
• With no winner, the Queen offers the previous boon to the entire audience
1. Retrieving a lost shipment from the Sanguine Gala will earn her favor
• Despite Vikari not recognizing him, Sarlen finds his longbow snapped in half
• After the group awakes, they are summoned to a meeting with the Queen
1. She questions them about the "potion deal" but seems impressed
2. She is interested in Peter, particularly his ambition for the throne
3. Also, she knows about Eldemir's sword and claims she's "gifted with getting rare magic items to work"
• On certain conditions, the Queen offers the following:
1. For the group, the location of a stronghold outside of the Haze
2. For Peter, the position of Chancellor and a meeting with his sister
3. For Eldemir, safe passage to the Shifting Library in the Inner City
4. For Sarlen, a sanctioned rematch with Vikari
• In exchange, she wants Peter to decline the throne and the group to find and hand over the Chancellor's Seal from this stronghold
1. Although she does not confirm or deny whether she plans to be Westemär's next regent, she wants to retain her current influence
• When the group accepts, she reveals the stronghold—Von Drakken Estate
• The group recruits Cecito for the Sanguine Gala and heads for Camp Dawn
1. Grimgar hires Glassjaw Jake, who will meet them at Fresser Estate
• An otyugh ambushes the group, but the knight fells it with a divine smite
• Five shadows, serving the Pale Man, demand Peter's family ring
1. When he refuses, they sap his strength, nearly killing him
2. Eldemir summons his spectral horse, Midnight, and the group rushes to Camp Dawn for much-needed healing

Character(s) interacted with

Bull
Smiley Pete
Bloodhound
Glassjaw Jake
Mamba Jones
Queen of Thieves
Lies
Deceit
Lieutenant Vikari
Sir Cecito

Report Date

23 Jun 2024

Primary Location

Buckledown Row

Related Characters

• Eldemir Barling
• Grimgar Boomshot
• Peter von Drakken
• Sarlen Broadwing