Author: Alessandro Bertolucci

#151 : Crossroads (April 12, 2017)

Journal Entry – 6th of Maz’Relden

What a week!

Last week while Ronan, Chuq and Thorfus trained with Ericus, after their ill-advised alterations, I trained with the imperial wizard Allison.

(Margin note: Ericus’ training is quite brutal and without finesse – but seemed to do wonders with my companion’s ability to pummel an opponent aggressively)

It was a rough start, obviously she didn’t like me, but gradually she grew to tolerate and (gasp!) even grudgingly respect me. She even admitted that, “I’m ok for a half-elf.” She even offered to help me challenge her former school just for the laughs. Tempting, but business first.

With some gentle probing, I discovered that she worked with Grell for some time out of Angmar’s Folly and didn’t seem to know that there was more to that place beneath her feet. Coupled with Jardin’s lack of knowledge about the imperial findings there (glass-steel) I think that there may be large gaps or forgotten discoveries even amoung the Imperials.

Oh – speaking of folly – Ronan’s self-mutilation has resulted in his gaining some disturbing if not interesting abilities: he can polymorph himself into a seemingly random creature for a random amount of time, has somewhat scaly skin and can now spit acid, similar to the Thesselhydra we defeated.

(Margin Note: I should review the bioforge cube when I get a chance, I may have to reverse these in the future)

Early this week we had a meeting to decide our next move – recent events have put us at a crossroads:

a. Get parts from the skiff & rebuild a monkey

b. Go in search of the cloning machine

c. Return to Glavnone for Kalgunn

d. Return to Midmark and retrieve Jardin’s blood

e. Return to Mariantaxis and give him one of my portals

f. Check in on Thorfus’ mother – seems she may be in trouble

g. Return Emelia to Vargen and Canis

Between us we decided that the best course of action is to rebuild one of our mechanical helpers (while I secretly train with Wymark) then travel back to Vargen (Emilia wishes to return home) and Midmark to collect some blood from Jardin – and witness the mess we left in our wake after discovering what Sarathos has done. I fear the worst.

(Margin note: I should return invisibly – Marchmain and Admiral Sakandor are likely still interested in me)

While I trained with Allison, my companions returned to the skiff to collect the monkey parts and some other gear, taking one of my miniature portals for some testing. They arrived without incident, but found the barn door open, yet our skiff was undisturbed. Of course it wouldn’t be that easy as our skiff was adopted by some venomous spiders that nearly dispatched poor Chuck while the others began passing gear through the portal. Lucky for Chuck they pushed him through the portal allowing Lambertus to slow the poison while we scrambled for a cure. Luckily, Jagger sold us one.

Later that evening the gang returned and Ronan and I went to see Jagger – he to sell spiders I’m sure Jagger had many of and I to look at the library again – but really to speak with Wymark to see if he would train me.

As I referred to earlier, I reached out to Wymark last week to confirm his guild memembership based on Allison’s jab at him (and me) over dinner. It seems that Wymark is no friend of the Haberdashers, he alluded to the Hangmen and being a Follower of the Shadow… as only an “associate” of the Haberdashers I had no vested interest in taking him out. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I can ill-afford losing anymore time so I convinced Wymark I wasn’t here to kill him and that this was a strict business transaction. That out of the way my training began. His technique confirmed that he’s more a man of thuggery and murder than those I’ve trained with before. Though not as refined as those of my cousins – still very effective.

My final exam was interesting, breaking into the tower, but unfortunately in my haste I failed to notice a magical trap that caused Jagger’s singing statues to sound the alarm. I received a token from him, said I could use it to convince other followers to at least listen to me. Not sure how the Haberdashers would take the news – but frankly I don’t care there are bigger stakes – Aunt Fel would approve I think – then again I don’t think she held either group in high esteem.

My training with him was all business, but I managed to discover Finklemur is definitely under the Dark King’s control – that Jagger is afraid of the Dark King (DK threatened to destroy the tower). Also Marchmain wasn’t liked by him, but he supplied Jagger with the information required to use the bioforge – including the cubes – and he also supplied slaves to power the machine.

Session #137 – Jagger’s Tower

10:30 PM 1st Day of the Great Fair

After watching the show, the company heads back to the guest house where the hirelings’ party has also ended and have all head to their rooms – except we notice a light is still on.

It’s Sturloc waiting in the foyer (with a candlestick) for us to arrive.

After some pleasantries – we find out that Jagger’s mercs were talkative, but nothing earth shatterning. Sturlock confirms that monthly suppliers are shipped up the river by the Bargemen, and that Jagger and his men know about the problems in Vargen. The mercs aren’t worried about making a deal with the Triad.

Apparently no money is sent down to Vargen and Jagger has people in town to oversee the shipments and make purchases. The gnome is rumourd to have a huge treasure hoard. Orial (the head merc?) believes that it’s somewhere here. (NOTE: Jagger did mention a “dragon hoard or two” when pressed about his wealth over dinner)

Sturloc continues to say that the Fire Giants and a few villages have paid Jagger for services, but Orial doubts it can account for his wealth. Jagger’s apprentice might know more as he’s been with Jagger since forever. Could there be something under the tower? After a short discussion, we confirm our resolve to seek out Kotar before dealing with Jagger – After we pay him a visit in the morning of course.

After the debriefing is done, Sturloc asks to speak with Thorfus privately. Edan and the rest head off to bed (Ceasar patrols indoors), while Sturloc, Thorfus and Chuck talk. Sturloc asks Thorfus, when time permits, that he officiates a wedding between he and Bellasante – especially if we find Kotar. He knows he’s not really his Kotar anymore, but he does have his memories. Thorfus agrees and hugs go all around.

Chuck “speaks” with Socrates in order to ask if he noticed any difference coming to the tower than when he tried without guidance – he did not.

Sturloc and Thorfus organize and set a watch – just in case.

The night is uneventful and we all wake the next morning to a very wet day. As the men start to organize in order to leave after noon, Philipot comes by to offer to restock our food supplies and that the paperwork for the ThesselHydra and Travel Papers were being prepared for us at the Tower and that he’ll be taking us there shortly.

We leave for the Tower in the rain and arrive wet. As we walk in we are magically “dried” but are still wet as our dryness is an illusion. We’re quickly taken to the bioforge lab somewhere below the tower accessed by locked doors and steep staircases.

The first room we enter has 2 tables with 5 electrified “monk” sticks (cattle prods?) on them. Also chains and manacles are not far away. The room is silenced in some strange way – sound can enter, but it cannot exit.

We enter the actual Lab next – where we find Jagger and Jasper waiting for us next to a familiar looking device. A dwarven automaton sits in the room – unlike those we’ve seen – this one has medical tools on it’s appendages. A control pedestal isn’t far as well as a clear crystal pedestal similar to the one we’ve seen inside the head of the Colossus, but with burn marks on the side (hand prints).

Jagger explains that the device came from the mainland – from a city long gone whose governor was it’s previous owner. The city was called Zardan (no one recognizes it) He acquired it after the governor lost his position. It has taken him many years to figure out how to get it powered and working.

* Jagger confirms he is from the mainland – a colonist “so to speak.” Likely in service to the Emporer.

Edan is warned by Kalgunn not to touch the crystal.

The Crystal Pedestal is explained to be the powersource for the device, and is powered by magic users transferring power to it carefully, sacrificing their ability to cast magic. It takes practice he says and can be deadly if not done properly (indicates burn marks).

*Kalgun confirms Edan’s suspicion that the crystal drain not just magic but life force – effectively killing the person touching it. Kalgun explains that this device was likely sent here by the first scouts, when the link to transpatial energy hadn’t been made yet and although someone properly trained could channel power into the device safely with training, his ancestors wouldn’t have bothered and just brought people along whom they “feed” to the crystal.

Edan requests to look at information cube, there’s nothing written on the surface and isn’t different than all the other he’s seen. Resists the urge to show off.

Jagger explains that he means to use the device (and bioforging) to attain immortality. That thanks to the cube he’s learned to augment people’s physical attributes, and believes that he could use the machine to increase people’s ability to channel transpatial energy – basically affecting the mind. He wants the cloning machine in order to experiment on copies of himself. It will take him years to figure it out. He believes that creating hybrids (like Canis’ wife) are key to achieving it.

He confirms that he could “reverse” a hybrid, provided he has all the replacement parts – so to speak. He’d be willing to do this for Canis’ wife (yeah right).

With that – we’re ushered back up stairs to the dining room where on the east side of the tower. We can hear voices – all marketing speil for Jager – as we walk down the hall to the dining room.

There we’re presented with the Ancient Elven Armour and the Bracers he spoke about the previous evening – the books and map I requested to look at are on their way.

Ancient Elven Armour – Property of Chieftan Whitgyft Destroyer of Dwarves. And Edan accepts it as his payment as he has no interest in BioForging.

Chuck tests the bracers and goes for a trade (trading his old dwarven bracers) so that he can still get the bioforge.

While Edan looks at the books, Jagger offers them to Edan – Copy of the book on gems, bioforging and a map to the dragon. He doesn’t mind the books as he has other copies left behind by visitors (again, probably lying here) but the mad he wants back for sentimental reasons. Edan decides to just copy the map instead of keeping it.

Chuck begins to explain some of our findings about what’s coming, hoping to see if he’s a potential ally of convience – we’re worried about his relation to the Dark King.

Jagger explains that according to his research, thecylinder is just off the Lonely Isle.

He discusses his meeting with the dark king. The King’s was wearing the crystal crown and wasn’t particularly nice to talk with. Had three others with him (Eyes, Ears and Mouth)

Axel then describes his experience with the Dark King Forces and the prophecy he was shown.

We ask about his dealings with Marchmain and the Silverthrone. He basically said his only dealing have been allowing Silverthrone to pass through the valley to visit the Fire Giants. He warns us again to avoid going there.

We tell him more about what’s coming and he’s more forthcoming – he tells us about a portal he’s created to an alternate version of this world. It’s not the Shadow World, but an alternate version of this world where the Dwarves aren’t around and the Emporer Rules, but there’s still a strong Elven Empire.

After some discussion we receive our documentation – we leave. Collect our men and then head off to find Kotar.

We go through the path to where we met Canin’s wife – Amilia – to talk to her. Ronin explains that Jagger will return her to how she was, but only after we complete our mission. Ronin asks her if she would rather come with us or wait for our return. The party believes Jagger will do it – Edan doesn’t trust him. She decides to join us anyways – and then we tell her we know Cannis.

We travel along for a while until we’re out of Jager’s magic – then use the map to orient ourselves towards the Dragon’s peak and finally to a ridge where we look back on the valley.

While we find a way up the pass we’re attacked by 2 wyverns. We defeat one of them – Ronin decides to makes cloak from the wings and Axel collects some poison.

We rest for the night .

Session #141 : Into the Heart of Darkness 2: Electric Boogaloo

27 Tan’Relden – 7:30pm

After successfully raising the Skiff, we head off towards the river – skimming about 60 fit off the water.

Max speed 40 miles/hour, 60ft ceiling.

We notice shattered trees – likely the result of the giant automaton towards the west the team partially uncovered.

We decided to fly towards where the automaton was and we fly-over Elessandro and his men who were spooked by our ship.

We spot the damage likely caused by the berserker automaton. It seems to be dragging itself as there are deep furrows in the ground.

We follow the furrows – and find a dead dragon – or what looks like a dead river dragon (based on descriptions). Looks like there was fight between it and some else big – likely the automaton.

The furrows continue towards the swamp. Thorfus tries to scan for the automaton but no luck.

Chuck wants to investigates and jumps down – Thorfus lowers himself by rope.

Chuck and Thorfus approach the “body” and speak with Captain Arnt – who explains that something attacked a festival dragon – a costume really – and two local kids were killed when the automaton (we think) pounded/crushed it to crap.

Guard was waiting on Cpt Elessandro to come back from investigating a hunch – likely the resting place of the Automaton.

Chuck and Thorfus tell the guard to give Cpt Elessandro their regards and climb on back aboard. Chuck scambles up easily, Edan tips barge as Thorfus climbs as if Thorfus was pulling the ship down.

We follow the furrow to the edge of the fields and into to swamp, but it’s direction is unclear.

We move further west in the hopes to get it into view – all the way to the river.

But we have no luck – nothing that we can pick out. So we decide to fly north over the swamp to wards the Greyflood/Vargwater.

2nd hour – As we fly, we pass nearby the Cultist’s camp – but we elect not to scare them. 😉

3d hour – still nothing to see, except towards the end of the hour we spot some lights- fires behind some kind of stockade around a small village. Use spyglass and see : 5 or 6 buildings – one definitely a smithy with a livestock pen. Many temporary dwellings – tents and shacks – most likely lizardmen, but are clothed and not obvious tails. Axel confirms they are the like the Lizardmen he encountered – can’t confirm they were friendly or not, they warned him away before they were all killed by lightning balls.

4th hour : Chuck has Sarathos adjust the parrot’s mindset to help us scan around the ship. Lights catch Thorfus’ eyes – lights that seem to be converging on the skiff. Blue-ish – white lights that fade in and out and are zig-zagging.Moving very quickly. Spyglass shows balls of lights with tails.

They are the same things that killed the Lizardmen Axel encountered. Everyone is awake except Edan. Thorfus turns west hoping to outrun them. Axel and Ronin prepare to fire – Axel with his suit, Ronin with an arbalest bolt. Axel misses – but Ronin hits and one seems to waver and break-off and we do so – leaving them behind as we outpace them. Axel and Ronin fire arrows for target practice taking one down. Chuq also fires and hits one, veers off and stops following.

5th hour: We approach the Vargwater and can see the Greyflood tributary. We follow the river – hoping to get to our destination quickly. We see some old docks, by a village – but no lights. Axel figures it could be the same village he stumbled upon on route back to us.

6th hour: we continue following – still easy going.

7th hour: we continue following – still easy going. Ronin spots a rather large lizard – a dinosaur, similar to a Pachycephalosaurus (head-butting dino).

8th hour: (3AM) sky lightening up – making it difficult to see. Ronin starts to keep an eye out for the landing and looks like he’s spotted the landing we were looking for. Edan wakes as do the others.

We dock. But everything looks eerie – so we decided to hide the barge further away at a tributary. We hide the ship. Edan hides his chest under the floor of the barge. We take out the batteries.

DAWN : 28th of Tan’ Relden

We bushwhack our way back to the landing. We investigate the smaller of the two building (small hut) – empty, simple residence. Nothing interesting.

We check out the barn – Edan hears nothing – Axel “door-kicker” murphy open the door. We find an empty barn.

Seems like the place has been abandoned for a while.

We begin to head up the northern path and it heads west – marching for 4 hours with not much issue.

Afternoon – about noon-ish. 20 minutes later we find a battle scene – crushed cart, blood on the ground – crushed/trampled ground. We find a body in a tree- obviously dead – we get him down. We don’t recognize him. We find a pouch of gold & platinum – peculiar stamp with a letter J (Jagger?) – the pouch is pocketed by Edan.

Ronin follow the path of the creature – but doesn’t see much other than more destruction. Chuck follows and they go in about 50 feet. We all hear a roar and decide best not stick around.

Chuck and Ronin rejoin the group and we continue up the path.

Occasionally we hear crashing to the north and get the feeling that we’re being watched.

As we go up (altitude) jungle and crashing sounds diminish.

Uneventful until 4PM – still nothing. Undergrowth not so thick.

As evening falls we look for a spot to deploy Thorfus’ portable fortress for the night. We find a pot a little north of the path and set up for the night and set up watch.

Ronin through most of his watch doesn’t spot anything special – except towards the end when he noticed a large heat signature with wavy tentacles. Chuck scans it – not intelligent, but hungry and in pain. 8 heads – possibly. Crap – a hydra. A Thesselhydra!

Next morning we head on. By mid-day we crest and look down into a closed valley – with a Tower in the middle. The tower is surrounded by walls and towers. A huge fortress – Jagger’s fortress.

As we watch – Socrates appears with news – after feeding & healing. He describes nightmare creatures – multi-armed apes, with human faces, half-spiders found throughout the valley. He also says that Finklemur is gone, taken by the Dark One’s forces (based on the owl’s description) and used to fight giants in & around some caves. The Owl has barely remained alive, thanks to a helpful mutated creature.

We stop to contemplate our next move. Chuck & Ronin would love to take on Jagger, but Thorfus/Axel seem reluctant – Edan thinks it would be a bad idea, besides, if we fail our greater mission it would be a moot point as we’d all be toast.

Session #136 or “Vargen Intrigues Redux Redux”

Journal Entry – 25th of Tel-Relden

Aunt Fel had a nice way to describe our situation, “poor foresight leads to a tangled web” – and boy did we get some things wrong.

Last night (around 7PM on the 24th) we arrived at the 12th Night Inn in Vergen in the hopes of not attracting as much attention had we gone to the company’s usual haunts.

It looked promisingly empty (due to the embargo no doubt) but it was not to last – even after we purchased all the remaining rooms. It seems that our profile has become too high.

Not long after we settle down for a drink and some planning that a group of 10 mercenary types burst into the room – hands on their hilts. Had Axel not waved us down a battle would have likely ensued – it seemed that men were lead by an acquaintance – Adelard.

Adelard ushered in two merchant types who immediately recognized the other members in introduced themselves to me as Phyllis Birie (Mercers Guild Mistress) and Odarg Bervermann a local council member. Both seemed politically concerned with our presence and Chuq’s actions earlier today in the streets seems to have only confused matters. It seems our arrival has been noticed by many parties – and not in a good way.

Thorfus proposed we move to a more private room to continue our delicate conversation.

Odarg explains that the city is a shambles, hanging by a thread with people straving, even fighting in the streets over scraps to feed themselves. The turf-war between the Bargemen and Triad has to end one way or the other – obviously they’d prefer that the Bargemen win so that they’ll be the senior partner. They fear that if the Triad wins (they are imperially backed) they’ll be relegated to a more junior position.

The Triad have the upper hand – having taken control of the old Bargemen compound and the prison on Eye Island (an old Imperial fortification used as a prison). They’ve even managed to steal the Bargemen’s Dragon Hoard.

They implore that we take action, even offering us facilities and materials we could use – but Thorfus and Chuq commit to nothing, but do take their offer to move our ship to a more secure mooring near the Inn.

We go to the docks and Chuq, Thorfus and Axel “step” back to the ship and to have it move to the new mooring. After bribing the guide to shut their mouth, Ronin and I decide to head back to the Inn rather than wait here – but Ronin, to his credit, noticed that we were being followed – by a rank amature to boot. It didn’t take long for use to corner the poor sod and find out that he’d been hired by the Silver Throne to follow me, or rather Kalgunn. With that we returned to wait for the ship – this time I was invisible.

As we waited we spotted other terrible spies.

When the ship arrived we boarded and related to he others what we discovered.

However – our luck – we’re interrupted by Gronsk (so I’m told) who is waiting for Thorfus to deliver his message from Dreys – which he does. He then offers to trade the Bargemen’s location in exchange for the reason we’re back in Vargen – Thorfus tells him we’re here to deal with the Bargemen. The Bargemen leaders are holed-up on-board a ship – a ship that was moored next to the Jolly Gorgan only a short while earlier – ???????

NOTE: Gronsk did not mentally communicate with Chuq. It seems that he’s wary of the Monk – could it be because of the “Night Court”?

Being late, we decided to sleep on board rather than attempt a return to the INN, I remain invisible in the hopes to confuse potential spies.

While my companions slept, I decided to pen a letter to my guild-mates back home. It may spell my doom, but if they can delay or hamper the Imperials and/or the Silver Throne the risk will be worth it. I noticed a haberdashery not far from here – with some luck I could get the message out without the others noticing.

We woke earlier today and headed out on the trail of Kottar – hitting up Benedictus Sherston, the sage we know he consulted with.

He was resistant to tell us anything, but a rather large gem (which I promptly swapped for one of much lower quality – Thorfus needs to negotiate a little more frugally) quickly changed his mind and he told us that he sent Kottar to consult with Parnell Thorett in High Town. It seems Kottar knew we’d come looking for him.

We made our way to High Town but Thorfus could remember where Parnell lived – so we asked a local to guide us – for a price of course.

From the Haberdashery in High Town: 4 blocks in, turn left, 4 more blocks, we see the “Lonely Barely” inn to the right, then right for 2 blocks then left 2 blocks that way, then right 2 blocks, and he points to a building on the left.

Parnell’s mansion is finely built, but in disrepair. We knock and are met with resistance, telling us that all the expedition positions have been filled. But Chuq insists and eventually lets us in and admits to knowing who we are and what happened in Xen’Kel with Prix. He continues to let us know that Prix is alive, but cannot wake, and the expedition went to Nickel Peaks in order to find the brass dragon and ask it for some blood in order to help her.

It seems that Dragons are immortal – that, like some Dwarves we know, their spirits go into the “dark” and can return with the proper ritual. It seems that the blood of three dragons can revive Prix.

The brass dragon, Myrientaxus, has been around for a very long time and has avoided the Imperials. He was last spotted near Glavnone (a ancient Dwarven Mine). Parnell doesn’t know why it avoided the imperials.

The expedition set out on the 1st of tel-relden (2 weeks ago). Kottar thinks the Brass Dragon would help him find blood of 2 other dragons.

Parnell then showed us on the map the path they took – up the Vargwater, then north through the Jungle.

Parnell’s library is vast and intriguing – Chuq and I have decided to explore the library for answers to some of our questions with Parnell’s help while the others prepare for our trip up the Vargwater.

I hope to find some indication where the council hid after the fall, what the “dark” really is, while Chuq wants to study the anatomical drawings of the dragons in order to find a way to kill them more efficiently.

Parnell is back with some tea – I’ll resume later.

Session #134

Journal Entry: 22nd Of Tel’Renden – Evening.

We’re returning from the quaint resort town of Seabreeze (yes, terribly original) where we successfully recovered the body of the elder Grell despite the fairly vague description and map provided to us by Goldenbollocks.

Before I relate the rest, I must make note of a strange occurrence from the day before. On our way to Seabreeze we found ourselves being shadowed by another ship – a ship without an apparent crew. Suspicious (as we tend to be these days) Chuck and Ronin shadow-step (or should we start calling it conduit-step?) over to investigate after the crew tells us the ship, “The Flaming Princess” ports out of Kaligun and was believed to be involved in the slave trade. We saw little (even through a looking-glass) from our vantage point but Ronin and Chuq told us upon their return that they found no one aboard, no signs of battle, impossible to steer and it was strangely cold on board. Ronin described it as the same chill we encountered in the Grell estate. They cautiously left as crashings sounds were heard below decks. Soon afterwards the ship simply dove under the waves.

Odd, but considering recent events I may have to re-think my belief in ghosts – perhaps – as Kalgunn once hinted add – there may be people trapped within the conduit system or other “in-between” he’s not aware of. One more thing to research should we survive.

Also – during the trip – I managed to investigate the magical items my colleagues recently “acquired” and made good headway on the ship design . For reference: the Jug can create any liquid it is requested to, but I was not able to decipher more I’ll have to try again another day. The net on the other hand was easy to identify (the tag helped) as a Net of Snaring. A rather powerful underwater item obviously meant to be used in conjunction with Chuq’s cloak.

We arrived at Seabreeze earlier this morning and were quickly approached by the harbour-master, Nicoli Snawe, a talkative fellow you quickly lets us know who now own the old Grell vacation home and it’s location. He also warns us that we may not be welcome by many – it seem the younger Grell raided the town leaving survivors to remember that we were to blame for or.

Chuq was more irritable than usual and was quite terse with the man – insisting we not pay for docking fees – frustrated with the delay I payed the man and went on shore.

We followed the directions to the home given to us without incident, passing white sandy beaches we eventually made it to the home.

We were met by the head caretaker (the current owner, a Midmark Admiral I vaguely remember meeting) Lambin de Pontibus. He and Chuq did not get off to a good start – the tension between the two escalated quickly as Chuq tried first to convince Lambin to search the premise, then switched to threats and when he arrested the man and threatened to arrest his family that’s when I had to intervene. I calmed things down, playing the, “we’ve been travelling” card to put Lambin at ease and separate him from Chuq, who was being unreasonable. I know he has a hatred from slavery and although the man did work for a now acknowledged slaver, he was interviewed by the authorities and no charges were laid – that’s no excuse for poor manners.

So as Lambin and I chatted over some tea – where he told me he had sent his son to fetch the authorities. The others managed to locate the coffin as indicated, by a waterfall underneath a marble bench. Within the hour the hole was refilled, sod replaced and marble bench back where it belonged.

With feathers now unruffled and satisfied with our landscaping Lambin extended an invitation to myself to return for a visit – provided we’re alive in a few months, I might take him up on that.

With coffin in tow were head back to the ship and cross the Harbour Master with Lambin’s son and small contingent of security. I quickly stepped in before Chuq (still a little irritable) had a chance to speak and cleared up the obvious misunderstanding and got an answer regarding the strange practice of removing the seaweed from the beach – seems that the wives and mistresses don’t like seeing seaweed on the beach.

After loading the cargo onto the ship we set sail back to Midmark where we’ll be docking in a little while. I imagine we’ll hurry to bring the cargo back to the house in order to exorcise it.

I must prepare – I’ll continue later.

———————————

It’s now evening and I’m ready to retire. Well – where to begin?

I guess I’ll begin after we picked up Goldenbollock, and the keys to the estate, and headed towards the home to get this over and done with.

You could feel something strange was in the air that night and we were not disappointed.

Moments after we arrived and Thorfus’ monkeys began to bring Grell’s coffin and Cale’s head into the home, Thorfus loses control of the monkeys and the do is slammed in my face before I can enter.

We followed the procession, looking through the windows, as it travelled through the house and eventually into the basement. That’s when the winds picked up and were able to enter the house.

We all quickly made our way to the basement’s torture room where the grisly procession ended – Grell’s coffin smashed and bones piled in the middle of the room. The monkeys prevented me from moving Grells’ bones, but I was able to pick up and examine the poor girl’s skull, which had a pair of lips burned into its forehead – a mother’s last embrace perhaps?

We quickly decide to bury the skull by the tree and consecrated land on the grounds. I find a foot locker and fill it with some bed stuffing. The monkeys then carry it out to the garden where Ronin and I dig a hole for the poor girl.

After a few words were spoken by each of us we buried Cale in the pouring rain and once done the rain stopped and the monkey’s returned to Thorfus’ control.

We then surveyed the home and secured it, deciding that we’d need someone to manage the place while we continue our work. I have some ideas for that – but we’ll wait for morning.

23’d of Tel’Renden.

My suggestion worked out. I seems the map-maker’s family we rescued during the riots were more than happy to help us.

They’ve agreed to take care of EM and their son has agreed to be hired on as our Steward and get the home back in order for us. We’ve left him with some instructions – particularly the sealing of the torture chamber… we told him to have the wall with the secret entrance to be reinforced/doubled with masonry.

#127: Sometime after midnight 11th-12th Tel Renden

12th of Tel Renden

Morning is upon the city of Midmark and everything has changed. The history I’ve learned – that we’ve all learned – is now suspect.

My last entry described how we were out-maneuvered by a cunning opponent, nearly killed, how we had become outlaws (from “heroes to zeros,” as colourfully put by Ronin) and were scurrying for our lives in the sewers.

As we waited for the grate to be opened, we discussed our options: to run, escape to the ship (which we had instructed to cast-off and wait in the bay) and leave Midmark or stay and try to clear our name since it was likely we’d need their help later.

Margin Note: Sarcof. Of Umamah Runnelbrook is here.

After some debate we concluded our only option was to attempt capturing Jardin/Thornton (yes, we discover this later) again and bring him to Aldus Runnelbrook whose reputation would help us clear our name.

After covering our tracks, we started by heading into the sewers that the company, apparently, were already familiar with it.

I suspected that wasn’t entirely true and was about to say something to Thorfus about that when we heard the faint sounds of an argument further down the sewer we were following.

Chuq and I immediately moved forward to investigate for obvious reasons. We quickly saw a troubling situation – some 20 armed men – mercenary bodyguards by the look of them – were shaking down the family they were hired by. Deplorable.

While Chuq relayed what was happening and I was contemplating how I could take out their leader. Thorfus, Axel and Ronin came barreling down the corridor. Our element surprise wasted – but the faces of the mercenaries when three heavily armed warriors cleaved their leader in two was worth it. Needless to say their morale was broken and they fled.

The family was a native one – roughly 12 people including children. The head of the family had done well for himself as a cartographer and was very thankful for our aid and not only helped us find our way to Thornton’s (he had mentally mapped the sewers – remarkable) but said he’d happily help us with our any cartography needs. I may take him up on that offer.

Not long after following the man’s directions we hear more voices, this time goblin. Chuq chirped that he knew the sources and called out for Malakor rather quickly. I’m told he was an old ally from the last time the company came by the sewers.

Chuq was right – it was Malakor and the remnants of his tribe making their way back to their former dwellings – in some old ancient dwarven bath house? Seems that the sewers connect to some ancient ruins. Malakor quickly explains that since their last meeting things had gone badly for his clan – the World Forge dwarves had driven them out of the bathhouse – blamed the company for their misfortunes, but was not seeking retribution as the riots have allowed them a chance to return home. Further, Malakor seemed to be reassured that the company did not lead any one down or tell anyone about the goblins.

Margin note: Goblins were “modified” by Anc.Dwrf from human or other race – fact confirmed by Thorfus. Ask for clarification. Bioforge records?

Malkor confirmed that no Grey Cloaks were currently in the sewers as far as he knew and confirmed our orientation towards Thornton’s home.

We arrived at the right location with no further encounters. Chuq, using his mind-probing skull cap, was able to confirm that and indicated that there were at least two guards and two servants attending. My own exploring confirmed a third guard that was “heard” by Axel’s clairaudience potion (as I was later informed).

Using Axel’s potion – we were able to confirm that Jardin/Thornton was indeed home and in his room. Unfortunately I was not able to spy his room, but did identify an entry point above the kitchen using the monks’ ability to move through shadows.

Margin Note: KalGn says sh.beast was a corrupted DVL or “construct” created to monitor/protect transpatial conduits (= shadow world!). Could the conduits be used to save us? As a weapon against the invasion? The Emperor? Explore.

After quickly checking the tunnels beneath the mansion for secret passages (without luck) a plan was devised. We decided to shadow-step to the room above the kitchen (likely servant quarters) then make our way to Jardin/Thornton’s room and deal with him.

The plan was sound – but again we were thwarted. It seems that our opponent can detect when Chuq uses his ability to move through shadows and was ready for us – again. However, this time he wanted to talk – which Thorfus agreed to.

Although I doubted he would be able to use the same magical ruse on us so quickly after confronting us earlier in the evening I kept silent – anyone powerful enough to cast such magic was not to be taken lightly. I was right to keep my tongue.

The imposter was Jardin an Imperial Agent my fellows suspected was the culprit. He told us he had apparently only recently “replaced” Thornton when an opportunity arose and continued to explain that he was trying to expedite the transition of Curabel back to the Imperial fold. It seems that the Imperials also know that doom is approaching us all.

Margin note: Our Thornton was no more. In hindsight, should have requested his body. -ED.

He further mentioned a few troubling truths. I say truths because our LiarBox did not shake during our entire discussion.

1. Baldric Evenkeel was a dragon – son of the Emperor himself. I wonder if Aldus or the other Elder Elves know this?

2. That he had been influenced by a dwarven crown/device to rebel against the Emperor.

3. That the Emperor killed Baldric (showed us a magical recording of the fight)

4. That the leader of the Chuq’s Order has joined the Emperor. Much to Adhemar’s and Chuq’s surprise.

5. Jardin is a dragon – he never said it, but it was implied.

6. The Emperor believes he’s best suited to repel the invasion, provided that Curabel is within the Empire.

5. The know about the invasion because many dwarven devices in their possession suddenly reactivated. They deduced that they’re returning.

6. They know little about the “Dark King” and don’t seem to be worried about him.

7. They know about Marchmain and the silver throne. How much they know is unclear.

Margin Note: Didn’t believe us when we told them that their would be no invasion – the Anc.Dwrf will destroy us from above. -ED.

He then offered us a deal – let him continue masquerading as Thornton and he’d clear our names, and the names of Chuq’s fellow monks who were now being accused of murdering Davro – our last influential ally in Midmark.

We debated it and reluctantly agreed to it – with some conditions:

1. No harm will come to Aldus Runnelbrook

2. All information they have on the Glass-steel from the ruins of agmar’s folly- he feigned no knowledge of it.

3. Ademhar and the other masters would become “advisors” to Thornton (after they were cleared of course)

4. We’d be given Grell’s mansion.

5. We’d be given Grell’s location so that we can bring him to justice.

6. We’d be given some power cells

Ronin hated this deal, and only agreed to it because he trusts Chuq and Thorfus. Chuq looked conflicted and almost wavering, but even he agreed to it. Thorfus and Axel – ever the pragmatists – were quick to agree.

I cannot stomach this deal. I fear for the elves and half-elves like Ronin and I should the Empire gain the upper hand. I’ve heard the stories, seen the evidence. It will be the end of our kind.

I did not voice my disapproval of this deal, though I doubt my voice would have dissuaded the group – I guess I agreed to it through my silence, so be it.

After what I’ve seen I am tempted to let this world burn, leave to some remote mountain top or island and watch us enter oblivion. Yet I still have hope that we’ll survive this – what will come of it after? Who knows.

That said, of course, the Imperials cannot be trusted. I know the others know this, question is, who will betray the other first? Us or them?

One last thing – should I send word to the Elves? Would they believe me, a half-elf? I shudder to think what they’d do if they did.

11th of Ten’Relden – Around Midnight

Spite, Perette, Elfred, the Lord Mayor and Boris – I write these names first – to remind me what hubris and overconfidence can cost. On a more gruesome note, in case we’re not successful and someone finds this journal.

I’m sitting in a crypt – waiting for Thorfus and the others to open the grate to the sewers below to make our escape. I’ll explain quickly.

It started with a simple plan – take the Sword of Dagon and the Undying Cubes to the ship. Leave them, Sturloc and the henchmen behind. Then head to the Ark Temple where the Chuq’s compatriots would join us to confront the false Thornton. Take him down, and possibly gain more insight.

{the following is written in a mixture of regular and short-hand script}

The plan started well, we travelled with little issue to the ship, and after some instructions for Sturloc (gave him my com. brooch) we left for the Temple & Courthouse. Again – little trouble. A few questions here and there but nothing serious. Sounds of riots echoed throughout our travel.

In the courtyard we were met by the two master monks, Archambault (Master of Dragons – ironically) and Adhemar and two junior monks, Elfred and Juhel.

We hoped to gain an audience with Thornton by telling the guard captain that we had some critical information for him. The guard the captain sent returned to tell us he could not and was in conference with the Lord Mayor and did not want to be disturbed.

Chuq insisted – reminding the Guard Captain that the Lord of Spring was with them. That got us in – in hindsight we should have realized it was too easy. Overconfidence blinded us.

We made our way to Thornton’s small office, there we made our accusations and tried to subdue him – I while invisible the others in full view.

Thornton tossed Axel like a sack of oats as the young dwarf attempt to grapple the man and withstood a pummeling from the rest of us. All while he tried to kill the Lord Mayor – thankfully Thorfus shielded the poor man.

We fought, but nothing seemed to hurt him and with some guttural words I could not understand he stuck the floor and unleashed a fiery explosion – sending us all towards the walls.

With one spell (I assume it was a spell, I hope that was a spell) he killed those I mentioned earlier and nearly killed Ronin and the others – was it not for the quick actions of my companions.

Margin note: How did he survive & escape? Ronin – mentioned a mirror? An illusion maybe – secret passage? Must investigate.

As the guards entered the room I realized Thornton was gone, I came invisible, seeing me there would have been complicated to explain so I used the smoke and ashes to blend in with the on-rushing guards. Boris’ remains in my hands and Chuq’s words echoing in my mind – get healers.

So I hurried to fetch the priests of the Ark Temple. Davro called upon his fellows and headed across the courtyard as I attempted to clean myself up.

In hindsight so many things should have warned us of this possibility. A Grey Cloak I passed on my way to the temple hinted at a monk plot. Oh had we seen it earlier – we had fallen into a trap!

Not long after I saw the priests enter the courthouse they emerged with Thorfus, Chuck and the others (all healed- thank the healers) – arguing with the guard and Grey Cloaks – I assume that Chuq and Thorfus explained what happened to Davro and he believed them – disputing the missive sent by Thornton from another location. Logically its clear – guards saw him with us here, yet here’s a missive from him from another location.

I saw that it wasn’t going well and began to plan my escape to the ship when suddenly the Grey Cloaks moved forward swords drawn. Moments later Chuq and the other monks appeared behind me at the temple doors with the others and something – else :

(sketch of the following description : Bipedal torso, roughly ape-like. Its short, narrow body is covered with pinkish, warty, and bumpy skin. It has a tail and vomit odor. Atop the body is a horse-like head, adorned with ruff. Four small, multi-faceted amber eyes bespeckle a skeletal visage. It has huge human-like ears. A trunk-like nose completes the portrait.)

I don’t what it was, or why it stepped through but Thorfus took it down using the Probability Sword – its body melting into the floor – revealing dwarven 1’s and 0’s tattooed over it’s body.

Margin Note: Ask Kalg.

With that we ran into the temple and closed the doors behind us. We then headed for the crypts where we are now. Apparently the others have been here before and know we can use the sewers to escape. Chuq tells me he told Davro that we were heading to the roof as a red-herring.

It’s time – must go… may fortune and fate guide us.

As promised :

Journal Entry: 11th of Ten’Relden

It has been an eventful few days – starting with the surprising return of Axel. I thought the dwarf had joined the ranks of the undying – but lo and behold he escaped his captors and is amoung us again. I just wish he had better news.

My worst fears were confirmed by his story – there is a greater threat than the machinations of Marchmain, the Dark King or even Kalgunn (more on it later). It seems we have 5 months in order to find a solution to a great destruction and likely return of an ancient foe. The dwarves are coming, and they won’t be happy with the mess that old rebellion has wrought. A mess that our explorations and actions have only made more complicated to solve. Ah – but I’ll elaborate on that when I have more time.

We’ve hired on a new henchman – an illusionist fallen on hard times, Edis Applebee. Recommended to us by way of Severe Kaiser – a local thief with some promising talent. What is more interesting was his story – he was attacked some 6 months ago, rather threatened by a “faceless” man, calling Edis a “deceiver of men” and demanded Edis to stop practicing his art then beat Edis and took his eye and some of his spell books as a warning (the brute!). My companions are convinced this was an Imperial agent – possibly an Inquisitor. After some prodding, Edis revealed to us the likely reason he and other Illusionists were targeted – he has the ability to see through illusion – therefore he (and other like him) could see through the illusionary magic of the Imperial masks. A threat indeed. It’s no wonder he was hired on the spot and handed over to Belasante to get him bathed and properly geared for our trip.

Oh – I almost forgot – Last evening, with Canis’ help, we made ourselves a little hideout underneath a mill we’ve rented – rather Ronin has rented – we “expanded” it in order to store the submersible we’ve acquired for further study. Thorfus and I rigged a makeshift crane and gang-plank for it using some spare wood, a pulley and that disgusting, indestructible elven-hair rope. I shudder to think how that thing was made. Once all this is done, I’ll see about disposing of it properly.

Canis will be leaving us to continue his search for his family. I wished him luck and hope that he finds them before our time is up.

We also had a run-in with the local devilfish Dreys while Thorfus and I moved the ship late in the evening – he again warned us about the “others” he felt when we spoke last. It seems he’s worried about our “relationship” with the Night Court and thinks we’re dealing with Araquelle/Kotar again. Thorfus tells me that he was able to confirm that Araquelle/Kotar did indeed go to Vargen, and was looking for a Winged Dragon specialist – likely something to do with his possession of Prix’s body. Thorfus tells me he exchanged information regarding the “doom” clock we have in our possession. Dreys did not let one what he thought about the countdown – I wonder if he understood the implication.

Today we complete our preparations for our departure from Midmark and head off to buy a ship of all things. A ship I could potentially transform into something more interesting.

As we travelled to the dock side tavern called the Salty Judge (where I’m told a Captain Pouls was offering his ship for sale) we were adopted by a stray cat, much to Boris’ chagrin. Seems that Chuq has taken a liking to him and has designated himself as its caretaker. That is until Boris likes drives it off. Ha ha ha.

At the crowded tavern we meet this captain and discover through our discussion that Vargen is under an embargo from Midmark until Vargen authorities hand over the Bargemen and others implicated in the slavery ring. Not a popular move. Furthermore, we discovered that the Ambassador of Xelen’Kel and his entourage, the World Forge and Silver Throne representatives have also been expelled from Midmark – further complicating matters within and city.

The ship, the Jolly Goron ( a good name), is rather large – roughly the same as the Javelin we’ve travelled on previously. It will suit our needs as it comes ready with a crew. I won’t detail the negotiations – but Thorfus managed to purchase the ship for 5,000 gold pieces – which he paid in gems. I wonder exactly how wealthy my companions are. I’ve only recently joined this crew and I’m far wealthier now that I ever have been before, I can only imagine the wealth they’ve already accumulated. Not that it will matter if we fail.

The negotiations complete, the paperwork was handled quickly and Thorfus is now Captain of the Jolly Gorgon and proceeds to explain to the crew our next moves – that we’ll be ferrying someone home and that the crew will be paid as they already are.

As he did so i surveyed the ship – I figure 10 to 12 spheres will be required to lift the ship – I must now figure out a propulsion system – maybe still use sails temporarily until I find something more suitable for our trip into the heavens. I must check with Kalgunn, but I think I’ll have to find a way to trap air onboard like the submersible – the glass steel perhaps?

When i returned Thorfus had chosen a member of the crew to act as a liaison – as we’re not seafarers we’ll need some help. His name is Almeric and seems pleasant enough.

After purchasing supplies for our trip and arranging to have some our equipment moved from the Cock & Bull to the ship – we went to collect our ward at the naval yards and of course we encountered red-tape. Thankfully, we encountered young Admiral Quynel Fraunk and were quickly given a warrant for Hugues. The boy was smitten by our stay cat and cuddled him – as you might gather – Boris was not amused.

As we made our way to the courthouse to meet Thorton to ask him for some of the undying cubes for my experiments we saw what looked like riots all over our route – people unhappy with the embargo, and many seemed to be unleashing pent up frustration towards dwarves, natives and colonials alike. I fear it will only get worse – it saddens me that few can see beyond ethnic or racial lines. I still hope that this can change.

Once at the now bustling courthouse – troops and officials were running right and left – it wasn’t long before we were brought to Thorton. He was obviously busy dealing with attacks on dwarves and others all over Midmark. Admittedly I was surprised how quickly he agreed to let me have as many cubes as I required; 15 of the 25 recovered – I could have taken them all, but i did not want to arouse suspicion. I’m glad I didn’t because after we left Thorton’s presence we made a discovery – or rather our new companion Edis did.

Thorton was a “faceless” man. Yes – Edis immediately saw through the magical disguise and saw the blank mask I’ve been told are often worn by Imperial agents.

As that news sank in the mood changed and Chuq insisted he speak with the head of his order whose building lay nearby. We waited as he went to see the Master of Spring regarding Thorton.

My companion’s paranoia seemed to have gotten the better of me – i spent the time checking the cubes and crate they were in for any runes or magics laid on it. I felt foolish for it, but in hindsight it was likely a prudent thing to do.

Chuq returned with news that the Master of Spring is still who he is and as agreed to join us in confronting Thorton later this evening.

I’m afraid I must end my account now – Chuq and I must ferry Perrette and Em from their hiding place to the Jolly Gorogon where Edis and Belasante will meet us and supervise them and the ship until our confrontation is done. Thankfully (or not) the riots have gotten worse since our return to the Cock & Bull – I fear it will be a bloody night.

I was right – on our way to the Jolly Gorgon we saw much rioting. I had to intervene decisively on one occasion in order to save a family with children …

With Em safely with Belasate and Edis aboard the ship, Perette, Chuq and I have made our way back to the Cock & Bull. We now must prepare to confront Thorfus and hopefully take him alive. Assuming Edis is right, he’ll be able to shed light on what exactly the Imperials are planning – or he might be able to help us communicate with the Mad king whom we assume is the Emperor. Either way – the evening has only begun and is far from over. I’ll continue later…