Crime is on the rise in Coran, and brigands and dark things hunt the roads of the kingdom. The mages work to deal with these threats, but it seems every time one problem is solved a new one arises.
Dark rumors circulate about the city of lies and deceit regarding the mages and the Tower of the Heavens where they reside.
Current Rumors:
The old watch tower ruins south of the city are haunted. Long ago the guards took a witch prisoner and tortured her to death. With her dying words she cursed the entire tower. The spirits of both the witch and her captures still inhabit it.
Be careful around the sewers drains and grates around the city, the sewers are inhabited by giant rats.
Some crazed wizard caused an oak tree to grow overnight in the western slums the other night. The wizard destroyed a home when she did it.
Radgar the Butcher has returned. He murdered two dozen people the other night. Best not to be out at night or he will find you.
Travel to the Ioso islands is no longer safe. Pirates sail the seas and are taking captive all those they run into and selling them into slavery.
Two guardsman were killed by an elven woman, and one of the catfolk. Said they belonged to a organization of thieves.
The goblins of the Chaggath Spine have grown more bold. One of the caravans was attacked last week crossing through the long canyon. Several men, horses and wagons were lost in the attack while the rest of the caravan fled.
The desert nomads have been ranging farther northward, moving closer to Issust Hold then they have in the past.
Attack Rolls
Damage Rolls
Saving Throws
Skills which have a obvious success or failure condition - which are:
Acrobatics
Bluff (diplomacy, intimidate) when used in combat, these have a obvious success/failure in combat
Climb
Craft
Disable Device
Escape Artist
Fly
Heal
Knowledge Skills (but in some cases I will roll these for you - if you encounter an unknown creature I will roll the appropriate knowledge roll and provide what that reveals as part of the physical description I give of the creature).
Perform
Profession
Ride
Sleight of Hand
Spellcraft (I will roll these for you if an opponent is casting a spell though just so the game doesn't need to pause to know what the spell is)
Survival (sometimes - like if you were trying to forage for food, other times I will roll it for something like tracking)
Swim
Use Magic Device
GM Rolls:
Rolls I will make because these can have varying degrees of success or failure but the players wouldn't really know how well they did or failed by.
Appraise
Bluff (diplomacy, intimidate) when used out of combat, these have varying degrees of success out of combat and a opposing player/NPC might choose to play along even though they were unaffected.
Disguise
Handle Animal
Linguistics
Perception
Sense Motive
Stealth
Survival (sometimes - see section on player rolls)
Tomlin's Notes. I've tried to put them in spoilers to help break up the information a little.
Places in Coran:
*Coran-the main city where the Tower is, it grew up around the Tower which was there first
* Garden Street is not far from the tower itself, a street named after the numerous plants hanging in pots hooked to boards and timbers that cross overhead from the buildings on either side, and a small garden courtyard area that splits the middle of the street and is frequented by street performers.
* Merchant's Street is a main thoroughfare
* Beggar's Row is just north of the merchant's road, where you found your exit from the sewers after leaving Hezek's escape route
* Fish Market: only a couple of blocks from the Docks. There are several smoke houses and a warehouse along the fish market road that prep the fresh catch of the day that doesn't sell. The warehouse distributes the smoked fish to nearby settlements and to Gumlat and settlements between. The fish market is kept stocked and busy by several dozen independent fishermen and one of the small merchant houses, Wyrden, who owns a several larger fishing craft.
*The Dregs: the slums of town
*Tiny Town: a ghetto for smaller races. Also a slum, Tomlin is from here.
*Coran Taverns:
The Crow (somewhat of an upper class inn and tavern, catering to those with a little more money to spend. The place is much cleaner than many businesses of its type, where the merchants fought the crime gang, and where Hezek’s gang was staying, the party visited here after the Big Merchants vs. Criminals Fight. (pg. 14)
Silver Spirits (near the South Gate): (pg 18 bottom) A popular stop for travelers just coming into the city through the southern gate, The Silver Spirits sits on the main road not a hundred feet from the gate. It is more a popular spot due to prime location than anything else though. The place is dirty, small, and the food is questionable.
Barrel’s Bottom (where Tomlin’s mother and sister work) frequented by city guard
Barren Mermaid is nestled between several warehouses. The building is narrow but towers above the nearby buildings at three stories high. The place a bit bigger than expected from the outside, the common room looking more like a long corridor than a room. 15' wide but a good 50' in length. A staircase heads up to the upper floors along the west wall, a few nails and bits of wood jutting from the edge of the stairs where a railing once was. The place is populated by undines more than any other race, they seem to dislike other races, notably halflings.
Wailing Spirits: a tavern in the Dregs, near where the drow captive was picked up.
Locations outside of Coran:
*The Fran: The Fran's are a neighboring kingdom governed by a monarch. The kingdom is small and of its own accord could not be expected to provide any real threat to the Mageocracy or the empire. They primarily export ores and precious gemstones, and as such, are relatively wealthy. They had, at least up until this point, been on good terms with Gumlat, Coran, and Issust Hold having strong trade ties.
*Akleta-where we were initially teleported to assist with farmhouse attack (more on this on page 1. I’m not including other aspects of this quest as it seemed concluded with the dead dragon.
*Abandoned Tower: About a day’s journey from the city to the south. Where we thought to set rumors of the captured drow being moved to. We fought demons there but ambush didn’t happen.
Council of Seven (and related persons):
*Master Adian Veray, who holds the first seat on the council of seven. He is surprisingly young for holding the first seat. Not often in Coran. Finely trimmed black beard and mustache, blue eyes, and often seen with a friendly smile. He is slightly overweight and of average height. His clothes while fine, are not extravagant.
*Master Weldon Hast, is not a member of the council, yet he seems to command a great deal of respect from the high ranking mages of the tower. Many seem even deferential. Weldon is short, at 5'3", clean shaven and of average weight. He wears finely tailored clothes, usually some shade of blue, and always wears a medallion around his neck with a crescent moon on it. He told us about the 27 deaths and drow’s capture, though he maybe more concern with the Towers reputation than really stopping more murders.
*Master Brel Banock, Sixth seat of the council. A warlock in his early sixties. A cat his constant companion and familiar. Has ambition and drive. He has a large repertoire of spells that he and his familiar have learned over the years. He was/is Serelina's mentor.
*Master Kaldar Liam, seventh seat of the Council of Seven. Only a few black streaks remain in his silvery white hair, and his back is slightly bent with age. He wears a thick woolen robe, light blue with a gold trim, the symbol of the crescent moon embroidered on the right breast, the symbol of the tower and its strength.
*Master Jori Banest, Tomlin’s “instructor”, met us when we returned from Dragon’s Lair. Not on Council of Seven. The man shows the first signs of gray in his hair, but he moves with the grace of a cat and finely-toned muscles ripple along his arms. Piercing blue eyes look over the group, not missing a detail. Jori is a no nonsense leader. Usually dressed in practical clothing of darker colors, short cropped brown hair and hard gray eyes. He stands at 6'1" in height.
*Master Torenest: Was Valdr’s teacher, now missing and presumed dead (murdered). Was the Fourth seat on Council of Seven. He was an imposing man and a magus, standing at 6'5", his thick arms look as though they could tear an oak tree out of the ground. A rune etched warhammer hangs at his side and a iron breastplate protects his vitals. His hair is touched with gray and his face is beginning to show the first signs of aging.
*Master Isul: She is the Second seat on Council of Seven. Her hair is starting to gray and her face beginning to show the first signs of aging (pg 19). She aided us with the scrying that led us to Hezek. She is not as good at scrying as Dason is.
*Master Akeli: The summoning specialist, and a summoner herself. She is the Third seat of the Council of Seven. Her eidolan is a large catlike creature. Large bony plates protrude from the creatures shoulders and hind quarters, and its whip like tail ends in a stinger.
*Master Danroth: The Fifth seat on the Council of Seven. We know nothing about him at this point.
*Dason Per'ald: initially met with Hast (p.7). The half-elf's hair is white and his eyes are beginning to show the first signs of age. His hands are ink stained and his thin body is clothed in dark red robes. A single ring plain looking ring adorns one of his fingers. He’s a Diviner. Can Scry someone if we get blood/hair, etc. Did scrying of black crow feather with us and merchant’s mercenary’s (pg 10)
Persons related to criminal activities in one fashion or another:
*”Zov”: The given name of the captured drow, "though this is certainly not his real name".-pg 8. Oddly though, he confirms name is Zov Kiveriss.-pg 18 Zov has pale golden hair and red eyes.-pg 18 He will eventually be released if nothing is done with him since there are no witnesses to him having committed any crimes.-pg 16 He is a sell-sword, not really affiliated strongly with any group (pg 18). He hates Anthony Krast, who broke his hand.
*Shannath Diguri, aka "The Mistress": the name of the person (also drow) who sent “assassins” after the captured drow. This information was provided by the captured drow (p.8) From Tomlin’s DC23 Know: Local check: “That name is associated with the underground drug trade in Coran. A few years back there were a couple of murders near the southern gate. Investigations found traces of pesh spice in one of the homes where a man was found dead. An informant came forward and mentioned that name and gave a location where Shannath Diguri might be found. Nothing more ever came of that investigation though and the informant disappeared completely (later, we also were told the location was thorough search and revealed nothing). Suspicion of foul play was high, but with no more leads to go on the case came to a dead end.” Per Zov (pg 18), Shannath is a criminal mastermind in the city and to whom Krast and the criminals group ultimately reports. Per Zov (pg 18): "The shadow of shadows she is sometimes called. She is drow, but tall, near 6' in height. Beautiful as no other. Whatever rumors you have heard of my kind, she embodies it. Silver hair and eyes to match. She is fond of silks."
* Ilvaria Cha'ona: A drow killed during the night of 27 murders. Per Zov he was on the way to meet her for a "business arrangement" when he found her dead (beheaded)-pg 18. Per Zov (pg 18) Ilvaria sought to overthrow Shannath Diguri (The Mistress) and was killed. "Ilvaria planned to remove the Mistress and take over her organization. She had plans of some kind with Firyin, but I don't know much of the details with that. Only that he was supposed to send some of his followers to aid Ilvaria in removing the Mistress. They didn't show though, or Ilvaria wouldn't be dead now. I can only assume the rest of her group have scattered or been slain though, or maybe they've sworn to follow the Mistress in exchange for their lives."
* Maklo Roath: The killer of the first dead drow (killed the night of the drow-capture) we used Speak with Dead on (pg 10-bottom). He is a follower of Ilvaria Cha'ona. The drow said he was killed because he “I served the true Mistress and for that was betrayed by the dark deceivers.” We had never heard of him and received no other info about him.
* Cheyle Nayss: The killer of the second dead drow we used Speak with Dead on. Valdr knew it to be a drow name. The second dead drow also indicated the killer(s) have “a lair below the streets”.-LEAD?
*Firyin: Per Zov (pg 18), he was a former ally of Illvaria that betrayed her. His name is also mentioned by Mael in the Speak with Dead episode as "hating" Anthony's Gang...conflicts.
* Rosuc: A name given to us by the Merchant’s Group (p10). The name was found on a list with dates in a bag of pesh. The date was three days after the meeting we had with the Merchant’s group and listed The Silver Spirits (a tavern) as a location. This name also came up when Ian roughed up a pesh dealer for information. Per Ian's info (pg 18) he can be found near the south gate, in the back alleys. We went to Silver Spirits looking for him (pg 19 top), and was told he wasn't there but may be around "tonight or tomorrow night"-LEAD
Merchant's Guild Reps and Mercenaries:
*Mr. Jumai: A glassware merchant targeted by Anthony's Gang. Tomlin and Valdr debriefed him.
*Karlan runs the merchant guild offices. Not a merchant himself, but a thorough bureaucrat who has worked for the guild for many years. We never met him, he’s an “appointment only” type (p.8)
*Raseb is one of the under secretaries to the merchant guild bureaucracy. A eunuch who has been with the guild for a couple years working in various capacities. Raseb is a thin wiry man, dark skin, head shaven. Several bracelet ornament his arms and he wears loose fitting stylish clothing. He’s the one Tomlin and Valdr talked to regarding Mr. Jumai and the drow-capture killings. After our group arranged for the merchant's to get wider latitude to "protect their interests", he provided a clue.
*Talor: One of three men that showed up at Drail Banden’s warehouse when Tunny and Aurelius went there to investigate as part of the drow-capture killings. He has black hair which hangs down to his shoulders. His face is plain and has a few days stubble around the chin. Just under 6’ height.
*Draev Banden: The second of two men who showed up at Drail Banden’s warehouse when Tunny and Aurelius went there to investigate as part of the drow-capture killings. The second also has black hair, but it is nearly trimmed, also just under 6’ tall. Talor announced him, and a worker nearby seemed surprised by the announcement (NFI). Talor gave him a “dark look”. Maybe he really isn’t Draev? Not sure. Says he lives in Gumlat, wasn’t involved in his father’s business, plans to leave Talor in charge of it all, and wants to go back to Gumlat ASAP. Tunny came to believe (Sense Motive) that none of it might be true. Talor heard him talking and “looked uncomfortable” (pg 9). Also, Tunny later talked to Aurelion’s father (a wealthy merchant) and Aurelion’s father had no idea Drail had a son. (p9). We could squeeze Talor for more on Draev-LEAD! Aurelion also told guards to keep an eye on Draev (bottom of p9). ALSO, the scrying of the crow feather left at Mr. Jumai’s picked up an image of him at the docks at night. "Vaek" had more feathers on him when found. Tunny and Tomlin searched the warehouse and discovered a note (pg 10) that seemed to be addressed to Draev backing up his story, but the signature line was just a smudge.
*Unknown elven bodyguard: Tall for his race, and stands a little back from the first two (Draev and Talor), his violet colored eyes scanning the area. Shoulder length platinum blonde hair hangs from his head, and several scars mar his face. He fingers a longbow strapped across his back, his eyes frequently coming back to the two men he is watching over. A curved elven blade hangs at his waist.
*Baelson: A merchant Draev said his father worked with when asked who his enemies might be. “I know my father has worked with Baelson, but it has been for quite some time. In the rare correspondence I have had with my father, he has described him as greedy and manipulative. He never trusted him, as he always felt he was merely a pawn in Baelson's eyes." We never followed up with this. One of the Merchant’s group seems to be from a House Baelson affiliated guard! We really doubt Draev's truthfulness though.
*Anton di Alkanov: Wealthy merchant and father to former group member Aurelion. Spoke at Public Meeting, A finely dressed middle aged man. Mentioned pirates attacking one of his ships, though Anton's ship apparently won. Pirates who attacked are in prison in Coran (pg 15).
*Miss Ashin: Another merchant at the Public Meeting. Didn't say anything herself, no description. But owns the caravan attacked by Guard impersonators. Was reimbursed by Mages for losses incurred.
*Idmech Daniay: served as one of the caravan guards for Miss Ashin. He stated "Two days ago we were ambushed on the road to Issust Hold, little more than a days journey outside of Coran. Several men and one woman dressed in the livery of the empire approached us with claims that our captain was smuggling flayleaf. When our caravan captain refused to bow to their fraudulent demands they attacked us. There were several hiding in the trees, a catfolk, a wizard of some kind who conjured up a demon, and another whom I did not get a good look at, had a cloak pulled down close over his head.” The room is silent has Idmech continues the tale. ”Seeing the caravan guard rushing toward them they ensorcelled our captain, and demanded we depart. I had already taken several arrow wounds, and some of the men were also hurt. Being as we were outmatched we had no choice but to withdraw and have seen naught of the caravan or our captain since.” (pg 15) What was this-LEAD?
*Tenan Sorren: (pg 15) He's readily recognizable to any who pay even the least attention to such things. Tenan Sorrin, first merchant of the guild. A stocky man in his late forties. Despite his age he looks to keep himself fit. A very wealthy man with his hand in nearly every industry throughout the kingdom and beyond. While the Sorrin estates are on the Ioso islands they have residences in Coran, Issust Hold, Gumlat, Akleta, and no doubt in the neighboring nations.
*Mariann Sorren: (pg 15) Tenan's daughter, who apparently is incommunicado with her father as of the Public Meeting. Conversation between Master Veray and Tenan: Veray: "I expect her to be here in a week's time. And your daughter is quite capable of handling herself as you well know, and as you are also aware is quite a mind of her own and would not be persuaded by me in any case." Tenan huffs, "It was you who set her on the path of life she leads though, and I have not forgiven you for that. And I will hold you accountable if anything should befall her."
*Unknown Inquisitor of Abadar: He was at the initial questioning of "Vaek". Had a flail hanging at his side. He assisted with the interrogation.
*The Merchant’s Mercenaries (pg 10)-At the first meeting they only met Valdr, Tunny and Tomlin. One of the other males was named Garion. Not clear who from the text. On second meeting (pg 15), they met all of us (Valdr, Tomlin, Serelina, Ian and Tavrus). However, many there the first time were not there the second. Cindy Lu stated (pg 16) after the initial interrogation of Vaek at the Merchant's HQ that the Merchant's want to work with us, and in fact had tried to contact us prior to tracking down the criminals at The Crow. When our group was initially interrogating "Vaek" the criminal prisoner at Merchant HQ they offered an alliance (pg 16, about 2/3 way down). Specifically, "the man with the scorpion breastplate who had seeking for lies from the prisoner" (Merchant Mercenary #9) asked Valdr for this alliance and a "secret sign" to tell each other we are allied when/if we meet.. Valdr responded affirmatively, saying "Let us recognize each other by the hammer and the scale, symbols of progress." (pg. 16, near bottom). LEAD-do we utilize this??
1) Aria Steller: A human woman sits in one of the chairs at the edge poring over a spellbook. Her robes are white and red. She wears a bizarre 'sword' at her side. The blade is exposed with no scabbard that could hold it due to the odd hooks and flanges covering the length of it. She has a pterosaur familiar. Not see at second meeting, only the first
2) Cindy Lu: A half-orc female who couldn't be older than 17. Her clothing is pastel colors. A great axe and crossbow are strapped across her back. She is the one who saw through our disguises. At both meetings. The criminal captive called her "a witch" at the second meeting.
3) A half-elven male with brown hair dressed in scale mail. A shield sits across his back and a heavy mace hangs at his side. A holy symbol of Desna hangs from a necklace. Only seen at first meeting.
4) A human male, sandy brown hair and a full goatee. A breastplate covers his chest and a small buckler sits within easy each next to a composite longbow. Both a great axe and longsword are on his person as well. Only seen at first meeting.
5) Another half-elven male. Well trimmed reddish-brown shoulder length hair pulled back behind his elven ears. He wears a mithral chain shirt. A composite longbow is strapped across his back and a longsword and dagger hang from his waist. Only seen at first meeting.
6) Vados? (name not stated when initially met, but pg 15 meeting mentions an undine with this name) A male undine with ocean green skin. White tatoo lines run vertically down his face, through his eyes, over his mouth and down onto his chest. Another pair of lines starts at the tips of his finned ears and down the sides of his neck. More tattoo lines run down the back side of his head and neck. No armor adorns the undine, but he has a siangham strapped to his side. From Valdr’s Knowledge roll (pg 10): Looking at the undine with his odd tattoos you remember a little of a group known as the Myrmidos, also known as the Bondsworn. They are a small group of undine warriors who have committed themselves to attaining perfect physical and mental perfection. They are sworn to serve the merchant's guild and are funded by House Baelson, one of the more wealthy merchants.
7) A female dwarf wearing a breastplate underneath a long cloak. An empty scabbard for a large blade is strapped to her back along with a composite longbow. She was only at the second meeting.
8) Another undine in an armored kilt with a composite longbow. He was only at the second meeting as well. Was guarding the criminal captive with Cindy Lu.
9) A hooded man approximately 5'11", (pg 15 bottom). His pale complexion mixes a hue of dark blue with drab grayness. Most of his facial features are well hidden by a crimson scarf as well as by the shadows cast from the hood of his sand colored cloak. His breastplate is a ceremonial golden scorpion carapace. A silver symbol hangs from a chain on his neck and rests on his arms which are crossed at his chest level. Black leather gloves adorn his hands. He emulates the casting of a spell, though whatever he is doing seems to come from natural powers within the man." He is the same one that offered Valdr and us an alliance. Only at the second meeting.
*List of those killed during drow-capture night:
Drail Banden (dead). Owns, or rather owned, several warehouses in the docks. Most of his space was used by various merchants to store their goods while they arranged transport. Per Draev Banden: “My father is a well respected business man and has worked hard to serve the needs of the city. He has been less successful as a father. When he sent me and my mother to live in Gumlat, it was clear to me at that young age, that he didn't want to be bothered with a family, so he could concentrate on his business. He always kept work and family separated.” Per Zov (pg 18) when we asked about pesh trade: Talk with Drail if you want details about that, he should be able to tell you who makes the pickups." Could we reinvestigate here?-LEAD
Other Persons of Possible Interest:
*Dani, Joselyn and Elise: three barmaids/waitresses at The Crow. Dani didn't show up to work the day of the Big Fight.-why? Merchants tip her off? Elise was the one who talked to us. Negative comments about city watch, plus bartender gave a glare to Elise for talking to us (near bottom, pg 14)
*Coen Aldath: A man in rich clothing and jewelry stands, one ear is pierced and a tattoo of a dragon climbs along one side of his face. He is a little taller than average with blonde hair and a handsome face. His voice is a clear tenor as he speaks. (pg 15) He b&$~%ed about Radgar at the Public Meeting.
Kelmon Deis (dead). A stable hand near the western gate. A search of his home revealed a life of apparent luxury. Seems stable hands are very well paid these days."
The Duresu family (dead). Spice merchants who lived in their shop on the merchants road. Father, mother, and son all found dead not an hour ago in their home." Per the Undine in the Merchant’s group, a bag of pesh was found hidden in their home, they gave it to us. It was found with a list of names, locations, and dates. All but one of those dates is past. Rosuc - The Silver Spirits, and marked three days from the date we met with the merchants.-LEAD!
*Five unnamed dead who have spent some time in prison here in Coran for larceny or blackmail. We do not know about the others - we are not even sure who all of them are."
*Four unknown drow (one of whom we used Speak with Dead on, another was later revealed by Zov to be Ilvaria)
*The rest: no one even knew who they were
*Azdak: The given name of one of the demons killed in the tower who looked like a dwarf (bottom of page 11). No additional info about him was discovered.
*Yabel: An elderly gnome and the head magistrate in tiny town. From info gather (pg 18) Tomlin saw him hurrying away from his place of work, a wide grin across his face. The lateness of his work hours is not surprising, but the grin is, those who know him or know of him would swear he is never in a good mood.
*Captain Izash: The leader of the Mithril Rose paladins. A man in his late 30's, his face is framed by dark brown hair, encompassing a square jaw and pale blue eyes. He offered the abilities of his group, 25 Paladins now with 50 more coming-LEAD.
Anthony's Group:
*"The Criminals" aka Three men and a “gnome” aka "Anthony's Group" : Four of these were seen chasing the drow the city guard caught. Per early report: “Two of them fled under the cover of a magical mist. We'd thought they'd all fled. But the gnome swooped down out of the sky and continued to assail the drow. The watch said the little guy was wiry and strong as an ox. The captain of the guard at the scene was able to ensnare him in a spell briefly and we thought we had him in custody when one of his buddies reappears and with a feather token and causes an entire oak tree spring up out of the ground amidst his captives. The little bugger flew out of sight and his friend vanished into thin air. One of the humans stood just under 6', dark hair, wore it a little long." (maybe Vaek?) The group may have been staying at The Crow at the time of the Big Fight (pg. 14 very bottom)? Jori Banest relayed info about those the Merchant's fought (pg14) . We concluded that this group was involved in some kind of gang war with drow, with "Zov" hired by the other side. Cindy Lu (of the merchants) later added that she felt "Vaek" and "Mael" were the weakest of the group and that the rest "somewhat outclassed" the merchants mercenaries Per "Zov"-pg 18; "Anthony's thugs follow the Mistress (Shannath Dirugi). It was they who chased me down and tried to kill me when I fled. I... I don't know if they are really involved in the pesh trade. You can be sure the Mistress is, but whether Anthony's group helps with that I don't know for certain.":
1) "There was a half-orc priest, not sure what god he believed in, but carried a battle axe. Was him who claimed to represent the tower. Odd thing is he asked those in the inn to rise up and help and offered a reward for doing so. Yet several individuals in the inn turned on the half-orc. I don't know if they had something against the mages or just saw the lie for what it was. Hardly matters now though, the priest killed both of them with his axe." (Note: what does the crowd's action say about The Crow?)
2) "The next fellow was a gnome, trained in the martial arts." Per "Zov", he is actually a dwarf who can "tear you apart with his bare hands". Wears a bronze headband of some kind.
3) "The third was a burly guy in a breastplate. He didn't do much except puke his guts out for a while then ran off via stinking cloud. One of those seen by the guards chasing Zov at the night of 27 deaths. "A big burly guy, could have been a bouncer at a tavern"
4) Anthony Krast: One of the “assassins”, i.e. 3 men and a gnome group. The capture drow knew him. He sometimes stays at an old chapel not far from here, priest there knows where to find him-LEAD! Krast where some sort of armor that gives him extra str/dex. Also has a limp. "He wore a strange suit of metallic armor that made a hissing and popping noise as he moved."
5) "Vaek" (name Criminal Captive gave for himself) "And the fifth, he was the one impersonating Tunny." (Note: how would he know Tunny? Was he Draev?) This is the one the Merchant's captured and we interrogated. He had a number of black crow feathers on him when captured (pg 15). A handsome clean cut man in his late twenties. His hair is of medium length, burgundy in color. He said (top, pg 16): "His (refers to killed elf in the group) young sister will be devastated, especially now that I am her guardian"-possible LEAD? Cindy Lu (pg 16) said Vaek is a ninja.Is this the same guy that Jumai said was "a very loud-mouth guy making all kinds of threats with an eastern weapon"? Maybe not, because Vaek said Jumai couldn't ID him.
6) Maeltheron or Mael (Dead) Killed by the Merchant's in the Merchants vs. Criminals fight ." Name was given by "Vaek" on pg 16. Per "Vaek" "Mael" has a sister who Vaek would be responsible for if something happen to Mael. The Merchant's gave us his body, we did Speak with Dead on. Speak with Dead on Mael's Corpse: (pg 17) This happened after we interrogated "Vaek". Three questions were asked: Q1: "Under whose employ were you working when you died?" A1: "I serve only the Mistress"; Q2: "Where can I find the mistress and her associates?"A2: "The crows and ravens have been put to flight by those with skins as black as night." Q3: "Were you and your associates involved in the recent spate of murders in Coran?" A3: "Death by treachery was to be our fate at the hands of Firyin's hate." None of the names or references rang any bells for us.
Other Criminals/Malcontents:
*Radgar the Butcher: An ex-Paladin who may be behind some recent slaughters. Per Captain Izash (pg 19): Radgar was one of the best, maybe the best. He could have had my position if he'd been interested in it. At the time he had no interest in administrative duties, only in serving the city and its people." The Captain lets out a sigh, "I don't know what you do you don't know so I'll give you everything I have. Radgar was a fair hand with a blade, but his true skill with arms was with a longbow. He could hit a bullseye at 200 paces more often then not. He was investigating rumors of a slave trade. He figured out they were using illusions on their captives and practically walking the poor souls of town in broad day light. Disguised as a box of food stuffs, or a child sleeping in the back of a wagon. They'd keep their captives either drugged up, or used compulsion on them. He shut down that form of the business, though most people don't know it. He never wanted his name pegged with the good works he did. Someone behind the scenes though wasn't too happy about it" the captain's jaw hardens, "Two days later his wife was brutally murdered. We were all shaken by the loss, but he understandably was terribly grieved. For two weeks he spent nearly all his time indoors in a stupor, or often weeping. Then he was gone. Slipped out in the night past our door guards. We searched for him, not yet realizing what was becoming of him. Then the first murders happened. A family butchered." The captains face is pained, and his eyes are moist at the past memories. "The scene was horrific, parents and children all slain - dismembered, beheaded. I knew in the pit of my stomach who had done it, though I was not ready at that time to acknowledge it. Every night then for a week, another family slain with no apparent pattern. There were enough clues though to leave no doubt as to the source. The last night we got a anonymous tip. Whoever the source was they either knew or guessed where he'd strike next. We," he pauses a moment, "several of the order, along with three members of the council of seven, and a dozen city guards arrived on the bloody scene. Radgar had arrived perhaps just minutes before we did. We were to late to save those in the home but we thought we surely had him. The narrow hallways in the home made surrounding him impossible though and he fled up to the second floor. Still no where for him to run though we moved in on him cautiously. He took us by surprise when he pulled out a scroll and used it to teleport away. We were all fools not to have seen it. His wife," Captain Izash takes a deep breath, "was an accomplished practitioner of the arcane. She studied under the tower for several years before the two met. It should have come as no surprise to us that he learned from her at least a little of the arcane. Now whether he actually has a talent for the arts, or just enough understanding to work items or devices of magical nature I can't be certain, though he was never seen practicing it personally."
Hezek: Owner of "Hezek's Wares" supply store on the east end of Merchant's Road, now burned down. We discovered him via the scrying Master Isul did with the blood from the sword of a bodyguard of Master Torenest after Torenest was killed. Based on this information, Hezek was captured by the party and is currently in the Tower's custody. He is a plain looking man who is missing his right arm. One of the man's eyes are crooked, looking off at an odd angle. He is wizard or summoner of some kind. Master Akeli said (pg 23, very bottom) "He is a summoner no doubt. A pretty powerful one at that. Bonds won't prevent him from using his innate abilities." He summoned a number of leopards to fight us (pg 20), often without any somatic gestures. As he was trying to flee "his free arm is hastily grabbing several papers from off a desk and stuffing them into a pouch at his waist"-pg 20. Did we get these when captured? LEAD?
Hezek's Assistant: He was at the front counter of the shop when the party arrived to investigate. We subdued him but not sure happened to him afterward-LEAD? He may be able to ID those coming or going.
List of those who met with Hezek (pg 19). In addition, two other male voices were heard during the scrying but not seen. One may have been the half-orc mentioned below. The rest of the info comes from the interrogation of Hezek on pg 24. Per Hezek they had been staying at The Crow but he recommended they move. Hezek called his association with them "one of convenience" Hezek said their mission is "To take advantage of the situation in Gumlat, while your focus is directed there. To weaken the governments hold on the people of this city. Disrupt the city guard, mess with supply lines, sow discord - whatever their fancy might be" Master Isul was going to get a list guard activity reports and see if something is there. We can follow with her about this-LEAD:
1) Drewan: A male catfolk. His fur is gray and black striped, with his torso being covered by studded leather. A composite longbow and greatsword are strapped to his back
2) Roscomia: A seductive looking ifrit woman dressed in silks that aren't quite revealing. A composite short bow and cloak are across her back. Hezek called her "sensuous and dangerous both".
3) Hazzan: A half-orc. Only saw a brief glimpse of him in the viewing. Hezek called him a "warrior of some god, I care not which".
4) Jake: A human. We know very little about him. Hezek only called him "a quiet man".
5) Dev: Hezek said he is "misshapen like me, twisted by your works no doubt"
6) Digger: Human male, "another crafty and sly one"
Lieutenant Banmor: ID'd by Hezek as an associate of those Hezek met with (pg 24). He is reportedly somewhere between Coran and Gumlat. The name was unknown to our group, but the Masters were going to look through records and see if they could get a lead on him-LEAD.
Bannali: A priest of some sort, also ID'd by Hezek as an associate of those he met with. Reportedly moves around a lot. He reportedly frequents the Barren Mermaid, the Barrel's Bottom and the Silver Spirits, and has unspecified contacts along Beggar's Row and Garden Street. Per Dether, he doesn't go by his real name much in public, and is known by the Barren Mermaid barmaid as "Jared" or "Jacob".-LEAD? He is bald, often keeps a hood over his head and wears his "holy" symbol under his shirt.
Allen: The bartender at the Barren Mermaid. Seemed friendly but we did not talk with him.
Unnamed Undine Barmaid at Barren Mermaid: Tomlin spoke to her disguised as a sailor, was friendly. She did not know the name "Bannali".
Dether: He is muscular, though not muscle bound. Blonde hair and gray eyes, as a greatsword and a Long Comp Bow. Per the Undine barmaid at the Barren Mermaid (pg 24): "We've had an increase of strangers coming through of late... Dether's one of the new comers, he first showed up three days ago. Has been here every day since for a drink, takes a nap, then leaves...he just orders a drink is all. Never seen him eat a thing" He said he is from Akleta and comes down every few years. Tomlin (who met him at the Barren Mermaid in sailor guise as "Gavin", pg 24), saw through his "very good" act. Called himself a "scholar" but said the barbarian lands north of Akleta are dangerous, hence the need for weaponry. He said he was looking for a "lady friend" named Lorine Vext who worked (in something "unsavory") in the Wailing Spirits tavern in the Dregs and doing research in the great library on the northern ruins. He said he would be in Coran about a month. Dether also stated he knew Bannali but that they were "not friends". Tomlin sensed he was overly interested in getting Tomlin into Bannali's way and that there was no "Lorine Vext" but rather the location was given out of a desire to "stir things up" at the Wailing Spirits.-LEAD. He seemed to understand that Tomlin is after Bannali to cause him problems. Who is this guy??-LEAD
Half-Elf at the Barren Mermaid: Tavrus saw him tense at the first mention of Bannali, then try to leave when he was brought up again. Tavrus tried to stall him when he attack. "the whites of his eyes have gone pitch black, giving the appearance of two black holes in his head where his eyes should be" (pg 25). Once we get this guy-LEAD!
Quests
Quests and Clues?:
A) Collect Blood From Powerful Creatures: As part of 'standard operating procedure' the mages have asked that if in your line of duties you ever fell particularly powerful creatures, such as those from other planes or those with natural magical abilities that you collect their blood for study and use by the tower. (page 1)
B) Apprehend the Four (“Three men and Gnome”/"Anthony's Gang" aka "The Criminals") who attacked the drow (pg 7): We would like to apprehend the four if possible. Aside from serving out justice to them they will certainly know more answers then we currently have. One of the gnomes friends mentioned the drow having stolen from a Mister Jumai. And that they were meting out punishment for the theft and trying to retrieve the stolen goods. Jumai owns a glass shop on the merchant's road. We have not had a chance to speak with him yet. Given their persistence, we think they may try to kill the drow again if the 'opportunity' were to present itself to them." LEAD-(pg14) Finding the remaining criminals though should be one of your top priorities. I'd say capture them if you can for questioning, but they've proven extremely dangerous so far - better to leave them dead than free in the city. How to find them though? I couldn't say. Though the merchant's found them somehow." Directive from Jori Banest after The Crow attack by the Merchants.
Talked to Jumai and looked into Drail Banden's Warehouse: To find the "Four", we talked to the drow (Zov), talked to the Merchants to see if they knew anything, talked to Jumai, spread rumors that drow was being moved to abandoned tower outside of town. Jumai confirmed that 4 people robbed him the night before. His description: "There were four of them. A real loud mouthed guy - made all kinds of threats - dark hair, dark clothes. He wore some kind of eastern style weapon on his back (Vaek?). Then a real smooth talker, he walked with a limp (Krast?). There was also a gnome, he didn't say anything, but looked like he wanted to throttle someone (the gnome-dwarf?). I didn't see the fourth one, he was outside, but he cast some kind of spell on my guards leaving them helpless. (Mael?)” Jumai also mentioned the 4 left a black crow’s feather on a shelf in the shop after they left. Jumai pays protection money to the Merchants and had given them the feather when they came to investigate. At the warehouse, Draev Banden said his father received a letter from the Merchant Guild and that Drail’s life was in danger. Tunny saw the son’s sorrow as fake.
The interrogations of Zov: 1st Time: From Zov regarding the 4: he drow gives a wicked smile. "I only know a little about the others that he works with, the guards tell you about the gnome? Yea, he's actually a dwarf, and he'll tear you apart with his bare hands if he gets a hold of you. I can tell you this about Krast though - he sometimes has a metallic suit that he wears - gives him extra strength and agility. Oh, and he also walks with a limp - that should help narrow down your search." The drow holds up his left hand, several of the fingers are misshapen. "Krast did this to me and if you can bring him his deserved justice... the old priest who runs the chapel might be able to tell you where to find him."-LEAD (Sounds like the same that attacked the drow). From 2nd Time (done with Truth Potion, just DC 13 Will to resist though) (pg 18 top): says Ilvaria Ch'ono was the drow he was going to meet for a business arrangement but that she was dead (beheaded) when he arrived to meet her.
The Interrogation of the Criminal's #5, "Vaek": Valdr came in the guise of Tunny, the captive dodged the question of how he knew Tunny (as thus was able to impersonate him). The captive admitted knowing things we need: "But the knowledge that I have, that I know the Mageocracy desperately seeks ... no ... that you desperately need to control this city.." He also refused to give up information on Mael's sister or her whereabouts. He also said that some guy named Gaylen gave the Black Crow feather to Mr. Jumai. "He is in his late 50's. About 6 feet high. Mostly bald with a little bit of hair around the base of his head. He was a friend of Mael's. He was very bossy, and wanted to kill Jumai's family, but I'm not sure why. Though I do not think that Mael ever met Jumai" HOWEVR, the Inquisitor there stated that this was a lie. Serelina marked "Vaek" with rune that can pierce any disguise (pg 16).
The interrogation continued sans Merchants in jail. There,"Vaek" said this: (pg 17, near top) (we felt he was telling the truth about his sister but deceptive about his exact relationships with the other criminals and guessing about the relationship between the drow and merchants) "A couple of nights ago my friend Mael came to me distraught. He informed me that he was involved with some unsavory people. He told me when he tried to break away from their influence, they kidnapped his younger sister, whom I am the Godfather. He said that he had to perform a job for this group in order to get her safe recovery." His voice cracks slightly at the end and he lowers his head into his hands. When he looks up his eyes are moist, "He needed my help. And I promised him that I would help him. I promised him he would get his sister back. We met up with a filthy drow by the name of Ilvaria.". "She told us to to get money from Jumai. And then to leave no survivors. There were several other people there. I don't know all their names. One of them was Gaylen, he was looking for blood. I got a very bad feeling about him. When we got there, I had spoken up a conversation with a gnome. He was a user of magic. I could tell he didn't like the idea of killing a defenseless merchant either. I convinced him to use his magic that would calm everybody down, so that Jumai would not be killed. ""We went back to report back to the drow. She immediately jumped us with several of her goons. One the others smote her down. We decicded to meet at the Crow the following evening to determine how to stay alive. I didn't know if I could trust these other people whom Mael knew. I just wanted to help get his sister back and be done with them." He takes a deep breath and continues, "As we arrived at the Crow, the last to arrive was a man who had a limp. He appeared to be their leader. He said he had just come from a meeting with Ilvaria's brother. And that her brother tried to kill him. He said that we needed to get out quickly, as he would no doubt send people to finish off the job. It was at this time that I disguised myself. Anything for protection. As Mael and I left the Crow, that is when we were attacked in broad daylight. They quickly jumped Mael and killed him conjuring hideous creatures attempting to devour him so there would be no evidence. At no time did they state who they were. I fled, knowing that I couldn't save my friend. Their attack was coordinated and swift. It seemed evident to me, they were trained assassins. The only reason they didn't kill me is because I made it to a main street before being captured and there were too many people on the street. So they have played it off as acting in the name of 'justice'." He pauses to let you digest his story, "As I was fleeing, I noticed they had a dozen or so men aiding them with bows and crossbows. I recognized one of these goons during the meeting with Ilvaria. He worked for her and her brother. That is when it dawned on me, that the Merchants were working for the leader of the criminal organization. He had been trailing us and knew where to send his assassins on short notice. This is why I asked you how they claimed to know where to find Mael. It isn't due supreme detective skills. Their leader told them where and when to strike. I am sure they failed to provide you with that small bit of information. How convenient for them, that you don't question anything they do." the last part said with disgust. Later, he again tried to implicate the merchant's in Drail Banden's death. Because we felt he was mostly just lying and trying to get us more interested in the merchant's, we decided to just leave him in his cell in hopes that fear for Mael's relative might loosen his tongue later.
C): "There is one more thing you may want to start looking in to. The guard reports indicate there has been an increase in the flow of pesh the last couple of weeks. It may be nothing... but there are few real coincidences when it comes to crime." (Given to us by Jori Banest, Pg. 14). Ian found evidence of pesh in boxes taken from criminal's rooms in The Crow. There's the "cinammon quest" and pesh was found in the Drusu's home after they were killed. Also list with names and dates from Drusu home. Could look into one not crossed off yet-LEAD. From Serelina's info gathering (pg 15): It is believed most of the pesh that flows into the city comes either from Issust Hold or the port (some deliveries to the port are also from Issust Hold, so it could be one and the same). Rumors suggest at least some of the merchant houses are involved in the trade. The southwest districts of the city hold many of the poorer citizens and the density of dealers and users in that area are much higher than elsewhere. This area includes the slums and tiny town, but does not include the beggar's road. The trade of pesh is a pretty loose organization, so while dealers are commonly caught on the streets, connecting them to suppliers has never proven very successful. Per Zov (pg 18): "I know who a few of the dealers are. I could point you in their direction."-LEAD?
D): Catch Radgar The Butcher: From Master Veray to the party right after the Public Meeting (Pg 15): "I spent this afternoon at a small settlement about a day's journey east of Gumlat. A mere three farmhouses where several generations of a family once lived. The only member left living is a young girl, now being cared for in Gumlat." Master Veray rubs at one side of his head. "That girl will be scarred for life by what she experienced." "Every other living thing on the farm where she lived is dead. Not just her family, but the cow, the two plow horses, the hens. Most were beheaded." "Everything, including the girls account of things, points to Radgar. He intentionally left her alive - he wants everyone to know he has returned." "There is something very few people know about though. Radgar was once a paladin of the Mithral Rose. His wife was killed while under the protection of several lower ranking members of the order. With the loss of his wife he lost his sanity and went on a murder spree in the city. Killed half a dozen families in brutal fashion, including his wife's would be protectors, before the order and the city guard caught up with him - yet he slipped from their grasp.""The man was extremely dangerous then, who is to say what ten more years have taught him. It would be extremely risky to confront him directly, yet he must be caught." "It is possible an imposter has taken up the name of Radgar. The girls memories of the event match what I know of the man though, including his full plate with the emblem of the Mithral Rose worked into the left breast. Blonde hair, square jaw, pale blue eyes. You can be assured that Captain Izash, head of the order, will lend you any aid you require in apprehending Radgar. But how and where to find him in the first place is a question I have no answers for." Captain Izash may have some ideas on Radgar,but my fear is we won't be able to make any headway there till he reveals himself. (pg 15). May just have to be reactive on this. Captain Izash gave us some items Radgar's wife Ellen had: several books stacked together, a jewelry box, a faded robe in the fashion of tower apprentices, and a glass figurine of a couple dancing (pg 19). One of the books was Ellen's spellbook but has a "Book Ward" spell on it. The other two appear to be a journal and notes about the slave trade in Coran in a woman's (Ellen's?) handwriting. What do these books say??-LEAD. One of the Rings in the jewelry box is magical-a Ring of Arcane Signets (??)
E): Find Who Killed Master Torenest: (pg 18 near bottom) Per Master Adian Veray: Master Torenest was attacked late last night, not a hundred yards north of the library, well after the meeting had adjourned." Adian's eyes are moist. "Both of his personal guards were killed. One beheaded, the other torn to shreds by a leopard. Two city guardsman were also badly injured. There has been no sign or word from Master Torenest. The guards who showed up only moment after the sounds of fighting were heard never saw him, but this was found." Master Veray holds up a spell component pouch. "It has been confirmed with belong to him.Our information is scant. The report is that four assailants were seen in the attack, though most of them scattered as the city guard arrived. Among the attackers was a half-orc, one of the catfolk, and a winged demon of some kind." Master Veray wipes away the beginning of tears, "We are assuming the worst at present." Master Isul's Scrying: She scryed from the blood on of Torenest's bodyguard's swords. This showed us Hezek's shop (pg19). Here is the text from the scrying: They are in the midst of a conversation with the crippled man speaking. "....procure such an item for you within the hour." He frowns, "Are your friends the type to cause trouble in a situation like this?" A male voice from outside of the scrying view, raspy, "Please do so. And no, they are not, but it would ease worry from my mind if they were out 'camping' when the invasion happens." The cripple speaks again, "I suggest you keep on the low down for a day or two, till all eyes are on Gumlat. Then stir up trouble in whatever manner you see fit - stretch the guard thin." He turns to the ifrit woman with a lewd smile, "You are welcome to hide out here for a day or two if you wish". She responds, "I had made some plans with my concerned friend with the request here, but actually, I might like that suggestion. You must have some stories to tell. If they're good enough, perhaps you and I will have one. Just to be sure you don't disappear first, I'll follow along while you get that trinket for us. Alright?" Another voice from the side, another male, though this voice is clear and youthful. "Neither you nor I are philanthropists, Hezek. Explain what you get if we whore ourselves out to be common thugs. The watch is populated by decent people trying to do what's right. The mages are our enemy." Hezek, the cripple, chortles, "Haha, some of them are I suppose. Doesn't change the fact they serve the mages though. And like it or not they stand in the way of bringing the mages down. Me though? I want justice. My contact, has their own reasons, I couldn't say what those are. I didn't really much care, so long as I got what I was after." Who is his contact-LEAD? We assaulted his place immediately and captured Hezek. After his capture, we attempted to find our way back to the surface from the sewer escape hatch Hezak had. Down there we found a corpse with robes, it had a spellcasting component bits on the robes and the calloused hands of a sword wielder (pg 23)-. Could we use Speak with Dead?-LEAD? The sewer passage itself led out to back alley along Beggar's Row. Hezek was brought back to the Tower and interrogated.
Hezek Interrogation: Masters Isul and Hast were there. Per Master Hast (pg 23), Hezek was one of a about a dozen vile criminals. Murderers, rapists, workers of forbidden magics, crime lords. About 15 years ago Hast was then a newly appointed member of the council of seven. With this varied group of criminals taken into custody there was a hot discussion over what should be done with them to insure justice was done. Master Hast scowls and his hands clench tightly around the back of a chair he is standing next to. "Ultimately it was decided they should be exiled to one of the outer planes - to let whatever fate might befall them there take place." There is certainly more to this story, though at present Master Hast does not appear inclined to share it. Also: I would need to check the records to be certain, but at the time of his exile I do not believe this Hezek had any magical ability. I for one should like to know what became of his companions in exile. If he survived it seems likely others may have as well." Serelina recalled her father telling her about the exile episode: One of the merchant houses, house Seris, now defunct and for all intents and purposes unknown, was involved in a large scale scam throughout the smaller settlements in the kingdom. At the time they were caught the round-up also included a highly wanted black marketeer. These were cast into the prisons with a number of undesirables. Family members of house Seris who were not involved in the scam, or could not be linked to it, cried foul about the injustice of placing their fellows in the same 'pot' as the unwanted elements of society. Trial dates were set, yet according to Gabriel the trials never took place. It didn't matter to him one way or another as his interest was in being able to snatch up some of the trade that house Seris had control of. Tomlin remembered: The name Seris rings a bell in the back of your mind. You could likely drum something up given some time on the streets and in the taverns to track descendents, or maybe relatives down.-LEAD Hezek seemed to be very much afraid of Master Hast, and was accused of treason for plotting with the Mageocracies' enemies against Gumlat. He was offered cooperation for a quick death or endless torture. He said "Gumlat has fallen though, it is only the first. One piece at a time you will be taken down" and "You have made many enemies. The attack on Gumlat is only one small cog in the machine of destruction you have brought on to yourself" Master Hast asks, "Who are the men and woman who were in your shop this morning? I want names and descriptions." Hezek replies "Mere pawns, just as I am a pawn in a greater scheme. And there are hundreds more like them scattered across the empire." he is nearly shouting. "They've seen your cruelty and what you claim as justice. You did this to my body then cast me into the abyss, cast us all into the abyss." Asked about Gumlat, Hezek stated he was not involving in planning the attack but the small local kingdom called The Fran (which the Mageocracy had heretofore been friendly with) was involved; they wish to annex Gumlat. Hezek felt the attack on Gumlat was now complete. The Fran is weaker than the mageocracry. Hezek also stated there were demons involved in the Gumlat episode. He appeared to honestly know nothing about the pesh trade or Radgar. After the interrogation, Hast states "We will keep him here in the tower for the time being should you need to question him further, and also while we deliberate what should be done with him"Master Isul put him in one of the cages for now." The woman's eyes widen a little at this, but she merely nods in reply....
After the interrogation, Master Hast noted that Master Veray went to Gumlat and is expected back later that day. He should know more then (pg 24)-LEAD. The odd "coincidence" that Hezek's people and the Criminals vs. Merchant's fight both occurred at The Crow was mentioned. Hast wondered if "Vaek" might know more about this.-LEAD Hast then added "If you can manage things with a subtle approach, that would certainly be preferred. But if a more direct approach is needed to produce results don't hesitate in that. I'm concerned that if Hezek escaped his banishment the others may have as well. I'm going to pull up the records and dig through those, be sure to report back at evening or tomorrow morning at the latest. Master Akeli do you have anything to add?" The woman nods her head in the negative. "Not at the present. I'd like to run some tests on Hezek though. There is a taint about him - which I imagine shouldn't be to surprising given where he escaped from." Master Akeli frowns slightly as if finding it distasteful what she says next. "It won't be pleasant for him though. Not that he deserves any better but... you know Master Veray will not like this." Master Hast creases his forehead. "No he will not, but we need answers where ever we can find them. I will talk with Master Veray personally on this." "Of course." Master Akeli gives a nod.
Random Extras
The Tracker Wands: (pg 18) Serelina was given wands by Dason and Master Veray. These can be used to track people in the city. At the top floor of the Tower was a large map of the city in the floor. The wands put a tracker-like dot on the floor showing where the person is. It would also work for an hour or so on ingested food. Basically we tag an item with it and as long as the person carries the item we can follow them, but typical scry-blocking stuff (e.g. lead lining) stops it. We weren't given any specific uses for it. Ian was given the key to the scrying room, better to destroy it than fall in the wrong hands.
Why were the Fizzwinkles targeted (and escape): Raseb gave Tomlin a note that says (p10, right after meeting the Merchants): Speak with the Fizzwinkles. They are a gnome couple living in tiny town. They own and operate a pawn shop there. They also have a son, Leandric, who has had some past run ins with the law. If the rumors are true they were marked to be assassinated last night (night of 27 deaths/drow capture) but managed to escape. This may give us more info about the gang war, and possibly about Anthony's Gang. LEAD!!
Old Guard Tower Investigation: Fought demons here, as part of scouting to ambush here. At the tower we found a room with a simple cot and chest that looked like it had been used recently (p13). In the chest was two silver bird feather tokens, 1200gp's in gems, a bag of pesh and a letter. We couldn't figure out what the letter says (see below, it was translated for us). In the basement of the place we found an altar: While made to appear in many ways to look like an altar to Zon-Kuthon, god of pain and torture, several alterations to the symbols reveal it is actually an altar Ghlaunder, god of parasites and infections. Someone lived there. The room/altar can used to summon creatures from the outer plane. We defaced the altar, which had clearly been added later than the tower itself. Our plans to ambush the "3 men and a Gnome" group at the Tower were effectively abandoned after the Big Fight. We figured the wounded group wouldn't follow leads to get the drow after losing 2 members in that fight. So....this is resolved for now...except the letter found in a chest there.
-Letter from Chest: Translated from Abyssal by Master Veray (pg 15) "Arrived in Coran. Met with F and H. Be prepared for a pickup in eight days.""Head to the hold and make further arrangements with D there." (Possible that whomever sent note told whoever lives in the tower to go to Isstus Hold? Could "H" be Hezek?)
The Case of the Missing Cinnamon: From Cindy Lu (merchant mercenary, p10): "In addition to Mister Jumai's incident we have investigated two other robberies. A local bakery was robbed of a dozen loaves of bread and some pastries. A window was broken and we found a streak of grime on it, and under a shelf some muddy prints of several toes from a humanoid foot - on the small side for a human. Also a page from the business ledger was taken - the one totaling the end of the week's income and expenses." She takes a deep breath and looks at the faces she is talking to before continuing. "Lady Yisa's fruit shop has been robbed twice; once before our investigation, and again after. We found a piece of cloth, simple tan in color and covered with grime and dirt, hooked on one of the old boards when we investigated after the night of the first robbery (we later scryed this). We also noted a space on a shelf that could have contained a box of approximately 8” X 6” in size. This turned out to be a stolen change box that contained only enough coin to make change for a day. The second night the shop was roughly searched but the only thing that seems to have been taken was all the owner's cinnamon." She lets the details of these facts sink in before adding. "I believe the initial robberies are simply hungry poorer citizens forced to feed themselves. I am not so sure about the theft from the second night. Something about it seems different. No food was taken, a lock
