Castle Caldwell and Beyond: (A 5e Campaign) - The Wrecking Crew (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

"I... uh... this journal is weird." Merrum says, scratching his head. "It sounds like guild cant but it's definitely no shorthand I've ever seen."

Wolfgang tries to keep his attention focused on the research of the diary, but the inanities of discussing the weather and the moon soon has his attention wandering. Druids are by their very nature anethma to true power, and to delve into their mundane musings is worse than time wasted.

He keeps staring about, anxious to be on the way.

Looking up from the jounal Lilly announces My sister left here 5 weeks ago. Her trail grows cold. I ask that you come with me to investigate what has happened to her. It could easily be related to these other issues. If you will do this then I will owe you a debt and will help you with whatever causes you must champion.

"5 weeks, huh? How far away is this place? Depending on distance, 5 weeks may be the travel time it takes just to get there," Kerak asks, rubbing his chin. The issues in Chapel Hill may be more important to Edmund, but there was always the possibility this black fortress was Elwyn's hidden temple - and that could be the larger threat in the end. "Does she say where this fortress might be located?"

The last entry was made as the druid left. We cannot know what she fould after she arrived by looking at this book.

"But does it say where the fortress is? I know we can't know what we found, but obviously she knew where she was headed. So, where was she headed?"

Wolfgang points to their shape-changing prisoner. "We still have a dangerous man we need to see secured. Let's get him to our betters and then we can make plans as to our next step."

Vash rubbed his hand over his jaw, thinking.

"Aye. Do you know where she may have headed?"

The slow pace makes it hard for me to recall the details. Lilly shares with you what she knows.

Lilly reviews the journal for a few moments, but cannot find any details on the exact location of the mysterious “black temple” as it is called. She reviews the last message again.

It would seem that Caitriann did not know exactly where to find it, but had a plan, to contact someone called “Marolyn” by first visiting some local elven people, at or near a landmark called Wahanthiop Springs, and then visit a Kobold Hovel, the hovel of the Limecraker Kobolds, apparently. Lilly, and her traveling companions do not know these landmarks (they are south of the river) nor do the other adventurers, with the exception of Isaiah, who may have heard of them. The only other recourse would be to ask the people of Pawkatukit where these places can be found

With the task of gathering all the information they can hope at the druids home completed. The group escorts the prisoner back to the Chapel Hill Hall of the Solution Society.

Introductions are made all around and when the situation of the cursed ring is explained to dwarven captain, Branhilde, and the gnome trainer, Nichols, a messenger is dispatched to fetch a Priest from the local shrine, who is paid to use a scroll taken from the Societies inventory which removes the curse temporarily, allowing the ring to be removed.

The ring is placed on a table, and the group gathers around to discuss the next path forward.

Lilly, who is not a member of the society, expresses her concern for the safety of Caitriann, which is seconded by Branhilde and Nichols, who both know the Maetaur druid well, and state that she is a valued member of the Woodbridge community. The coffers of the Chapel Hill Hall are running low, but with rumors of it being closed, permanently, soon, Branhilde has no problem offering anyone willing to accompany Lilly for protection on her quest to find the missing druid a sum of two hundred gold pieces, each. But she cautions

I can pay half the sum in advance, but by rules, which we will follow until we are charterless, I cannot pay the rest until you return with some news of the maetaur’s situation, and by the time you return it could turn out the hall is already closed, and no other hall is likely to honor the contract, unless I get the Area Warden’s signature, and that is unlikely.

She then explains who Marolyn is

Oh, Marolyn Galoolee, yes. I know her. She is one of the Limecraker Kobolds. They have a hovel in the woods, near a creek bed below a hill, probably halfway between here and Caldwell Castle, on the other side of the river. They have had some problems dealing with the red goblins lately. The red goblins are a collection of goblin tribes who live further south, in the forests between Harrispania and the City States of Tarule. You will have to travel all the way to the bridge, east of Castel Caldwell to cross the river, unless you can pay one of the locals to ferry you across to a safe landing on the southern banks of the river, which are no closer than four miles east of the town.

Once the group arrived at the Chapel Hill lodge, and after all the introductions had been taken care of, Kerak asked, "Important as this is, could the situation with these two Tanakov brothers be even more important? According to our ringed friend, their goal is to close the Chapel Hill lodge to allow them to move about unimpeded. Do you have agents who could deal with that issue here? What do you consider the more important issue?"

Branhilde lets out a long sigh, and after raising and lowering her shoulders clears her throat and says

Well, that’s were things really break down. Contrary to popular rumors the Society is not just a band of well-wishing do-gooders. Some might say the society are heroes, but make no mistake, we are heroes-for-hire, and without the payments coming in for our services we can’t offer rewards to our members for tackling these sorts of problems. It has turned out that the real Clifton Caldwell is not interested in paying anyone to have the grounds of the castle cleared out of squatters, or criminals. We’ve sent information to Baron Thornton, who is responsible for keeping the peace in this part of Harrispania. The Barony of Thornton encompasses Seaport and all lands west to Deer Creek Springs, fourteen miles west of us. If the Baron, who I know is busy with matters in Seaport, wants to clear the property he can send his own retainers, or he can hire the Society, like anyone else, and its likely he’ll hire the Hall in Seaport.

She looks away, staring off into nothing for a moment, and then turns back

I suppose it’s my fault that things in this Hall have been going downhill for so long. It was my first posting as a captain of a hall and I took the job without really understanding it is more of a job for a bean counter than a seasoned adventurer. I paid out rewards on the promise of payments from clients far too many times, and now we’re almost broke. The Office in Seaport knows the mistakes I’ve made. Hell, they’re the ones who named our team the Wreaking Crew.

I’m sorry to have to say this but, no, the situation at Castle Caldwell is no longer a concern of this Hall. I can’t, won’t authorize or pay anyone to try and arrest the individuals down there who are accused of these crimes. I’ve got practically no funds left, but I believe that if I approach the town council with the news of Caitriann’s disappearance I might get a commitment from them. The only thing I can suggest is that you take a risk and handle those slavers at your own expense and hope the Hall in Seaport will back you up if you cross any lines. Let me remind you that the Lords and Ladies of the Senate of Harrispania have the responsibility of keeping the peace and enforcing the law, and without the contracts agreed upon by those members and the agents of the Solution Society you can be arrested for taking any acts of violence against any citizen of the Empire even if they are accused of crimes. It’s not always easy to do the right thing, but it can be done. You just have to be sure your ducks are all in a row before you take any chances.

I can draw up a contract for the investigation of the situation of the Black Temple, if it exists or not, what it is and if it is a threat to the people of Woodbridge, and including the search for Caitriann and present it to the Town Council tonight. I’ll call for a special meeting. If it is approved, you’ll have this Hall’s full backing and even if it closes the contract will be valid in defense of your actions, it just might be that you’ll have to go to the town directly to get the rest of your fee, if we are shut down.

Kerak considers Branhilde's response for a short time before saying, "I assume there are no agents associated with the Chapel Hill lodge left here in Pawkatukit, then? No current missions? Is there anything you might be able to do to delay the Solutions Society in closing the Chapel Hill lodge, at least for a time?"

Branhilde squints her eyes and is about to say something when the gnome trainer, Nickels, reaches for her hand and in a calm voice says They can’t close the hall if you’re not here to sign the closing order.

She turns to the scarred little man and pleads, I can’t abandon my responsibilities. I owe the society that much.

He lets go of her hand and stands up, Maybe you do, maybe I do to, but I’ve still got a hunch that there is a greater danger in that castle than we know about. Look, I want to go to Seaport, there is an old sage I know down there I want to talk to. Come with me. We’ll leave a note for the staff to keep the Hall on temporary suspension. If the Society sends a high ranking official to shut us down, they’ll just have to wait until we return, or track us down in Seaport. Either way, it could buy a week, maybe two. If we can pull off a successful job for the town, and if we learn more about these mirrors the Society is keeping real quiet about, we might be able to make an argument to keep us chartered.

That does sound like a good plan Branhilde says as she stands up

Alright, I’ve got a lot of work to do. I’ll draft a contract, and schedule a Town Council meeting, then pack and write instructions for the staff. We’ll leave for Seaport tomorrow morning, but before we go I’ll, hopefully, have a contract for any of you to sign. If you accept the mission to search for Caitraiann I’ll empty the Hall’s coffers to give you the first half of the payment, then those of you who sign the contract will be working for this Hall until they either shut us down, or guarantee our charter. Those of you who do not want to sign the contract, well, you’re free to go on about your business.

Let’s hope the Wrecking Crew can show them we’re not washed up after all.

Kerak smiles, "If you're going to Seaport, I'd like to give you a letter to take with you and have delivered to a gentleman you may be acquainted with named Edmund Azcarinze. I'll need to give him an update on my status before going to search for Caitriann. Do you have ink and paper?"

Once provided with such, Kerak will write a letter informing Edmund of everything he's been told by Branhilde, as well as the fact he is joining others to assist in locating the druidess Caitriann, who went to investigate a Black Fortress to the south west, which may in fact be Elwyn's location in the City States of Tarule, as well as that of the stolen artifact - successful apprehension of Elwyn and recovery of the artifact by agents working on behalf of the Chapel Hill Lodge may provide the Lodge with the means to prevent closure.

Pleased at this turn of events Lilly offers I will gladly sign your contract and support you any way I can. Its obvious you do good work here and the locals benefit from your existence. If we are successful in finding Caitriann I am sure she will speak for you as well. She hesitates for a moment and they asks That leaves the ring. What shall become of it? It has too long been used for evil. Can it somehow be turned to good?

Merrum was pleased that things turned out at least not terrible, and signs the contract as well. He's not got much helpful to add though, so he remains quiet and listens to the conversation. Maybe he can add something once something of his expertise comes along.

Vash remains quiet, collecting information.

When Nickels hears the man named Kerak mention Edmund Azcarinze, he scowls

You’re already working a contract for Azcarinze then? I suspected the arrival of folks like you in this town was connected to the mirror in one way or another. Mind you, I’m not the kind to cross-council, and your terms with that Hall are none of my business, but if you are searching for an artefact, then you should know that I’ve heard rumors that as many as eight Halls are doing the same. Whatever it is that’s up with this mirror the Hall is looking for it’s got to be something big, and probably something dangerous. I’ll take your letter to Azcarinze,

Branhilde gestures to the ring on the table, Technically, though cursed, and a danger to anyone, the ring is still the legal property of Uri Darvonovik. He will be handed over to the Sheriff of Pawkatukit, and she will take his statements, and then he will be brought before a judge of the Baron’s courts. His confession to aiding in the kidnapping of people of Pawkatukit, as well as those traveling the legal highways of the baron’s lands has been keep secret, for now. We don’t want a panic on our hands before we have a chance to bring all this information to the Baron properly. At that point, if the slave traders are still holed up in Castle Caldwell, I believe the baron will most likely send a troop of soldiers from his estate and attack the place directly, but there is a chance he will not. You see, Caldwell did legally purchase the castle estate, and that would mean that the baron would be responsible for any damages his own troops did to the grounds in an assault. I’ve had some experience with nobles, and how they treat each other in matters of property and debts, it can get very complicated, and very painful. We will keep the ring here, under lock and key.

She turns away from the table, and says over her shoulder, Unless he agrees to sell or trade the ring to another before we turn him over, say a for the promise of testimony on his behalf by anyone with firsthand knowledge of these brothers who are responsible for forcing young Uri into a life of crime in the first place. I’ve put Uri in one of our small cells, in the north wing. Anyone interested in bargaining with him, for the ring, had better hurry. I told the Sheriff we would hand him over at sundown.

Oh, and once last thing, the only one I know powerful enough to remove the curse on the ring is Gardoh Donelizze, the high priest of the Aladoan Shrine across the park to the north from our hall. He is a cold man, serious and passionate about his responsibilities in keeping the temple her in Pawkatukit. He may have a way to remove the curse, or that might be beyond his abilities. I don’t really know. We don’t get along all the time, but he is fair, and reasonable, once you convince him you mean well, and are willing to give the temple the proper respect. If you end up in possession of the ring, go see him before you try anything else.

Lilly seems content. Its not inherently evil but has been used for evil for some time. Its just a tool but I'd say it lends itself too easily to deception. I'm happy it will be locked up, at least for now.

Speaking with the others she asks Are all of you committed to coming with me then? I want you to know that I consider your help a personal favor even if you are also acting under the charter of this hall.

"The people my group were supposed to escort have all disbanded and without proof that we've accomplished the mission I'm not likely to get paid... we'll it was fishy to begin with." Isaiah grumble to himself.

After brooding a bit he turns to Lilly. "I don't plan to leave things as they are with this castle incident but your friend may have more information regarding some details I'm not sure about. So I'll assist you with this mission to the best of my ability." He says making sure to state his reasons plainly.

"I would also be happy to help. This seems a worthy cause, and to be honest, you all seem quite capable. I'm sure we could do much good together, and this time, perhaps I won't have to add to my collection."

Merrum shrugs. "I'm in. Sounds good." he says

"No contract. I was given a specialized task unrelated to any mirror, and this is part of it,"[b] Kerak answers to Nickels' scowl. [b]"Incidentally, Vash, aren't the City States of Tarulle south of the Deer Creek Falls River?"

Vash nods.
"I believe that's correct, yes."

"Could this black fortress be the same as the black temple you were looking for?"

Vash ponders for a moment.
"I'm not a dab hand at geography, but I think that might actually be the case now that you mention it. The Black Temple spoken of by my Elven relatives was thought to be almost directly south of Pawkatukit. If it is the same place, we must be doubly careful. Excellent thinking, Kerak."

Lilly nods at the thought. It seems our goals may converge.

"It would be nice if they were the same thing." Merrum offers. "Otherwise there'd be TWO terrible places we'd have to clear out."

"I've cleared out far more than two in my lifetime, I'm afraid. Never gets any easier."

"Well then, once we've got everything sorted out, we'll get a move on. Let's go."

Lilly, ready to go, smiles at the suggestion. Yes, lets.

Vash nods in agreement.
"I have expended little in the way of my magical capabilities, so I am ready whenever you all are."

"Ready!"

Good, Branhilde and Nickels say at the same time, then look at each other and smile.

Branhilde moves from behind the table in the center of the room toward the door.

I’ll get started on what I need to do right away. All of you should rest up, take care of any last minute business you need here in town, and then report at one hour after sunrise tomorrow ready to go. I’ll have the contract ready, and the first half of your fee.

She opens the door, which leads out into the open courtyard in the center of the hall property.

I’m excited to hear what you plan is.

Branhilde says with a smile

Vash regards the group.

"So...specifics of the plan. Any ideas, friends?"

"Well I'm more of a 'reactionary' type of profession, you know?" Merrum pipes in. "I mean, I can say I'll search out any booby traps and stop em from killing us, but other than that I will take what opportunities come up as they may."

He smirks. "I prefer the K.I.S.S. planning method: Keep it simple, stupid. Any more complicated than that and things fall apart the moment monsters attack, or someone dies."

”These Limecracket Kobolds seem to know where the fortress is. So, I’m thinking we go visit them first, and make sure Caitriann made it there. Then, we find out where the fortress is, and if the Druidess was headed that way. Then, we can journey to the fortress, and hopefully find out more about if she was there or not.”

[b]Pawkatukit, Harrispania, Duchy of Thorton
It is Day 6, morning

In the morning, Isaiah, Kerak, Lilly, Merrium, the Preacher Vash, and Wylla return to the Chapel Hill hall of the Solution Society.
Branhilde has set out ten stacks of gold coins on the table in the conference room, and at the head of the table is a five page, heavy vellum, document.

Branhilde explains that there are three stacks of fifty gold coins, one each for Wolfgang, Isaiah, and Wylla, payment for their help in getting messages to the previous team that ran into trouble at Castle Caldwell
Then there are seven stacks of one hundred gold coins, one each for all of them. When she realizes Wolfgang has not arrived, she sets aside his share, and keeps a close watch on it.

She explains the contract, giving each of you plenty of time to read it, and as all of you are going over it, the Gnome Nickels arrives, geared up for a overland journey, with a pack on his back, and a bed roll tied to the top of the pack.

The contract seems fair, and easy to read. There are no hidden clauses or any “legalese” that might trip a layman up. You are each being paid for information, in the form of individual reports by each of you about the possible whereabouts of the Druid Caitriann, which should be filled in the hall no later than fourteen days from this day.

Branhilde smiles and tells you all that if Caitriann is found safe and sound the city council will reward the team with a further payment of one hundred gold pieces, each. They ask for a letter, written and signed by Caitriann as a token to demonstrate she was found.

When all have read and signed the contract, Branhilde and Nickels shake everyone’s hands and depart (Nickels is sure to retrieve Kerak’s letter, with a wink and a nod).

Now all that’s left to do is set out for the Kobold Hovel, and hope it can be found without becoming lost.

Before you leave Pawkatukit you can spend any money you have on non-magical gear, available from many different merchants in the town. Anything available in the PRD can be purchased for standard, listed, prices). Once you decide to leave Pawkatukit, it is six miles to Gillian Road, where the Deer Creek Falls River Road meets River Road, and there is a series of covered bridges, spanning the river, connecting two islands together with the north and south banks. From the river crossing it is three-quarters of a mill back to the west to Castle Caldwell, and further past that, going westward along the south bank of the river you will hopefully find the small creek that feeds into the river (flowing from the southern hills that are the border between Harrispania and the City States of Tarulle). Following that creek south should lead to the Limecracker Hovel, but unfortunately at this time you do not know exactly how far that is, only that it should not be more than two miles to the west from Castle Caldwell.

Is a map available? Are there other aids to navigation?

I am fairly self sufficient in the forests and can likely provide food for the rest of you if you are not too picky about what you eat. Always good to have backup provisions though. If we need to carry a lot I recommend we get a donkey.

"I concur. We should make sure we have sufficient supplies to be out in the wilderness for a while - just in case. How many weeks should we plan for, do you think?"

"Perhaps three? I don't think it will take a month."

"Three sounds about right, but I don't know how much you bigger folk eat." Merrum adds.

Deer Creek River Road, Harrispania, Duchy of Thorton
Day 6, before noon

The small party of travelers does a bit of shopping with the money they are paid, and before the day can get away from them they set out eastward along a wide dirt road leaving Pawkatukit.

The Deer Creek River Road is a well-traveled road, with deep ruts from the many wagons moving to Seaport and back from the farms and fields between Pawkatukit and the large port town. It was at the last minute that one of the friends was able to find an old trapper willing to sketch out a map, from memories of years past when the forest south of the river wasn’t quite as dangerous. Then, when passing an apple farm just on the outskirts of town, and young elven woman, picking apples from a ladder high up into a tall tree, saw the travelers coming her way and stopped her work to meet the travelers on the road.

Oh, I’m sorry the elven girl says with a curtsey. I thought you were someone else. My name is Ballamy L’Ores, I was rescued by a group of adventurers from the Solution Society about a week ago and I was hoping to thank them again, but you are obviously not them, my mistake.

When she sees the map you are carrying she laughs.

Who made that map? It’s not correct at all. See here, she points to Seaport. Seaport is on the south side of the river, not the north.

Lilly buys storable food before the group heads out and is not really sure what else to buy.

Hi Ballamy. I'm Lilly. I am glad you were rescued. I bet you have quite a tale about it. We will buy a few of your apples if they are for sale.

When Ballamy comments about the map Lilly adds Glad we ran into you. An old trapper gave us this map. Said it was from memory. I guess his memory is not that good. And other news of the road? Who were you rescued from? Is it anyone we need to watch out for?

Ballamy smiles and offers a selection from a basket of red delicious apples.

Well, there were some bandits holed up in the old castle, and they would waylay travelers crossing the river at the Mackenzie Bridge crossing. That's a good place to be on your guard. It's a couple of bridges spanning the river where there are some sand bars and a small island. The river is wide there, but too shallow for boats and the bridges have plenty of places for highway robbers to hide so they can sneak up on you when you are just halfway across with no place but forward or back to run.

Bandits. Hmm Lilly looks to her traveling companions. Perhaps there should be less bandits in this area?