Hellscarred and War-torn (Inactive)

Game Master Zedth

"Sure, that seems to be our next move. What will we do with our hoard? Find a cave a sleep over it? Cause, it may attract more attention getting inside the city carrying that stuff, than disguising ourselves as arena combatants." points the mage.

"Bargaining chip," Gromff says with a smile. And he leaves it at that. If need be they can use the supplies as payment for transportation.

All the magic stuff is going in the bag unless someone calls dibs.

You could manage to actually transport most/all of the wagonload with wheelbarrows found at the ruined farmstead, so let me know if that is your intention.

The once-again-whole party decides to plunge into the city through the hidden tunnel found in the old barn. Gathering their belongings and their wits, they spend some time lowering goods, tools and wheelbarrows down into the dark man-made cave. The tunnel has the occasional sconce but all are bereft of torches. There are no light sources other than what the party brings with them. The dimensions of the tunnel are 7' tall by 7' wide, and apparently well measured and regular.

The tunnel is dark and smells strongly of rich soil. Stone and wooden support beams form arched supports every 50 feet. Multiple identical stone plaques adorn the tunnel wall from time to time, every 1000 feet or so. Upon the plaques written in the common tongue but in dwarven-style rune letters is following message: "Khaurak-Khozil is a friend to the enemies of evil. May this tunnel lead you to freedom. May it remain secret for a stone's age."

Seemingly very deep into the tunnel the party happens upon an expansion in the tunnel that leaves a bit more room to stretch out and rest. 10 hammocks hang limply by one support, waiting to be restrung and used by weary refugees. A large wooden table and a wooden cabinet are also present. Dry rations, relatively fresh fruit and stale bread are found within the cabinet. Resting atop the table are several poorly written notes on parchment and random keepsakes such as a doll, a ring, and a decorative hairpin. Notes on the parchment are left for lovers, family and friends who might happen upon them, informing the reader that the writer is safe.

After what feels like over an hour the party happens upon a ladder with iron-rungs imbedded in the soil/stone wall, leading upward to a wooden-plank cellar style door. After pausing to listen, there are no sounds coming from the other side of the trapdoor. The tunnel continues on into the darkness, going past this upward exit.

Didn't think about keeping the supplies in the tunnel but that's a good idea.

Walking ahead of the group and out of the light needed to the others, Gromff looks up and reads the plaques, each time becoming more proud. It seems his kin were doing something to stop the tide besides hiding in their mountain stronghold. Maybe someone else finally realized they couldn't hope to hold out and needed to start fighting back.

At the open area Gromff suggests they stay the night and see if they can get into the city in the morning so they can hide among the morning crowd. Miro and Catcher are the only ones to have met the Consortium agent so they should take point.

Sound good?

Sounds like a plan.

Catcher puts the hat again, using a different appearance, but still using a woman one "Sure, let's see what's outside."

Everyone gets a full night's sleep however it is interrupted twice when fluttering torchlight is seen down the tunnel followed by sounds of a group approaching. Both instances turn out to be escapees fleeing the city--one is a woman who was a slave in the magistrate's house, the other is a family that defied the order to register their children. After brief conversation they pass your group and head southward toward the barn tunnel exit.

Everyone is refreshed after their sleep. Make sure to update your spell lists in case there are any spells you'd like to have handy for the inner city. Heading toward the city you find the first ladder and trapdoor exit about half an hour from the "rest area" where you slept, however the tunnel continues on into the darkness.

Listening at the trapdoor, nothing suspicious or dangerous is heard. After a search for traps, the door is opened slowly and tentatively. The cool earthy air of the tunnel is suddenly overpowered by the rank stench of rotting fish. Peeking your head up through the trapdoor, Gromff's darkvision reveals you are inside what looks similar to a sewer, with piles of fish bones, nightsoil, and rotten piles of garbage all around. Rats and flies are present, and don't seem particularly alarmed by your presence.

After searching briefly you find another iron wrung ladder that leads to tight-squeeze exit (for a fully grown human or dwarf, that is) that puts you all in the city's dock district. You startle a large group of birds who caw and squawk at you interrupting their fish breakfast. You look back at where you just emerged from and deduce it is a gutter run-off that is obviously being used to dispose of trash. In contrast to the filth, you see the sun rising, casting a peaceful shimmer over the huge river that stretches out eastward. You can see one half of the river is brown and other is more bluish-green. The waters blend somewhat where the colors meet, but carry on for as far as you can see in two distinct colors side by side.

You see boats leaving their dock, boats returning to dock, and a small marketplace growing larger by the minute as the townsfolk and shopkeepers fill the square. No one appears to notice your appearance or care.

"So where'd ye meet the one that helped ye?" he asks of Miro and Catcher.

I don't know why but I really want to go on a shopping spree. We have a decent amount of money and could really use special material weapons. In character though we should probably wait till Archdale.

"Hmmmm...it was outside an Inn with a broken window on the third floor." Miro chuckles, trying to recall the name of the Inn where they were chased.

I’ll keep the same spells.

”Was it not the Halfling that warned us about the guard on the arena? I mean, I could not see his face in the dark, but I had an inkling it was the same person. Only a different place. ” points out the mage as the group tries to decide what to do ”We could start there.”

Catcher, as a friendly reminder there are guards in the city who know what you look like because you were pursued and made an escape attempt before you were in disguise. Are you taking any precautions before traipsing through town?

The group leaves the dock district in search of some contact with the underground Consortium of Light in the city. The most direct route brings you through the large square near the city's southeast gate. Catcher and Miro recognize the area as where the guards were snuffed out handily by the great green dragon. To the occupying devils' credit, they cleaned up the scene quickly-- there are no more corpses lying in the road. Several commonfolk are busy at work clearing rubble and splinters which are the remains of a small guardhouse that stood near the gate. Apparently the potent breath of the wyrm melts more than flesh.

There are various shops, restaurants, tradesmen/women, inns, etc.. as you move through the city streets. Patrols of mortal and immortal guards are prevalent, keeping the mood dour and alert. More than once you see scarlet imps flying overhead to some unknown destination. There are multiple races of demihumans represented in the populace but it is a mostly human city.

Any particular destination to try? You mentioned the inn (The Pawn Broker) and the arena. Gromff you mentioned the desire to shop. There are myriad shops around. Let me know what you're interested in buying.

Miro whispers to his companions, "Any idea just how much coin we're sitting on?"

He grins at Catcher's insistence on going back to the Arena. She was a glutton for danger, for sure.

I'm with Gromff on the shopping, but I don't know how much liquid assets we have, or what we're willing to part with (cause we have hoarders who seem to think the answer to that is nothing. :P)

@ Catcher Thought ye met him near an inn? Shouldn't we be headed there?"

@ Miro If this is going to take a while we could get some things. Don't have much in coin though. Need ta get rid of some gems and weapons if we want anything expensive," he says quietly so as not to tip off nearby thugs like Catcher did.

I want to out of character. In character, we should really leave as soon as possible though if it takes time to track down the informant then we could probably loose some items. My only concern is selling back the +1 stuff you guys got off the guards. Might raise some alarms unless we can find a black market. That being said, a quick calculation brings the total to 16000 assuming base prices but since you can only get half for weapons and armor that means about 12000. Need some damn good diplomacy to bring that up. Maybe the informant can also find us a fence.

Also, didn't Tess get the Bandages and Roland the Gauntlets?

"Perhaps we should stop by The Pawn Broker, first, to check on our little friend, then go from there?"

I'm positive you're right, on the Bandages and Gauntlets.

"The pawn broker sounds like a good first stop. As for doing any shopping, I say we should get what we can while the opportunity is available, though we need not spend too much time here. I don't like it, even if it has its uses."

And the two of you are correct, I did get those bandages, though I haven't added them to my inventory yet. I will do some character sheet updating tonight.

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Here Boss, I'm using the hat again, I just did not changed my avatar this time. :D

"Sure, if you say so." says the mage giving up on the arena idea, since everyone seems more interested in shopping than finding the consortium.

It doesn't take long for everyone to get on track toward the inner city. It was a well designed city, and even at night the streets seemed quaint and memorable. Drawing closer to lunch time the party eventually spills out onto the street where the inn sits. This district isn't particularly booming with business, and many of the structures look like warehouses, homes, with the occasional shop separating them.

The last time Catcher and Miro saw the place, The Pawn Broker inn it was dark and they were being followed. The place conjures recent memories of danger and action-packed escape. The inn's porch has a row of rocking chairs filled with patrons enjoying the crisp mid-day air, many of whom are playing chess with one another. Things have clearly calmed down from that night of excitement, as one would expect.

A grizzled old human man wearing an eye patch tends bar, while bar wenches of various races can be seen bring plates of rich smelling food and mugs of drink. This establishment is the largest business on the block as far as you can tell. Unlike the previous visit there are vacant tables waiting to be filled, though nearly half the tables were occupied.

There is no sign of the halfling from the alley. In fact Miro and Catcher, you're not even sure you would recognize him if you saw him. It was so dark you never got a proper look at his features.

Inside the inn is a cheery atmosphere. Raucous laughter and mirth are common to most tables around you. One drunken lady makes no secret of her disdain for human collaborators, specifically the human guards of this city. You get the impression that most patrons here are in agreement, but a well-to-do couple in fine clothing get up from their table and leave the inn during the drunken remarks.

You then hear people at different tables discussing the dragon's appearances, rumors of town guards going missing, discussion of the recent arena slave tournament, good late-season fishing, and other more mundane topics unworthy of note.

Just waiting on Miro or Catcher.

Miro winces as he can tell the previous night's escapade has cost the owner some business. His eyes narrow in suspicion at the couple who leave, but he shakes his head. You're being paranoid!

He turns to his companions, speaking softly, "This is the place, you guys...we burst from the third story into the alley, and the halfling was there."

After entering the inn, catcher will look around to see if she notices someone familiar, especially someone looking like a guard. Then she’ll try to see if the innkeeper is the same one that got them their beer just before the night escape.

If it’s the same;

”Maybe the innkeeper can help us…” she whisper to Miro, then she drags him to the bar, bard in hand, smiling widely at the man behind the counter. "Two ales, if you please." After an appropriate pause, she grins even wider."And one for the lass."

Let’s see if he’ll remember it!

This is unmistakably the same barkeep. He's a rotund bearded grizzly human man with an eye patch. Fairly distinctive!

The one-eyed barkeep looks at Miro, Catcher, then to their three new friends. He nods appreciatively then whispers, "Brave of you two show up here again. Brave, or foolish. I haven't yet decided."

Raising his voice back to a normal tone he says, "Welcome, welcome, are you hungry? Thirsty? Looking for a good game of chess?"

He apparently recognizes you two despite your different appearances.

"Just foolish I think" says the mage "It was a mess, and it's only right that we give you some kind of compensation." she stops for a bit, as if thinking on what to do then asks "Is there any place where we can talk more privately?"

Miro nods eagerly at Catcher's words. "Please be discrete about it...perhaps we should get a room, and you come see us in a bit?"

He gets called away by a patron asking for fine wine. The barkeep seemingly ignores your questions, reaches up to a shelf and pulls down a dusty bottle. He then pours a glass for the man down at the end of the bar. He comes back to where Catcher leans on the bar and produces a key hanging from a small wooden tab with the number 3-9 carved into it. The paint on the number is faded.

"Enjoy your stay here with us at the Pawn." His statement is followed by a knowing stare that lasts a few moments, then he goes back to his work.

Miro pretends to ignore the man's look, idly standing next to his companions until they start to move. Only then does he nonchalantly follow them, keeping his eyes open for any who might be giving them more than casual interest.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Sense Motive on the Barkeep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 does he seem like he's on our side?

"This seems too easy. Ye sure about this?"

"Of course I'm not sure about it!" says the mage, picking up Aerseni, and walking to the stairs that lead to the floors above "It was not my idea to come here..."

Miro,
A human man and woman sitting a table near the front door are keeping their eyes on your group, but doing so while trying to remain unnoticed.

Gromff,
You don't sense any direct danger or deceit. He is a grizzled looking son of a gun, but his demeanor is pleasant enough.

We head up to the room right?

Tessandriel also keeps an eye out. Since the Dragon attack she is most suspicious of everyone.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

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Not sure if Gromff's question is aimed at me or at the party, but I'm going to assume most of the party will vote for moving forward and entering the room. Let me know if anyone wants to take any precautions or choose not to enter.

Tess,
You also get the impression that the human couple who sit near the door are paying your group undue attention. You see they are doing their best to hide it too.

The seven of you head up to the third floor and feel a chill breeze where crisp cold air rushes through the broken window by the landing. A craftsman is taking measurements there as you all pass by. At the far end of the hall the last numbered door has a number 9. The door is locked. Your key opens the door to reveal a very large sized room, one that is ornately furnished for a run-of-the-mill inn. Daylight pours through silk curtains to highlight the amenities. There are plush chairs, a couch, velvet pillows, a footed bathtub, a featherbed with folded sheets, a porcelin chamber pot, a bookshelf filled with books large and small, and a bowl of fresh fruit sitting atop a circular table. With the table's chairs, the fine couch, and the bed there is room enough for everyone to sit down.

After examining the room, you see no indication of anyone else present or anything suspicious.

After fifteen minutes or so, someone knocks on room number 9's door. When the door is opened, before you is a human female, probably in her 30's. She doesn't appear familiar to anyone. She is wearing a gray and brown furry cloak, and wears her hair pinned up in a bun. "Greetings. May I enter?" She walks through the door, dusts off snowflakes from her fuzzy shoulders, and sits on a bench near a bookshelf. "I am Valynn. Attaman told me that you wanted to...speak in private. He was hoping that I could be of assistance. Before we go further, please tell me your names and your story. Your troupe is eye-catching, so I'm sure there is a story there."

Before their company arrives, Miro states, "We were being watched downstairs. Be ready."

When the woman appears, Miro smiles at her. "I am Miro, milady. I will let my companions introduce themselves, but before that I think we should hear a bit more about you, yes?" He walks over to the door and closes it.

To the ones that saw the gawkers is she one of them.

Gromff walks to the center of the room and places his hand on the floor. A barely perceptible shimmering appears before again disappearing. "Aye. Who are ye really?"

Zone of Truth DC15 will. 5 min.

Anyone may freely answer Gromff that this woman isn't familiar in the slightest. She does not resemble the woman downstairs near the door.

She smiles a crooked half smile and says, "I see you're cautious, that is good. But to be frank I don't yet know why I am here, so it would be imprudent for me to reveal too much.
You need not tell me your name, or your story, at least not yet. What is it you wanted to speak to Attaman about? I would hate to think he took a chance on you for nothing."

"We made a mess here yesterday. " says the mage "I wanted to give him some compensation" Then she removes the hat of disguise showing her real face and some small cuts from the last night adventure.

She get up, Aerseni still in her hands and lean against the closed door.

"Catcher is my name. I was a slave before, now I am a wizard apprentice. " she looks tô the others and it's clear in her face what she is thinking be prepared to not let her leave this place alive "We are searching for the one that helped us to escape the guards yesterday. "

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"Thoughtful of you, Attaman will appreciate the sentiment. Ah I see, yes, the one who helped you... which one are you referring to? You may have been unaware, but there were more than one helping you to escape safely.
From my knowledge of the incident I will assume you are referring to our friend in the dark alleyway behind the inn? You gave him quite a shock when you so boldly burst forth from the third story window!
He is an associate of mine.

Do you have any questions? Concerns? Do we need to end this conversation now? You are free to go if you want no further dealings."

"I thank ye fer helping me companions. After the dragon showed up we weren't sure if they made it out. We're looking for a way across the river and out o this city as quickly and...quietly as possible. Ye get any means o doing that. If ye do we already made a down payment. Ye'll find some supplies in one o the escape tunnels including weapons though I ain't sure how much is left after the last group that went by. We'd also like to get some supplies of our own and get rid of some...also discreetly."

Remember that everyone, including PC's, have to speak the truth unless you make a DC 15 will save while in the room.

Miro nods eagerly. "A market for our valuables is indeed desired. Can you tell us more of your current goals? Anything big planned?"

”Why were your organization helping us? I mean, we were nothing more than a spoiled teenager and her boring granddad.” she looks to the others and continue asking ”Can you tell us more about the consortium?” she remembers them about her first words, and taking the magical bag, remove one of the guard’s swords they got while fleeing from the city ”Got no real money, but this ought to be enough for Attaman trouble and repair cost.” she says handling the sword for the woman.

Giving her one of the +1 shortswords, since we can't really sell those blades here. Before anyone objects, I’ll ‘buy’ the sword with my share of the loot, so no one lose coins :D

Do you have telepathy? LOL

That's good. Cause that's a thousand gold minimum tou're giving away for a window.

Remember that everyone, including PC's, have to speak the truth unless you make a DC 15 will save while in the room. Thank you for the reminder Gromff

"I thank ye fer helping me companions. After the dragon showed up we weren't sure if they made it out.

"That dragon is a fearsome sight. In spite of the obvious danger it poses, it really has inadvertently been doing us favors when its wrath is opened upon the city's guards and powers that be. Never look a gift-dragon in the mouth, eh?"

We're looking for a way across the river and out o this city as quickly and...quietly as possible. Ye get any means o doing that. If ye do we already made a down payment. Ye'll find some supplies in one o the escape tunnels including weapons though I ain't sure how much is left after the last group that went by. We'd also like to get some supplies of our own and get rid of some...also discreetly."

She opens her hands, palms upward, "Yes, that can easily be arranged. You have abandoned your supplies? We will be happy to reacquire them, thank you for the gesture. Also we have an...underground market, so to speak. Well, one is quite literally underground, others are not. I can make the arrangements, and meet you back here tomorrow morning." Turning to Catcher, she accepts the short sword. She raises an eyebrow and says, "Thank you, Attaman will appreciate this. Good steel is always welcomed, and it should cover the cost of the window quite easily I would imagine."

Miro nods eagerly. "A market for our valuables is indeed desired. Can you tell us more of your current goals? Anything big planned?"

"Why were your organization helping us?

"My understanding is that an associate of ours noticed you two were receiving undue attention from some thugs after some sort of failed transaction at the arena. You were being followed, and so he followed as well. He called in "the troops" to keep you guys in one piece.

Our goals have shifted over the years, but in recent months we've grown especially tired of the oppression that good people live under. Call it looking out for the little guy. I'm sure I don't have to say we have other practices, goals, and methods that will go undiscussed here today?" She winks and smiles.

"I will return in the morning. Have your goods ready to trade. Do you have a list of wants/needs that you can provide me with so that I can expedite the process?"

Any more questions for her? Everyone take a moment and go over your gear and loot, make an audit, get together how much gold you have as individuals and as a group. Valynn will return in the morning to bring you on your shopping spree.

Turning to Catcher, she accepts the short sword. She raises an eyebrow and says, "Thank you, Attaman will appreciate this. Good steel is always welcomed, and it should cover the cost of the window quite easily I would imagine."

”Don’t forget to tell him, it’s a magic tempered steel, which we acquired in the remarkable circumstance of the guard’s demise to the dragon at the city gate, so I would imagine it should not really be exposed near them. Which leads me to the other point I wanted to discuss…” she says looking at the party. ”I’m an associate of the Consortium of Light, my allies know this, and travelling with them makes it easier for me to accomplish my task. I want to meet the Consortium representative in this city. There are information’s to be shared.”

Please notice that, even tho from Catcher speech it appears that only her is a member of the Consortium, I did not told any lie to Valynn

"You can depend on our discretion, madam." Miro nods. "Let us gather what we may to trade for what we need, then speak some more."

So once Tess chimes in I assume we stay for a night at the Pawn, get some new gear, then meet once again to discuss getting out of the city?

"I would very much be interested in any bow or arrows that are enhanced to do various things. If a bow it would need to make my shots hit harder. Maybe a quiver that makes special arrows for me? You get the idea."

I have no idea just now of what I currently have beyond a gem that makes my bow do fire damage and the special ring. I had a very long day today and am so tired I don't think I can count more than the fingers I have. I'll do an audit tomorrow when I get some free time. Thank goodness I store all my character info in Google Drive.

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At Catcher's words that the blade was magical, Valynn raises an eyebrow and takes a closer look at it. "Are you sure? If what you say is true, its value far outweighs that of a mere window." She graciously takes the sword on Attaman's behalf, bids you all goodbye, and departs the way she came in.

A quiet day passes uneventfully. The seven of you hole up in your luxury room at the inn, which you come to find was given to you for the following night as complimentary. Room service brings fresh water for your basins and towels to clean yourselves. They bring hamsteaks and minced potatoes for luncheon, and cloved game hens with butter peas and fresh baked bread for supper, all delivered to your room.

The next day arrives after you all get a refreshing night's sleep. An unexpected knock knock sounds out--not from your door, but from somewhere inside your apartment. Without further ado, a click-click sound is followed by the bookshelf sliding to one side. From a newly revealed secret passage emerges your new contact, Valynn.

"Good morning! Hope I didn't startle you. On to business? Everyone, grab all of your possessions, as we will not likely be coming back this way."

Aersensi's eyes light up with delight and she claps in admiration. Walker smiles at her warmly, enjoying her display of happiness.

Miro smiles at the woman, gathering his things and following her into the tunnel. Being part of an underground resistance was exciting!

"On to business, indeed." He scurries forth, hurrying to make room for the others.