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The locker contains a package of six sets of false identity papers, each marking the bearer as Chelish nobility in good standing with House Thrune. Even though they are vastly outdated, the papers still provide a +2 bonus to any Bluff checks made against the dottari, Hellknights, nobles, or other Chelish authorities. Each set of papers is worth 300 gp. Under these papers lie four potions of gaseous form, six potions of cure moderate wounds, and six potions of lesser restoration. Above, a teak wand case wedged into the locker’s lid contains a wand of restoration (13 charges). A key ring sits around one of the potion bottles— The wooden folio’s contents are a scroll of clairaudience/ clairvoyance, three scrolls of dispel magic (CL 10th), three scrolls of erase (CL 10th), a scroll of sunburst, a scroll of true seeing, and a piece of parchment. This parchment contains a short note from Liriam warning of fears that one of the Pathfinders may have become tainted by an evil artifact (handout2.jpg in the shared folder/Chapter 3)
If you need one skilled in those things, perhaps Yakopulio or the tiefling, Damalia, could assist you. It is my understanding that each of them has a way with getting past security measures, though rumor has it that Damalia is a bit more proficient. Regardless, I do not have either of them scheduled for any important to our cause for a while. Feel free to ask one of them to join you, if you feel that would help in making this excursion successful, Beppo.
Beppo nods. Sounds like a fine idea to me. I'd trust Yakopulio more, and she does have good hand- um-, uh, if Damalia is more proficient and she is itching to be more involved, then let's take her with us. Besides, she'll be up toward the front of the group, so there's little risk of her turning on us and catching us unawares. Kyle, you have probably spent the most time with her - why don't you ask her to join us? I'll come along.
"You know my feeling on those Teiflings... But we will really need their skills we should take her with us." Aemon grimaces. Three untested... I'm not going to die in that lodge like the pathfinders.
Waiting on someone to actually approached her and ask at this point.
Then I wish you best on your exploration. Please, do not hesitate to retreat here if overwhelmed. May the Inheritor lend you her strength!
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Kyle walks with Beppo to the place they hold the tieflings. Wish I had something for the others as well. Kyle kept telling himself on the way. Janiven better come up with something soon. I'm not sure how long we can keep the others interested in the cause while keeping them locked up.
Kyle shares the story of how Damaia threw herself and took the poisoned blade that was meant for him. "I am so relieved that she is given the chance to show her worth to the others as she has with BD and me." Kyle shares with the new leader.
When they enter the hideout, Kyle calls for Damaia. "Beppo has something he would like to ask you." Kyle mentions as she arrives.
Brandon approaches Killian and Tariyn whilst away from the other Shades.
Gentlemen, I'm sure you appreciate the need to be prepared on an endeavour like this. I wanted toast if either of you knew anything about vampires. We have reason to believe there is a vampiric interest in Delvehaven and though I've heard stories of them, I don't think any of us actually know what to expect should we encounter such creatures.
Taryin frowns. "I wouldn't know anymore than stories told by the common man."
"Vampires?" Killian scratches his head, "No, I'm afraid I don't really know anything about them either."
Brandon curses softly, but creatively and at length.
Well it wouldn't be the first time we'd run into a situation without knowing what we were up against. Looking forward to working with you gentlemen. I'd best get the rest of my things.
As he walks away, Brandon sees Ailyn, moving towards a quiet corner, motion for him to come to her.
I didn't want to say this in the general meeting, for fear someone may overhear, but I was able to find some information. Changed by the Chelaxian government, most records and books in this country cannot be trusted. However, I found a text about a nobleman's trips to Ushed that had details about these creatures.
From what I can tell, Vampires actually feed off of the blood of the living. They have an strong, unnatural resistance to any weapon that isn't made out of silver or cold iron. They heal fast, move fast, can change into various forms, are resistant to holy energies, and according to this adventure's notes, immune to nearly all kinds of elemental energy.
This Chelaxian was a nobleman and some of the very best guards that money could buy. Yet, they were never able to kill the creatures, merely hold them at bay. In discussing the matter at length with some of the residents in a stop at Revengro, many of them mentioned driving a stake through the vampires heart while asleep, or finding a way to expose it to sunlight.
I'm not sure how much of this is actually accurate, but I do believe the authorities have not changed the records as written. I wouldn't share this with any of the less experienced Shades, as it might cause more harm than good. I wish all of you luck, Brandon.
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The tieflings are in a corner of the room. There are a bunch of cards lying on the ground. As you approach, Damaia jumps up.
Kyle! It's nice to see you again. And, Beppo, of course. Vethamer rolls his eyes at her enthusiasm. Vethamer says, We want to thank you, Kyle, for taking time to train with us this week. It is appreciated, as always.
She continues, What can we do for you two?
Brandon's expression grows darker the more Ailyn speaks.
From what you're saying we are going to need a lot more than luck. If these stories are even half true, vampires seem like unstoppable killing machines. If Delvehaven does have a vampiric infestation, we are looking at serious difficulty.
I need to tell the others. Thank you Ailyn, this is a big help.
Over the course of the next hour, Brandon brings all of the other senior Shades together and relays the information.
...So as you can see, the note we found talking about vampires... should be a serious warning.
"The sun..." Taryin looks up. "I once met a cleric of Sarenrae who could call the light of day with a spell. How much access do divine magic do we have?"
"You're right Brandon it's not the first time we've been up against it without being fully prepared." Aemon then pauses for a second. "Vampires? I don't remember them being mentioned are we expected to find some in the lodge?
Well at the least it sounds like my sword will be able to wound any potential vampires we come across. This has all the makings of quite a stirring adventure.
Well we'll just have to make the best of a bad situation then. Let's remember Arael's advice though, if things get too hairy we can retreat here. Good luck everyone.
He moves back to his lab and begins gathering his things.
I wonder if I can catch up with Tarvi before we go..?
Aemon takes a deep breath trying to relax himself. Last time we went out we lost Tessai, i wish she could still come with us. He then tries to push those thoughts away and prepares to move out with two new members. I should see Amaya.. but she'll only distracted me i need to focus
Taryin waits until Kyle has finished the matter with Beppo, then approaches him. "I'm not an expert in the divine, but if you had the ability a spell to call the light of day could prove invaluable for these vampires."
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Beppo seems to have trouble finding the words so Kyle speaks up for him. "Well what we were hoping to ask is if you could help us in our next mission. It will be very dangerous, but you will fill a vital role we are lacking. We are going somewhere full of traps and we lack the expertise to disarm them. Would you be able to help us? Remember, this mission will be very dangerous, but I will do my best to keep you safe."
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Finally, some action! Absolutely. I'll come with you. By Sheyln, we'll bring beauty and goodness to... wherever we are going. Thank you, guys, you won't regret it.
The party's relationship with Damaia increases by 2. Kyle's relationship with her moves to 'fellowship.' He earns 3 Power Points.
"So is our merry band complete, then? Marvelous!" Killian bows theatrically to Damaia, "And lucky we are to have you along, good lady."
Excellent. Thank you, Damaia - your skills should be quite helpful to us.
As he and Kyle return to the group with Damaia, Beppo introduces her to the group. Damaia, you may remember Aemon, our Ranger, and Brandon, the alchemist. These are the newest Shades of Grey - Taryin and Killian. Beppo wastes no time. He looks over the group. We ready? Let's go, then.
Aemon looks at Damaia as she walks up to the group and nods. "We're all here and all ready then?" He then takes a look around the room hoping to spot Amaya. "Umm let's go remember the shift change is at 12."
As ready as I'll ever be.
He looks around for any sign of Tarvi but notes her absence with some disappointment.
Good to have you on board Damaia. he says before opening the entrance to the sewers.
Lead on, boss he says to Beppo with a grin
Beppo grins back at Brandon, winks, then double-checks his silver shortsword. Blasted undead.
Keep your eyes out. The streets are plenty dangerous by themselves at this hour. Damaia, you're up front with me.
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You head through the sewers and the streets without incident. Damaia spots some shadow creatures in the distance which you avoid.
Once lush, Delvehaven’s courtyard lawn is now a weed-choked mess. Nevertheless, there are still telltale signs that these grounds were once lovingly tended and beautiful. Huge Shoanti totems (some of them still standing) line the western border of the yard, while here and there stand algae-choked fountains adorned with authentic Osirian hieroglyphs. The inside of the front gate is flanked by a pair of statues of warrior women too detailed to be anything but genuine imports from Geb’s legendary field of maidens. The entire compound is surrounded by a 12-foot-tall stone wall, its face encrusted with bird droppings, salt deposits from the sea, and other signs of neglect. A large oak sign hangs askew over the front gate, just above a set of rusted iron chains that seal the portal shut. The oak sign reads: “By order of Her Infernal Majestrix, this lodge is condemned and has been warded for your protection. Trespassing prohibited.”
Killian muses aloud, "For our protection, or for yours, Majestrix?"
Taryin looks around, saddened by the loss of art in the grounds. As they aproach the gate he smiles "Well at least we're being welcomed in." Taryin takes a step forward and casts detect magic.
Whilst the others try to establish if the entry is safe, Brandon keeps his eyes peeled.
Beppo looks into the garden. I suppose it's up there that we have to wave a wayfinder and say the key words. This- he waves a disgusted had at the door- is just some Thrune bullshit. Let me know if I need to do anything other than hack these chains apart.
Aemon looks around at the entrance. Impressive place these pathfinders know how to live. He then takes a look behind them.
"Brandon are all Pathfinder lodges like this? Do you all live such a high life?"
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Damaia studies the entrance carefully as well. As the other two begin to cast, she quickly spins around. Wait, you don't want to do...
Suddenly, from the front of the gate, a bubble quickly forms around Taiyan.
It envelopes him, and a swarm of bats appear inside. They immediately begin attacking him. You hear nothing as the bats scratch and bite him, though you see the splatters of blood that hit the sides of the bubble!
3 pts of damage. Actions?
Brandon almost falls backward in shock as the bubble appears out of nowhere. The horror of the situation dawns on him fully as the bats appear and begin to feed on the sorceror.Quickly! Get him out of there!
He draws his Morningstar and tries to burst the bubble.
What the-? Beppo draws his greatsword but holds his action until he sees how the bubble reacts to Brandon's strike.
New recruits are off to a winning start...
Taryin gets wide eyed as the bats nip at him, but lets his comrades try before risking using magic again. He passes a hand over his wounds, sealing them up
"Well, I guess this place has been warded after all.
Aemon turns back around when he hears the shouting. "What?! what happened? Undo the magic? Kyle? Killian can you?" He then notches an arrow and fires at the bubble following Brandons approach.