Way of the Wicked - The fall of Andoran, Chapter II (Inactive)

Game Master increddibelly

After you emerge victoriously from the Butchery of Balentyne, Tiadora guides you over a concealed path, downwards, towards lake Tarik.

A ramshackle river barge named “Halstyn’s Folly” is tied to Lake Tarik’s western bank. The captain and three man crew of this shallow-bottomed barge are commoners, all thoroughly under Tiadora’s control. They are certainly no threat.
Tiadora does not delay and with her silken voice, she explains next to nothing :
"The master commands you board. You will learn more later."

Accommodations are crude. There is only one cabin and Tiadora has already evicted the so-called captain and made that her own personal domain. The she-devil is not particularly talented at sharing. That means that you must sleep with the crew on the deck of the barge. There is a roof, but no walls; and at night on the lake and rivers, it can be bitterly cold.

“The Folly” is bound for Farholde, a three hundred mile journey through the great scar that cuts the North of Andoran in twain. The barge is sluggish, making less than twenty four miles a day. That means you have twelve days to rest and enjoy the leisurely journey.

Tiadora herself is not idle. Though “The Folly” is adquately provisioned and never docks, every night the barge anchors within sight of a village or keep. Tiadora uses her teleportation powers to visit each coastal settlement to commit unimaginable atrocities to each in turn. She does so in the illusionary form of a Knight of the Alerion, the knightly order of the late Lord Havelynon, Andoran's most sacred defenders.

These are not random acts of cruelty (though she does relish them). Tiadora takes the form of a knight and for one night murders and tortures helpless, innocent villagers claiming all the while to be searching for gremlin-like followers of Asmodeus. She kills loved ones, pillars of the communites and those who are obviously incapable of being guilty.

She perpetrates these massacres and leaves lots of witnesses. Thus does Cardinal Thorn hope to shake support against the current regime and the Church of Sarenrae in the Borderlands.
Every morning, at the barge resumes its journey, Tiadora watches from afar, as another settlement wails and mourns the results of her brutal visitation.

from a distance, Talon's blade hums with jealousy, while Tiadora enjoys her river cruise.
"barge in, barge, out, barge in, barge, out"

Oret spends his days being himself, relishing in the fact that he no longer has to disguise his true face and nature. For the first few days, he reflects on the carnage he witnessed, and perpetrated, at Balentyne. He meditates on the nature of ki, and the ways he might better harness and steal it.

Eventually, though, boredom sets in.

From then on, he spends his days throwing his new shuriken at trees as they pass slowly by, or performing exercises designed to keep his martial abilities at their peak. He grows irritable, and doesn't engage in conversation, though he can be heard muttering about "waste of time" and his "need to punch something."

Those nights that Tiadora leaves, if he is able, he swims to shore and sneaks to the outskirts of the village hoping to hear the screams and wails of the tortured, then makes his way back to the boat to sleep during the morning hours.

Sindran spends the first few days relaxing, content to revel in the victory for now and watch the others and Tiadora.

Like Oret, however, he soon feels a restlessness plague him and decides to redirect his energies into something productive, something he's been meaning to do for a while.

He is soon seen on deck trying to shape the metal F of his Branding Iron into something approaching the unholy symbol of Moloch, taking and heating metal where he can to reinforce it.

Aware of your frustration, Tiadora rewards the eager villains with tidbits of information.

On the twelfth night, Cardinal Adrastus Thorn finally shows himself. He unexpectedly teleports onto the boat, rocking it back and forth, and is already walking straight to Tiadora’s cabin while the spell is still dissapating. Inside, he spends a few moments getting a complete report from his agent. He eventually sends her to summon you, his ninth knot, into the chamber.

"The master is here and commands you attend him," Tiadora says grimly. "He’s in the cabin."

Aerent is perfectly content to lounge on the barge as it continues its lazy trek down the river. Most of his time is spent indolently lying around the ship and taking naps.

If nobody wants Havelyn's plate armor, Aerent would definitely be interested. He'll toss his current armor (mw full plate) in the pile to offset the treasure price.

Once more, you meet the devilishly handsome bald man in his black and burgundy robes. He wears black silk gloves and openly displays his silver unholy symbol of the Lord of Hell. He sports a wicked and knowing grin.

Upon you entering the cabin, he heartily greets you, sporting a wicked grin. "My ninth knot!"
He claps his hands in appreciations.

He is quick to come to business, though.
"You have served me faithfully, and I have rewarded you both in treasure and vengeance. Thanks to your exceptional efforts, the FireAxe has been unleashed. Even now, he and his horde write his name in blood across the Borderlands."

"Three battles have already been fought and three victories won. The villages of Ambryl and Tarrington Fields lie sacked. The fortress of Lorringsgate is in ruins. Each of you did your part in seeing these triumphs come to fruition. Do not think I have forgotten that."

"But our work is not yet done. Andoran has not yet acquiesced to our unholy master nor tasted the full measure of our vengeance. So I have another mission for you. Tomorrow, this barge will dock in Farholde, the northernmost town in all the realm. Farholde is a backwater of no real significance. Its lord has already left the place hoping for glory in the war. But it does border the Caer Bryr (pronounced
care-briar), the largest unmapped forest on the entire land."

"Hidden within the Caer Bryr is the Horn of Abaddon, an ancient temple once occupied by a particularly loathesome death cult called ‘The Sons of the Pale Horseman’. Almost eighty years ago the first Darian king, Markadian I the Victorious overthrew the Horn and destroyed the Sons. No great loss, honestly."

"But what the Victor found within the temple is why we are here. He defeated a daemon prince called Vetra-Kali Eats-the-Eyes. So terrrified of this monstrosity was the king, that he had the priests of Sarenrae craft a great silver seal to forever forbid the daemon from returning to our plane of existence. The seal remains to this day."

"I have learned the truth about this daemon prince. I have learned what the Victor feared. Vetra-Kali is an archdeacon in service to the lord of pestilence. This immortal monster could create a plague so virulent that it will bring Andoran to its knees."

"When the Victor attacked, the Daemon Prince was close to unleashing his masterpiece upon the world -- a pestilence known as the Tears of Achlys (pronounced ACKLis). I am uncertain of the specifics of this plague but if anything could terror in the heart of the Victor, then I Must Have It. The Tears of Achlys will be our poisoned dagger into the heart of Andoran."

"I already have agents in the great cities of this kingdom. With this pestilence, they could deliver blight and death to the very center of the realm. Caught between the twin storms of the Fire-Axe and Vetra-Kali’s gift, we shall bring ruin to Andoran. This gift you shall bring to me."

"It will not be easy. I have already lost one band of followers on this errand. I sent the fourth knot to find the Horn of Abaddon. They succeeded at that at least – revealing to me that it was concealed within a great spire of stone less than a day’s ride from Farholde."

"But then they vanished. I have heard no more from the elven ranger Aiden Kael since. He knew the Caer Bryr well so no normal hazard would defeat him. Perhaps the Horn of Abaddon is guarded. I cannot say. But it matters not! The Tears of Achlys must be mine!"

"I am undeterred by this setback. Where one knot failed, two will succeed. I will also send my seventh knot – the Knot Hibernal, led by Elise Zadaria."

"I task you with finding the Horn and calling forth Vetra-Kali. Elise and her knot will aid you: Elise proved herself a capable assassin in our last venture. The seventh knot will remain in Farholde and see that anyone who tries to find the Horn or interfere with your work, meets an unhappy end. Thus, you will have time to do what must be done."

"There is another who may be able to aid you. Once, a thriving cult of Asmodeus existed in Farholde. It was led by a half-elvish noble – the Baron Arkov Vandermir. He is treacherous and decadent, but wealthy and well-connected. Tiadora will introduce you, before she departs."

"I know not what aid the Baron can provide, but his family is old and long has dwelt in Farholde. Never trust him, but know this : he’s afraid of me; and with good reason.
If he does try anything, remind him that you are in Farholde on my behalf. That should be enough to keep him in line."

"Find the Horn. Find the seal and shatter it. Call forth Vetra-Kali to our world. Bind him to your will, and force service from the monster. And then, bring his gift to me. Can you do this, my knot? Have I found servants with might and will enough to see this task done?"

The Cardinal takes a sip of wine to moisten his throat. He looks at each of you in turn, waiting for confirmation that all information has sunk in.

in other words, any questions?

Sense Motive (Take 10): 10 + 11 = 21

Oret gives Tiadora a knowing wink and a smirk when she summons the group, but doesn't say anything.

Upon hearing the Cardinal's plan, he nods his head in acceptance of the task. "I am, of course, more than willing to unleash whatever devastation we can upon the country of Andoran, and I am, of course, up to the task. However, it wouldn't serve Asmodeus for us to fall to this pestilence as well. Do we have some guarantee that we will not also fall to these 'Tears of Achlys'?"

The Cardinal's mouth twists into a small, tired smile.
"One of you shall need to come to some sort of bargain with the daemon in exchange for its freedom," Thorn waves dismissively as if stating an obvious fact, "but I care naught what arrangements you make, as long as the Tears are a part of it."

"After we retrive the Horn and bind this demon, shall we contact you through similar means as we did after Balentyne? And should we also return to Farholde for the backup group before contacting you? Finally, should we concern ourselves with any of the Baron's requests, or is he expected to assist us without question?"

Does Aerent know anything about Baron Vandermir?

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

totally forgot to dot, f me

During the trip

Talon is content on the trip, either sitting atop and watching the sea or deep in his studies. When he sees Oret grow bored he flies down and offers to spar with him. As he quickly finds out, it's a pitifully unfair unarmed fight. And without his magic a normal fight he wins as often as loses

Cardinal

Talon sits, his hands folded as the last time they met "It seems dangerous to ask a demon for a plague that we don't know the specifics of. For all we know he'll just unleash it the moment we ask for it" he thinks for a moment, then goes to fetch one of his books

Knowledge (Planar) 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

As he looks over his book for mention of anything useful "This seems dangerous, but at least it's a danger you can look in the face. The political s$#! of the city taxed me"

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Tired of the ships dawdling, Caladwhen finally confronts Tiadora about the nightly raids. "Would I miss you? Dear Tia, I'd miss you about as much as the plague. Now, move this damnable boat along to our destination and stop making pointless stops. Andoran will suffer soon enough." Waving off the fiend, Caladwhen storms off to find some solitude and study.

On meeting Thorn for his dissemination of their next task, Caladwhen appears bored and uninterested. Upon mention of the Tears of Achlys, her attention is finally peaked as she suddenly gazes on Thorn with raised eyebrow "Fascinating. I'm studying such necromantic magicks myself presently, I'd love to see such a device for myself. Wonderous."

Smirking, Caladwhen adds dryly "In any event, we'll find a way to bind this Daemon," pausing to look over at Tiadora (assuming she is present), Caladwhen adds with a wicked grin "after all, I've been studying the binding of daemons and devils. Fascinating stuff, you never know when they'll come in handy..."

Does Aerent know anything about Baron Vandermir?

sure you do :

He was too young to fight when his father, Baron Zaedor Vandermir and his distant cousin, King Jaraad of Barca were both slain at the Battle of Tamberlyn. When the Victor came to power, he treated the House of Vandermir fairly, allowing the new baron to keep his holdings if only he would renounce the worship of Asmodeus and swear fealty to the new king.

A humiliated, young Arkov had no choice but to do both. Now, the Victor is in his grave but the Baron likely still thirsts for vengeance.

• shall we contact you through similar means as we did after Balentyne?
  
• should we also return to Farholde for the backup group before contacting you?
  
• should we concern ourselves with any of the Baron's requests or is he expected to assist us without question?

Thorne shows you another clay seal marked with the unholy symbol of Asmodeus.

Dismissively, he says:
"Tiadora has made arrangements with the Knot Hibernal."

"The Baron is a broken tool. He may be useful, but he is a risk. How big a risk likely depends on how well you deal with him."

• It seems dangerous to ask a demon for a plague that we don't know the specifics of.
  

"Vetra-Kali is a tool. Nothing more, nothing less. Perhaps if you are clever, once you have his gift, you can figure out a way to send him back."

• we'll find a way to bind this Daemon

"The seal is a powerful Sarenraean artifact. The Victor himself consecrated the blasted thing by praying and fasting for seven days over it... or so the story goes. Whatever the truth, it is certainly a powerful artifact of Asmodeus’ most bitter enemy. Find a way to shatter it! I care not what it involves or how long it takes! Break the seal. I have confidence that you, Caladwhen, will be able to discern what must be done. Let nothing stand in your way."

Can I take 10 or 20 on researching this demon?

Talon may take 10:
knowledge(planes): 10 + 11 = 21
Devils(LE) live in hell. DEmons(CE) come form the Abyss. DAEMONS(NE) originate on Abaddon. Although more stable than the infinite fissures of
the Abyss, and free from the tyrannical rigidity of Hell, Abaddon nevertheless stands as one of the most hostile planes in the multiverse.

This is the home of the daemons, those fiends who seek neither to corrupt life nor to bind it to their will, but rather to destroy it utterly. All members of daemonkind bow before their greatest kindred, known as the Four Horsemen. Each Horseman personifies one of the greatest threats to mortal life — pestilence, war, famine, and death — and under their rule, they and their lesser kindred feast upon mortals and immortals alike, bleeding the universe dry of its animating essences.

No sane society allows worship of the Four Horsemen. There can be no reasoning with daemons, no deals that end in anything but ultimate ruination. Their nihilistic worship breeds suicidal murderers, and offers nothing lasting in return. Yet mortals continue to delude themselves into believing that they will somehow get the better of the deal.

The Horseman of Pestilence, Apollyon, frequently manages to send his minions to the Material Plane, and their actions often leave dark, communicable disasters long after these agents themselves have been killed or banished. When creating and spreading ever more horrific and virulent plagues, the Horseman is not averse to granting temporary immunity to his mortal cultists in exchange for using them as carriers and living incubators.

Sindran, any questions? We'll move on tomorrow.

After a bit of researching, Talon find the paryt "I have a concern to raise. From what I can tell, this plague might come from Apollyon himself, the Horseman of Pestilence. The Horsemen and their tools are not to be trifled with, they care not if we side with them or not, the greatest gift he will give us is temporary immunity to the diseases he wants to spread, probably using us as carriers to help spread it. We're in very dangerous territory"

Woaaaah, lots to catch up on.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Sindran doesn't rise to Tiadora's bait, content … for now.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

When he is informed of Cardinal Thorn, the half-orc nods in return and with the others into the cabin.

Inside, he listens to the Cardinal, watching and sorting through the information.

Knowledge spam! Feel free to ignore any that don't apply. And no, no questions. Everyone else covered it and Sindran wouldn't ask these.

Knowledge (planes) for the demon: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Knowledge (geography) for Ambryl/Tarrington Fields/Fortress of Lorringsgate to know current situation: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Knowledge (geography) for Farholde/Caer Bryr/Horn of Abbadon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Knowledge (local) for Aiden Kael: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Knowledge (history) for Markadian I the Victorious: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Knowledge (religion) for Sons of the Pale Horseman: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Knowledge (religion) for Sarenraen great silver seal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

• 1 Knowledge (planes) for the demon:
  
• Knowledge (geography) for Ambryl/Tarrington Fields/Fortress of Lorringsgate to know current situation:
  
• Knowledge (geography) for Farholde/Caer Bryr/Horn of Abbadon:
  
• 2 Knowledge (local) for Aiden Kael:
  
• 3 Knowledge (history) for Markadian I the Victorious:
  
• 4 Knowledge (religion) for Sons of the Pale Horseman:
  
• 4 Knowledge (religion) for Sarenraen great silver seal:
  

1) what demon? get your planes straight :) But seriously, it's a key element of this story's setting that you understand the difference between demons and daemons, to understand what you're up against.

2) Aiden Kael, or the Dwarfsniper, as he is commonly known, is fond of putting arrows through dwarf eyes from hiding over great distance as a passtime. This hobby of his earned him some notoriety, but the fame went to his head, and he became quite arrogant. This is probably why he was chosen as the Phlegethian (=4th) knot instead of yours, the highest, Nessian(=9th) knot. Apparently, he botched his job and should be seen as a traitor, to be killed on sight as per the literal words of the Cardinal:"Aiden Kael did not work alone: He had a cult of dupes who served him -- mostly barbarians recruited from a primitive fire cult. If he even is alive, then he has either abandoned his mission or failed at it miserably. Either crime is sufficient to warrant his destruction."

3) Markadian I called the Victorious (usually simply the Victor) was the greatest king in the recent history of Talingarde. He united the kingdom and raised a dispirited people from despair and darkness. He reigned for fortysix years and is still lauded in every corner of the kingdom for his many great deeds. Some of his heroics are widely celebrated and well known by every child. Some are secret and some are deliberately hidden. Apparently, Thorn has learned that one of the greatest secrets of the Victor’s reign is a raid upon the Horn of Abaddon; resulting in the olbiteration of the Sonds of the Pale Horseman cult and the banishment of the daemon prince Vetra-Kali Eats-the-Eyes.

4 “The Sons of the Pale Horseman” were a thoroughly noxious organization that venerated sickness and disease above all else, seeking to bring the blessings of plague upon the world. For centuries, the cult dwelled in secrecy never facing any serious opposition from the local lords. The death priests were not primarily focused on Andoran after all. Their ambitions were wider than that. They used their hidden stronghold to inflict horrors upon the entire world. After defeating the pirates of the southern coast, the Victor learned of the Horn of Abaddon. The paladin-king could not abide this darkness on the borders of his domain. He led a small retinue of loyal retainers against the Horn. He slaughtered the death-priests and their daemon servitors to a man. And there in the throneroom of the daemon prince, the Victor banished Vetra-Kali in shame back to the daemonic realms and the reach of the Pale Horseman was immensely shortened upon the material plane. Truly it was a great victory for the forces of light. This triumph was not enough for the Victor. He could sense that the Horn of Abaddon was still a nexus of evil. He knew this darkness could rise again in time. And so he commanded his priests to fashion a great seal of silver. He personally placed the seal in the sanctum of the daemon prince. For seven days, he fasted and prayed that what he did then would never be undone. Blessed Sarenrae heard his prayers. The divine seal became a holy artifact. Hence forth, it would be almost impossible to once more call forth darkness from the Horn of Abaddon...That is, almost...

When all questions are done, Thorne hands you another clay seal marked with the unholy symbol of Asmodeus (similar to the one in Book One).
"If you recover the Tears or need to report anything to me, break this seal. I will send Tiadora to wherever you break it within an hour or two. Now go with the blessings of the Prince of Hell and see this mission done!"

Cardinal Thorn does not linger long aboard the craft. He is quickly gone, teleported away. The next day the barge docks in Farholde.

Tiadora is waiting for you on the docks, in impeccable white dress with red accents, suiting her perfect form perfectly.
Finding her on the docks is somewhat of a surprise, as you all saw her enter the cabin not an hour ago. Apparently, she's using her teleportation ability at great strength.

She informs you that she has already contacted Baron Vandermir and arranged for you to have dinner with him tomorrow night.
"Best to find something presentable to wear, dearie," she sneers at Caladwhen. She enters the barge's cabin, not waiting for a retort.

This gives you some time to investigate Farholde, buy supplies, convert your loot to cash and your cash to gear, and so forth.

After Tiadora leaves, Aerent glances at Caladwhen. With a thought, his image changes his armor into a suit of fine clothing, fit for any table in the country. "I could be mistaken, but finding suitable attire shouldn't be much of a challenge."

Looking at the town, Aerent grins, "Let's see what this town has to offer."

Changing again, Aerent assumes the form of a lithe elf, wearing a dark robe and hooded cloak. Bowing to the rest of his group, he smiles, "Teralye, at your service."

Aerent spends some time trying to figure out what's going on in the city, how big is it, who's in charge, what people think of the Baron, does anybody know anything about strange structures north of the city (stone spire), etc. He also spends some gold if it helps loosen some tongues.

Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Are we staying on the barge, or do we need to find lodgings?

Is there anybody in town who can enchant Aerent's trident to +1?

Entirely unmoved by Tia's latest jab, Caladwhen coolly adds with a shrug "You're right Aerent, it shouldn't be too difficult. I mean, I suppose one could always wear something like this," pausing a moment, Caladwhen uses her circlet to transform her clothes into a mirror image of Tiadora's white dress "but then again, this is a particularly gauche and predictable choice of attire."

Before leaving the ship, Caladwhen introduces herself to the others in her new assumed disguise. Transformed into an average twenty something human female, Caladwhen takes on a few of her own characteristics such as her above average height for human women, and her raven colored hair, lithe body and fine bone structure. Otherwise, she is a plainly dressed bar wench in appearance. With a quick curtsy and the affectation of humility, the newly disguised Caladwhen greets her companions "Elise Warden, if it pleases m'lords."

In town, Caladwhen will scope out some of the more popular haunts for the common folk, and try to ascertain any rumors and stories regarding the Baron, as well as rumors of any strange occurrences or happenings of late.

Diplomacy, Gather Information: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

"Human doesn't suit you Cala" Talon folds his arms for a moment, then uses his circlet. He again takes an elven disguise, but this time instead of appearing like a wizard he seems more like a fighter. A lean, strong build and dark hair "Blane Slyn"

Oret gives some thought to everything he's heard, hoping to use his knowledge to fill in any cracks.

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

As he's preparing to leave the boat, he gives his circlet a twist and takes on the appearance of a large human, musclebound, with short hair and a square, stubbled jaw. "Huett Warden, lumberjack and brother to Elise. It might be good to have an excuse to be talking to one another, after all."

Disguise: 1d20 - 2 + 10 ⇒ (19) - 2 + 10 = 27

Rumors are to be had in every shop, tavern and inn. Aerent and Caladwhen are doing some fine sniffing.

Even before leaving the harbour, they catch a discussion between two semi-inebriated workmen :
w1: "Lord Welshire has taken the army and gone to join the war. What if monsters from the Caer Bryr attack? We’re defenseless!"

w2: "No worries, mate! Before Lord Welshire left, he had a priest of Sarenrae conjure up an angel to guard the town. If anyone gives us trouble, that angel will show ‘em what for. "

w1: "Have you not been paying attention lately? Lorringsgate’s ... gone! Can you believe it? First Balentyne and now Lorringsgate! Not even an angel could stop these monsters!"

w2: "Man up, will you? Lord Welshire may have gone to war but at least Sir Valin still mans the Castle Hamarhall. A knight of true noble blood, he is! Why, they say he is distant kin of the Victor himself!" He pats/punches his companion on the back in order to lift his spirits.

w1: "stop that! I still think it’s impossible those bugbear brutes could have broken the Watch Wall without help. Someone has betrayed us!"

w2: "Oh you pansy. You know what we should do tonight? We should go see Bianca DeVallya, at the Canton’s Canter. Now She’s an angel,", as he draws out a rooounded outline more befitting a succubus with his hands, " - the most beautiful lass I’ve ever seen!"

w1: "heh, we should. Heck, if the bugbears come, I should go save her from the furballs myself, heheheh"

I've added a gazetteer of Farholde to the Campaign Info page. There are no big secrets in the document, everything could be learned by keeping your eyes open and taking a few tens while strolling through town.

Hah, demon and daemon are too close in spelling for my liking! And lots of information to sort through! On lodgings, we might stay at an inn for now and we'll see what happens. On our cash and loot, now would be a good time to stock up and sell, like our GM said. Dunno where we'd sell the platinum ingots, but that's 5000 gp for all of us, 1000 gp each if we divide it.

Sindran takes his previous form of Timaeus Greaves, a worn-out looking local adventurer and possible criminal. "I'd rather keep the same disguise if it's all the same."

In town, he first searches and purchases a local map before heading off to the less savory districts, keeping an ear out for the local currents of power and bases of information.

the gazetteer is not meant to be memorized by everyone, it's more to make sure everything's consistent and to give Farholde the illusion of a rich and active town. If your int is greater than 10, you've probably realized that means we'll be here a while...

Sindran, I normally remember through their pronunciation. Demon (dee-men) as opposed to Daemon (day-men)

As Sindran takes on the same form and begins strolling down off the boat, Talon grabs him by the nape of his neck and pulls him back "You need to change your disguise. On the off chance word of you got out for some reason, it might link us back to what we've done. I know it's a slim chance, but I'd rather not throw more difficulties into this mission whith how dangerous it already is. No point even disguising ourselves if we always take the same disguise"

Oret, there's been such an information overload to create the setting of the second chapter, I'm going to remember your rolls and use them to let you remember some specific details at an appropriate time. If I use them now, the information might get drowned in the sheer volume, and that'd be a waste.

Sindran pulls away from Talon's grasp, clearly displeased with being manhandled. "Fine, fine. Not much a change from my plans anyway."

He closes his eyes and seems to focus, then triggers a change in disguise. He turns into a gray-eyed man with sallow skin and long black wavy hair. Dark robes clothe his spindly form, flowing when he moves.

"Grima Wolfe." He gives a mock bow then turns to leave. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll have company to keep."

As Sindran gives him a sour look, Talon realizes the threat of extra planar beings is making him short tempered. He takes a moment on the boat to close his eyes and clear his head before continuing on

"Human doesn't suit you Cala."

Observing her own facade, Caladwhen laughs lightly but derisively in agreement with Talon "Tell me about it."

""Huett Warden, lumberjack and brother to Elise. It might be good to have an excuse to be talking to one another, after all.""

Glancing at Oret, Cala nods again agreeably "Yes, a wise course Oret. Good thought." Pondering a moment, Caladwhen finally adds "I plan to take up residence at a popular tavern in Auld’Irey, under the guise of seeking work. Oret, it would do well if you made an appearance as my 'brother' as it were."

Before departing, Caladwhen inquires of her companions "When would you like to meet with the Baron?"

After digging for some rumors, Caladwhen will head to Canton's Canter, and get work there. She'll charm the owner if necessary, and use her new position to dig up more information from patrons.

"I'm going to go the local pub and seek work as a bouncer. You can always hear things there, especially when lips are loosened by drinking"

Since Cala is headed to the nicer part of town, and Talon is more the type who won't mind some mud on his shoes...I'm thinking Talon is headed for the shadiest of shady parts, Lord Drownington’s Manor.

After Talon trudges the half mile of marsh (you hope it's marsh and not some sort of excrement - which does seem more likely), you've arrived at a mass of tents, ramshackle huts, floating boat / house / contraptions and all the mud, people, junk, and vermin that go with them. Drownington, at its very best.
You head to Lord Drownington's Manor, the only structure of any significance, although it's still quite a tudge away. Within moments you are recognized for what you are: a noob. a victim.

Caladwhen learns from a placard in the Canton's Corner, that the previously mentioned bard, Bianca deVallya, will enchant any tool you bring to her live on stage, so that they will *never* get dull again.
(For a fee, of course)

The Canton's Corner is one of the nicest places you've been in for months. Perhaps even more to your tastes than the Cardinal's mansion - which you probably find rather dark and baroque. Subtle art and tasteful furniture makes you feel right at home.
The trouble is, while Caladwhen would, Elise Warden obviously could not have enjoyed the education to fully appreciate the fine craftsmanship.
please roll a bluff DC15; if you don't make that, you're feeling so much at home that you've acted out of character for a few seconds.

With the autumn harvest coming up, the inn is expecting more customers than usually, so there's a sign that says "Staff vacancies! Inquire inside, mr. Vernon"

The woodcutter accompanying Elise (broad shoulders, talks little, looks like he works hard) is very forgettable.

Rooms are 11gp a week or 2gp a day.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Sense Motive 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Holy crap Talon, he's having none of this lol

As he hears the urchin walk up, Talon makes a snap decision to appear likable. As the urchin gets his hand in Talon's pocket he grabs his wrist, then turns around and gets on a knee to face the kid. Talon puts on a smile in an attempt to make him feel more comfortable "You can have that coin if you answer my question. How are new people treated here?" As Talon learns he's not special or a victim of random chance, he starts paying more attention.

When one thug asks him a question he clearly doesn't care about the answer for, Talon gives him a curious look. When he feels his coat shift again he doesn't grab the mans hand, instead he turns his head far enough and allows his sword to snick just far enough out of the sheath to make the oh-so-familiar noise of a weapon being drawn. He gives them another smile, but this one isn't happy or disarming; then he says "Please, give me a reason".