"Indeed, the second set of eyes is most appreciated Cab."
Oh! Goodness, that looks fascinating! Cuthberwyn gushes over the notes. I would very much like to read these, and at length!
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Before he departs, Kyrion recommends destroying the dragon skull in this chamber as he listens intently for directions to the Dreamcastle. Doing so causes the molten gold pouring from the skull’s jaws fades to smoke, the chains to crumble to rust, and ends the lingering effects of the Cinderclaws' ritual that was sickening the Ekujae elves. The bones supporting the fortress become brittle, and the whole complex will likely collapse in a matter of days.
You return to the Ekujae village of Akrivel, arriving after nearly a week of trekking back through the disease-infested jungle. The elves are overjoyed to learn that the Cinderclaws have been defeated. The Ekujae will be able to quickly rout any lingering cultists and scatter them back into the jungle. While this most obviously benefits the elves of the Leopard Clan, it will also secure Breachill from further assaults through Huntergate, ensuring that the town doesn’t suffer a second invasion of cultists from the Mwangi Expanse.
"You have done well," Nketiah says amidst the evening's celebration. "You have proven yourselves friends of the Ekujae and have earned some final rewards, Eclipse." She presents you a gleaming starknife, "As well as a ring of our people." The Clan's twin leaders hands you a copper ring in the shape of a leopard. "May this serve you well in the coming days."
The twin leaders motion to Eclipse. "This weapon is the portal key to another aiudara in Alseta's Ring: Dreamgate, the portal associated with the goddess Desna. The Ekujae have long protected this portal key as well as the hunter’s arrowhead, but we do not know where the other portal keys for Alseta’s Ring might lie today. They were a magic chisel to open Duskgate, a magical gem to open Jewelgate, a magical piece of amber to open Vengegate, and a magical flower to open Lotusgate. Keep your eyes out for them during your travels."
When you have time to examine Belmazog's notes, you learn that Belmazog's primary contact with the Scarlet Triad was a gnoll named Laslunn. She didn't know much more about the Scarlet Triad, having assumed that they were a foreign sect of Dahak worshippers who had come to answer her prayers.
Overall, your efforts have won Breachill a well-earned and desperately needed respite from the Cinderclaws—but they were not the only group interested in Alseta’s Ring, and the threat of Dahak’s avatar still hangs heavy over the town. The mystery of the Scarlet Triad likewise remains unsolved and seemingly without leads to pursue immediately.
After spending a proper amount of time with the elves, Dak eventually pulls the group together to explain what he's learned with the help of Cab and Cuth. "Maybe we return to the castle and spend some time renovating it while we search out a lead on this 'Laslunn.' I also wouldn't mind a bit of commerce."
Cabaguil wishes Kyrion a safe journey to wherever he's headed, hoping he's healed enough to make it. He's also overjoyed to see the elves, and the back of this hot, disease ridden jungle. Still, they are good people, and he enjoys himself with them. When the ring is offered to he party, he'll take it if no one objects, "I keep getting burned." he says shrugging though the whole party has scars.
He's impressed by the Eclipse, though he's sure he knows who will grasp that weapon. He looks to Raspar.
"Aye, you're absolutely right Ðakaþos. I have some things to learn as well which will take me a couple weeks of study. But we'll need to find more out about the Scarlet Triad - ideally before they come calling again."
He also returns his staff of fire to the party for sale, "I carried this thing all over the jungle and didn't use it. Not once. Flaming sphere just isn't that appealing to me. I've got my eye on a staff of healing though..." He waits to see how much cash he'll have before dreaming too big.
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Dori eyes the starknife and smile at Raspar. "No need to put a butterfly on this, friend. This has 'Desna' written all over it. I'm sure this was meant for you."
After spending some time with the elves, Dori will be eager to get back to the yet unnamed castle. He inspects the dragon scaled shield and nods. This should help him if their new 'friend' reverts to his races usual habits.
Dori eyes the starknife and smile at Raspar. "No need to put a butterfly on this, friend. This has 'Desna' written all over it. I'm sure this was meant for you."
Raspar smiles at the gift, taking Eclipse into his tiny, yet strong, hand.
”This is a very nice gift. And I will use it well,” he offers with a few tears, and then a hug around Nketiah‘s leg. Turning, he looks at Dori. ”Oh yes, it will be used to defend the Citadel against those who would be mean to others. This is what it will be used for.”
He seems very happy to have helped the elves feel better and made many new friends.
”You can all come to the Rainbow DreamCastle Citadel. All who value love and peace and dreams and love and fun are welcome. Especially good for a honeymoon, I would think,” Raspar thinks of the newly engaged couple.
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the elves feel better and made many new friends.
”You can all come to the Rainbow DreamCastle Citadel. All who value love and peace and dreams and love and fun are welcome. Especially good for a honeymoon, I would think,” Raspar thinks of the newly engaged couple.
"Excuse me, but THAT is not the name of our Keep..."
"Aye Raspar, you keep calling it that, but it won't do. Too many words, and it's not going to help folks remember it. Plus they can't tell if it's a castle or citadel." Kelvin agrees with Dori, but forges ahead before anyone interrupts. "But it is home to wanderers, and Desna's mark suits. So let's just call it the Rainbow Citadel. I promise to be the first one to decorate it with a tapestry to Lady Luck. Something with lots of stars on it. Deal?"
He holds out his hand to Raspar.
"But it is home to wanderers, and Desna's mark suits. So let's just call it the Rainbow Citadel. Something with lots of stars on it. Deal?"
He holds out his hand to Raspar.
Raspar smiles, happy that they would call it that.
"This is a good plan. My real name is Raspar Lucille Soulsage, but you can just call me Raspar Soulsage, and that's okay. Both names are true. And if you want to call the Rainbow DreamCastle Citadel by it's short name, that is fine with me."
Raspar puts his tiny, but strong, hand into Kelvin's dwarfmitts.
"And Torag and other good gods are welcome. This will be good because the Rainbow Drea-, uh, the Rainbow Citadel will be a place for people to escape places so that they can find good places and live freely. And we know that there are many slaves in Cheliax and nearby. We will be a beacon for those that need sanctuary."
With an equally firm shake, Kelvin smiles and considers the name a done deal. "Lucille, eh? I got a cousin named Lucille on my mum's side of the family. She's tough as nails. But thanks for sharing. I'd say it's good to meet you again."
Kelvin makes a scoffing sound at Dori. "Old man, you must be the sorest of losers. Let it go. We'll make sure there's a shrine for you to pray at, don't worry," he says with a grin, slapping him on the back. "Now let's get back. I'll buy the first round at Cayden's Keg."
"Rainbow Citadel. Nice ring to it." Cabaguil laughs as the dwarves negotiate with Raspar.
He too is eager to get back. He has designs on a few items to improve his efficacy with the group. He doesn't want to let them down.
And he's decided the road is no place for a kitty cat. He's going to have to talk to his friend Peric Byrch and see if he'll take her in - she's such a special kitty.
And of course, there's a lot to do on the Citadel. It's not quite 'live in' quality, you know? He wonders how he'll best be able to help...
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Recently, a new group has come to the Citadel's dungeons: A cult of Dahak worshippers called the Cinderclaws. Based far to the south in the Mwangi Expanse, this group of Cinderclaws became stranded in the dungeons below Hellknight Hill when its leaders managed to temporarily activate Huntergate. The Dahak cultists became separated from one another, and are divided between the keeps two basement levels, each of which was cut off from one another by a recent collapse in the fortress' main staircase. A leaderless group of these evildoers lurks in the shallowest dungeon level, while its truly dangerous sub-commander Malarunk and several of his minions remain trapped near Alseta's Ring itself, impatiently waiting for their allies far to the south to reactivate Huntergate so he can return home.
Meanwhile, a secretive Norgorber cultist in Breachill names Voz Lirayne has discovered the existence of Alseta's Ring, and now plots to find a way to reactivate it to earn support from a group she has allied with: The Scarlet Triad. As tight lipped as the half-elf has remained about the discovery, however she's let too much slip to her apprentice, a greasy halfling man named Calmont. Himself a ne'er-do-well and an opportunist, Calmont sought a way to activate the portals for his own gain by ending any heroes setting off towards the Hill by setting a catastrophic blaze to the Town Hall.
Having stopped Voz's machinations, eliminated Malarunk and the immediate Cinderclaws threat, and even recovered the deed to the citadel itself, you find yourself victorious. However there is much to be done with Citadel Altaerein. What lies beyond Huntergate? Why were the Dahak cultists coming through the auidaras?
Having traveled through the Huntergate you found yourself in the Mwangi Expanse with the Ekujae elves to confront the Cinderclaw Cult's main operations. The Cinderclaws were hiding behind a magical barrier within Dahak's remains, eager to sacrifice a young red dragon named Kyrion to act as Dahak's avatar. It seems that they were mining poisoned gold for the Scarlet Triad, a secretive group that clearly took advantage of the Cinderclaws for their nefarious plans. What all of this means is still clouded in mystery.
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You bid the Ekujae Elves farewell and make your way back through Hunter's Gate after well over a month of being gone. As your return to the Citadel it looks as if the workers are mostly milling about making small repairs as they have had little direction for what seems like days now. As per your instructions the stairs are all cleared off and your Battlements have been rebuilt. Looks as if Rorsk Axebain was worth all of the gold.
In the courtyard your find Warbal Bumblebrasher, the goblin diplomat pacing nervously as she crinkles a disheveled looking letter in her hands. Seeing you come up from below she lets out a surprised and excited yelp. "They are back!" She rushes up to you with a look of worry on her face. "I was told to give this too you when you returned." Some of the workers look confused. "Why didn't you tell us you had a message Warbal." She looks embarrassed as if she hadn't even thought of it.
"What in the Nine bloody Hells. Did you write this, Warbal?"
"Well, I must say, no rest for the wicked. Though I don't think I like being hired in this manner. What sort of employer threatens the lives of those innocent to the task?" Cabaguil frowns at the note, but suggests they investigate right away. Without delay.
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Raspar takes a long walk around, looking at all the repairs and introducing himself to every worker and handyman as if they are the luckiest people in existence (to Raspar they might be). He will jaw and talk to the workers (as well as getting in some lifting and laboring for fun in if they need any help).
"Hi! I'm Raspar! Nice to meet you," Raspar says, offering his tiny but strong hand for a solid shake. "Oh, I see you've used a lumbar knock reinforcement for this stair structure, have you? That's very nice..."
"Hi! I'm Raspar! Nice to meet you," Raspar says, offering his tiny but strong hand for a solid shake. "Look at these battlements! Such great views from up here too! It must be nice work on a structure that will keep people safe, huh? Really gives meaning to the work..."
"Hi! I'm Raspar! Nice to meet you," Raspar says, offering his tiny but strong hand for a solid shake. "Now what do you think about doing a nice terraced garden and vegetable patch down the side of the hill? Might look very pretty to have our rutabaga patches surrounded by some lilac groves, huh? Tell me what you think..."
After all that Raspar will run to catch up with the party on the way to the note's meeting.
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Raspar meets and greets but it looks like downtime and time for repairs is going to have to wait. Someone is waiting on you. Warbal cringes, "No, I did not write this. A man gave it to me 2 days ago."
Your run to town as quickly as you can. You find teh wainwrights shop and it does not appear to be set on fire. The wainwright shop has two entrances: a door to the east, and a double door to the south. Both are currently closed but does not appear to be locked.
Kelvin moves to each door, checking for traps and giving them a listen.
Cabaguil will stay somewhat back from Kelvin, but only 20-25’ or so, watching him as he checks the doors. Should any require opening, he’ll support with a casting of Knock , but will otherwise remain quiet and watchful.
Raspar will open the side door, knowing that the party is expected and because he is very trusting. Also, he will bleed/explode for the party and doesn't want them to be hurt.
"Hi! It's me, Raspar. You called for us?" Raspar says into the open room(?).
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Finding no traps on the doors Kelvin opens the side door. This workshop is large enough to hold multiple wagons at once. A fireplace and a forge stand opposite the machinery, next to a narrow door. Two other doors lead north: one is tucked in an alcove and adorned with a wooden sign reading “Private,” and the other is a slightly ajar double door.
The machinery on the west side of the room is Fadelby’s new semi-mechanized lathe. The fireplace is cold, as Fadelby hasn’t used it in several days, although a stack of raw iron next to it is ready to be forged into clasps, rims, or whatever else the wainwright needs in his work.
Hearing Raspar's voice call out the door near the back opens up slightly as two men exit. Out of the room steps a tall, bony man with sharp features and well-oiled brown hair and mustache. He holds his hands high in the air out in the open. “Thank you for accepting my invitation, friends! And yes, your wainwright is fine—if our conversation goes well, he’ll stay fine. I’ve arranged for this meeting to ask you about a former associate and perhaps offer you a job, and I have no reason to see anyone hurt, particularly not the poor exhausted gentleman in the room behind me. So, if you’ve the inclination, I’ve a few questions for you.”
"I say, this is a most unseemly way to do business you know. You have questions to ask - ask. But don't pretend to be our friend and ally so long as you have an innocent man trussed up somewhere with threats upon his life."
Cabaguil does not like this slick gentleman, and says so. He waits to hear what questions the man may have.
"If....... if? You sent a note to a group containing Raspar, and you lead with that? That's a bold move, and not wise."
Still empty-handed, Raspar enters the shoppe and looks around.
"No, we don't harm people and prevent their freedom, unless they have broken the law. I would see the wainwright. I would like to see him now, please," Raspar says, having no fear and willing to bleed if necessary, to save someone who might need rescuing.
"I am a halfling of my word. I will be honest with you. And you will let me make sure the wainwright is safe."
Kelvin follows Raspar in, but keeps a few feet back. He doesn't bother to try and hide his scowl. "You better listen to Raspar here. And I don't think anyone asking about Voz is a sort I care for."
Dak stays silent, but tries to draw a bead on the man's motives:
Cabaguil wants to tell him, for what harm could it be - and the truth shall set you free as they say.
But he keeps his trap shut, letting Raspar's request hang in the air. Cabaguil makes it clear he won't talk until they learn of the wainwright.
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The man purses his lips as he lets out a small sigh. "We are here to negotiate on behalf of my associates, so in good faith I will show you the wainwright as long as you answer my questions." He nods to the man near the door who opens it.
Inside Fadelby is bound to a chair, gagged and unconscious. His head is held up by the two other men in the room. The man holding Fadelby's head up by his hair also holds a knife right to the jugular on his neck, ready to strike in an instant.
The man turns back to you with a wry smile and claps his hands together. "Now, then. I am Heuberk and we were having a conversation on what became of Voz Lirayne."
Dakapos watches Heuberk's movements and listens closely. He doesn't seem nervous at all. He seems quite confident and looks to be seeking information.
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Dak looks at the party and silently nods that they should just go ahead and tell him...
Any conversation about Voz will be short, not unlike her life, Cuthberwyn says, eying the knife-wielder. However, it should be pointed out that Fadelby here had no part in that. Moreover, he has already played his role -- we are here and speaking with you -- so you have no need to continue to threaten his well-being for something we did. Kindly release him.
”Oh Voz. I think she’s dead-dead, and you can assume that I had a part in killing her. She wasn’t a nice person and did some bad things...and then she attacked us,” Raspar says, not wanting others to bleed for something he did (even if they helped).
”And we’d do it again if we had to. That’s what happens to bad people who hurt innocent people,” Raspar says with steel in his voice (though not yet in his hand). ”Keep that in mind as you have that knife to the wainwright’s neck. We will happily end bad things.”
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"Don'r worry, as long as we continue speaking on civil terms here, then no more harm will happen to this man. His well-being will not be threatened." Heuberk's waves it off and the man with the knife seems to relax a small bit, though the knife still remains close to the wainwright's neck.
Heuberk looks at your group quite impressed. "Where are Voz’s notes about Alseta’s Ring? And what do you know about Alseta's Ring?"
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"Look, I don't think we're comfortable with this situation. Voz is dead 'cause we killed her for, well, basically being evil. You seem to be following the same path. We're willing to overlook quite a bit, but if you want a civil conversation, I suggest you release this man immediately."
"Otherwise, you may get the information you seek now, but we will hunt you down afterward and that will be unpleasant for all of us - perhaps especially for you, but only time will tell on that score."
"Now isn't it easier to ask us questions without these threats on both sides? Release that man and we'll chat. Don't and you may wheedle answers from us, but they'll come at a price."
Cabaguil's mouth is set firmly.
"What's your interest in Alseta's Ring?"
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Heuberk's eyes dart to the dwarf as Dori enters the room. He quickly recomposes himself. "Yes, I was asking where are Voz’s notes about Alseta’s Ring? And what do you know about Alseta's Ring? Perhaps you can assist me."
"What's your interest in Alseta's Ring?"
"Me, little interest, but my associates are very interested in it."
Raspar looks around the party, trying to remember what of Voz might have left behind. Then he snaps his fingers.
"Oh, the ledger? Oh yeah. I think Cabaguil probably has that book with the numbers and strange sounding names," Raspar remembers. "Yeah, we can probably sell that to you. I don't think we need that anymore."
"No. It's not for sale," Kelvin says, his tone one of finality.
Ðakaþos rests his hand on Raspar's shoulder. "Aye my friend, we're not selling it."
Cabaguil, frowning, walks over to the unconscious man (or rather tries to), examining his injuries and trying to make him more comfortable if possible.
(just trying to examine him, not actually healing him as yet)
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Heuberk frowns as you all keep circling around his questions. he holds a hand out to stop Cabaguil from advancing any further. "I don't want you book, I am just looking for answers. I have followed everyone of your suggestions and you don't seem to want to answer simple questions. Maybe you need a little more persuasion." He snaps his fingers to his side and the man in the back room pulls the knife out quickly and presses it to Fadelby's throat once more. A small trickle of blood seeps out of the point, any more pressure and it will definitely puncture his skin and go through. "Answer the questions and he won't be harmed and we can go back to being civil."
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Kelvin growls. "You hurt him and you know you're not leaving this place alive, right? I get that you want information and are looking to profit on it, but a dead man spends no coins. So I think the best you can do here is tell your employer that you know some clever folks who aren't going to talk, because this is not the standoff you think it is."
Critical Success: The target gives you the information you seek or agrees to follow your directives so long as they aren’t likely to harm the target in any way. The target continues to comply for an amount of time determined by the GM but not exceeding 1 day, at which point the target becomes unfriendly (if they weren’t already unfriendly or hostile). However, the target is too scared of you to retaliate—at least in the short term.
Success: As critical success, but once the target becomes unfriendly, they might decide to act against you—for example, by reporting you to the authorities or assisting your enemies.
Failure: The target doesn’t do what you say, and if they were not already unfriendly or hostile, they become unfriendly.
Critical Failure: The target refuses to comply, becomes hostile if they weren’t already, and can’t be Coerced by you for at least 1 week.
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Heuberk sighs deeply. "Seems that way I am afraid." He drops his hands defeated to his hips as he sees he will not get any further information from your group. "Stalemates get nowhere, we shall take our leave then. Please wait here in the workshop while we prepare our leave, so as not to be followed. Give us about 10 minutes then you may come in and get the wainwright. As promised he will be left unharmed." Heuberk calls his man down as he sees his bluff of killing Fadelby didn't work out. The man twirls his knife putting it back into the sheathe with a shrug.
He calls his men into the smaller northern room with the unconscious Fadelby and motions for one of them to shut the door.
Cabaguil will wait the ten minutes before entering the room, though he wonders if the others will. He stays ready just in case.