Rappan Athuk - The Dungeon of Graves

Game Master JoshB

The city of Egede in northern Mendev has a vital role to play in the crusades against the Worldwound. It is the end of the River Road, bringing travelers from across Avistan to join in the crusade.

Many folk have ended up settling there and not making it to the front lines further to the west. There they work in the industries that support the war effort. Exhausted units are often rotated back to the city for rest and recreation away from the front lines.

Map of Egede

Responsibility for the city rests on the shoulders of Baron Tennyson Warwynd. The Baron commands a garrison of knights and footmen and a naval contingent that works to suppress smuggling and piracy on the Lake of Mist and Veils. Five ships rotate on patrols that sail to the southern shore and protect the commerce that supports the kingdom’s efforts in the crusades.

Amongst the Baron’s chief advisors are:

Mellikon Fortwit: an older human wizard who retired from active service in the crusade a decade ago and took up residence in a crooked tower in Egede.

Archdeacon Bartholomay: the highest ranking cleric of Iomedae in the city and pastor of the Red Cathedral in Egede is a devout middle-age human man originally from somewhere in the south. The cathedral sits on a main square in the city (called Temple square) and is a holy site with the undercroft containing the Tomb of Saint Merrick (a reliquary containing the known remains of a hero of the early crusades).

Merriweather Candless: a half-elven priestess of Desna who is the proprietress of The Traveler’s Rest, a large, four story, inn containing a small chapel to Desna in one of its side wings. The Traveler’s Rest also sits on temple square, although the local uptight followers of Iomedae feel that it is inappropriate.

Odo Pryce: One of the Baron’s unofficial advisors and close friends is an older dwarf who retired in Egede after a career as a Pathfinder and adventurer. He is apparently still a man of many talents, even in his advanced years. While he keeps his background and past exploits private, he is renowned for having a keen mind and an expansive library.

Other notable persons in Egede include:

Captain William Shorts: chief naval officer of the fleet and captain of the Peregrine, a fast warship. William is a stout human who is most at home on the deck of his ship.

Perry Buckstead: The halfling proprietor of a run-down tap room and brewery called The Lake Street Brewery that also doubles as a chapel of Cayden Cailean. The local clergy of Iomedae take a fair bit of umbrage at what they feel is just a dive bar masquerading as a place of worship.

Sarah Waldeeves: A half-elven merchant that runs a store catering to luxury imports, rare goods, and items of magical power. Madam Waldeeves is head of the local merchant’s council and a spellcaster in her own right.

Redd Balduck: the dodgier side of Egede is the location of the most skilled smith in the city. Redd is an ifrit, rare in this part of the world, and said to be descended from Salamander blood. There are nothing but rumors on how he came to the city, but it is undisputed that he is a master of his craft. His smithy and shop are always swelteringly hot to keep him comfortable (even as his apprentices and employees seem to be on the edge of passing out from the heat).

Tired and very annoyed with his companions Wyran looks around for a shrine to Desna, possibly by one of the Gods friendly with her. Yes, Jer had been a friend, and he had blocked the huge construct so the rest of the team could escape. But nobody had been able to hurt the thing.... And Jer's sacrifice had let the rest of the team survive. Wyran had refused to risk Jer's dying for nothing by returning to the site to try and recover the body. So he was without any team while looking for paying work around the World Wound. Around it, not in it!

Finding a shrine close to the temple/tavern of Cayden Cailean was no surprise and Wyran entered to look for a good meal, a drink to wash down the dust of the road, and a room for the night. Some information about the area would also be welcome. He was surprised to be greeted with immediate word, and direction to report to someone named Mellikon, master of the crooked tower in Egede.

Checking around town I found the best/easiest option for traveling the approximately 200 miles to Egede was either paying for a berth on a river boat, or hiring on as basic labor for one. After the miles that I had already traveled, and since I did have a few coins left, I decided to pay my way and float in relative comfort to the port town.

Arriving at the town it took little more than a couple of questions to get pointed to "the Crooked Tower", and a short walk to the tower. Knocking at a door he calls out, "May Desna have guided me right this time! I'd prefer not to travel another two hundred miles to seek the next chapter of my journeys. Would Mellikon, Master of the Crooked Tower be here?"

Tessai had not seen Odo ever since she visited him with the news of Talian's death - her mentor and the experienced dwarf had been steadfast friends years before, but had in the meantime partially lost contact with each other.

When she traveled north, and while revisiting past events for clues that may help tracking down those responsible for the death of her master, Tessai had remembered about Odo, and the fact he lived in Mendev. It was not very hard to track him down.

Hearing of the news, the dwarf was not happy, but his words to her were kind enough, even if he admittedly did not really understand what hopes she could have of tracking down the murderers with such sparse clues. He did bade her keep in touch, but she almost never did.

Now his summons brought a tingle of anticipation and hope - she wrapped the note, putting it away, and reached for her mug. A smile almost played on her lips. Almost...

Wyran hears the series of questions without a break and waits for an opportunity to answer. When the wizard pulls a wand, possibly to attack his spirit animal he covers the little creature with his hands. "Please sir. Scrapper here is my spirit animal, similar to a familiar for a wizard. He's not a pest! He's a Snark, a creature of the Fey world. While he's not totally under my control anymore than a familiar is totally under the control of their wizard, he's not any danger to you. Actually, he's quite useful. When he wants to he can glow like a candle, and his fur has the unique ability to change to reflect something like a star chart."

"As to your other questions, Yes I am a sort of spellcaster. I am a shaman. Most of my spells are of a divine nature, very similar to those of a druid. I also have access to a couple of hexes similar to a witch, although I'm not a witch. And I have some training in hand-to-hand combat and have adapted that to occasionally deliver one of my hexes with a good punch."

"I'm curious about your statement though. You say 'not exactly what we were looking for?'. I came north looking for paying work, preferably not fighting the demons of the World Wound. I had made it to Nerosyan and when I checked in at the temple I was directed here to Egede, to your Crooked Tower. Very little detail was given as to what you were looking for. I am alone at the moment as my former traveling companions departed from my company at Nerosyan. Perhaps you could provide a little detail on what you are looking for?"

Malinor enters the town and looks around at the bustling streets and then turns to Garados. Malinor looks at his companion and says, "So we have a few stops to make. Do you want to find a place to stay first or go and see our different contacts? If we want to see our contacts, then I suggest we start with Perry and grab a drink and maybe some food at the Lake Street Brewery while we find out what the church may need."

As Ting walked into town he double checked his pouch for the letter of introduction he carried from Venture-Captain Jorsal. The letter was vague enough not to draw any attention to the pathfinders but detailed enough to give Odo the information he needed; it introduced Ting as an expert locksmith. He liked the word 'expert' but he really considered himself more of a trap-finder. Either way it would let Odo Pryce know that Ting had the experience needed to both help the Barons team make there way safely through the tomb and provide the pathfinders with any information they were looking for.

Following the directions that Jorsal had told him, Ting worked his way through the rough city, trying not to bring too much attention to himself. Stopping on the corner Ting noticed a tall woman in an expensive breastplate loaded down with gear at the door of the three story town house. Pausing for a moment, he watched the door open and a dwarf described as Odo opening it. The tall woman followed the dwarf into the home and the door was closed again.

Ting pauses for a bit, making sure the woman wasn't leaving quickly. He knew there would be others who might answer the call, he just hoped they weren't applying for his job. He had learned the hard way that Mammals didn't like it when an Avian showed them up. Eventually he moved from the corner across the street to the town house, drawing the letter out as he went. Knocking on the door, as the door opened he tipped his straw conical hat introducing himself. "Oy I's'l be Ting." Pushing the crumpled note forward. "'ears me affidavy." He lulls his tongue in a Tengu smile. "Tha floggin' trapfin'er you's and tha Barony's been bloody well searchin' for's, wroight."

Wyran takes the note, tucking it away carefully. "Excellent! Sounds much better than battling demons!"

"I'll see you at the conference then! Now is there a shrine or something dedicated to Desna in this town?"

Malinor enters the town and looks around at the bustling streets and then turns to Garados. Malinor looks at his companion and says, "So we have a few stops to make. Do you want to find a place to stay first or go and see our different contacts? If we want to see our contacts, then I suggest we start with Perry and grab a drink and maybe some food at the Lake Street Brewery while we find out what the church may need."

Garados looks the town over as he shrugs off his pack and stretches. "Master Melikon and the Twisted Tower have awaited me these many weeks. Another few hours will make no difference. Plus, only a fool gives up a chance to relax at a tavern at the end of a dusty road. Lead on, Malinor, to the halfling with the food and drink."

Dotting. Will catch up soon.

Malinor nods at Garados and says, "Lets go find this tavern then."

The two ask around for a bit and quickly find themselves at the Lake Street Brewery. When they step into the bustling tavern and shrine to Cayden. Malinor leads Garados up to the bar where a halfling is preparing a tray of drinks for one of the tables. When he finishes his task and looks up at the two travelers Malinor says, "Good day, I am Malinor, an Inquisitor of Cayden Cailean. And this is my companion, Garados. We have come to share in some of the bounty of Cayden's shrine, and to look into a matter where the church asked me to come to this city. I was led to believe I might find some answers here."

Lefty had had a long, fairly uneventful trip. He got off the small boat, and asked around about decent lodging. More than one person mentioned The Traveler's Rest, and he soon found himself getting close.

Up ahead, he spotted a tengu. He hadn't seen one since he was in Caliphas. It was walking alone. Most likely an adventurer like himself, he figured. He followed it at a distance.

Sure enough, the tengu went into the very place he was going. The elf could hear the warm murmur of folks enjoying themselves from far away, and walked on in.

The tavern was spacious, reasonably maintained and pretty busy. The elf found a seat at the bar, ordered an ale, and asked the barkeep about a room.

Outside, the girl pulled the cowl of the cloak over her head and made way to The Traveler's Rest as suggested by Odo - she was distracted thinking about the task at hand, and at the disappointing lack of news about Tallian.

Before the paladin even realized it, she was at her destination - pushing the door aside the tiefling looked around the common room for a few seconds, here eyes pools of deep blackness.

The breastplate and bardiche were the most evident implements of combat she carried, but they were somewhat covered with a more modest attire - a weather beaten cloak, dirty boots, a ragged black blouse and pants, and a patched backpack clearly told a story of travel and disregard for niceties.

As she found a secluded table and calmly moved to sit down, another feature was made evident - a long, black tail which swayed with her every step.

Placing the bardiche against the wall in easy reach, she sat down and pulled out a notebook from her backpack, going over it while waiting for someone to come get her order.

@Ting: a nice human server who doesn't seem too thrown off by a talking bird arranges to rent you a room, then invites you to find a seat in the common room for a meal. She does seem a little concerned about what giant birds eat. Looking about you see a fairly diverse crowd of folk sitting down to eat. A dark woman with a giant polearm and a tail comes in and finds a seat. Maybe you'll be able to blend in here?

@Lothorian: the ale is pretty decent and it appears that rooms are available. The place is busy and full of people, but appears to be enormous with plenty of rooms. You see the Tengu take a seat across the bar.

@Tessai: you find your way to the Traveler's Rest easily. It is located on temple square (owing to its dual nature as an inn and temple of Desna). On the way in you notice the cathedral of Iomedae across the square. One thing you note as you look over the structure is that it seems to have more in common with a fortress than a church. The front door looks like it belongs on a castle gate and it is flanked by heavily armed and armored church guards.

at the bar
Lulling his tongue in a tengu smile at the servers concern, Ting chuckles, sounding rather like a crows caw. "I's'l eat's whatever' you's be servin'. Only t'ing 'at sticks in me craw is raw veggie-tables, It ain't 'at I can't eat's 'em, I jus' don't bloody well likes 'em 'wroight." He gestures towards the kitchen, "Jus' 'ave 'em send out's tha daily specials, an' I's'l be fine, oh, an a big mug o' water, too. wroight."

At Tessai's table
Turning, Ting heads to the common room seeing an armored woman sitting near an unusual pole arm. Ting walks towards the woman, well more towards the polearm. Stopping he points at it "'At's a mighty fine blade, Miss." he turns and admires the scrollwork on the finely crafted weapon, "Chelaxian ain't it?" Realizing he was being rather impolite, he turns to the lady. "Pardon, me name's Ting." He shifts the goggles on his oddly asymmetrical beak. Unintentionally drawing attention to the large cracked scar at the beaks base. "I's specializes in findin' and disassemblin' floggin' traps, but I've got's an interest in exotic weapons of all bloody sorts wroight." Resting one talon on the dagger on his belt, he reaches over his shoulder, drawing an odd Falchion from the too-small quiver. Placing the exotic blade on the table. "'At 'air blades made o' Voidglass."

Pulling up a chair he sits down, temporarily forgetting about the bardiche. "'em type o' blades channels some sort o' psychotic energy, er somet'in' loike 'at." He takes off his conical straw hat, setting it on the table beside the blade. "I's was wit some blokes 'elpin' out a place called Belhaim, which was havin' some troubles wit a bloody dragon." Ting places his talon on his Darkleaf Lammilar armor, puffing out his chest "I's killet tha Grioth wieldin' it, single-'anded. Kept it as a flogging trophy, wroight." he gestures towards the blade. "Go's ahead, picks it up, you's looks like a woman who knows her ways about a blade." He pushes up the sleeves on the emerald green robe he wears under the light armor, resting his elbows on the table. "Now 'em Groith's they's an ugly sorts, even fer a flogging Mammal."

Wyran grins as he leaves the mage's tower, glancing around to see if he notices anyone that might be a book salesman. If the old wizard handles them with the same attitude it was likely that they avoided him! He makes his way through the town, occasionally asking directions but not in a great hurry. While he was interested in seeing the inn and meeting the "young hippie worshiper of Desna" that ran it, he knew that it wasn't likely to close before he got there, and he wanted to take in the squalor of the city.

When he finally arrives at the Traveler's Rest he strolls in, glancing around at the patrons already there. Some meet his gaze, possibly studying him, possibly friendly. Some quickly turn away, intent on their own thinking and obviously not wanting intrusion. Many were obvious adventuring types. He wonders how many of them were here having escaped the war at the World Wound. He shudders even considering such. He hadn't worked with an army, but couldn't imagine facing demons without an army of knights around him.

Making his way to the bar he greets the person running it. "Hello. I'm Wyran. I'm looking for a light meal, a good ale, and a person that was described as a "young hippie worshiper of Desna". You can probably imagine who provided the description."

Tessai visibly tensed as Ting approached her weapon without hesitation, her eyes suddenly flashing an almost imperceptible red.

But then she seemed to relax as it looked like the Tengu had some sort of genuine opinion to offer - "I am not sure" - the tiefling replied - "About the blade's origin that is. I got it as a parting gift from a previous employer"

The girl carefully put the notebook away - "Are you a salesman?" - she inquired, looking at the blade on the table.

His eyes widening as the lady asks if he's a salesman. Visibly flustered he shakes his tail feathers, making the whole chair seem like it's rocking. "A Sword seller?" squawking, "God's ferbid!" Regaining a little composure, he quickly picks the blade back up and returns it to the too-small quiver. "No's, I's is not a Sword Seller." Pausing trying to remember what he had told the woman. He exhales through his broken beak. "I's be a floggin' adventurer, brought hears ta 'elp." He pulls out his letter of introduction spreading it out on the table by his conical straw hat. Holding his crooked beak proudly. "I's is a floggin' trap's expert. A bloody well impertinent part o' any dungeon delvin' tomb raidin' temple tipin' trap ticklin' bloody endevor, wroight."

"I did hear you introduce yourself as a trap expert, but then your words felt like you were trying to sell something..." - Tessai replied - "I apologize for my mistake - no offense was intended" - she added with a serious nod - "I am Tessai"

"What is a Grioth?" - the tiefling added, after a long moment of silence.

Smiing, Ting nods, "No's offense taken! A pleasure Tessai!" Seeing the server he spoke to walking around with a tray he waved his talon letting her see where he was at. As she set down the bowl of stew, the small loaf of bread and the tall mug of water he nods and slips her a gold coin. Sticking his beak in the water, then tipping his head back, he slurps down a large gulp. Letting out a happy 'Ahhh, 'at hit's tha spot."

Grabbing the wooden spoon he takes a big bite of the beef stew as the warrior asks her question. Ting shrugs his shoulders and talking around a mouthful of beef stew answers. "ey's a floggin' ugly batlike critter wit four narrow eyes. Tha bloody dragon was bringin' em from some other place, like a dimension er some such. Tha Bard I was travelin' wit tried ta splain it, but I wasn't payin' much attention, wroight"

He swallowed the mouthful of beef stew. "So's whats a lady like you's an a fancy bardiche loike 'at doin' in a town loike 'is?"

With his simple understanding of the various religions of the world Wyran understands the different structures in the square. Iomedae's worshipers wanted rigid structure. Desna was welcoming to the people. He smiled without comment.

Hearing the title "Priestess Candless" from the bar tender he smiles. "I am Wyran Zuranan, Serendipity Shaman of the Heavens Spirit, and also a follower the Goddess of the North Star. I was surprised when the wizard of the Crooked Tower indicated that there was a priest, pardon, a priestess in attendance here. I was curious and wanted to ask if she also performed the Obedience Dance of the Stars at night? Mine is usually performed alone but I would enjoy a partner. ?? Additionally, likely the same as several that will gather here today, I am to meet at the Baron's castle in a couple of days for an investigation to the south. I have my letter of introduction from Mellikon."

Lefty approaches the tiefling and tengu, and introduces himself.
Greetings, friends. I'm Lothorian Sativa, but you can call me Lefty.
The rapier hanging on his right hip confirms his "leftiness."
You folks appear to be the adventuring sort, and if I may be so bold, I'm an adventurer, myself. I'm looking for a new gig, since my previous one is completed. Are there any prospects around here?

Wyran sets his ale back on the table and politely stands, smiling at the attractive lady. "Thank you Merriweather. That's a much easier name than Priestess Candless, though I'm sure both are valid. I am Wyran Zuranan, Serendipity Shaman of the Heavens Spirit, and also a follower the Goddess of the North Star. With most of the followers of Dezna worshiping at a simple shrine, or along whatever road they travel it was a pleasant surprise to hear that you were here. And with an inn to welcome travelers. An excellent idea!"

"As to a service? Other than the room and meals that I'm sure the bar tender that was here could have arranged, and I'm sorry that I didn't ask her for that before asking about you. Well, as I mentioned to the lady, I do the Obedience Dance of the Stars in the evening, to honor Desna of course. While I normally dance alone to contemplate any portents that the stars may tell me, I was curious if you also honor Desna with such a dance and if you might consider joining me? It was a simple curiosity on my part and of course you are free to refuse."

The dance is listed under the Obedience section of the listing for Desna. In case anyone is curious....

Are we all in the same bar?

Looking up at the tall pale elf, Ting shrugs and pushes out a chair with his foot. "Takes a load off, Lefter." he gives a light shrug, passing the letter of introduction he received from the dwarf Odo, the note explaining the Baron was looking for adventures and the time and place of the meeting, to where Lotharian can read it. Responding, "Seems Loike tha bloody Baron is lookin fer a few good blokes, wroight." Looking at the Elf's gear, he gestures towards his own, also distributed toward favoring a dominant left side. "Oy, so's did you's walk t'rew a magical silvery ball-room too?"

He swallowed the mouthful of beef stew. "So's whats a lady like you's an a fancy bardiche loike 'at doin' in a town loike 'is?"

"I have been summoned here... By a long time acquaintance" - Tessai explains, after asking the server for something to eat and drink - "He has asked my assistance for an investigation of some sort" - she replies - "I am to see a Baron Warwynd about it"

"And I am no lady - have no title, nor lands" - the woman added, her hand absently playing with a pendant in the shape of a sword crossed with a wing, which dangles from a simple cord tied around her neck.

"What's in the letter?"

Lefty approaches the tiefling and tengu, and introduces himself.

Greetings, friends. I'm Lothorian Sativa, but you can call me Lefty.
The rapier hanging on his right hip confirms his "leftiness."
You folks appear to be the adventuring sort, and if I may be so bold, I'm an adventurer, myself. I'm looking for a new gig, since my previous one is completed. Are there any prospects around here?

"Well met - I am not sure I know what a 'gig' is" - the tiefling replied - "I am not an adventurer..." - she started following up, but the words died in her mouth as Ting simply offered the stranger a chair to sit. At her table...

Looking up at the tall pale elf, Ting shrugs and pushes out a chair with his foot. "Takes a load off, Lefter." he gives a light shrug, passing the letter of introduction he received from the dwarf Odo, the note explaining the Baron was looking for adventures and the time and place of the meeting, to where Lotharian can read it. Responding, "Seems Loike tha bloody Baron is lookin fer a few good blokes, wroight."

"The Baron..?" - Tessai's attention seemed stirred at the the reference - "Are you in service of Baron Warwynd?" - she looked at both with narrowed eyes.

Are we all in the same bar?

- Yes

Somewhat distant from the goings-on, Garados nudges Malinor and points to the growing discussion with a thrust of his chin.

"The girl's a follower of Ragathiel. They're usually pretty hardcore, and the bird's just said something that's made her bristle. Think they'll fight? I'm thinking she might not have a sense of humor and he... well he's a tengu, and they're sharp-tongued at their most polite. This could be fun."

He reaches back to the bar and signals the priestess for another round for him and Malinor, scooping up most of a bowlful of nuts in a meaty hand.

"What do you say? Bird or Girl? My heart says girl but my head says bird."

"I am going to go with the bird if they fight. I like his hat. Malinor says. Malinor takes a drink as he turns to see what will happen.

"I dunno. I kind of like the horns," he says.

"But yeah, bird. No bet."

Perception to notice the gathering....: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

While he is trying to focus on his discussion with Merriweather, Wyran can't help but notice the gathering. An uninvited Tengu sits down with a Tiefling, then pushes out a chair to invite an elf to join them.... One could almost see a joke in that!

"Sorry if I'm a bit distracted, but that's an interesting grouping! I hope there isn't any trouble."

As Ting holds the letter out so Tessai can see it again, he answers the question, "What's a gig? Well it's a Job, you knows' a bloody undertakin', a merry venture, a frickin' operation, a floggin' enterprisy," He gives a tengu smile, "Sometimes it moights even be a good ol' fashion con." His eye twinkle over the ruined beak, "But I's doubts if'n 'at's tha case on 'is one. Sounded on tha up an up, official business an' all, wroight."

When she asks if he's in the Barons employment, Ting shakes his beak no. "Nope's not in tha Baron's employee yet's." Shoveling another wooden spoon full of beef stew into his beak. "But I's got it foist 'and, so's ta speak, from 'is bloke I knows." Tilting his head back, he swallows the beakful. "A friend o' a friend. if'n ya' catch me meanin'." He lays a claw aside his beak. "The floggin' dwarf said tha baron would's need a bloody trap-expert, 'as a team headin' inta some ol' tomb 'ais found an' wants it investy-gated." He holds up the paper, winking at the armored tiefling, "At's what tha affidavy is fer, wroight."

Folding the letter of introduction up and tucking it in his belt, he looks up at the tall elf and ask; "So's is you's sittin' down's er what?". ​

Malinor listens in to what the Tengu says to the woman and then shrugs, "They aren't going to fight. But it does sound like the Tengu might have an invitation like this one," Malinor pats the invitation given to him by Perry, "And if he is right about the Baron's needs, it looks like we won't be in town for long."

"Three days," says Garados with a disappointed grunt. He was hoping for a fight.

"I want my three days, Mal. I want to see Master Melikon and I -need- to find some company. I mean, Fort Inevitable wasn't exactly a fun destination. The girls there didn't even smile. They didn't smile! Stupid hellknights."

He sighs. "Go on, go talk to them. I'll get us another round."

Despite having just ordered another round, Garados orders yet another and chats up the barmaid despite her being both a priestess and a halfling. In Garados's experience, priestesses of Cayden Cailean are both more fun and safer than those of Calistria. He gets lost in talking to her and forgets to go over to the conversation.

It wasn't so much that Garados was irresponsible; he wasn't. It was that he knew he could rely on Malinor for that sort of thing. The two had learned that they would have each other's backs in any situation, and as an inquisitor Mal's sense of justice usually led them to the right place. They had seen some awful things in the Emerald Spire and Garados felt they both deserved some time to relax in the company of the fairer sex. Business could wait (or, he didn't admit to himself, Malinor would tell him when it couldn't.)

Lefty takes a seat. Thanks, I'm not sure what the Baron is looking for, but I've got a few letters to vouch for me. That might be enough to be considered.

To Tessai, he says So you're not an adventurer? More like a soldier? That's good. Can't have enough muscle when you're slinking around in tombs and the like.