Searching the body of the bugbear and the goblins, the only valuable equipment is the masterwork falchion that the bugbear was wielding and three fused rubies you find in his belt pouch.
Nixa points you to a locked chest where she says her equipment is stored. It is a simple lock that Evelyn is able to open. Inside is Nixa’s breastplate, light steel shield, masterwork longsword and an everburning torch.
You also find a pouch with a mixture of coins in it, worth about 120 gp in total although quite a bit of it is in silver and copper pieces.
Nixa asks that she be allowed to reclaim her belongings.
The only remaining area in the fortress is the stubby rectangular building sitting upon a roughly hewn stone foundation. A crude depiction of a three-eyed face decorates its door.
The floor of this small building is recessed into the ground about a foot and filled with viscous purplish ooze. A crudely carved image of a three-eyed face decorates the far wall.
The purplish is a mixture of Demon Bile and mud.
The group is able to identify this as a crude shrine to Lamashtu. This matches with the wooden religious symbol that Mezodarath had used.
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"I believe we all have some minor wounds that require healing from the Bugbear's channeling of evil power against us. I wonder if this dedication to this deity (waving at the unholy symbols) is what's fueling the goblins of the area to gather. We must return to Saringallow as quickly as possible to warn the Mayor of what we've found."
Hearing Gaius’s and Azalmak’s concerns, Nixa says “Mezodarath has been questioning me each day about the defenses of Saringallow.” She rubs her hand over her neck where you saw Mezodarath throttling her. “It is obvious that he wanted to invade the town. There were two others I know were involved, the alchemist’s apprentice Gellion and someone else that I heard Mezodarath ramble about. The bugbear never gave that other person a name.”
“Gellion did not seem in his right mind. I do not know what was done to him, but I think they planned to do the same to me.”
Then she looks towards the chest and asks again “May I reclaim my arms and armor?”
“I know of them only through that things ramblings.” Nixa says, pointing to the dead bugbear.
“There is some called Wormgnash that seemed to be the mastermind behind all this. At times Mezodarath also made mention of the old Sarini Estate.”
“At times, Mezodarath seemed to be either praying to this Wormgnash or beseeching its favor. Part of the ramblings also talked of a substance which brought a person into Lamashtu’s fold?”
“I know little of the gods. It just seems there is something evil underlying all that is happening.”
As she is talking, Nixa starts equipping her armor. Evelyn had already unlocked the chest it was in.
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“I know little of the gods. It just seems there is something evil underlying all that is happening.”
As she is talking, Nixa starts equipping her armor. Evelyn had already unlocked the chest it was in.
"If there is some underlying evil, then we had best get to the bottom of it." John nods. As Nixa dons her armor, the half-orc inquires, "Will you be joining us? As we head towards the bottom, that is?"
Nixa says “Well, first thing I want to do is check on my cousin Nolaria. Make sure she is alright. She is like a little sister to me.”
“I will certainly travel with you to Saringallow. I do not feel comfortable making promises past that right now.”
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Nixa says “Well, first thing I want to do is check on my cousin Nolaria. Make sure she is alright. She is like a little sister to me.”
“I will certainly travel with you to Saringallow. I do not feel comfortable making promises past that right now.”
"Nolaria is safe and back with Father Ruvarra..."
Gaius will ask the others to help fill in the gaps with all that's happened so far.
Nixa is greatly relieved that Nolaria is safe. She is concerned about Gellion and asks “Do you think they intended to feed me this Demon Bile? Given Nolaria’s description of Gellion I really wasn’t expecting him to ambush me like he did.”
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Nixa is greatly relieved that Nolaria is safe. She is concerned about Gellion and asks “Do you think they intended to feed me this Demon Bile? Given Nolaria’s description of Gellion I really wasn’t expecting him to ambush me like he did.”
"If you had cooperated with them perhaps they would've fed you the Demon Bile. It's difficult to know since only some of the evildoers are acting somewhat rationally while the others have given in to the Abyssal chaos from the Bile. Just to make sure would you mind if I used magic to see if they've done any experimenting on you?"
Nixa hesitates for only a moment, then gives Gaius permission. “Yes, if it would help. What sort of magic is it?”
Gaius does not find any magic radiating from Nixa. It does not appear that she is under and spells, curses, and does not own any magical items.
You spend a couple of hours destroying all the demon bile you can find. The main problem area is the shrine to Lamashtu since it is mixed into the mud. Cara channels, you dig up the dirt a little bit, and then she channels again. Eventually you believe that you’ve gotten rid of all the demon bile.
You start on the return trip to Saringallow. Nixa is fatigued so the first day travel is a little slow.
As you pass through his kingdom, King Asiclassus comes down to inquire if you had found the goblins. He would like to hear what happened at the fortress.
It takes you three days to make it back to Saringallow.
Nixa says she wants to head to the temple of Erastil, check in on her cousin. Although you have reassured her, still she wants to see Nolaria.
You are free to do as you wish.
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Gaius will relay the journey and the plans the goblins/whatever else have for Saringallow in case some of the invasion force would cross into his territory.
When the group sees Nixa to the Temple, Gaius will recommend reporting immediately to the Mayor to discuss what they've found - especially the 'invasion plans.'
Arriving at town hall, you are immediately allowed to meet with the mayor.
Although it's covered in a layer of files and paperwork that indicate its official nature, this office is also eminently comfortable, with its plush carpet, velvet-lined oaken furniture, and ornate serving carts bearing colorful fruit and fine drinks. The soothing smell of sage and apple blossoms floats on a warm breeze wafting through the large, open picture window. At the center of the room, behind a solid and polished wooden desk, sits Mayor Sandra Trinelli, her long fingers folded together in thought. Her face is solemn as she surveys her visitors. “Thank you for reporting in. I hope you have found the goblins that were causing problems? I am looking forward to your report.” She motions to the oversized chairs in front of her.
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Taking a seat Gaius addresses the Mayor, "This will sound familiar: We have good news and bad news. The good news is in two parts. First we eliminated the goblin's base of operation and one of their leaders - a bugbear. We also rescued Nixa Volsetti , Nolaria Wintren's cousin. From her we bring the bad news. There were three leaders of this planned attack on Saringallow: Mezodarath, the dead bugbear leading the goblins at their base, Gellion, and someone/something called 'Wormgnash'. Nixa said that 'Wormgash' appeared to be the leader of the entire scheme. Nixa also said that there were some discussions about the old Sarini estate. Mezodarath had various shrines, offerings, etc. to the 'Mother of Demons' which could be the ultimate source of the Demon Bile. So while we foiled the planned assault on Saringallow I would not say the town is safe yet; there remains one more conspirator to find."
The mayor thinks about what you’ve told her. “This is not the first time that the Sarinis have been linked to demons.”
“The history of this town, I'm afraid, is written in blood.”
Settling back in her chair, she explains.
“More than a century ago, the family that founded Saringallow committed heinous crimes against the hard-working folks who toiled on their behalf. When all was said and done, these nobles—the Sarinis—kidnapped and murdered many local children. They were hanged for their crimes, but the bodies of the youths were never found, and our families still suffer those tragic memories today. After all of these years, they've never had closure, and our town has never been the same.”
“However, not long ago, while I was searching the town archives, I discovered a few old letters that seem to indicate that these evil nobles kept records of their victims and diabolical rituals. Finding these documents would go a long way toward healing the deep wounds the Sarinis inflicted on our poor people.”
“Unfortunately, the evidence is presumably stored in the Sarinis old, walled estate, which is located some distance from Saringallow proper. Around here, superstitions regarding the Sarini family still run deep, and the good men and women of our town watch— bless their hearts—are reluctant to help.”
“Now you bring me word of someone else who worships a demon working from the Sarini Estate.”
“I have to believe the two are linked somehow. Please, if you will, go to the Sarini Estate and find Wormgash. They sounds like a threat to the town. Also find any records you can of these terrible crimes. If we can find the records from the past, I believe our town will finally begin to heal.”
“I trust that you are capable, and I hope that a reward of 100 gp will be enough to persuade you to help. Resolve this threat connected to Wormgash and find the records of old so that the families here can finally find closure.”
“Will you do this for us?”
“The Sarini are dead. Hopefully you can clear out whatever is using what was left behind.”
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There is a new glow in Evelyn's eyes, something malicious that wasn't here before...
She's got, on her left arm, a new, long tatoo of blue and green waves entwined, and now she plays with a small scorpion, passing it from one hand to another.
It looks like a very dangerous mission. I'm in, Mayor. Don't worry too much about the reputation of Saringallow: I guess each and every town history is written in blood and tears, at least partially.
her eyes twinkle and her smile widens
But now the name of the town , Sarin' Gallows, make senses, as the Sarinis were hanged. Could it be possible that someone linked to that old family want to avenge their rotten souls, blaming the town?
The mayor considers a moment before answering. “Well, the townsfolk are responsible for the lynching. There is no denying that. Still, I would expect anyone seeking vengeance to take it while those who did the lynching were still alive. It did happen about one hundred years ago.”
Being a human, she has a very human concept of time.
“If you want to find out more about the events we have quite a bit of information available about the time period in question in the town hall's archives. I suggest that you start there. Find my assistant, Lupia Marietti. She's a kind woman and will help you with whatever you need.”
The mayor nods. “Very sensible.”
“I better tell you what I know of the estate.”
“The estate is a large place, with two main stories and a basement, or so the old stories go, but we don't have a map of the place in our archives. Given what horrors happened there, the townsfolk have always given the place a wide berth—no one here is greedy enough to covet the murder-tainted valuables that hated family might have owned. Some things are more important than gold, you know. The Sarinis and everything tied to them are a blot on our existence.”
The estate is located about 10 miles from town, down a road almost no one travels except for foolhardy youths trying to prove themselves. Given its isolation, I would not be surprised if there weren't a few dangers in or around the place. You'd do well to arm yourselves sufficiently before heading out.”
“Will you want to rest the night and get started in the morning? You were traveling for much of the day.”
The next morning when you go to the town archives, Nixa is there talking to another woman. She introduces you to Lupia Marietti.
Nixa explains “Nolaria used to drag me along when she was looking through books. The mayor told me you planned to do some research here, so I came to help!”
Lupia says she has the records organized, so if you just give her a key word she should be able to fetch any documents related to that.
Gaius spends two hours searching first for information about the missing people and then for information about the diabolical practices of the Sarini.
Between the years 4600–4604 AR, many missing persons were reported. With Nixa’s help, Gaius notices that the average age of the missing persons was 12–20, and many of them were female. Reports written by a watch captain of the time indicate that the bodies of a few missing people were found. Gaius notices details in the reports that suggest the persons were killed in witch or diabolist rituals. He also deduces that in all cases, from the death descriptions listed, the cause of death was complete exsanguination as opposed to simple blood loss.
There are no documents that even mention the word diabolism or any other outward indicators of the subject; however, Lupia is a skilled archivist and has dug up some letters from Marcius Sarini to an unnamed priest of Asmodeus in Egorian. The letters contain vague and cryptic language, but they do mention the existence of gifts for a nebulous patron, and that these gifts were carefully recorded somewhere in a secure location on the estate known only to Marcius and Sadira. Gaius realizes that these are a reference to diabolic sacrifices. If the group can find this secure location, it contains the records the mayor seeks.
Gaius does another two hours of study.
Azalmak spends two hours researching Saringallow and then the hangings.
The first records about settlers moving into this area date back to 4425 ar. However, all the documents from that time refer to the community as “Sarini's Hollow.” All the more recent reports call it Saringallow, but Azalmak does not find when the name change occurred.
No official records of the Sarini hangings exist in the library. Azalmak knows that Chelish laws would have required a considerable amount of paperwork if trials had been held. There are, however, allusions to the town abruptly coming under control of the mayor, rather than nobles.
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John is clearly not comfortable within the library. His nostrils seem filled with the scents of stale pulp, aging glue, and hints of mildew.
Nevertheless, he does his best to help.
He finds himself first drawn to the hangings.
Unable to make much sense of things, he quickly seeks out another topic, turning towards the missing person.
Growing frustrated, he decides that people and events must be experienced rather than read about. Land, however, he understands. Thus, John decides to focus on the Sarini estate.
However, the only knowledge he obtains is a reminder as to why he does not frequent libraries in the first place.
Evelyn is intent on staying all day in the library. She spends seven straight hours doing research.
Her research on the hangings doesn’t turn up anything more than what Azalmak found.
A deployment letter dated 4585 ar indicates that Marcius Sarini volunteered to serve in the Chelish army and trained to lead a special engineering unit. Evelyn deduces that his training involved building traps and sabotage, among other things. A letter from a servant dated after Marcius's return also indicates that the rising baron brought a young ward by the name of Luca back to his family's estate in Saringallow.
Although she doesn’t notice the ages of the victims nor that all the deaths were by exsanguination, she can confirm what Gaius found about the type of ritual.
Documents indicate that the baroness Sadira Sarini was originally from Remesiana in Cheliax. Evelyn is able to deduce that Sadira was a member of House Dioso, an influential Chelish family.
Researching the town of Saringallow, in addition to what Azalmak found, Evelyn notices that somewhere between 4600 AR and 4610 AR, the town's name seems to have changed to Sarini Gallows, and gradually, that name was corrupted into Saringallow.
Evelyn finds an invoice for construction materials reveals that the construction of the main estate building began in 4426 AR, and a later bill indicates that a wall was built around the grounds in 4600 AR. Evelyn notices that the text has been tampered with to obscure some details.
Another individual document indicates that the last legal owners of the Sarini Estate were the Baron Marcius Sarini and Baroness Sadira Sarini, who acquired joint ownership of the property in 4593 AR.
Evelyn isn’t able to find anything more than what Gaius found with respect to the rituals carried out.