'Gallows of Madness - The Festering Blot'

Game Master Shadow Dragon

Well... for starters the house came down.

He looks around nervously at the others.

Well... for starters the house came down.

He looks around nervously at the others.

Mayor Trinelli's eyes bulge so much they almost pop out of her head. The shattered remains of the tea mug once again fall to the floor creating another mess.

Looking all of you over, "How dreadful! At least you made it out safely. Were you able to find the records?"

"Oh yes, we managed to get the records out before the collapse." says Lucinus as he starts unloading the paperwork from his bag.

"Although that wasn't all we found..."

The Mayor's jaw drops at the amount of paperwork Lucinus begins to retrieve from his bag.

She goes to reach for some of it and then stops at what Lucinus said, "What do you mean that wasn't all you found? Is this something I'm going to want to sit down to hear?"

Guardian XI, Jakeric, Cannoli, and Grumblebin notice Caleria scooting her chair closer to the door to the Mayor's Office to eavesdrop.

"That may be a good idea." agrees the dhampir.

He gives the Mayor chance to seat herself and put down any droppable objects before continuing. "I think we may also have found the source of the demon bile problem. There were signs of it in various locations around the estate, but the epicenter was an old diabolic ritual site in the cellar next to where we found the records. It had been desecrated with much more recent symbols in abyssal and was being watched over by a vermlek demon and some dretches."

"We also found some notes outlining the creatures plan to create small portals to the abyss so that more of it's kind could join it." he adds showing the Mayor the plans the party found.

"We slew the demons, but I think that may have caused some sort of instability in the demon bile leading the whole estate collapsing. Daegon mentioned he could still sense some lingering corruption in the ruins, so while the imitate issue has been dealt with I think that will need further investigation."

Vreekka adds: "There were also lots - no, nearly an army of mites inside the cellar, trapped by a net of demon bile. Fortunately for everyone but them, they got crushed and buried under the collapsing estate. They would have been a mayor ;-) major threat to Saringallow and everyone around."

Cannoli waves the secretary on in while she finds herself a seat, ”Come on in then, if you are going to overhear stuff I’d rather you hear the whole thing.”

She adds to the conversation, ”We were, by the way, fortunate to escape the collapse with only minor injuries. A collapse, I want to point out, that we in no way caused. The house’s foundations had been eaten away by years of vermin and water and demonic bile. I am honestly surprised it was standing when we arrived.”

"M-maybe there's a ritual of some kind to c-close the portal? I could do some research!" says Jakeric excitedly, sticking one finger in the air.

Cannoli waves the secretary on in while she finds herself a seat, ”Come on in then, if you are going to overhear stuff I’d rather you hear the whole thing.”

Caleria replies, "I was checking if smelling salts would be needed for the Mayor. Oh and it's always naughtier to eavesdrop."

The Mayor, who sat down at Lucinus's suggestion, goes pale, paler, and seems on the verge of needing smelling salts.

"Demons now too? And mites - whatever they are. Do you think there are more of them on the loose or in Saringallow?"

"M-maybe there's a ritual of some kind to c-close the portal? I could do some research!" says Jakeric excitedly, sticking one finger in the air.

Caleria leans her head in and says, "That might not be a safe idea for any of you. If word gets out those called in to 'help' are going to be diabolists - people I suspect you and your furry friend won't want to hang around. And I mean hang in the literal sense."

Recovering slightly Mayor Trinelli nods, "Caleria is not wrong. I'll dispatch Sergeant Laecus and his most trusted men to the Sarini Estate along with Father Ruvarra. Hopefully they can get determine what, if anything, can be done. If it's above their capabilities..."

She sighs heavily, "You'd probably want to leave. The nearest help would be the Hellknight Order of the Godclaw. Citadel Dinyar, their base, is in the Aspodell Mountains - a few days from here. No one looks forward to a visit from them."

Shaking her head, "May I examine the records? Caleria if you could help out? Research is your specialty and we'll need to examine these records quickly."

"From what we could tell the vermlek had not yet enacted its plan to send the mites to Saringallow. Although it's certainly worth staying on guard for a while just in case."

"In terms of the remaining corruption at the estate, if I can be of any help to Farther Ruvarra in dealing with it, I'd certainly be more than happy to assist. Equally, if the Hellknights are needed I would have no issue staying around if it would be useful. I'm very keen to ensure that the problem gets sorted out once and for all."

Time for the big question: Is the group going to turn over all, some, or none of the historical records?

Jakeric can't help himself from starting to make stacks of the paperwork by topic and chronological period.

I'm still not really sure what's in the records, or if there's anything that would be problematic. Sounds like a job for Profession: Scholar!

Profession (Scholar): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Well, since I haven't used my reroll and this is the "big question" and that's an embarrassing result:

Profession (Scholar) Reroll w/ 3 GM Stars): 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 3 = 24

That was a bad roll. :( But the re-roll was well used! And who knows perhaps some other scholarly type will assist Jakeric?

Jakeric's logical mind goes to work sorting and categorizing the historical records.

Caleria works beside him.
Profession (Scholar) - Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

She proves quite capable as well!

I'd say we turn over all of the historical records. If there's anything that would be problematic, it's certainly not our fault...

yeah, vote for turning over all the records.

You're certainly in a better position to go over these in this nice cozy office space.

yeah, vote for turning over all the records.

You're certainly in a better position to go over these in this nice cozy office space.

Caleria sniffs the air and says, "I smell what you mean. What did you do, soak in a sewer? Pe-yoo!"

Be thankful you can do your job from the safety of a desk... Daegon says, a little offended by the remark.

Had we known there would be a fetid sewer, we would have prepared...but alas...a hot bath and a proper laundry service would get us back right.

give them all the info...

Caleria grins at Daegon, "I didn't mean to offend. My apologies and I'll see to it Alcie has the baths and laundry service waiting for you."

After a cursory examination of the records Mayor Trinelli says, "I congratulate all of you for your bravery and resourcefulness. Here is the agreed upon one hundred gold Standard payment for your successful endeavor."

She pauses a moment to wipe at her eyes, "Caleria and I will begin posting reports of your findings in front of Town Hall. These records will not bring back those murdered by the Sarinis but they will help heal some of the old wounds, answer some of the old questions that haunt Saringallow to this day. I've found a brief mention of one of my own ancestors..."

Sighing, "I understand you are busy people but it would mean a great deal if you could remain in Saringallow to meet with the families of those whose ancestors are also listed in the records. I'm sure they will want to express their gratitude for your tenacity and courage. Facing demons and other assorted monsters was a true test of your abilities and you passed with honor and dignity. Speaking not just as Mayor of Saringallow but as someone touched by this grim past I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Please see the post in the Discussion thread.

The catfolk shrugs, ”I’ve got a lot of business workings in town anyway, no issues here.”

I have no pressing matters...I'd be happy to stay for a bit. But if we do get summoned by the powers that be in the Society, we would have to go...

"It was a p-p-pleasure to serve the p-people of Saringallow! And to be part of a m-mission that worked!" Jakeric raises a hand for a team high-five before lowering it slowly.

"Likewise, I am glad I could be of help and I'm more than happy to stay in town for a while."

"Yeah, we did good!"

Vreekka high-fives Jakeric with all her might - which is not very mighty at all... Str 7 ;-)

"I guess I can stay for a few days. I'm not in a hurry to be somewhere else..."

Thankfully Vreekka didn't leave Jakeric hanging. Even Grumblebin did; some kind of 'helper' he is!

The group stays in Saringallow and Caleria comes through with laundry service and baths for everyone. Freshly cleaned and pressed, and with clean clothes too, the heroes don't have long to wait thanks to the work of Jakeric and Caleria.

Cryers are sent through the streets of Saringallow announcing news posted outside Town Hall. Mayor Trinelli requests your presence as she reads an announcement to those gathered.

"Greetings fellow citizens of Saringallow. Today I can announce that we can turn a page on part of Saringallow's dark history. Long ago the Sarinis were suspected of committing atrocities against the people of Saringallow. Thanks to the courageous work of these fine individuals we now have answers. I would like them to introduce themselves to you all."

Pointing to each of you in turn:

"Cannoli Jones, Daegon Marketti, Grizzlebin, Guardian XI, Jakeric, Lucinus, and Vreekka. They risked their lives and traveled to the Sarini Estate to search for any historical records relating to those who went missing so long ago. Sadly our greatest fears were confirmed; those damnable Sarinis were responsible for a multitude of crimes! While these records won't bring back those who were lost so long ago they provide closure to those of us who remain."

As Caleria begins posting parchment sheets to a large board Mayor Trinelli continues, "On these lists are the names of those who disappeared and what the records listed as their fates."

She steps down and the townspeople crowd the board, looking for the names of their ancient ancestors. As names are found, what happened to them is learned, the townspeople filter away to let others forward to read the lists.

Many tearful townspeople also seek out the heroes to meet and thank them, and though it will take a long time for the damage to fully heal, a grim chapter in Saringallow’s history is nearer to coming to a close.