Grunthor, Ivan, Anyssa, Garret, Flint:
Monty Haul:
** spoiler omitted **
Damandor:
“Damandor, I can tell you something of what’s going on,” he begins. “However, Antius’s disappearance is deeply troubling. Only he knows the full story. I would urge you to do what you can to locate him. All I know is that he has a residence in the Royal Quarter, although exactly where I’m afraid I can’t say. The priesthood of Corellon is not exactly welcome in those parts of the city.” He continues with a rueful smile.
“What I do know,” he continues, ”is that we are entering a time of struggle. The church of Hextor has ruled Bastion for many centuries, however this was not always so. Although it is forbidden to speak of it now, when I was a child, Bastion was a place of tolerance and respect. Hextor, Nerull, Wee Jas and even Erythnul were given their due respect. However, the city was guided by the wise priests of Pelor, assisted by followers of Hieroneous.”
“Although the unholy alliance has prevailed for centuries, the other gods have not been idle,” continues Theriandor. “They have been working in secret, paving the way for a time of heroes and noble battle.” Theriandor sighs again, clearly troubled by everything he is telling you.
“Damandor,” he says seriously looking into your eyes, “Antius came to me and told me of a prophecy he has uncovered. He says the hoped for time is now and that already the heroes are assembling within Bastion. Further, he believes that you are one of those heroes destined to overthrow the ruling regime and to once more allow the city to prosper under wise, benevolent rulers.”
“I don’t know if he is right, however I do know that Corellon has spoken to me of you and has revealed to me that he is working with the other hidden gods and that he has great things in store for you. If you are to take up this challenge Antius has laid out for you, you will face great peril and powerful enemies. However, there will also be those supporting you from the shadows.”
“My advice would be to find Antius as only he can give you the answers you seek,” he concludes. “If you are unable to do so, it may be because he has had to flee, or worse been killed. In that case, I would counsel caution if you choose to open the chest and pursue this goal without his guidance. Whether you and your friends really are the prophesied champions, destined to free Bastion from its servitude, is something only you will know. Rest assured that, although the church must keep a low profile, I myself will lend you whatever assistance I can.”
** spoiler omitted **
Eland:
“I know a little of Antius, he is a moderately accomplished sorcerer and a wealthy citizen of Bastion, although he also has a residence in the Royal Quarter,” he begins. “His great talent is not magical, however, but as a scholar. He has unparalleled knowledge of Bastion’s history, of the churches and, most importantly, of ancient prophecy.”
“He came to me several years ago with what I initially considered to be a ridiculous claim, namely that you were mentioned in one of these prophecies; perhaps the most important prophecy ever made,” he muses.
“According to him, the time has arrived when a band of unlikely heroes will rise from the ‘dark shadows’ of Bastion and overwhelm the priests of Hextor, together with their barbarian lackeys.”
“Of course, being prophecy,” he continues with a wry smile, “the details as to how these unlikely heroes were to achieve this task are left somewhat hazy. However, Antius was convinced that you are one of these saviours of the city. No doubt the others he has gathered with you are also destined to play their part. Unfortunately, Antius is not one to share his insights with the rest of us – I cannot be sure what he intends for you to do next. Whatever is in that crate is involved in some way, you can be sure of that.”
“I will speak with Gavel about this,” he decides. “Who knows, we may be able to find some reference to this prophecy in our library here at the shrine. In the meantime, my suggestion would be that you try to locate Antius. I know he has a residence in the Royal Quarter, a walled villa on the corner of Power’s Way and the Noble Boulevard. You’d need to sneak in after dark, of course, or come up with a pretty convincing reason as to why lowlifes like you might be poking around the homes of the rich and powerful. Nonetheless, perhaps you will find a clue to his disappearance there.”
“If worst comes to worst, I would take great care when opening the crate,” he warns. “I agree with you that it is likely to be warded – Antius has the means to ensure protection if he requires it and given how he felt about this prophecy, I doubt anything would be more protected than whatever is in there.”
“I’m sorry that I can’t tell you anything further,” he concludes. “Come back tomorrow and I will make sure I have spoken with Gavel. I know you’re not exactly close, but his talents as a scholar are not to be underestimated. Good luck Eland, know that we will help where we can.”
He shifts uneasily in his seat, "Seriously, master, this news hits me like a bolt from the sky. I am no hero, I doubt that I have the constitution for leading a rebelion. I had thought I would spend my days learning at your knee and, quite honestly, using my gifts to make a profit."
He stands and paces about the room, girding himself to his new reality. "I will search out Antius. After all, who am I to deny the will of the ancient prophets. Though I still doubt, I will work until my last to make this prophecy so."
"I should return to my comrades. We will find antius and set whatever plan he has in motion."
Eland tries to slip a bottle of wine under his cloak as he leaves, saying, "I shall return tomorrow around noon, Boccob willing you will have answers and I will have found Antius."
Monty Haul:
** spoiler omitted **
Damandor:
** spoiler omitted **
Monty Haul:
"Master Theriandor," Damandor replies, some of the doubt and trouble lifting from his eyes as a renewed fire begins to blaze in them, "I thank you for the help you have given to me now, as you have always given to me. I will commit whole heartedly to this endeavor, for in what way could I serve my fellow citizens better than freeing Bastion from the tyranny that grips it."
"I believe at this point, unless my comrades have discovered anything else, or Antius has returned, we had better start looking for clues at his residence."
"Master Theriandor, I will take my leave of you now and return to my companions. I will be careful and try to fulfill my destiny. I will also try to see you as much as possible, or send you word as I can. Good day, and may Corellon smile on you and us all."
As he rises to leave, he draws out the pouch of gold that Antius had given him, and opening it, removes two gold pieces and hands them to Theriandor saying, "Master here is some of what I have earned so far for the church. With your leave I will keep the rest for now, for I may have need of it in the days to come, but will send more as I can, when I bring or send my reports."
** spoiler omitted **
Eland:
As you slip out through the rapidly filling main room of the wilted rose, you see that the slums are beginning to fill as people arrive back from their long day of work. Heading back to Gutterspill Street, you need to wait a few minutes until the coast is clear before disappearing down the side alley and entering through the rear door of the warehouse.
Monty Haul:
** spoiler omitted **
Damandor:
"May Corellon guide your path," intones the old elf, placing his hand on your arm at the entrance to the temple. "Good luck in your quest, Damandor. Come and visit with me again soon. Something troubles me about these cultists with the double masks - I remember something of a similar group in our temple histories. I will see if I can learn anything about them over the next few days. In the meantime, remember that your enemies are both powerful and evil. Any direct confrontation would doom you to failure, prophecy or not."
After taking your leave from the high priest, you head back through the slums, waiting until a gap in the traffic before slipping down the alley and entering the warehouse.
As evening falls, first Eland and then Damandor return to the warehouse having completed their errands. All of you are once more gathered around the crate, sharing a meal as you discuss what your next course of action will be.
"Okay, I've used up every bit of patience I had already today. And there may have been threats of physical harm at one point if I didn't stop singing," she adds with a wry smile. "So what did you guys find out?"
After the group has gathered together again, and they are eating their meal, Damandor tells them what he was able to find out.
"Unfortunately I was not able to find out where Antius is. Master Theriandor feels that he must have either gone into hiding, or something evil has befallen him, perhaps he may even be no longer with the living. He did tell me that Antius has a residence in the Royal Quarter, although he didn't know exactly where."
"But, the more interesting information I was able to gather is that the real history of Bastion is not the same history that we have all been taught. The city has not always been ruled by the followers of Hextor, but was once ruled by those that follow Pelor, assisted by those that serve Hieroneous. And further more all faiths were allowed to exist in the city."
Damandor pauses to eat some more, and to let his information sink in, he then continues on with the rest of his information.
"It seems that there is a prophecy that says that one day heroes will rise up and free Bastion from the Tyranny that grips it. Master Theriandor says that both he and Antius feel that I am destine to be one of those heroes, and that we all may be part of the prophecy."
"He also said that he advises that we do all that we can to find Antius, for it would be best if we had him to assist us. If we find that we must continue on with out Antius, he advises caution both in opening the crate and in trying to fulfill our destined task."
"As we parted, Master Theriandor also said that he seems to remember reading something about the masked men that attacked us. He said that he would search the temple histories for the information. Hopefully, next time I see him, he will be able to tell me more about this masked group."
"I think our best option is to start our search at Antius' residence."
Eland takes a long draught from the wine bottle he purloined from the Wilted Rose, and listens to Damandor tell his tale. His eyes bulge as Damandor relays the alternative history of Bastion and again at the mention of the prophecy.
"I cannot speak to the history of our fair city, but I can confirm the part about the prophecy. Apparently, Antius is a sorceror of some ability and an expert in ancient writings and history. Apparently, We are all considered to have been named or described in what my master called 'the most inportant prophecy of them all'. It was noaccident that we were all contacted for this job, in fact I think that whatever is in the crate is meant to aid us in fulfilling it. I have also been assured however, that opening it would be unwise as it is more than likely warded. Antius would not want it falling into the wrong hands, and would most likely rather see it destroyed."
The morale of te story is, that we need to find Antius, and the best palce to start would be his home in the Royal Quarter. My master is also doing some research and has asked me to return tommorow for the results."
"Unfortuantely, I was so taken aback by the news of the prophecy that I forgot to mention our assailants."
"Well, I don't know if I believe in any of this prophecy stuff, but I do agree that we should try to find Antius. I thought it was weird that he asked for me for this job. Like he knows stuff that he shouldn't be able to. I don't know. Anyways, if his house is the best place to start looking then I say we should get to it."
I agree, but the question is how do we find where he lives. It is not like any of us would normally walking around up there. I've never been there, I don't even know if there are any taverns up there. Anyway, Damandor, could you spare another CLW, I'm still down 7 hp. Thanks, Grunthor
"Fate. Great, just what I needed. More things I need to do."
"Hey, it's the Royal Quarter, right? Everyone and their mother has servants over there. After all, I'm just a humble halfling, looking to make an honest day's wage in the employ of the good sir Antius, I am." He says this last bit in a stereotypically Halfling accent while looking at you innocently.
"I believe that master Garret's plan may have merit, and be workable. One of us acting as if we had been hired to work for Antius could make inquiries as to where his residence is. The one of us that does this could use the story that we had been hired by courier, but then when we reached the Royal Quarter, couldn't follow the directions given to find his residence. Once the location of Atius' house is determined then we can all go there, and see what there is to find out, if anything."
Damandor turns to Grunthor and says, "Grunthor, do you mean to tell me that your wounds are still bothering you and that you could use some of the healing power granted to me by Corellon? Why yes, I would be more then happy to assist you."
Damandor steps next to Grunthor chants a few words in a language other than common, and then lays a hand on Grunthor while holding up the symbol of Corellon.
"So Eland, ye be saying we be chosen cause we fit some prophecy? That is the Nature of such things I guess. I will do whatever our little group choses to do."
"I remember Ashwyn, my master, saying something about where Antius' home was." Eland taps his forefinger against his forehead as if trying to beat the knowledge out of his skull. "Thats's it, it's a walled villa on the corner of Power’s Way and the Noble Boulevard. He also warned that traveling there during the day would be treacherous unless we had a goosd cover story."
"I like Garret's idea. If we could get him inside sometime today and then Garret could open the gate for the rest of us tonight."
"Before we go anywhere, though, we should do something to hide this crate."
Anyssa shrugs. "It seems like a sound enough plan to me. We want to stash the crate in the warehouse next door, or does somebody have a better suggestion?"
I think the warehouse next door would be the best place. I think Eland's idea is a good one. Garret, why don't you head on up there and the rest of us will be up after full dark. Be careful what you touch. Who knows what is trapped and what isn't.
I wish to bury the crate. There are old shovels here I think. It would give me some exercise. Hopefully I can be finished in time to join you. If not, I will guard it from a distance. Alright comrades?
Anyssa shrugs. "Sure, Ivan. Whatever floats your boat."
As evening falls, you carry the crate into the warehouse next door, making sure there aren’t any passersby observing your comings and goings. Ivan and Grunthor make quick work of digging a suitably large hole and covering the mysterious package. After filling in your hole, you spend some time covering the spot with refuse and junk from the warehouse. You judge it extremely unlikely that anyone would stumble across it unless they knew exactly where to look.
By now the night is growing colder and darker. Thick, low clouds obscure the night sky although the rain which has been threatening all day has not yet materialized. Assembling into a group once more, you begin to thread your way through the slums. Most lowlifes have long since reached the relative safety of their homes, what few stragglers you do encounter give you a wide berth, rapidly hurrying away as soon as you come into view.
Tonight you are venturing into the Royal quarter, a risky proposition but offering the best chance of discovering more of Antius and why he failed to appear when he said he would. As you move through the twisting, narrow streets of the slums, you approach the foreign quarter – arguably the most dangerous district in all of Bastion. Foreign visitors are granted next to no rights by the brutal dictatorship which runs the city and life in the foreign quarter is very much survival of the fittest. Nonetheless, the level of wealth is much greater – streets and buildings are well maintained and the merchants and traders who make this quarter their home can afford private guards patrolling behind sturdy doors and high quality locks.
Moving quietly through the district, you don’t encounter anyone else as you proceed closer and closer to the Royal Quarter. There is only one road connecting the two districts and it is frequently patrolled. As that intersection comes into view, you can clearly see a patrol of eight city guardmen led by a heavily armored priest of Hextor. They are standing at the border of the two neighbourhoods and although they are somewhat lax in their guard duties, it would be absolutely impossible to sneak past them.
The other entrances to the Royal Quarter are likely to be even more heavily guarded. Furthermore, they would involve dangerous travel through the temple district or along the main, well lit thoroughfare which passes through Bastion. The streets are quiet and the city is dark, except for the occasional streetlamp or sliver of light shining through the gaps in a shuttered window.
If you are to proceed into the Royal Quarter you will either need a convincing story for these guards, some kind of a distraction or you’ll need to find another way. There are a number of high walls running along the border between the most prosperous of Bastion’s districts and the Foreign Quarter. It is likely that there are manors and villas of the rich and powerful on the other side. It may be possible to scale a wall and sneak in to the Royal Quarter through one of their gardens.
Turning to the others Eland says, "I can work some magic that will distract the guards. Should it work we can slip past."
If everyone agrees, Eland will try and sneak into position and cast his Ghost Sound off to the side. He will make the sound of someone 3 men stumbling and toppling some boxes in a alley or alcove that the guards can't readily see without moving to investigate.
Anyssa nods agreement as Eland suggests his plan. It may not be the world's best plan, but it would hopefully work, and they really didn't have time to be worrying about anything elegant. She prepares to go as soon as the guards are distracted.
Damandor says, "Eland, that sounds like a good option. If that does not work, and we are not detected by the guards, I think our second best option would be to go over the wall and try to sneak in."
Then muttering something under his breath, he looks down and says, "I wish I had prepared a different spell today, I could have aided us in slipping past the guards if I had."
That would be worth a try. "Go for it." Says Grunthor
I distrust magic but try what you must. I think we should scale the walls if this fails.
Eland appproaches the area and sets his plan into motion.
Flint readies a spell of his own should Eland be detected before his spell goes off.(Flare to at least slow one of the guards)
Damandor prepares to cast Bless should the party be discovered and a battle with the guards begins.
Eland steps forward, whispering a few words as he crumbles a small piece of wax between his fingers. As the rest of you watch from the shadows, you hear the sound of an argument breaking out from further down the street. Indistinct sounds of angry men come from the darkness, followed by the noise of a barrel being knocked over in a fight. The cleric of Hextor barks a command and the squad of soldiers leap into action. Drawing their swords, the patrol hurry towards the alley to investigate the disturbance.
The way into the royal quarter is open for only a few moments as your group hurries out of the gloom and slips past the intersection the patrol was guarding.
Will roll for (cleric). (1d20+2=7) Will rolls for soldiers. (1d20=14, 1d20=13, 1d20=8, 1d20=20, 1d20=2, 1d20=10, 1d20=1)
Grunthor was fairly stealthy with a roll of 19 (16+3).
Ivan tiptoes and slides along walls, but still looks slightly like a bear while doing it. rolled 17
Damandor only has moderate success as he tries to sneak into the Royal Quarter.
Stealth: 14-4=10
Eland's stealth roll. (1d20+2=11)
As the priest leads his patrol down the sidestreet in search of whoever caused the disturbance, two of the guards are looking around suspiciously. As the patrol disappears around the corner, your group begins to hurry past the now unguarded intersection.
Garret ghosts past the guardpost and disappears into the gloom on the other side, easily sneaking in to the royal quarter. Grunthor, Ivan and Damandor also slip quickly through the pool of light shed by a streetlamp. Unfortunately, as Anyssa, Flint and Eland hurry past, the last guard to enter the sidestreet after his patrol turns and sees the three of you framed under the light of the street lamp. He cries out an alarm and turns, preparing to run towards you.
Perception rolls for the two guards who resisted Eland's deception. 1d20+1=15, 1d20+1=4
Bring him close to the darkness that conceals us comrades. I will crush him from behind. silently and with no blood to alert other guards.
Damandor not knowing what to do to lure the guard closer to us as Ivan has suggested, readies his mace. Since he was unseen by the guard, he stays in the shadows for now waiting to see what will happen.
I don't know about cops in this town, but usually they get a bit upset when One of their own get killed. If we merely render him unconscience they just might not look quite so hard for us. Or just kill him and we'll just run away faster.
I think our best option is to run. The guard that noticed us is not going to come by himself and we won't stand much of a chance against them all. We should make for the first set of shadows and keep moving and turning and try to stay out of the guards line of sight.
Should that fail we will need to try and pick them off a few at a time.
In the short term, Eland willrun past his companions and make for the next intersection where he can get some cover and se if he s followed.
"I will defend myself if need be. But I say we run."
"Stop talking and run," Anyssa says, following her own directions. She doesn't fancy a run-in with guards and there's sure to be a better hiding place once they get further in.
fight or flight. Ivan stands ready. Let's see what the guard does.
Anyssa, Flint and Eland break into a run, rapidly disappearing into the darkness as they enter the Royal district. Although you have not yet been detected, the remaining members of your group fall in with them and run off into the darkness.
Most of you have not been in the Royal district before - Anyssa, Damandor and Eland have each visited once on errands, Garret has poked around once or twice. The neighbourhood is a marked contrast to the other districts of the lower city. The streets are well maintained, and the major intersections are lit by lamps hung high from iron posts.
The houses around you are all stone, most with private gardens behind high walls and locked, iron gates. As your group hurries down one of the cobbled streets, putting as much distance between yourselves and the alert guard, you see no other traffic. This late at night, the only people out are the city patrols or those wanted by them. The cold air rushes past your face as you sprint down another side street, making turns at random in an attempt to throw off the pursuit.
The guard who spotted you calls out to his patrol, shouting an alarm as he draws his sword. He doesnt pursue you immediately, waiting until his patrol returns from their investigation of the phantom sounds they heard earlier. You can be sure they will be close on your heels once they return to their post and you can hear whistles and the shouts of guards calling to one another as they prepare to give chase.
In unfamiliar territory, your group pauses for breath, listening intently and trying to determine which way to proceed. You find yourselves at an intersection of side streets, away from the more regularly lit thoroughfares of the district. One road heads back towards the pursuing guards, alternatively you can head left, right or straight ahead. You take a few moments to catch your breath and can briefly discuss your plans.
Eland, Anyssa, Damandor and Garret can make Local lore checks:
DC 10:
DC 15 (only if trained):
In the heat of the moment Damandor has forgotten anything that he may have known about the Royal Quarter.
"We should go left."
I just had a brilliant plan, lets go left.