Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer Creatures
Frozen Sick
D&D Beyond Basic Rules
Basic Rules (2014)
Sign in to view your library & saved favorites.
Sign in- Marketplace
Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer CreaturesFrozen SickD&D Beyond Basic RulesBasic Rules (2014)Sign in to view your library & saved favorites.
Sign in
"Yes, as much as I would prefer to sleep in my own bed at the townhouse I agree with Grugga, we should stay here for now." Aubrey says with a sigh. "Was it possible to determine when the late Judex Caius Spezza was assassinated? It would be very helpful to know." He says to the deacon. "And would it be possible to get somewhere to rest, maybe even some food and drink. This has been a long and eventful night for us."
The priests fetch some water and loaves of bread for the five of you, but even as you lie down to rest, a host of legionnaires, Judexi and Scourges arrive.
The next two days are a blur of activity. You are all questioned, again and again, separately, in pairs, and all together. Your every word is scrutinized and answers you have given are turned back on you in attempts to trip you up or expose deception. It isn't so much that you are doubted, but that this incident has placed the Judexi on their rawest of nerves and nothing is taken for granted. As all of you have been truthful, you are ultimately cleared of any involvement and even granted a few glimpses into the investigation.
Between conversations with Scourges and Grugga's connection to the Ordic Bishop in Bluffton, you learn the following has happened:
It is mid day, May 30. The five of you are finally released to your own recognizance, on the steps outside Fort Morningstar.
You are free to do as you please. Additionally, you have all been invited to dinner at Toasted Oak Hall, the estate of Gavin Schmidt, Duke of Bardstown on the evening of April 9.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Rohuzar heads for the guild hall to get a read on the home reaction
Oh and need to check back on his market investment
Paladin - warforged - orange
Aubrey would take the first opportunity to inform his family of events in Bardstown. He would try to get confirmed that Zemo in fact was found dead. He would also try to find out what, if anything, will be done about the cult in Shelley. As a trained lawyer and politician he would also try to determine what legal charges could be pressed against the Blue Crowns for attempting to break into his family's townhouse. He would also allow himself to recuperate a few days at the Robust Hound Inn and Tavern until his family townhouse is cleaned up and deemed safe to live in again, spending at least one evening at the Old Mill Taphouse to fraternize with high society and pick up the latest rumors there. Should his involvement in what should at least part of the talk come up he would play down his own role but assure any potential employer that his associates are very competent and reliable should they have any matters that the Red Band could help out with. Finally he would try to pick up any talk about the affairs and interests of the Duke of Bardstown in order to come sufficiently prepared for their dinner at the Toasted Oak Hall.
Once they are released, Leelan would take some time to compile his notes for his manuscript, adding new entries for elemental creatures and the nothic.
Having received an invitation for dinner with the Duke, the gnome would start looking for a suit that would be more appropriate for mingling with the high imperial society. For other errands, he would attempt to buy more powdered silver and iron, as well as some arrows.
Finally, he would take the time to write a letter to Lady Shelley to inquire about her and their avian companion, Sixteen.
Grugga will write back to Bishop Cleghorn as soon as he's able. "Fidelis was a trap. Spezza dead for days; replaced by cultist in disguise. Cult wants total takeover of region. Be weary, anyone could be disguised."
He will insist that his companions always travel in a group, and he'll join anyone who needs a buddy on their errands. He'd like to follow up on Jonny and the 2 lieutenants to make sure they're ok, and apprise them of the danger they're in. He'd also like to request either a scourge or a priests check up on Malia and her family and give them special protection and a safe place to live. He has a feeling this hag will want her in particular.
Other than that, he'll start thinking about what's next for their adventuring. "I suppose this is as far as we can take this investigation for now. Hopefully these cultists will be laying low for a while. I suppose that we should start thinking about our next job again - like that haunted house? Or the archaeological dig? We'll just need to make sure we're in town on the 9th... Gosh. Dinner with the Duke... what an honor. He's just below the emperor, isn't he, Aubrey?"
"That is correct Grugga, although the Schmidts are not of old imperial descent." Aubrey says like that would be of importance. "It is a great honor indeed, although I suspect this dinner is not only a way to show us gratitude. The Duke is known to be competent ruler and I expect he has need for us in some way, possibly just information, but we could very well be called upon to perform some task that we will have a hard time to refuse."
Guilim will stick close to Rohuzar for the most part, only taking enough time to himself to finally get the proper marking for someone that serves with the redbrands. While having that done he will also inquire into perhaps having some magic augmentation done to his halberd after their encounter with the elemental.
Rohuzar:
Grugga and Guilim join you to visit Red Band HQ. Lt. Falstaff is nervous but not angry. You followed their instructions to avoid taking the international job, though it seems to have left you even deeper in this political web than before. Still, all seems to have worked out, and if anything the Empire seems happy with the outcome. That doesn't mean the Red Band is thrilled, or willing to condone further political entanglements, but this seems like a case of alls well that ends well. That said, he is not shy about letting you know he hopes your next job is some guard duty or goblin hunt.
Your investment is still just getting started [its only been a few days, in game]. The jeweler advised he put in the order for the stones in Lordstown and they should be delivered in another week. At that point he can begin crafting some rings and earrings out of them. He should have some returns for you by the end of June... maybe early July.
Aubrey:
You confirm that Zemo was confirmed dead. That, unfortunately, seems to be one truth shared with you by the imposter.
You send word by ship to your father. An answer arrives in early June in the form of Kehoe Ivans, one of your father's guardsmen. He bears a sealed letter from your father, advising they are holding interviews for a new man-servant and will send the new hire along as soon as he is vetted. For now and for the foreseeable future, Kehoe will take up residence as a permanent guard in the townhouse.
All inquiries into the Shelley branch of the cult are met with a polite but firm 'we are handling it' from the imperial authorities. They do seem to be taking this very seriously, though what they have in mind is anyone's guess.
There are a handful of charges you could attempt to press against the Blue Crowns, though the Cossa's status as noblemen would likely protect them from all but a slap on the wrist. The third man, their baseborn rogue, could probably be put into a stockade for a while if you want to press the issue. The Cossa's could conceivably flex some political capital to get him protected... but they have taken a hit socially for the young scions [unwitting] involvement in this plot.
At the Old Mill Taphouse, you find yourself for the first time the center of attention among some of the old money bluebloods that socialize there. Everyone, it seems, wants to buy you a drink and flatter you for information on what happened, who was involved, and what the legion is planning. In return, most offer little other than vague rumors you could have guessed for yourself. Though it is repeated many times that this incident has caught the attention of the very highest levels of imperial authority. You also learn a little more about Duke Schmidt. The family has always been close to the Emperor. Vigor I took the Duke's grandfather under his wing as something of an adopted son when the Empire first relocated to Bardstown. Thought the Schmidt's could have resisted or chafed at the Emperor taking their position as the prime nobility in town, the Schmidt's instead threw all their power into support for Vigor, and the family was rewarded with protection and confirmation of their status as Dukes of the city. Gavin Schmidt is a man of 40 years, twice widowed and still without any children. He is eccentric, prone to throwing lavish parties and wearing costumes and makeup. He is also a celebrated patron of the arts, donating large sums to the local theaters, libraries and museums. The combination of his public generosity and his reputation as a lean and loyal servant of the immensely popular Vigor II makes him much beloved by the common folk. You also learn that many local lords are shopping their daughters to the Duke, hopeful to make a pairing that will produce an heir. The Duke has two adult nephews, either of whom could take the seat if something happens to him, and for the record he claims to be ambivalent about whether he will ever marry again, telling friends that his late second wife, Caliope, was his soul mate.
Leelan:
With a little research at the library, you are able to round out your notes and add water elemental and nothic to your manuscript.
You are able to secure a set of fine clothes consisting of a silk shirt, navy doublet and matching cape, hat and boots. You also find enough powdered silver and iron to last a good long while, and 20 arrows. This will set you back 35gp.
A letter to Shelley receives a response. Sixteen is healthy and well enough, though he remains distant and spends much of his time in a tower, looking down at the city. She worries that she struggles to find ways to socialize him, and cannot spend as much time as she would like interviewing him due to the demands of her office.
Grugga:
Bishop Cleghorn confirms that all is well enough in Bluffton. He is seeing 5x the amount of imperial support for his investigation into the cult as he was getting before. There have been no more sightings of the assassin, or many other cultists, for that matter.
Joining Grugga and Guilim to visit the Red Band, Lt. Falstaff is nervous but not angry. You followed their instructions to avoid taking the international job, though it seems to have left you even deeper in this political web than before. Still, everything has worked out, and if anything the Empire seems happy with the outcome. That doesn't mean the Red Band is thrilled, or willing to condone further political entanglements, but this seems like a case of alls well that ends well. That said, he is not shy about letting you know he hopes your next job is some guard duty or goblin hunt.
You also confirm that the young girl, Malia, was indeed returned safely to her home in Fidelis. As reported, the Scourges who escorted her were attacked but cultists, but they fought them off and delivered the girl back to her parents.
Guilim:
Joining Rohuzar and Grugga, you visit the Red Band. Lt. Falstaff is nervous but not angry. You followed their instructions to avoid taking the international job, though it seems to have left you even deeper in this political web than before. Still, everything has worked out, and if anything the Empire seems happy with the outcome. That doesn't mean the Red Band is thrilled, or willing to condone further political entanglements, but this seems like a case of alls well that ends well. That said, he is not shy about letting you know he hopes your next job is some guard duty or goblin hunt.
You are able to have your chainmail detailed with a red stripe down the right side of the chest, one of the more popular Red Band markings. This can be completed in the week prior to June 9 and costs you 10gp.
You find several options for enhancing your halberd.
Does anyone need any follow up, or are there other actions you would like to take during this downtime?
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Rohuzar will assure Falstaff that he will attempt to find something out of the limelight to do so this can all cool down a bit, and let the empire take over.
That said... He'd like to look through the book of legion names the cult had? Might be too late, and if so, that's fine.
Rohuzar would follow Guilim to a smith's and look to get a silvered weapon. Not looking to burn money on enchanted stuff, but ghosts and such are on the rise it seems on the job board.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Grugga is happy to report that Malia is still doing well, according to their contacts. Other than that, he awaits Rohuzar's decision on what to do next.
"Leelan, my weapon is infused with magic. Will I need to silver it for ghosts or will my magic cut through them just the same?"
Aubrey will stay on at the Robust Hound Inn and Tavern until the new man-servant arrives.
He will let a local tailor prepare something exquisite for him to wear at the dinner with the duke.
He is glad to hear that Malia is doing well back home.
He is otherwise prepared to go on another mission with the Red Band.
Leelan takes a moment to ponder. He flips through the pages of his notes before answering.
"Unfortunately, I cannot answer your query with absolute certainty. My research of the undead hasn’t been very exhaustive thus far. But, if I were to extrapolate an answer basing myself only on what I know and taking the will o’ wisp as a model, I’d say that the magical property of your weapon is enough to overcome the immateriality of such a creature."
Frowning at the cost of what seems like it would just make his weapon into an overglorified torch, Guilim will see if simply acquiring a new weapon that does not invovle all the work is perhaps a cheaper alternative. Then after that as before he will take up some independent work to continue building up his savings.
Grugga nods at Leelan's response. "It seemed to do well enough against the water elemental, so hopefully it will against other extraplanar creatures."
Since everyone else is preparing to get dressed up for dinner with the Duke, Grugga thinks it would be a good idea to do the same - a good impression here could have lasting consequences with Empire-Pentwater relationships. He picks Aubrey's brain for tips on living the noble life. "So Aubrey, would you mind helping me pick out a good tailor? I still have enough money left over from our last payment to buy a nice suit... what's in fashion in the Empire?..." He takes notes from his fancy friend and gets measurements and orders a suit to be made for him.
He is also prepared to continue on the next group quest. Since everyone is preparing for ghosts, he suggests the haunted house.
"Certainly my friend, I would recommend my own tailor here in Bardstown. I'm seeing him myself this afternoon if you'd care to join me" Aubrey says to Grugga with a smile, glad to be of help to his team members.
Rohuzar will gather everyone at the Robust Hound once able. "Ve are not paid to stand around, so ve must keep vorking. I promise Falstaff we move on from town, keep low profile. Unfortunately ve have dinner vith the duke. Ve can't do business here very vell if ve reject him."
"So... I think ve go to Umbridge, deal with man crying 'ghost'. Come back for dinner. Avoid saying anything at all to anyone there. Then go back to paying jobs. Maybe the bandit hunt bill take us avay from here for a bit. Sound good?"
Paladin - warforged - orange
Guilim:
Spending a couple of days working the shops and markets, you find word of a magical halberd on the market. It recently was up for auction and did not sell, and the current owner has licensed the auction house to entertain offers. You learn the item is indeed magic, but the intended enchantment did not go as planned. The halberd emits a strong odor of women's perfume... not an unpleasant smell, but again very strong. There doesn't seem to be a practical use for this feature, but by virtue of the magic imbued into the item, it would function as a magic weapon for purposes of overcoming weapon immunities or resistances. The auction house is asking 400gp.
Grugga and Aubrey:
Aubrey's tailor is able to set up both he and Grugga with fine new eveningwear.
Aubrey is provided with a longcoat, jacket and silk shirt that incorporates red along with his family colors.
Grugga is recommended a dashing court ensemble that flashes the colors of his university in Pentwater.
As Aubrey is a valued noble customer, both are offered their suits for the special price of only 18gp.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Aubrey is very pleased with his new attire, saving it for the night of the dinner.
"Sounds good boss." Aubrey says with a nod to Rohuzar as they are gathered at the Robust Hound Inn and Tavern, leaning back in his chair, sipping on a glass of red wine. "Is there anything you can share regarding ghosts Leelan, particularly how to rid a house of them." He says, turning to the scholar.
Guilim once again turns this down as he was wanting something that was better in combat with both regular and more strange foes. Deciding to stick with his current weapon he will simply focus the rest of his time on earning a bit more coin or finding an item to help deal with his lack of Darkvision.