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
“Has he done something wrong? He is employee of mine.”
insight 21
"He'll be fine. Judex Vider needs his... expert opinion on something." Judex Spezza says with a smile.
Rohuzar, you get the impression he finds something funny about whatever is going on with Grugga and the other Judex, but no hint of alarm or malice.
Watching the other Judex on the other hand, you see a stone faced and serious man... but in his posture and eyes, before he goes into the kitchen with Grugga you see... frustration? Aggravation? He betrays just a hint that perhaps he doesn't want to be here right now, questioning one of your men in a tavern at gods know what hour of the morning.
Judex Spezza motions all of you over to a table and spends the next hour interrogating each of you about exactly what you saw, heard, etc under the docks. If any of you (Rohuzar, Leelan, Guilim) intend to conceal or lie about any details, give me a deception check. And let me know what you would try to hide. If you have any questions for Judex Caius Spezza, just say the word.
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
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Grugga:
Grugga's eyes are immediately drawn to the fog coming out from behind the curtain. He'll have to ask Nevers about that. He stands in discomfort for a while, alternating between a relaxed pose and a more formal "at attention" pose before lapsing into a relaxed pose for a final time in his exhaustion. He listens to the scourge rattle off his recent history. He raises an eyebrow at Gel-Nagev being called a "lesser deity", then turns his attention to the floating pad, wondering if it recorded his reaction... then raises both eyebrows when he realizes that the scourge and the judex certainly didn't miss it.
He relaxes as the scourge continues on, though. Grugga nods along to the information passively. When the judex addresses him, he nods more attentively, "sure," he mumbles politely.
His eyes light up at the strange device. He motions to the box, "Can I touch it?" If he can, he handles it, spinning it around carefully in his hands. He puts it back into the velvet lined box, scratches an eyebrow with a thick fingernail, ejects some of his exhaustion in a sigh, and says...
(I'd like to use my inspiration for this arcana roll, if needed)
"If you believe you can do so safely, you may handle the device. We won't be responsible for your well being."
Grugga, after a brief inspection, you feel comfortable handling the device. You immediately understand why they wanted to show this to you. It is some kind of extremely sophisticated invention. These men have surely never seen anything like it. For that matter, you've never seen anything quite like it.
It was indeed a puzzle box, or something quite like a puzzle box. Completing the opening sequence would have triggered the device. Anyone who stumbled upon it would have been unlikely to decode it as the opening sequence requires 26 operations performed in order. You realize the material is an alloy of silver and mithril. The intricacies are too precise for any earthly crafting... either the device itself was built by magic, or the component pieces were forged at a much larger size and then magically shrunk to fit.
There is something else... some chalk like residue inside. You suspect some material was used a foci for the magical reaction here but it was burned up when the device triggered. The residue looks white inside the device, but it leaves your fingers with slight blue tint after handling it.
Two major takeaways:
While it is natural for these people to suspect this was your doing, or of another Pentwater artificer... you are confident it was not. All of the magical inventions of Gel-Nagev serve a purpose: Magic is used to power and create worldly inventions, with the goal of those inventions one day being possible without magic. You use magic so that one day you won't need to use magic. This device is the inverse of that. This thing is advanced tech used to augment and empower a magical effect. Some kind of spell was loaded into this device, and when triggered, the device released that spell, amplified and more powerful than it would have been if cast normally. There is something beautiful but almost blasphemous about this. No follower of Gel-Nagev would have built or used something like this. It is tech to advance magic, rather than magic to advance tech.
You can identify what this device was used for. The spell or effect it produced was intended to nullify or suppress necrotic energy. Once triggered, this device would have created something like a null magic field which would have rendered inert any necrotic spells or magic items. This would have been intense... it is hard to predict what effect this may have had... you calculate this may have been anywhere from 10x to 100x more powerful than a simple antimagic field but one that only targeted necrotic energy. That seems like an incredibly specific and impractical use for such an artifact, but whoever built and prepared it obviously had something very particular in mind for it.
If you intend to share all of this, go ahead. If you intend to conceal or alter any details, give me a deception check.
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 is pretty open about everything. He’ll also voice the most obvious conclusions, as a “man on the street” could tell: that the girl may be a sacrifice, the latest of many. The hydra maybe being a beast in thrall of a hag or some such creature. The girl’s location at Citizen Aubrey’s residence.
Grugga's weariness completely fades as his attention is completely drawn into this incredible yet blasphemous creation. He contemplates for a brief moment whether some judexi and a scourge should have access to this sort of information, but in the spirit of cooperation he decides to tell them the whole truth; he specifically tries to drive home the fact that an artificer would never create this, and that it must have been some other powerful magic user. Between inspections of specific parts of the box, he relays to the imperial agents:
"It's very interestingly made, and very powerful... or was, anyway. It's a focus for a specific spell... made of mithril-silver alloy." He lifts his hand away, noticing the blue-white dust, "A spell component was consumed in the casting, this dust here," he shows the judexi and the scourge, "I'm not sure what it is. Perhaps mithril-silver filings, but maybe something else completely - it's been completely used up in the casting. The box itself is smoother than any polishing could ever get it. Either the creator had a better polishing process than any known, or the pieces were created larger and then shrunk."
He spends quite a while twisting, poking, and pulling the box until he hears a click, "I count 26 operations until activation. Not many would be able to activate it other than by sheer luck if they came across it." After another while he sets the box down again and says, "The box was used as a focus to amplify a sort of anti-magic field that only worked on necromantic magic. It was more powerful than a usual anti-magic field... but whether that affected the duration or the size or the effect, I can't tell."
He takes a deep breath and rubs the tiredness out of his eyes, leaving a bit of blue-white residue on his face. "What I can say for sure is that no artificer did this... this is practically blasphemy. It's technology for the sake of magic - all artificers use magic for the sake of technology. We use it to create tools that better the lives of the masses... this is... this is a lot of work for someone's very personal project." He might come off as a bit rambly on the last point; he's tired, but earnest and sincere.
And then after a pause he can't help but ask, "Where did you find it?"
Persuasion if needed: 14
(I'm intending to tell them everything. If I left anything out, that was a player oversight, not Grugga's)
Leelan is also pretty open when interrogated. Although his testimony focuses almost exclusively on the confrontation with the hydra. He explains in excruciating detail all that he knows about this hydra and hydras in general, quoting researchers he has read, going over points of debate about those creatures among the scholarly community, exposing his own theories, etc. He basically begins talking their ears off until someone stops him, at which point he apologizes.
Rohuzar is pretty open about everything. He’ll also voice the most obvious conclusions, as a “man on the street” could tell: that the girl may be a sacrifice, the latest of many. The hydra maybe being a beast in thrall of a hag or some such creature. The girl’s location at Citizen Aubrey’s residence.
Rohuzar, the Judex focuses most of his questioning on you. He is chiefly interested in where the girl was submerged, and whether you could find it easily on the docks or if you would need to retrace your steps under the docks to get back there.
He also, seemingly at random, asks some questions about your service in the legion, about why you left, and about why you chose to go straight to Isme with this information.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
Leelan is also pretty open when interrogated. Although his testimony focuses almost exclusively on the confrontation with the hydra. He explains in excruciating detail all that he knows about this hydra and hydras in general, quoting researchers he has read, going over points of debate about those creatures among the scholarly community, exposing his own theories, etc. He basically begins talking their ears off until someone stops him, at which point he apologizes.
Leelan, he actually lets you go on for quite a while, and even asks a couple of questions that suggest he possesses at least a novice level understanding of monster physiology. He seems most interested in how someone or something might 'enthrall' such a beast.
Then, out of no where, he asks you what flavor hard candies are sold in Gregory Green's, the general store in Lonesome Light. You remember that they sold sassafras candies out of a little glass jar on the main counter... but the question is so odd and so specific to your childhood it is enough to jar you from your sermons on biology.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
Grugga's weariness completely fades as his attention is completely drawn into this incredible yet blasphemous creation. He contemplates for a brief moment whether some judexi and a scourge should have access to this sort of information, but in the spirit of cooperation he decides to tell them the whole truth; he specifically tries to drive home the fact that an artificer would never create this, and that it must have been some other powerful magic user. Between inspections of specific parts of the box, he relays to the imperial agents:
"It's very interestingly made, and very powerful... or was, anyway. It's a focus for a specific spell... made of mithril-silver alloy." He lifts his hand away, noticing the blue-white dust, "A spell component was consumed in the casting, this dust here," he shows the judexi and the scourge, "I'm not sure what it is. Perhaps mithril-silver filings, but maybe something else completely - it's been completely used up in the casting. The box itself is smoother than any polishing could ever get it. Either the creator had a better polishing process than any known, or the pieces were created larger and then shrunk."
He spends quite a while twisting, poking, and pulling the box until he hears a click, "I count 26 operations until activation. Not many would be able to activate it other than by sheer luck if they came across it." After another while he sets the box down again and says, "The box was used as a focus to amplify a sort of anti-magic field that only worked on necromantic magic. It was more powerful than a usual anti-magic field... but whether that affected the duration or the size or the effect, I can't tell."
He takes a deep breath and rubs the tiredness out of his eyes, leaving a bit of blue-white residue on his face. "What I can say for sure is that no artificer did this... this is practically blasphemy. It's technology for the sake of magic - all artificers use magic for the sake of technology. We use it to create tools that better the lives of the masses... this is... this is a lot of work for someone's very personal project." He might come off as a bit rambly on the last point; he's tired, but earnest and sincere.
And then after a pause he can't help but ask, "Where did you find it?"
Persuasion if needed: 14
(I'm intending to tell them everything. If I left anything out, that was a player oversight, not Grugga's)
Grugga:
"It was left behind at a crime scene. You're certain about the purpose of this? An effect to block necrotic energy..." the Judex trails off. "I'm not sure how that fits. And it does nothing to answer the primary question." He instructs the Scourge to gather the device. They lock it back up in the box and begin to leave. "This man was forthright with us. Compensate him for his service to the Emperor." With that, the Judex departs back into the main tavern.
The Scourge reaches to his side and his hand flashes toward you. For a moment you think he is attacking... but he has tossed you a pouch containing 20sp. "Go buy a shirt." He follows his Judex out the door.
For the moment, you are alone in the kitchens of the Robust Hound, as the swinging door slowly rocks back and forth.
Fifteen minutes after they went inside, the Judex and Scourge emerge from the kitchens and leave the tavern immediately. A moment or two [or more] later, Grugga emerges as well.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
Guilim will tell the truth as he feels there is nothing to hide about the job. If anything goes into his own background he will not lie about anything but will hold back if it gets to much into his personal life outside of it.
“Yes, Judex, I can take you there. We followed a set of lobster trap buoys set by a fisherman named Shaemus. Between the first and second buoys was where we came upon the falling woman.”
Rohuzar’s voice is level, but the cadence is mildly accusatory.
“… I found the legion did not vish me to succeed as I should. Izme also suffers from same disadvantage. She stay despite this. This is break in important case. She deserves chance to succeed.”
Guilim will tell the truth as he feels there is nothing to hide about the job. If anything goes into his own background he will not lie about anything but will hold back if it gets to much into his personal life outside of it.
Guilim, the only personal question he asks you also comes seemingly out of the blue, while you are describing how you gave your cloak to the young woman. He asks you the name of the knight you served, who eventually took you to join the Hook & Axe. He then goes back to questioning you about the night's events.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
“Yes, Judex, I can take you there. We followed a set of lobster trap buoys set by a fisherman named Shaemus. Between the first and second buoys was where we came upon the falling woman.”
Rohuzar’s voice is level, but the cadence is mildly accusatory.
“… I found the legion did not vish me to succeed as I should. Izme also suffers from same disadvantage. She stay despite this. This is break in important case. She deserves chance to succeed.”
He listens to your answers. "Excellent. Once I speak with the girl - Malia - I'll have you take me down to the docks and take a look at the scene where they were disposing of the victims."
The sun has yet to rise when he indicates he is satisfied with your questions. He goes to speak with Johnny Nevers and the returns. "You may each take a room upstairs. Courtesy of the innkeep. Catch a few hours and then we shall all go pay a visit to the young lady you rescued in the morning."
(While not enough time passes for a long rest, for storytelling purposes let us call it a 'long rest.')
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
Grugga exits out of the kitchen with a blank expression on his face, holding a small pouch in front of him. He joins the rest of the group as they finish speaking with the judex but he doesn't say anything. When the judexes and the scourge leave, he briefly explains to his group that they had him look at a piece of technology for them that was related to a crime. He says he'll explain more when they get Aubrey in the morning. After that he heads to the room he had taken last time and gets some much needed sleep.
Guilim gives the name as needed but tells nothing of the knight that had trained him how to fight, still bitter about the fact it had mostly been a joke to the human. He once they are released to sleep he goes to his room and begins the process of removing his armor. As before be locks the door and leaves both his halberd and dagger close at hand.
Taken aback by the out of place question of the Judex, he answers accordingly and stops his "lecture", having lost his train of thought. Once they are released, Leelan bids everyone good night and heads to his room where he promptly heads to bed, still sore from the battle.
Rohuzar sits at the table in the taproom for a long time, contemplating the meaning of what just happened before going to get what little rest he can before Dawn.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mid Morning, 12 May
12
3
Guilim, Rohuzar, Grugga and Leelanawake. The morning is bright and clear, but much cooler than the recent warm days. The air smells damp as a breeze finds its way in past the closed shutters of your second floor rooms.
Downstairs, you find four plates of biscuits, each accompanied by a glass of cidre. Mirlande is behind the bar, prepping for the day. The rest of the tavern is empty, but for Judex Caius Spezza. He is seated at a small table, his hood pulled up and covering most of his face. His hands are lying palm up on the table in front of him. A candle with a gossamer ribbon sits before him, along with a small metal dish, upon which is smoldering a tiny amount of unknown material, releasing a puff of thin, acrid smoke from time to time. He doesn't immediately react to your presence.
Mirlande waives you all over to the bar and the biscuits. "The lawman there asked that I have this ready for you when you all came down. I also have this..." She reached under the bar and hands you a short note. "Eskilasked me to give this to you all with his apologies."
Gentlemen, What a remarkable first adventure we have had! I hope to have more with you soon. However, I was contacted this morning with a matter that requires immediate attention. It will keep me here in the city, as I need to perform some research for a friend. I am not certain how long it will take to find the answers he needs, perhaps days, perhaps longer, but once complete I plan to reconnect with you all. Take care of yourselves. - Eskil.
As you share the note with one another, the Judex appears behind you. "Eat fast and then let's move. We will visit Citizen Goldentide and his houseguest and then we can part ways."
As you eat and then make your way on foot across town toward Aubrey's townhouse, Judex Spezza informs you your services in locating the dump site will not be necessary. While you slept he dispatched two of his Scourges to verify your story. They were able to locate the area where you found Malia. The scene had already been cleaned up, with the chains and stones removed from the lakebottom. Yet, it had clearly been done in a hurry and the bits of rusted chain that were left behind on the bottom, plus the mud and seaweed all over the ladders and docks above the dumpsite, confirmed enough of your story. "Of course this means our perpetrator is aware he's been discovered and is trying to cover his tracks. He's got at least a six hour head start on us. But with some luck, your girl can help me put a face on him."
You've all slept in later than you are used to and the city is already deep into its daily routines. Everywhere there is mud or puddles of standing water still left over from the heavy storms the night before, and you spot a couple of thatched rooves which suffered wind damage. The breeze has a chill to it, feeling more like early spring than the recent heatwave. As you cross the bridge into Umbridge and pass by the 'Little Prince', you see a menagerie has been setup below the walls of the stadium. Caged carts hold a variety of mundane beasts: bears, wolves, buffalo. A tent sits along side, with a sign promising more exotic creatures inside.
Just a bit further and you are outside the Goldentide townhouse. You easily spot a pair of cloaked figures wearing the gold sash of Scourges loitering about in front of the building. "I posted some men here last night. Unnecessary, as it turns out." He approaches the door and raps soundly on it four times.
*****
Aubrey, Zemo has just brought you some morning tea when you hear someone at the door. Soon Zemo appears and advises that your friends are here, accompanied by a Judex.
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
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Rohuzar follows Grugga’s steps with his eyes.
“Has he done something wrong? He is employee of mine.”
insight 12
Paladin - warforged - orange
18
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
"He'll be fine. Judex Vider needs his... expert opinion on something." Judex Spezza says with a smile.
Rohuzar, you get the impression he finds something funny about whatever is going on with Grugga and the other Judex, but no hint of alarm or malice.
Watching the other Judex on the other hand, you see a stone faced and serious man... but in his posture and eyes, before he goes into the kitchen with Grugga you see... frustration? Aggravation? He betrays just a hint that perhaps he doesn't want to be here right now, questioning one of your men in a tavern at gods know what hour of the morning.
Judex Spezza motions all of you over to a table and spends the next hour interrogating each of you about exactly what you saw, heard, etc under the docks. If any of you (Rohuzar, Leelan, Guilim) intend to conceal or lie about any details, give me a deception check. And let me know what you would try to hide. If you have any questions for Judex Caius Spezza, just say the word.
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
Grugga:
Grugga's eyes are immediately drawn to the fog coming out from behind the curtain. He'll have to ask Nevers about that. He stands in discomfort for a while, alternating between a relaxed pose and a more formal "at attention" pose before lapsing into a relaxed pose for a final time in his exhaustion. He listens to the scourge rattle off his recent history. He raises an eyebrow at Gel-Nagev being called a "lesser deity", then turns his attention to the floating pad, wondering if it recorded his reaction... then raises both eyebrows when he realizes that the scourge and the judex certainly didn't miss it.
He relaxes as the scourge continues on, though. Grugga nods along to the information passively. When the judex addresses him, he nods more attentively, "sure," he mumbles politely.
His eyes light up at the strange device. He motions to the box, "Can I touch it?" If he can, he handles it, spinning it around carefully in his hands. He puts it back into the velvet lined box, scratches an eyebrow with a thick fingernail, ejects some of his exhaustion in a sigh, and says...
(I'd like to use my inspiration for this arcana roll, if needed)
Arcana: 25
Grugga:
(Helluva time for a Nat 20)
"If you believe you can do so safely, you may handle the device. We won't be responsible for your well being."
Grugga, after a brief inspection, you feel comfortable handling the device. You immediately understand why they wanted to show this to you. It is some kind of extremely sophisticated invention. These men have surely never seen anything like it. For that matter, you've never seen anything quite like it.
It was indeed a puzzle box, or something quite like a puzzle box. Completing the opening sequence would have triggered the device. Anyone who stumbled upon it would have been unlikely to decode it as the opening sequence requires 26 operations performed in order. You realize the material is an alloy of silver and mithril. The intricacies are too precise for any earthly crafting... either the device itself was built by magic, or the component pieces were forged at a much larger size and then magically shrunk to fit.
There is something else... some chalk like residue inside. You suspect some material was used a foci for the magical reaction here but it was burned up when the device triggered. The residue looks white inside the device, but it leaves your fingers with slight blue tint after handling it.
Two major takeaways:
If you intend to share all of this, go ahead. If you intend to conceal or alter any details, give me a deception check.
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 is pretty open about everything. He’ll also voice the most obvious conclusions, as a “man on the street” could tell: that the girl may be a sacrifice, the latest of many. The hydra maybe being a beast in thrall of a hag or some such creature. The girl’s location at Citizen Aubrey’s residence.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Grugga:
Grugga's weariness completely fades as his attention is completely drawn into this incredible yet blasphemous creation. He contemplates for a brief moment whether some judexi and a scourge should have access to this sort of information, but in the spirit of cooperation he decides to tell them the whole truth; he specifically tries to drive home the fact that an artificer would never create this, and that it must have been some other powerful magic user. Between inspections of specific parts of the box, he relays to the imperial agents:
"It's very interestingly made, and very powerful... or was, anyway. It's a focus for a specific spell... made of mithril-silver alloy." He lifts his hand away, noticing the blue-white dust, "A spell component was consumed in the casting, this dust here," he shows the judexi and the scourge, "I'm not sure what it is. Perhaps mithril-silver filings, but maybe something else completely - it's been completely used up in the casting. The box itself is smoother than any polishing could ever get it. Either the creator had a better polishing process than any known, or the pieces were created larger and then shrunk."
He spends quite a while twisting, poking, and pulling the box until he hears a click, "I count 26 operations until activation. Not many would be able to activate it other than by sheer luck if they came across it." After another while he sets the box down again and says, "The box was used as a focus to amplify a sort of anti-magic field that only worked on necromantic magic. It was more powerful than a usual anti-magic field... but whether that affected the duration or the size or the effect, I can't tell."
He takes a deep breath and rubs the tiredness out of his eyes, leaving a bit of blue-white residue on his face. "What I can say for sure is that no artificer did this... this is practically blasphemy. It's technology for the sake of magic - all artificers use magic for the sake of technology. We use it to create tools that better the lives of the masses... this is... this is a lot of work for someone's very personal project." He might come off as a bit rambly on the last point; he's tired, but earnest and sincere.
And then after a pause he can't help but ask, "Where did you find it?"
Persuasion if needed: 14
(I'm intending to tell them everything. If I left anything out, that was a player oversight, not Grugga's)
Leelan is also pretty open when interrogated. Although his testimony focuses almost exclusively on the confrontation with the hydra. He explains in excruciating detail all that he knows about this hydra and hydras in general, quoting researchers he has read, going over points of debate about those creatures among the scholarly community, exposing his own theories, etc. He basically begins talking their ears off until someone stops him, at which point he apologizes.
Rohuzar, the Judex focuses most of his questioning on you. He is chiefly interested in where the girl was submerged, and whether you could find it easily on the docks or if you would need to retrace your steps under the docks to get back there.
He also, seemingly at random, asks some questions about your service in the legion, about why you left, and about why you chose to go straight to Isme with this information.
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
Leelan, he actually lets you go on for quite a while, and even asks a couple of questions that suggest he possesses at least a novice level understanding of monster physiology. He seems most interested in how someone or something might 'enthrall' such a beast.
Then, out of no where, he asks you what flavor hard candies are sold in Gregory Green's, the general store in Lonesome Light. You remember that they sold sassafras candies out of a little glass jar on the main counter... but the question is so odd and so specific to your childhood it is enough to jar you from your sermons on biology.
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
Grugga:
"It was left behind at a crime scene. You're certain about the purpose of this? An effect to block necrotic energy..." the Judex trails off. "I'm not sure how that fits. And it does nothing to answer the primary question." He instructs the Scourge to gather the device. They lock it back up in the box and begin to leave. "This man was forthright with us. Compensate him for his service to the Emperor." With that, the Judex departs back into the main tavern.
The Scourge reaches to his side and his hand flashes toward you. For a moment you think he is attacking... but he has tossed you a pouch containing 20sp. "Go buy a shirt." He follows his Judex out the door.
For the moment, you are alone in the kitchens of the Robust Hound, as the swinging door slowly rocks back and forth.
Fifteen minutes after they went inside, the Judex and Scourge emerge from the kitchens and leave the tavern immediately. A moment or two [or more] later, Grugga emerges as well.
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
Guilim will tell the truth as he feels there is nothing to hide about the job. If anything goes into his own background he will not lie about anything but will hold back if it gets to much into his personal life outside of it.
“Yes, Judex, I can take you there. We followed a set of lobster trap buoys set by a fisherman named Shaemus. Between the first and second buoys was where we came upon the falling woman.”
Rohuzar’s voice is level, but the cadence is mildly accusatory.
“… I found the legion did not vish me to succeed as I should. Izme also suffers from same disadvantage. She stay despite this. This is break in important case. She deserves chance to succeed.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Guilim, the only personal question he asks you also comes seemingly out of the blue, while you are describing how you gave your cloak to the young woman. He asks you the name of the knight you served, who eventually took you to join the Hook & Axe. He then goes back to questioning you about the night's events.
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
He listens to your answers. "Excellent. Once I speak with the girl - Malia - I'll have you take me down to the docks and take a look at the scene where they were disposing of the victims."
The sun has yet to rise when he indicates he is satisfied with your questions. He goes to speak with Johnny Nevers and the returns. "You may each take a room upstairs. Courtesy of the innkeep. Catch a few hours and then we shall all go pay a visit to the young lady you rescued in the morning."
(While not enough time passes for a long rest, for storytelling purposes let us call it a 'long rest.')
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
Grugga exits out of the kitchen with a blank expression on his face, holding a small pouch in front of him. He joins the rest of the group as they finish speaking with the judex but he doesn't say anything. When the judexes and the scourge leave, he briefly explains to his group that they had him look at a piece of technology for them that was related to a crime. He says he'll explain more when they get Aubrey in the morning. After that he heads to the room he had taken last time and gets some much needed sleep.
Guilim gives the name as needed but tells nothing of the knight that had trained him how to fight, still bitter about the fact it had mostly been a joke to the human. He once they are released to sleep he goes to his room and begins the process of removing his armor. As before be locks the door and leaves both his halberd and dagger close at hand.
Taken aback by the out of place question of the Judex, he answers accordingly and stops his "lecture", having lost his train of thought. Once they are released, Leelan bids everyone good night and heads to his room where he promptly heads to bed, still sore from the battle.
Rohuzar sits at the table in the taproom for a long time, contemplating the meaning of what just happened before going to get what little rest he can before Dawn.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Mid Morning, 12 May
12
3
Guilim, Rohuzar, Grugga and Leelan awake. The morning is bright and clear, but much cooler than the recent warm days. The air smells damp as a breeze finds its way in past the closed shutters of your second floor rooms.
Downstairs, you find four plates of biscuits, each accompanied by a glass of cidre. Mirlande is behind the bar, prepping for the day. The rest of the tavern is empty, but for Judex Caius Spezza. He is seated at a small table, his hood pulled up and covering most of his face. His hands are lying palm up on the table in front of him. A candle with a gossamer ribbon sits before him, along with a small metal dish, upon which is smoldering a tiny amount of unknown material, releasing a puff of thin, acrid smoke from time to time. He doesn't immediately react to your presence.
Mirlande waives you all over to the bar and the biscuits. "The lawman there asked that I have this ready for you when you all came down. I also have this..." She reached under the bar and hands you a short note. " Eskil asked me to give this to you all with his apologies."
Gentlemen, What a remarkable first adventure we have had! I hope to have more with you soon. However, I was contacted this morning with a matter that requires immediate attention. It will keep me here in the city, as I need to perform some research for a friend. I am not certain how long it will take to find the answers he needs, perhaps days, perhaps longer, but once complete I plan to reconnect with you all. Take care of yourselves. - Eskil.
As you share the note with one another, the Judex appears behind you. "Eat fast and then let's move. We will visit Citizen Goldentide and his houseguest and then we can part ways."
As you eat and then make your way on foot across town toward Aubrey's townhouse, Judex Spezza informs you your services in locating the dump site will not be necessary. While you slept he dispatched two of his Scourges to verify your story. They were able to locate the area where you found Malia. The scene had already been cleaned up, with the chains and stones removed from the lakebottom. Yet, it had clearly been done in a hurry and the bits of rusted chain that were left behind on the bottom, plus the mud and seaweed all over the ladders and docks above the dumpsite, confirmed enough of your story. "Of course this means our perpetrator is aware he's been discovered and is trying to cover his tracks. He's got at least a six hour head start on us. But with some luck, your girl can help me put a face on him."
You've all slept in later than you are used to and the city is already deep into its daily routines. Everywhere there is mud or puddles of standing water still left over from the heavy storms the night before, and you spot a couple of thatched rooves which suffered wind damage. The breeze has a chill to it, feeling more like early spring than the recent heatwave. As you cross the bridge into Umbridge and pass by the 'Little Prince', you see a menagerie has been setup below the walls of the stadium. Caged carts hold a variety of mundane beasts: bears, wolves, buffalo. A tent sits along side, with a sign promising more exotic creatures inside.
Just a bit further and you are outside the Goldentide townhouse. You easily spot a pair of cloaked figures wearing the gold sash of Scourges loitering about in front of the building. "I posted some men here last night. Unnecessary, as it turns out." He approaches the door and raps soundly on it four times.
*****
Aubrey, Zemo has just brought you some morning tea when you hear someone at the door. Soon Zemo appears and advises that your friends are here, accompanied by a Judex.
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