(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown

"Certainly, we will find you a place to work undisturbed." Aubrey answers Rohuzar with a polite smile.

Aubrey stays close to the Duke, listening politely and being pleasant company in general. His mind however is already mulling through all the possibilities this endavour could mean for his family. He will however be ready to depart for the townhouse when anyone in the team wants to. On the way home he would let Furvus keep a look out for threats in the night.

Grugga joins the others who stayed for a nightcap when they leave for Aubrey's townhouse. Like the others, Grugga was somewhat absent from the conversation at the end of the party because his mind was also already on the job at hand. When they all arrive back at the manor, Grugga will explain that he will spend his time preparing by looking for any relevant information about Amnifortis's history and layout at the library. He also suggests that he might be able to handle some specialized tools for getting through old locked doors and possibly specialized tools for mapping.

Finally, he also suggests that they take a riverboat down to Amnifortis and stop by Way Isle on the way to get some plague PPE from Dr. Barr.

Preparation Day: 1

[DM is working on a map of Amnifortis.  I may not have it ready until this weekend. ]

Leelan, you receive a package of notes from the Emperor's courier.  It contains details on some of the creatures found within the ruins.

• 'Tentacle Beasts':  Reports describe creatures of unknown numbers, size and appearance.  They are known only by their long arms or tentacles, which end in toothy, starfish-like hands, which dart out of doorways and windows to snatch the unwary.  
• 'Spider-dragons':  These creatures are said to be the size of a dog, with the body of a spider topped with a long neck and a frightening, dragon-like head.  They seem to be able to hypnotize or otherwise charm humanoids.
• 'Flying Rugs':  These are some of the most dangerous aberrations encountered thus far.  They have been described as flying rugs, or as moving windows, or as living darkness.  They attack from hiding, with the creature appearing as if from nowhere, wrapping up a victim, and either flying off with them or disappearing.
• 'Living Garbage': These appear to be piles of trash, refuse, or plant waste come to life.  
• 'Screaming Slimes': As the nickname suggests, they are not unlike common molds and slimes, but they speak nonsense riddles or just scream.
• 'Demon Birds': Large, birdlike monsters large enough to carry off a man. These do not typically engage with scouts, but seem to patrol the center of the city.
• 'Whistlers':  It is not known if there are actual whistlers, or not, as none have ever been seen.  The ruins are known to create visual and auditory hallucinations in some people, and so that may account for this.  Nevertheless, the reports of strange whistling sounds do sync up with increases in scout disappearances.

After having reviewed carefully the imperial scouting reports, Leelan will spend the part of the remaining preparation time at the library trying to see if he can cross-reference the descriptions with actual monsters that are referenced in texts.

The other part of his preparation time will be spent replenishing his stockpile of parchment paper and ink, as well as powedered silver and iron. He will also contribute to the purchase of any supplies (tools, rations, weapons, etc.) the group will need for this expedition.

Rohuzar spends his first day preparing disentanglement from the Red Band on as amicable terms as possible, doing any paperwork required by Lt Falstaff, and includes a letter stating how pleased he was to have been a part of the guild, along with personal notes, voicing appreciation for Lt Falstaff in particular.

He then heads to turn it in, rolling the letter and putting the ring Falstaff gave to him around it, along with a package containing the "Red Band" cloaks, hats, etc. 

Grugga is in his element now! He heads to the Lady Miranda Memorial Library first thing in the morning to begin researching Amnifortis' layout and defenses. He searches for old maps, information about district layout/zoning, special landmarks that could guide us, buildings that may be booby trapped (vaults, manors, palaces, etc.), and areas that might hold treasure.

Investigation: 9

He also takes some time to write Bishop Cleghorn: "Hag dead. Captured by Emperor's guard. Cultists disguised in Judexi ranks, but got flushed out. Should be safe now. Possibly more than one hag though?"

Assuming everything goes well with the rest of the evening and getting beck to Aubrey's town house Aubrey would try to contribute by using his contacts to arrange or at least advice on the team's journey to Amnifortis, suggesting safest and fastest route, where to stop and rest, what and where to avoid and such, possibly a river boat of some kind. His family might have connections here. He would also use his own family's and conncetion to other old noble families' available information on Amnifortis and their former holdings in the city. Other old noble families might perhaps be interested in investing in the success of this endeavour.

Persuasion if needed: 17

Leelan, make an investigation roll, and a persuasion roll.

Rohuzar,  Lt. Falstaff is surprisingly nonplussed by your news.  The reason is soon made clear, as you learn Guilim has decided to remain with the Red Band and has been given his own team to lead.  He already informed Falstaff about the new job you have taken, and the Red Band could not be more eager to distance themselves from the Emperor's personal business.  Falstaff does offer his professional congratulations on your new project as he collects your Red Band insignia ring.

Grugga, you receive a pleasant letter in response from Bishop Cleghorn, along with a potion of water breathing.  You also locate several maps of Amnifortis from before the Breach.

[This is an old map I made quickly during my old campaign.  I have been working on something more detailed but it is taking me ages.  With luck I will have it done before you actually get there... In the meantime, this is 90+% accurate.  Mons Basilicae is a flat-topped hill to the southwest of the city, obscured by the map legend.  Most of the temples and cemeteries are located there.]

Aubrey, the journey south should be safe as you would either be traveling through Pentwater (if you follow the west bank of the Breitvasser) or Valar (if you follow the east bank).  A riverboat is certainly an option, though its chief benefit would be cutting time and allowing for relaxing travel, rather than any need for safety.  Riverboat traffic routinely passes through the ruins of Amnifortis, and there are mercenary boats that sell themselves as escorts through the ruined city.  River traffic usually then puts in at Purgis before being transferred to sea-faring vessels.

Your inquiries about financing find two families interested in investing in your endeavor.  Both are willing to invest 500gp.

• One wants you to find a collection of paintings said to be stored in the vaults of the 2nd Imperial Aurum House Bank.
• The other wants you to find a relic buried in their family crypt.

Investigation: 6

Persuasion: 18

Leelan, you spend a great deal of time and effort searching the racks at the library for information on aberrations, but there is precious little to be learned.  Most of it seems to be based on religious superstitions, or confusion with fiends and other more 'mundane' evils.

Talking with some of the librarians, however, you are able to convince them to grant you access to some of the 'reserved' areas of the library, where sensitive scrolls and tomes are kept under lock and key.

Leelan catalogs the information he’s gathered in his manuscript. Should this data be true, it would be a great indicator of the challenges ahead, as well as a promising lead in the advancement of his research.

At some point in the week of preparation, Leelan will find time to discuss his findings in private with his team. He will tell them about the alien nature of some of the creatures they might encounter, and how this bizarre nature will make it difficult to study them logically. The gnome also tells about the "Great Old Ones", the mysterious masters of these monsters that were once worshipped by humans. He sounds somewhat perturbed by this last revelation.

Grugga pushes back against Leelan's revelation, "The scrolls were old, you say? Perhaps they didn't understand what they were seeing or hearing and misconstrued some information... In all my time studying, I've never heard of what you're talking about. Of course, the world is full of secrets, but..." He lets it drop. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take some extra precautions, in any case. Did you learn anything about how to protect ourselves from these things?"

"Has anyone discovered anything about the current state of the city? I've found an excellent old map from before its destruction. If we could overlay that with current conditions, we could get a good idea of where it would be most efficient to spend our time. At the very worst we could ask some of those boat captains who pass through the river regularly - they might have some sort of idea."

Grugga pores over the map with his allies and traces his fat, gray finger over the route his proposes. "With any luck we could start here." He points at Mons Basilicae at the southwest. "The buildings are sparse and we might be able to rescue some relics from the temples. Most of the cemeteries are here as well, if we're going to take up the noble family on their offer." He moves his finger westward. "We could enter through the gate by the circus plaza - that should be clear - and move toward the old city and into the Mastieri gardens and castle Mastieri. I suppose that's where there emperor's interest is greatest, wouldn't you say?" He points at the river. "We could also try to enter through the riverbank, but I'm not sure how safe it will be to keep a boat there, and if we need to make a quick escape it would be best if we knew a clear route out of the city." Grugga looks up to his human friend, "Aubrey, your family had estates here, right? Should we try to find them?"

As the week continues, Grugga tries to find out more about the districts and landmarks he's uncovered. He's looking for treasure, imperial artifacts, relics of historical or religious significance, etc. to bring back.

Investigation: 25

Aubrey would join Leelan and Grugga as they discuss their findings so far, clearly curious over everything the two learned men have uncovered about his family's ancient home. "I'm sure this knowledge will be helpful even if I suspect we will make discoveries of our own during our expedition." He starts as he closely surveys the map the artificer presents. "I think I would prefer using a river boat as our base of operations but I suppose we can make a landing outside the city walls. If we use a river boat we could let the crew move us to open water while we rest and recuperate." He continues as he studies the old map. "And yes Grugga, I would very much appreciate if we could exploer my family's old estates." He says with a nod to the artificer.

Aubrey would continue to use his connections as before to find a suitable river boat with a reliable crew but also more information on Amnifortis in general. Aubrey would also return to the two mentioned noble families and accept their investment of 1 000 gp which he suggests Rohuzar should handle and possibly distribute between the team members.

Another persuasion roll if needed: 11

Rohuzar will accept the 1,000 gold pieces and not touch it or divide it up at this point. 

He'll go looking for parcels of gear to accomplish their tasks. 

• Grappling hooks x3
• Chain legths x2
• Climbing gear x2
• Mapping tools (cartography set)
• A sophisticated set of thieves' tools, need something that can pop a vault. 
• A sledgehammer
• A shovel
• Map/scroll cases x10, suitable for art, documents etc. 
• A chest with lock and key, x2
• A set of blinds, camoflage for the boat when we aren't around
• Signal flares? Is that a thing? Some sort of emergency notice? Special alchemist's fire?
• A silvered javelin. X3? Not sure where I'm at for coin, but I wanted to see where I'm at for finding this stuff before I worried about adding it up

Grugga, there is a wealth of information about Amnifortis in the libraries and map shops of Bardstown and you absorb all the details you can.  You learn the following about the city's districts and landmarks from the years prior to the Breach.

1. The Old City

Once the site of a small hill, the old city is said to be the location of the very first dwarven settlements that sat at the rivermouth, prior to the arrival of humans.  Under the cobblestone streets are the foundations of older buildings and abandoned sewer tunnels. 

Notable Landmarks:  Circus Plaza, a parade ground and home to the Greyhall Stadium; Napoli's Art College; the Stone Anchor, largest and most famous inn in the city; Little Sisters Shrine, literacy school and orphanarium; the grand Universitas Vitae; House of Glass and Mirrors, magical college specializing in the schools of transmutation and illusion.

2. Mastieri Gardens

The riverside district outside of Castle Mastieri.  In addition to the private forest of the Mastieri's, this district also includes several sprawling noble manors.

Notable Landmarks: The kingswood; the Praetorium Magesterium, seat of noble government; Mansions belonging to such prominent families as the Cammarotta's, the Falcone's, and the Bunetti's; the Hooded Wanderer, a massive marble statue depicting Saint Christopher after his apotheosis.

3. Castle Mastieri

A sprawling complex in the heart of the city.  The walls are part of the castle itself.... the many windows in the 4 story stone walls make the castle look like one massive, solid building from the outside... in reality the walls are quite narrow and the interior is mostly open courtyards and gardens.

4. Fort Breitvasser

Both an army and a naval base, it is the garrison for the local imperial legions and the port for many small vessels that patrol the Breitvasser Bay for pirates.

5. Argentum Heights

Rising on a cliff at the south end of the city, this neighborhood is the home of the wealthy merchants and nobility.  This area commands great views of the city and coastline, though the residences are packed tightly together and do not have the same grounds and gardens as some of the other noble estates in town.

6. Mons Basilicae

A large, flat topped hill west of the city proper.  The temples to most of the gods are kept here.  Kryptos' temple is at the bottom of the hill, and many of the cities crypts and mausoleums are built into the hill's base.

7.  Dawnborough

Once a separate settlement, in the days before the great stone bridges and walls were built, this neighborhood was later incorporated into the city.  It's downtown is sometimes called the "Other Old City".

Notable Landmarks:  Pavil & Chicolini Grand Theater; the Grand River Hotel; Imperial Museum of History; St. Christopher's Gate

8. Mercantile District

Outside the western walls of the city, this is where many of the tradegoods are manufactured before heading to market.  Jewelers, armorers and smiths, whittlers, cobblers, seamstresses, etc all have shops and factories here, mostly employing dwarven and elven laborers.

9.  Newport

Part of a massive public works project, erosion of the rivermouth had undermined the foundations here.  Newport was the result of decades of work to install new stone seawalls, rebuild the undercity, and build new docks and shipbuilding centers.

Notable Landmarks:  Temple of Ord; Goldentide Manor

10. Marketgarden

The breadbasket of the city.  Here, food coming in from the fields and farms are stored in warehouses.  There are mills for grain, slaughterhouses for meat, and farmers markets for the trading of fresh produce.

11.  Elven Quarter

Unlike the slightly more affluent dwarven quarter, this is mostly a slum.  Elves are not permitted to own property within the walls of the city, and so the servants, grooms, chefs and artisans who work inside the city make their homes here.

Notable Landmarks:  Dawntreader Trade Guildhouse (destroyed by fire in c.2004)

12 Dwarven Quarter

Unlike elves, dwarves are allowed to own property inside the walls.  However, building codes prevent downward expansion below a basement level.  As a result, most dwarves choose to live in this district.  Many of the homes here consist of a walled courtyard at ground level, with the actual living space extending down from there.

Aubrey, the first noble agrees to finance your expedition based on your family's good name, and the understanding that if you located these paintings and tried to sell them yourself, connections within the art world would soon bring word back to them of your treachery.  

The second family is a little more insistent on a secure contract.  The problem they have is, the exact nature of the artifact isn't clear.  Their family records advise them that a secret relic is held inside the crypt.  It is supposed to remain there unless the family is in dire need.  Since they do not know exactly what they are asking you to find, they are vulnerable to deceipt on your part (ie. if you come back with a large solid gold, diamond studded urn, they have no way of proving that is their solid gold diamond studded urn).  To protect themselves, they insist on the following in order to secure their 500gp funding:  Aubrey and at least one other member of the expedition must consent to a Geas, to be applied by clerics of Asmodeus.  The terms of the Geas will be as follows:

1. While on the expedition, a good faith effort will be made to locate the Chiropperas family crypt, and within that crypt the hidden relic. 

2. Furthermore, if the relic is located, it will be returned to the Chiropperas family in Bardstown at the earliest reasonable date. 

Failure to follow through on point 1., or on point 2. if one is completed, will cause a red rose held in custody by the church of Asmodeus to turn black, revealing that the Geas has been broken.  This will be seen as a Breach of Contract, with compensatory and punitive damages owed to the Chiropperas family as judged appropriate by an Imperial Magister.

Aubrey would inform the others in the team back at his townhouse about the conditions of house Chiropperas, suggesting it should be accepted by himself and Rohuzar as geas-holders, but leaving the decision with Rohuzar.

Rohuzar is more than hesitant. "Citizen Aubrey... Ve must cautious. Honest men ask for honest vork. These men vant contract, fine. They vant to bind my vill? No. And neither should you. You are CITIZEN AUBREY GOLDENTIDE. And that should mean something." 

Aubrey, you may notice that Rohuzar has often held you at arms' length, referring to you by your position, and title. This time, he's pretty agitated about it, the way he says your name.

"I don't agree anyone would bind my will, not in any other way than a legal contract would. I don't think I have explained this clearly enough then, the geas is simply to confirm whether we decide to do what we agreed to. We are not forced to do this, but compensation would be needed if we don't do what we can to follow through on what we would agree to. If you feel the conditions are too harsh we should of course simply not accept them." Aubrey responds with a confused frown.

Rohuzar nods. "If they von't take your vord as good enough, then they'll have to bid on the treasures ve find like everybody else."