Back in town again and time to celebrate. The group wanders the town of Nicopolis looking for a place to grab an evening meal and ale. Rounding the corner of a stone paved street, they find their spot. From the outside it looks pleasant, snug and beautiful. Plastered walls and well-crafted wooden beams make up most of the building's outer structure. It's near impossible to see through the large, stained glass windows, but the music and songs from within can be felt outside. As you enter the tavern through the decorated, metal door, you're welcomed by excitement and cheerful singing. The bartender is buried in orders, but still manages to welcome you with a friendly nod. It's as charming inside as it is on the outside. Squared, stone beams support the upper floor and the candles attached to them. The walls are decorated with mounted animal heads, hides and small animals. It's clear the owner is an avid hunter and the smells coming from the kitchen indicate the animals don't go to waste..
The tavern itself is packed. Tourists seem to be the primary clientele here, which is probably the best clientele for the owner. Several long tables are occupied by, what seems to be entire families, all enjoying the food, drinks and company of each other. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who seem to be strangers to each other, all sitting here because there are no other seats. Though they all clearly enjoy each other's company. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company.
Upon entry, the group sees a few people notice their group, before they begin talking amongst themselves. Can they be stopped? The question rings throughout the tavern, subtlety echoing off the walls. The Dynamic Electric Bugaloo has done it again! The troves of treasure, out of reach for the average man, was taken with such ease that it almost seemed like a jest. The four did not grow up together, but the moment of their first adventure, they knew it was special.
The four members included Darrimus Frost, a paladin whose talent for fighting impresses all who watch and trained from his Order of Tempus and Oath of Vengeance. Laurentia Olvidar, a druid from the circle of spores, always learning and seeking to discover the true nature of the world. Ash, a changeling sorcerer from the blood of a red dragon. Her fire magic has always be spectatuclar and deadly. Then there was Silgar, the man who many think would want to stay in the shadows, but the call of the spotlight always had him using his magical abilities for praise and acknowledgement. Life was never fair and took its toll, but when the group was together, in that moment… the tally was gone. Forgotten and left, the group came together to achieve what was only celebrated in the drunken tales. The victory and the high was gathering steam. Surely there was nothing that they couldn’t handle. Well assuming that Stiglar wasn’t drunken again and arguing with the troll.
Their next quest came to them so quickly that they hadn’t a time to eat and celebrate their last victory. An older man, stricken with a large distractible burn mark on his face, greeted them at the bar. Grabbing a generous group of drinks, he asks for a moment of your time. Under normally circumstances, this would be easily dismissed as just another one of those stories. But this was something different. Darrimus could tell from the moment of approach. Whether it was intuition or Tempus’s call, his story was meant to be heard. Pulling Stilgar from a swaddle of pale busty beauties, the story was told of a town named Odaigo.
It was a long drawn out tale, Ash simply enjoying the share of ale in the tavern, drifted back into his head, to a time of youth, enjoying the sun on a summer day when the present came back to him with a literally slam. The man left an amulet where his fist once laid. The crest of eagle, showing towards the group. The man continued saying “I was the district captain and I was made to look like a silly doll! You don’t understand. I… I…” a long pause continued and Ash began to realize that the horrors this man spoke of, was more than just a tale. “I left them.. I tried… I saved what I could, but…” the man looks away, surveying the room to see if his outburst had alerted anyone before continuing “I tried to save him. I heard his cries for weeks, but his heart remained pure. Honestly if it wasn’t for that dwarf I wouldn’t be here now.” The man seems to regather himself before another figure walks up behind him grabbing him on the shoulder and saying “Melcher, calm yourself. He will be there when we return.” Melcher responds by saying “Ulala won’t allow that. You know how she twists him.”
The man removes his hood to reveal the pointed ears of an elf. As he moves to sit down at the table, the group can hear him remark under his breath “Cloth apparel is so restricting.. ” As he slowly sits down at the table. The elf begins to remark his tale “I considered them friends once, but I knew once the tail was taken that there would be no good to come from it.” The elf remarks a tale of a battered crew seeking to help to town before the arrival of a demon named “Sozos”. How he arrived remains a mystery, but the devastation is growing and became unstoppable. As the elf continues to elaborate on his story, Melcher turns and grabs another drink and a person from the bar. As he sits back down, he throws the new compatriot into the seat saying “TELL THEM. TELL THEM HOW YOU GOT THE TAIL!” Looking at the man, the group quickly realizes he is not human. Large grown teeth extrude from his lips. After a brief moment, the figure begins to talk. His accent is undeniable. Obviously of orc descent, he begins to tell his tale of his war tribe and the “capturing” of a demon’s tale from a band of swamp witches.
At this point even Laurentia wonders if this is even worth her time, but the figure pulls out his necklace, revealing a string of white beads around his neck. These symbols… She has seen them before. The magic of the bog is a well-studied area of his circle, but this is not right. The symbols are similar to what she has seen, but the archaic nature of them is undeniable. Maybe they predate what she and the circle knows.
After a long, well drawn out descriptive plea for help, the group looks around and with a simple question? “Why?” I mean sure it sounds interesting but there seems to be nothing to gain. Where is the fun of adventure with no treasure? Darrimus steps forward and denounces the tales. The elf looks straight at him, seeing the pendant around his neck. He lets out a shutter of sound before saying “You are his partner aren’t you! Graxxy be damned!” Upon hearing this, Darrimus freezes. Graxxy was his friend, a well-known paladin, but he was never referred to in fear. As he pushed the elf to explain more, he was heartbroken. The story of Graxxy betraying the order was almost too much for him to bear. But the doctrine is clear. Those that betray the order are not meant for this life.
A moment of silence draws over the group, leaving them to their thoughts. Silgar floats his cup with his invisible mage hand. Before thinking to himself “A whole town without guards to protect it? I can only imagine what information I could dig up from the local thieve’s guild regarding my.. Well let’s not even think about that. Just imagine what loot those demons probably neglected to take.”
As they each ponder the stories and tales of the human, elf and half-orc in front of them, they come to the difficult conclusion that adventures are normally about fame, riches and glory. However, this time, whether it be fate or the gods, it seems to be personal.
Laurentia looks ponderously towards Darrimus, "While I love to plumb the ancient depths for knowledge and lost secrets, it sounds as if this is something your oath demands of you. I think we understood that such a thing might come to pass when we began journeying with a paladin. I too must admit as a druid, though I do not often comment on my own oath, a demon is a terrible and unnatural creature that has no place on this plane. Its very presence destroys the balance of nature, none the less what it could do of it suceed in taking the city."
Ash seems detached, absorbed in memories of the past, until hearing one thing. "Ulala....?" he mutters, before perking up. It takes most of his energy to endure the rest of the strangers' story, until he finally bursts out: "ULALA!? Could it be!? Do you have....pictures? Something more tangible about these villains you describe? It couldn't be...perhaps finally...!?" Gathering his composure, he pauses to take in the features of the three characters while waiting for a response.
Odiago...Odiago..., stilgar digs through memories of treasures and relics long forgotten which under the current circumstances may be easily recovered and sold...
history: 8
stilgars eyes brighten as darrimus reveals his relation with graxxy the oathbreaker.
He whistles mockingly
”OooooWeeee! pallys got some beef huh? tell me Darrimus, were you two....lovers?
stilgar twirls his finger and snaps as a floating pink heart appears above the table before suddenly popping like a ballon
Laurentia laughs raucously at Stilgar's antics. "Was he a pretty boy Darrimus? Hahahahaha!" She turns back to Melcher and regains her serious composure. "When did this all start happening? Why were they given this spear in the first place? What was going on in Odaigo, and what incident started this demonic incursion?"
Darrimus looks down the ground clutches his fist. He takes a breath and looks back up.
"Graxxy was a great student of Tempus... He was always ambitious and wanted more. Never patient... It seems his was weak to the temptation of Power..."
Darrimus taps his sword.
"It matters not how his path lead him to this moment. A demon's tactics go against everything we have been taught. I must have Graxxy's pretty head and justice must be served."
Darrimus stands.
"There is no time like the present to take the battle to them. Before they can bolster their defenses even more."
Melcher looks at Ash and says "No, I don't have a picture, but I will never forget her calling card of terror." Melcher grabs an empty mug and flips it over and begins rhythmically tapping a beat as if the mug were a drum. The intensity starts low but then he begins to increase the volume slowly, then further til the sound begins to ring loud. Melcher suddenly grabs the cup and exclaims "BAM from out of no where she hits ya. I will never forget.. Poor Daren never stood a chance.." Melcher returns his hand back to his other cup and finishes the almost full cup of ale before waving down the bar tender for another round.
Stilgar wracks his brain for the history of Odaigo but he can't remember too much about the city besides its relative location and moderate wealth gathered from its farming and trade. He knows that Baron was known for his eagle crest and usually was very careful with his coffers. Keeping most of it locked away in his keep.
Laurentia questions Melcher and he replies "This all began at the Harvest Festival about a month and a half ago. The group in question had warned us about a figure known as the Blessed and during the ceremony, she launched her attack and kidnapped the Baron. This Blessed was a priestess with the Temple of Pelor but during her studies, she had accidentally discovered an artifact from the Underdark. How this affected her, we do not know, but she was found with the artifact in an abandoned store house by Graxxy, Ulala and Percy. She had held the Baron captive, but he was unconscious during it all and so her motives remain unknown. The Baron was pleased with the heroic actions of what we thought of as heroes. As the Baron threw a celebration for the three, they worked their way closer into his circle."
"Within the week, they convinced the Baron to be his personal and private guards. This is when the small attacks began. Creatures coming out of the darkness to stalk the citizens. Murdering! Kidnapping!" Melcher shakes his head. "We closed the city and enacted a strict curfew while we investigated the source, but this is exactly what they wanted. While the people were hiding, they took control. Slowly emptying the houses while nobody could see at night. Luckily, an informant of mine, "Melcher nods at the elf "told me of these atrocities and upon further investigation I found the sewer had been converted to some large prison and torture center. This is where I was captured and thrown in a cell next to a former dwarf annoyance of mine named Gorlok. They tortured me, burning me with hellish fire to make me talk. They wanted to know how and what I knew about their plan." Melcher touches the burn scar on his face before continuing.
"During our captivity, Gorlok informed of what truly happened on the day of the harvest festival. The arrival of the demon Sozos and the manipulation that he had done. In the darkness it was hard to tell how much time had past, but this gave us time for Gorlok to tell me everything he knew. The demon is powerful and Gorlok said he had even attempted to harm in but nothing seemed to hurt the demon. However, Gorlok had a theory. Obviously he had been gravely wounded before by the lose of his tail, however he was not sure of the method of its removal. He informed me that Grush had been the one to take the tail from a group of witches in the swamp and if we got out, that would be the first place he would look for a way to fight the demon."
Melcher takes a deep breath and continues "As the time in the darkness drifted by, Gorlok had managed to make a friend. Gorlok had trained a pet rat of his named Kear to get the key to our chains and cells. We attempted to make our escape, but the drums..." Melcher begins to tap his thumb feverishly on his glass. "They never stopped. No matter how far and fast we ran. Soon Gorlok and I were trapped at a drain that descended further into the sewer. He pushed me into it. When I came to, the drums had finally stopped and I was able to escape the sewers. At this point, I returned to Odaigo only to find that the city was over run. Creatures and monstrosities were wandering about every corner and I knew that I had no choice. I returned to the prison and freed Grush and left note for Lorarmir to meet us outside the city. We knew we had no choice, we had to flee and find help."
"A horrific tale to see such brave heroes corrupted. It sounds like the demon has quite well infested the city by this point as well. It will be a difficult quest." Here she stops and smiles. "But some would say that we are exacty the kind that should take up such a quest." Here she raises her flagon in toast before drinking.
“Drums… It could be her...no. It must be her! Oh, Ulala… When we were at the academy, I was always teased because of the cursed dragon’s blood that runs through my veins… THEY CALLED ME A FREAK. But Ulala, she was different...that kindness. We played music together (though I could never match her talents…). We learned each other’s languages… il-Yannah… always together. After we graduated, we went are separate ways because of our different duties. I heard rumors of her disappearing. Perhaps taken to the underdark they said! I could not bear the thought. I’ve been looking for her ever since... Looking for so many years!”
After closing his eyes and clenching his fist in dramatic fashion, Ash raises his gaze to the group still engaged in serious conversation.
“Hey...are you listening? Have I told this story already before…?”
"Yes, we should address this. Maybe these witches who initially took the tail will know of a weakness of Sozos. Once does not simply take a Demon's tail."
" Oh, did you say something Ash?" She laughs again. " I heard you Ash. You may have found her location at last, but it seems she has well been consumed the power of the demon. There may be a way to save her, but she may be lost."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ash seems to completely ignore Laurentia’s warning despite the mounting evidence. “Oh, Ulala...” After one more swig of ale, Ash produces a lyre from his belongings. He begins to strum the strings to create a nostalgic melody.
Ash plays his lyre with a song filled of joyous memories and also regretful decisions. Content with his music, he continues to listen as the group continues to discuss their upcoming strategy.
OOC: It seems like the decision is to go to the bog and see what the witches have to offer. Everyone can start off with 1000g and if you guys want we can do equipment shopping before the departure.
Stilgar downs the last of his ale without the use of his hands as the tankard floats seemingly on its own before slamming itself back on the table.
he gives the stubble on his chin a nervous scratch before turning his attention back on melcher and the others.
”are you three all thats left of the barrons men? seems like a fools errand trying to reclaim a city already conquered. infested with hellspawn and other terrors.
stilgar shrugs indifferently
“dont paint me unsympathetic...but im afraid whats lost may be lost...id consider yourselves lucky that you still retain ownership over your limbs...let alone your lives.
Stilgar catches the eye of a busty barmaid across the room and bites playfully at the air.
”wouldnt you rather spend your efforts chasing women and living deliciously. hang up your hats. youve done your time no?
Melcher and Grush look at Stilgar with a bit of disgust before Grush lets out a grunt and says "Heh the chase is always fun, but when it ends and life takes what you had away. You no longer lust for them beauties. Just a sense of revenge."
Loramir waits a moment for the two to be distracted again before whispering into Stilgar's ear "I am always down for some women and delicious living. Maybe we can invite them for a swim in the river.."
As the night continues Melcher hands Darrimus a note that lays out a plan and a way to contact him. The three from Odaigo are heading to another nearby town to request assistance in fighting the outbreak. They would like to meet back here in two weeks to organize what they can manage to recruit and to start the attack.
The group finishes the night and heads to the local inn. The next morning they decide to stock their wears before heading out on their adventure. The general store contains all expected items including rope and other equipment (I will leave it up to you guys to buy what you need)
Armorsmith contains your normal items: Breastplate 400 gp Chain Mail 75 gp Chain Shirt 50 gp Half Plate Armor 750 gp Hide Armor 10 gp Leather Armor 10 gp Padded Armor 5 gp Plate Armor 1,500 gp Ring Mail 30 gp Scale Mail 50 gp Spiked Armor 75 gp Splint Armor 200 gp Studded Leather Armor 45 gp
"I really only wish for two potions of healing she says to the merchant. " and finishes the transaction with the alchemist. Afterward she turns to the rest of the group," but I would not at all mind making a pool with my remaining gold to get us a bag of holding."
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Chapter two:
Back in town again and time to celebrate. The group wanders the town of Nicopolis looking for a place to grab an evening meal and ale. Rounding the corner of a stone paved street, they find their spot. From the outside it looks pleasant, snug and beautiful. Plastered walls and well-crafted wooden beams make up most of the building's outer structure. It's near impossible to see through the large, stained glass windows, but the music and songs from within can be felt outside. As you enter the tavern through the decorated, metal door, you're welcomed by excitement and cheerful singing. The bartender is buried in orders, but still manages to welcome you with a friendly nod. It's as charming inside as it is on the outside. Squared, stone beams support the upper floor and the candles attached to them. The walls are decorated with mounted animal heads, hides and small animals. It's clear the owner is an avid hunter and the smells coming from the kitchen indicate the animals don't go to waste..
The tavern itself is packed. Tourists seem to be the primary clientele here, which is probably the best clientele for the owner. Several long tables are occupied by, what seems to be entire families, all enjoying the food, drinks and company of each other. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who seem to be strangers to each other, all sitting here because there are no other seats. Though they all clearly enjoy each other's company. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company.
Upon entry, the group sees a few people notice their group, before they begin talking amongst themselves. Can they be stopped? The question rings throughout the tavern, subtlety echoing off the walls. The Dynamic Electric Bugaloo has done it again! The troves of treasure, out of reach for the average man, was taken with such ease that it almost seemed like a jest. The four did not grow up together, but the moment of their first adventure, they knew it was special.
The four members included Darrimus Frost, a paladin whose talent for fighting impresses all who watch and trained from his Order of Tempus and Oath of Vengeance. Laurentia Olvidar, a druid from the circle of spores, always learning and seeking to discover the true nature of the world. Ash, a changeling sorcerer from the blood of a red dragon. Her fire magic has always be spectatuclar and deadly. Then there was Silgar, the man who many think would want to stay in the shadows, but the call of the spotlight always had him using his magical abilities for praise and acknowledgement. Life was never fair and took its toll, but when the group was together, in that moment… the tally was gone. Forgotten and left, the group came together to achieve what was only celebrated in the drunken tales. The victory and the high was gathering steam. Surely there was nothing that they couldn’t handle. Well assuming that Stiglar wasn’t drunken again and arguing with the troll.
Their next quest came to them so quickly that they hadn’t a time to eat and celebrate their last victory. An older man, stricken with a large distractible burn mark on his face, greeted them at the bar. Grabbing a generous group of drinks, he asks for a moment of your time. Under normally circumstances, this would be easily dismissed as just another one of those stories. But this was something different. Darrimus could tell from the moment of approach. Whether it was intuition or Tempus’s call, his story was meant to be heard. Pulling Stilgar from a swaddle of pale busty beauties, the story was told of a town named Odaigo.
It was a long drawn out tale, Ash simply enjoying the share of ale in the tavern, drifted back into his head, to a time of youth, enjoying the sun on a summer day when the present came back to him with a literally slam. The man left an amulet where his fist once laid. The crest of eagle, showing towards the group. The man continued saying “I was the district captain and I was made to look like a silly doll! You don’t understand. I… I…” a long pause continued and Ash began to realize that the horrors this man spoke of, was more than just a tale. “I left them.. I tried… I saved what I could, but…” the man looks away, surveying the room to see if his outburst had alerted anyone before continuing “I tried to save him. I heard his cries for weeks, but his heart remained pure. Honestly if it wasn’t for that dwarf I wouldn’t be here now.” The man seems to regather himself before another figure walks up behind him grabbing him on the shoulder and saying “Melcher, calm yourself. He will be there when we return.” Melcher responds by saying “Ulala won’t allow that. You know how she twists him.”
The man removes his hood to reveal the pointed ears of an elf. As he moves to sit down at the table, the group can hear him remark under his breath “Cloth apparel is so restricting.. ” As he slowly sits down at the table. The elf begins to remark his tale “I considered them friends once, but I knew once the tail was taken that there would be no good to come from it.” The elf remarks a tale of a battered crew seeking to help to town before the arrival of a demon named “Sozos”. How he arrived remains a mystery, but the devastation is growing and became unstoppable. As the elf continues to elaborate on his story, Melcher turns and grabs another drink and a person from the bar. As he sits back down, he throws the new compatriot into the seat saying “TELL THEM. TELL THEM HOW YOU GOT THE TAIL!” Looking at the man, the group quickly realizes he is not human. Large grown teeth extrude from his lips. After a brief moment, the figure begins to talk. His accent is undeniable. Obviously of orc descent, he begins to tell his tale of his war tribe and the “capturing” of a demon’s tale from a band of swamp witches.
At this point even Laurentia wonders if this is even worth her time, but the figure pulls out his necklace, revealing a string of white beads around his neck. These symbols… She has seen them before. The magic of the bog is a well-studied area of his circle, but this is not right. The symbols are similar to what she has seen, but the archaic nature of them is undeniable. Maybe they predate what she and the circle knows.
After a long, well drawn out descriptive plea for help, the group looks around and with a simple question? “Why?” I mean sure it sounds interesting but there seems to be nothing to gain. Where is the fun of adventure with no treasure? Darrimus steps forward and denounces the tales. The elf looks straight at him, seeing the pendant around his neck. He lets out a shutter of sound before saying “You are his partner aren’t you! Graxxy be damned!” Upon hearing this, Darrimus freezes. Graxxy was his friend, a well-known paladin, but he was never referred to in fear. As he pushed the elf to explain more, he was heartbroken. The story of Graxxy betraying the order was almost too much for him to bear. But the doctrine is clear. Those that betray the order are not meant for this life.
A moment of silence draws over the group, leaving them to their thoughts. Silgar floats his cup with his invisible mage hand. Before thinking to himself “A whole town without guards to protect it? I can only imagine what information I could dig up from the local thieve’s guild regarding my.. Well let’s not even think about that. Just imagine what loot those demons probably neglected to take.”
As they each ponder the stories and tales of the human, elf and half-orc in front of them, they come to the difficult conclusion that adventures are normally about fame, riches and glory. However, this time, whether it be fate or the gods, it seems to be personal.
Laurentia looks ponderously towards Darrimus, "While I love to plumb the ancient depths for knowledge and lost secrets, it sounds as if this is something your oath demands of you. I think we understood that such a thing might come to pass when we began journeying with a paladin. I too must admit as a druid, though I do not often comment on my own oath, a demon is a terrible and unnatural creature that has no place on this plane. Its very presence destroys the balance of nature, none the less what it could do of it suceed in taking the city."
Ash seems detached, absorbed in memories of the past, until hearing one thing. "Ulala....?" he mutters, before perking up. It takes most of his energy to endure the rest of the strangers' story, until he finally bursts out: "ULALA!? Could it be!? Do you have....pictures? Something more tangible about these villains you describe? It couldn't be...perhaps finally...!?"
Gathering his composure, he pauses to take in the features of the three characters while waiting for a response.
Odiago...Odiago..., stilgar digs through memories of treasures and relics long forgotten which under the current circumstances may be easily recovered and sold...
history: 8
stilgars eyes brighten as darrimus reveals his relation with graxxy the oathbreaker.
He whistles mockingly
”OooooWeeee! pallys got some beef huh? tell me Darrimus, were you two....lovers?
stilgar twirls his finger and snaps as a floating pink heart appears above the table before suddenly popping like a ballon
*wink*
Laurentia laughs raucously at Stilgar's antics. "Was he a pretty boy Darrimus? Hahahahaha!" She turns back to Melcher and regains her serious composure. "When did this all start happening? Why were they given this spear in the first place? What was going on in Odaigo, and what incident started this demonic incursion?"
Darrimus looks down the ground clutches his fist. He takes a breath and looks back up.
"Graxxy was a great student of Tempus... He was always ambitious and wanted more. Never patient... It seems his was weak to the temptation of Power..."
Darrimus taps his sword.
"It matters not how his path lead him to this moment. A demon's tactics go against everything we have been taught. I must have Graxxy's pretty head and justice must be served."
Darrimus stands.
"There is no time like the present to take the battle to them. Before they can bolster their defenses even more."
Laurentia nods in agreement. " They are no good for this realm. Every moment counts."
7
20
11
Melcher looks at Ash and says "No, I don't have a picture, but I will never forget her calling card of terror." Melcher grabs an empty mug and flips it over and begins rhythmically tapping a beat as if the mug were a drum. The intensity starts low but then he begins to increase the volume slowly, then further til the sound begins to ring loud. Melcher suddenly grabs the cup and exclaims "BAM from out of no where she hits ya. I will never forget.. Poor Daren never stood a chance.." Melcher returns his hand back to his other cup and finishes the almost full cup of ale before waving down the bar tender for another round.
Stilgar wracks his brain for the history of Odaigo but he can't remember too much about the city besides its relative location and moderate wealth gathered from its farming and trade. He knows that Baron was known for his eagle crest and usually was very careful with his coffers. Keeping most of it locked away in his keep.
Laurentia questions Melcher and he replies "This all began at the Harvest Festival about a month and a half ago. The group in question had warned us about a figure known as the Blessed and during the ceremony, she launched her attack and kidnapped the Baron. This Blessed was a priestess with the Temple of Pelor but during her studies, she had accidentally discovered an artifact from the Underdark. How this affected her, we do not know, but she was found with the artifact in an abandoned store house by Graxxy, Ulala and Percy. She had held the Baron captive, but he was unconscious during it all and so her motives remain unknown. The Baron was pleased with the heroic actions of what we thought of as heroes. As the Baron threw a celebration for the three, they worked their way closer into his circle."
"Within the week, they convinced the Baron to be his personal and private guards. This is when the small attacks began. Creatures coming out of the darkness to stalk the citizens. Murdering! Kidnapping!" Melcher shakes his head. "We closed the city and enacted a strict curfew while we investigated the source, but this is exactly what they wanted. While the people were hiding, they took control. Slowly emptying the houses while nobody could see at night. Luckily, an informant of mine, "Melcher nods at the elf "told me of these atrocities and upon further investigation I found the sewer had been converted to some large prison and torture center. This is where I was captured and thrown in a cell next to a former dwarf annoyance of mine named Gorlok. They tortured me, burning me with hellish fire to make me talk. They wanted to know how and what I knew about their plan." Melcher touches the burn scar on his face before continuing.
"During our captivity, Gorlok informed of what truly happened on the day of the harvest festival. The arrival of the demon Sozos and the manipulation that he had done. In the darkness it was hard to tell how much time had past, but this gave us time for Gorlok to tell me everything he knew. The demon is powerful and Gorlok said he had even attempted to harm in but nothing seemed to hurt the demon. However, Gorlok had a theory. Obviously he had been gravely wounded before by the lose of his tail, however he was not sure of the method of its removal. He informed me that Grush had been the one to take the tail from a group of witches in the swamp and if we got out, that would be the first place he would look for a way to fight the demon."
Melcher takes a deep breath and continues "As the time in the darkness drifted by, Gorlok had managed to make a friend. Gorlok had trained a pet rat of his named Kear to get the key to our chains and cells. We attempted to make our escape, but the drums..." Melcher begins to tap his thumb feverishly on his glass. "They never stopped. No matter how far and fast we ran. Soon Gorlok and I were trapped at a drain that descended further into the sewer. He pushed me into it. When I came to, the drums had finally stopped and I was able to escape the sewers. At this point, I returned to Odaigo only to find that the city was over run. Creatures and monstrosities were wandering about every corner and I knew that I had no choice. I returned to the prison and freed Grush and left note for Lorarmir to meet us outside the city. We knew we had no choice, we had to flee and find help."
"A horrific tale to see such brave heroes corrupted. It sounds like the demon has quite well infested the city by this point as well. It will be a difficult quest." Here she stops and smiles. "But some would say that we are exacty the kind that should take up such a quest." Here she raises her flagon in toast before drinking.
4
“Drums… It could be her...no. It must be her! Oh, Ulala…
When we were at the academy, I was always teased because of the cursed dragon’s blood that runs through my veins… THEY CALLED ME A FREAK. But Ulala, she was different...that kindness. We played music together (though I could never match her talents…). We learned each other’s languages… il-Yannah… always together. After we graduated, we went are separate ways because of our different duties. I heard rumors of her disappearing. Perhaps taken to the underdark they said! I could not bear the thought. I’ve been looking for her ever since... Looking for so many years!”
After closing his eyes and clenching his fist in dramatic fashion, Ash raises his gaze to the group still engaged in serious conversation.
“Hey...are you listening? Have I told this story already before…?”
Darrimus nods in agreeance with Percy.
"Yes, we should address this. Maybe these witches who initially took the tail will know of a weakness of Sozos. Once does not simply take a Demon's tail."
" Oh, did you say something Ash?" She laughs again. " I heard you Ash. You may have found her location at last, but it seems she has well been consumed the power of the demon. There may be a way to save her, but she may be lost."
Ash seems to completely ignore Laurentia’s warning despite the mounting evidence.
“Oh, Ulala...”
After one more swig of ale, Ash produces a lyre from his belongings. He begins to strum the strings to create a nostalgic melody.
“Once there was a girl~ her name was Ulala~”
Performance: 24
Ash plays his lyre with a song filled of joyous memories and also regretful decisions. Content with his music, he continues to listen as the group continues to discuss their upcoming strategy.
OOC: It seems like the decision is to go to the bog and see what the witches have to offer. Everyone can start off with 1000g and if you guys want we can do equipment shopping before the departure.
Stilgar downs the last of his ale without the use of his hands as the tankard floats seemingly on its own before slamming itself back on the table.
he gives the stubble on his chin a nervous scratch before turning his attention back on melcher and the others.
”are you three all thats left of the barrons men? seems like a fools errand trying to reclaim a city already conquered. infested with hellspawn and other terrors.
stilgar shrugs indifferently
“dont paint me unsympathetic...but im afraid whats lost may be lost...id consider yourselves lucky that you still retain ownership over your limbs...let alone your lives.
Stilgar catches the eye of a busty barmaid across the room and bites playfully at the air.
”wouldnt you rather spend your efforts chasing women and living deliciously. hang up your hats. youve done your time no?
Melcher and Grush look at Stilgar with a bit of disgust before Grush lets out a grunt and says "Heh the chase is always fun, but when it ends and life takes what you had away. You no longer lust for them beauties. Just a sense of revenge."
Loramir waits a moment for the two to be distracted again before whispering into Stilgar's ear "I am always down for some women and delicious living. Maybe we can invite them for a swim in the river.."
As the night continues Melcher hands Darrimus a note that lays out a plan and a way to contact him. The three from Odaigo are heading to another nearby town to request assistance in fighting the outbreak. They would like to meet back here in two weeks to organize what they can manage to recruit and to start the attack.
The group finishes the night and heads to the local inn. The next morning they decide to stock their wears before heading out on their adventure. The general store contains all expected items including rope and other equipment (I will leave it up to you guys to buy what you need)
Armorsmith contains your normal items:
Breastplate 400 gp
Chain Mail 75 gp
Chain Shirt 50 gp
Half Plate Armor 750 gp
Hide Armor 10 gp
Leather Armor 10 gp
Padded Armor 5 gp
Plate Armor 1,500 gp
Ring Mail 30 gp
Scale Mail 50 gp
Spiked Armor 75 gp
Splint Armor 200 gp
Studded Leather Armor 45 gp
As well as three special items:
This ornate armor once belonged to the illustrious fighter Finy, leader of the Silver Lions.
This masterwork armor is said to protect its wearer from the gaze of a basilisk.
A distinctive shield, inlaid with silver.
The alchemist has:
This translucent oil causes one's hair to turn blue when used.
This cloudy oil smells spicy.
This thin elixir causes one's hair to turn green when used.
A luminous admixture, contained in a square crystal phial.
This glowing serum causes motes of red light to appear when used.
Unfortunately, the group was unable to locate a trap maker but they did find a miscellaneous trader:
This distinctive item was taken from the hoard of the dragon Balilu.
This ornate item once belonged to the dwarf hero Orin, who slew the Behemoth of the Bundushizd Mountains
"I really only wish for two potions of healing she says to the merchant. " and finishes the transaction with the alchemist. Afterward she turns to the rest of the group," but I would not at all mind making a pool with my remaining gold to get us a bag of holding."