Session One Hundred and Twenty-Five (Graveyard of Empires Summary)
As promised :
Journal Entry: 11th of Ten’Relden
It has been an eventful few days – starting with the surprising return of Axel. I thought the dwarf had joined the ranks of the undying – but lo and behold he escaped his captors and is amoung us again. I just wish he had better news.
My worst fears were confirmed by his story – there is a greater threat than the machinations of Marchmain, the Dark King or even Kalgunn (more on it later). It seems we have 5 months in order to find a solution to a great destruction and likely return of an ancient foe. The dwarves are coming, and they won’t be happy with the mess that old rebellion has wrought. A mess that our explorations and actions have only made more complicated to solve. Ah – but I’ll elaborate on that when I have more time.
We’ve hired on a new henchman – an illusionist fallen on hard times, Edis Applebee. Recommended to us by way of Severe Kaiser – a local thief with some promising talent. What is more interesting was his story – he was attacked some 6 months ago, rather threatened by a “faceless” man, calling Edis a “deceiver of men” and demanded Edis to stop practicing his art then beat Edis and took his eye and some of his spell books as a warning (the brute!). My companions are convinced this was an Imperial agent – possibly an Inquisitor. After some prodding, Edis revealed to us the likely reason he and other Illusionists were targeted – he has the ability to see through illusion – therefore he (and other like him) could see through the illusionary magic of the Imperial masks. A threat indeed. It’s no wonder he was hired on the spot and handed over to Belasante to get him bathed and properly geared for our trip.
Oh – I almost forgot – Last evening, with Canis’ help, we made ourselves a little hideout underneath a mill we’ve rented – rather Ronin has rented – we “expanded” it in order to store the submersible we’ve acquired for further study. Thorfus and I rigged a makeshift crane and gang-plank for it using some spare wood, a pulley and that disgusting, indestructible elven-hair rope. I shudder to think how that thing was made. Once all this is done, I’ll see about disposing of it properly.
Canis will be leaving us to continue his search for his family. I wished him luck and hope that he finds them before our time is up.
We also had a run-in with the local devilfish Dreys while Thorfus and I moved the ship late in the evening – he again warned us about the “others” he felt when we spoke last. It seems he’s worried about our “relationship” with the Night Court and thinks we’re dealing with Araquelle/Kotar again. Thorfus tells me that he was able to confirm that Araquelle/Kotar did indeed go to Vargen, and was looking for a Winged Dragon specialist – likely something to do with his possession of Prix’s body. Thorfus tells me he exchanged information regarding the “doom” clock we have in our possession. Dreys did not let one what he thought about the countdown – I wonder if he understood the implication.
Today we complete our preparations for our departure from Midmark and head off to buy a ship of all things. A ship I could potentially transform into something more interesting.
As we travelled to the dock side tavern called the Salty Judge (where I’m told a Captain Pouls was offering his ship for sale) we were adopted by a stray cat, much to Boris’ chagrin. Seems that Chuq has taken a liking to him and has designated himself as its caretaker. That is until Boris likes drives it off. Ha ha ha.
At the crowded tavern we meet this captain and discover through our discussion that Vargen is under an embargo from Midmark until Vargen authorities hand over the Bargemen and others implicated in the slavery ring. Not a popular move. Furthermore, we discovered that the Ambassador of Xelen’Kel and his entourage, the World Forge and Silver Throne representatives have also been expelled from Midmark – further complicating matters within and city.
The ship, the Jolly Goron ( a good name), is rather large – roughly the same as the Javelin we’ve travelled on previously. It will suit our needs as it comes ready with a crew. I won’t detail the negotiations – but Thorfus managed to purchase the ship for 5,000 gold pieces – which he paid in gems. I wonder exactly how wealthy my companions are. I’ve only recently joined this crew and I’m far wealthier now that I ever have been before, I can only imagine the wealth they’ve already accumulated. Not that it will matter if we fail.
The negotiations complete, the paperwork was handled quickly and Thorfus is now Captain of the Jolly Gorgon and proceeds to explain to the crew our next moves – that we’ll be ferrying someone home and that the crew will be paid as they already are.
As he did so i surveyed the ship – I figure 10 to 12 spheres will be required to lift the ship – I must now figure out a propulsion system – maybe still use sails temporarily until I find something more suitable for our trip into the heavens. I must check with Kalgunn, but I think I’ll have to find a way to trap air onboard like the submersible – the glass steel perhaps?
When i returned Thorfus had chosen a member of the crew to act as a liaison – as we’re not seafarers we’ll need some help. His name is Almeric and seems pleasant enough.
After purchasing supplies for our trip and arranging to have some our equipment moved from the Cock & Bull to the ship – we went to collect our ward at the naval yards and of course we encountered red-tape. Thankfully, we encountered young Admiral Quynel Fraunk and were quickly given a warrant for Hugues. The boy was smitten by our stay cat and cuddled him – as you might gather – Boris was not amused.
As we made our way to the courthouse to meet Thorton to ask him for some of the undying cubes for my experiments we saw what looked like riots all over our route – people unhappy with the embargo, and many seemed to be unleashing pent up frustration towards dwarves, natives and colonials alike. I fear it will only get worse – it saddens me that few can see beyond ethnic or racial lines. I still hope that this can change.
Once at the now bustling courthouse – troops and officials were running right and left – it wasn’t long before we were brought to Thorton. He was obviously busy dealing with attacks on dwarves and others all over Midmark. Admittedly I was surprised how quickly he agreed to let me have as many cubes as I required; 15 of the 25 recovered – I could have taken them all, but i did not want to arouse suspicion. I’m glad I didn’t because after we left Thorton’s presence we made a discovery – or rather our new companion Edis did.
Thorton was a “faceless” man. Yes – Edis immediately saw through the magical disguise and saw the blank mask I’ve been told are often worn by Imperial agents.
As that news sank in the mood changed and Chuq insisted he speak with the head of his order whose building lay nearby. We waited as he went to see the Master of Spring regarding Thorton.
My companion’s paranoia seemed to have gotten the better of me – i spent the time checking the cubes and crate they were in for any runes or magics laid on it. I felt foolish for it, but in hindsight it was likely a prudent thing to do.
Chuq returned with news that the Master of Spring is still who he is and as agreed to join us in confronting Thorton later this evening.
I’m afraid I must end my account now – Chuq and I must ferry Perrette and Em from their hiding place to the Jolly Gorogon where Edis and Belasante will meet us and supervise them and the ship until our confrontation is done. Thankfully (or not) the riots have gotten worse since our return to the Cock & Bull – I fear it will be a bloody night.
I was right – on our way to the Jolly Gorgon we saw much rioting. I had to intervene decisively on one occasion in order to save a family with children …
With Em safely with Belasate and Edis aboard the ship, Perette, Chuq and I have made our way back to the Cock & Bull. We now must prepare to confront Thorfus and hopefully take him alive. Assuming Edis is right, he’ll be able to shed light on what exactly the Imperials are planning – or he might be able to help us communicate with the Mad king whom we assume is the Emperor. Either way – the evening has only begun and is far from over. I’ll continue later…