Session 8: Main Game Recap "The Rescue Mission. Meet Reis. Meet Ma."

The Rescue Mission After almost 5 days in the castle, the streets are getting better. Still, only the districts closest to the castle are safe during the day, and then not always at night. Ghosts and apparitions appear, this incursion has attracted evil to Dravens’ Port. By the 5 th day, reinforcements from North Dravens’ Port has arrived, and they begin clearing out the undead left surrounding the city. Little to no word has come from Guilds Town yet. The weather has gotten better, it is now merely overcast, with strong winds blowing off the coast occasionally, then other times nothing. Those are the worst hours, when the smell of death and blood and muck combine with the smell of other bodily fluids. At times going to see Rurrick is a pleasurable thought. Everyone’s Activities The party meets up once a day, mostly at the demand of the refugees. They exchange stories, talk amongst themselves, then go out into the crowd to appease the masses. As hard as the last few days have been, people seem to have more hope than ever before. They look upon the entire group as heroes. The killing of their returned prince, two new monarchs they barely know, all that seems like some forgotten details. Tavern stories vary in detail. Ailekk and Cassius are both well known, both because of their racial differences, but also because of the tails of the heroism. Swell is little mentioned in passing (as he’d probably like it), and while it is well known Rurrick is involved, few know exactly what he does (as he’d probably like it). Urd has already been labeled as an incredible warrior and destroyer of things. Word from the orphans about him going toe to toe with the zombie ogre at the church has spread like wildfire. Being a Sahiva and Behyla’s brother just brings more energy to the rumors. Meanwhile, Oron and Breschka meet them every day for a public meeting. They thank the group for their service and to publicly endorse them as heroes of Dravens. Rurrick notices an occasional wink from Oron. In his lofty tower alchemy lab, Ailekk is locked away from much of the fighting and death. He seems resolute on solving whatever mystery he has been working on. He has made copies of all scrolls who have been delivered into the hands of Breschka. He has discussed matters with Rurrick, Urd, Cassius, and even Swell. The tower is well ventilated, but dusty and unused for quite some time. He has spent hours and days trying to get it back to any semblance of working order. Dividing his time between that, the library, and helping on innocent civilians he sees from his lofty perch (which happens more than once), he makes the occasional time to visit the orphans in the care of the monks of Tamara. Down in the muck, Rurrick is much more active than many give him credit for. He wakes up each day in late morning, lying in a make-shift tent next to his brewery in the castle courtyard. Even with the crowds of people and mess, few are allowed to set up shop without some type of permit or asking permissions. As a member of the “Raffolk Slayers”, people give him somewhat of a wide birth (aside from the stench). Soldiers come see him at the end of their shifts, where he gives out free brew to any who ask. His companions who visit notice he has two new refugees in his midst, a small brownish-green water snake of some kind and a thin looking elvish girl (looks about 10 in human years). Both of them hang around his tent and brewery, even when he isn’t there. In the late hours of the night and early mornings he is gone, taking care of some kind of business in the sewers. Cassius spends every waking moment fighting. By the 5 th day he has dawned a set of plate mail, old and battled as though it hasn’t been taken care of much lately, but functional. He hasn’t stopped using his trusty war hammer against the skeletons, but his new longsword is his favorite weapon. He seems to enjoy it. On and off the field, he has new allies including a Nard dwarf wielding a great mace, Feng the orc, and Carric the elf warrior of the wilds. On occasion refugees in the crowd stop him to ask his blessing, to teach them a prayer of Bahamut, and other such requests. He has become a local hero in the castle. He has been given the title of Sergeant in the Dravens’ Army, and many believe he’ll rise much higher. A couple of other Tieflings in the number have even started some kind of strange, culty fan club. Urd has a new companion. A half-drow sailor named Arieth (same one Swell saw in Jamesyth’s basement) has been side by side with Urd since day one in the castle. They two go almost everywhere together, including fight. They fight at Cassius’ side on more than one occasion. She seems to be somewhat of a one-trick pony, she is good in close combat for a half-elf in studded-leather, and handles a sword well. She also throws a mace around like it’s no problem. It isn’t until the fourth day that Urd and Cassius really see her talents. When some human thugs are raiding a shop and the New Dravens’ Militia sets upon them, her eyes shimmer white and a dense cloud forms, covering their escape routes. Some dive into the clouds and her feet leave the ground as she takes to the air. Those who come out the other side of her clouds get pelted with lightning. After fighting with the troops, Urd and Arieth spend as much time talking to the troops as they do fighting. Sometimes they will single a troop or leader out and talk to them extensively. Of course, to the troops this is just polite conversation. To Rurrick’s keen eyes, and others paying attention, it is definitely a pattern. Aside from his new attachment, Urd seems well. He isn’t with her all of the time. He spends time in the jail talking to his brother. He has also been spending time in his room, where he has set up some type of lab. At night he is often in the sewers with Rurrick doing something or the other. The two often come out joking, both covering in grime and muck. After the undead begin filling up the sewers, they seem to have found some lower labyrinths of the castle that lead out to the coastline but are unattached to the main sewers, and continue their pursuits. Swell ’s ventures go a bit strange. Immediately after earning their new titles as “Raffolk’s Slayers”, he has a talk with Breschka, and then Oron, and then Urd’s brother Behyla. Somehow, he managed to recruit some staff and have everything needed to set up a gaming parlor in an old, unused basement in the castle, just 1 story down from the main courtyard. With ample unused living space nearby, he has turned the place into a 24-hour gaming den. However, while Cassius might be fighting on the front lines, Swell’s new business has also captured his attention most of the time. He talks with Urd frequently, who regularly escorts in soldiers from the front lines to talk. Other than the tavern, which has been renamed a couple of times now, it is one of the few social places to go in the castle. Swell keeps his head down, talking to patrons and keeping things in order. He also seems to have some kind of arrangement with Urd’s brother Behyla. The Scrolls and Talismans [Meta] Behlya and Oron consider it a priority to find out why the undead attacked, and who caused the attacks. As far as anyone can tell, it is just coincidence that they were planning on attacking dear old dad at the exact same time. While they want to help you all solve the mystery, they have a huge lack of human resources. They don’t have enough talented people. Skilled hirelings aside, they need people who can see things accomplished. Without additional resources, something Urd is currently working on, their hands are a bit tied. [/Meta] Ailekk, Swell, Urd, Cassius, and Rurrick visit the empty library, Ailekk’s abandoned Alchemy lab, and other places of the castle which is being restored and converted to livable quarters as quickly as possible. The place is in squalor. Unfortunately, with their orc and elf allies out on the front lines, the siblings seem to have few resources needed to help really get this place going. Breschka assures them she has dedicated friends and allies coming soon, but it could be weeks or even a month or two before they arrive. She acknowledges she had no idea this was going to happen, and was completely unprepared. She just wanted to confront her father and have him step down to her or anyone else worthy. This wasn’t the mess she signed up for. Oron acknowledges the mess, and seems somewhat happy with it. His underworld ties aren’t the most trustworthy, but they must do until proper administration can be implemented. They promise they will help more with the investigation once they can help, right now they are trying to reclaim the city from the dead and invoke order. The Fifth Day On the fifth day Beyhla calls everyone into his office in the jail. Newly remodeled, most of the cells have people in them. The outer ones are people who have commited crimes against the innocent, but some are POWs. Thugs who attacked their troops out on in the open, behind his office are those convicted of heinous crimes. While his authority over the prison system seems a little harsh, the laws set by Breschka are relatively lenient. Only those who have made some violent transgression end up here. Behyla seems well in his element in the jail, supposedly he requested his office be set up here although they are currently working on one above with a view of the ocean for him. But it will still be a jail. He specifically requests for the group to be in attendance, if possible. When they walk in the smell of blood and other fluids surround them, everyone but Rurrick notices. “Great news, but also shitty news. A ship from Mozmon days ago with allies of Oron and Breschka, in case this thing went well or sour. Bad news is, the fleet that was blockading Dravens’ Port was overrun by undead days ago. The fleet is still there and in-tact, but on a skeleton crew.” He laugh out loud at his own joke. “No, really. They are ours, but almost no one is there to crew them.” He stops and lights up his pipe. “So, Breschka’s… our monarch’s allies have set sail. There are some talented people on that boat. They have some clout among them from all over the realms recruit by Breschka, Oron, and their allies. They have some arcane abilities and knowledge. But they aren’t safe yet. I also have word from a birdy, a Corrive Hunter ship has been tailing them. For those of you who don’t know, Lady Corrive is Lord Shrave’s mate. She’s also a bitch and she hates the arcane and then undead. She trains her troops specifically to kill mages.” Looks around at your group, “I guess ya’ll are safe. But her people are serious about that shit. Anyways, we need those people, badly. They could make or break this administration.” He sits forward, “Bring. Me. Those. People.” He sits back, “You all have been well rewarded for your services. I feel no need to offer extra incentive. If you feel like you haven’t been well enough compensated let me know.” He glares at all of you, then stares at Rurrick, “I’ll send Oron to come find you.” Then he laughs hysterically. “Nah, I’m just kidding Nard. Oron likes your style. But seriously he says if you ever try that again I'm supposed to kick over your brewery and give you a bath.” He sits forward seriously, “You want to start a legit brewery? You let me know. You Raffolk Slayers are all the rage right now." “Anyways, we have news that some allies of our sovereigns are here. Due to disturbances in the ocean they got stranded on a small island just north of here. Unfortunately, a Corrive Hunter ship is on their tail. That means you all need to leave right now.” He gets up from his chair a little startled. “Oh, shit. They are in sight of the city. Go now, go now, go now.” “Captain” Reis Dragut “Captain” Reis Dragut was hanging out for several days in a tavern in Mozmon. Sitting next to him was Maewyse “Ma” Thornberry, stout-halfling Cleric of Azuth and Transmuter Wizard. Her new apprentices, Hakrou Mithrilguard a dwarf from Shevorth and Froosnyr a gnome from Indra were sitting at a table talking with the three acolytes. Reis knew why Oron was recruiting him and Ma, but the acolytes were a little beyond him. All three followed dragon gods. It wasn’t particularly uncommon, but it was odd just the same. The silver dragonborn Rhograx followed Bahamut, the bronze dragonborn Nesfarn worshipped Astilabor, dragon god of acquisitiveness, wealth, and status. Meanwhile Naghul, the black dragonborn worshiped Sardior, dragon god of knowledge, the mind, and trickery. It was an odd combination. Sitting on his other side from Ma, was Kaleem Blaci. Kaleem wore a noble’s cloths, including a high collar and ornate hat. He even wore gloves. Kaleem had only been in Reis’ crew for a few days when he admitted his reason for being hired by Oron. He was a defector from Corrive, and even more he was a defected spy. According to him, he was found out by the government as being a Yuan-Ti pureblood. After that his only chances for survival included hiding, or fleeing. He chose to flee. Despite being a spy and a traitor, Oron promised him asylum in the “New” Dravens. While being honest, Kaleem is not humble and fancies himself one of the best spies in the land. “But you did get caught.” Ma said from the other side of Reis. Kaleem leaned back in his chair so he could speak behind Reis’ back, holding a finger in the air. “Ah, but my beautiful, gray-haired lady wizard friend, I was not found out for being a spy. I was found out for being my race. I can hide many things and deceive many people, but some racial hatreds run deeper. Deeper than I have lies.” That seemed to satiate her. On the other side of the tavern, a Corrive warrior and priest walked in and began asking questions. Kaleem turned to Reis and informed him of the situation. These weren’t just Corrive thugs, these were mage hunters. He instructed the party to get up slowly and move to the exit while he distracted them, and hopefully in the process found out why they were here. While some did know of Kaleem’s defection, he was hoping these two didn’t. As They Sailed at Full Speed Towards the Blockade Reis was proud of the progress he’d made. In just a couple of weeks, he’d transformed this motley crew into being almost proficient at their jobs, if by proficient he meant still shitty as hell. Kaleem admitted he might have underestimated how many people had heard of his recent “lifestyle choices.” As their ship, “The Rusty Adder” sailed full speed towards the blockade he could see that the rumors were true. Prince Raffolk’s war galleys were still there, but almost no one on deck. Only a couple of torches burned on each deck. If they couldn’t get more crew to those ships soon… There was no telling what kind of pirates were already on their way to pick up a war galley on the cheap. Passing the barely crewed ships on the blockade was no problem, especially at night. Behind them the Corrive ship, who Kaleem informed him had a crew of over 20 soldiers, many of them highly trained at mage hunting, was hot on their tales. The mage apprentices and acolytes were good for helping them see at the night with magical light, and their spells could mend cut sails and broken ropes most effectively, but their powers weren’t enough to give them much of an advantage over the ship. While not raining, the sky was heavily overcast with an occasional light drizzel. Up in the sky he could hear flocks of ravens, seemingly traveling northeast in the same direction of them. Were he a betting man, he would assume they were traveling in the same direction. They passed the blockade with little effort, but unfortunately the Corrive hunter vessel had the same luck. Almost have a day into their flight, he was beginning to think they’d lost their hunters. As he approached Dravens’ Port, looking for an emergency space, he could see undead still on the docks, even now in the early morning hours. Slowing the ship down and pointed north east he decided to shoot for a landing zone just north of the castle. Even if he had to beach her, it was better than the alternative. He just hoped they could get into the castle safely. A message appeared in his head “What are you doing here? I did not call for you, yes Reis. We are not ready yet. I advise you turn back.” Picking his words carefully to respond to the spell, he replied “No choice. Hunted by Corrive ship. Need protection. Send help. I have all 7 unhurt. Oh SHIT THE WIND.” He looked up and saw a massive flock of ravens, some of them had veered off towards him. They had been following the Adder. The clouds overhead boomed and began twisting in an unnatural fashion. Back on the horizon, now lit by the rising sun, he could see the Corrive hunter approaching even as hurricane force winds began to blow the Adder north. The good news was, they were definitely moving faster than their hunters now. The bad news was, Reis was totally not in control of where they were headed. He could see a small island with rocks ahead of them, a two or three story stone building was on top. With no lights inside, no dock, and no one on shore he assumed it was abandoned. Maybe if he survived he would check it out. Reis woke up on the beach. Ma was shaking him. The Rusty Adder had been split in two on the rocks and beach. The foliage was tall here, even in early spring. Bushes and brambles grew up all over the place, with a couple of decent sized trees. He looked down and realized his leg was broken, as Ma touched him he felt a tingling and then a sharp pain in his leg as the bone snapped back into place. Suddenly the wound was healed. “Nice trick Ma.” He said. The Unlikely Stronghold They gathered everyone together and went into their unlikely stronghold. The bottom two floors were empty except for spider webs, dust, and things from outside. It looked like the small size of the island meant even animals didn’t come in here. The third and top floor was a temple of some kind. It had four ceremonial tombs, with statues of acolytes holding out bowls of offering to the tombs. The top floor was open on all four sides, and wasn’t protected from the elements. He could feel the salty wet ocean air up there as the wind blew. Looking at the ground and then up at the ceiling, he could see several birds nests in the ancient wood rafters holding up the roof. While ancient, they didn’t look decomposed or damaged by the passing of time at all. Ma noticed him watching and said “You think they’re enchanted, Ries?” The two apprentices snapped to attention at the words. Ries looked closely at the beams, “Maybe, some kind of stasis spell?” Ma rubbed her chin with her fingers, “Could be. Or they could have been made directly with magic, similar to what I can do.” Ries shook his head, “Not perfect enough, definitely natural wood enchanted with magic.” [Meta- this is an example of Ma giving Reis advantage on his Arcane roll] The two looked around, “What is this place?” asked Froonsyr, looking about timidly. Unlike her counterpart, Froon was a bit more timid and easy to startle. Ma began recounting stories of the ancient people of Dravens, how their people had once been big on ceremony and ritual. Dravens herself was said to be a paladin. Ries knew that wasn’t the case, Dravens was a he, and was a powerful warlock. All of the ancient texts back in Kantun spoke of such things. Rhograx was standing at the opening of the building to the south, looking out onto the ocean. His hand was on the mace at his side. “Shepherds.” He said. Ma and Reis looked up. “I think the wolves have found us, but I also think we might have a fighting chance, yet.” He said while looking back at Reis and flicking his tongue. Battle Recap: Patrick Urd and Cassius rowed the little dinghy toward the island, with Rurrik and Arieth providing moral support. As they landed next to a ruined ship, the group investigated the area. Aileek, avoiding the swarms of crows, flew around the island and provided an overhead description. The island was overgrown unnaturally with vegetation, an ancient temple dominating the center. Urd and Cassius hailed the lookout castaways on the third floor of the temple while Rurrik made his way inside. The groups met, exchanging names and formalities briefly before the mage-hunter's ship approached from the west. The group prepared for battle, assessing their weaknesses. As the Corrives boarded dinghies offshore, Aileek, Cassius and the erstwhile Captain Reis began firing upon them. The ships approached rapidly. With the first ship, a group of three combatants made it to land intact. They were met by the group as they feather-falled with Arieth's help onto the beach. They fought fiercely, and were nearly defeated when another boat landed. Sporting two archers, an assassin and a knight, the additional enemies replaced those who were slain. The group retreated back into the temple as the mages inside spouted gouts of flame at the assassin. Pinned in by the archers, the group barely managed to take down the knight. Rurrik, now in Bear form, joined Urd and Aileek as they stalked the archers and assassin. Meanwhile, another dinghy deposited a third group on the island... Battle Recap: Josh J Arieth, Urd's companion, used a spell to let allow Urd, Cassius, and "Captain" Reis all jump out of the building to engage the ground combatants. Reis' quick thinking (and grappling hook) let Cassius and Reis climb up back into the building after the assassin attacked the friendlies. After the friendlies all blasted the assassin with 3 first level burning hands and 3 sacred flame spells, Arieth held her hands up to the assassin and summoned a gale-force wind, which knocked him back 15 feet. The friendly dragonborn acolytes (one silver, one bronze, and one black) have used healing spells 5 times. Urd was close to being dropped after the assassin snuck out of the thick foliage and stabbed him. But thanks to the acolytes and Ma is back at full (or near full). Meanwhile Ma Thornberry, who called Rurrick a "Short drink of water" when she first met him, used magic to give Urd, Cassius, and Rurrick 10 feet of extra move speed per turn. She also cast burning hands at the assassin and has cast heal at least once. Kaleem, the paranoid and cowardly diplomat with the group seems quite panicked. Cassius used Divine Sense and all of the enemies smelled pretty foul, so did Kaleem. Cassius wants to have a word with him after the battle is over. Reis cast invisibility on Ailekk. Meanhile Arieth, when Urd left the building to go hunt archers and the assassin, cast message to let him know she could communicate with him. So far in this combat, the only spell Arieth has used so far is feather fall, hurling a small bolt of electricity at an enemy, and using gust of wind on the assassin. Urd and Cassius both know full well she is capable of much more. As far as they know, Ma should be as well. Due to Ailekk's hit & run attacks, the archers, priests and other NPCs have made use of "readied" actions. Waiting until the PCs stick their heads out in plain sight to attack. As far as they know, the party is advancing upon the position of the 2 archers. They have lost sight of the assassin, and 2 more Corrive Bloodletters (berserkers), 1 Corrive Mage Slayer (druid), and 1 Corrive Fantatic (cult fanatic/priest) are still on the island. So far their friendly NPCs are still alive and in good health. No other skiffs have been dropped from the main ship, and the ravens have dispersed into thinner groups coating the local sky.