Session 1 - [VESTG] Various Enemies Skewer The Group Vook, Egon, Spyglass, Theo, Gau Dragoneyes (Red Light District), Lower Tavick's Landing, Sharn The group entered Dragoneyes and were met with smells of home cooking as well as "friendly" people. Egon saw a number of gnomes and called out in gnomish. “Where might we find someone who knows about alchemical formulae?” Curiously, most of the gnomes seemed unable to understand him. Unexpectedly, a little thing came up and told him there might be someone who could assist. She then asked him for the type of formula he was searching. Egon considering, why he set out with the group in this first place, said in gnomish, "Oh my, thank goodness! I'm searching for a formula which can help enhance one's strength, endurance, and vitality!" If Egon could learn how to make this potion, he will have moved one-step closer to proving his worth as an artificer and help to build his renown within the Guild. The gnomish woman said, "Oh of course, Madame Velvet will certainly satiate your desires and fulfill your wildest dreams." With mustache twitching furiously, Egon's mind began to fill with applause and acclaim he would receive for his newest concoction of exotic fluids. Theo however, saw what was happening and was able to remind Egon that there are pressing matters to attend. Shaking off this heady fog, Egon agreed and rejoined the group. On foot on the way into Terminus, Theo got a feeling of dread, so the group decided to change course. Thankfully, the group was able to make it all the way to Terminus without any further distractions. Terminus (Caravan District), Lower Tavick's Landing, Sharn Finally in Terminus, Theo let the group know he was going to the Vadalis Hostelry and then broke off from the group. Egon knew that the House Vadalis enclave has a large stable and hostelry, so it would be easy to find. During this exchange, Gau challenged a Troll to a test of strength. He picked up a box, and set it in front of him. The troll took another box, set it on top of that, and then proceeded to lift both. Gau, now filled with rage, and put an additional box on top of that one, but unfortunately, he failed to lift it. The troll eyed the box, lifted all three over his head, and cheered. The supervisor saw the commotion, whipped the Troll and demanded an explanation for the work stoppage. Though Gau was not pleased that the Troll was being whipped, he was too distracted by his failure to do anything about it. Gau looked back and forth between the box and the troll in disbelief, and then tried again, failing horribly. Frustrated, he tossed his bag of gold to the irate man, leaving him in shocked silence. Composing himself, he commanded the troll to get back to work. Gau left disappointed, swearing to remember that troll’s face (1). Cut to Egon After the situation with the supervisor, Egon decided he might be safer if he went to a tavern. In addition, he figured it could not hurt to learn some of the local formulas. The gnome headed to the bar and asked if there were any special brews. The bartender recommended a few selections, but the "Firebrand" (2) beer really stood out. He then inquired about the brewer and asked what else they have. The bartender said it is a local gnomish brand and that they have a wine as well as a brandy. The gnome, ever curious, decided took a small sip of each. Egon noted that the brandy was quite nice. He decided to go ahead and purchase a flask of each beverage and two additional flasks of brandy. It was clear to Egon that this was a great place to conduct his "research." Cut to Theo Theo's contact said, "Tell me the base of operations I could help you out. Go a bit further and get me some papers we can make some exceptions. There have been odd sightings of devils and imps.” Theo let his contact know that he only has a few days of clemency left. The contact says he cannot help with the legal issues, because this group is a bunch of thieves, they do not meddle in politics. Theo mentions the Cult of The Dragon Below. The person is surprised and says it is strange Theo would get involved with dark things. The man suggest that Theo make himself scarce if that name comes up. The man took out a rag and cleaned off his blood soaked axe. Nodding to the man, Theo left. He spotted Egon at the bar and approached him. He explained quickly what his “Temple” contact told him. He said that the Dask “is up to no good, doing nefarious things.” There is a sorcerer working with them, and that they might be working with Cult of the Dragon Below. His contact seemed scared, which is unusual. There is a smithy in the Granite Halls that is going to be robbed. Theo recommend that the group trail the bandits after they rob the place in order to get to the root of the problem. Egon explained that they are criminal organization trying to grab up territory. They are known for flexing their muscle to make demands. Other rumors indicate that their muscle is monster based. They use trolls, medusa, and other fantastic creatures to do their dirty work. They are rumored to be located rumored Headquartered around Khyber's Gate. Cut to Spyglass Spyglass is exploring the area and happens upon a shop stocked with an array of strange items. The man presents Spyglass with a strange doll head (3) that always looking at him. Spyglass is instantly enthralled by its peculiarity. He was told it comes from Barovia, an ancient land, full of nefarious and evil things. The place has tons ancient magic. The eyes of the doll constantly watch Spyglass. Gau decided instead to look up in the sky at the flying animals (4), all the while doing his best to avoid making eye contact with the disturbing doll’s eyes. Spyglass insisting on Gau looking at his Doll Head attempted to climb onto Gau and show him to his face. Gau not having this kept Spyglass away by pushing him away with one hand on his head. Onlookers thought what an odd sight. Theo and Egon head meet up with Gau, Spyglass, and Vook. Egon noticed the peculiar doll head and wondered how it functioned. He offered Spyglass a trade: his Fire Starter for Spyglass's curio. The Kender happily accepted this trade and began toying with it. The Artificer slipped his new oddity into his pack, promising himself the opportunity to inspect it later. Theo talked someone into giving us directions. Spyglass watched for signs of trouble. Thankfully, his keep senses kept the group from wandering into any trouble. Granite Halls (Shops District), Lower Central Plateau, Sharn Only Four Days of clemency remaining. While the detectives surveyed the target area, the rest stayed behind to avoid drawing attention. Seeing an artist, Gau asked for some art supplies. Unfortunately, he managed to break them in his grasp. The artist dropped everything and started smacking him with her broom. Thankfully, Vook ushered him away. Egon offered Gau 5 gold to help expedite the cleanup of his shop as "Keep," the Guard Captain was due to visit the "Tinctures, Trinkets, & Tomes." Gau was happy to oblige and they cleared up the rubble and got everything in working order. Though Gau tried to decline payment, Egon paid Gau 5 gold because in truth, he wants to ensure Gau can keep painting. "Keep" came by and found no evidence of wrongdoing in Egon's establishment. Satisfied, he reminded the group that time is short and that they had better get results. Outside of the Smith The party found places to hide with a vantage of the entrance of the shot. Upon inspection, a single, very bored looking sentry, guards the shop. Seeing this, Egon chided himself for not providing more information in his letter, but he was glad that Angela received it in time and was able to lend support. Twenty mins later, the guard wound up dead. Eight men broke into the shop and started carting out gold and large, impressive looking metal slabs. As Gau saw a faint shimmering on top of the roof. Not knowing what to make of it, he tried to point it out to Vook who sharply told him to be silent. Spyglass clumsily looked out from behind cover and two bandits saw and pursued him. Spyglass ran off, bounding through the alleyways and hiding just before up running into a group of guards. The guards came upon the bandits, and a battle ensued. Spyglass suddenly saw a red leathery creature appear and kill a guard with a touch. The winged creature barked orders to the bandits. The Imp said, "The scouts will be burned when he gets back." Then to someone else he said, "What were you doing? You were supposed to be with the scouts." No one but Gau seemed to notice that was "Devin" another wavey air figure standing right in the courtyard. Gau remembering Vook’s words stood in silence. Firelight (Red-light District), Lower Menthis Plateau, Sharn The bandits moved out and the group stealthily followed thanks to Theo's guidance and Spyglass's stealth. Shortly after we begin tailing the bandits, Egon stumbled and drew the attention of the bandit guards. Theo tried to talk to the bandits but failed miserably. The bandits attacked but they did not account for Gau, who had somehow remained hidden in the shadows, grabbed hold of a bandit and used him as a weapon. After the bandits were defeated, Egon asked for the Caravans destination. The bandit was being uncooperative, so Gau harnessed his rage from his earlier defeat in the contest against the troll to pin the bandit. Theo told him spill his guts or he would spill them for him and his mangled body would be found in a ditch. The bandit finally gave in and Spyglass bound him like a burrito. Theo asked where they keep the documents. The captured bandit said it is on the third floor of their hideout in Cogsgate. The grouped knocked him out and took him to the guards. Egon recalled what he knew about imps and told the group they are usually subservient minions who are summoned and bound to a contract. It was strange to see the imp in a leadership role. The creature being berated by the imp was a Quasit. He explained to the group that they are a familiar imp-like creature, though they are much more chaotic than the imps are, but that sorcerers too can summon them. Having a Quasit lorded over by an Imp should give the group pause because typically their contracts more loose than other devils. These creatures are known to follow whom they think they can cause the most evil. Theo decided to write a letter to his contact regarding his progress. Cogsgate (Warehouse District), Lower Tavick's Landing, Sharn Streets were crowded with people going from warehouse to warehouse, so in order to hide their attempt at entering the bandit hideout the group crowded around the door. Theo jiggled the handle and promptly said, "Alright Spyglass, you know what to do." Egon then stepped up and oh wait, please allow me to discern what type of lock they are using." "Oh riiight! I remembered seeing a shiny on the bandits and took it. He did not need it anymore because he was sleeping and I thought it looked nice. Do you think this might help?" The grinning Kender had apparently swiped a key without realizing it. Egon's jaw dropped as Spyglass simply inserted the key and pushed it open. Egon then deftly takes out a number of implements and quickly forms a plan of attack to dismantle it effectively. Just as he begins rattling off to Spyglass the intricacies he discovered, Spyglass pats at his pockets and a delighted looks spreads across his face. It is dark, so Spyglass took the lead and Egon falls behind watching the team's back. The group found a large foyer and they head to the north to look inside a small box. It was a trapped box but Theo disabled it. A pit opened up and there was nothing in the box. It was a trap, a sure sign of things to come! Spyglass located what appeared to be a former secret entrance and he began looks for traps. They go down the corridor and find two lesser healing potions, ammo, rations. One potion went to Theo and one went to Gau. There was another trapdoor, but Vook was able to use his sleight of hand to open the door without setting it off. As the group slid passed the entrance the group noted that the trap consisted of a machine imbued with magical energy and that it was still active. Spyglass heard a noise, so Egon paid attention and hears chattering. He points it out to the group and Gau heard it as well. They decide to avoid the noise and continue down the other path. As they stealth along, listening, they find another magical device. Vook stuffed his ears and could not hear or see it. He then completely covered it up and the group progressed without a problem. Unfortunately, they wound up back where they started. Bandit’s Hideout The group headed back to the door with the chattering. Theo just walked up and swung the door wide open, and tried to seem as though he belonged there. Instead, he stood there awkwardly. The bandits rushed him and tried to smack some sense to him. Gau rushed to his aid...and things deteriorated rapidly...Egon was knocked unconscious. Thankfully, Spyglass gave him a draught and Egon clung to life. Theo dropped, and then Vook healed him with Cure Wounds. Spyglass fell, but the exhausted Egon fed him a draught. Theo was clobbered, but Gau rushed in and grappled one of the bandits. Vook rifled through Theo's pockets and revived him with a potion. Gau fending off four attackers was finally dropped and Vook was able to revive after curing his wounds. Gau grappled the remaining bandit, and the group demanded information. The group narrowly survived, but as they attempted to exit, but found the doors barred. It seems they now have to spend the night staring at the bodies of the slain bandits. Egon took out the doll head to distract him, but it just made things worse. Did the creepy smile on the doll's face actually widen or were his eyes playing tricks on him? (1) (2) (3) (4) (4)
