Graveyard of Empires

Session 155 May 17, 2017

6:00 am 19th of Masrilden on board the Keeper Barge moored to the Floating Island, harbor of the City of Gulls.

AD clock reads 00:00:00:03:27

Chuq sends Harb the Hunter to the nearest alter on the Island to be delved for lycanthrope. It just so happens the nearest clerical help is a small Merendur chapel on the floating shipyard. He returns later that morning reporting he has a clean bill of health. The talk at the Merendur chapel is of a plaque outbreak in Vargen newly returned Vargen blockade ship men are reporting. Harb’s good luck last the whole day, he survives the party’s antics later on.

Ronan investigates the Midmark Navy engineers either connecting our tiny steam engine to propel the barge or upscaling the design for the same purpose. The engineers report the smaller engine isn’t capable of moving the barge and upscaling would take about 10 days of fabricating before trials could begin. We decide to abandon both possibilities.

Ronan hires the Salty Leprechaun for a three hour tour out to the bay. We’ll visit the Saw Tooth the fisherman’s house boat for a bit of fresh fish and lore. Before we set off, Vernold of the Midmark navy reports our barge will be repaired and ready to ship by nightfall today. While sailing to Saw Tooth’s, a human sailing ship not flying any ensigns is bearing on the Salty Leprechaun. Using the spy glass, we don’t witness any crew on her decks. She is watched for close to an hour until, she turns towards the city of Gulls.

Saw Tooth welcomes us aboard his humble house boat after the Salty Leprechaun is anchored about 50 yards away. Chuq, Edan, Harb, Lambertus, Ronan and Thorfus take a 8 man launch from the Leprechaun to Saw Tooth’s. Ronan and Saw Tooth negotiates two weeks of fresh catch for the Salty Leprechaun’s captain while the invisible Edan slips into Saw Tooth’s shack to search his effects. The elf finds an altar, hidden chest below the floor boards and several scrolls. After small talk and further fish purchases for the Keepers, Bellisonte and Sturloc’s overdue  wedding diner feast and more pedestrian choices for Thorfus’ men at arms, Chuq leans into Saw Tooth’s more seedy secrets.

As Saw Tooth is fussily collecting our groceries, he comments on Devil Fish, Mermen, the Sons of Dagon, Sahuagin and his dim dark past. Realizing our heavily armed band knows more than the average sea man, his mood gets very dark when he absented mindedly replies to Chuq uttering a few questions in shark speak. It’s hard to say what exactly called Saw Tooth to arms. Perhaps it was Chuq insistence we are looking for sunken treasure or the revelation that Saw Tooth is a religious refugee with ideological foes in the Church of Dagon (which we might be connected to since Chuq reveals a tribe of Sahuagin are recently settled at Angmar’s Folley) or Ronan’s insinuation that shark should be on the menu for dinner. Whatever it might have been exactly, the old fisherman decides to attack.

As most of the party maneuvers around Saw Tooth, Thorfus charges and engages the now obvious high level cleric hand to hand. After landing two solid blows with his axe, Saw Tooth disappears leaving the party swinging at empty air. Our foe must have teleported away, not turned invisible.

As we are looting the place, a giant plume of water where the Salty Leprechaun once floated draws all of our attention. The ships previous location is now a large whole in the ocean, absent of any water or the ship, her crew or Thorfus’ archers. Ronan’s yelps as he sees fish swimming out of the ocean and plunging into the open air pit. Knowing our own business well, we hasten the looting until Stissa is noticed floundering in the surf. Ronan rescues her. On board the house boat, she reports the ship falling from the surface of the ocean and breaking below. In the water she saw large sharks eating members of the crew.

Edan and Ronan devise a plan to move us away quickly. Lashing the Leprechaun’s launch with a small boat from Saw Tooth’s, Edan uses the Merendur wand to create a wall of ice under the keels. This allows Ronan to magically swim faster than a shark and tug the whole bunch along. Chuq keeps an eye behind by drafting under the water while Thorfus and Edan look on the waves from the boats. Our flight is shadowed by large shark shapes in the water. As we open the distance from the slower sharks, a large depression in the ocean opens before Ronan. Edan lifts the Merendur wand and creates another wall of ice to steer Ronan and his tug back to the surface.

About 30 minutes later, we close on the floating island. Ronan and Chuq climb aboard the boats and we report our return to the dock master. The news of the Devil Fish attack on Saw Tooth’s is met with reluctant acceptance. A distinct local flavor will definitely be missed….

Returning to the barge, we examine the haul: 6,450 coins of gold; 370 imperial platinum coins; 3,200 ancient dwarven coins; a silver bracelet with translucent green gems; a platinum broach decorated with a diamond; a bit of scrimshaw; a magical

bauble shaped like a bird feather; two scrolls; two potions; and Saw Tooth’s altar statue (a shark headed man made of electrum with translucent green stones as highlights.

Despite the late hour, we take a trip across the harbor to Roland’s in high town. He and Thorfus have very easy negotiations over drinks for our haul of jewelry and dwarven coins. Next we visit Jardin who exchanges the imperial coins for midmark gold coins. The talk returns to upscaling the steam engine since Chuq can now advance to a Warrior and what to do about our purloined submarine. Lambertus has a locate object spell prepared, we need to return to the floating island and determine if the sub is actually located where we suspsect.

Session 154 – Interlude

12:30PM 18th Maz-Relden, Clock readsL 00:00:00:03:27

After meeting with Jardin and making our demands, we head to our estate to wait for his answer.

On our way we stop by the Mapmakers to pick up the key, Cutty hands us the key and returns to his mourning.

At the estate we settle-in and discover that progress was made, yet there’s more to do. As we take a look around Ronin grabs a couple of bottle of wine and Thorfus’ monkey goes to the “burial” tree and whistles for a while (keans).

Four hours later, Jardin arrives with news. He agrees to provide us with the blood and tries to discover whom we’re trying to revive (he consulted with empire sages and found out). We didn’t tell him. He also brings a mini steam engine for Ronin and more power cells.

We try negotiating for the skiff plans, but Jardin wants more than we’re willing to give.

We also get our stipend of 250 gp each – or 1250 gp – which we place in the house fund.

We go to the Ark Temple – to see our friends that were affected by Sarathos’ shenanigans. We find them in the dungeon. The militia gave us trouble until a Grey Cloak (Larens), who works with the clerics attending the afflicted, cleared it all up once he recognized us.

When we ask about the afflicted he explains that despite treatments (magical & non-magical) there have been no improvements… he finds it odd.

The clerics look tired and worn, but one, Iscipio (a jr. acolyte), agrees to take us to see our friends. He explains that they take care the physical needs of the afflicted and read to them.

We see Em first – she’s restrained for her own and the baby’s safety.

She speaks of magic flying fish (Dreys?) – says the fish wants the girl dead (looks down to belly) – Magic Fish keeps his promises. Mentions the Frogs that abducted her, and then some other parts of her past veiled in metaphors and lunacy. Chuck and the others believe the she’s referring to Sarathos – Edan, not so much, but he never liked the devilfish anyways. She mumbles : 1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. Seems that she’s aware of her history.

Admiral Dykenson – believes everyone is Grel in disguise.

Admiral Duffeld – naming fishes and dishes – recipes.

Aardman – gives his aliases, says he’s been everyone – rather everyone is an alias of him.

Aleric Winterberg – stories about tunnels – tiny little elves with dark skin live in them (drow?).

Shartaine (Merindor’s Librarian) – talks about people poisoning him, believes we’re here to poison him.

The other afflicted we less interesting or no one we know directly.

We return to the clerics, they tell us that they’re discussing moving them to more comfortable accomodations in the palace – Thorton seems to be agreeable to that but hasn’t given his go-ahead. (What about our estate?)

We go to the ruined cathedral – still barely together – services are suspended and the statue of our former henchman still together – surprisingly.

We go in regardless of the signs telling us to stay away and we find Chuck’s order’s master is using the Patriarch’s old room. He recognizes Chuck who introduces Ronan and Thorfus and Edan (still invisible) after he noticed Edan despite it. (Should have moved silently)

He knows about the coming invasion – he knows that we know.

He explains how he was abducted, and how he was convinced by their evidence, some that we provided.

Chuck explains our experience – and he counters that he plans to try to retake Lonely Island . Chuck maintains that it would not be wise.

Not many dragons in the empire apparently – especially those from the beginning, and the younger generation are few likely from a low birthrate.

Chuck explains shadow stepping, DBLs and deamons. His master has already observed shadow stepping and is ready to experiment with it, though more cautiously after having been told about DBLs and deamons.

Chuck tell his master that he’s left the order to become a fighter. He’s disappointed and hopes that he’ll continue working towards the same goals.

Chuck reminds him not to trust the Devilfish – they may be gone, but they’re still around.

We leave to go to the “gambling House” where Ronin has some contacts.

We’re followed by Owayne – Wants to know what we’re up to so that he can report back to Dreys – we tell him that we’re looking for the sub. Tells us they carried it out – but not sure where – likely the main temple or the smaller one on the floating shipyard. He tells us they’re heading south towards the Serpent’s Tooth, where exactly or why he doesn’t know. He’s following Drey’s orders.

At the G.House – Ronin speaks with his buddy and we find out the Sub is next to the small temple of Merendor in a warehouse.

Edan followed Ronin invisibly and noticed references to Scarnwode Camp – lots of expensive mercs and “food for the plants” – likely where they’re making Dog Froth.

Next step? Druid compound – find out where Canis is.

Session 153

27th masrilden

Landing in Midmark. we scanned the waters below. looking for the ware shark. with no lights in sight.

we found out way to the port. and were sent to the island port for repairs.

as we came into port at Midmark, we saw the roof of the cathedral was collapsed

dock worker Terric shows up and mentions the dragon attack, and how half the town went mad

two grey cloaks show up Saerus and Bardol with clipboard in hand. to see where we came from and to inform us of

the city lock down.

Thorfus produces the Keepers of the counsel letter. and they changed their tune. letting us know,

we can come and go as we please. but to be careful about going out at night.

we also talked to Saerus and Bardol about getting the barge fixed, and they assured us we had the Midmark navy’s

engineers at our disposal.

then Thorfus asks them about the possible use of a forge for the night. they think about and decide to take Thorfus and

invisible Edan to the forge on the island owned by Khalida.

once there, Khalida agrees to let Thorfus use the forge for the next 12 hours. Thorfus pays her in gems.

While the grey cloaks and the dock workers were off getting favors done, Chuq and Ronin, slip off the side of the ship

into the lovely tar-water. they make their way across the bay, noticing that there is no buzzing to be heard. a little

strange considering we usualy cant get a mile from Midmark without the devil fish contacting us.

as Chuq and Ronin make their way up the canal to the Mill Ronin rented, they stop and notice, the main doors to the mill are boarded up.

Ronin panics and swims through the cave into the basement of the mill. as they surface his fear is realized, the Sub is Gone!.

Chuq and Ronin climb out of the water to investigate. slipped under the side door is a note. Chuq reads it, it says.

“To the Keepers of the Council: Our master has decreed it time to leave Midmark, but he wanted you to know that the

High Priestess Dracul the Merenderite has your missing property (taken before the holiday week unpleasantness). He wishes you luck in its recovery and – speaking of recent events – asks that you pass along his greetings to his

elderly relation. Safe travels until the world cracks and cities flood,

Owayne “

Ronin instantly thinks of the Nosy Neighbor. and head over to his house to question him.

Ronin checks the door but its locked. so he Knocks. after a few times they hear movement on the other side.

the neighbor on the other side of the door says i have nothing of value go away.

Ronin says please open the door its your neighbor. finally coaxing him to open the door. Ronin questions him about

having seen anything happen next door. he tells Chuq and Ronin about the mill owner going mad and his wife having to kill him.

but he hasn’t seen any other strange things next door. Ronin takes his word for it and they leave. Chuq says do you really believe him. and Ronin says well do you want to go rough him up. Chuq and Ronin decide to wait until later to

quest the neighbor again.

Thorfus Locks the door to the forge and lets out the one Monkey, dumps the Parts on the floor and tells the monkey to

Rebuild one Monkey. over the course of the night a total of 4 monkeys are complete with the forging needed for the last monkey.

Khalida knocks on the door at sunrise and asks if they are done and thorfus says a few more hours.

While Thorfus and the monkeys worked. Edan Transcribed parts of the Blueprints in case they need to trade the information. Edan copied the Schematics for the flying ship.

Chuq and Ronin make their way to the gambling house to talk to Garthrum.

Rolph at the bar Greets Ronin, and Ronin has Chuq stay with Rolph,

as Ronin meets with Garthrum, he tells him of his problem and asks fr any info he might have

Garthrum has none. so Ronin proposes a deal information on the trade embargo st on Vargen.

in turn Garthrum will find out what warehouses the temple might own.

Ronin heads downstairs to grab Chuq and be on there way, when Chuq mentions a drink he invented called.

{i forget what it was called}

Ronin takes a quick shot, and the two head out.

Making their way to the Mansion.

The mansion looks good grass mowed vines and bushes cut back.

So Chuq and Ronin head over to Thortons mansion,

and notice it is heavily guarded, so they decide to head back to the barge,

after they arrive Thorus and Edan show up. with 4 monkeys.

The Group Finds the Skiff they were offered and take it across the bay. during that time Chuq and Ronin

Tell them what they found out.

the group lands the skiff at a small Dock on the western side of Midmark. have some small talk with some fishermen they previously met.

Then head over to the armorer. to check on the diving suits that Ronin left with them.

the suits are finished and the conversation leads to all the deaths in the neighborhood.

the Clothes maker and the clock Maker and his wife to name a few. the group hails a carriage and heads over to

Thortons fathers house. to talk about what he knows of the plague.

He didn’t know much. but he did inform us about the map maker and Em.

so we make our way to the map makers house.

Young Lanlith opens the door. and tells us about his father. and that Em had gotten the sickness.

and she was taken to the Keepers Castle.

we give our condolences and let him know, he can go back yo work when he feels better.

So we all jump back into a carriage and head to Thortons Estate.

Stopped by the Grey cloaks. we show our papers and are let right through. and escorted to the front door.

We are called up to Thortons Office.

Where Thorton hastily cleared his desk, He greets us,

Jarden then accuses us of the Plague.witch we quickly turn around .

assuring him we had nothing to do with it.

We make a deal with Jarden for his blood we will trade him Blue prints for the flying ship.

he has to think on this and has us wait at the Old Grell estate, that we have yet to Rename….

Session 148 March 21, 2017

2:00 pm on the 4th day of the Great Fair, Aurumthrax torture room

The A-1000 stutters during its melee with Thorfus making the machine wholly miss attack opportunities. As it stutters, the flowing liquid like skin becomes static like plates or armor. The effect becomes more frequent as Thorfus throws more bolts of lightning at it, eventually exhausting two modern batteries. On the catwalk, Ronan collects Aurumthrax’s blood from a weeping wound on the dragon’s side.  Axel hands Chuq a healing potion as Sutung the Fire Giant opens a door in the northern wall curios to the fracas in the torture room. He ignores Chuq’s greeting so the monk leaps from the catwalk to the floor hoping to dose Aurumthrax with the healing potion. Edan examines the torture cube controls, devising a plan to release Aurumthrax.

Our efforts are foiled as a trio of undying fire giants bursts through the floor level double doors. They split, charging separately at Axel, Chuq and Edan. Chuq’s foe slams his mighty hammer into the adventure’s athletic frame. Three Fire Giant Undying in flames burst through the first floor door, behind the trio is an horde of people. Chuq escapes by shadow stepping directly to Sutung by the door. Axel, Edan & Ronan move to release Arum from the cube, each taking a position on a separate side.

The A-1000 proposes an alliance to Thorfus in the name of the Conclave to survive the return : “Hail, Thorfus of the Ironhand once Steel Hand Clan! Abandon whatever madness the traitorous cleric’s words to your comrade have inspired! Our long awaited brethren will arrive soon from the Great Dark and they have let us know that these islands will be spared in the coming holocaust if the Conclave in Exile can subjugate those who rule here as heirs to rebels. This return will happen – the desperate plans of Sivis and Azrael cannot prevent this –but it need not be the end. Join with me to finish the Conclave’s work and together our family can undo the failures of ages past as last Lord Marshal of the Old Order and first Lord Marshal of a New Empire! Lower your weapon and call on your allies to do the same; this guardian will take care of those who do not heed your authority.).

Edan coordinates Axel, Chuq & Ronan to release Arum. Tragedy! The controls were trapped! Axel’s catwalk drops to the first floor. Chuq dexterously avoids slashing poisoned blades. Edan is electrocuted which we learn later transferred Kalgunn the liar from the sword. Ronan is gassed but seems unaffected.

Thorfus refutes the offer of an alliance then leaps to the first floor. Realizing our options are few, he lops the young gold dragon’s head off as he charge’s past towards Sutung waiting by the door to the north. Then an undying Fire Giant rips away the catwalk below Edan’s feet. Our nimble academic keeps his footing and flees to the north. The Dwarf and Elf are followed closely by Axel, Chuq and Ronan, the three shadow stepping into the hallway behind Sutung. With a flourish Axel dons an inquisitor mask assuming the visage of Marchmain Sivis. The familiar face convinces Sutung to help our escape from the forces of the Dark King. Thorfus uses the talkie broachie and contacts Kotar for an emergency pickup.

Axel & Thorfus cover our retreat by delaying the pursuing undying Fire Giants. Sutung leads us north then east when we reach an octagonal room. Edan uses the Merendur wand to trap the pursuers in a wall of ice in the octoganal room. Shortly after, their pummeling against the frozen barrier can be heard. Trapped in a dead end, we notice Sutungs drawings: plans to fix shuttles and orbital defense. Edan sees two glowing disc (2′ diameter). Desperate for an escape, Sutong clears the fire in the fireplace. Chuq clambers up and discerns the party can flee upward. Securing two ropes in the flue, the party and the giant escape upward as Edan sets another wall of ice to cover our retreat.

Sutung expects we will emerge in caves above Glavnone. Leading the group ever upward, Chuq stumbles upon a chockingly sooty section where the very air feels is as black as a darkness spell. Fishing for details, Sutong suspects Axel isn’t Marchmain Sithis. Eventually Axel slips and fails further cross examination. Dismissing the subterfuge we head on into the sooty darkness. Some are almost overwhelmed by the smoke but make it through with help. Socrates the invisible owl succumbs. He has not been seen since. After Axel using his power suit’s strength enhancement to yank an iron grate blocking the exit of the ventilation network, Edan faints from the acrid air. He recovers quickly as we rally in the before mentioned cave in the heights above Glavnone.

Sutung claims we are slightly west and above Glavnone. The sun indicates the time is 3:25pm. The cave mouth has an obstructions that can be hidden behind affording a concealed view of Glavnone from above. We are close enough that we can smell the cooking from the camps below. Sutung reports that a portable portal stone is proven; they were making more for multiple attack approaches against a foe. He wasn’t privy to their exact progress but heard things now and then. He has the developed a repair that Marchmain is striving for but doesn’t explain exactly what that is.

About twenty minutes later, the group treks west and up from Glavnone.  Eventually we climb up then turn back to the east keeping out of sight. When we reach the ravine, we decide to shadow step ferry everyone across. We come upon a shale slide and scramble over it as Chuq is violently buffeted by a freakishly strong wind. Feeling set upon, he can’t hit anything in retaliation. Neither can Thorfus when he rushes to the monk’s aid. The gale moves down the marching order and knocks Ronan off his feet. His tumult pulls the others tied to him. Seeing the calamity, Chuq and Thorfus lash their bindings to keep their footing. Sutung stops the other descent by grabbing hold of something. Those on the ground raise themselves to face this new threat…