Part 3: Hidden Enemies and Unexpected Allies: Session 10

[15:41] <Daroskt> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:41] <Daroskt> ~~~Chapter 1: Shadow in the Sky~~~
[15:41] <Daroskt> \Part 3: Hidden Enemies and Unexpected Allies/
[15:41] <Daroskt> -Session 10-
[15:43] <Daroskt> The morning after the raid on the Golden Goblin, Saul goes back on his intention to have the hall open. Before he and the remaining bouncers had managed to take care of the thieves, they had broken in another window and turned two of the guest rooms practically inside out. As a result, along with the other repairs, Saul gives the party the day off.
[15:45] <Daroskt> Saul meanwhile, with the bouncers busy repairing and cleaning, has departed the gambling hall, presumably seeking contact with his informants about the events that transpired the previous evening.
[15:46] * Daroskt spends the first hour of his morning meditating before taking Chip outside to do his business. He then heads back inside to eat breakfast, hoping the others would be up as well. There were things he wished to discuss with them.
[15:47] * Valnar_Quartzheart sleeps in longer than usual.
[15:47] * Katarina spends her morning getting a little extra sleep, enjoying her day off. She heads to breakfast after some extra sleep, greeting Daroskt with a friendly wave.
[15:48] * Daroskt waves to Katarina as well, motioning for her to join him, "I never was one for sleeping in. Old habit from my time on the streets. Sleeping in could cost you your life out there."
[15:50] * Katarina nods, sitting down beside him. "Y-yes, b-but... it i-is s-safer here... a-at least I f-feel safer..."
[15:52] * Daroskt nods, "Thus far anyways, although last night was... well, not unexpected, but a test of that relative safety for sure."
[15:52] * Daroskt feeds Chip his scraps again. The boar was going to get spoiled at this rate.
[15:53] * Katarina smiles down at Chip, eating some of her own breakfast.
[15:53] * Valnar_Quartzheart wakes up from his much needed sleep and begins to get dressed and heads downstairs to see Daroskt and Katarina talking amongst themselves.
[15:54] * Katarina lightly waves to Valnar.
[15:55] * Daroskt waves to the Dwarf as well, "Sleep well?"
[15:57] * Valnar_Quartzheart sits down at the table with Daroskt and Katarina, makes a slight grumble, "Aye, was a good rest for me bones."
[16:00] * Daroskt nods, "Let's hope we don't have to lay those bones to rest for good any time soon then. Do either of you have any lingering injuries from last night?"
[16:00] * Katarina shakes her head. "N-no, I-I'm fine."
[16:02] * Valnar_Quartzheart shakes his head.
[16:03] * Daroskt nods, "Alright then." He turns to Katarina, "I have a question for you. The other night you showed me a note indicating the suspected involvement of Boss Croat amongst Saul's enemies. From whom did you recieve that tip?"
[16:03] * Valnar_Quartzheart gets up to get some ale.
[16:04] <Daroskt> There's a keg of common mead readily accessible behind the counter
[16:04] * Katarina blinks. "Y-you r-remember the cleric th-that healed me, y-yes?"
[16:06] * Valnar_Quartzheart goes behind the counter to grab the keg, and pours himself two mugs.
[16:06] * Daroskt nods, "The Tiefling Mistress, yes."
[16:06] * Valnar_Quartzheart walks back to the table with the two mugs in hand.
[16:06] * Katarina nods. "F-from her. Sh-she s-sent the n-note."
[16:08] * Daroskt raises an eyebrow, "When was this?"
[16:09] * Valnar_Quartzheart chugs the first mug, and slams it on the table to let the others know he finished the first one.
[16:10] <Katarina> "I-if y-you remember th-that... uhm, m-male p-prostitute, I-I th-think he p-planted it on m-me."
[16:11] * Daroskt blinks, "Ah. I see. Well... do you have any idea why she might have elected to tell you that? She is a notorious information broker, but usually one would charge for a tip like that."
[16:12] * Katarina shakes her head. "U-uhm... n-no."
[16:14] * Daroskt shrugs, "Curious. Anyways, do either of you mind us taking a trip shopping today? We have the gear taken from the raiders to sell off, and after last night, I intend to keep some extra sundries available henceforth."
[16:15] * Valnar_Quartzheart nods his head in agreement to go shopping.
[16:15] * Katarina shrugs. "I d-don't m-mind."
[16:16] * Daroskt nods and stands up, "Alright then. While we're out we might get a hint of what word on the street is about last night."
[16:18] * Katarina nods and sits up, giving Chip a little pat on the head. She stretches and smiles, ready to head out.
[16:18] <Daroskt> Chip moinks happily and trots alongside the group
[16:19] * Valnar_Quartzheart stands up and chugs the last of the ale that he had and follows Daroskt out to the street.
[16:20] * Daroskt passes Katarina a couple of the Potions of Cure Light Wounds he had, intending to buy more anyways
[16:21] * Katarina smiles, putting the potions away. "Th-thank y-you."
[16:23] <Daroskt> As they pass through the streets, the party already recieves some recognition as Saul's Capps (local slang meaning trusted lieutennants). There are many whispers about, including some more outlandish claims that the raiders were disguised Gendarmes. It seems that the raid has done nothing but increase the notoriety of Vancaskerkin and the Gold Goblin.
[16:24] <Daroskt> Whilst Shopping in the Wharf district, a familiar face approaches the party. Samaritha Beldusk, once again clad in her wizard's robes rather than her Gold Goblin uniform, waves a hand in the air as she jogs up to them.
[16:26] * Katarina waves to Samaritha, giving her a smile.
[16:27] <Daroskt> Samaritha stops short of the group and smiles, "Oh good, you're all alright. I was hearing all kinds of crazy rumours that I felt I should head over and see if any of them actually warranted any merit."
[16:28] <Katarina> "W-we were a-attacked... b-but w-we managed to f-fend them off."
[16:29] <Daroskt> Samaritha nods, "That seems to be the concensus. What no one can agree on is who attacked you. Some people, including Elias, went so far as to claim the Overlord was personally responsible. He even made a public appearance to quash those rumours and denounce the raid."
[16:30] * Daroskt rolls his eyes, "Yet the Gendarmes seemed to be conveniently elsewhere when we were attacked. Still, there were Half-Orcs among our attackers, but regular thugs as well, so best we can guess it was a joint effort between Croat and Zincher."
[16:30] * Katarina nods in agreement with Daroskt.
[16:31] * Valnar_Quartzheart "Bah whoever attacked us, is sending us an invitation to squash his head in."
[16:33] <Daroskt> Samaritha nods, "I see. Well, I'm just glad you're all alright. Admittedly, the other cyphermages seemed to be kind of hoping that Gaston was actually responsible. Apparently Tammerhawk thinks he's in the best position to become the next Overlord should Cromarchy lose hold of his power."
[16:35] * Daroskt recognizes those names, but isn't really interested in their political squabbling.
[16:35] * Katarina shrugs. "Th-thanks for ch-checking on u-us, a-anyhow."
[16:35] <Daroskt> Samaritha gives a round of hugs, including one for the dwarf she wasn't as familiar with, then waves them off before heading back uptown.
[16:36] * Valnar_Quartzheart smiles as he does love hugs.
[16:36] * Daroskt blushes a bit at the hug. Pretty half-elf was pretty
[16:38] * Katarina smiles, waving of the half-elf.
[16:39] * Daroskt takes the opportunity during the outing to buy a few more healing potions so that they would be well stocked in case his own healing, as it often did, came up short.
[16:41] * Katarina doesn't spend any of her gold, saving up for now.
[16:43] * Valnar_Quartzheart would only buy ale, but since the tavern has so much ale, there is no point in buying his own.
[16:44] * Daroskt decides to save the rest of his coin for now as well, thinking perhaps of having his hide armour enchanted when he could afford it.
[16:48] <Daroskt> After their day spent either shopping or otherwise takign a break, once the evening rolls around, Saul approaches the Party and requests their presence in his office for a meeting
[16:49] * Katarina follows Saul into his office, curious to hear what his informants found out.
[16:53] * Daroskt follows as well, accompanied by Chip, taking a seat in one of the armchairs.
[16:54] * Valnar_Quartzheart sits down besides Daroskt.
[16:56] <Daroskt> Saul seats himself in his armchair by the fire and props his cane up against his chair. "Now then, as I'm sure you've already figured out, I caled you here to talk about what I've learned today. The first order of which is sort of a good news, bad news situation. Overlord Gaston Cromarchy was not involved in the raid last night, but he -did- redirect the gendarme patrols."
[16:57] * Katarina frowns.
[16:59] <Daroskt> Saul leans back a bit, "The Good news is that he does not open support my enemies, but the downside is that I can expect no help from him either."
[16:59] * Katarina nods. "S-so d-do you kn-know h-how we should deal w-with this?"
[16:59] * Valnar_Quartzheart tosses his hands up, "We don't need no help from some no good overlord."
[17:04] <Daroskt> Saul chuckles at Valnar's enthusiasm, "No, I don't suspect we do, at least, not with your assistance. Now, after the number of goons you put down last night, it will be a while before either Croat of Zincher has the manpower to spare for another attack. However, for the same reason, they have little left to lose now, and are likely worried about their own reputations falling, and have little left to lose."
[17:07] <Katarina> "S-so sh-should w-we attack first?"
[17:07] * Valnar_Quartzheart "going in headfirst is the way I like it!"
[17:08] <Daroskt> Saul nods, "It seems that, indeed for once, the initative is in our hands. I have recieved word that tonight, Croat and Zincher are sending representatives to a meeting to plan another attack, possibly even of larger scale than the one last night. While it would be a while before they could actually do it, knowing that plan would provide a great deal of leverage. As well, if the chance arises to pick off a few extra enemies during thi
[17:09] <Daroskt> -As well, if the chance arises to pick off a few extra enemies during this meeting, then all the better."
[17:10] * Valnar_Quartzheart "Bah, we need to just go to them and show them that we are not a child in some big city, and show them who we really are, a group of well trained fighters, not willing to take crap from anyone.
[17:10] <Valnar_Quartzheart> "
[17:10] * Katarina nods. "Wh-where i-is this m-meeting?"
[17:11] <Daroskt> Saul notes, "Zincher and Croat are likely holed up in fear of retaliation, as they should be, but this is a great opportunity to gain useful information about them, as well as further weaken their positions for a proper retaliatory strike. The meeting is taking place at the Spar, an old meeting site in the Boneyard."
[17:12] * Valnar_Quartzheart "You want us to go and take care of this meeting? Maybe even become the guests of honor." Valnar chuckles at his little joke.
[17:12] <Daroskt> Saul continues, "In my younger days, I used it as a drop point, so I can direct you to it. The boneyard is a treacherous place, which is probably why they chose it, figuring they wouldn't be disturbed by anything other than perhaps the odd bit of wildlife."
[17:12] <Katarina> "Th-then y-you can direct u-us th-there?"
[17:13] <Daroskt> Saul smirks at Valnar, "That is exactly what I want you to do. Now, the primary purpose as I said is to get information, but I have no qualms about -how- you gather this information, and what you do with the *chuckle* informants after the fact."
[17:14] * Valnar_Quartzheart "aye, they be wishing that their own mothers be dead before they were able to have them once I'm done with em."
[17:14] * Daroskt raises an eyebrow at Valnar, not quite getting the humour of his statement.
[17:19] <Daroskt> Saul gets out a map of Riddleport and shows a route to the Spar through the Boneyard. "I suggest you leave at dusk. That way you should be able to approach unseen and catch the conspirators together."
[17:20] * Katarina nods, taking time to look over the map.
[17:21] * Daroskt takes in the path as well, trusting Saul's previous knowledge of the area to guide them. He made a mental note to keep watch though, in case the marshy area might have shifted since Saul's time there.
[17:23] * Valnar_Quartzheart looks at the map and attempts to remember the path.
[17:26] <Daroskt> As Dusk settles, the group heads out to the Boneyard...
[17:26] * Katarina draws her bow, keeping a wary eye out for trouble.
[17:27] * Valnar_Quartzheart pulls out his waraxe and his shield, prepared for anything.
[17:27] <Daroskt> The night winds have died and a light mist rises from the marsh. Ahead is a flickering globe of light centered around a bit of ship’s rigging protruding from the surface of the water. This can only be the Spar. Dangling from this boom is a single lantern providing the illumination for a group of dark-cloaked humanoids huddled together in the muck beneath.
[17:27] * Daroskt takes some time to look around the Marshy area before heading in too deep, motioning to the others to take it slow at first.
[17:29] * Katarina observes the immediate area, looking around as Daroskt motions for them to slow.
[17:33] <Daroskt> Chip sniffs around and gags a bit. There was a scent of rancid meat in the air.
[17:35] * Daroskt begins to slog forward, taking it slow and feeling around so as not to accidentally slip into any deeper sections of the murk
[17:36] * Katarina follows behind Daroskt, her bow readied with an arrow.
[17:37] * Daroskt gestures to Katarina, "Take a look, see if you can spot anything amongst those hoods.
[17:37] * Katarina stares forward, attempting to gather any information on the hooded figures.
[17:39] <Daroskt> Katarina can't seem to make anything out
[17:39] * Daroskt looks in as well, something seemed... off.
[17:41] <Daroskt> Daroskt can see that the hoods are draped over flour sacks. They're dummies. As Daroskt takes notice of this, an exotic sounding voice calls out, "Be wary friends, there is treachery a foot here." The announcement is followed by the twang of a bow being fired.
[17:44] <Daroskt> There is a thunk as the arrow connects with its target and an inhuman shriek from amidst the wreckage to the left of the party's approach
[17:45] * Valnar_Quartzheart is confused about this entire situation.
[17:46] <Daroskt> Amidst the wrecked ship hulls, now made bare by its shriek, stands a grotesque creature. The stature of a man, only slumped, and with the face of a sickly rodent.
[17:47] * Katarina shivers at the sight, ready to put an arrow between its eyes.
[17:50] * Daroskt scowls at the sight of the creature, "Of all the filth this world has to offer, we have to get some of the worst."
[17:50] * Valnar_Quartzheart looks to Daroskt, at insulting a creature that hasnt really done much.
[17:51] * Daroskt detests lycanthropes, an unnatural sickness
[17:51] * Valnar_Quartzheart thinks that instead he might have deserved it though, being that ugly.
[17:52] <Daroskt> The smell of rancid meat becomes apparent again on a soft breeze, and has attracted the hunger of a swarm of flesh-eating cockroaches.
[17:55] <Daroskt> The twang of a bow sounds in return as a wererat further down and closer to the position of the one who called out the warning takes a shot.
[17:56] <Daroskt> The one who called out to the party yelps as he is struck by a bolt from an enemy he did not see whilst trying to alert the party to the presence of the others.
[17:57] <Daroskt> The other two wererats ready their shortbows and fire at the nearest party member, Daroskt, having no better alternatives, even if they were outside sneak-attack range.
[17:59] <Daroskt> One arrow grazes Daroskt's arm just above his buckler, while the other is stopped by the shoulder of his hide shirt.
[18:02] * Katarina frowns and aims her bow at the farthest wererat, and hoping to offer some support for the unexpected ally, she fires two shots in quick succession.
[18:04] <Daroskt> The wererat is truck by the shot, but the thick hide of the creature seems to have lessened the impact.
[18:04] * Daroskt cannot reach the Wererats, so he climbs up to deal with the cockroaches approaching from atop a nearby mound of wreckage
[18:05] <Daroskt> Daroskt doesn't manage to hit the skittish swarm, as its members scatter and scurry as he swings at them
[18:06] <Daroskt> The warning giver, who is difficult to make out in the light, but clearly a humanoid at least, steads himself and firest two shots in rapid succession at the uninjured Wererat.
[18:06] <Daroskt> Both shots miss rather spectacularly
[18:10] * Valnar_Quartzheart readys himself to attack his enemy
[18:11] <Daroskt> There is nothing within Valnar's reach
[18:12] * Valnar_Quartzheart instead just holds his position.
[18:13] <Daroskt> The roaches swarm Daroskt.
[18:14] <Daroskt> Their many little bites add up to some nasty ouchies.
[18:15] * Daroskt calls to Valnar, "This was a bad idea. If you're not doing anything else, I could use help getting these vermin off."
[18:15] * Valnar_Quartzheart "I will help you any way i can."
[18:16] * Daroskt groans a bit, "Then get up here and swat these blasted things."
[18:17] * Valnar_Quartzheart moves to the swarm and attack the swarm, so taht he can help his friend.
[18:19] * Daroskt makes a mental note to get some Javelins or a spear or something
[18:20] <Daroskt> The greviously wounded Wererat drops his bow and scurry's away into the swap, hiding under the wreckage and darkness. The remaining two turn their attention to Katarina and the other bowman, attacking each of them
[18:21] <Daroskt> *scurries
[18:24] <Daroskt> The party's ally takes a grazing shot, while Katarina takes a blow that, while nasty, could have been a lot worse.
[18:25] * Katarina grunts from the shot and readies a second volley of arrows, firing one at each respective wererat.
[18:27] <Daroskt> Katarina's second shot strikes the already injured Wererat, although again, it's unnatural lycanthrope hide lessens the impact. Still, it is now greviously wounded, as badly as it's companion that already fled.
[18:27] * Valnar_Quartzheart "good shot lass."
[18:28] * Daroskt decides to get rid of the bug swarm the clever way. He jumps down into the nearby stretch of water that was deeper. Cockroaches, to his knowledge, weren't good swimmers
[18:29] <Daroskt> The roaches scatter along the slope while some scurry away over the water and along the marshy reeds, not wanting to get wet.
[18:29] * Daroskt holds his breath
[18:30] <Daroskt> The party's mysterious ally lines up another pair of shots, one on each remaining Wererat
[18:31] <Daroskt> The archer's first shot punches through the uninjured Wererat, causing it to scream, a glint of silver visible the instant before impact. The second shot drops the wounded Wererat hard.
[18:31] <Daroskt> The roaches scattered and his two allies dead, the last remaining wererat flees while he has the chance
[18:32] * Katarina blinks, looking around to see the helper.
[18:32] * Daroskt comes up for air after a few seconds, swimming back to the shallows an hoisting himself out of the marshy muck.
[18:34] <Daroskt> Katarina is greeted by a hawk that flies by her, hovering in front of her with a bottle clutched in its talon. "A potion for your wounds," calls out the stranger, who takes a drink of his own.
[18:34] * Katarina smiles, and takes the potion, drinking it though she had her own. "Th-thank you," she calls back to the voice.
[18:35] <Daroskt> The potion given to Katarina is actually a bit more potent than the ones she is carrying, and she feels tingly as her wounds close
[18:35] * Daroskt lays a hand on himself to heal his own minor scrapes
[18:36] * Katarina smiles and sighs in relief.
[18:38] <Daroskt> The stranger in question finally approaches the party, setting his bow over his back and bowing to the group. "I am glad to see you are alright." The man pulls back his hood, revealing the face of an elf, though an exotic one with tanned skin as opposed to the paler complextion of most. "I came to your aid because, as of now, we share an enemy."
[18:38] * Valnar_Quartzheart "Who is this enemy?"
[18:39] * Daroskt raises a curious eyebrow
[18:39] * Katarina cocks her head. "W-who?"
[18:40] <Daroskt> The elf looks at the party with complete seriousness, brushing his silvery hair out of his face. "Saul Vancaskerkin."
[18:40] <Daroskt> -End Session-
[18:40] <Daroskt> Rewards: 3 CR 3, 1 CR 2. 1000 Experience each