Part 4: Above the Gold Goblin: Session 16

[15:33] <@Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:33] <@Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 1: Shadow in the Sky~~~
[15:33] <@Kilarra> -Session 16-
[15:35] <@Kilarra> Katarina and Daroskt returned to the Gold Goblin, where Kwava had remained to keep watch on the captured dark-skinned elf. The evening of rest allows Daroskt to regain some of his stamina, though his body is still drastically weakened from the death and raising.
[15:37] * Kilarra spent the night at the temple having fun, then completed her morning devotions before having a quick chat with Shorafa about what the Madam wanted her to keep the temple apraised of. She heads out mid-morning to return to the Gold Goblin.
[15:37] <@Kilarra> Meanwhile, at the Gold Goblin, what sounds vaguely like cursing can be heard comign from the room in which the dark elf was secured.
[15:38] * Katarina frowns, quickly getting up to check on the drow, gearing up and bringing her falchion with her.
[15:40] <@Kilarra> Daroskt accompanies her, as does chip, curious about this dark elf. Kwava waits for them to arrive and opens the door. Inside the room, the dark elf woman has rolled herselff off the bed, which was directly in the path of the sun coming through the window. She writhes a bit, having taken shelter in the shadow right at the edge of the bed.
[15:42] * Katarina sheaths her falchion and moves to prop the drow up, out of the sunlight.
[15:45] * Kilarra lets herself into the Gold Goblin, the door still slightly ajar from when Valnar broke it down. She calls out, "Anyone home? I got the go ahead from Calistria to have a look at that journal."
[15:45] <@Kilarra> The drow woman looks pained to even be in a lit room. She scowls at the surface dwellers and mutters something that sounds like a curse in an unfamiliar language.
[15:46] <@Kilarra> Daroskt draws the curtains, dimming the room slightly. The drow woman struggles a bit less against her bonds and manacles, but still seems to be looking for any chance to get away.
[15:48] * Katarina smiles at Daroskt and exits the room, hearing Kilarra. She makes her way to the entrance, journal in hand, and presents it to the cleric.
[15:50] * Kilarra smiles and takes it, then puts a hand on her holy symbol, "Calistria, make this gibberish make sense, and allow me to see to the heart of this matter." He eyes and ears seem to be briefly lit up, and then she opens the journal to have a look.
[15:54] * Kilarra flips through a few pages, "Looks like a lot of it is detailing how she spent the money Saul was funneling her... remember those initials, D.A? Looks like it stands for Depora Azrinae. Let's see... lots of deliveries by ship to Devil's Elbow. That island is supposed to be abandoned." She raises an eyebrow.
[15:56] * Katarina nods. "S-so, th-then a-are you g-going to g-go to th-that island?"
[15:57] * Kilarra keeps looking through the pages. She goes wide eyed, "This... doesn't sound good. There's records in here about all the wierd shit that's been going on locally since the blot showed up. She's called them 'side effects' from the charging of some glyphs on Devil's Elbow." She flips through a couple more pages
[15:58] * Kilarra quotes from the journal: “It would do to further refine the glyphs to minimize such blatant displays lest the enemy receive further warning of the impending apocalypse than we wish to reveal.”
[15:59] * Katarina blinks. "Wh-what? A-apocalypse?"
[16:01] * Kilarra keeps reading, "It says that as soon as the glyphs are activated and the star is plucked, the side effects should vanish. Star is plucked... the hell?" She looks up, "You still got that dark elf lady here? I think she's got some answers to give us."
[16:02] * Katarina nods, turning and quickly heading for the elf's room.
[16:02] <@Kilarra> Kwava and Daroskt look up as Katarina and Kilarra reenter the room, "What have you learned?"
[16:03] * Katarina frowns and her face looks grim as she looks at the drow. "S-something a-about an u-upcoming apocalypse..."
[16:03] * Kilarra comes in and gives Kwava the short version before getting out her whip and turning on the drow woman, "You've got some explaining to do. I dont care how sexy your black ass is, I will flay it off if I have to."
[16:04] <@Kilarra> Depora seems to be amused by this, actually chuckling at Kilarra.
[16:06] * Katarina frowns, not really seeing the humor...
[16:07] * Kilarra snaps her whip, "Start talking. What's this about a falling star and the apocalypse?" She seems to be getting mad again.
[16:07] <@Kilarra> Depora chuckles, and responds in that unfamiliar language again.
[16:08] * Katarina frowns. "I-Is th-there a-any spell y-you can u-use to u-understand her?"
[16:08] * Kilarra rolls her eyes, "The spell I cast works for both spoken and written words. She said to look outside."
[16:09] <@Kilarra> Depora seems mildly amused that she was understood.
[16:10] * Katarina frowns and moves to the window, peeking out through the curtains.
[16:11] * Kilarra instead runs out the front door. and looks up
[16:11] <@Kilarra> Daroskt stays with Katarina in the room, but Kwava follows Kilarra outside
[16:11] <@Kilarra> Looking up at the sky, the first and msot evident thing is that the blot, so prevalent over the past couple months, is gone.
[16:13] * Katarina quirks her head. "...W-what..."
[16:13] <@Kilarra> There's a flash in the sky, and something begins to streak through the upper atmosphere, leaving a trail burning behind it. A star is falling from the sky. Even in broad daylight, the brigtness of its burn makes it plainly visible.
[16:14] <@Kilarra> The star is falling on a southward course, but does not burn out as it falls. The streak lengthens, and it almost seems to be falling right at Riddleport.
[16:15] * Katarina 's eyes widen as she sees the star, following its path.
[16:15] <@Kilarra> Kilarra and Kwava bear witness to panic erupting in the streets as the streaking star draws nearer
[16:17] <@Kilarra> Only a moment later though, it flies past the city and out to see, trailing black smoke behind it and a thunderous boom following in its wake. The window is too narrow for Daroskt and Katarina to watch further.
[16:17] * Katarina quickly runs outside, trying to see any evidence of its crash.
[16:18] <@Kilarra> Daroskt follows after Katarina, not really being able to manage running yet, but gets out with her, Katarina, Kilarra and Kwava
[16:19] <@Kilarra> The falling star streaks out to the south, reflecting against the water until it reaches the horizon. The star collides with something out to sea, resulting in a brilliant explosion that brings about what looks like a second, false dawn.
[16:19] <@Kilarra> Only moments later, the force of the impact reaches Riddleport in the form of a great tremor.
[16:21] <@Kilarra> Katarina and Daroskt manage to stay on their feet, but Kilarra and Kwava are bowled over
[16:22] <@Kilarra> Buildings shake and shingles and windows crack, but otherwise the tremor was too far away to be strong enough to damage Riddleport directly.
[16:22] * Katarina blinks as she wobbles with the ground, still staring off at where the star hit in amazement.
[16:23] <@Kilarra> An angry orange ball of fire rises out over the sea where the star struck over Devil's Elbow, an angry, mushroom shaped cloud forming in its wake.
[16:23] <@Kilarra> Daroskt frowns, "A tremor out to sea... get inside, there's going to be a tidal wave!"
[16:24] <@Kilarra> Daroskt shouts, "Get to the second level, this could be big!"
[16:24] * Katarina tries to help Kwava and Kilarra up, if they still are down.
[16:25] <@Kilarra> Kwava stands up quickly as the tremour subsides and quickly runs inside. Kilarra takes the help from Katarina and gets up, sprinting back inside.
[16:26] * Katarina runs after her into the goblin.
[16:26] <@Kilarra> Only half a minute after the impact, those standing on or near the harbour would be able to see the waters of Riddleport's bay recede, leaving stranded fish as well as the odd shark or bunyip, and beaching a few ships.
[16:26] <@Kilarra> Watching from the upper level of the Gold Goblin on the south side, the party would be able to see this taking place.
[16:29] * Katarina is at a loss for words at the moment. She looks on with her mouth hanging open.
[16:29] <@Kilarra> Moments after the receding waters pull out, they come back in the form of a seven foot high wall of water. The arc shape of Riddleport's harmour deadens some of the wave as it crashes in, but it it still enough to push the bay as far inland as warf street. The party can see a couple of ships pushed all the way inland, one even landing a few blocks over.
[16:30] * Kilarra just gapes, "That elf bitch did -this-?!"
[16:30] <@Kilarra> Kwava looks completely horrified.
[16:32] <@Kilarra> Ultimately, the Tsunami did mroe damage to Riddleport than the tremor that preceded it, with a number of boats damaged and a few sunk, plus the ones thrown inland. Sharks and bunyips are beached inland, thrashign about in confusion, and a good number of people were washed out to sea.
[16:32] * Katarina closes her mouth, shaking her head. "K-Kwava, sh-should you c-contact y-your superiors?"
[16:33] <@Kilarra> A numer of buildings along the waterfront are completely destroyed, and more partly collapse between the wave and tremor.
[16:34] <@Kilarra> Kwava nods, having gone pale in the face (which for him, makes him looks almost like a regular elf), "They must be warned. The drow exist... and they have pulled a star down from the sky."
[16:37] * Katarina sighs, shaking her head. "I-I c-can't b-believe..."
[16:37] * Kilarra looks both amazed and terrified, "That... how could... this is insane!"
[16:39] <@Kilarra> Kwava quickly casts a spell that summons a messenger bird to him. He scrambles to write a summary of the events that transpired on a small slip of parchment that he gives to the bird. "Go with all haste my little friend. There is no time to be lost." He looks to the others, "If we are lucky, we shall hear with them in less than a week, but something this big may take them some time to deliberate."
[16:40] * Katarina nods. "A-are w-we j-just going t-to wait th-then?"
[16:40] * Kilarra heads back downstairs in a hurry to the room containing Depora. She brings out her whip and cracks it menacingly, "Talk. Now."
[16:41] <@Kilarra> Kwava shakes his head, "I cannot afford to act rashly. In such a dire circumstance as this, I must allow those wiser than I to make the decision of what is to be done next."
[16:42] * Katarina nods meekly and follows Kilarra, making sure she doesn't do anything too rash.
[16:43] <@Kilarra> Daroskt sighs, and speaks to Katarina as he follows "He's right. Even if we wanted to rush out, the damage to the harbour and ships is going to make if difficult for anyone to reach that Island for at least a few days."
[16:43] <@Kilarra> Depora simply smirks and says in plain common, "That was only a sample of what is to come."
[16:43] * Katarina nods and frowns deeply upon hearing Depora.
[16:44] * Kilarra glowers, showing off her very pointy teeth and gives Depora a few lashes.
[16:45] <@Kilarra> The drow seems barely phased and simply chuckles darkly are the whipstrikes.
[16:46] * Kilarra gives Depora one last good lash out of spite and then curls her whip away. "I'm gonna call the Gendarmes and get her locked up. This isn't exactly the most secure place to be keeping her. They'll probably be out in force after that to keep order and deal with the beached beasties."
[16:47] <@Kilarra> Daroskt seemed about to intervene, but stopped when Kilarra put her whip away. He looks to Katarina, "I am in no fit state to be pursuing this in any case. What will you do?"
[16:48] * Katarina frowns.  "I... I-I'm n-not s-sure." She seems a tad conflicted. "...I-I w-want to s-stay w-with you..."
[16:54] <@Kilarra> Daroskt nods, "Then perhaps if we are to stay here, we can still be of help to those who go. That tiefling, she is a member of the House of the Silken Veil, yes?"
[16:55] * Katarina nods. "Y-yes, s-she is."
[16:55] * Kilarra has dragged Depora out into the streets and is tryign to find a gendarme officer to explain (some of) what happened to and get the drow incarcerated and out of their hair.
[16:56] * Kilarra smirks as the drow squirms in the sunlight
[16:57] <@Kilarra> Daroskt nods, "She knows what we know, and that means soon Shorafa will know as well. She will likely wish to stay on top of such a big event, but prefers to be subtle about her involvement, and will likely not commit more than one or two to the cause, most likely the tieflign herself."
[16:58] <@Kilarra> Daroskt continues, "If we fixed this place up, it could perhaps be a front for their investigation, and perhaps a place for any new allies she picks up to have to stay while they wait for the opportunity to head out to Devil's Elbow."
[16:58] <@Kilarra> Daroskt smiles, "As well, I don't deny the appeal of sticking to an honest living at the same time."
[16:59] * Katarina smiles and nods at the prospect. "Th-that all s-sounds... nice. Th-then, l-let's s-start cleaning u-up?" "
[17:00] <@Kilarra> Daroskt chuckles with a grim sigh at the end, "We may also need to hire some new staff, considering what we did to the previous bouncers."
[17:03] * Katarina blinks and grimaces. "Y-yes, th-that's right..." She sighs. "A-a l-lot of w-work to do..."
[17:03] <@Kilarra> Daroskt pats Katarina on the shoulder, "Still, there's never a shortage of people looking for a way off the streets in this town. I am sure we will succeed."
[17:06] * Katarina nods her head. "I'll g-get started c-cleaning th-then." She plans on looking for new-hires later, thinking she wouldn't have much luck right after such an event.
[17:06] <@Kilarra> ~~~End Chapter 1~~~
[17:07] <@Kilarra> -Interlude: Recruitment-
[17:08] <@Kilarra> In the hours following the starfall, the crimelords of riddleport mobilize in a way rarely seen in the lawless town. The gendarmes partol the streets to deal with beached monsters and restore order, while other agents help those swept out to sea, and other help to put out fires.
[17:10] <@Kilarra> Rumours begin to fly in the following days about the starfall. Some people see it as an opportunity, given that falling stars often carry rare and exceedingly valuable metals inside them. A few people spotted Depora as she was taken away by the gendarmes, starting rumours of dark elves using eldrich magic to pull stars down from the heavens
[17:12] <@Kilarra> In the midst of the repairs and reordering of the city, Shorafa, having been briefed by Kilarra on the events that truly trasnpired, has tasked the tiefling with an inquisition into the starfall as well as those responsible for it. As Daroskt predicted, she did not want to overplay her involvement, and instead tasked Kilarra with finding some additional help.
[17:15] * Kilarra makes her way through the Leeward district, looking for some potential help. She didn't want to recruit any old thugs though. She wanted people she could count on for some real competence. A pity the dwarf had gone off to do his own thing, he was a hell of a good meat shield.
[17:16] * Kilarra runs through her head what she might want to look for in the team she was putting together. She definitely needed at least one good strong sword arm to hide behind, since she was not built for direct combat herself. Someone to cover her rear would be nice, considering Katarina had elected to stay with Daroskt. And maybe someone with some skill delving into ruins and dungeons and the like.
[17:17] * Kilarra smirks at the thought of Katarina and Daroskt, at least they had offered up the goblin as a base of operations for this, keeping the House of the Silken Veil's involvement discrete.
[17:22] * Kilarra decides to take the Velashu ferry across the river in order to visit the Publican House, the local Temple and Tavern dedicated to Cayden Cailean. She could appreciate the free spiritedness of their god at least, and better still, they always seemed to be full of brave (or sometimes stupid) adventurous types.
[17:27] <@Kilarra> The raucious Publican house is built up like a massive, grand tavern, but is indeed a temple at the same time. The crowd inside are rowdy but good spirited, and is open to all with the exception of a sign that says 'No Cyphermages'. Those familiar with local lore would know that the keeper of the house, one Arnando Rolf, had a tussle with one of them, for reasons not really known to most
[17:28] <@Kilarra> Arnando Rolf himself is a bear of a man with a notched sword at his him. He is presently at the bar clanking his mug against that of a stout yet burly looking man with frizzy red hair and a beard.
[17:29] * Kilarra is not wearing her holy symbol or breast plate, and instead is wearing simple clerical vestements, though she's cut them to fit more loosely and shortened the skirt so as not to catch it on her hooves. She makes her way up to the bar and has a seat, eyeing the barkeeper and his toastee curiously.
[17:31] * Aluthyra is currently sitting at the bar, near Kilarra, though she is drinking a mug of water. This tall woman has a slender though toned frame, slight muscles showing at her midriff and forearms where her monk robes do not cover.
[17:31] <Aluthyra> Her robes are simple, yet an elegant maroon and black combination, while a composite longbow is slung across her shoulder next to her quiver strapped across her back. Her skin is pale, contrasting her black, short-cut hair, while her eyes are gold.
[17:31] <Aluthyra>  She wears a necklace seeming to be made in the likeness of a dragon's foot, made of pure gold. Her expression seems calm and serene, ignoring the raucus of the tavern.
[17:32] <@Kilarra> Kjell Cailean is the stout but burly redhead toasting with Arnando. He takes a hefty swig from his mug and lets out a contended sigh after chugging it down. "Glad to meet such a hospitable lot in a city like this. Nasty business with that tsunami, but at least we're still here to be talking about it after the fact."
[17:33] <@Kilarra> Kjell is wearing a chain shirt and has a rather unusual looking longsword holstered at his waist. Attached to the other side of his belt by a secure chain is what looks like a spellbook.
[17:34] * Kilarra is intrigued by the curious blade and the spellbook. She also glances around for other candidates, and ends up staring at Aluthyra for a rather long time. Damn she was pretty.
[17:35] * Aluthyra seems to have a slight sweet smell emanating from her.
[17:36] * Kilarra thinks for a moment that it's a purfume, but she had rarely smelled a purfume that sweet without a hint of bitterness. She looks the woman up and down, and smirks at her, thoguh keeping her teeth from showing deliberately, "So, you don't seem quite so racous as this lot. What brings you here?"
[17:39] * Aluthyra finishes her water and looks to the bartender. "May I trouble you for another drink?" she asks, her voice calm and soft. She turns to Kilarra. "Traveling. I have been helping those that were hurt in this town, due to recent events." She smiles. "Those in this area have been kind enough, and so I have not yet left."
[17:40] * Kilarra nods, "I getcha." She leans in a bit, glancing curiously at the woman's bow, "You seem like a good natured lady, you any good with that bow? I can't say much of the details in public, but I'm in need of some assistance on an undertaking that relates to the fallen star."
[17:42] <@Kilarra> Kjell perks and ear towards the mention of the fallen star. This sounded like an adventure in the making. He keeps an ear cocked but says nothing, yet.
[17:42] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow at the mention of the fallen star. "I am proficient with my bow, yes, and if you are in need of assistance," she nods her head, "I would offer my help."
[17:44] * Kilarra smiles, "Fantastic. As I said, there's more to this than I can reveal in public, but." She scribbles something on a napkin, "Some to the Gold Goblin Gambling hall this evening, and I can share the details."
[17:46] * Aluthyra nods and takes the napkin, placing it in her packs. "Thank you." She extends her hand in Kilarra's direction. "I am Aluthyra, it is nice meeting you."
[17:47] * Kilarra shakes the hand, and seems pleased to have the opportunity to touch the beautiful, sweet smelling woman, "Kilarra, the pleasure is all mine."
[17:49] * Aluthyra smiles. "Kilarra," she looks her over for a moment. "I assume you are a cleric, yes?"
[17:50] * Aluthyra releases the handshake.
[17:50] * Kilarra nods, "Yes, specifically an inquisitor of Calistria. There is more to the fallen star than is immediately apparent, hence the need to investigate further."
[17:54] * Aluthyra nods. "I will need to meditate before I leave." She sits up. "I will be at this... Gold Goblin later, and will take my leave, unless you need something else of me."
[17:54] * Kilarra shakes her head, "Nope, just need to find- gah!"
[17:56] <@Kilarra> Kjell has pulled Kilarra over to him, "I hear you talking about the fallen star little tiefling. I want to know what your secrets are, so I will be coming as well. If You've need of a strong sword arm, you need look no further, so long as you are sincere about these strange thigns you speak of."
[17:57] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow at the large man, and makes sure that he is not planning on harming Kilarra before she takes her leave.
[17:57] * Kilarra squirms, "Alright, alright, just leggo!"
[17:58] <@Kilarra> Kjell let's go. "I am sure you will find my services valuable, and my companion thinks perhaps we should be involved, if what we learn matches her suspicions."
[17:58] * Kilarra blinks, "Her?"
[17:58] <@Kilarra> Kjell pats his sword, "My most erstwhile companion and strongest ally."
[18:00] * Aluthyra shakes her head and chuckles. "Farewell, Kilarra. I shall see the two of you later today."
[18:02] <@Kilarra> Kjell pats Kilarra on the back, "I am sure we will be of good use to you."
[18:02] * Kilarra squirms away from Kjell, "I hope so, but I'll be the judge of that in the end."
[18:03] * Kilarra takes her leave as well. Not a bad start, if the big guy was as good, but followers of Cayden, which he certainly seemed to be based on the smell of ale on his breath, were also knwon to be boastful.
[18:03] <@Kilarra> -End Session-