The Sundered Lands of Palladium
Session 58July 17 - August 5, 2017
Planning for a Trip
November 1st
Warning Essanos
Lavinia and the gathered companions make their plans to warn Essanos of the possible impending danger from the Savage Fever. Some ideas that have been floated about are going to the Dawn Council directly, contacting the Witch Wardens and alerting the local druids as well.
Seeker eyes the team. “Based on what Brother and I have encountered, I think that Val, Silver, and Arn would do well going with Lavinia to talk to the Witch Wardens and Dawn Council. The folk here seem to distrust Wolfen. I could go talk to the druids, I guess. Sindri, you can give an eyewitness account of the terrible events at Kraken Cove to support the team. Ered, where do you see yourself fitting into all of this?”
Ered looks at Seeker with a quizzical look. “I go find Temple. Get sleep. Meditate.” With that he nods to everyone and smiles. He lingers near Silver for a moment, gazing upon her sparkling draconic scales. He bows slightly to her then walks on out the door. He stops and looks back over his shoulder, “Thanks to you,” he says and smiles before disappearing.
Lavinia speaks up again, “It has been a long couple of days, we have all been through a lot, let us rest and recover tonight before undertaking more stressful responsibility. Thank you all for your continued help and protection. I am sure I would not be here without your help.” She turns to Valinya and touches her arm softly. “Thank you again, so very much, for coming to my rescue. Thank you for saving Korra and driving those vile frogmen out of the manor. I am sorry that your big companion, Hrag, did not make it. I am sorry.” Tears fall from Lavinia’s eyes as she hugs the Elf sorceress.
Valinya keeps the hug a moment before holding Lavinia at arm’s length. “I’m glad I was able to help. I only wish I had come sooner. I’m truly sorry for all the losses.”
The druid considers how to address the problem and says, “First tonight I’ll hold council with my elders at the Bronzewood Lodge. The zombie worm infestation there that killed off Sings to Moon’s pack was similar in how it spread quickly through any species it infected - made the victims go crazy and attack everything around them and infected those they wounded. This at least can be cured - that couldn’t, but they managed to contain it and I believe wipe it out before it spread, so they should be able to offer advice on how to do the same here. Hopefully they can help contact others here in the region as well. I’ll be dreamwalking at night but able to help with things some during the day.” He looks at Lavinia and says, “I’m sorry miss but I think your neighbors are going to be a little irritable for a while. . .” He then turns to Valinya and asks, “Sis, we may need your insight in this - you know how to heal the fever and other healers may have questions for you that I won’t know how to answer. Please don’t be alarmed if we appear in your dreams these next few nights. It can take a little getting used to but it’s a very useful way to communicate over great distance.”
Valinya nods and says, “I am glad to explain what I can, though my form of weaving magic might not translate well into other styles. But anything I can do to help.”
Moonscar sets up his tent, draws his symbols, lays down and begins his ritual. Sings to Moon takes up a spot just outside the tent flap, as she commonly does when Moonscar is inside. The Kankoran Druid lays there, speaking the words and going through the motions of gathering the spirits he needs in order to Dreamwalk back to Bronzewood Lodge. Unfortunately, the spirits do not seem to be very helpful this evening. After close to 3 hours of trying, Moonscar finally gives up, realizing that tonight, this ritual will not happen. Dejected, he closes his eyes and goes to sleep.
November 2nd
A Busy Day Ahead
Moonscar wakes up the next morning feeling horrible. He experienced terrifying nightmares involving all his companions and loved ones, all infected with an extreme form of Savage Fever which included death by burning. The worst part was that Moonscar was the one infecting them all by smashing them in the head with an endless supply of Shadow Pearls! He tries to shake it as he rises and greets the day, but just cannot do it.
Seeker also experienced strange dreams during the night. He imagined being back in the north, near Nesme, hiking through the hills and forests of the area. He saw many of the rangers and hunters he had encountered there, though none of them paid him any mind as they seemed to be very busy and involved with something that Seeker could not figure out. Strangely, when Seeker awoke, he had some thistles stuck in the fur around his ankles.
Everyone else sleeps comfortably enough, though the thought of all the dead bodies to clean up this morning makes everyone just a bit uneasy. The large form of Hrag is going to be a difficult situation to deal with. And explaining the deaths of Red and her work crew may prove difficult to the authorities and their families.
Korra is busy putting together some food for breakfast and Lavinia is in the kitchen helping her, trying to keep the sadness from her face. Unfortunately, it seems as if the house itself, or at least all the dreadful things that have happened here recently, makes her sad. “Good morning, everyone,” she says with a false joy while bringing in a tray of fruit. “We have a busy day ahead of us, don’t we.” Her eyes dart to the nearby window that faces the small courtyard where Hrag’s large, black form can still be seen slumped near the small stream. Valinya noticeably sits so that her back is to the courtyard and does not look out there at all.
Seeker returns from his morning run as the breakfast commences. He bows slightly to Korra and takes a plate of Essanos breakfast to sit in a corner as the rest of the team assembles.
He rumbles his thoughts as he eats. He nods to Lavinia. “We do, indeed, ma’am.” He chews for a moment, his huge jaws and teeth making quick work of a small steak. “It seems like someone should go talk to the Watch as soon as possible. Once they are brought in, they will want to inspect the scene of the battle.” He clears his throat. “After that, they can help us take care of our fallen comrades.” He gets quiet as he reflects on their loss, and for a while the only sounds from Seeker involve chewing and swallowing.
Valinya remains quiet, eating slowly… but steadily as one plate then another disappears. Finally she gives a sigh. “I think I might, among other things, give some time to divining how we might be able to slow or avert a potential outbreak of the vile disease. It could be that I get a vision of a potential carrier and we can go prevent it from reaching here or spreading. If it does come, it could cause unimaginable chaos, especially given how rapidly it acts.”
Seeker sucks the marrow out of one last bone and ponders Valinya’s words. “Seems to me that the disease starts with the Shadow Pearl. Find the source of them, stop them, and the disease is not an issue.”
Valinya pauses before replying. “Maybe. It may have a magical origin but could easily be it’s own creation now, independent of needing to be sustained by some magic. Something like a thing that is summoned or created but doesn’t need constant magic to keep it around. I’d rather hedge on being careful.”
Seeker shrugs. “Makes sense. Sounds like a worthy project. Please let me know if I can assist you in it.” He stands and stretches. “I have some resupplying to accomplish before we leave. Should I tackle that this morning, be out of the manor when the guard arrives, or would you like me to stay for that? Lavinia?”
Silver, having shifted into her elven form first thing in the morning, seems interested in Seeker’s idea. “If you’d like company, I would prefer to stay clear of the guard as well.”
The rather haggard Kankoran gives up picking at his breakfast (he’d been chewing his tail at least as much as his food) and replies morosely, “I should go with you too. I need to pick up my knife from the enchanter’s.” He reaches out to lay his paw on Valinya’s hand saying softly, “Sis, I could sing the Resting Song or a more general farewell for our friend. I could also speak to him and ask what he would want since we don’t know his people’s customs. Let me know what you think.”
After finishing her meal Valinya slowly heads out towards the body of the slain Hrag. Steeling herself she forces herself to honor him by carefully looking at him. She stands there quite awhile, lost in thought before nodding to herself. Taking a deep breath and keeping her eyes fixed on Hrag’s remains she sings …
Valinya finishes her new song and a large, fur and spike covered gorilla type creature appears in the courtyard. It is a Grimbor, not Hrag, but very similar to him. The morning sun glints off it's purple tinged fur. It looks around and settles its gaze on Valinya, waiting for her to give him some instruction. Though this creature looks like Hrag, it does not seem to have the same intelligent spark in its eyes.
Seeker acquiesces to Silver’s company, and the two set out for the market. “I believe you crossed paths with a magic shop before. Could we go there first? I have some items that would be best identified before we attempt to sell them.”
Seeker and Silver head out toward Glittermane’s Vault. Moonscar hurries out of the death filled Vanderboren Manor and follows them. As they leave, Arn shouts out after them, “Hey Seeker, make sure you bring back a receipt for that stuff! You are still over on your share of the loot from the other day!” The Dwarf goes back inside and finds some ale before beginning the depressing work of dragging dead bodies around. 
Seeker also experienced strange dreams during the night. He imagined being back in the north, near Nesme, hiking through the hills and forests of the area. He saw many of the rangers and hunters he had encountered there, though none of them paid him any mind as they seemed to be very busy and involved with something that Seeker could not figure out. Strangely, when Seeker awoke, he had some thistles stuck in the fur around his ankles.
Everyone else sleeps comfortably enough, though the thought of all the dead bodies to clean up this morning makes everyone just a bit uneasy. The large form of Hrag is going to be a difficult situation to deal with. And explaining the deaths of Red and her work crew may prove difficult to the authorities and their families.
Korra is busy putting together some food for breakfast and Lavinia is in the kitchen helping her, trying to keep the sadness from her face. Unfortunately, it seems as if the house itself, or at least all the dreadful things that have happened here recently, makes her sad. “Good morning, everyone,” she says with a false joy while bringing in a tray of fruit. “We have a busy day ahead of us, don’t we.” Her eyes dart to the nearby window that faces the small courtyard where Hrag’s large, black form can still be seen slumped near the small stream. Valinya noticeably sits so that her back is to the courtyard and does not look out there at all.
Seeker returns from his morning run as the breakfast commences. He bows slightly to Korra and takes a plate of Essanos breakfast to sit in a corner as the rest of the team assembles.
He rumbles his thoughts as he eats. He nods to Lavinia. “We do, indeed, ma’am.” He chews for a moment, his huge jaws and teeth making quick work of a small steak. “It seems like someone should go talk to the Watch as soon as possible. Once they are brought in, they will want to inspect the scene of the battle.” He clears his throat. “After that, they can help us take care of our fallen comrades.” He gets quiet as he reflects on their loss, and for a while the only sounds from Seeker involve chewing and swallowing.
Valinya remains quiet, eating slowly… but steadily as one plate then another disappears. Finally she gives a sigh. “I think I might, among other things, give some time to divining how we might be able to slow or avert a potential outbreak of the vile disease. It could be that I get a vision of a potential carrier and we can go prevent it from reaching here or spreading. If it does come, it could cause unimaginable chaos, especially given how rapidly it acts.”
Seeker sucks the marrow out of one last bone and ponders Valinya’s words. “Seems to me that the disease starts with the Shadow Pearl. Find the source of them, stop them, and the disease is not an issue.”
Valinya pauses before replying. “Maybe. It may have a magical origin but could easily be it’s own creation now, independent of needing to be sustained by some magic. Something like a thing that is summoned or created but doesn’t need constant magic to keep it around. I’d rather hedge on being careful.”
Seeker shrugs. “Makes sense. Sounds like a worthy project. Please let me know if I can assist you in it.” He stands and stretches. “I have some resupplying to accomplish before we leave. Should I tackle that this morning, be out of the manor when the guard arrives, or would you like me to stay for that? Lavinia?”
Silver, having shifted into her elven form first thing in the morning, seems interested in Seeker’s idea. “If you’d like company, I would prefer to stay clear of the guard as well.”
The rather haggard Kankoran gives up picking at his breakfast (he’d been chewing his tail at least as much as his food) and replies morosely, “I should go with you too. I need to pick up my knife from the enchanter’s.” He reaches out to lay his paw on Valinya’s hand saying softly, “Sis, I could sing the Resting Song or a more general farewell for our friend. I could also speak to him and ask what he would want since we don’t know his people’s customs. Let me know what you think.”
After finishing her meal Valinya slowly heads out towards the body of the slain Hrag. Steeling herself she forces herself to honor him by carefully looking at him. She stands there quite awhile, lost in thought before nodding to herself. Taking a deep breath and keeping her eyes fixed on Hrag’s remains she sings …
Valinya finishes her new song and a large, fur and spike covered gorilla type creature appears in the courtyard. It is a Grimbor, not Hrag, but very similar to him. The morning sun glints off it's purple tinged fur. It looks around and settles its gaze on Valinya, waiting for her to give him some instruction. Though this creature looks like Hrag, it does not seem to have the same intelligent spark in its eyes.
Seeker acquiesces to Silver’s company, and the two set out for the market. “I believe you crossed paths with a magic shop before. Could we go there first? I have some items that would be best identified before we attempt to sell them.”
Heading to Glittermane's
As the three companions make their way through the morning market, they experience numerous incidents of nearby but unseen folk shouting things like “Go home, Wolfen!”, “Your kind isn’t welcome here!”, and “Furries are evil!” Many folk sneer and give nasty looks and glares as they hurriedly get out of the way of the walking trio. The feelings of Wolfen (and Kankoran) being welcome in Essanos have greatly diminished this morning. Though no one directly confronts the group, there are several times when a rock, stick or rotten piece of fruit comes flying their way out of the crowd.
Not every citizen in the market is being hateful toward the Canines. There are many sad and downcast eyes in the crowd while the majority just turns away quickly, avoiding making eye contact.
Eventually, they make it to Glittermane’s Vault and Silver rings the bell. After a few minutes, a large illusion of a Gnome’s face appears in front of the door. “Hey, what? Who’s there? I’m very busy today. Very busy. Oh, my dear Silver, how do you do? Good to see you again so soon. What can I do for you? Oh, I see you have some friends with you. Wolfen friends. Hmm.”
Glittermane agrees to identify the items, though has to charge an extra fee to jump them to the front of his work load. For 1200$, he will identify the 7 magical items. He does freely identify one potion as Alchemist Fire and the Smoke Bomb, both taken off of Rowyn Kellani. The other items he finds very interesting and explains them as follows:
- 2 Major Healing Potions valued at 350$ each
- Spellstone-Body of Air valued at 460$
- Wand of Charm Person 5 charges (20 total) valued at 65070$ Recharge Cost 2400$
- Wand of Create Stone 5 charges (20 total) valued at 29470$ Recharge Cost 2000$
- Varandil, The Stalwart Blade Enchanted Balanced Fine Large Falchion Kigante’s sword valued at 19000$,
- Devil’s Grace Enchanted Balanced Fine Edged Rapier Javell’s sword valued at 23000$
He offers to buy the wands and swords for 60% of their given value.
After leaving the Vault, the trio stops by and sells the jewelry and other valuables to a nearby merchant netting nearly 20,000$ more!
Cleaning up the Mess
Back at the manor, Arn, with the help of Valinya’s magical Grimbor, begins moving the bodies of the deceased for better disposal. It has been decided that Hrag should have a hero's funeral and his body should be burned. That can be done at nightfall right there in the courtyard. Arn and the magically created Grimbor begin cleaning up the dead bodies. Kora, Lavinia’s Gnome servant, begins cleaning up inside the manor.
Valinya was pleased with her new spell and the Grimbor servant. What he lacked in real intelligence he made up for with actually understanding the common tongue and no qualms about following her instructions. While having him do work she tried to assess the limits of his strength and coordination as well as running him through some practice combat using the boggard bodies. Might as well get some use out of them.
Arn and the magical Grimbor work hard to clean the mess in the manor up. A short while later, the guards show up, summoned by Lavinia. They take the bodies of the boggards and dispose of them and also take custody of the bodies of the work crew, promising to inform pertinent other parties if possible. They leave the body of Hrag there and give their blessings for a funeral pyre that evening.
Once the guards arrive and Arn is relieved of duty, he requests a break from his friends so that he can make his way to the armorer’s to do some repairs to his equipment before they make their way off to any new adventures.
Alerting the Authorities
Lavinia heads out with Valinya and Sindri the Gnome to alert the city guard and to try to talk to the Dawn Council and Witch Wardens about the many threats to the city.She leads the way from the manor to the nearest Guard Station.
Valinya says, “We’re here to support you … just let us know if you need us to say or do anything.”
Lavinia leads Valinya and Sindri to first the guard station then over to Castle Teraknian to warn the Dawn Council. They are very appreciative and thankful for the warning. They then stop at the Witchwardens and Valinya explains what she knows to some of the mages there. They also thank them and say they will do what they can to protect the city and its citizens.
Come Together
Later that evening, everyone comes back together with their work for the day done. Everyone has gathered up their commissioned items from the various craftsmen that were working on them. Some coin has been gathered for sold loot and the authorities of Essanos have been warned. It feels that the general feeling in the city toward Wolfen (and Kankoran, those nightblind can’t tell the difference!) had taken a dive. Tomorrow the group plans to introduce Lavinia to Captain Tahir and planning for the voyage south will begin in earnest.
Cast of Characters:
Arne J plays Seeker, a teenage Wolfen Warlord
Mike B plays Arn, a surly Dwarven Warrior
Amergin O'K plays Moonscar, the esoteric Kankoran Druid
Daniel W plays Silver, a young and curious Dragon
Mike W plays Sindri Fetzil, an a Gnome rogue and alchemist
and Jason GURPS as the GM
Mike W plays Sindri Fetzil, an a Gnome rogue and alchemist
and Jason GURPS as the GM
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