Sundered Lands 21

The Sundered Lands of Palladium

Session 21
July 17, 2016

Of Slaves and Taxidermists

Saturday October 28

Fedik Meets the Group

Most of the group gathers in the currently under construction Vanderboren Manor. Moonscar finished up a ritual that he had hoped would locate their current target, Vanthus, but the Web had not shown him him anything specific enough to work with.

The group decides that the Taxidermist Guildhall is the next best lead they have and discuss their approach. Arn then arrives back, pushing a wheelbarrow with the proceeds from the loot sold at the market as well as the lame young street person, Fedik.

Fedik the flayleaf informant

Fedik is introduced as a new informant for the group. Fortis and Arn explain how the young flayleaf addict tried to steal from them, Arn crushed his leg with his mace during the attempt and Fortis put him under an Oath to serve them for one month. Arn adds that he took the lad to the nearest temple and also paid for magical healing on his leg, but that it would take a month for it to fully heal.

While most of the companions talk about how to use this new informant to gain information from the streets, Seeker leaves, upset about something. Silver follows and the two discuss the use of magic to control the minds of the citizens of Essanos.

Back inside, the details of Fedik's information gathering mission is laid out, with some arguing about the morality of mind control thrown in for good measure, and the group begins their plans on checking out the Taxidermist's Guildhall. Moonscar makes an attempt at trying to convince Fedik to stay off the leaf, but his admonitions fall on deaf ears.

The discussed plans include staking the place out, sending in someone disguised as Vanthus, tipping off the guard, abducting someone seen coming out of the Hall, all the way to a full on assault! Finally the group decides to just head on out to get an idea of what they are dealing with by getting a good look around the Taxidermist's Guildhall. Valinya plans on remaining at the Manor House to continue working on a new spell.

Fortis as seagull

Fortis approaches by air in the guise of a seagull. Seeker, utilizing the magic of his ring, approaches by water and climbs ashore behind the building across the street. Moonscar sneaks through some back alleys to approach from the rear. Arn and Silver approach their target from the street and go in the front door.

The two in the Guildhall are greeted by a well dressed and groomed man that introduces himself as Guildmaster Nemien Roblarch. They banter for a moment and then Arn tries to draw him out by offering a ship load of LIVE animals but the taxidermist doesn't bite.

The Guildmaster

The conversation quickly becomes strained as Arn starts name dropping Vanthus and Penkus. The Guildmaster then accuses them of being sent there by the Rug Makers Guildhall in some sort of elaborate prank designed to waste his time. Silver smooths things over a bit by offering the taxidermist the opportunity to stuff a cockatrice. 

When Arn asks him if he has been having any trouble with area gangs, the Guildmaster becomes very standoffish and accuses Arn of trying to shake him down for protection money. The Guildmaster takes a step backward toward the door he had entered from and Arn rushes him, shouting threats along the way. Before the surly Dwarf can reach him, a dazzling and blinding spray of colors shoots from Roblarch's finger tips. Arn curses and Silver moves for the door, hoping to signal the others that things are going down. 

Overcoming the visual assault, Arn charges forward and throws a punch at the fleeing Taxidermist. The punch never lands though. Arn lets out a bewildered "w-w-w-w-what?" as Lefty, his ornate gauntlet, passes through empty space. The taxidermist was no longer standing there in front of him. He was no where to be seen!

A dazzling display of color!

Cast of Characters: 

+Arne Jamtgaard plays Seeker, a teenage Wolfen Warlord

+Ben Zittere plays Fortis, an Ellyl trickster and Mage

+Stephen Kolmetz plays Valinya, an Elven Wildsong Mage

+Mike Biancone plays Arn, a surly Dwarven Warrior

+Amergin O'Kai plays Moonscar, the esoteric Kankoran Druid

+Daniel White plays Silver, a young and curious Dragon
and +Jason GURPS as the GM