Sundered Lands 39

The Sundered Lands of Palladium

Session 39
January 15, 2017

Lookit All The Gold!

Saturday October 29

It is late in the day, several hours after noon, that people start rising from their sleep. Arn can still be heard snoring from a comfy loveseat near a window and Hrag has not emerged from the dark closet Valinya found for him. The lithe Elf maid is still sitting serenely, eyes closed, meditating outside the closet.

The wind can be heard blowing fiercely outside and there is a chill in the air. It is considerably colder than it was at this time yesterday.

Some sounds of construction can be heard from the other side of the house but no one has bothered you here. There is basket of bread, bowl of fresh fruit and some cold cooked fish on a sideboard table nearby and a low fire burning in the large central area hearth.

Once the last of the gang rises and joins the remainder of the group Fortis describes the results of his magical analyses.

Valinya wakes from her vigil, looks in on Hrag, sees him still sleeping, and then joins the others.

Fortis asks, “Well Val, any ideas on what to do for Hrag?”

Seeker pulls out a sheet of parchment with Wolfen calculations written all over it and reads the inventory of coins and other valuables found in the 2 chests.

Valinya says, "I was hoping to create a spell to restore his hand if I can. After that ... I don't know. I'm sure he'd like to return to his family but I'm not sure how that can happen.”

Moonscar asks, “Any idea where he's from? Is he even native to this world or plane or whatever?”

Seeker replies, “Grimbor come from the Yin-Sloth jungles. It's southwest from here across the sea. We saw the image of a Grimbor before in the vanderboren vault.”

Chest 1 contains 11 small velvet sacks filled with coins. Each sack is marked with the crest of the Vanderboren household.

Moonscar says, "Well, that's at least easier to get to probably”

Valinya says, "I'll have to ask him how he got here. Poor thing!”

Moonscar says, "probably by Blue Nixie”

Seeker says, "We should let Lavinia know we found her stuff.”

Silver finishes her morning stretches while listening to the tallies, then does her morning transformation back to elven form to take a closer look without taking up as much space.

Sacks #1-7 has 1000 silver coins (1000$, 21.5lbs each; 7000$, 150.5lbs total) Sacks #8-10 has 1000 copper coins (100$, 21.5lbs each; 300$, 64.5lbs total) Sack #11 has 1000 gold coins (10,000$, 21.5lbs) there were also 3 small pouches as well. 1 small pouch filled with 100 platinum coins (10,000$, 2.3lbs) 1 small pouch filled with gemstones (Arn estimates near 10,000$, .5lbs) 1 small pouch with a magical ring and magical brooch Chest 1 Total value (not counting containers or magic items) 37,300$ The Brooch is a Broach of Shielding When worn, this brooch absorbs half damage (round up) from all types of missile spells and energy attacks (except earth and stone attacks) Requires a command word, “Aleagis,” to work. This brooch will absorb up to 21 points of damage. Takes 3 castings to identify says, "name, power and command word. the ring is a Ring of Jumping When worn, gives +2 to Acrobatics and Jumping skill. Allows user to safely land a fall from any height, but Fortis found a mental block when trying to discern the command word. The Crystal Ball that was on the bookshelf is basically a fancy night light that swirls with a glowing color cloud inside. It changes color when someone puts 2 hands on it and thinks of a color.

The brooch is a Brooch of Shielding, which protects the wearer from some missile and energy attacks. The ring is a Ring of Jumping which enables the wearer to move and jump more nimbly. The Crystal Ball that was on the bookshelf is basically a fancy night light that swirls with a glowing color cloud inside. It changes color when someone puts their hands on it and thinks of a color.

Seeker leaves to get Lavinia

Fortis says, "Well, We have done a good job recovering her treasure. What else was in those chests?”

Chest 2 contains 15 small sacks with no distinguishing markings on them

#1-7 has 1000 copper coins (100$, 21.5lb each. 700$, 150.5lbs total) #8-13 has 1000 silver coins (1000$, 21.5lb each. 6000$, 129lbs total) #14-15 has 1000 gold coins (10,000$, 21.5lb each. 20,000$, 43lb total) 2 small pouches 1 small pouch filled with 50 platinum coins (5,000$, 1.3lbs) 1 small pouch filled with jewelry (Arn estimates at about 8,000$, 3lbs) Chest 2 Total value (not including containers) 39,700$

There were also 20 books, a handful of stuffed animals (real creatures, not toys), 1 crate filled with nice hats (about 200 hats), 3 spice boxes. Seeker had stowed 20 perfume vials, some brushes, combs, hair pins and a hand mirror were also recovered from her bedroom.

Finally there were 10 bolts of fabric with considerable mildew and 3 small statues.

Silver says, "I wonder if there's anything in those statues - like smash them to get something out sort of thing”

Fortis says, "Seems like a waste of a lot of effort to put so much work into a statue that would have to be destroyed to get out something valuable that you hid inside. But some of the big folk are crazy, so who knows.”

Silver says, "So are we going after the scumbag yet?”

When Seeker returns Fortis starts a discussion on liquidation and disbursement

Moonscar continues to try on various hats, intrigued by crazy variety of this particular piece of furless clothing

Seeker enters with Lavinia. "Hey, Fortis, your slave is outside. He's asking for Arn to report in."

Fortis replies curtly, "Thank you Seeker, but you must be mistaken. I don't own any slaves."

Seeker nearly shouts, "Fine, play stupid. Fedik, who is under your mind control, is outside. Arn, he wants to talk to you."

Arn snores from the loveseat, now flopped over, face down, his booted feet hanging over the edge

Forti quips back, says, ""Precision of speech isn't stupid, but insulting your friends might be."

Seeker snarls, "Whatever." Seeker goes and rouses Arn. "Go outside and let the wretch tell you what he knows." He turns back to Fortis. "He is under your mind control. Do you have the capability to remove it? And if you do, will you?"

Valinya says, "Not a bad idea, really”

Fortis says "I might. Do you think it would be better either for him or for us if I did so? Is his drug addicted thievery in some way superior to his current role of recovery and service?"

Moonscar says, "He's not recovering”

Seeker growls, "I will take that for a 'No.'" Seeker goes and takes pouch # 14. "I'll be back later," and he leaves.

Moonscar says, "He can't until he does it because he wants to. Under mind control he can't recover. Best you can hope for is that he'll feel better after the mind control goes away to decide he wants to stay that way he might like how he feels without them better than how he does with them. Don't hold your breath on that one though.”

Fortis says, "Physical addictions can pass during forced withdraw.”

Valinya looks at the gathered wealth around the room.

Fortis says, "Nothing is perfect, but if he stays off the drug long enough the addiction can break, don't you think?”

Lavinia says "Oh my, you have recovered my family wealth?"

Moonscar shrugs, “He has a slight chance”

Fortis turns to Lavinya "Yes my lady, we have"

Moonscar says, "but he's got to want to stay that way”

Fortis says, "what better path do you propose?”

Silver says, "I suppose this is it, whatever they didn't already spend”

Valinya says, "Hopefully you will find this helpful”

Moonscar says, "I wish I had a good answer to that Cousin”

Fortis says, "So do I. If you discover one, please let me now. But for now this is the best solution I have identified.”

Moonscar says, "My best suggestion is if he finds something he likes better and wants more - that he can't have along with his drugs”

Fortis says, "Sounds like a good plan. Any idea about how to enact it? Seeker seems to be antsy about the situation.”

Lavinia says "This is amazing. This will allow me to really finish the work on the house and take care of the boat and start getting some of our old business going again. I can restore the family name. "

Fortis replies, "I am pleased you are satisfied, Lavinya"

Moonscar says, "I think it would require getting to know him a lot better - and a bit of luck”

Lavinia says "What about this other stuff? These hats and such? Those aren't mine, are they?"

Fortis asks, "Would you like them to be?"

Lavinia says "Well, I don't know. They have to belong to someone, don't they? Though that one there is nice."

Fortis explains, "They were recovered from the boudoir of Rowyn, who has since fled."

Valinya says, "I'm not a hat person really but they are ... diverse and interesting after all.”

Fortis announces, "Rowyn Kellani. She had taken control of the Sea Harpies and was running a large gang of pirates out of some catacombs.” In regards to Valinya’s choice of hats,  "Quite fancy, I'm sure it will attract many compliments"

Lavinia says "Yes, Seeker told me some of this on the way over. Where did he go, after all?" She pauses then continues, "Well this is an interesting situation. But I would feel improper taking someone else's property without even trying to at least find out whose it was first."

Fortis says, "Sometimes our discussions wear on him and he seeks refuge in solace. He is quite capable of taking care of himself, I shouldn't worry."

Arn continues snoring by the window.

Fortis continues,  "As I said, the hats belonged to Rowyn Kelani, scion of the house foreseen to oppose yours."

Lavinia says "well yes, but for sure they were stolen. Not hers honestly or originally. And where is she again? Seeker said she "got away""

Fortis says, "I'm sorry I cannot say. We do not know her location. As to the provenance of the hats, you are likely correct, but I do not know how to restore them to their former owners. Anyone could claim them. "If you auctioned them off at a social event and donated the proceeds to some worthy cause it might provide some measure of happiness to their former owners."

Silver says, "If you can think of a way to figure out who owns them and return them without being branded a thief then great. Can we talk about your brother now? He's supposed to be up the coast doing something nefarious.”

Lavinia says "I will look into it. Have you a list of what you have recovered?"

Fortis says,  "I only know a bit about the ring and the broach. Arn and Seeker were counting the coin."

Lavinia says "My brother? You learned more of Vanthus? I suppose I thought he would be in that den of thieves and you had, um, well, dispatched him."

Fortis explains, "No, my lady, he was not present. Though it appears he had been."

Lavinia says "What do you know, where is he?"

Arn Ironfist suddenly starts, mid-snore. "Wha? Where? Oh, right. Good morning, Miss Lavinia. Er, I mean, maybe, good afternoon?" Arn looks out the window and sees a few scattered snowflakes drifting lazily down from the sky. He is worried he slept longer than he intended...

Valinya gives Arn a scolding, motherly look. The Dwarf rubs his hands together as he looks at the chests and goods strewn about. "Quite the haul, eh?"

Fortis carries on,  "Yes, it is. We were just discussing the particulars. Do you have a total of Lady Vanderboren's recovered coin?"

Arn harrumphs. "Yes, of course." He rattles it off. Separated out by what was in her bags, and what wasn't.

Lavinia says "That is a good sum of money, though Vanthus and these Sea Harpies definitely spent some of the family fortune. No worries, it is more than I had before and more than I need, I would imagine."

Arn looks around, then sees his gear. He takes out a tankard and fills it. Soon his beard is flecked with foam. He says,  "Glad to hear it, ma'am"

Fortis says,  "Well, should we discuss liquidation and disbursement? Is there anything we thing we want to purchase as a group? I know I wouldn't mind sharing the cost of hiring those gondoliers, and I suspect Seeker gave them something of value as well. He should be reimbursed."

Lavinia says "But this money doesn't belong to you, to us...""

Fortis asks, "To whom does it belong?"

Arn Ironfist scowls. "It came from thieves, and we put them to flight. To the victor goes the spoils."

Lavinia says "To the victims of the Sea Harpy crimes, of course. This here, in these bags is clearly Vanderboren money, but this other was someone else's hard earned pay. It just doesn't seem right. I would like to find who it belongs to. Of course, I will reward you from my share."

Moonscar says, "I could certainly use a few arrows that are particularly deadly to demons.”

Arn shakes his head. "And how would you be determining whose is whats? For all we know, this loot came from piracy."

Moonscar says, “oh, speaking of arrows -”

Arn Ironfist continues, "Or smuggling."

Lavinia says "Well, then it still came from someone. Unless you all are pirates as well? But I don't think so."

Moonscar grabs his quiver and pulls out a roll of maps from the Harpy planning room

Fortis holds his tongue for the moment to see how this argument will play out, making a point only if needed.

Arn Ironfist says, "Do you know of any victims of the Sea Harpies?"

Moonscar says, "I don't know if any of these will offer clues about the origins of the stuff

more about the intended use I think”

Lavinia says "I would like to try first to find out."

Moonscar says, "Ma'am,”

Arn Ironfist nods. "And how much time would that take? We should probably be preparing to pursue Vanthus with all haste."

Moonscar says, "I don't really grasp much about how you people view "wealth" - but I have figured out  that all that shiny metal can be traded for some things we actually need and, while most people will never be aware of it, I can assure you everyone in this city right now desperately, desperately wants us to be able to meet those needs, Because if we can't - well, there won't be an Essanos”

Lavinia watches as Moonscar unrolls the large map he took off the tactical room in the Sea Harpy lair. There are numerous little colored flags mark the map, pinned by little tacks to the heavy fabric. Blue, red and gold.

Moonscar says, "Silver says, "I'd like to have healing potions again. Those things are useful”

Lavinia says "I understand"

Moonscar looks directly at her.

Fortis says, "A few more spells could mean the difference between success and failure"

Moonscar says, "I said when we met, we're here to help. Once we're done, I at least don't care about the monies. Uncle Ironfist might argue the point though. . .”

Lavinia looks from Moonscar to Arn and smiles sheepishly.

Arn Ironfist chuckles

Moonscar says, “I still don't really get the whole point of them,” and grins a little awkwardly.

Lavinia says "What if I could turn the goods and say, half the other money over to the city, and you keep the rest for your needs?"

Moonscar holds up a gold coin and asks incredulously, “This is 50 barrels of fish???? Really??? that still just. . . . t,” the tapers of into silence, shaking his head.

Arn Ironfist laughs and nods, grudgingly. "Er, I guess that seems fair. What do the rest of you think?"

Moonscar says, "anyway, we found a bunch of maps, plans and letters that might tell us a little more”

Fortis adds, "Hypothetically, it might be better to invest the balance and continuously donate the proceeds. That way if we need to use the remainder for something unforeseen it is available and it provides continuing benefit to the city."

Moonscar says, "I don't know if any of the books matter.” Then he spreads out papers and holds up a roll in a red ribbon, “I haven't looked into these yet.” He waves the pack of letters found stuffed down into Kellani's bed. Valinya watches the interchange with an amused look.

Fortis continues studying the maps and looks up when Moonscar mentions the letters

Arn Ironfist growls, "What scum."

Fortis muses, "hmmm.. that is... depressing. I'm so sorry Lavinya."

Moonscar says, "Well, it does make our future choices a little easier to make.”

Lavinia looks at the letters and looks as if she is about to break down and cry.

Valinya says, "Indeed. Very sad. We're sorry for your pain.”

Lavinia says "I, I, I can't believe he could sink so low."

Arn Ironfist looks distinctly uncomfortable. He crushes his new hat in his hands.

Lavinia says "When you find him, send him to hell so he can be judged properly for his sins."

Lavinia says "Do what you want with all this other, I assume I am free to deal with this?"

She indicates the Vanderboren portion of the loot.

Arn Ironfist nods, "Of course, ma'am"

Lavinia she stops and sniffs the air for a moment.

Lavinia says "What is that smell? It smells like a wild animal in here. No offense to you two, or your dog. Not that. Something, um, stronger."

Arn Ironfist looks to Valinya.

Fortis looks a bit worried, "Umm, did Seeker happen to mention Val's new friend to you?"

Silver says, "That's probably the.... uh don't scream, he probably might not like that.”

Moonscar barks to Sings in the Wolfen language, “She didn't mean to call you that”

Lavinia says "What?"

The Kankoran speaks to Valinya, “Um, Sis? You're up next,” then in Eastern, “We rescued someone”

Fortis says "There we some beings held captive there. One of them needed our help to escape."

Lavinia says "What wonderful thing to do!"

Fortis tries to explain, "Hrag looks a bit fierce, but is quite gentle"

Arn Ironfist chuckles, "And he's not the sweetest smelling type."

Moonscar says, "who has been hygienically abused”

Fortis seems amused at Arn and Moonscar’s comments,  "Pots accusing a kettle?"

Moonscar says, "to say the very least. I'm sure he would relish the opportunity to clean up.”

Arn Ironfist grins, "Takes one to know one."

Fortis continues, "In any case, the poor grimbor lost a hand, and needed our help."

Lavinia says "Hrag, thats an interesting name. Where does he hail from? No hand you say. How sad."

Lavinia says "Grimbor, grimbor? I know I've heard that word before. Hmm."

Moonscar says, "The southern jungles.”

Valinya clears her throat then clears her throat again. “Um, yes. He's in a bit of a spot at the moment and we're trying to help.”

Lavinia seeming to soften again, forgetting the betrayal and murder by her brother. She says "You all are such sweethearts. Aww. When can I meet this Hrag?"

Valinya says, "He's rather nice really but does appear fierce. He lost a hand helping defend me. Saved my life perhaps.”

Lavinia says "Sounds like a wonderful soul, like yourselves"

Valinya says, "He's resting at the moment but when he wakes we can introduce you.”

A thump and deep groaning growl can be heard from the closet nearby…

Valinya says, "In fact, I will have to speak to him but he might be looking for work ... to save money to get a ship back home.” And right on queue …she goes to open the door for Hrag.

Lavinia steps up and meet this Hrag, sees the ginormous spiked, one handed ape, swoons and then falls over.

Valinya says, "Well ... that could have gone better.”

Fortis catches Lavinia with an apportation spell before she hits the ground. Lavinia magically slows before hitting the floor

Valinya says, "Perhaps more forewarning would have been in order,” then adds, “Nice catch Fortis”

Moonscar dives and rolls and comes up under her just as she floats into his hands. “Wow - I think she should eat more.”

Silver says, "We really need to condition her more to this sort of thing. Maybe I should spend less time in this form?”

Fortis accepts the compliment to him. "Why, thank you." Fortis floats Lavinia's insensate form out of Moonscar’s arms and over to the nearest comfortable spot.

Moonscar says, "she's light as a feather.”

Arn Ironfist shakes his head, "Naw, your dragon form is pretty. I think it's just his extreme ugliness what made her swoon." He looks at Hrag. "No offense."

Valinya says, "Lighter, actually.” The Elf turns to Arn, “He's not ugly! He's just different!”

Hrag actually seems almost pleasant as he comes out of the closet. Valinya goes to give him a comforting pat on the arm and a smile

Moonscar says, "He probably hasn't had a decent meal in a very long time.”

Valinya says, "I'm not really sure what he eats either.”

Fortis comments, "perhaps you should ask him."

He eats all the remaining food, much to Valinya's chagrin.

Fortis says, ""Or, you could save your spell."

Hrag looks around hungrily for more food but only smiles at everyone else. He seems to smile mostly at Moonscar and Valinya. Valinya tries to smile back while hiding her disappointment at the loss of vittles. After a few moments, Lavinia wakes up and calmly tries to accept the fact that there is a 10' tall spiky ape in the chamber.

Fortis suggests, "When you look at it from a different perspective, Lavinya, size takes on a new meaning. How do you think folk of your appear to me?"

Moonscar says, "Splotchy, and with big wiry hairs growing out of bumps”

Lavinia says "Yes, yes, I am beginning to understand more and more about this wide world of ours."

Fortis says,  "Well, are we intending to pursue Vanthus, and potentially Rowyn?"

Moonscar says, "I think we must. But we'll need a proper boat for it.

Lavinia spends some time doing an inventory of the contents of the chest with her money in it. "I should be able to get the Blue Nixie out of the impound in a day or so, that's what the Captain said I believe."

Moonscar says, "Ma'am - is she a fast ship and can you risk losing her? Given time in advance I may be able to at least get the weather to favor us a little.”

Lavinia says she does not want to lose the blue nixie so quickly after recovering her.

Arn Ironfist harrumphs. "Good. Last thing we want is a storm at sea."

Fortis looks at the map closer and tries to do some analyzing of the locations of the flags. Some of the identified locations on the map that bear flags are Vanderboren Manor, which has a Gold flag. Islaran Estate, the former harbormaster, has a red flag. A manor house that Lavinia identifies as Heldrath Kellani’s family estate is marked with blue. A handful of city garrisons are marked with both blue and gold. Castle Teraknian is marked with a red flag as are a few other places. Fortis believes that blue marks allies, red marks enemies and gold marks locations of money. quite a few of the little flags had fallen off in the rolling up and transport of the map, sadly.

Fortis considers, "Perhaps if we inform the houses under the red flags of what happened we could gain allies in this upcoming fight."

Some arrangements are made for the hats and spices and books and statues to be sold off. While this is going on, it becomes evident that Seeker had grabbed one of the sacks of gold coins when he walked out earlier.

Silver says, "If I can afford it, I need to buy some healing potions and recharge my amulet.”

Cast of Characters: 

+Arne Jamtgaard plays Seeker, a teenage Wolfen Warlord

+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
+Mike Williams plays Gorgukk Torgnaz, an Ogre sailor and mauler
and +Jason GURPS as the GM