Wandered Roads 54.5

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 54.5
October 1 - November 25, 2018

Campaign Timeline

Too Many Leads

Toilday 12th Kuthona, 4711

Closed for Business

The Carnival has been officially shut down and Sheriff Feldane has arrested the Master of the Carnival, Almara Delisen and taken her away. Berthold seems at a loss, he just stands there stammering outside of Jherizhana’s wagon, “I, I, I, I just don't know.” He sits down on a barrel and puts his hands in his face. About that time, Daellin and Thim arrive. They had caught wind of the trouble at the carnival and the group's involvement and hurried over. They are quickly informed about the three murders, the implications that the circus and its Sphinx are involved, the Skulks and their tribe of drug users, and the real situation with Jherizhana.

Just then, a tall, bronze skinned Keleshite man comes strutting up. He is dressed in the traditional clothes of Qadira, though a much warmer version of trust southern style. He carries himself with an air of superiority and looks around at the gathered folk and Berthold, with his head down. “Get up, animal man. What is goings on here? I see Mistress Almara being led off by the woman sheriff. How this has happened?” he shouts at the Master of Beasts. His accent is thick and his voice is commanding. He turns to the gathered members of the party and sneers briefly. “You. Were you not hired to solve  these problem? To me, this not quite seems to be the solution you are hired for. No?” 

Calina glances at the unknown gentleman and nods, "Yes sir, seems we have not found the perpetrator of these crimes.


"We have found many clues, though, and we have found a couple of Skulks, and have not found two others. This could be because Skulks aren't exactly easy to find. Might I ask your name and what is your position in the circus? Sir, you can count on our group to continue our investigation and it should go quickly now that our two other members have joined us," she points towards Daelin and Thim.

Calina blushes as she realizes how she's been chattering freely, not something she is comfortable doing. She steps back behind Kallin's large orcish body, without even waiting for the name of the imposing and commanding gentleman.

The man's piercing eyes follow Calina as she retreats behind her companion, and he lets out a haughty laugh. “I am Venlok, Master of Licences, captain of the guard and scourge of the indolent,” he says as he gently pats the coiled whip hanging from his belt. Several long knife scabbards also hang from his intricately detailed and decorated belt. “Yes, yes, I know some of this problems come from the guards not at right places. I take care of this very soon. But this other problems, the Mistresses being arrested, going to jail, this not ok. This your job. You figure this out now. If trouble come for Umbra Carnival and Mistress Almara then Venlok come for you." He crosses his arms and stares the entire group in the eyes. He seems confident and ready to take on the whole group at once if need be.

Samad rolled his eyes at the man’s bluster and stepped forward, a hand on his hip and his beautiful chin angled up. Annoyance gleamed in his golden eyes as he sneered at Venlock. “We certainly didn't need YOU to tell us that.” His sneer morphed into a mocking smirk. “But I suppose if it gives you an illusion of control in this situation, bark away you bladed dog, and let us get our hands dirty. As usual.” 

Samad, hips slithering coquettishly, walked swiftly around Venlok. Despite his confidence, he gave the man a decent breadth between them, but close enough to let the man catch a whiff of the flowery scented oils he uses on his skin. The Foxtooth’s eyes never left Venlok for a second until he turned to the rest of the group. His hair swaying like a luxurious dark curtain behind him after his graceful pivot, he spoke sweetly to them. “Well, shall we? I believe we have a lead at the docks?”

Venlok narrows his eyes at Samad as he circles around him and murmurs, “Garundi,” under his breath, followed by a snort. He then turns to Berthold, “I go deal with lazy Varisian guards. You deal with performers. If you cannot, I tell the Clerk that he is to step up and take command. I do not trust that Atepmo. No good come from Ustalav. You better man. You get up and do it.” With that, Venlok turns and stomps away, nearly slamming into Samad behind him, but deftly avoiding him at the last second.

As he leaves, Berthold regains some of his composure and stands. “Venlok is a good man. A bit harsh, but his intentions are in the right place. The well being of the Carnival is his main concern, as it should be mine as well. So,” he says, turning to Samad then back to the others, “you have a lead? Down on the docks? I shall not keep you any further. I must quickly gather the workers and explain to them this quarantine that the Sheriff has placed upon us. I do not like it, but I believe it is for the good of all. Thank you again for your assistance in this, I knew I was right in bringing you to Mistress Almara’s attention. Without you, things would be in much more dire straits!”

Alistar leads the way down to the docks where he immediately begins looking for the most worthless ugly stinking drugged out pieces of peasant offal he can find.

Shiver Me Timbers

Alistar and those that accompany him head down to the waterfront of the town. As they travel through the streets of Ilsurian, it is clear that the townsfolk are watching them and based on the nasty looks and glares, they clearly are associating the group with the Carnival. 

The cold weather seems to have put an almost complete halt to the work on the docks. Only a few boats were moored at the wooden piers, including Captain Othlo Janke’s Lucky Jenny. Most of the boats are small, one or two person craft, and appear to belong to fishermen, though some are clearly trappers and hunters’ boats as well.

After asking around for a bit, Alistar is able to get some directions to the local Shiver den, which is in a dilapidated, rotting shack near the easternmost docks, just down the hill from the Two Waters Tavern. The window and doors are boarded up and the roof is falling in. It is clear that the building has not been maintained well and it is a miracle that it is even standing still. 

Stepping as lightly as possible Alistar peers into the shack looking for a shiver addict to interrogate about who his supplier is.

As he approaches what looks like the entrance, he notices numerous broken glass vials on the ground. He also notices a strong stench coming from the building. Peering inside the dark and smelly shack, Alistar sees a trash strewn space with about a dozen or so ratty hammocks, most of them filled. A hunched over figure stumbles out of the shadows toward Alistar. “Ya got a bite? Jus’ looking for a bite, man. Com’on, gimme a bite,” he mumbles. 

Seemingly not interested in small talk, Alistar moves in aggressively, grabbing the man by the collar and slamming him roughly up against a wooden beam that normally would be supporting the roof but currently doesn't seem to be doing anything useful. “Where did you get the Shiver?” he demands. 

Everyone sees his eyes flash with a spark of electricity as he intimidates the drugged out peasant and the man, now suddenly sober blurts out, “Kadarru! Kadarru! The painted Varisian. Leave me be, I swear the truth of it!” The man breaks down, crying and blubbering on the filthy floor as Alistar lets go of him. 

Samad makes no effort to hide the disappointment on his face. Haven't the Varisians been through enough? He steps forward to address the shaken junkie. “Do you know where we can find this Kadarru?”

The man squeaks out the word “market” and points weakly up the hill toward the center of town. Everyone remembers seeing a handful of market stalls set up around the wide yard at the base of the statue of Ilsur, the founder of the town. 

Off to the market to find the painted Varisian who peddles poison.

Gone to Market

Alistar leads the rest of the group back up the hill toward the market. The statue of Ilsur rises up in the cold afternoon above the Two Waters Tavern the group had patronized the night before. Several brightly colored tents and awnings stand around the central area in front of the statue. Their colors seem out of place on this cold and overcast day. Only a few townsfolk peruse these stalls on this cold day. Most of the merchants appear to be Varisians, though there are a few spots that appear to be more permanent and are inhabited by folk of Chelish descent. Across the way, a man and a young girl can be seen perusing the wares on a table. The man and the Varisian working the stall get into a shouting match which quickly sinks to slinging racial slurs back and forth. The Varisian merchant throws his hands up high, causing his heavy fur cloak to fall back, revealing that he is not wearing a shirt and is covered completely in colorful tattoos.

Calina states quietly, "I believe we've found a painted Varisian."  She adds, looking to everyone else, "Do we rush in like always, or should we observe, and by observe I mean quietly, discreetly from a distance." She looks at Alistar for an answer. 

"Alright then," seeing the determined look in his eyes, "I'll stand right over here and when things blow up, Alistar, I'll have your back."

Calina leans back against a handy railing as Alistair walks fervently towards the Varisian's market stall. She looks with raised  eyebrows at the others. "Well?"

“I have a better idea, be prepared to follow him.” Alistar then as unobtrusively as possible casts Suggestion on the fellow and instills in him the idea that the boss wants to see him right now.

Alistar watches as the “Painted Varisian” pauses in his argument with his customer. He turns his head to the side as if thinking and holds his hand up to silence the other man. The Chelish man gives up his argument and walks away, but not before giving the Varisian a highly inappropriate hand gesture, doing his best to hide it from his daughter as they go. The Varisian then swiftly looks around suspiciously before sitting back down and pulling his cloak tight around his shoulders again. Alistar knows instinctively that his Suggestion spell has failed, though he is sure he cast it correctly. He assumes that Kadarru’s strength of will must have been stronger.

Kallin observes the painted man for a moment.  He looks to see if the tattoos have any special meaning.  Nothing really comes to him so he starts to scan the crowd to see if there are any spirits amongst the crowd.

Not close enough to really make out the details of the tattoos, Kallin turns and almost immediately notices a a restless spirit approaching. She is a Human woman, young, in her early 20s probably. She is quite tall, possibly taller than Kallin, and looks to be fairly muscular, though she wears loose fitting clothes that ruffle and shimmer. Her dark black hair is pinned back neatly and her blue eyes seem to shine with a ghostly brightness. She walks determinedly up the hill toward the market stalls, seemingly directly toward Kallin. As she gets closer, he can see that she is of Chelish descent and quite beautiful, though she appears to have a pained look on her face. 

The others in the group notice Kallin staring off down an empty street, as if he were watching something, but no one sees anything besides the deserted lane.  

Kallin stands and waits for the spirit.  When she is close enough, he waves in a friendly manner and says, “Hello, I’m Kallin.” 

The spirit seems anything but friendly. She charges right up to Kallin and crosses her arms, grunting loudly. “What are you doing just standing there? There's no time. That bitch from Whistledown, Grazia, is trying to kill me! I think she put something in my food! She's trying to steal Barrius from me! That whore!” Kallin watches as she clenched her fists and waves them wildly in the air, striking him several times. To his shock and surprise, the hits sting like being stung by a hornet. She scowls at him and then turns and marches down another lane, back toward the docks.


Kallin stares at the spirit for a moment then rushes after her.  He takes a few steps down the lane, stops, turns, and signals the group by waving and saying, “C’mon, I think I found a spirit that may help!”

Session Notes

I love my home gaming group. I love planning and prepping for them and then knowing that I would never have to use a single bit of my previous work if I just had a random NPC tell them a random rumor or toss in a off the cuff tidbit of info. I know ALL PC's like to chase anything they think might be a lead, but this group makes it their life's work! So much fun! Love you all!

Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by Dan E
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by Carol C
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben L
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by JeCorey H
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human Mageknight- played by Don K
Thim Westerdale, Half-Elf rogue - played by Malcolm G

and +Jason GURPS as the DM

Wandered Roads 54

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 54
September 29, 2018

Campaign Timeline

Investigations in Ilsurian

12th Kuthona 4711

Almara

The group enjoys a wonderful breakfast at the Crossed Swords Inn. Daellin and Thim enter into a conversation with a group of Elves also staying at the Inn and excuse themselves from the group to visit with their kinfolk. The rest of the group is summoned by their new friend Berthold, the Master of Beasts of the Umbra Carnival currently encamped just outside Ilsurian. He tells them the Master of the Carnival, Almara Delisen, has asked them to come meet with her. She has a proposition for them.


When they arrive at the Carnival, they see it has not opened yet for the day and the workers are all busy preparing for the day. They are taken to see Almara at her private wagon residence at the back of the carnival. She greets them  cheerfully but then quickly changes demeanor as she explains to them that there have been a murder in town and one of her circus performers has been implicated. She is adamant about the innocence of her performer as she gives the few details she knows. She says that a local citizen was found murdered in town last night, apparently on his way back from the carnival, and he bore wounds that resembled those that could have been delivered by Jherizhana the Sphinx. She offers the group 300 gold (3000$) if they can figure out who the real killer is and absolve the Carnival. She explains that the group is in a unique position to help as capable outsiders and she trusts that they can help her and her group of outcasts clear their name. The group agrees and she gives them a signed statement showing they are working on behalf of the Carnival as outside investigators. She encourages them to seek out the sheriff in town, whom she believes wants to see justice served, but recognizes that she will no doubt keep the town’s best interest at the forefront of her investigation.

The group seeks Sheriff Feldane out at the town jail and learn some more information about the crime. The victim was named Archivin Walder, a local moneylender and pawnbroker. He was killed on a path near his own home and his wounds appeared to be caused by a large, clawed beast. Several clawed footprints were found near his body as well. The sheriff says she has hears several reports of townsfolk seeing the sphinx flying over the town late last night, though none of these stories have been corroborated as of yet. She also tells them of a second, connected, murder, of one of Walder’s guards at his place of business, the Locked Box.

The Sheriff explains that Walder’s wife, Agnes, became worried when her husband did not return from the carnival at an appropriate time and went looking for him. She found him on the path in a wooded area between their home and the carnival. Distraught and fearful, she rushed back to the Locked Box and enlisted three of Walder’s four guards to come help her. When they returned to the Locked Box with Walder’s body, they found the fourth guard dead and the building burglarized. Two humanoid forms were seen fleeing the scene. The guards then secured the building and called for the sheriff. Agnes returned home with one of the guards staying with her and the other two at the Locked Box.

Sheriff Feldane

The Sheriff accompanies the the group to the scene of the Walder’s murder and what she told them seems to check out upon initial investigation, but on a closer look, it is clear that there were some tracks that had been brushed aside at the scene, though what those tracks were, it is not clear. Kallin used his spirit magic to detect the spirit of a young Human girl named Kelly nearby. She mistook him for her Papa and was quite happy to see him. He conversed with her momentarily but soon realized that she knew nothing of the incident and let her go about her way. Calina was able to determine that the clawed tracks did not seem to be deep enough in the ground to indicate a beast as heavy as the Sphinx sure had to be. The Sheriff absorbed all of this new information and seemed agreeable that the Sphinx may not be the culprit after all.

Next, Sheriff Feldane took the group to the Locked Box to do some searching around there and to question the guards and the widow Walder. One of the guards allowed them entrance to the building and showed them the damage that had been done in the shower room. Broken glass display cases and lots of merchandise scattered with clearly some missing. It is thought that the thieves had been working with whoever killed Mister Walder because there were no signs of forced entry on the stout front doors and Walder’s master key was not on his body. The room was searched while Mrs. Walder was summoned from the office. She greeted the group, though somewhat coldly to Calina, noting she was a Varisian. She explained that she believed that it was somehow her fault he had been killed since she did not go to the Carnival with him. She says she could not bear the thought of him “ogling that bare chested beast” and thinks if she had gone with him, somehow things would have been different.

She answers all the questions the group has for her and while several things seem to have valuable information, nothing stands out as a definite motive for the vicious murder and robbery. Alistar notices a small spot of blood on the corner of one of the display cases and a matching spot on the handle of the door leading to the vault. Agnes and the guards both believed that the vault had not been touched in the attempt because the guards had returned too quickly and the perpetrators were already fleeing the building but the blood on the door prompts an investigation of the vault below. Agnes explains that there is a pit trap below designed to catch thieves on their way out of the vault and tells them she will disarm it so they are not caught in it.

The vault appears to be unlooted but in the course of the investigation, Samad discovers a strange being hiding in the corner. The woman, a Skulk named Zahkar, is covered in skin that changes color to blend in what whatever she is standing up against. She seems to be acting strange and her eyes seem to be continually dilating open and closed. She trembles and speaks in an almost slurred speech pattern but freely admits that she had been sent there to rob the place. She says her and three companion Skulks and come there, with the key, and were there to rob the place quickly and with as much loot as they could carry. Her and another Skulk decided to try to loot the underground vault but she ended up getting trapped in the room when the other Skulk left. Her companion, Rogi, is soon found trapped beneath the floor in the pit trap Walder had installed in his vault.

They both act in a similar, distracted way and say that they were working for two other Skulks that have work with “some Humans” from town. They know nothing of who or why they were sent to rob the place and knew nothing of the murder of Archivin Walder, but matter of factly admit to killing the guard. They explain that their tribe of Skulks lives nearby, a few miles outside of town, and sometimes do work contracted by the two Skulks that fled the scene the night before. The Sheriff is happy to have them in custody but it is suggested that one of the Skulks lead the party to where the tribe lairs to see if they can get any further information about who hired them. The Sheriff agrees to send Constable Byron along to keep an eye on the prisoner.

The group leaves a note for Daellin and Thim, in case they return, then head out of town for a quick hike to the Skulk’s lair. They find it easily and approach with no problem. They find one sleeping guard and a small cave filled with about 7 other Skulks. It is then discovered that the entire tribe are drug addicts. They are expecting a drug called shiver that is a highly addictive hallucinogen. The Constable says that there have been some cases of the drug in town, but it does not seem to be a widespread problem like it is in some other communities, especially cesspools like Korvosa.  The group also realizes that the two specific Skulks they are looking for do not reside with the rest of the tribe in the cave, but instead live somewhere in town, though none of the Skulks are privy to where.

The group returns to town and in the process of returning the prisoner to the jail, they see folks running both from and to the Carnival area with cries of “Those dirty Varisians are trying to rob us blind!” and “Get them!” Apparently a spate of pickpocketing at the carnival has sparked numerous confrontations between townsfolk and carnival workers. The party quickly intervenes in one of these incidents and Alistar uses his magic to send both sides fleeing the scene. As they wrap this up, they are drawn further into the Carnival grounds by a cry for help and soon find another murder has taken place, just moments ago, during the tumult of the parade grounds fighting.

The body of a local priestess of Erastil is found mauled to death in the Sphinx’s tent, though the cage is locked and the creature is nowhere to be seen. Almara arrives and is terrified at the thought of another murder, seemingly at the claws of her Sphinx. Again, she defends the innocence of Jherizhana and has one of her workers run to fetch the Sheriff. As the area is searched, a few clues are turned up while Kallin performs a lengthy spell to summon the spirit of the deceased. Samad seems to believe Almara in regards to the Sphinx and asks to speak to her privately outside. They return a few moments later and she says that she will take the group to the Sphinx and try to explain some more of the situation to them. She excuses herself and says she will send for them in a moment. Kallin then finishes his spell and summons the spirit of the priestess. She appears and explains that she came to the Carnival to try to talk to the Sphinx and try to figure out some way to work out the trouble that has been brewing between the town and the Carnival. When she entered the tent, she found it empty but before she could leave, she was somehow froze, paralyzed or held from behind and then felt her life ripped from her. She describes being unable to move or breathe momentarily before she died but is unsure of how or why that happened. Kallin thanks her and sends her on her way. Calina searches the room and finds absolutely no possible Sphinx tracks though does notice that one area of the back wall of the tent is unstaked at the bottom. Alistar uses his magic to make sure there are no invisible beings in the room and Kallin physically looks over the body, finding that in addition to her side being ripped out, there is also a small dark line across her throat, possibly like that of a garotte or thin rope wrapped around her neck.

Master of Beasts

Berthold, the Master of Beasts, comes in and is horribly upset by the grisly murder scene. He takes the group to see Almara and Jherizhanain her private wagon. Almara reveals the Sphinx lounging comfortably in a bed of silken sheets and pillows. It is explained that Jherizhana is not just a performer but a part owner of the Carnival and Almara’s business partner. She joined the Umbra Carnival about a year and a half ago as a way to safely travel through “civilized" Human lands so she could study and interact with them. Jherizhana loves studying and learning about Humans and their cultures and customs and this was the best way she could move about freely. The Sphinx is terribly upset and distraught about the murders and possible implications is could cause for the carnival.

Just then Sheriff Feldane arrives. Upon seeing the Sphinx uncaged, she goes for her weapon and begins shouting. Almara and Jherizhana, with help from the party, explain the whole situation to the Sheriff and emphasize the importance of keeping up the charade of the Sphinx for the sake of the  carnival’s continued survival.

Sheriff Feldane seems to understand but states that she has has to keep the best interests of the town at the forefront. She puts the Carnival under quarantine and says no carnival folk may go into Ilsurian and no townsfolk may come to the carnival grounds unto further notice.

The sheriff also explains that she has to arrest someone or fears that things in town will get even further out of hand. Sheriff Feldane wants to take Jherizhana into custody but Almara refuses and instead surrenders herself into the sheriff's custody. As she is taken away she gives Berthold some quick instructions on how to handle the carnival and once again begs the group to solve these murders and bring the real culprits to justice, absolving the Carnival and easing the pain of the town. Finally, she reiterates the importance of keeping up the charade of the Sphinx.

Session Notes

Two players missing, no worries, their characters wander off to talk with some fellow Elves they met at the inn last night. Probably out in the woods comparing leaf sizes or something.

Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by Dan E
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by Carol C
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by Ben L
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by JeCorey H
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human Mageknight- played by Don K
Thim Westerdale, Half-Elf rogue - played by Malcolm G

and +Jason GURPS as the DM

Wandered Roads 53.5

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 53.5
September 9-27, 2018

Campaign Timeline

Layover in Ilsurian

Moonday 11th Kuthona

Meeting a Man for a Drink

The group finds the bar that Berthold Flavion, the Master of Beasts of the Umbra Carnival, had picked to have some drinks. The Two Waters Tavern is a nice enough establishment and appears to have an equal mix of patrons of both Chelish and Varisian heritage. There are a few Half-Orcs, two Dwarves and even an Elf sitting with a Catfolk woman in the corner. A quick look around the room shows that Berthold has not arrived just yet. The Human woman behind the bar shouts a welcome to the group as they enter, “Greetings friends, welcome to the Two Waters Tavern! I’m Noria, what is your pleasure?”

Noria

catwoman

“Greetings Noria! It’s a pleasure to share a drink in your fine establishment this evening. I’ll take a glass of your finest wine. An elvish vintage would be most excellent.” Daellin bends his head slightly and flashes her one of his infamous grins. He’s confident that he looks his best tonight. He did after all make sure to use his brush just before entering the Two Waters.

The woman behind the bar smiles at Daellin, “My finest vintage of Elvish wine you say? I’ve got a bottle of etherwine from Sovyrian. 1000$ a glass. Let me run get that out of the vault… after I’ve seen the coin that is.” She leans over the counter, eyeing up the Elf carefully. She turns to the others, “You all seem like a fairly mixed lot, but just so you know, I don’t tolerate any type of bad talking or putting folk down because of who they are or where they come from, other than that, welcome and enjoy. I can take your drink orders as soon as your friend here counts out his coin.”

Daellin has trouble hiding his surprise. “Etherwine? I’m afraid, my dear, you absolutely must tell me the story about how you came to have a bottle of etherwine. I dare say that may be even more interesting than the wine itself.”

Daellin pauses for a moment assessing the bartender in front of him. “Perhaps you can bring us something a bit less exotic to sample while we discuss how you came to have such a rare and incredible spirit in your vault. Not that I question the authenticity of the wine but I'd hate to have your integrity questioned if that wine is something less than what's been advertised.”

She smirks at Daellin, “Once you pay for that glass, and buy me one as well, I just might tell you how I came to have it, but until then, keep dreaming, friend. How about a much more reasonable priced bottle of wine from out of the Mwangi Expanse far to the south. For you, I will sell a bottle for 150 silver, much more reasonable, don’t you think? Brewed by the Wild Elves of the Alijae tribe and transported over 3000 miles. Well worth the price. Will definitely be the most interesting and exotic wine you’ve ever tasted, I’ll wager. Of course, I can pour you a glass of Kyonin’s finest, which is what I’m sure you are accustomed to, for a mere fist of silver.” She arches an eyebrow at Daellin, waiting for an answer.

Calina stands at the bar listening to Daellin's banter with Noira, who looks more than capable of handling the Elf's gift of gab.

During a break in the conversation, Calina says quietly, “When you get a moment, I would love to have a glass of honey mead."

Noria nods and smiles, as Calina sits on the nearest bar stool, not too far from where Daellin is sitting.

Noria smiles at Calina. “Of course,” she says cheerfully as she pours her the drink. “I take it you'll be toasting to the Drunken Hero on his Ascension Day this cool evening? What a truly blessed moment this is, the Umbra Carnival is in town, it is the beginning of Winter Week and tonight we celebrate Cayden Cailean’s ascension to godhood. To good fortunes and the Lucky Drunk,” she says as she holds up her own streaming mug to Calina's and to anyone else nearby with a drink.

“Bah, wine, wine, wine is that all you Elves ever drink? How about some Oldlaw Whiskey?” Alistair proclaims.

“Ahh, that'll keep ya warm on a cold night,” Noria says add she pours Alistar a drink. “That's an interesting accent, friend. Where do you hail from? I'm guessing Mendev or Brevoy?” She passes him his drink.

“Barony Lordis in Egede of eastern Mendev. Sir Alistar Lourdis at your service my lady’” he replies.

Calina raises her glass for the toast and takes a small sip of the mead and smiles. This is a particularly good mead. She nods her thanks to Noira. As she takes another sip, she hears Alistar's proclamation. Lord Alistar? Calina studies the man for a moment. “Is he telling the truth?,” she wonders.

Kallin looks around. His eyes keep falling on a group of half-orcs keeping to themselves in the corner. He distractingly says to Noira, “I'll have a...umm, Dwarven Blood Stout? I guess?”

Noria smiles at Kallin and pours him a large, frosty mug of thick red liquid. “Hmm, there ya go, friend,” she says to Kallin with a nod. She turns back to Alistar and intimates a slight bow, “Milord, welcome to make your acquaintance. We are blessed to have you in our presence. Please inform me of how we can make your stay in Ilsurian more comfortable.” She smiles at Sir Lourdis and hands him a silken napkin that she produces from somewhere under the bar.

Alistair smiles, “Sorry, lady I did not mean to mislead. I’m the third legitimate son of Baron Lourdis and by Iomedae’s grace I hope to never inherit the barony. Just Sir Lourdis or Alistar if you like. I do hope to someday be granted a barony, or more, through force of arms and the Art.” Taking the napkin “but I do appreciate the finer things.”

She nods at Alistar and moves on to attend the drink orders of the others.

Calina glances across the room and sees the Catfolk woman sitting at the table with an elf. She's heard of their existence but never saw one till this evening. She could walk over and introduce herself. Calina turns away and looks into the deep gold color of the mead. "No," she thinks to herself. She could never get up the nerve, besides the two people look like they are sitting at the corner table having a private conversation. Still, she can not stop taking the occasional glimpse in their direction.

Kallin keeps looking over at the group of Half-Orcs. He doesn’t know why but feels like they are staring at him. Finally, he can’t help himself, he spins around in his seat and looks at the biggest one and yells, “What!?”

One of the Half-Orcs starts to stand but one of his companions puts a hand on his shoulder then calls out, “Sorry, no problem here.” He glances at Noria then at a pair of Humans, a man and a woman sitting at the end of the bar. The Half-Orcs turn back to their drinks, ignoring Kallin, though one of them, the big one that started to stand, keeps looking back in Kallin’s direction. By their looks, the group looks like some kind of mercenaries or adventurers as they are armed and armored similarly to Kallin and his friends.

Ehlyna drinks her beer quickly, belches, and excuses herself back to the boat. Everyone is well aware that Ehlyna has just not been herself since those last moments in the upper reaches of the Lady's Light. Her fire had just gone out. Hopefully her return home to Janderhoff will do her good.

The group drinks and finds themselves relaxing a bit after a tiring week on the Lucky Jenny. After the first round, Jo offers to go find lodging for the group, asking how many rooms she should book.

Thoroughly convinced now that the barkeeper is either lying about her wine or misled about its authenticity; Daellin orders a glass of Kyonin’s finest. He takes a seat with the rest of the party and tries to relax a bit. “Perhaps three rooms would be the best Jo. We can all double up for the evening. I for one will enjoy sleeping on something that isn't swaying and rocking around all night.”

“Double up? No sir I would like a room to myself, ask if it has a bathhouse or do the servants bring the water up? Also who should I see about getting my clothes and gear clean?”

Noria brings a delicate glass wine glass filled with a sparkling blue liquid. Little bubbles float to the top of the liquid, then become a faint pink as they float out of the glass, popping just above the rim of the glass. Daellin takes a drink, noting it is a fine vintage of traditional Elvish wine. Jo nods at his suggestion for 3 rooms and heads out to find appropriate lodging. Jo takes careful notes of Alistar’s requests. Noria suggests the Crossed Blades Inn over on Brightsceptre Avenue. “It is a high quality establishment that should be able to accomodate all of your needs and is on the other side of town, away from the hubbub of the carnival and the bustle of the docks,” Noria explains. Jo nods and heads out. Noria tells Alistar that the Inn will be well equipped to deal with his dirty laundry.

After a short while, Berthold Flavion arrives. With him are a few carnival workers, including the Ulfen man that awarded Kallin with the King of the Carnival crown. Berthold greets the group and suggests they take a recently vacated table nearby so they can all sit and talk. Noria brings another round of drinks at Berthold’s request and everyone drinks. The Ulfen, who Berthold introduces as Narthi Vangkot, is pleased to see that Kallin still has his King of the Carnival crown on. Kallin reaches up and touches the paper crown on his head. Instantly he looks over to the group of Half-Orcs and notices them chuckling quietly as Kallin realizes he has been wearing a paper hat all evening. The group is also introduced to Stitch, a Chelish man whose skin is covered by thousands and thousands of stitches from “wounds so many you couldn’t even count!” The other carnival worker that Berthold has brought along is an older woman with whitening hair and a well weathered, almost gray complexion. She introduces herself as Denetha, the Sword Swallower. Her voice is raspy and seems to fluctuate from high to low as she speaks. She explains this as the side effect of swallowing swords for so long. She smiles a lot but mostly only speaks when spoken to. Berthold continues to be gracious, thanking the group for helping rescue and secure the escaped baby dragon. He gives everyone a small wooden token that he says will grant them admission to the carnival, zoo, and sideshow area for the rest of the week.
  
Kallin realizes he is kind of tired. He decides that a nice walk would be good for his soul before he heads to bed. He wishes all a good night, thanks Noira for her hospitality and jokingly tells her, “Watch the elf, he is a crafty one” and gives her wink as he heads out the door. He walks proudly with his paper crown. He realizes it is silly looking but he has never won anything, so he is proud. He meanders around, he realizes he standing in front of a cemetery. He enters to see who he may meet.

A short time after Kallin leaves, it seems like the tavern gets considerably busier, and Noria finds herself running herself ragged trying to serve all the patrons. The pair of Humans that had been sitting and drinking at the end of the bar get up and help Noria with serving drinks. The conversation with the carnival folk is pleasant, if not a bit strange. It seems that they have a very unique take on the world, one even an adventurer can find different.

After a while, Jo finally returns to the establishment and says that she has procured rooms at the Crossed Blades Inn and that she has convinced the proprietor to keep the kitchen open a little bit longer for the group. “It smelled wonderful. It was almost too much for my nose to take in,” Jo gushes. She seems truly excited about the food, in a way the rest of the group has not seen her excited before. “Cottob says he has freshwater shrimp, goose and even Dragon on the menu tonight.” She turns to Alistar. “Alistar, I mean, Sir, or Lord Alistar,” bowing slightly now that she knows that he is a knight. “The Innkeeper, Cottob, is very interested in meeting you. He says he is always happy to serve visiting nobility but when I mentioned that you were also a mage, his little face lit up. He says he knows all the mages within a week’s travel and would love to make your acquaintance. Oh, and I was not able to fully secure your lodgings, as I did not have enough coin to pay for the suite, but he said he would hold it for you for the next hour.” She turns to the others, “I was able to secure two other rooms, one with three beds and the other with two beds. He gave me a deal since we were associates of Sir Alistar.” She looks around at the remaining group. “Oh, yea, Ehlyna went back to the boat? Where has Kallin gone off to? Calina, will you be sleeping back at the boat as well? I know you don’t prefer in town lodgings when you can avoid it.” Calina nods and Daellin explains that Kallin went for a walk and would head to the inn later. “That works. I can take the smaller room and share with the Priest if you three,” motioning to Daellin, Samad and Thim, “want to take the other room. But really, we should get a move on to the Crossed Blades if we want a hot dinner, and I am not joking when I say it smelled amazing!”

Berthold smiles at her review of the Crossed Blades, “I have not been there, but it sounds like a wonderful place. It is getting late, and we have a lot of work to do in the morning before the carnival opens, so we will take our leave of you as well. Thank you again for your help earlier today. We hope to see you tomorrow at the carnival!” Everyone says their goodbyes and the carnival folk leave.

As the remaining companions finish their drinks, their attention is drawn to the bar where Noria is yelling at a group of sailors trying to pay for drinks. “Spear and Bow! You think you can pass those worthless chits as payment for the finest liquor on Lake Syrantula? Your Chelish coin is no good here! Payment in Shields and Sails here, Abadar minted or nothing!” The man and woman that had been helping her earlier once again get up from their stools at the end of the bar and make their way quietly toward the disturbance, hands on their weapons, but not making a sound or drawing attention themselves.

Getting up Alistar says “We should leave before the riff raff start a brawl and we never get to supper.” As he tosses some coins down to pay for his drink and gratuity, then rapidly heads toward the exit.

“I believe you are correct Alistar. It does seem like things will get a tad more exciting around here rather quickly. I'm ready for a hot meal and a warm bed. Neither of which we will get if we get caught up here in a ruckus and have to spend the night with the magistrate.” Daellin quickly finishes off his wine and moves to follow Alistar out the door.

The Crossed Blades

Everyone else agrees and the group heads off through the night to the Crossed Blades for a hot meal and a soft bed. The air is quite cold and everyone’s breath shimmers in the moonlit air. Jo leads the way through town to the Crossed Swords Inn. It is a nice looking establishment, 3 stories tall with a large barn out back and what looks to be a space for a garden as well. About half the windows in the building glow with a warm firelight. Numerous chimneys have dark smoke billowing out of them and the place just seems to give off the feeling of warmth and comfort.

Upon entering, the group is met by an astute and well-mannered Halfling that introduces himself as Cottob Oldbubb, the owner of the Crossed Swords. He smiles at Jo and then turns to Alistar. “It is a pleasure to have a guest of such noble standing, Sir Alistar. Your suite is being prepared just now, there is only the matter of payment. The rest of you as well. If we can handle the payment, then please, have a seat in the dining room and I will have my staff bring your supper out. The dining room is empty but filled with highly ornate tables and chairs. Numerous tapestries cover the walls between the windows and several fireplaces. It has a very homey, comfortable feel about it.

After a hearty meal, everyone settles in for the night. Daellin, Thim and Samad share the larger room and Jo bunks in the smaller room with the 2nd bed for Kallin, whenever he returns from his evening stroll.

Kallin Visits the Cemetery

A little earlier in the evening… Kallin finds that he has wandered through town and up the hill. Looking back, he has a good view of the town laid out before him. The flickering lights of torches and lanterns stop abruptly at the edge of the large lake below. Occasionally the bright moon will peek through the clouds and shine off the dark waters of the lake. He turns back to the cemetery nestled in between some wooded areas. The horned bow and arrow of Erastil can be seen perched over the iron gate. Pharasmin symbols are prominent as well. Everyone prays to the Lady of Graves in the end, he thinks to himself. The cemetery is quiet and peaceful and initially he does not sense any spirits around. Instead, he wanders between the headstones for some time, sometimes stopping to read an inscription or running his hands across the rough stone edges. Finally, close to what he this is midnight, he hears the sound of someone panicked, breathing heavily. Kalling turns and sees the spirit of a man rushing toward him, looking back over his shoulder.
Kallin places himself in front of the man and says to him, “Stop what is it that is troubling you. Maybe I can help?” Kallin feels the coolness of the spirit as it rushes through him and says, “I can’t stop.! They are coming!”

The man, or spirit, is well dressed. Kallin thinks he looks to be of Chelish descent, though most of the townsfolk here in Ilsurian seem to be of that stock. Whatever it is he is fleeing from, it does not allow him to stop and talk to Kallin and the portly ghost continues running through the cemetery, now away from Kallin. He looks back several times, a look of complete terror on his face.

Kallin yells, “Seriously, I might be able to help. I’m priest of Pharasma!” He watches as the spirit moves farther away. Kallin starts to feel the chill in the air and thinks about heading back to Noira’s to find out the sleeping arrangements but something is holding him here.
The spirit stops and turns, looking at Kallin. “Oh, hello, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there. Are you interested in any of our more modestly priced pieces?” He waves his hand out in front of him, as if showing something to Kallin.
Kallin surprised, looks down. Then he says as looks back at the spirit, “You are a merchant? May I ask your name?” Kallin reaches down as if pick something and comes up with something that looks like a spirit version of a pen. He smiles at the object since this is a new experience for him.
“Well, my good man, a fine choice. And my name is Archivin Walder, proprietor here at the Locked Box. I can’t say I’ve seen you around town. You must be new. Welcome to make your acquaintance.” He bows slightly to Kallin, then looks back over his shoulder, then back to Kallin, “would you please excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right back.” He turns as if to go then disappears. He does not reappear. Kallin waits for him for some time, but he doesn't return, nor do any further spirits manifest in the area.
Eventually, he decides to go find out where his friends secured lodging for the evening. A quick stop at the Two Waters Tavern points him in the direction of the Crossed Blades, a very nice inn on the northside of town. He finds his way to his room and is surprised to see that he is set to bunk in a small room with the former Grey Maiden, Jo. She appears to be sleeping when he comes in, so he is as quiet as he can be. He notices that all of her gear, as well as some of his, has been thrown on the empty bed that would be his. As he puzzles over this, Jo rolls over and says sleepily, “Oh, you’ve returned.”

Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by Dan E
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by Carol C
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben L
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by JeCorey H
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human Mageknight- played by Don K
Thim Westerdale, Half-Elf rogue - played by Malcolm G

and +Jason GURPS as the DM

Wandered Roads 53

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 53
September 8, 2018

Campaign Timeline

Upriver to Ilsurian and All Points In-Between

5th -11th of Kuthona
The weather remains cold and wintry but does not impede travel by the magical riverboat, the Lucky Jenny. After a couple of days, the boat ties off at the docks of Whistledown, on the shores of Lake Syrantula. Captain Othlo informs the group he plans to leave by midday the following day but invites them to go ashore to stretch their legs and see the town.

Whistledown is a Human and Gnomish settlement not affiliated with either Magnimar or Korvosa. Much of the town is built on stilts, similar to Wartle. The soft whistle from the numerous strange charms hanging all over the place is beautiful and unsettling at the same time.

The group finds a local inn to get some food, drink and company. Calina makes sure that the horses are given a good run. A pleasant evening is had discussing local rumors, the quality of Elvish wine and what they are planning on doing once they make it to Kaer Maga. Some folk scratch their curious itch and explore the ruins of a recently burned out building. Alistar unexpectedly calls attention to their nighttime activities by exploding a door in an underground area. Kallin spends some time getting to know one of the local women.

The next morning, the Lucky Jenny is back on the river, paddling slowly but surely along the shores of Lake Syrantula. A couple of days later, they arrive at the hillside town of Ilsurian and learn the exciting news that the famous Umbra Carnival, a travelling Varisian circus and carnival, is in town.


The group heads into town and explores the carnival, playing games in the midway, exploring the shops and stalls of the merchants, watching some shows, visiting the petting zoo and even get a glimpse of the Carnival's main attraction, Jherizhana, the captive Sphinx. Kallin was even named the "King of the Carnival" for wining one of the games. He was awarded a paper crown that he wore for the rest of the day!


When the group is preparing to head to the big top for the nightly show, trouble erupts in the petting zoo area where Mamu, the "baby dragon," has somehow escaped its pen. One of the circus performers, a strange being named Phareden, a worrisome, long-eared person, begs the group for help, but implores them to not hurt the dragon. Being heroes, they step in and are able to subdue the beast without anyone being injured.

Immediately, Berthold Flavion, the Carnival's Master of Beasts, arrives and thanks the group profusely for stepping in and saving the day. Having had enough of the carnival for one day, the Heroes decide to head back into town to secure rooms for the night. Berthold asks them to meet him at The Two Waters Tavern, a local drinking establishment, later so he can thank them again and buy them some drinks. They agree and head off into town.

Session Notes

Good session, had quite a bit of movement upriver toward Kaer Maga. Whistledown was fun, completely PC driven random stuff that turned out to be quite interesting. Had wanted to do a whole "side-arc" there, but passed it over since the previous one took longer than anticipated. My plans are always getting away from me once the players get a hold of it! Got them to Ilsurian where the next "side-arc" will begin. Looking forward to this one. 

Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by Dan E
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by Carol C
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben L
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by JeCorey H
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human Mageknight- played by Don K
Thim Westerdale, Half-Elf rogue - played by Malcolm G

and +Jason GURPS as the DM