From our game on March 1. By the fantastic Jason Biggins
[Several pages of the following journal were discovered among the possessions of a local patrician (a Red-man adventurer who had lead a rebellion to overthrow the previous manor lord, who had enslaved the local populace for several generations) whose unquenchable search for knowledge was well-know...as were rumors surrounding darker interests, including sorcery and sado-masochism. The fact that he was beheaded and his body burned to ash in front of hundreds of witnesses is beyond dispute. Later reports of someone fitting his exact description being seen months later and a thousand miles away, remain to be verified...] It may seem overly indulgent, but I must confess to enjoying this new-found taste of wealth we have experienced of late. Our "benefactor" has been quite generous with his coin and it has been a bit of a game finding new experiences amongst these lesser environs. And yet...many fine things can be found down the seedy alleys of this wilderness outpost.
{Note to self: update "journal of biological studies" entries on my efforts to experience every color of female on this Gods-forsaken rock. Of particular interest are the Jale & Blue varieties...with no slight to the Orange twin acrobats of the "Dreaming Goddess" performance troupe -- Hella & Shella truly set a new standard!} Of the rumors we were able to find out while exploring hedonistic delights:
* A small Green-man (with large glasses), one Otto Aggenbaucher, herpetologist (and general gadfly), wandered to the gate of the keep one day. After causing a rather inexplicable ruckus with members of the Guard, he was allowed entry and we made his acquaintance. Without any prompting he confided in us of his plans to lead an expedition to find Thunder Lions on the southern plains. {While making no commitments, my companion and I did file this away as a future venture bearing investigation.}
* More talk of the fabled amethyst throne in the lost dwarven citadel of Thrumi Zud. {At this point I should note I have never put much stock in these rumors (let alone that the equally legendary "Chained Ghoul" also feverishly seeks an entrance); however that may have been changed by what happened next...}
Advisor to the keep's high priest, Krutus Schneps, a Bone-man of indeterminable age & power, Oxnard, made it clear who the true power was within these walls. An "invitation" was made to an audience with the advisor -- a meeting which (apparently) never took place since the
entirety of the inner keep was completely emptied to ensure total privacy (and deniability).
A peek behind the purpose of our previous errand is revealed: Schneps has indeed found an entrance to Thrumi Zud, but the way is blocked. Therefore, a ritual is to be preformed to summon and bind a demon, forcing him open the way, but sacrificing the Orange-men we captured in the bargain. The demon, "Ashgorat", however, will be set loose because of Schneps' lack of ability. In addition to the Orange-men, a map of some sort and a third, unspecified object, are needed for the ritual. Equally important are a dagger consecrated on the lesser moon, a chalice, and a crystal.
Oxnard proposes that we, as newly-trusted outsiders, disrupt the ritual -- with intention or using a manufactured "accident". According to the mysterious sorcerer, failure to prevent this ritual will mean devastation and demonic enslavement on a massive scale. His proposal is sweetened by offering himself and the keep's bailiff (Umvelt Morne) as "training mentors", helping myself and Brandon to further our abilities. In addition, twenty able-bodied guards are made of use as mercenaries troops for whatever manner plans
we concoct to his desired end.
One of the many unexpected burdens of wealth is storing and managing the monies itself. To this end, Brandon and I enlisted the services of the banker with the highest reputation (in such a backwater as this), one Chulin Tomith (Yellow-man). Tomith was able to put us in touch with Juju Bees (Dolm-man) as a provider of necessary equipment. In addition, we made the acquaintance of a provisioner (always important when one takes on the task of feeding 20+ fighting men); as well as Greel the Elder (Blue-man), a "hard-to-find stuff" guy {in less social circles he would be called a "fencer of pilfered goods".}
Brandon and I were able to cover much ground inside the keep during our extended stay. In comparing notes we have located:
* Schmael (Black-man), silversmith who has been pressed (very unhappily) into service as a blacksmith when needed. {Possibly of some use should we elect to visit Sitherath.}
* Suckling Ruth Rest (Black-man), Captain of the Watch (inner keep). {Bares further research for the purposes of "friendly persuasion"}
* Umvelt Morne, Bailiff of the Keep. {Considered by many as the greatest man-at-arms for many, many leagues. Possibly in league with Oxnard to some extent...potential leader of a coup should the time come?}
As the summoning ritual is not to occur for another two weeks and Schneps was with a group of his acolytes outside the keep, it was decided to make use of this time to venture back to the valley of the "Trickster God worshippers". Our thinking being that we could hold our mercenaries just outside the valley, gauge the reception we receive from Tagg et. al., then, well, "play it by ear". Just past the silver mines (of the keep), we see a jet black owl with glowing blue eyes. {a Night Owl, known to often serve as a wizard's familiar} Truly a unique sight given that they our nocturnal dwellers, yet this encounter occurred in broad daylight. With some quick thinking Zentanos puts it to sleep and we secure it with a well-made cage of local materials. {Given several weeks of research & a few hundred silver, I could configure the proper techniques to make it my familiar...though should I become a student of the Bone-man, this may be done quicker and cheaper...even more motivation toward his plans.}
Our luck, however, never seem to hold for long. Thus during the night, a pack of three large "bear-like creatures" are heard stalking nearby. They have "shiny metal arms". Brandon takes the mercenaries out, setting spears and holding for a charge. With the loss of only a single soldier we were able to overcome the creatures. Zentanos and I proceed to dissect the animals of their machine parts for later resale back at the keep. The unusual nature of the attack leads us to believe we have accidentally wandered into their territory; therefore, we discussed making a detour from the valley and tracking the path back to the lair of these frightful beasts. Brandon is easily able to follow the signs and we arrive at the entrance to their cave in the early morning next day. Our "army" refuses to follow us in, so it is decided we will chase anything we find inside out into their waiting swords.
Carefully mapping out the insides we find things are not as they appear from the outside. Machinery and man-made walls hint at greater knowledge laying about this place. After finding a room full of such equipment we discover a room filled with equal horrors. Among the victims within the bears' "kitchen" we find some recoverable items we are able to equip our trusted henchmen, much to their eternal joy. The final room we find what appeared to contain a ceiling full of those devil-bat things we had previously encountered in one of the valley caves (along with those damnable bear-things!). We opted to fight another day, sealed them up, and leave promptly. The map back to the lair and it's inside being of some potential worth to those seeking greater knowledge. Not wishing to press on (or press our luck), we return to the keep for rest and resupply. Discussion of plans to further the various plots we find ourselves enmeshed end seem necessary. Upon our return it is only slightly surprising how quickly I fall into new habits: nights of heavy drinking and carnal indulgence. Truly I am not meant to be far from "civilization". My sleep is now filled with notions of just what I might learn from our inscrutable host...and if I will be willing to pay the price required for such knowledge.
"From the Private Journals of Khao Cyztlic, Neeltag, 14 Morning Star 1174, within the walls of the Lotus Dream Inn ('Fat' Balto, proprietor),
Castellan's Keep"
