Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Tales of the Legacy - Concluded
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Delemental" data-source="post: 2639964" data-attributes="member: 5203"><p>Certainly, there are larger cities on Aelfenn than Miracle, and cities with more impressive features. The party had seen the deceptively delicate spire of the Tower in Trageon rising miles into the air, surrounded by the massive floating platforms that comprised the Upper City. They had seen the elegant grandeur of the Emperor’s Palace in Noxolt. Kavan had told them all tales of the thousands of elegant spires that rose from the island city of M’Dos, which they would soon all see themselves. But despite all this, they found that it was difficult, if not impossible, not to be awed at the sight of a city that existed purely by the will of a god.</p><p></p><p> As expected, the dominant feature in the city was the temple of Paccë, a grand structure that went by the deceptively humble name of “House of Harmony”. The temple’s single spire was clearly visible several miles from the city. Kavan commented that from this distance, the temple in Miracle looked to be nearly as impressive as the one in M’Dos.</p><p></p><p>About a mile from Miracle itself, the party came to a large way-station staffed by priests and priestesses of the god of peace. “Peace to you, strangers,” said a round-faced priestess. “May I ask your business in Miracle?”</p><p></p><p> “Rest and supplies,” said Lanara, “before continuing on to Medos.”</p><p></p><p> The priestess eyed the party’s many weapons. “Are you aware of Paccë’s decree that no one shall come to harm within Her city?”</p><p></p><p> “We are aware,” Lanara said, “and regret that the nature of the world outside Her city is such that the bearing of arms is necessary.”</p><p></p><p> “I understand. If you would like, we offer the courtesy of peace-bonding your weapons while inside the city. If you ride your horses around to that building over there, my fellow peace-brothers will assist you. While in the city, please be certain to visit the House of Harmony.”</p><p></p><p> The party rode around as instructed and met a small cluster of Pacceans waiting for them. As they handed over weapons, the party was somewhat surprised to see that rather than the standard notion of ‘peace-bonding’ – a leather strap tying the weapon into its scabbard – that here the process involved wrapping the dangerous parts of any weapon in several layers of heavy white cloth.</p><p></p><p> “That’ll be a little hard to sheathe,” quipped Lanara as Autumn regarded her greataxe, which now looked like a ball of laundry on a stick.</p><p></p><p> “I don’t exactly feel sorry for her,” said Arrie, who was now holding a medicine ball-sized bundle that used to be an orcish shotput. “I wasn’t expecting them to be quite so thorough.”</p><p></p><p> They rode into town without further incident, following a well-used road and passing several other travelers, mostly merchant caravans from Sargia or hin clans from the Steppes. The edge of the bridge upon which Miracle rested was marked by a row of majestic marble columns, spaced fifty feet apart.</p><p></p><p> “I’m not used to a city without a gate or a wall,” Arrie commented as they passed the columns.</p><p></p><p> “Not much need,” Lanara said. “They say that there’s only been one time that the city has been attacked.”</p><p></p><p> “What happened?” Autumn asked curiously.</p><p></p><p> “It was a mercenary warband out of the Steppes, about four years ago. As soon as they rode within a mile, the entire city, bridge and all, rose into the air and just stayed there, safely out of reach. As least, that’s what the stories say.”</p><p></p><p> “What about the warband?” Arrie wondered. “Obviously, the citizens of Miracle didn’t do anything like drop rocks on their head.”</p><p></p><p> Lanara shook her head. “Wiped out by a joint attack from the Sargian and Medosi armies. Seems they didn’t appreciate the disruption in their favorite trade route.”</p><p></p><p> While Lanara talked, Kyle saw a pair of teamsters driving a large wagon, furiously whipping their horses to get them moving. “I’m confused,” he said out loud. “Shouldn’t those two be disappearing right about now?”</p><p></p><p> Lanara pulled her horse up and turned to face everyone. “Look, things aren’t quite as cut-and-dry here as that priestess at the way-station would have you believe. Paccë’s protection only extends to bipeds – humans, elves, gnomes, the touched, even things like gnolls and goblins, though you don’t really see them around here much. And it only affects sentient creatures, so that horse, if it wanted, could kick that teamster back and nothing would happen. That’s why animals are often used as guards here, since they can wound and kill without disappearing. Same thing applies to constructs, so some of the wealthier houses and businesses will have golems. I’ve even heard there’s a few that’ll use undead, though not publicly, of course. Besides, getting hold of bodies in a city of peace ain’t exactly easy.”</p><p></p><p> “Hey, Lanara,” said Osborn, “I had a cousin who came here once a while back. He mentioned getting in a bar fight while he was here. I guess that decking someone doesn’t count?”</p><p></p><p> Lanara nodded. “Anything that doesn’t cause lasting harm is okay. Seems Paccë realized that occasionally the town guard would have to do something to stop a person who didn’t want to be stopped.” She grinned. “There’s always loopholes in any set of rules. For example, if you’re interested there’s a thriving drug trade here, and a variety of prostitutes. Seems that self-inflicted harm doesn’t count either.”</p><p></p><p>Once inside the city itself, the party gave a young tout a few coins to guide them to a decent inn and stables. The boy led them about a half-mile into the city, to a sturdy three-story stone building whose sign proclaimed it to be The Cedar Grove. The inside was clean and well-lit, and true to its name, was dominated by cedar chairs, table, and ceiling beams. After arranging their rooms (which, after some discussion due to the recent changes in their standard sleeping arrangements, ended up being two large suites), Arrie told the others that she was going to find the local church of Tor, and would meet them back at the inn that evening. The others spread out in the city to sell a few items, buy supplies, and take care of personal business.</p><p></p><p> That night, Arrie was the last to return to the inn. When she arrived, she was accompanied by a tall, middle-aged man carrying a sword of unusual design on his back. The man’s dress and facial features were very similar to Xu’s; no one seemed more surprised by this than her.</p><p></p><p> “Any luck?” Autumn asked as Arrie sat down. The stranger remained standing nearby.</p><p></p><p> “At first, I didn’t think I would,” Arrie said. “The church of Tor here isn’t that big, more of a dispatch point for the churches’ hunters. Seems a lot of fugitives get the impression they’ll be safe here. But then I ran into Togusa here, and he’s filled me in on what’s going on.”</p><p></p><p> “What is it?” Kyle asked.</p><p></p><p> “I’ll let Togusa explain,” she said, motioning the man over. Togusa walked over and sat down calmly next to Arrie. He looked everyone at the table over before speaking.</p><p></p><p> “My name is Togusa. I am originally from a land far from here, though I suspect you know of this already.” He made the slightest of nods toward Xu, who returned it. “For some time now, I have been a hunter for Tor. Several years ago, Ariadne, myself and perhaps ten others participated in the hunt for a fugitive convicted of a series of brutal murders. This person tried to justify his crimes as being in pursuit of alchemical knowledge, saying that his victims had been party to alchemical experiments that had failed. When confronted with the possibility of punishment, he fled and a Hunt was formed. We pursued him to a small village where he had stopped and was trying to find passage across a river. His flight was impeded by the fact that unseasonable rains had flooded the river and no one was willing to risk themselves to ford him across. We pursued him to the river and fought some of his creations. During this battle, he was mortally wounded and bled to death. However because of the flooding we were unable to retrieve his body. The Hunt was declared completed however, since the criminal was dead.</p><p></p><p>“Over the past few weeks, the mark from that Hunt has been slowly reappearing for the original members.” Togusa held out his right hand, and revealed a black hound’s head mark identical to the one Arrie had. “There are scant rumors about that the criminal has reappeared, peddling his alchemical creations here in Miracle. In addition, the other members of our Hunt have been dying. We are investigating further the whereabouts of the dead members’ corpses, as one corpse has gone missing from the place where it was entombed.”</p><p></p><p>Arrie leaned in and said in a low voice, “I think you all can see where this is going. About five of the original twelve in the Hunt are dead now, and one missing body.”</p><p></p><p>“How do you want us to help?” Tolly said automatically.</p><p></p><p>“I need your help in tracking down information about this criminal, who’s apparently alive again,” she said. “Neither Togusa or I are very skilled in the ‘investigating and tracking’ part of a Hunt; we were more on the ‘subdual and capture’ end of things. Unfortunately, all of the investigative types in the original Hunt are dead now, and the church here doesn’t have anyone in town right now with those skills.”</p><p></p><p>“I can help with that,” Lanara said.</p><p></p><p>“Who are we supposed to be looking for?” asked Autumn.</p><p></p><p>“His name was Neville,” Arrie said. “But he had a lot of aliases. Basically, the reason that the church of Tor marked him for death – not just to be brought back for justice, but marked for death – is because wherever he went he let a trail of bodies in the name of his ‘experiments’. He was beyond a murderer, he didn’t care who his experiments hurt. He had absolutely no conscience. The church of Tor only issues a death-mark for the most heinous, unforgivable crimes.”</p><p></p><p>“If what you say is true, and this Neville is practicing his foul craft again,” Tolly said, “why come here? Would not Paccë’s ban make his work impossible?”</p><p></p><p>“Remember the drug trade here, Tolly,” Kyle said. “If he gets people to be in these experiments willingly, then he’s not harming them in Paccë’s eyes.”</p><p></p><p>“If he is here,” Arrie said, “then Togusa and I will need your help to take him out. But first we need to find him, and I can’t make the same kind of connections that some of you might.”</p><p></p><p>“What does he look like?” asked Kavan.</p><p></p><p>“He’s fairly tall, perhaps a few inches taller than the average human male. He had medium brown hair, very pale eyes, darkish skin.”</p><p></p><p>“Any distinguishing marks?” the elf pressed.</p><p></p><p>“Other than the scars from when we fought him at the river, no.” Arrie thought for a moment. “But he did have an assistant. An orc-touched, I believe. He was… well, let me put it this way. I’ve never met anyone who I haven’t been able to like in some way, but this man was… foul. Nothing obvious that you could point to, but just unpleasant to be around.”</p><p></p><p>During the conversation, Xu had eyed Togusa warily. She recognized his style of dress as that of a samurai, and he had the requisite top-knot marking his station, as well as the katana at his back. But he did not carry the smaller wakizashi, which would mark him as ronin. As she studied the warrior, she saw him studying her back. There was a barely perceptible nod exchanged between them; <em>we will speak later</em>, that nod said.</p><p></p><p>“You said this guy was an alchemist,” Kyle was saying. “I have to go pay for the healing potions I ordered earlier today anyway. I can drop a few questions around to see if anyone knows anything.”</p><p></p><p>“May I come with you?” Autumn asked suddenly.</p><p></p><p>“Um, sure, but it’ll probably be pretty dull.”</p><p></p><p>“I’d still like to come,” she said.</p><p></p><p>“I can speak with the priests at the church of Paccë,” Tolly offered. “Perhaps they have heard of recent disappearances in the city, or problems with grave-robbing.”</p><p></p><p>“It is certain that Neville is operating out of the eyes of the public,” Togusa said. “If any of you have connections with the shadier side of society, there may be much to be gained by looking there.”</p><p></p><p>Osborn said nothing, but already his mind was working on possible avenues he could use to contact the local underworld. Next to him, Kavan raised her voice. “I could try and talk with some of the local prostitutes. Perhaps I could even put the word out on the street that I might fancy a rendezvous with a pale-eyed man.”</p><p></p><p>“I can start that rumor, if you’d like,” Lanara said.</p><p></p><p>“You might want to use a different name than ‘Kavan’,” Autumn suggested. “Something a bit more feminine?”</p><p></p><p>“Call me ‘Kay’ for now,” Kavan said.</p><p></p><p>Arrie looked around the table, gratitude plain on her face. “Thank you for helping me,” she said.</p><p></p><p>“There was no need to ask,” Tolly said. “We have shed blood for each other.”</p><p></p><p>“I know,” she replied, “but in this… Neville was a bad man. I’m not the type to say that about anyone, normally, but in this case… it disturbed me to find out that this task is apparently not finished. Not just because it was a task that I agreed to as a matter of faith, but because he is apparently back to his old atrocities.”</p><p></p><p>The party began to stand up. “We can start laying some groundwork tonight, and pick it up again first thing in the morning,” Kavan said, “and meet back here again tomorrow night to compare notes.”</p><p></p><p>“Agreed,” said Togusa. “I thank you for your assistance.” He bowed to the group, then turned and addressed Xu. “Honored Lady,” he said. “I would be honored if you would sit with me for dinner tonight. I know of an establishment in town that can prepare food similar to that in our homeland.”</p><p></p><p>Xu, slightly taken aback at Togusa’s forwardness, nevertheless accepted. He escorted her out of The Cedar Grove and to a small restaurant on the other side of the city. After they found a table, Togusa went and spoke briefly with the cook before returning to sit down.</p><p></p><p> “Thank you for agreeing to dine with me this evening, Honored Lady,” Togusa said, speaking in the dissonant tones of the Xhintai Empire*. “It is most satisfying to once again be able to converse in a proper, civilized tongue.”</p><p></p><p> “Agreed,” replied Xu, as the serving wench sullenly set the teas on the table in front of them. “However, Lord Togusa, it seems to me that you have a specific purpose in mind for this conversation, aside from idle chatter to refresh your memories of home.”</p><p></p><p> Togusa winced a bit, but bowed slightly at the waist to his dining companion. “Your flattery places honor where there should be none. I am now neither samurai nor ronin, but some strange place in between. All will become apparent in time. Look, here is food. Let us dine while I enlighten you on past events presently brought to bear.”</p><p></p><p> They ate for a few moments in silence; the curry, rice, and noodle dish a stark contrast to the other tables’ steaming heaps of meat, potatoes, and ale. Togusa chewed as he collected his thoughts, then began suddenly. “Some years ago, my Lord’s betrothed was kidnapped. In an apparent fit of rage, my Lord gave me the command to punish the wrongdoers and retrieve his bride, no matter how far I would have to go to track them down.</p><p></p><p> “I led several others through the town, leaving our armor behind, making no more noise than the She Who Brings Night as She creeps across the sky. We did find those who had taken my Lord’s betrothed, and slew them all, rescuing the woman. There were complications, though, that prevented me from resting that evening.”</p><p></p><p> Togusa paused to sip his tea and clear his throat before continuing. “First, the group’s leader was in the process of burning several documents, and was not able to complete the process. Given, however, that the documents were under my Lord’s hand and seal, the fact that I was able to claim them before any others saw them meant that I did not have to slay my own men.” Xu’s eyes widened slightly in surprise at these statements, but her iron self-control kept her from displaying any other signs that what Togusa was saying was at all interesting.</p><p></p><p> “I had also not, until that time, realized that my Lord’s betrothed was the woman that I had loved and courted in my younger years, and still held a special place for in my heart. I could not speak to her of such things, though, that night or ever, for she now belonged to my Lord, and I could not interfere in this affair. Upon reviewing the documents later that evening, though, I discovered that neither could I allow it to continue. For the documents revealed that my Lord had ordered both the kidnapping and the rescue, to increase his standing with his people, and possibly to find a new, slightly richer wife.”</p><p></p><p> Togusa dipped into his curry for a few moments, and Xu took the opportunity to speak. “I comprehend your maze," she said. "Your lord ordered you to bring the perpetrators to justice, and you could not disobey that order. But your lord was one of the perpetrators, and you could not bring dishonor to him by exposing him of his crime. I would imagine your exit from this maze has something to do with your presence in these lands.”</p><p></p><p> “Most perceptive, Lady. I left my wakizashi with a note for my Lord, advising him that justice was not yet finished, and I would not return for my blade until the time of the final reckoning had passed. I left those lands to follow a slightly looser interpretation of my Lord’s final command to me, in service to the Hound of Justice, neatly solving a complex problem.”</p><p></p><p> “Except,” Xu pointed out, gesturing with her teacup, “that the main figure in your tale who deserves punishment still lives, with the respect of his people, and the love of the woman who has your heart.”</p><p></p><p> “He does. His time will come. When I am old and gray, and unrecognizable, and all that I have described has been forgotten, I shall return. I will take up the blade that I left, and I shall strike down my Lord with it. The woman I love shall have had a full and happy life; I will have obeyed the orders of my Lord to bring the perpetrators to justice; and the guards will likely slay me shortly thereafter, so I shall die with my secret, an anonymous assassin, and preserve my Lord’s honor.”</p><p></p><p> They ate in silence for a few minutes, meditating on the nature of love, honor, and service. Xu finished her tea, and looked across the table at Togusa. “A most informative story. I still do not comprehend, though, how this ties in with me and my past.”</p><p></p><p> “Ah, yes. My apologies, Honorable Lady. You see, I recognize you. You were once introduced to my Lord as my Lord’s cousin’s betrothed.” Xu started, a flutter of fear coursing through her veins at the mention of the incident. Togusa’s mouth twitched. “Yes, Hungai the Great is my Lord's cousin.”</p><p></p><p> Xu snorted. “Hungai the Girthful, you mean.”</p><p></p><p> Togusa shrugged. “Whichever you prefer. He was greatly dishonored when you fled.”</p><p></p><p> “I can well imagine.”</p><p></p><p> “He has vowed to retrieve you, no matter the cost. He commonly hires those who value gold more than honor or life to conduct his searches. By the time I left, he was beginning to come to the conclusion that you had left the Empire. By now, I suspect he realizes that you have left the continent entirely, as there have been descriptions of you circulating in some of the larger ports of Sargia for some time, now.”</p><p></p><p> One of the tipsier patrons came staggering up behind Xu, murmuring something about dancing and blankets. Togusa shot him a look that promised a slow, agonizing death, and the man stumbled off.</p><p></p><p> Xu nodded resolutely. “I was certain this day would eventually come. I shall seek out what information I can in this place. Please inform my companions, and send them my apologies. I feel certain that the remainder of them can assist Ariadne, especially with your prowess at their side.”</p><p></p><p> Togusa nodded. “Of course, Lady. I felt it only honorable to warn you. I wish you success in your endeavor.”</p><p></p><p> “And you in yours.”</p><p></p><p>----------------------------</p><p></p><p>* A note regarding the Xhintai Empire. When we first began this campaign, our DM had no plans to include an Asian-style region on his world. However, one of the players created Xu Dhii Ngao, an obviously Asian monk. Up until this very moment, there had been nothing else done to develop Xu's homeland; it didn't even have a name until I originally wrote up this session. Thus most of the 'details' that emerge about Xhintai are things that were made up on the spot, or added in during the writeup. Since I don't think our DM has any plans to set adventures there, pretty much the only exposure you should see in this SH to that Empire is Xu, Togusa, and Hungai.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Delemental, post: 2639964, member: 5203"] Certainly, there are larger cities on Aelfenn than Miracle, and cities with more impressive features. The party had seen the deceptively delicate spire of the Tower in Trageon rising miles into the air, surrounded by the massive floating platforms that comprised the Upper City. They had seen the elegant grandeur of the Emperor’s Palace in Noxolt. Kavan had told them all tales of the thousands of elegant spires that rose from the island city of M’Dos, which they would soon all see themselves. But despite all this, they found that it was difficult, if not impossible, not to be awed at the sight of a city that existed purely by the will of a god. As expected, the dominant feature in the city was the temple of Paccë, a grand structure that went by the deceptively humble name of “House of Harmony”. The temple’s single spire was clearly visible several miles from the city. Kavan commented that from this distance, the temple in Miracle looked to be nearly as impressive as the one in M’Dos. About a mile from Miracle itself, the party came to a large way-station staffed by priests and priestesses of the god of peace. “Peace to you, strangers,” said a round-faced priestess. “May I ask your business in Miracle?” “Rest and supplies,” said Lanara, “before continuing on to Medos.” The priestess eyed the party’s many weapons. “Are you aware of Paccë’s decree that no one shall come to harm within Her city?” “We are aware,” Lanara said, “and regret that the nature of the world outside Her city is such that the bearing of arms is necessary.” “I understand. If you would like, we offer the courtesy of peace-bonding your weapons while inside the city. If you ride your horses around to that building over there, my fellow peace-brothers will assist you. While in the city, please be certain to visit the House of Harmony.” The party rode around as instructed and met a small cluster of Pacceans waiting for them. As they handed over weapons, the party was somewhat surprised to see that rather than the standard notion of ‘peace-bonding’ – a leather strap tying the weapon into its scabbard – that here the process involved wrapping the dangerous parts of any weapon in several layers of heavy white cloth. “That’ll be a little hard to sheathe,” quipped Lanara as Autumn regarded her greataxe, which now looked like a ball of laundry on a stick. “I don’t exactly feel sorry for her,” said Arrie, who was now holding a medicine ball-sized bundle that used to be an orcish shotput. “I wasn’t expecting them to be quite so thorough.” They rode into town without further incident, following a well-used road and passing several other travelers, mostly merchant caravans from Sargia or hin clans from the Steppes. The edge of the bridge upon which Miracle rested was marked by a row of majestic marble columns, spaced fifty feet apart. “I’m not used to a city without a gate or a wall,” Arrie commented as they passed the columns. “Not much need,” Lanara said. “They say that there’s only been one time that the city has been attacked.” “What happened?” Autumn asked curiously. “It was a mercenary warband out of the Steppes, about four years ago. As soon as they rode within a mile, the entire city, bridge and all, rose into the air and just stayed there, safely out of reach. As least, that’s what the stories say.” “What about the warband?” Arrie wondered. “Obviously, the citizens of Miracle didn’t do anything like drop rocks on their head.” Lanara shook her head. “Wiped out by a joint attack from the Sargian and Medosi armies. Seems they didn’t appreciate the disruption in their favorite trade route.” While Lanara talked, Kyle saw a pair of teamsters driving a large wagon, furiously whipping their horses to get them moving. “I’m confused,” he said out loud. “Shouldn’t those two be disappearing right about now?” Lanara pulled her horse up and turned to face everyone. “Look, things aren’t quite as cut-and-dry here as that priestess at the way-station would have you believe. Paccë’s protection only extends to bipeds – humans, elves, gnomes, the touched, even things like gnolls and goblins, though you don’t really see them around here much. And it only affects sentient creatures, so that horse, if it wanted, could kick that teamster back and nothing would happen. That’s why animals are often used as guards here, since they can wound and kill without disappearing. Same thing applies to constructs, so some of the wealthier houses and businesses will have golems. I’ve even heard there’s a few that’ll use undead, though not publicly, of course. Besides, getting hold of bodies in a city of peace ain’t exactly easy.” “Hey, Lanara,” said Osborn, “I had a cousin who came here once a while back. He mentioned getting in a bar fight while he was here. I guess that decking someone doesn’t count?” Lanara nodded. “Anything that doesn’t cause lasting harm is okay. Seems Paccë realized that occasionally the town guard would have to do something to stop a person who didn’t want to be stopped.” She grinned. “There’s always loopholes in any set of rules. For example, if you’re interested there’s a thriving drug trade here, and a variety of prostitutes. Seems that self-inflicted harm doesn’t count either.” Once inside the city itself, the party gave a young tout a few coins to guide them to a decent inn and stables. The boy led them about a half-mile into the city, to a sturdy three-story stone building whose sign proclaimed it to be The Cedar Grove. The inside was clean and well-lit, and true to its name, was dominated by cedar chairs, table, and ceiling beams. After arranging their rooms (which, after some discussion due to the recent changes in their standard sleeping arrangements, ended up being two large suites), Arrie told the others that she was going to find the local church of Tor, and would meet them back at the inn that evening. The others spread out in the city to sell a few items, buy supplies, and take care of personal business. That night, Arrie was the last to return to the inn. When she arrived, she was accompanied by a tall, middle-aged man carrying a sword of unusual design on his back. The man’s dress and facial features were very similar to Xu’s; no one seemed more surprised by this than her. “Any luck?” Autumn asked as Arrie sat down. The stranger remained standing nearby. “At first, I didn’t think I would,” Arrie said. “The church of Tor here isn’t that big, more of a dispatch point for the churches’ hunters. Seems a lot of fugitives get the impression they’ll be safe here. But then I ran into Togusa here, and he’s filled me in on what’s going on.” “What is it?” Kyle asked. “I’ll let Togusa explain,” she said, motioning the man over. Togusa walked over and sat down calmly next to Arrie. He looked everyone at the table over before speaking. “My name is Togusa. I am originally from a land far from here, though I suspect you know of this already.” He made the slightest of nods toward Xu, who returned it. “For some time now, I have been a hunter for Tor. Several years ago, Ariadne, myself and perhaps ten others participated in the hunt for a fugitive convicted of a series of brutal murders. This person tried to justify his crimes as being in pursuit of alchemical knowledge, saying that his victims had been party to alchemical experiments that had failed. When confronted with the possibility of punishment, he fled and a Hunt was formed. We pursued him to a small village where he had stopped and was trying to find passage across a river. His flight was impeded by the fact that unseasonable rains had flooded the river and no one was willing to risk themselves to ford him across. We pursued him to the river and fought some of his creations. During this battle, he was mortally wounded and bled to death. However because of the flooding we were unable to retrieve his body. The Hunt was declared completed however, since the criminal was dead. “Over the past few weeks, the mark from that Hunt has been slowly reappearing for the original members.” Togusa held out his right hand, and revealed a black hound’s head mark identical to the one Arrie had. “There are scant rumors about that the criminal has reappeared, peddling his alchemical creations here in Miracle. In addition, the other members of our Hunt have been dying. We are investigating further the whereabouts of the dead members’ corpses, as one corpse has gone missing from the place where it was entombed.” Arrie leaned in and said in a low voice, “I think you all can see where this is going. About five of the original twelve in the Hunt are dead now, and one missing body.” “How do you want us to help?” Tolly said automatically. “I need your help in tracking down information about this criminal, who’s apparently alive again,” she said. “Neither Togusa or I are very skilled in the ‘investigating and tracking’ part of a Hunt; we were more on the ‘subdual and capture’ end of things. Unfortunately, all of the investigative types in the original Hunt are dead now, and the church here doesn’t have anyone in town right now with those skills.” “I can help with that,” Lanara said. “Who are we supposed to be looking for?” asked Autumn. “His name was Neville,” Arrie said. “But he had a lot of aliases. Basically, the reason that the church of Tor marked him for death – not just to be brought back for justice, but marked for death – is because wherever he went he let a trail of bodies in the name of his ‘experiments’. He was beyond a murderer, he didn’t care who his experiments hurt. He had absolutely no conscience. The church of Tor only issues a death-mark for the most heinous, unforgivable crimes.” “If what you say is true, and this Neville is practicing his foul craft again,” Tolly said, “why come here? Would not Paccë’s ban make his work impossible?” “Remember the drug trade here, Tolly,” Kyle said. “If he gets people to be in these experiments willingly, then he’s not harming them in Paccë’s eyes.” “If he is here,” Arrie said, “then Togusa and I will need your help to take him out. But first we need to find him, and I can’t make the same kind of connections that some of you might.” “What does he look like?” asked Kavan. “He’s fairly tall, perhaps a few inches taller than the average human male. He had medium brown hair, very pale eyes, darkish skin.” “Any distinguishing marks?” the elf pressed. “Other than the scars from when we fought him at the river, no.” Arrie thought for a moment. “But he did have an assistant. An orc-touched, I believe. He was… well, let me put it this way. I’ve never met anyone who I haven’t been able to like in some way, but this man was… foul. Nothing obvious that you could point to, but just unpleasant to be around.” During the conversation, Xu had eyed Togusa warily. She recognized his style of dress as that of a samurai, and he had the requisite top-knot marking his station, as well as the katana at his back. But he did not carry the smaller wakizashi, which would mark him as ronin. As she studied the warrior, she saw him studying her back. There was a barely perceptible nod exchanged between them; [I]we will speak later[/I], that nod said. “You said this guy was an alchemist,” Kyle was saying. “I have to go pay for the healing potions I ordered earlier today anyway. I can drop a few questions around to see if anyone knows anything.” “May I come with you?” Autumn asked suddenly. “Um, sure, but it’ll probably be pretty dull.” “I’d still like to come,” she said. “I can speak with the priests at the church of Paccë,” Tolly offered. “Perhaps they have heard of recent disappearances in the city, or problems with grave-robbing.” “It is certain that Neville is operating out of the eyes of the public,” Togusa said. “If any of you have connections with the shadier side of society, there may be much to be gained by looking there.” Osborn said nothing, but already his mind was working on possible avenues he could use to contact the local underworld. Next to him, Kavan raised her voice. “I could try and talk with some of the local prostitutes. Perhaps I could even put the word out on the street that I might fancy a rendezvous with a pale-eyed man.” “I can start that rumor, if you’d like,” Lanara said. “You might want to use a different name than ‘Kavan’,” Autumn suggested. “Something a bit more feminine?” “Call me ‘Kay’ for now,” Kavan said. Arrie looked around the table, gratitude plain on her face. “Thank you for helping me,” she said. “There was no need to ask,” Tolly said. “We have shed blood for each other.” “I know,” she replied, “but in this… Neville was a bad man. I’m not the type to say that about anyone, normally, but in this case… it disturbed me to find out that this task is apparently not finished. Not just because it was a task that I agreed to as a matter of faith, but because he is apparently back to his old atrocities.” The party began to stand up. “We can start laying some groundwork tonight, and pick it up again first thing in the morning,” Kavan said, “and meet back here again tomorrow night to compare notes.” “Agreed,” said Togusa. “I thank you for your assistance.” He bowed to the group, then turned and addressed Xu. “Honored Lady,” he said. “I would be honored if you would sit with me for dinner tonight. I know of an establishment in town that can prepare food similar to that in our homeland.” Xu, slightly taken aback at Togusa’s forwardness, nevertheless accepted. He escorted her out of The Cedar Grove and to a small restaurant on the other side of the city. After they found a table, Togusa went and spoke briefly with the cook before returning to sit down. “Thank you for agreeing to dine with me this evening, Honored Lady,” Togusa said, speaking in the dissonant tones of the Xhintai Empire*. “It is most satisfying to once again be able to converse in a proper, civilized tongue.” “Agreed,” replied Xu, as the serving wench sullenly set the teas on the table in front of them. “However, Lord Togusa, it seems to me that you have a specific purpose in mind for this conversation, aside from idle chatter to refresh your memories of home.” Togusa winced a bit, but bowed slightly at the waist to his dining companion. “Your flattery places honor where there should be none. I am now neither samurai nor ronin, but some strange place in between. All will become apparent in time. Look, here is food. Let us dine while I enlighten you on past events presently brought to bear.” They ate for a few moments in silence; the curry, rice, and noodle dish a stark contrast to the other tables’ steaming heaps of meat, potatoes, and ale. Togusa chewed as he collected his thoughts, then began suddenly. “Some years ago, my Lord’s betrothed was kidnapped. In an apparent fit of rage, my Lord gave me the command to punish the wrongdoers and retrieve his bride, no matter how far I would have to go to track them down. “I led several others through the town, leaving our armor behind, making no more noise than the She Who Brings Night as She creeps across the sky. We did find those who had taken my Lord’s betrothed, and slew them all, rescuing the woman. There were complications, though, that prevented me from resting that evening.” Togusa paused to sip his tea and clear his throat before continuing. “First, the group’s leader was in the process of burning several documents, and was not able to complete the process. Given, however, that the documents were under my Lord’s hand and seal, the fact that I was able to claim them before any others saw them meant that I did not have to slay my own men.” Xu’s eyes widened slightly in surprise at these statements, but her iron self-control kept her from displaying any other signs that what Togusa was saying was at all interesting. “I had also not, until that time, realized that my Lord’s betrothed was the woman that I had loved and courted in my younger years, and still held a special place for in my heart. I could not speak to her of such things, though, that night or ever, for she now belonged to my Lord, and I could not interfere in this affair. Upon reviewing the documents later that evening, though, I discovered that neither could I allow it to continue. For the documents revealed that my Lord had ordered both the kidnapping and the rescue, to increase his standing with his people, and possibly to find a new, slightly richer wife.” Togusa dipped into his curry for a few moments, and Xu took the opportunity to speak. “I comprehend your maze," she said. "Your lord ordered you to bring the perpetrators to justice, and you could not disobey that order. But your lord was one of the perpetrators, and you could not bring dishonor to him by exposing him of his crime. I would imagine your exit from this maze has something to do with your presence in these lands.” “Most perceptive, Lady. I left my wakizashi with a note for my Lord, advising him that justice was not yet finished, and I would not return for my blade until the time of the final reckoning had passed. I left those lands to follow a slightly looser interpretation of my Lord’s final command to me, in service to the Hound of Justice, neatly solving a complex problem.” “Except,” Xu pointed out, gesturing with her teacup, “that the main figure in your tale who deserves punishment still lives, with the respect of his people, and the love of the woman who has your heart.” “He does. His time will come. When I am old and gray, and unrecognizable, and all that I have described has been forgotten, I shall return. I will take up the blade that I left, and I shall strike down my Lord with it. The woman I love shall have had a full and happy life; I will have obeyed the orders of my Lord to bring the perpetrators to justice; and the guards will likely slay me shortly thereafter, so I shall die with my secret, an anonymous assassin, and preserve my Lord’s honor.” They ate in silence for a few minutes, meditating on the nature of love, honor, and service. Xu finished her tea, and looked across the table at Togusa. “A most informative story. I still do not comprehend, though, how this ties in with me and my past.” “Ah, yes. My apologies, Honorable Lady. You see, I recognize you. You were once introduced to my Lord as my Lord’s cousin’s betrothed.” Xu started, a flutter of fear coursing through her veins at the mention of the incident. Togusa’s mouth twitched. “Yes, Hungai the Great is my Lord's cousin.” Xu snorted. “Hungai the Girthful, you mean.” Togusa shrugged. “Whichever you prefer. He was greatly dishonored when you fled.” “I can well imagine.” “He has vowed to retrieve you, no matter the cost. He commonly hires those who value gold more than honor or life to conduct his searches. By the time I left, he was beginning to come to the conclusion that you had left the Empire. By now, I suspect he realizes that you have left the continent entirely, as there have been descriptions of you circulating in some of the larger ports of Sargia for some time, now.” One of the tipsier patrons came staggering up behind Xu, murmuring something about dancing and blankets. Togusa shot him a look that promised a slow, agonizing death, and the man stumbled off. Xu nodded resolutely. “I was certain this day would eventually come. I shall seek out what information I can in this place. Please inform my companions, and send them my apologies. I feel certain that the remainder of them can assist Ariadne, especially with your prowess at their side.” Togusa nodded. “Of course, Lady. I felt it only honorable to warn you. I wish you success in your endeavor.” “And you in yours.” ---------------------------- * A note regarding the Xhintai Empire. When we first began this campaign, our DM had no plans to include an Asian-style region on his world. However, one of the players created Xu Dhii Ngao, an obviously Asian monk. Up until this very moment, there had been nothing else done to develop Xu's homeland; it didn't even have a name until I originally wrote up this session. Thus most of the 'details' that emerge about Xhintai are things that were made up on the spot, or added in during the writeup. Since I don't think our DM has any plans to set adventures there, pretty much the only exposure you should see in this SH to that Empire is Xu, Togusa, and Hungai. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Tales of the Legacy - Concluded
Top