H.M.Gimlord
Explorer
|
[Adventure]: The Missing Professor (DM: H.M.Gimlord, Looking for a Judge)
- Thread starter H.M.Gimlord
- Start date
H.M.Gimlord
Explorer
|
. They make it back through the gates unmolested, thanks to the letter with which Fenkton had supplied them.
Immediately inside the city wall, the group hears the ringing of a hammer from across the way. A small marquis over a gate reads, "Hankel Mast" marking the entry to a forge-yard. Within the yard, sweating over an anvil, is a muscular dragonborn.[sblock=Streetwise DC 18]There are no other dragonborn that you have seen in this city.[/sblock][sblock=Haruka]Hankel Mast is the city's Master Armorer, and, according to the letters you just read, an unwitting heir to an ancient throne. He is, however, a dwarf, not a dragonborn.[/sblock]A short interview reveals that the dragonborn's name is Firebyrne, apprenticed to Hankel before the dwarf's disappearance, and now filling in in his absence. He is aware of the magical dagger about which the party recently learned, "Yes. A long time ago, Hankel's father was killed by Bradon Hammermill who was caught red-handed in their home. Hankel found the dagger on Bradon's body, and we soon discovered the crystal inside," He shrugs, "He kept it hidden until he learned that Lord Hallmaster was interested in it," he spits, and sparks crackle between his teeth, "Of course, at that time he had no idea that Lord Hallmaster was nothing more than a common thief-lord. Lord Hallmaster convinced him that the dagger, and the crystal within were a mystery that he could solve, so he and Hankel set off for Efil to conduct some research into the matter." he sighs, "I fear for his safety, even though he's got a stout search party looking for him."
The group asks him where Vythdar Astrix can be found, and he points them in the direction of his manorhouse, which, in retrospect seems obvious since it is the largest structure bordering the main square.
The group also asks where weapons of a more magical quality can be found, to which Firebyrne answers, "I'm not skilled in the art of magical weapons, and magic weaponry is strictly forbidden in the city, but ouside the walls, by the harbor, there's a thriving black market that Ekton cannot regulate." he pauses and thinks for a while and then adds, "Of course I know of a seller who you might want to look into, of course, I have no proof, but he's a little shady. Fact is, I'm waiting for Lord Ekton to come down on him one day, but so far he's been able to keep clean when eyes are watching, mine included. Foredrum's his name. Sword Foredrum. He runs the apothacary not three streets over." Firebyrne points out the apothacary, which is actually visible through the spaces between buildings, "Though magic weapons are illegal, his shop does cary several mystical curiosity, and I wouldn't rule out a little cotraband, though, to be honest, I have no proof."
The group thanks Firebyrne and decides on the apothacary as a first stop to stock up on things.
Once inside, a haggard-looking, yet young man, covered in tattoos, stands behind the counter, "May I help you?" Luckily, there are no other customers in the shop, because the man behind the counter starts to look around suspiciously when Riardon asks where magic items may be purchased. He hurriedly gestures for you to follow him through a doorway behind the counter. When the last member of the party files in, he rounds on all four, "I don't know who you are, or who told you about me, but whatever you heard is..." he pauses, suddenly realizing that you are definitely neither constabulary material, nor ruffians. Smiling with gold in his eyes, he stoops down and feels along a base board in the floor and lifts a section of planks that have been pegged together, "...right here. Follow me."
He leads you down a ladder to a hidden cellar where various items sit on shelves and racks.
"My name is Sworc," the man introduces himself, "And I trust that you'll find what you are looking for. If not, please name it, and I can arrange for it," he makes a clicking sound in his cheek, "I've got connections," he winks.
|
[sblock=Synopsis of story to this point]
You are currently located just outside of a cliffside port city named Rioc Alair. The cellar in which they are now belongs to a harbor-side tavern and inn called The Crystal Mug.
Your original party was employed by a gentleman named Jahred who is the leader of the primary constabulary group of Rioc Alair called The Night Watch, to determine the whereabouts of "Professor Aramista" who has gone missing now for several weeks.
Your group have inspected the professors office and found the following documents and curiosities (see clues below) In their investigation, the group has also discovered that a previous group of adventurers were instrumental in ratting out a den of thieves being given sanctuary in this cellar hideout. The proprietor of this establishment at the time, a man named Blagarm Barblacken, was arrested and exiled, while all but one of the tieves were hunted down and executed (most of them as a result of the skirmish the aftermath of which you see here).
The band of thieves was evidently led by a well-to-do member of society named Lars Hallmaster who left town with the city's Master Armorer, a dwarf named Hankel Mast, some time before the hideout was exposed.
The preivous group of adventurers that dispatched the thieves continued to pursue Lord Hallmaster in hopes of rescuing Hankel, believing him to be a lost heir to some kind of fortune.
Upon learning of the hideout from Jahred, your party expressed a desire to investigate, and were given a document signed by the Governor of Rioc Alair, Lord Ekton, giving you privilege to use whatever means necessary to complete your mission.
While talking with Jahred, they also met a man named Vythdar Astrix, a representative of the people of Rioc Alair to Lord Ekton's court. He, too, expressed an interest in seeing the professor found, and returned to Rioc Alair.
Upon arriving at The Crystal Mug, the group was set upon by a band of rough thugs. As the battle wound down, the last of the thugs made a dash for the cellar, in which Dante was killed in a trap, most likely a remnant of the thieves' devices. The poor thug, however executed poor judgement in his escape attempt, by attempting to flee through a locked cellar door. Cornered by Gloom and Draglin, the fellow fell hard.
Upon the thug's chest (as well as others as some of you remember), is an ensignia of polished, gray leather in the shape of a dragon.
Aaron, evidently a junior member of the original gang of thieves who resided under the Crystal mug, shows up having returned from a quest to drum up help in the form of Seraphine and Haruka.
When he returns, he is surprised to find his comrades dead, and his mentor and leader (Lars Hallmaster) missing.
He relates the following information:
- The thugs that Max, Mab, Dante, Draglin, and Gloom were fighting belonged to a ring of organized crime being led by Vythdar Astrix. He points out that the gray, leather dragon insignia represents Vythdar's mob.
- Lars Hallmaster is obsessed with finding the origins of a magic knife that channels the power of lightning and storms.
- Professor Aramista encouraged (and perhaps even directed) Lars' research into the knife's origin so much that he sent Lars to a far-off land, called Erkemhest, to study the history of their continent.
- Lars suspected Rioc Alair's Master Armorer, Hankel, of having information in this regard.
- Hankel's father, Bard, was killed in a burglary carried out by the former leader of the thieves (a man named Bradon) in order to find more information about the magic weapon. Bradon panicked when he was discovered, and slew Bard. Hankel then slew Bradon.
Last edited:
Ohh shiny! Draglin thinks, picking up various weapons. He walks around like a kid in a candy shop, examining the items and picking out a couple.
Are you trying to sell us used good? Draglin says, pointing to the chip on the double sword he picked up and the hole in one of the gloves. It was not a big enough flaw to effect its usage, but still enough of a cosmetic defect to be doubtful of its origins. Makes me wonder where you got them from...Perhaps a discount is needed to make me forget. He says looking at the man.
Are you trying to sell us used good? Draglin says, pointing to the chip on the double sword he picked up and the hole in one of the gloves. It was not a big enough flaw to effect its usage, but still enough of a cosmetic defect to be doubtful of its origins. Makes me wonder where you got them from...Perhaps a discount is needed to make me forget. He says looking at the man.
|
H.M.Gimlord
Explorer
"What!?" Sworc looks surprised [sblock=Perception DC 15 or Will > 15]He's obviously not surprised, but pretending that it's not his fault[/sblock]"I thought that was serration," he runs his hand along the nicked blade, "Sure enough. Hey. No problem. I'll mark it down for you, say seventeen thousand," he inspects the gloves, "You're right about these too," he says putting one of his fingers through the hole, "though it does make for better dexterity in cold weather...how's nine thousand sound?"
|
Last edited:
TwoHeadsBarking
First Post
|
H.M.Gimlord
Explorer
Hmm Draglin says, frowning. I don't think I believe you. You think I am stupid or something? Are you insulting my intelligence? I don't need to buy your junk! You think you are the only one here who sells this kind of stuff? He says angrily.
Similar Threads
