Defenders of the Blackfeather - Tariff of Relkingham

[esparkhu]

At the end of her turn, the mage took 4 damage from Rain of Steel.

Hal does 19 damage to the remaining foe, slowing her down. He then shifts to M13.

Sena shifts to K15, but her axe fails to land on her target.

Lindus moves to J12. Only one of the elf's arrows hits, but the resulting 11 damage is enough to vanquish the mage.

She is subdued and you are able to question, torture, or otherwise have your way with her.

The group gains 825 experience.

 

[garyh]

Hal points at the mage with his still-bloody sword. "Okay, lady, you're about to tell us everything we want to know.

"Who are you working for? What did they tell you? What were their plans? NOW."

Intimidate (1d20 7=14)

 

[esparkhu]

The helpless mage scowls in contempt as she answers. "We follow in the service of Vecna. Vecna's high priest has commanded us to stop a group coming along this path comprised of a human man, a dwarf woman and an elf man, presumably you. This group must not reach Relkingham or hinder our lord in any way."

 

[garyh]

"Boy, your lord's going to be upset when he finds out how badly you failed," Hal says. "In the meantime, we'll tie you up and hide you here, and tell the authorities in Relkingham to come pick you up. Can't have you slowing us down while we hinder your lord. I do hope his agents don't find you before the Relkingham guards can."

And with that, the group restrains the mage, checks their foes and the room for anything worthwhile, and heads on to Relkingham.

 

[esparkhu]

Back in Relkingham

A couple hours later you arrive in Relkinham. As you approach the city, you sense that something is amiss. When you move closer, you see a large crowd gathered in the town square opposite the temple.

Sharona, a maiden Hal knows for her beauty and love of gossip, comes up to him and says “Hal, Have you heard? The high priest has come to Relkingham on official business. Isn’t it exciting?” Giggling she continues, “Apparently, he kicked all the priests out of the temple of Erathis and has locked himself in with his supporters from Wyllea. I think he’s praying for a miracle from Erathis to end the drought. Oh, how did the petition to Founder Neelani go?"

 

[garyh]

"Not well, Sharona," Hal replies. "But it sounds like we'd better get over to the temple fast. Thanks, Sharon. Let's go!" And with that the trio races to the temple.

 

[esparkhu]

As you draw near the temple you hear two of the priests arguing. One says “Avonathemon has crossed a line. The sacrifice tariff must not go through. It is not what’s best for our flock.”

The older man looks thoughtful “It is not our place to question the high priest, Father Bartock. He speaks for out lord and his word is the law.” Father Bartock opens his mouth to say something, then sees you. “Hey you there! You're the group that went to Wyllea. You’ve returned! What did Founder Neelani say? Did she listen to our petition?"

 

[garyh]

"The founder claimed she was withdrawing the tariff, despite not particularly caring for our entreaties," Sena replies. "But tell me what's going on here. Father Bartok, what has Avonathemon been doing since he got here?"

 

[esparkhu]

The first priest responds " Avonathemon had the tariff. He said he was following the Founder's orders and was going to invoke the tariff upon the holy altar of Erathis. He took his own servants with him and kicked all of us local priests out."

The priest is cut short by a massive explosion. Glass explodes from the roof of the temple as a column of darkness descends from the sky into the temple. All the townsfolk start rushing around in a panic, screaming. The older priest turns to you "Do something! The high priest is under attack!”

Sena, being a disciple of Erathis, is familiar with the layout of the temple and knows the only entrance is on the side of the building. She can sketch out a decent map of the temple from memory.

1- Main temple
2- Communal bedchamber
3- Storeroom
4- Office
5- Storeroom
6- Bedchamber
7- Meeting room

 

[garyh]

OOC: Before arriving in Relkingham, Hal and Sena each use a healing surge, and Sena uses Healing Word on Lindus to have him use a surge. All three are at full HP.

"Something tells me that's not what happened," Sena says, "but we certainly will investigate."

The group rushes over to the only entrance, Hal in the lead, then Sena, and finally Lindus, as Hal throws the door open.