Shackled City, Act I - Life's Bazaar

[Krago o'the Mountain]

"I think the locksmith has told the relavent parts of the story. However, we were pretty visible coming back here. I think we should move quickly to try and recover the children before they are moved or harmed."

Jenya nods her head. "Very well then. It does indeed seem that time is of the essence. The church will take responsibility for good Master Ghelve, as well as for this vile creature." The distaste in Jenya's mouth is quite noticeable as she glances at the skulk. "We will indeed see what we may learn from it."

"Master Ghelve, you will be remanded to the authority of the town watch, until such a time as your case may be brought before a magistrate." Ghelve looks distressed until Jenya continues, "However, know that I will testify to your actions in helping these adventurers discover your unwelcome...'houseguest'...and to your willingness to help make amends for your wrongdoing in whatever way possible. These factors will most certainly help your cause. In the meantime, this church, and these, our duly recognized agents," she gestures to the PCs, "will keep watch over your home and business, to make sure your possessions are safe. You have access to the shop?" She nods at Konstantine's reply of assent. "Good. Ruphus, if you will?"

Ruphus, still looking upset over this turn of events, flatly says, "Very well. Follow me." Ghelve follows him down the hall, while Pellir and another acolyte lift the skulk's stretcher, and trail behind.

Jenya concludes, "Well, then, if these kidnappers have indeed taken the children below the city into Jzadirune, I beseech you to pursue in all haste. If you need nothing else from me, I'll leave you to make your preparations. I have new 'guests' to tend to after all. The blessing of St. Cuthbert go with you."

[OOC: It's about midday now. Are there any preparations to be made before returning to Ghelve's Locks to make the descent into Jzadirune?]

 

[Dichotomy]

Konstantine thinks for a moment. "Oh, there is one thing. We don't actually know if the face-painted thugs are connected with these other creatures, whatever they are. Master Ghelve brought with him a list of the places that he made locks for. Perhaps while we are gone someone could compare that list with the list of people kidnapped. If someone was kidnapped that Master Ghelve didn't make the locks for, that may suggest that there is more than one mistery afoot."

"And I am sure that you thought of it already, but maybe someone should warn those with Ghelve's locks that are still around. Maybe they can find refuge with others that have... uh... uncompromised locks."

 

[Jdvn1]

"... But I thought all the locks were made by Master Ghelve."

 

[Professor Parsnip]

delete erroneous post

 

[Scotley]

William Human Paladin

"Let us not waste time. I think we must get to this Jzadirune as soon as possible."

 

[Krago o'the Mountain]

"... But I thought all the locks were made by Master Ghelve."

"Many locks in Cauldron are Ghelve's work," corrects Jenya, "but not all."

 

[Krug]

"Yes, let us get to Jzadirune quickly,"says Eliara.

 

[Mark Chance]

"Yes, let us get to Jzadirune quickly,"says Eliara.

Galen nods. "I agree. Others who know the city can alert Ghelve's victims about his perfidy. Our first task must be to rescue those kidnaped. If possible, in doing so, we may be blessed with the opportunity to punish those responsible."

 

[Krago o'the Mountain]

Konstantine thinks for a moment. "Oh, there is one thing. We don't actually know if the face-painted thugs are connected with these other creatures, whatever they are. Master Ghelve brought with him a list of the places that he made locks for. Perhaps while we are gone someone could compare that list with the list of people kidnapped. If someone was kidnapped that Master Ghelve didn't make the locks for, that may suggest that there is more than one mistery afoot."

"And I am sure that you thought of it already, but maybe someone should warn those with Ghelve's locks that are still around. Maybe they can find refuge with others that have... uh... uncompromised locks."

"Fear not, this church will proceed with these matters in all haste, in conjunction with the town watch. The protection and safety of the citizens of Cauldron will not be neglected while you pursue this matter in Jzadirune."

As Jenya turns to depart, the adventurers turn to leave. Just then, someone calls out, "Wait!" Pellir rushes back up the hallway, carrying a small scrap of paper. "Master Ghelve, in his nervousness, almost forgot to give you this." He presents a very worn and old piece of parchment with a crude map drawn upon it. "It's a map of Jzadirune, Master Ghelve thought it would be of assistance to you."

 

[Krago o'the Mountain]

The party departs from the temple of St. Cuthbert, ready to proceed into the abandoned gnomish enclave of Jzadirune, in pursuit of the kidnapped children and their monstrous abductors.

The walk back to Ghelve's Locks is much more brisk, without the unconscious skulk to drag along. Konstantine unlocks the door to the shop, and ushers everyone inside.

It's easy to find and open the secret door to Jzadirune now that Ghelve has revealed its location. The door swings open once more to reveal a stone staircase, its steps shrouded with cobwebs and dust. It descends 20 feet to a ten-foot-square landing, then bends to the right and plunges into darkness.

[OOC: Here we go! I will need to know your plans for a light source, and also a marching order. If there are any other special precautions or arrangements please specify those. Also, if there is anything you want to do within Ghelve's shop before proceeding down the stairs, let me know...I am assuming you want to go straight into Jzadirune unless someone says otherwise.]