The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

Despite what had occurred, Jokull refused to give up, shouldering Marik's body and declaring he would go to all the temples in Westgate if he had to. The rest of the group was less sanguine about his prospects, but bid Jokull good luck. Brok-Tul, his temper building, led the others to the temple of Mask, where he shouted for entry, yelling Klendt's name and brandishing the dead female Mask's head - but received only silence in return. Some time later, Jokull returned to the guest house to meet the others, face bright, explaining that he had convinced a priest of Lathander to sell them a raise dead scroll - for the price of 1,621 gold. The others, minus an indisposed Aerikoth (Hah! --R), collected their gold and accompanied Jokull back to the temple, Brok-Tul relieving Jokull of carrying the burden of Marik's body. A Lathanderite priest by the name of Oravan collected the gold and gave over the scroll, saying to Jokull with compassion that it was deserved, and hoped it was worth the trouble. (Jokull's speech to the priest must have been quite convincing. Perhaps he forgot to mention Marik's patron deity. Nonetheless, his motives for helping a fallen comrade are admirable. --C). The grateful group departed, heading back to the guest house to prepare for the raising of Marik.

Brok-Tul prepared a ceremonial circle in the main room of the guest house and took the scroll in hand, while the others watched. Chanting his prayers to Mask, he raised the scroll, only to recoil in pain and shock. Trembling with the effort and reaction, Brok-Tul composed himself again and began new preparations - this time invoking Helm. When no untoward consequences manifested, Brok-Tul raised the scroll again and read its magical words, culminating in a burst of light and movement over Marik's former corpse, as Marik stirred anew - weak, but alive.

The next day, the 26th of Uktar, dawned. Rahnee and Brok-Tul arose and went upstairs, to check on Marik, knocking on the door to his room. Aerikoth, already awake, emerged from across the hall and inquired as to how Brok-Tul was faring after the previous night's efforts; Aerikoth was intrigued by Brok-Tul's need to alter the scroll ceremony. Brok-Tul, somewhat embarrassed, said that he had not slept and that he felt a hole in him where Mask had been. Brok-Tul felt that Marik should be told that a different god than his patron had brought him back, to which Aerikoth commented that it seemed both Brok-Tul and Marik shared the same fate.

A tired Marik answered the door and was greeted by all, Brok-Tul quickly informing him of the issue regarding their gods. Aerikoth then excused himself, departing for the Gatereach to break his fast. Marik, still appearing weak, said he needed to rest a little longer. The others deferred to Marik's wishes and left to join Aerikoth at the Gatereach, Jokull arriving first. Over breakfast, ably served by Janatha, the group discussed their next moves. Brok-Tul felt strongly that he needed to go to Turnton, in order to talk with High Cleric Carlin about Helm. Finishing their meal, the group returned to the guest house. Aerikoth on the way commented that he had little desire to travel to Turnton, but would accompany the rest if they felt his presence was needed.

In the main room, Brok-Tul noticed that Rahnee's trunk appeared to have been disturbed. After carefully tapping the chest with the tip of his sword, Brok-Tul opened it with a flick of his wrist, revealing a note where Rahnee's expensive black velvet dress had been. Brok-Tul read the note to the others: "Hope you don't mind, I borrowed some things I needed for traveling money. I consider all debts between us paid. Good luck with your ventures. Good luck with the Masks. --Marik"

 

[Carlo-One]

Outbursts of outrage poured from Brok-Tul and Rahnee, while Jokull appeared dumbfounded. Aerikoth betrayed nothing beyond his usual calm, expressionless gaze. After checking the remainder of their belongings, it appeared that Marik had also made off with Jokull's "lucky" torch and a few of Aerikoth's books. Jokull expressed his anger, questioning how "all debts had been paid." Aerikoth reminded the others that, beyond Marik's actions of thievery, it was important to think of what information he possessed that could prove detrimental to them. Discussion followed, the group fluctuating between desiring to pursue Marik and exact revenge, or simply cutting their losses and resigning themselves to Marik's departure. Aerikoth dryly expressed his surprise that the others had ever trusted Marik. While checking over their gear, Brok-Tul attempted to magically identify one of the captured Night Mask crossbows, calling on Helm, but failed.

Aerikoth's remarks got the better of Rahnee's temper, causing her to stalk out of the house in anger. Brok-Tul pointedly wondered if there were others in the group whom it would be foolish to trust, provoking an exchange of words with Aerikoth. The wizard in turn accused Brok-Tul of being a fool for how he had acted outside the temple of Mask, commenting that retribution would surely come as a result. Rahnee had by then returned, her temper mastered, and called a halt to the recriminations. (Once again the group is held together by this remarkable young woman. --R). Aerikoth accepted one of the looted Night Mask daggers, placing it in his magic bag.

Deciding it was necessary to inform their Thalavar patron of what had happened with Marik, Rahnee and Aerikoth walked in the rain to Castle Thalavar. In the castle entrance hall, Rahnee "reminded" the steward Iono that she had delivered horses previously to him and wished to discuss a further shipment. Iono, understanding that there must be an urgent situation, commented that he had wished to see her in any case, regarding one of the horses who had come up lame.

Once in the privacy of Iono's study, Rahnee explained the situation and their concern over what information Marik could possibly reveal to their enemies. Iono considered Marik's actions unfortunate, but concluded that it was unlikely there would be significant repercussions if their former comrade did the smart thing and fled Westgate. In response to a question from Rahnee, Iono indicated that there was no geas on Marik, as Jokull had originally convinced him to work with Thalavar against the Fire Knives. Iono said that he would instruct Garis to meet with the party that evening at hour 21, at their usual meeting place, cautioning them not to return to Castle Thalavar except in case of dire need.

Returning to the guest house, Rahnee and Aerikoth gave an account of their meeting with Iono to the others. Rahnee asked Jokull about his initial encounter with Marik. Jokull explained that shortly after his own arrival in Westgate seeking the Fire Knives, Marik had been captured by Thalavar agents. Given the coincidence of Jokull's goals and Marik's background, Jokull had worked to convince Marik to collaborate with Thalavar. Jokull's Purple Dragon history had perhaps impressed Marik, but he thought Marik's decision to cooperate was more likely due to Thalavar gold. The party prepared for their meeting that night with Garis, although with low expectations as to its usefulness, and planned to travel to Turnton on the morn. (At least out of all this Brok-Tul has gained some clarity regarding his new, true deity - Helm. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

As they gathered prior to departure, Jokull asked why they should bother discussing things further with Garis, given what had occurred at Castle Thalavar. Rahnee replied that Garis might have some information on how Marik had departed and why. Hearing Brok- Tul rouse himself upstairs, where he had retired to nurse a headache, Rahnee ascended to see to him. Returning, she informed the others he would be down shortly. After Brok-Tul joined them, the party reviewed the equipment looted at the site of the ruined watchtower, Brok-Tul commenting that he had seen the Mask crossbows before in the hands of higher-ups; however, Aerikoth could not further identify the magic items without preparing additional spells.

The party left for the Empty Fish tavern, located in the district outside of West Gate, arriving without incident, although the bartender challenged Brok-Tul, who had a crossbow out. Brok-Tul quickly put it away, explaining that it was safer that way outside the city walls. Rahnee also apologized for him, saying that he had had a bad day. Smiling, Rahnee bought four ales, whispering to Aerikoth to at least pretend to drink his, and the group settled at a nearby table.

Shortly afterwards, Garis strolled in and asked the barkeep if he could strike up a game of dice at the tavern. The barkeep was dubious, but in return for matching a gold piece on the counter, Garis was allowed to solicit customers to see if anyone was interested. After bantering with Brok-Tul and Rahnee, Garis in a loud voice announced that he could be found at the Black Boot for a game, then briefly bent close to Rahnee's ear before sauntering out.

Once the group was out of the Empty Fish, Rahnee explained in a low voice that Garis had whispered the name of the Old Beard tavern and told her to knock four times at his room door - the mention of the Black Boot evidently being a blind for any others who might be curious. It took some time to make their way across the city, but the group eventually turned up at Garis' door and was let in. Close on their heels was a man in monk robes, whom Garis allowed to enter and introduced as Veran Bron, a monk of Kelemvor. (The legendary member of the Order makes his first appearance! In my earlier studies, his companions were barely mentioned. I expect part of the task before me is to better understand the roles played by all who fought the abomination, not just that of Brother Veran. --C)

Garis indicated that full introductions would be made shortly, but he would turn to the matter of Marik first. In short, Garis' sources had turned up no information on Marik being in Westgate, so Garis assumed that Marik had taken a ship or caravan out of the city as soon as possible. Garis said that he would keep an eye out, but he doubted that Marik would ever be seen again - not necessarily a bad outcome from the House Thalavar point of view. Garis pointed out that Marik could have done more damage if he had wanted, and had probably resumed the life of a petty criminal.

(So ends the tale of Marik in these chronicles - except for one small thing, which we shall see later. Despite - or perhaps because of - his roguish nature, it is hard not to smile at the recounting of his doings. The farewell note he left for the party after stealing their effects was priceless; one cannot help but imagine the expression on their faces while reading it. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

Turning to the newcomer, Garis explained that Veran had come to House Thalavar's attention as part of their ongoing investigation of necromantic activity in Westgate, inviting Veran to tell his story. Veran, often speaking using somewhat obscure metaphors, informed the party that a prophecy of his order had brought him to Westgate. The prophecy stated that a great kingdom of the dead, which had risen and been vanquished, would rise again; this fit Westgate's history. Garis said that in the ancient past, prior to Dalereckoning, Westgate had been ruled by the vampire king Orlak. Veran stated that Orlak was eventually defeated by a group of holy warriors, but the prophecy said that it would occur again. (The perpetual struggle involving good and evil, light and darkness, life and death, has not ended nor will it end, until the universe ceases to exist. A sobering thought, yet one which also gives purpose. --C)

In response to a question from Rahnee, Garis commented that the prophecy was indeed vague, but that it fit with Thalavar reports of vampire activity, including what the party had previously run across. Garis said that if this prophecy were true, then Westgate faced a much more serious threat than a few stray undead. Since Veran was unlikely to make much headway on his own, and the party already had some experience with the matter, Garis believed it would be useful to introduce them. Garis also said that he would be willing to pay the additional 100 gold bonding fee for the Mercenaries Guild, should the group accept Veran. He addied that Veran was currently at the temple of Lathander, but could not stay there much longer.

Rahnee led the group in questioning Veran about his skills, which appeared to be satisfactory, and his willingness to work with the party in the Mercenaries Guild. Garis passed a gold pouch to Rahnee, to use for Veran’s bond, and excused himself, appearing a little relieved. On the way out, Garis was pulled aside by Jokull, who asked for a private meeting with Iono; Garis said he would try to arrange one. Brok-Tul, curious, engaged Veran in a discussion about Kelemvor and the afterlife, commenting that he had not seen Kelemvor before being raised. Veran made several profound - if difficult to fully decipher - remarks in reply, which left Rahnee chuckling and Jokull confused. (The description of Brother Veran's speech reminds me of some of our Order's more esoteric members, whose remarks can be either profound or baffling, depending on the day. --R)

Having been provisionally accepted by the group, Veran accompanied them out of the tavern. The monk commented that he did not need to stop by the Lathander temple to retrieve any belongings, since he carried what he possessed. Brok-Tul and Jokull broke off to stop by the Mercenaries Guild, while the others headed for the Gatereach, where they checked Veran in with Jandrico Swift and informed him of Marik's departure.

At the guild, Brok-Tul and Jokull were informed by the clerk that registering new members required the newcomer to be present, along with at least two members of the company to be joined, in order to vouch for the newcomer. Returning to the guest house, the two discussed travel plans to Turnton with Rahnee and Aerikoth, and were joined by Veran, who had been given a room upstairs for the night. Before going to bed, Jokull mentioned that he might not be able to depart the city with the others, given his upcoming match at the Quivering Thumb. Veran was interested in why Jokull fought, asking if it was for coin or glory. Hesitating slightly, Jokull replied that it was perhaps both.

The next morning, Jokull was convinced to accompany the rest of the group to Turnton, although he said he would return early the following day, citing the need to keep an appointment. Heading east across the city, a stop was made at the Mercenaries Guild to put Veran on the rolls of Helm's Shadows, and another at Shalush Myrkeer's shop to obtain additional supplies. The party then made their way outside the South Gate, finding the road marked for Turnton.

 

[Carlo-One]

New Friends and Old Enemies

As they reached the Turnton/Glees fork area, with night falling, the group was surprised by two owlbears emerging from trees close to the path. Quickly overcoming their initial surprise, the party defeated their attackers at minimal cost. Further down the road, two baronial soldiers were encountered on patrol, who warned them (somewhat tardily) of an owlbear presence in the area. According to the soldiers, the Baron had recently re-established patrols in the countryside, the first time he had been able to do so since the war with Hallton. The patrol then headed for Glees, thanking the party for dispatching the monsters. The soldiers' warning was not entirely useless, as shortly thereafter the party spotted another pair of owlbears in their path, this time getting the jump on them.

At the outskirts of Turnton, the party was halted at the walls and then recognized by the guards. Veran was introduced and welcomed as their new companion. Rahnee raised the encounter with the patrol and the owlbears with the guard captain. He lamented his reduction in forces - only two could patrol where twelve had previously - and commented that “things” had always come out of the forest. The captain mentioned that the Baron was visiting some outlying farms, but that High Cleric Carlin was present in Turnton.

Continuing on to the temple of Helm, they were informed by the priest on duty that Carlin had retired for the evening, but could be waked if the matter was urgent. The party declined to disturb him, but Brok-Tul - after being queried by Rahnee about his intentions - decided to maintain a vigil at the temple that night. The others made their way to the local inn, the Traveler's Cheer. There, innkeeper Karl cheerfully welcomed the "heroes of Glees" and told them room and board for the night was on the house.

In the morning, on the 28th day of Uktar, Jokull departed at sunrise, true to his word. After their breakfast, Rahnee and Aerikoth were proudly introduced to the crowd at the inn by a smiling Karl as the heroes of Glees, receiving cheers and compliments in return. A baronial soldier arrived and requested that the group stop by the barracks at their convenience, as the guard captain wished to speak with them. After finishing their business at the inn, Rahnee, Aerikoth and Veran made their way to the barracks and were escorted back to see Guard Captain Halon.

Halon expressed his pleasure at meeting Rahnee and Aerikoth, and greeted Veran as a new companion of theirs. Halon immediately got down to business, starting off by mentioning that he was severely undermanned following the war with Hallton, despite the presence of a few mercenaries. Once he heard the party was in town, he thought he would take advantage of the opportunity to enlist their aid. The captain explained that following the defeat of the Sess goblin tribe and the truce imposed on them – a sequence of events in which Aerikoth had originally taken part – the Sess had faithfully adhered to the truce conditions. However, the monthly Sess emissary was nearly a tenday overdue and a patrol sent into the Amee Pass had encountered no sign of them. The captain was unsure of the significance of the event: were the Sess readying for an attack, or had something spooked them? In response to a question from Rahnee, the captain said he would be grateful for the party's help in simply determining the truth of the situation.

Rahnee, seeing no objections from her two companions, told the captain that they would be glad to assist. Halon then provided some further details on the mission. The patrol sent into the pass had encountered a rock wall blocking the normal route through, apparently set up recently by the Sess tribe. The patrol had not wanted to risk the alternate route, which meant taking the fork in the pass that served as a home for ettins, so had returned and reported their findings. The captain offered a guide to the pass, which was approximately three hours' travel away, which the party accepted.

After departing the barracks, Rahnee took the others to check at the temple for Brok-Tul, but was told by the temple priest that he was already in communion with the High Cleric and would likely be that way all day. Rahnee inquired regarding the potential harmful effects of her being separated from Brok-Tul, given his geas to protect her, but was told that her temporary absence should not be troubling, especially since Brok-Tul himself was currently close to Helm. Aerikoth, playing off the priest's words, pointedly questioned whether Brok-Tul's service to Helm was voluntary, asserting bluntly that they had enslaved him. When asked by the priest which god he served, Aerikoth refused to answer, and the priest coldly, if politely, indicated that there seemed nothing left to discuss. (The wizard appears to have some serious issues with others' - and it seems his own - relationships with the deities of Toril. Perhaps something in his past? --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

The three adventurers – Rahnee, Aerikoth and Veran – returned to the inn to retrieve their equipment, where they were met by their promised guide to Amee Pass, a soldier named Farog. Farog led them to the outskirts of the town and then started overland, apologizing for lack of a road. Three hours later, the group arrived at the baronial outpost at the entrance to the pass, and were challenged and recognized by the outpost's soldiers. The captain welcomed his "distinguished visitors" and considered their arrival opportune, given the situation. When asked about the ettins, the captain indicated that they occupied the eastern fork in the pass; the western fork was now blocked by a crude but effective stone barrier. In response to a question from Aerikoth, the captain said that the barrier clearly had been erected to keep others out of Sess land, the question being whether they were scared of something or were preparing another attack. Taking their leave of the captain, who promised to assist them if they were driven back through the pass, the group headed for the pass entrance.

The three first carefully made their way down the western fork of the pass, Veran taking the role of scout. They examined the crude wall at the end of the pass, which was as the captain had described. Rahnee estimated that dwarves with pickaxes could break their way through in a day, but with anyone else it would take much longer. Even more carefully, the group made their way to the eastern fork in the pass. Aerikoth suggested leaving a trail of gold coins for a greedy ettin to follow to an ambush point and Veran volunteered to accomplish the task. Unfortunately, Veran was spotted by an ettin as he neared the eastern fork’s exit, but the monk's speed successfully carried him back to the ambush point, where his companions helped him defeat the two-headed giant. As the first one was put down, another came running into the fray, but a dire wolf summoned by Aerikoth savagely knocked it to the ground, where it became easy prey.

Exiting the pass, the group found indications of goblin movement heading generally north. Rahnee and Veran scouted ahead, discovering a group of goblins in a heavily forested area. Aerikoth confirmed they were Sess, based on Rahnee's description of their insignia. As Rahnee and Veran had seen only a handful of them, Aerikoth suggested they approach and ask to speak under conditions of truce, since the party could easily handle them if they turned hostile. Rahnee moved forward slowly towards them, holding empty hands up in full view of the goblin band, who quickly turned in her direction as she was spotted. The band's leader, a shaman, held his hammer up and dropped it, signifying a truce.

Rahnee stepped forward calmly and was asked by the Shaman - in halting Common – about her intentions. She indicated that Aerikoth would speak with the Shaman, who said he recognized the human "spell-man" from before. Aerikoth, hands folded in his sleeves, asked the shaman why Chief Harakkah had not honored the terms of the truce with the baron. In response, the shaman said the chief was now deep in the hills, having decided it was best to leave the pass along with the rest of the tribe, and had no intention of hurting the humans. All were gone save for the shaman's band of "brave ones" who were there to watch for "the coming."

Under further questioning from Aerikoth, the Shaman explained that old tribal lore said "it" had come before and had killed goblins unless "it" was served. The Sess believed "it" had been served also by Zagath, the necromancer defeated by Aerikoth's previous adventuring company. After Zagath was killed, the goblins had thought "it" would not come. However, recent signs - the bitter early winter, the nearby forest which remained darkened, and the suicide of the forest's druid - had convinced the Sess it was time to leave.

When asked by Aerikoth what "it" was that was coming, the shaman rattled off a long, unintelligible word in the goblin language. Veran asked the shaman, with Aerikoth's permission, whether "it" was coming or returning, the shaman indicating yes in both cases, and also confirming that it smelled of death. The shaman was, however, confused by some of Veran's questions. Veran took the shaman's words as additional confirmation of his own prophecy. Aerikoth praised the shaman's bravery and told him that he could now depart, just as the adventurers were planning to. The shaman saluted the party and barked orders to the goblin band, who immediately headed into the woods. Aerikoth, Rahnee, and Veran then turned back toward Amee Pass, with much to think about.

(Aha! The above passage marks an important point in our understanding of the Order's prophecy, which I admit remains somewhat controversial to this day. Prophecies are slippery beasts and it is rare that we succeed in understanding them - even if genuine - before the foretold events have already come to pass. Veran assumed, after arriving in Westgate, that it was the resurgent vampire kingdom of the Night King Orlak he should be concerned with. What the Sess goblins and the necromancer Zagath once served, though, is an entirely different evil. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

At the pass outpost, the three gave the captain a thorough account of their encounter, then continued back to Turnton with their guide in order to report to Guard Captain Halon at the barracks. Brok-Tul greeted them warmly on their return and accompanied them to their meeting with Halon. There, Rahnee and the others repeated their account, to Brok-Tul's astonishment, of the defeat of the ettins and the Sess tribe's departure. Halon was relieved to hear that the goblins were not planning another attack and expressed his hope that the Sess' fear was simply due to overblown goblin legends. The captain thanked the three for their efforts and bringing back the information. He said that the Amee Pass outpost would now be abandoned, due to the lack of a Sess threat; the soldiers used to reinforce baronial forces elsewhere, something which was badly needed. The captain also saluted Brok-Tul as a new addition to the Helmite temple. (Legends always have a reason for existing, although the truth contained within them may be difficult to recognize. I do not fault the guard captain for his desire to move on to other concerns, especially because there was little he could personally do, in any event. --R)

Departing the barracks, the group returned to the Traveler's Cheer inn, where they made arrangements to stay the night - Rahnee and Brok-Tul choosing to share a room - and then depart in the morning. Innkeeper Karl saw them off the next day, the 29th of Uktar, with a broad smile, waving off their attempt to pay their bill, saying it would be compensation enough for them to tell their friends of the Traveler's Cheer. On the way out of town, the group stopped at the general store. Brok-Tul was unsuccessful in finding any leather dye for Rahnee, but picked up some additional crossbow bolts for himself. Stepping through the town wall’s gate, Brok-Tul’s attention was drawn to a blasted-looking dead tree a short distance away, the half-orc noting that it was the only dead one nearby and wondering out loud why it was there.

The group made their way back to Westgate without further encounters, although the bitter cold reduced their traveling speed and Veran was driven to wonder if it would be an inappropriate time to curse Auril. Rahnee, teeth chattering, stumbled into an oblivious-looking Jokull, who was sitting outside of the Gatereach compound. Collecting Jokull, the group entered the guest house and set about drying off and warming up. Jokull was told of the defeat of the ettins and asked Brok-Tul how it went with the High Cleric. Brok-Tul replied that it went well and he now had focus; he was to dedicate his missions to Helm and bring back proof of his doings. Jokull, for his part, said he was confident of the match on the following day at the Quivering Thumb, especially since it was only for first blood. The companions agreed it was getting late and retired to their individual pursuits.

 

[Carlo-One]

First Blood

The morning of day 30 of Uktar, Veran rose early and gave a message to Jandrico Swift at the Gatereach Inn, to be delivered to Veran's superiors at the monastery outside of Archenbridge. He and the others then spent the daylight hours pursuing individual projects: Brok-Tul and Jokull spent time collaborating on ideas for smithing, while Rahnee bought some leather dyes and Aerikoth spent many hours in magical study. An hour before Jokull was due to depart for the Quivering Thumb arena, the companions reunited to prepare for the evening and discuss their plans.

All agreed that they were ready to ask for another assignment from the Mercenaries Guild, while Veran expressed interest in further investigating the Amee Pass area. Brok-Tul commented that he and Jokull would like to set up a small forge in Turnton, given the difficulty involved in establishing one in Westgate, then perhaps set up a stall in the Market to sell their products. In addition to the profit motive, Brok-Tul was driven by the idea of dedicating the work to Helm, and eventually establishing a shrine in the city. The conversation wandered to the blasted tree outside of Turnton which Brok-Tul had observed, as well as the “talking tree” and the disturbing encounter at the shrine of Garagos in the Seven Hills area.

The hour of Jokull's departure was reached and Rahnee and Brok-Tul wished him the blessings of Tymora and Helm as he left. He said he would be angry, if by chance his opponent landed the first hit. A short while later, the others made their own way to the arena, paying the five gold per-head entry fee at the door. Once inside, they saw a lively crowd, and Rahnee and Brok-Tul placed bets with Oddsmaker Drugo.

The first match featured the barbarian Ru'allah against a lion, which arena master Stanslav informed the crowd had been captured by a tribe of wemics in the Shining Plains. The lion severely clawed its barbarian opponent, who just barely managed to dispatch the beast and save his own life with a well-timed sword thrust. After Ru'allah did a limping victory lap around the arena, it was cleared for the next match, which featured Jokull (introduced as "Josurr" the exiled Purple Dragon) and a hooded man whom Stanslav called the "Sembian Blademaster." Stanslav's booming voice informed the crowd that, since Cormyr and Sembia had come to blows in the city, the Sembian was challenging Josurr's presence in the arena. Jokull emerged from the gladiator pit, roaring and banging his sword on his shield as he entered the arena to the cheers of the crowd.

The Blademaster, who had been anonymously loitering in the back of the main room, quietly walked down the arena ramp, drawing his sword and saluting Stanslav. Both duelists sheathed their swords as Stanslav activated the arena barrier, which would be lifted once one of them had drawn first blood. Jokull berated the Sembian, daring him to go farther than first blood, then removed his own helmet, revealing a portion of Jokull's hooded face painted purple. The Sembian casually dropped the point of his sheathed sword to the floor, asking Jokull what he was waiting for. As soon as the words were out of the Sembian's mouth, Jokull cried "enough!" and threw his helmet at his opponent, who ducked to avoid it, but could not avoid Jokull's follow-up draw and sword thrust, wounding his arm. Wincing in pain, the Sembian cried foul, but Stanslav declared "Josurr" the victor of a fair fight. Jokull bowed to his opponent, who complemented him on unexpectedly fighting with his brain rather than just his swordarm. Before departing, the Sembian warned Jokull that if they met again, the advantage would be the Sembian's.

 

[Carlo-One]

The last bout featured the half-orc Gagh, the undefeated champion, versus one Lamish Cooper. Lamish, Stanslav informed the crowd, had struck a deal with House Bleth to be accepted as a guard if he could defeat Gagh in the arena. It appeared that Lamish, a small man armed with a pair of daggers, had no other hope of being hired on, although he was introduced as a skilled master of knives who had hamstrung many an opponent. Gagh's laughing taunts goaded the man into attacking and he came at Gagh with both knives flashing. The large half-orc quickly raised his greatsword and split Lamish from head to waist in one blow, drawing cheers from some and boos from others who had wanted a better fight. Gagh paraded around the arena, grinning and saluting Stanslav with his sword before returning to the gladiator pit. Rahnee and Brok-Tul collected their gambling winnings and discussed Gagh's tactics, while Jokull quietly slipped out of the building, alone.

Jokull finally returned to the guest house, a half hour after the others had decamped from the arena. Looking disheveled but with a strange fire in his eye, he tossed a note on the meeting room table, explaining that he had received it from Stanslav after arriving at the Quivering Thumb. The note directed "Josurr" to go alone to a sewer entrance in River Gate, where a "friend" who knew about his personal quest would meet him. Jokull softly said that it was, of course, a trap, and that he had killed five men who attacked him in the sewer.

He showed the others a scrap of paper, which apparently was an IOU collectible from someone named Rancel at "the Boot." Jokull was sure the Fire Knives were involved in setting up the trap, which was personally aimed at him. At the urging of Rahnee and Brok-Tul, Jokull explained to the others that he knew they were after him because of “Josurr” - not the random alias of a supposed gladiator, but the name of Jokull's long-dead brother, who had been murdered by the Fire Knives in Cormyr. Rahnee grimly told Jokull that she understood his blood vow, as she had also suffered the violent loss of a brother. She described how Khael Roaringhorn, a priest of Tymora, had been gutted and left in a pool of blood at his own temple. The events of the day having drawn out grim and terrible emotions, Jokull took his leave of the others and all made their way to their rooms, tired from a long night's activities.

(Blood calls to blood, and only more blood will satisfy it. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

A Giant Problem

The first day of Nightal, 1372 dawned cold and rainy, so the group was informed by Janatha as she brought in the breakfast tray. Brok-Tul had risen early and departed the Gatereach guest house to search the city for suitable smithy supplies. Aerikoth asked to see Jokull's notes and observed that the IOU in Rancel’s name likely placed the person at the Black Boot in River Gate. Jokull also passed Aerikoth an arcane scroll that he had recovered, for which Aerikoth thanked him. Veran expressed interest in finding a library in which to further research his prophecy, but no one could think of any in the city, besides the one at the Naturalist's Guild. Speaking of that guild, Rahnee and Aerikoth both commented that neither of them had obtained the rare spider venom they were searching for. They decided that day to visit the Naturalist's Guild first, then the Mercenaries Guild, and end their trip at the Black Boot, although Aerikoth cautioned that little useful would likely be found at their first destination. Jokull decided to dress himself in a set of black armor taken from one of his attackers the previous night. (The Cormyrian seems to like to work all of the angles in a situation. This is not always a recipe for success. --R)

Once at the Naturalist’s Guild building in Westlight Harbor, Veran was indeed disappointed at finding no texts on astrology; the guild clerk suggested trying one of the temples. Rahnee asked if any sage's libraries existed and was told that Mintassan the Sage had his home in South Gate, but that it had been magically warded and appeared abandoned. It was decided that visiting Mintassan's home would be a fruitless exercise. (It seems that sages are not in high demand in a place like Westgate. --C)

On the way to the Mercenaries Guild, Jokull detoured back to the sewer entrance where he had been ambushed the night before, but discovered that sewer rats had been at work and there was nothing left of the bodies larger than a finger. At the Guild, the clerk recognized them as belonging to "Helm's Shadows" and told them of the two contracts on offer.

The first was sponsored by the City itself, the clerk explaining that caravans had been attacked over the previous two days on Trader's Road heading towards Teziir. Apparently, a hill giant had moved into the area and decided the caravans were easy prey. Although loss of life had been low, the giant attacks had disrupted travel along the road. The contract would pay 200 gold to the company; in addition, they would get to keep whatever was found with the giant.

The second contract was sponsored by House Urdo, who wished to explore a small island that was a candidate for their use as a supply depot. The island had remained unvisited for a long time, and Urdo wanted to hire mercenaries to ensure there was nothing dangerous on it. This contract paid 600 gold to the company; however, they would not be allowed to take anything off of the island. No time frame was specified for the Urdo contract, but the city’s contract against the giant had to be completed within 3 days.

The group privately discussed their options, Rahnee and Jokull arguing for taking the contract against the giant as the easiest and quickest, although Rahnee acknowledged this type of work was disliked by Aerikoth. Aerikoth, with his usual neutral expression, commented that he had agreed to accompany the group, even in such menial tasks; he thought it worthwhile to leave the option open of taking the second contract, at least.

Veran expressed no preference either way. Rahnee approached the clerk and informed her that they would take the first contract. The clerk made the appropriate notation and told them that proof of the contract's fulfillment had to be delivered by day 4 of Nightal. In addition, the clerk informed them that the giant had been spotted with a bestial companion in the Seven Lost Gods hills area, coming up from the south to attack caravans on the road.