Zad
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Flood Season - Chapter 2
Flood Season – Chapter 2
OOC Notes:
Exp for both sessions 800xp.
This Week’s Adventure:
The doors were open but none of the guests made a great hurry to rush up the stairs, and so the Blue Tygers lingered and mingled until the time seemed more appropriate to move upstairs. At the top of the stairs were two nobles and it was soon apparent that it was the Lord and Lady Azlaxin greeting each of the guests. Some the greeted very briefly while others received more time or attention. I suspected that there were innumerable social cues in how each guest was treated but I am either too socially inept or indifferent to recognize them. As the Blue Tygers reached the top of the stairs, the Demonskar herald accepted the proffered invitations and announced their arrival.
The Lord and Lady were actually polite and spent more time greeting the group than I might have expected. Their greeting and appreciation of recent work seemed almost genuine, and this impression was reinforced when Lady Azlaxin called her son over to meet the Blue Tygers. Zachary the second looked as if he had just been introduced to a pile of dung in a gutter and excused himself as quickly as he could.
The ballroom was a grand affair and was replete with magically lit chandeliers, large windows, and elaborate banners; red for the demonic army on the right and gold for the defenders on the left.
Before the group had gotten far, a man lurched up, wine in hand. He was thrilled to meet the group and clearly had been drinking a fair bit already.
I had been sticking very close to Astrid since it was apparent that as Nabthataron she would likely be the focus of any embarrassment by the Stormblades. “Who is this man?” I asked.
In a low tone she said “Must be the mayor – notice the sash.”
Eventually Mayor Severin Navalant got around to pumping the hands of each of the group and thanking them for their efforts against the smugglers.
“Smugglers?” said Glyph with raised eyebrows. “You mean the vampire?”
The mayor began quickly coughing and harrumphing and doing his best to forgot he heard that word. Astrid stepped in adding “They called themselves that since they were sucking the city dry.” She added a glare at Glyph and hoped he would get the point.
The mayor quickly latched on to Astrid’s lie and recovered his composure. The one noteworthy item was that the mayor was very interested in when the group expected to be leaving Cauldron – he seemed almost anxious. Glyph then proceeded to further muck up the works by starting to complain about the ruinous treatment by the city’s merchant community, but Maris managed to get him off the topic before to much damage was done. (I suspect Penelope was involved somehow in ways I care not to dwell on.) The only saving grace here was that the mayor was probably so in his cups that he’ll be very likely to forget most of the night anyway.
Not a minute later, the group was approached by a very attractive woman in her early thirties. “Your skill at arms and bravery in battle are more than welcomed in our fair city. The church of Wee Jas rejoices at your success and offers you aid whenever you need it. I am Embril Aloustinai, High Priestess. It is a pleasure to meet you."
She gave each of the group a lingering welcome that I could not quite understand. “We value adventurers of your ilk in the Church of Wee Jas. If you desire magical power, our church’s doors are always open to you.”
Is it me or is she way too interested in us? Elizabeth asked.
I’m not sure, but she’s creepy. I replied. The men, to their credit, were also wary.
The group broke up to at least attempt to mingle among the crowd. Elizabeth made certain to give her greetings to those of the merchant crowd who were present. While she was speaking to Tygot, a tallish man joined the conversation.
“Tygot, I hope you won’t mind my interruption but I had to seize the opportunity to introduce myself to Ms. Cartwright – Maavu Arlintal at your service.”
Elizabeth smiled genuinely – she had been hoping to find him. “A pleasure, sir. I was hoping to get the opportunity to meet you in person tonight.” The three of them spent some time talking, each taking some comfort in the vaguely out-of-place feeling they all shared.
After some more of this general nonsense, the singing contest began. The herald announced “After losing his arm and lady love Celestia while slaying the horrific dragon, Vittris Bale, Surabar stood without a weapon to face the demonic general Nabthataron and his approaching infernal horde. The beautiful winged angel Nidrama appeared to Surabar heralded by a song of heaven while he stood alone one morning in the jungle. She told him of her belief in his strength and wisdom and granted him a weapon to combat the evil that threatened to overwhelm his forces – Alakast.
Tonight we honor Nidrama with our own ‘Song of Heaven’, a competition to see who will be our angel this evening and reward Alakast to Surabar during the Demonskar Dance. I humbly invite last year’s angel to the stage to defend her position - the beautiful Annah Taskerhill. (Applause follows) Contenders to the auspicious position please step up onto the stage. This evening’s winner will receive the golden Alakast trophy.“ He held up a beautiful 3 foot long golden rod that drew gasps and applause.
There was only one other contestant – Glyphandar. No one else had either the skill or foolishness to challenge Annah. If he did well, it could add prestige but further annoy the Stormblades. On the up side, if he did poorly, maybe the Stormblades would be happy.
There were six verses to the song, and they would alternate, with Annah as the previous year’s winner going first, accompanying herself on the harp. Annah started very nicely. Glyph however did stunningly well on his first verse. His performance tempted Annah to try slightly overhard and she was a bit off. Glyph’s second round was horrible – it seems he tried too hard to repeat his first round. His singing was so bad as to completely throw off Annah who did her last verse horribly. Glyphandar finished with something average, and the crowd offered polite applause amid their confusion. The judge awarded the trophy to Annah and the event moved on.
The herald spoke. “As the demonic army moved towards Redgorge and Surabar used his great elemental powers to defend his people, to the east one of Surabar’s greatest friends and competitors sought to support her friends and the people of Redgorge with her own powers. Kozomagon Lidu was a powerful necromancer, who had founded a settlement near what is now the Cauldron foothills and called it Liduton. She had purposefully built the village close to an ancient Kopru necropolis hidden in a deep, dark lake. “
“As Nabthataron lead his howling forces against the region, Kozomagon drew upon her powers to raise an army of undead kopru to defend Liduton. Instead of helping the citizenry, the attempt turned to tragedy as the undead army turned on the Liduton citizens and Kozomagon herself.”
“Tonight we will reveal our own leader of Liduton in memory of this tragedy. We will announce our Mayor and Lady of the Haunted Village. Find your partner, align upon the necromantic symbol of Liduton and let the Dance of Kozomagon’s Folly, begin!"
The servants rolled out a series of enchanted carpets with circles stitched into them. As people took places in the overlapping circular tracks they faded to a green translucent ghostly form. The Tygers cast about for appropriate partners. Glyph asked Astrid. Elizabeth was spared from her building dread when she was asked by Maavu to dance. Bellsin asked Jenya, which seemed to relieve her – Jenya was not used to standing in during these functions. The Lady Celeste asked Kris to dance, to my surprise. Perhaps she was trying to avoid something less savory. Maris was asked by several suitors – I suspect they were minor nobles appropriate to her station.
The Tygers are a lot of things but “dancers” is not one of them. To my surprise, they lasted surprisingly long before the increasing tempo caused a collision that knocked them out of the contest. The entire group made it through the first verses. Only Kris was tripped up in the second verses. The third verses saw Elizabeth trip up, and it was just as Cora was coming around and she was gearing up to kick her but Maavu interposed himself as they fell and apologized for his clumsiness, acting every bit the gentleman. Cora just scowled and moved on.
When the music stopped suddenly, the mayor was chosen. In the center were Glyph and Astrid, with no small amount of genuine applause to go with it.
It was a miracle nothing tragic had happened yet if you ask me.
A gong sounded the commencement of dinner, and the crowd moved downstairs again where the tables had been set. The Blue Tygers were conducted to a table not overly far from the head table, but populated with an… interesting crowd. Regrettably, the Stormblades were only one table away.
First was Bolar Westkey, a gnome who owned a map shop. During dinner he expressed his appreciation for what the group had done for Keygan during that whole affair. There was a tall half orc named Dalam Bandershield. It seemed he was a bodyguard who was semi-retired and fully intoxicated. Tyro Amberhelm was there, and next to him Vortimax Weir. Last there were two nobles – Sir Sabastian and Lady Gwendolyn Brady-Dippenshire of the Sasserine Azlaxins. Their distaste with the others at the table was as apparent and kindly, the Tygers saw fit to largely ignore them rather than torment them further.
The guests were quickly seated and Lord Azlaxin rose. “Lord Mayor, Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you once more this humble gathering. Once again we celebrate the glorious Demonskar Battle and once again we honor out heroic founder – Surabar Spellmason. If only he could see today what his great work accomplished and see the glory of the city he created.” As he spoke, servants moved through the banquet tables giving each guest a glass with a bubbling red drink with white smoke pouring out.
“This year has proved especially difficult to our grand city. We have had kidnappings, thwarted drow invasions and dealt with rampant goblin vandalism that threaten our holdings and welfare. Heroic adventurers have been our salvation. One group, I am extremely proud to announce, has my own son within its ranks – Zachary II. The other members of this heroic group are a sons and daughters of Cauldron nobility, protecting the weak and strong alike – collectively they are known as the Stormblades!” Lord Azlaxin smiled at the loud applause that followed. Every single one of the Tygers applauded as well.
“Another group has also proved their valour in the past few months. Rising from poorer beginnings than our other heroes, they have demonstrated a noble spirit none the less. They have single handedly rescued the kidnapped orphans from the slavers, stopped rampant goblin attacks, but have also slain a vampire lurking beneath our city streets! I give you...the Blue Tyger Legion!” This time not only applause but cheering. The group seemed almost embarrassed.
“I ask you all to stand with me and toast Surabar Spellmason and Cauldron Heroes!”
After the toast, the first course was brought out – five dips and exotic fruits and spiced breads.
Apparently each course got an introduction. The herald spoke before the second course. “Surabar was known for his legendary swordsmanship and battle prowess but he is better remembered for his superior arcane skills and boundless intellect. Each year we reward the greatest wit in attendance with a membership to the Bluecrater Academy and their extensive library. The question this year is who will answer the Riddle of Ruin before the sands of time run out!”
“The Riddle:
Wob I am called, twisted about--
I'm a strange creature shaped for battle.
When I bend and the battle-sting snakes
Through my belly, I am primed to drive off
The death-stroke. When my lord and tormentor
Releases my limbs, I am long again,
As laced with slaughter, I spit out
The death-blend I swallowed before.
What whistles from my belly does not easily pass,
And the man who seizes this sudden cup
Pays with his life for the long, last drink.
Unwound I will not obey any man;
Bound tight, I serve. Say what I am.”
The poor man had hardly finished before half our table was saying “A longbow!” I think the entire group called out the answer, save Elizabeth, who was still trying to figure out what a “wob” was.
The second course was soup (Surabar Soup) and the third a roast boar that looked quite nice. The fourth was a desert pie filled with fruit and topped with cream – a favorite of those who attend the ball. Assuming yours wasn’t poisoned.
Between courses, Todd Vanderboren left his table and took Annah aside somewhere. She returned shortly thereafter alone. While the desert was being served, Elizabeth thought she heard an out-of-place noise, and Astrid saw that her pie was perhaps wetter than it should be. The two girls looked at each other and shook their head.
It wasn’t hard for Astrid to pawn off the pie on the drunken Dalam who enthusiastically wolfed it down. Vanderboren seemed genuinely confused when it was Dalam, not Astrid, who had to quickly excuse himself from the table. Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth saw Zachary the second smack Vanderboren upside his head.
Before the final course Lord Azlaxin rose again. “Margaret and myself hope you have been enjoying your night.” Cheering and applause (and some significant amount of alcohol) said that they were. “I am pleased to introduce the final course. It is a celebration of the defeat of the Demonskar army and the foundation of Cauldron. The reason I announce this course is because my lovely wife herself made it.” And more applause. As Lord Aslaxin sat, six servants walked out of the kitchen carrying a monstrous cake shaped like a caldera. It was beautifully decorated. Lady Aslaxin herself came out of her seat to cut the cake while the servants carried the slices over to the waiting guests.
Vortimax Weir removed a small vial from his pocket and drank it. When questioned by silent looks he simply replied “Sorry, I did not bring enough elixirs to resist poison for everyone.” Apparently the Lady’s cake had some unpleasant effects last year, but this year it was much better.
At the conclusion of dinner, the Herald called out "The Demonskar Army marched over the rise, their fearsome drums heralding their arrival and their triumphant roar sending waves of panic through the watching Redgorge defenders. Rising from the demonic ranks, the dreaded Abyssal General Nabthataron rose into the sky above the baying army. Surabar stood atop the great walls of Redgorge, shinning like a beacon of hope and unbending strength. ‘Sons and daughters of Redgorge. Today we will end this threat once and for all. This demonic horde will be smashed against these walls like a wave smashing against a cliff. Have no fear, lose no faith, for the gods are with us and we will not waver! Death is the only thing that awaits this evil upon this day - VICTORY SHALL BE OURS!!'”
“Let us rise to the challenge and march to war upon the dance floor above. Take your name cards with you and let the Clash of Armies begin"
The guests went back up to the ballroom and were arranged for the dance. I went with Astrid who was refreshed on her role as Nabthataron by Lady Azlaxin. Those of the group who were dressed as city founders were greeted by innocuous partners. But for Kris and Glyph, dressed as demons, they found themselves opposite Stormblade partners. Kris was paired with Annah, while Glyph had Cora.
"High upon the city walls the two generals faced each other. The hideous demonic leader Nabthataron towered above the robed wizard, and the soldiers of both armies stopped as one to witness the spectacle. There would be only one victor this day."
And it began.
Again, by some miracle, the Blue Tyger Legion managed to escape horribly embarrassing themselves and muddled through the dance. Glyph had his shoulder dislocated by Cora and was generally abused but it was otherwise uneventful.
Astrid’s dance fight with Lord Azlaxin was… less than graceful. Her moves were generally clumsy and off cue, but she did manage a most excellent death. By then most of the crowd was tipsy enough that they applauded enthusiastically regardless.
At the conclusion of the dance, the mayor took the stage. "Tonight is a celebration of our heritage and our glorious city as much as it is a celebration of our founder. Our city survives on the back of our citizens and under the wise direction of our nobles.”
“During times of adversity we are sometimes witness to great acts of bravery and great heroes of valor. We have such individuals here with us this night and the city council and myself have declared that their actions will not go unheralded in this grand city.”
“To these ends can I please ask the group who are as noble in character and deed as they are in title to stand next to me. Please come to the stage - The Stormblades!” Applause accompanied the Stormblades as they attended the mayor. “Due to their defeat of the demonic kobolds and the subsequent retreat of their drow masters, each hero will be awarding with the Star of Valor.” The crowd applauded as the mayor pinned the medal on each of them and shook their hand.
"But we are blessed in this city with not just one band of heroes but with two. A group has arisen in our fair city that arose from humble beginnings to avert some of the biggest disasters we have ever witnessed in Cauldron. They are heroes of virtue and of character; they show honor in spirit and strength in their hearts, they protect the commoners and nobles alike. Please come to the front - I give to you the Blue Tyger Legion!”
The crowd was even more enthusiastic as the group hesitantly went forward. The Stormblades just scowled.
Lord Azlaxin spoke. "The Lord Mayor will not only be awarding the Blue Tyger Legion the Star of Valor but also the Flaming Crest."
I learned later that these things are not just trinkets. The Star of Valor is genuinely respected among the nobles, and can help open doors that would otherwise be closed. The Flaming Crest is awarded by the Merchant’s Council for service in maintaining commerce in Cauldron and will help with negotiations.
Lord Aslaxin said “Everyone: Cauldrons Heroes!” Thunderous applause and cheering continued for some time, and then the ball came to a conclusion.
The group was saying their goodbyes and about to return to the inn when they were braced by a panicked Jenya. “I need help – I don’t know what to do. The city is in danger. We can’t talk here though.” She lead the group to a side room and tried to compose herself.
“I just got a sending from Sarsen. She pulled out a small piece of paper with scribbled words. “He said ‘At Lucky Monkey. Have eight wands. Tavern’s been attacked. Bandits led by barbaric ape man. Mortally wounded. Retreated to basement. They know we’re here. Send assistance.’”
“The spell lets me send a response but I wasn’t thinking clearly. I sent ‘Sarsen is that you? Hang on. Conserve resources. I’ll send aid immediately. Send me another message when you can but until then have’ and the spell ended.”
“What’s a lucky monkey?” Kris asked.
“It’s an inn about a day from here. Sarsen was returning from Sasserine with wands to control the flooding. The Flood Season is not just a festival – if the rains get too bad, they can flood the lake and the lower sections of the city. Hundreds of people could be killed or left homeless! It is the responsibility of the four great churches of Cauldron to take steps to control the flooding, but it’s been mild the last few years and none of them were doing anything about it. Sarsen went to get the wands so we could be ready. The rains have been bad, and we need those wands. I’d send Alex but he’s left the city a week ago on his damnable quest. I can provide you horses and offer you five thousand gold to rescue him and return with the wands.”
What could we say?
“We’ll leave at once.”
Flood Season – Chapter 2
OOC Notes:
Exp for both sessions 800xp.
This Week’s Adventure:
The doors were open but none of the guests made a great hurry to rush up the stairs, and so the Blue Tygers lingered and mingled until the time seemed more appropriate to move upstairs. At the top of the stairs were two nobles and it was soon apparent that it was the Lord and Lady Azlaxin greeting each of the guests. Some the greeted very briefly while others received more time or attention. I suspected that there were innumerable social cues in how each guest was treated but I am either too socially inept or indifferent to recognize them. As the Blue Tygers reached the top of the stairs, the Demonskar herald accepted the proffered invitations and announced their arrival.
The Lord and Lady were actually polite and spent more time greeting the group than I might have expected. Their greeting and appreciation of recent work seemed almost genuine, and this impression was reinforced when Lady Azlaxin called her son over to meet the Blue Tygers. Zachary the second looked as if he had just been introduced to a pile of dung in a gutter and excused himself as quickly as he could.
The ballroom was a grand affair and was replete with magically lit chandeliers, large windows, and elaborate banners; red for the demonic army on the right and gold for the defenders on the left.
Before the group had gotten far, a man lurched up, wine in hand. He was thrilled to meet the group and clearly had been drinking a fair bit already.
I had been sticking very close to Astrid since it was apparent that as Nabthataron she would likely be the focus of any embarrassment by the Stormblades. “Who is this man?” I asked.
In a low tone she said “Must be the mayor – notice the sash.”
Eventually Mayor Severin Navalant got around to pumping the hands of each of the group and thanking them for their efforts against the smugglers.
“Smugglers?” said Glyph with raised eyebrows. “You mean the vampire?”
The mayor began quickly coughing and harrumphing and doing his best to forgot he heard that word. Astrid stepped in adding “They called themselves that since they were sucking the city dry.” She added a glare at Glyph and hoped he would get the point.
The mayor quickly latched on to Astrid’s lie and recovered his composure. The one noteworthy item was that the mayor was very interested in when the group expected to be leaving Cauldron – he seemed almost anxious. Glyph then proceeded to further muck up the works by starting to complain about the ruinous treatment by the city’s merchant community, but Maris managed to get him off the topic before to much damage was done. (I suspect Penelope was involved somehow in ways I care not to dwell on.) The only saving grace here was that the mayor was probably so in his cups that he’ll be very likely to forget most of the night anyway.
Not a minute later, the group was approached by a very attractive woman in her early thirties. “Your skill at arms and bravery in battle are more than welcomed in our fair city. The church of Wee Jas rejoices at your success and offers you aid whenever you need it. I am Embril Aloustinai, High Priestess. It is a pleasure to meet you."
She gave each of the group a lingering welcome that I could not quite understand. “We value adventurers of your ilk in the Church of Wee Jas. If you desire magical power, our church’s doors are always open to you.”
Is it me or is she way too interested in us? Elizabeth asked.
I’m not sure, but she’s creepy. I replied. The men, to their credit, were also wary.
The group broke up to at least attempt to mingle among the crowd. Elizabeth made certain to give her greetings to those of the merchant crowd who were present. While she was speaking to Tygot, a tallish man joined the conversation.
“Tygot, I hope you won’t mind my interruption but I had to seize the opportunity to introduce myself to Ms. Cartwright – Maavu Arlintal at your service.”
Elizabeth smiled genuinely – she had been hoping to find him. “A pleasure, sir. I was hoping to get the opportunity to meet you in person tonight.” The three of them spent some time talking, each taking some comfort in the vaguely out-of-place feeling they all shared.
After some more of this general nonsense, the singing contest began. The herald announced “After losing his arm and lady love Celestia while slaying the horrific dragon, Vittris Bale, Surabar stood without a weapon to face the demonic general Nabthataron and his approaching infernal horde. The beautiful winged angel Nidrama appeared to Surabar heralded by a song of heaven while he stood alone one morning in the jungle. She told him of her belief in his strength and wisdom and granted him a weapon to combat the evil that threatened to overwhelm his forces – Alakast.
Tonight we honor Nidrama with our own ‘Song of Heaven’, a competition to see who will be our angel this evening and reward Alakast to Surabar during the Demonskar Dance. I humbly invite last year’s angel to the stage to defend her position - the beautiful Annah Taskerhill. (Applause follows) Contenders to the auspicious position please step up onto the stage. This evening’s winner will receive the golden Alakast trophy.“ He held up a beautiful 3 foot long golden rod that drew gasps and applause.
There was only one other contestant – Glyphandar. No one else had either the skill or foolishness to challenge Annah. If he did well, it could add prestige but further annoy the Stormblades. On the up side, if he did poorly, maybe the Stormblades would be happy.
There were six verses to the song, and they would alternate, with Annah as the previous year’s winner going first, accompanying herself on the harp. Annah started very nicely. Glyph however did stunningly well on his first verse. His performance tempted Annah to try slightly overhard and she was a bit off. Glyph’s second round was horrible – it seems he tried too hard to repeat his first round. His singing was so bad as to completely throw off Annah who did her last verse horribly. Glyphandar finished with something average, and the crowd offered polite applause amid their confusion. The judge awarded the trophy to Annah and the event moved on.
The herald spoke. “As the demonic army moved towards Redgorge and Surabar used his great elemental powers to defend his people, to the east one of Surabar’s greatest friends and competitors sought to support her friends and the people of Redgorge with her own powers. Kozomagon Lidu was a powerful necromancer, who had founded a settlement near what is now the Cauldron foothills and called it Liduton. She had purposefully built the village close to an ancient Kopru necropolis hidden in a deep, dark lake. “
“As Nabthataron lead his howling forces against the region, Kozomagon drew upon her powers to raise an army of undead kopru to defend Liduton. Instead of helping the citizenry, the attempt turned to tragedy as the undead army turned on the Liduton citizens and Kozomagon herself.”
“Tonight we will reveal our own leader of Liduton in memory of this tragedy. We will announce our Mayor and Lady of the Haunted Village. Find your partner, align upon the necromantic symbol of Liduton and let the Dance of Kozomagon’s Folly, begin!"
The servants rolled out a series of enchanted carpets with circles stitched into them. As people took places in the overlapping circular tracks they faded to a green translucent ghostly form. The Tygers cast about for appropriate partners. Glyph asked Astrid. Elizabeth was spared from her building dread when she was asked by Maavu to dance. Bellsin asked Jenya, which seemed to relieve her – Jenya was not used to standing in during these functions. The Lady Celeste asked Kris to dance, to my surprise. Perhaps she was trying to avoid something less savory. Maris was asked by several suitors – I suspect they were minor nobles appropriate to her station.
The Tygers are a lot of things but “dancers” is not one of them. To my surprise, they lasted surprisingly long before the increasing tempo caused a collision that knocked them out of the contest. The entire group made it through the first verses. Only Kris was tripped up in the second verses. The third verses saw Elizabeth trip up, and it was just as Cora was coming around and she was gearing up to kick her but Maavu interposed himself as they fell and apologized for his clumsiness, acting every bit the gentleman. Cora just scowled and moved on.
When the music stopped suddenly, the mayor was chosen. In the center were Glyph and Astrid, with no small amount of genuine applause to go with it.
It was a miracle nothing tragic had happened yet if you ask me.
A gong sounded the commencement of dinner, and the crowd moved downstairs again where the tables had been set. The Blue Tygers were conducted to a table not overly far from the head table, but populated with an… interesting crowd. Regrettably, the Stormblades were only one table away.
First was Bolar Westkey, a gnome who owned a map shop. During dinner he expressed his appreciation for what the group had done for Keygan during that whole affair. There was a tall half orc named Dalam Bandershield. It seemed he was a bodyguard who was semi-retired and fully intoxicated. Tyro Amberhelm was there, and next to him Vortimax Weir. Last there were two nobles – Sir Sabastian and Lady Gwendolyn Brady-Dippenshire of the Sasserine Azlaxins. Their distaste with the others at the table was as apparent and kindly, the Tygers saw fit to largely ignore them rather than torment them further.
The guests were quickly seated and Lord Azlaxin rose. “Lord Mayor, Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you once more this humble gathering. Once again we celebrate the glorious Demonskar Battle and once again we honor out heroic founder – Surabar Spellmason. If only he could see today what his great work accomplished and see the glory of the city he created.” As he spoke, servants moved through the banquet tables giving each guest a glass with a bubbling red drink with white smoke pouring out.
“This year has proved especially difficult to our grand city. We have had kidnappings, thwarted drow invasions and dealt with rampant goblin vandalism that threaten our holdings and welfare. Heroic adventurers have been our salvation. One group, I am extremely proud to announce, has my own son within its ranks – Zachary II. The other members of this heroic group are a sons and daughters of Cauldron nobility, protecting the weak and strong alike – collectively they are known as the Stormblades!” Lord Azlaxin smiled at the loud applause that followed. Every single one of the Tygers applauded as well.
“Another group has also proved their valour in the past few months. Rising from poorer beginnings than our other heroes, they have demonstrated a noble spirit none the less. They have single handedly rescued the kidnapped orphans from the slavers, stopped rampant goblin attacks, but have also slain a vampire lurking beneath our city streets! I give you...the Blue Tyger Legion!” This time not only applause but cheering. The group seemed almost embarrassed.
“I ask you all to stand with me and toast Surabar Spellmason and Cauldron Heroes!”
After the toast, the first course was brought out – five dips and exotic fruits and spiced breads.
Apparently each course got an introduction. The herald spoke before the second course. “Surabar was known for his legendary swordsmanship and battle prowess but he is better remembered for his superior arcane skills and boundless intellect. Each year we reward the greatest wit in attendance with a membership to the Bluecrater Academy and their extensive library. The question this year is who will answer the Riddle of Ruin before the sands of time run out!”
“The Riddle:
Wob I am called, twisted about--
I'm a strange creature shaped for battle.
When I bend and the battle-sting snakes
Through my belly, I am primed to drive off
The death-stroke. When my lord and tormentor
Releases my limbs, I am long again,
As laced with slaughter, I spit out
The death-blend I swallowed before.
What whistles from my belly does not easily pass,
And the man who seizes this sudden cup
Pays with his life for the long, last drink.
Unwound I will not obey any man;
Bound tight, I serve. Say what I am.”
The poor man had hardly finished before half our table was saying “A longbow!” I think the entire group called out the answer, save Elizabeth, who was still trying to figure out what a “wob” was.
The second course was soup (Surabar Soup) and the third a roast boar that looked quite nice. The fourth was a desert pie filled with fruit and topped with cream – a favorite of those who attend the ball. Assuming yours wasn’t poisoned.
Between courses, Todd Vanderboren left his table and took Annah aside somewhere. She returned shortly thereafter alone. While the desert was being served, Elizabeth thought she heard an out-of-place noise, and Astrid saw that her pie was perhaps wetter than it should be. The two girls looked at each other and shook their head.
It wasn’t hard for Astrid to pawn off the pie on the drunken Dalam who enthusiastically wolfed it down. Vanderboren seemed genuinely confused when it was Dalam, not Astrid, who had to quickly excuse himself from the table. Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth saw Zachary the second smack Vanderboren upside his head.
Before the final course Lord Azlaxin rose again. “Margaret and myself hope you have been enjoying your night.” Cheering and applause (and some significant amount of alcohol) said that they were. “I am pleased to introduce the final course. It is a celebration of the defeat of the Demonskar army and the foundation of Cauldron. The reason I announce this course is because my lovely wife herself made it.” And more applause. As Lord Aslaxin sat, six servants walked out of the kitchen carrying a monstrous cake shaped like a caldera. It was beautifully decorated. Lady Aslaxin herself came out of her seat to cut the cake while the servants carried the slices over to the waiting guests.
Vortimax Weir removed a small vial from his pocket and drank it. When questioned by silent looks he simply replied “Sorry, I did not bring enough elixirs to resist poison for everyone.” Apparently the Lady’s cake had some unpleasant effects last year, but this year it was much better.
At the conclusion of dinner, the Herald called out "The Demonskar Army marched over the rise, their fearsome drums heralding their arrival and their triumphant roar sending waves of panic through the watching Redgorge defenders. Rising from the demonic ranks, the dreaded Abyssal General Nabthataron rose into the sky above the baying army. Surabar stood atop the great walls of Redgorge, shinning like a beacon of hope and unbending strength. ‘Sons and daughters of Redgorge. Today we will end this threat once and for all. This demonic horde will be smashed against these walls like a wave smashing against a cliff. Have no fear, lose no faith, for the gods are with us and we will not waver! Death is the only thing that awaits this evil upon this day - VICTORY SHALL BE OURS!!'”
“Let us rise to the challenge and march to war upon the dance floor above. Take your name cards with you and let the Clash of Armies begin"
The guests went back up to the ballroom and were arranged for the dance. I went with Astrid who was refreshed on her role as Nabthataron by Lady Azlaxin. Those of the group who were dressed as city founders were greeted by innocuous partners. But for Kris and Glyph, dressed as demons, they found themselves opposite Stormblade partners. Kris was paired with Annah, while Glyph had Cora.
"High upon the city walls the two generals faced each other. The hideous demonic leader Nabthataron towered above the robed wizard, and the soldiers of both armies stopped as one to witness the spectacle. There would be only one victor this day."
And it began.
Again, by some miracle, the Blue Tyger Legion managed to escape horribly embarrassing themselves and muddled through the dance. Glyph had his shoulder dislocated by Cora and was generally abused but it was otherwise uneventful.
Astrid’s dance fight with Lord Azlaxin was… less than graceful. Her moves were generally clumsy and off cue, but she did manage a most excellent death. By then most of the crowd was tipsy enough that they applauded enthusiastically regardless.
At the conclusion of the dance, the mayor took the stage. "Tonight is a celebration of our heritage and our glorious city as much as it is a celebration of our founder. Our city survives on the back of our citizens and under the wise direction of our nobles.”
“During times of adversity we are sometimes witness to great acts of bravery and great heroes of valor. We have such individuals here with us this night and the city council and myself have declared that their actions will not go unheralded in this grand city.”
“To these ends can I please ask the group who are as noble in character and deed as they are in title to stand next to me. Please come to the stage - The Stormblades!” Applause accompanied the Stormblades as they attended the mayor. “Due to their defeat of the demonic kobolds and the subsequent retreat of their drow masters, each hero will be awarding with the Star of Valor.” The crowd applauded as the mayor pinned the medal on each of them and shook their hand.
"But we are blessed in this city with not just one band of heroes but with two. A group has arisen in our fair city that arose from humble beginnings to avert some of the biggest disasters we have ever witnessed in Cauldron. They are heroes of virtue and of character; they show honor in spirit and strength in their hearts, they protect the commoners and nobles alike. Please come to the front - I give to you the Blue Tyger Legion!”
The crowd was even more enthusiastic as the group hesitantly went forward. The Stormblades just scowled.
Lord Azlaxin spoke. "The Lord Mayor will not only be awarding the Blue Tyger Legion the Star of Valor but also the Flaming Crest."
I learned later that these things are not just trinkets. The Star of Valor is genuinely respected among the nobles, and can help open doors that would otherwise be closed. The Flaming Crest is awarded by the Merchant’s Council for service in maintaining commerce in Cauldron and will help with negotiations.
Lord Aslaxin said “Everyone: Cauldrons Heroes!” Thunderous applause and cheering continued for some time, and then the ball came to a conclusion.
The group was saying their goodbyes and about to return to the inn when they were braced by a panicked Jenya. “I need help – I don’t know what to do. The city is in danger. We can’t talk here though.” She lead the group to a side room and tried to compose herself.
“I just got a sending from Sarsen. She pulled out a small piece of paper with scribbled words. “He said ‘At Lucky Monkey. Have eight wands. Tavern’s been attacked. Bandits led by barbaric ape man. Mortally wounded. Retreated to basement. They know we’re here. Send assistance.’”
“The spell lets me send a response but I wasn’t thinking clearly. I sent ‘Sarsen is that you? Hang on. Conserve resources. I’ll send aid immediately. Send me another message when you can but until then have’ and the spell ended.”
“What’s a lucky monkey?” Kris asked.
“It’s an inn about a day from here. Sarsen was returning from Sasserine with wands to control the flooding. The Flood Season is not just a festival – if the rains get too bad, they can flood the lake and the lower sections of the city. Hundreds of people could be killed or left homeless! It is the responsibility of the four great churches of Cauldron to take steps to control the flooding, but it’s been mild the last few years and none of them were doing anything about it. Sarsen went to get the wands so we could be ready. The rains have been bad, and we need those wands. I’d send Alex but he’s left the city a week ago on his damnable quest. I can provide you horses and offer you five thousand gold to rescue him and return with the wands.”
What could we say?
“We’ll leave at once.”
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/ooc
