| Game Master: System: Date: | Ken Dungeons & Dragons 5e Homebrew Campaign 13th Oct 2022 |
| Characters: | Fayd – Half Orc Barbarian Gunnar Orcsson – Half Orc Barbarian Jaraziah Grimm – Human Cleric (On Hiatus) Iivan – Drow Rogue/Fighter Balasar Aurumingis – Dragonborn Sorcerer Luther Merton – Half Elf Bard Navarro – Half Elf Paladin Hamlet – Half Elf Warlock Dorian Hammerbeard – Dwarven Cleric Tad Hemlock – Halfling Bard (Retired) Tianzi – Half Elf Sorlock (Retired) Yorhorn – Half Elf Paladin (Retired) |
The morning after the fights saw Fayd and Gunnar sporting numerous bruises and ailments but were for the most part recovered from their exertions, after filling their bellies the group again split up to continue their investigations in the libraries. Navarro and Gunnar did not join the others having exhausted their limited interest in dusty books, in part due to a lack of funds in Gunnar’s case. Instead they wandered to the local monolith to test one of Luther’s theories about Gunnar’s map, Navarro using Helm’s blessings to power up the monolith which Gunnar surreptitiously pressed the map against the cold stone edifice in the hopes it might open a portal to the location shown on the faded parchment. Neither were particularly surprised when the attempt failed and they soon abandoned their experiment in favour of a far more interesting field of study, namely Navarro’s contention that Vilmean cuisine was by far the best. The Paladin kindly paying for them both to dine at an upmarket restraunt specialising in Vilmean dishes, Gunnar proved an attentive pupil as Navarro ordered dish after dish and explained the providence of each recipe while his half orc companion nodded along as he crammed more of the delicacies into his mouth. Appetites fully sated they eventually made their way back to the inn to find the rest of the party discussing an invitation to Lord Lohurtz’s manor house, the noble asking that they attend to discuss matter pertaining to the recovery of the Emerald Crown set for the end of the week long festival.
Arriving at Lohurtz’s impressive dwelling they were ushered to a well appointed study at the rear of the building by the aloof servant they’d met previously, waiting for them was Lohurtz himself along with two members of the Crimson Blade, Brother Grey and Magda the Spinebreaker – her presence souring Gunnar’s mood as he grudgingly conceded that she appeared depressingly unscathed after their contest the previous evening.
“Ahhh, welcome” Lohurtz hesitated as he eyed the group “…gentleman” he finished hopefully “may I offer you some wine?”
Most of the party accepted his offer, and were rewarded with a glass of a deliciously fruity elven wine that even Navarro had to concede was a fine vintage – though he claimed still not quite up to Vilmean standards in an aside to Gunnar who had finished his glass and was eyeing the decanter for a refil. Dorian however refused the wine, demanding a fine Dwarven ale instead, something Lord Lohurtz was happy to indulge, a snap of his fingers sending a servant scurrying to a local tavern and returning breathlessly with a brimming flagon of frothing ale that seemed to satisfy Dorian judging by the amount of lipsmacking on display.
“To business then” Lohurtz directed his words to Iivan and gesturing to a map showing the layout of the Grand Library on a table between them “as agreed on your signal the Crimson Blade will create a diversion – a fight of some kind that will escalate into a riot centred here at the Tied Purse tavern” he paused to glance up at his audience “In addition they plan to set these houses here on fire, a threat to the city which even the Library guards should be unable to ignore, this should allow your….company?” he looked an Iivan questioningly
“We are The Renegades of Yocan” said the rougish Drow in answer to the noble’s unspoken question, prompting some confused glances to be exchanged by his fellows but none pressed the point.
“Yes, well then while the Crimson Blade draw the guards attention the Renegades will have an hour to access the vault and recover the crown, we believe there are guards stationed here” he pointed a beringed finger at several points on the plans spread on the table “which you will need to avoid before gaining access to the tower itself. Once inside you will need to locate a hidden button which we believe will trigger a hidden Dwarven mechanism which will lower the floor and grant access to the vault”
“the button opens the vault?” asked Luther
“No, we think you will still need to pass through at least one and perhaps two further doors before you can enter the vault itself, from what we can ascertain the vault itself has six chambers, the crown resides in the sixth chamber – you will retrieve it and return it to me”
“And the other chambers?” asked Fayd
“Whatever they contain you are of course welcome to take as you please” confirmed Lohurtz, Gunnar found himself considering whether they’d need more sacks to help transport the loot he fully intended to liberate from the vault to replenish his purse “Do you have any other questions for me gentlemen?”
“I presume that this job may attract some attention, do you want us to bring the crown to you here?” asked Luther, showing an unexpected insight into the shadowy world familiar to Iivan.
“No, we will meet two days hence outside the city – bring me the crown and I will reward you with 10,000 gold pieces as agreed” answered Lohurtz
“Lord Lohurtz” interrupted Navarro with his customary tact “I have a question, would there be a problem if I remove Brother Grey’s head from his shoulders?” Lohurtz seemed shocked at the Paladin’s blunt question and glanced to the Crimson Blade behind him, but Brother Grey merely smiled serely at them and held his peace.
Unsettled and for the first time seeming to be unsure of himself Lohurtz replied “I can assure you all that there is no duplicity here, the Crimson Blade are in my employ and I have no interest in double crossing you….and they will abide by my decisions” Gunnar snorted derisivley at that but the others sensed Lohurtz was dealing openly and honestly with them and seemed happy despite the barbarian’s bitter scepticism.
After leaving the Renegades gathered to finalise their own plans, debating the merits of taking on the challenge that evening or waiting for the following night as originally planned. Gunnar was adamant that the Crimson Blade would seek to steal the crown from them, and likely murder them all in the process but seemed resigned to let things play out for the time being.
The city was buzzing with excitement in the lead up to the night’s final shows, Luther would be facing a bard named Whistler while Timson and Magda would face each other in combat. At the venue the party split, Fayd, Gunnar and Hamlet all paid to watch from the common stalls while Iivan, Dorian and Navarro preferred the more refined upper balconies. Gunnar moved through the tightly packed crowd, trying to gee up the crowd to cheer for Luther over the Whistler, while Hamlet and Fayd were more interested in securing a good vantage point. Up in the more refined atmosphere of the upper levels Navarro found himself surrounded by eager spectators after announcing that Luther was in his service, Iivan took full advantage of the distraction to skillfully dip into the crowd’s coin purses and enrich himself – it paid to keep your skills sharp and he couldn’t deny he enjoyed the challenge of stealing in such a brazen manner. The lights dimmed and a hush fell over the crowd as Luther stepped to the front of the stage, strumming his lute and weaving intricate melodies in an attempt to woo the crowd, he left the stage to loud applause but the Whistler carried the first round with an inspiring tune of his own. The next round was a tie, almost unheard of in the competition and drawing a deal of excited chatter from the afficianados among the crowd. Concerned that the Whistler might outshine Luther Gunnar hurled a mug of beer at the performer in the next round, but a magical barrier prevented it from striking the bard and instead the projectile ricoched onto Fayd. Thankfully Luther’s talent needed no outside help and he finally prevailed to rapturous applause from the audience, delivering a well recieved encore after being proclaimed champion and pinning the Golden Lute trophy to his cape.
As the crowds dispursed Gunnar, Hamlet and Fayd headed back to the inn and Amberclad to secure Fayd for the evening while the others enjoyed the hospitality of the local nobles at the theatre before accepting an invitation from a lady of some considerable social standing to retire to her mansion for further “celebrations”. Back in Amberclad’s cellar room the guards once again secured Fayd to the bed with coils of rope, Gunnar propped himself against a wall and grimly began sharpening his sword meticulously knowing it was likely going to be needed the following night. Hamlet settled himself for the night as best he could, making sure to keep as far from Amberclad as was possible in the small room. The slow scrape of Gunnar’s sharpening stone along his blade had been the only sound in the cellar for some time and the half orc finally pressed his thumb to the blade and grunted in satisfaction, he placed his blade down carefully and began to close his eyes when a flicker of movement brought him instantly back to his senses. Fayd was suddenly standing over him, a strange look in his eyes
“What” chocked off Gunnar in shock, the two guards backing away to the far wall, crossbows trained firmly on the suddenly free’d half orc
“Hello Gunnar” said Fayd in a strangely cultured voice, across the room Gunnar saw Hamlet’s wide eyed stare at this startling new turn of events.
“Hello….Fayd?” asked Gunnar cautiously “What’s happening?”
“Ohh I need to get out of here, it’s far too stuffy, let’s go for a drink” replied the interloper from Fayd’s mouth
Fearing the worst, Gunnar sprung forward to grab at his friend, but as before the younger orc slipped aside at the last moment and bolted for the door, Gunnar hard on his heels as Hamlet picked himself up and gave chase. Gunnar emerged into the tavern’s common room and frantically looked about for any sign of Fayd, seeing his companion sat at a table drinking a long draught from a wooden tankard.
“Ahh, you decided to join me after all Gunnar” called Fayd cheerfully and gesturing to an empty chair
“You’re not Fayd” said Gunnar, moving to the proffered seat
“Of course I am, woof woof grunt grunt” replied Fayd smiling up at Hamlet as he moved to block the other side from Gunnar.
“You’re not, you’re what he called the Handler aren’t you? Where’s Fayd?” pressed Gunnar
“Ha, you’ve got me – he’s sleeping in here” replied the Handler tapping Fayd’s head
“Well, go wake him up I need to talk to him” tried Gunnar with some concern
“Nooooo I don’t think so – I need to stretch my legs I think” replied the Handler, springing up from the chair and making for the door, Gunnar and Hamlet again tried to stop him but he proved too fast for them both and made good his escape, dashing to the door they strained their eyes and ears but there was no trace of Fayd to be seen or heard. Resigned, they both headed back to bed – hoping that Fayd would come to his senses and return to them as he had on previous occaisions.
Luther woke from a pleasant dream to find himself naked and wrapped in a tangle of limbs, raising his head slowly he saw he shared his bed with 4 women of varying ages – including the noblewoman who’d hosted the after show party the nigth before. Grinning to himself Luther slipped out of the bed and began locating his clothes before creeping out into the corridor
“Good night?” asked Dorian in a whisper, as they crept out of another room further down the corridor, Luther grinned in reply before raising 4 fingers and inclinding his head to the room he’d just left, a sound behind them made them both turn just in time to see Navarro slowly closing a door.
“And how was your night Navarro?” asked Dorian with a wink to the Helmish knight
“Most satisfactory” replied Navarro, a hand rising to stroke his moustache and smooth is back into place before striding past them “Come squire, we have work to do”
Across town Fayd was waking up too, but not in a mansion – he seemed to be in a run down slum, the thick smell of blood filled his nostrils and it’s taste soured his breath
“Oh fuck, not again” he muttered to himself and he tried to get his bearings
“I wouldn’t wake them” said a strangely familiar voice in his head “they might realise you’re not me”
Fayd shook his head and saw the sleeping forms of at least four other lycantrobes, and the remains of perhaps two or three humanoids scattered across the blood streaked floorboards. As silently as he could he crept to the door an emerged into the morning light, looking down at himself he realised he was covered in gore. He looked about himself trying to place his location in the city and then sprinted back to the inn in search of his allies. Crashing into the inn he found Hamlet and Gunnar talking quietly over breakfast
“Gunnar! I know where they are – we have to go now”
“Go where?” replied Gunnar, Hamlet wrinkled his nose at Fayds appearance and began using his magic to clean the young orc up lest he attract more unwanted attention.
“The house! I woke up with the others…like me, we need to go now”
“Ok, and do what?” asked Gunnar hauling himself to his feet
“We have to kill them!, they keep killing and eating people!” replied the frantic younger orc
“So do you…” replied Gunnar evenly holding Fayd’s gaze
“Well, maybe yes…..but I don’t mean to do it” stammered Fayd
“We know” answered Gunnar reassuringly “we had a chat with your friend the Handler last night before you escaped. We need to get him out of your head man, and quickly”
“I know” muttered Fayd
“Right” cut in Hamlet cheerfully “I have my oil, lets go roast these bastards eh?”
The two barbarians turned and stared at the normally quiet spellcaster, shocked at this sudden display of bloodlust. Together the three of them hurried out of the inn and followed Fayd through a maze of alleys in search of the wolf pack, but after some time Fayd slowed and finally admitted he’d lost the scent and wasn’t sure where he’d woken up. Gunnar put an arm round his friend’s shoulders and led him back to their lodgings to await the others while Hamlet, looking strangely dissappointed followed along behind them.
Leaving the others Navarro made his way to the Grand Library and made his way to the central tower, muttering loudly about looking for a misplaced book as people passed him he congratulated himself on his cunning and began studying the layout of the tower’s lower floor. Closing his eyes he called for Helm’s aid and using her magic was drawn to a section of flooring where the stairs met the floor and realised a tiny section was slightly out of alignment with the rest, this must surely be the hidden button that controlled the dwarven machinery Lord Lohurtz had spoken of. Pleased with himself the holy warrior headed back to the inn to share his good news.