Finding a reputable inn that will take you in after dark is always a bit of a problem but the day I can’t charm a sleepy innkeeper is the day I start murdering sleepy innkeepers. After a mediocre breakfast at my new lodgings I went back to the Maiden’s Saber – most of my hirelings along with several watchmen had been killed. And of course all of Helgan and his people had survived and made their escape – having fled the city one assumes.
I immediately sought out the nearest watch house and told them how I had hired the five of them to help me retrieve and item from a nearby ruin and then tried to hold me up for more money. When I wouldn’t pay more than the original agreement they had sworn revenge but I had dismissed it as bold talk. I broke down in tears and sobbed that I should have taken their threats more seriously. The watch-captain was very compassionate. Not bad looking either. For a watchman.
I told him about my meeting with the mayor and since there was a chance the miscreants were still in town he and ten of his men escorted me to the mayor’s office – you can never be too careful. There are all kinds of dangerous people out there. Once there the mayor’s assistant entertained me for a while before the mayor came to see me with a priestess of Adariel at his side – a youngish woman with dun colored hair, in ponytail of all things. Aside from a silver pin on her blue robe she didn’t have much in the way of priestly trappings. If I were a religious type I would approve of that, I’ve never understood why a church would waste their money on finery and grand buildings – but I’m not a religious type.
Her name is Arastra and she and the mayor explained that the gemstone was taken from a holy temple where the caretakers used their divine gifts to keep the evil magic of Korrok in check – but clearly now it’s time for the stone to be destroyed rather than just contained. Adariel had sent Arastra a vision that if the gem was bathed in the waters of Quillshire Lake and then blessed eleven times its horrible curse would be abated. I was about to say “Good luck with that guys” when the mayor said that if I did this the Countess would be in my debt.
Now that’s something of interest. In my dark moments I wonder if I’m any closer to revenge on Duke Eaglevane than when I started. I have some gear now, but a Cap of Disguise and a Bag of Trick isn’t going to take down the Duke. But a favor from the Countess – now that’s a foundation that you can build on. I said that of course I would be honored to undertake this dangerous mission to destroy a relic of cruel, vicious, mean-spirited ancient times.
We leave on the morrow. Arastra excused herself to spend the day in mediation and communion with her god in preparation for the journey. I paid a visit to Francis and gave him the good news that he was now in charge of the Workshop. He nearly passed out with fright and started moaning about how he was going to be killed by the other gangs. When I told him that Grotharar had died recently under mysterious circumstances that didn’t seem to make him feel any better. When I told him that several of the Brotherhood of the Spider members had died under mysterious circumstances as well he still kept whining.
After a quick slap to help him regain his senses I set up a meeting with Balad Gad and Vory Mishka and drug him along. I explained to them that there had been a lot of changes lately and that this was a time to come together in the spirit of cooperation – there’s plenty of money out there for everyone after all. Violence is counterproductive – it’s what “they” want, for use to kill each other while they sit back in their fancy homes laughing. Clearly things were going to change, the Workshop had been devastated, but there’s no reason they couldn’t change for the better right? It got them talking at least. And the good news is I don’t really care what happens. After the other two left Vory and I shared another drink.
“What’s the news on the Mendev job?”
“Cancelled. My crew came down with a bad case of being dead.”
“There’s been a lot of that recently. . . . ever since you came to town.”
“I must be bad luck. Thankfully I’m leaving town.”
“I can’t say as I’ll be sad to see you go. Who are you anyway?”
“No one of consequence.”
____________________________________________________________
Funds: 7,580 gold
XP: 44,738
Inventory: Ring of Many Garments, Bag of Tricks (rust), Cap of Disguise, Secure Pocket, Resplendent Diplomat’s Palette, Secure Paypack, Skeleton Key, Brooch of Shielding, Pouch of Magic Stones, Masterful Grey Gloves, Black Marketers’ Bag, Biting Bracelet (Endless Ammunition), Boots of Escape, Bracers of the Glib Entertainer, Ring of Animal Friendship, +1 Falchion, +1 Greatclub, +2 Commanding Light Crossbow, Headband of Alluring Charisma +2, mysterious Korrok gemstone
Signet ring, noble’s outfit, candlerod (9), masterwork dagger, succubi carving, Domiel family ring, walking stick, masterwork playing cards, spinel and peridot holy symbol of Kralten, diamonds (14), silver crown
Potion of Invisibility (3), Potion of Spider Climb, Potion of Eagle’s Splendor
Silver ring, gold bracelet, gold and pearl pendant, gold ring, platinum necklace, mithril hair clasps (3)
Revenge List: Duke Eaglevane, Piltis Swine, Rince
Electrum, watchman Gridley, White-Muzzle the worg, Percy Ringle
the butler , Alice Kinsey , “Patch”, Heroes of the Lost Sword, Claire
Conrad, Erist priest of Strider, Riselda owner of the Sage Mirror,
Eedraxis, Skin-Taker tribe,
Kartak, Królewna & Bonifacja Trading Company, Hurmont Family, Androni
Titus, Greasy dreadlocks woman, Lodestone Security, Kellgale Nickoslander,
Beltian Kruin the Splithog Pauper, The King of Spiders, Auraluna Domiel, mother
Hurk, Mazzmus Parmalee, Helgan
van Tankerstrum, Lightdancer, Bonder Greysmith, Pegwhistle Proudfoot, Lumbfoot
Sheepskin
Rumors : Exiled noblewoman (Reoccurring), vigilante “Litheria”(Reoccurring), murderous Halfling (Reoccurring)
Graltontown Buildings – Mill
The Errant Endeavors of Ela the Expert 