Session 21 "Wasteland Monarchy" Report

General Summary

The members of the Raven's Alliance awaken aboard the Deismos the following morning and set about their tasks. Many of them that had never really sailed into the open waters of the seas find how dull it can be. Gunthar however feels at home. Several days go by without incident, with the tension in their bellies that they would soon be entering the dominion and be set to their task.   Around the 4th day after leaving the island the captain and Gunthar spot a smaller vessel ahead of them. The captain quickly formulates a plan to possibly use the vessel for their needs. Quickly catching up to the smaller keel boat they find it flying a Virnagulian flag with a human slaver captain and the crew enslaved large tanned humanoids. Enboldened by the arrival of the larger vessel one of the slaves breaks free and threatens the captains life. Dario in his early years, having dealt with these strange creatures speaks to them in their native tongue. He informs the party and the captain that they are the Eimlaq, a desert fairing race that originated from giants. With the aid of the crew of the Deismos the Eimlaq subdue the captain who is taken to the Deismos' brig. The Eimlaq are brought on board and given food and water and treated well by the crew.   Meanwhile Dario along with many of the party board the smaller vessel to see if it can be used for their needs. He explains to them about his past as a smuggler as they explore the vessel. The soon come across a small smuggler hold which confirms the vessel would be useful. The hatch a plan to quickly use the furs in the hold to turn it into a pleasure craft for "Duke Ali". Dario quickly explains the roles each must play and apologetically has Lillyanna change her clothing as they finish preparing. As the party says their farewells the smaller vessel departs for the several days before they will arrive at Eilish. As the craft enters the channel way that is filled with small islands they come upon a pair of merfolk traders who seem friendly to the party. They quickly trade items back and forth aquiring several healing potions and a staff. Saying farewell they continue forward.   Nearing Eilish they quickly take their roles serious and are intercepted by a Virnagulian patrol craft. Dario whispering apologies to Gunthar cracks a whip across the large dragonborn's back but with skill enough not to draw blood. The patrol craft orders the vessel into port and to immediately check in with the port marshal. After docking Isaac leads the rest of the Alliance to the port marshal while Dario playing his role seeks to gain them transportation further south to Hawold. The Raven's Alliance quickly finds out what kind of people the Dominion of Virnagul houses as the port marshal tries purchasing Gunthar and Lillyanna with the druid fetching a smaller price. Isaac playing his role to perfection acts shocked at the low price and dismisses the offer. They are granted passage through the Dominion and leave the office to find Dario with the carriage. He tells them he will stay with the keel boat and await their return but reminds them of the time table they are on. They quickly say their farewells as they load into the carriage with Gunthar taking the reins.   The party travels for the next days discovering how oppressive the desert heat is during their travel through the Virnagulian wasteland. On the fourth day they come into view of the what is know as the jewel of the Dominion, Hawold. Briefly stopping the carriage to allow Slinger to disembark he tells his fellow adventurers to proceed with caution being careful what they do and how they act as he prepares to enter the city by other means. The four remaining proceed forward finding a line of carriages and carts at the gate with guards checking papers and passengers at each vehicle. The party waits until there turn comes when Gunthar notices a group of halflings are forcibly removed from a cart ahead of them with one of them running for his life. The halfling is quickly struck down by crossbowmen in the surrounding towers and unceremoniasly dumped into the river. Gunthar's rage almost ruins the mission but with quick action from Isaac is quickly reminded of the necessity of discretion on their part. The party's turn soon comes and they present their papers with the guards again offering to purchase Lilyanna. The soon see more corruption as the guards ask for a bribe to let them pass. The party as unwilling to seperate from their hard earned coin finally concede and the guards allow them to pass through the gates with directions to the inn they are planning on staying in. Meanwhile, Slinger awaits nightfall and slips into a tunnel he remembers from his previous time in Hawold.   The Raven's Alliance soon meet at the inn with the four that entered through the gates in their suite at the Governor's Arms. Slinger slips through the window having heard them conversing and expresses his disappointment at hearing them, quickly reminding them that this place is not safe. They dine on their meal and plan on how to find Rosaria having found out about two potential brothels she could be at in the warehouse district. They quickly formulate a plan before heading out knowing that time is no longer on their side.

Missions/Quests Completed

The Raven's Alliance successfully infiltrate the Dominion of Virnagul and Hawold and are the hunt for Rosaria hopefully without drawing the attention of Lord Barrington and his lackies.