Session 13: Death Sentence Report

General Summary

Session 13 – Wednesday September 28th, 2022 – Death Sentence

  4 Hour Role Play session 5:30 PM to 10:00PM

The Stone Bearers. Party of 5:

It is the 20th day of the month of Marpenoth (Leaffall) in the 50th year of the Age of Enialis (Mid October.)

• Abrash – Wood (Dessert) Elf, L3 Druid – Jacob Munson
• Ajani– High Elf, L3 Wizard – Nathan Gioconda (Remote)
• Gazlowe – Goblin, L3 Artificer – Josh Pozsonyi
• Thomas – Human, L3 Blood hunter – Ryan Armstrong (Remote)
• Isabella – Forest Gnome, L3 Barbarian – Jackie Armstrong
• Gurthen – Dwarf, L3 Paladin – Spencer Armstrong (School)

Rushing to the Bonfire

The party was able to bring Gazlowe back to the group and then they approached the fire. They entered a large clearing with a large fire and a group of over 30 people gathered around, some sitting on logs, some standing. Most were focused on a large half-orc man who was trying to bring the meeting together. People seemed to be straggling in from all directions around the clearing. The party looked at the various people gathered and noticed that there is a large collection of scum and villainy mixed in with all the people gathered. Finding the assassin amongst this group would be a near impossible task.

Gazlowe and Isabella had charged forward towards the circle of people. The Half-Orc looked at him and told him to settle down and find a seat. Gazlowe found a pamphlet on the ground and read: “NOT A SCAG! the Northern Organization Apposed to the Sword Coast Adventuring Guild Meeting at the spot at 10PM. Guest speaker with work!” Gazlowe backed into the crowd asking around who the Guest of honor is. Nobody knew but they expected that the guest speaker has work for Adventurers.

NOT A SCAG meeting

The Half-Orc called the meeting to order and began talking about how the Sword Coast Adventuring Guild (the SCAGs) have taken away opportunities from free-lance adventurers. Several adventuring parties agreed with anger. Gazlowe stirred up the crowd with angry shouts of agreement. Some got up and spoke of opportunities denied. Gazlowe too went forward and introduced himself as a member of the Stone Bearers and spoke of opportunities that he’s being denied. Several in the crowd whispered to each other recognizing the name “Stone Bearers.” Abrash too joined in and talked down the SCAG. The crowd was very stirred up.

Guest speaker

A horse was heard walking up to the fire. Upon the horse rode a large man in a dark hooded cloak wearing a golden mask. Leading the horse was a large gladiator looking muscle man. The crowd whispered “Karl.” The Half-Orc announced: “Our guests have arrived, Karl Fraugh, you have the floor.” Karl walked around the fire with a large smile on his confident face. Karl announced to the crowd that he represents an organization within the High Forest, and they need a few good adventurers to protect some locations. He talked of “Very dark dangers” in the Forest that threatens the free people of the Sword Coast.

The dark Golden masked man on the horse snapped his fingers and Karl walked back to him. Karl then returned and called out, “Where are the Brothers In Arms?” A tall lanky bard rose with a lute strapped to his back. Karl said, “Marcus, where is your wizard Flagnad?” A grey human with a plain robe stood up. Karl said, “You’ll be coming with us, please come forward.” Marcus the bard began to play his lute and cast Suggestion. A greasy looking skinny man with very pale skin and a black hooded robe suddenly appeared by fire and cast counter spell. Karl said “Thank you Eversus” to the dark mage who just appeared. Karl turned to Marcus and said, “Do that again and we will remove your tongue.” Eversus reached into his robe and retrieved a potion and drank it. He disappeared. Flagnad was then escorted to the horse where he was placed in manacles and tied to the back of the horse’s saddle with a 10-foot rope.

Looking for a few good men

Karl went back to the fire and continued speaking about his organization with very wide and arm gestures. He told of the protection they provide from a very dark evil for well over 100 years. He mentioned that there have been rumors of wars between men and elves and that his organization protects from an even greater threat. He said they need men to protect from this evil. He said that the “Brothers in Arms” have disqualified themselves for practicing in some dark arts. There were about 20 people who stood up and volunteered including Gazlowe, Isabella and Ajani.

Karl saw the adventuring group, The Floggers. He smiled and invited them to go stand by the horse. Gazlowe kept moving his squeaky armor trying to get Karl’s attention and succeeded. Gazlowe introduced himself as “Gazlowe of the Stone Bearers.” Karl stopped and said, “Victor would like to talk to you first. He looked at Gazlowe, Isabella and Ajani and said, “Finally, a face to the name. Go speak with Victor.”

The Man with the Golden Mask.

Gazlowe, Isabella and Ajani went to speak with the man on the horse while Abrash and Thomas stayed back in the tree line. The man with the mask introduced himself as “Victor Rathmore.” He said that he respects Lord Blackmore and that he’s looking for a certain Wizard named Revalor. Gazlowe told Victor that Blackmoor’s been killed, and they followed the culprit to this meeting and that they can assume the identity of someone else. Victor seemed surprised by the news and offered his most sincere condolences as he thought Lord Blackmoor was a decent fellow. Victor clapped his hands once. The Dark mage Eversus appeared standing directly next to Gazlowe.

Eversus said that there is nobody here using magic to disguise themselves. Victor suggested that perhaps the assassin is a shape shifter. Turning to Eversus, Victor said, “Give me the gem.” He then offered the “Gem of Seeing” to Gazlowe. He told Gazlowe, that in 3 days he will want it back along with Revalor. He said he would come to Lord Blackmoor’s residence in 3 days to retrieve the gem and the man. Gazlowe agreed and took the Gem sealing the deal. Abrash came forward saying “no” but it was too late.

Asking around

Gazlowe asked around the few remaining adventurers that were hanging around as the meeting broke up. Gazlowe was pointed to one of the thugs that they had chased away when they captured Zoreene. The thug Oliver James gave a cold greeting to Gazlowe, but he wasn’t aggressive. Gazlowe said “Let bygones be bygones” and asked if he knew of any information on Zoreene lately or if he’s heard that she’s trying to make something happen. The thug replied, “She’s always cooking up something.” Gazlowe’s eyes grew wide trying to read between the lines, but the thug remained straight faced. The thug mentioned that she had tried to reach out to him a few weeks ago, “Something about the Judge on her case,” but he wanted nothing to do with her. Oliver mentioned that the judge got himself caught and he’s being tried for Treason.

Gazlowe explained to Thomas that he believes that Zoreene is the one who hired the assassin. Thomas and Abrash went back to talk to the Thug some more. Thomas opened with a crossbow bolt to the leg. The thug bent over in pain and said, “What did you do that for!” He pulled the bolt out. Thomas asked when he heard from Zoreene. The Thug replied it’s been a few weeks I don’t know the exact date. Thomas reloaded his crossbow and the thugs two friends pulled out their swords. Abrash tried to settle everyone down. Thomas lowered his crossbow and asked for the thug’s name in an insulting manner. With an angry sneer the Thug told him Oliver James. They parted in a very unfriendly attitude as Isabella offered everyone a marshmallow.

Blackmoor and the Owlbear

The party had petty arguments as they headed back toward where they dumped Lord Blackmoor’s body. As they exited the woods, they saw several wolves growling but keeping their distance from Blackmoor’s body. However, they were staying away from the Owl Bear who had its beak buried in Lord Blackmoor’s chest cavity. Isabella approached and made herself as tall as a gnome barbarian could be. With her axe over her head, she yelled “Get away from our friend!” The bear stood up on its hind legs about with its head about 12 feet in the air and roared at them. It was clearly protecting its meal and not intimidated by a Gnome.

Abrash walked up to it and “Tickled the owlbear’s goodberries.” The Owlbear responded with a massive slash on Abrash with his claws. Gazlowe took a bottle of alchemist’s fire and threw it on the Owlbear. The Owlbear fled to the river where it doused the flames. She turned to roar at the party and then walked away licking her burns.

Abrash realized that the Owlbear ate about 40lbs of belly fat and guts, including several needed internal organs for simple raise dead spells. They know that a much more expensive spell would now be needed. They debated going to the temple or back to Blackmoor’s mansion. They decided on the latter. They put the bloody corpse on the merchant’s cart by the road and pushed him back towards the mansion. They hoped that Willet may want to pay to resurrect his father.

Willet.

The party shared personal stories on the way back to the mansion. When they arrived, they put Lord Blackmoor’s body in the shed with the other 3 bodies. They found Mr. Homn and explained that they got a gem of seeing to help track down the murderer. They asked Mr. Homn if he knew if Lord Blackmoor would want to be resurrected or if this is something the estate or even Willet would pay for. Mr. Homn expressed that Willet would be the best person to ask since he was Lord of the mansion now.

They found Willet and told him that there is a temple in town that could resurrect his father if he was willing to pay for it. Willet thought it would be unnatural. Gazlowe then asked if Willet had talked to his aunt lately. Willet confessed that he missed her and had visited her a couple weeks ago. Gazlowe was taken back and remined him that she had tried to kill him. Willet said, “She said she’s sorry.” Gazlowe went on to tell Willet that his aunt Zoreene is probably the one who killed his father, and she was probably trying to kill him. Willet didn’t believe him and continued practicing with his crossbow. He said, “I don’t need Zoreene, I don’t need my father, I don’t need you, I don’t need anybody, just my crossbow bolts. Now Begone!”

Resting

The party agreed to take turns keeping an eye on Willet during their rest. Thomas asked Gazlowe to borrow the gem of seeing so he could see his daughter. In the morning Thomas had attuned to the Gem of Seeing. He used it to see his daughter. He also saw Gurthen and Amelia but couldn’t interreact with them. The party met for breakfast and Thomas gave the gem to Gazlowe.

Gazlowe laid out their options for the day. Gazlowe said they need to talk to Zoreene since he was convinced that it was she who arranged for the poisoning. He said, “Finding the assassin isn’t a huge priority since we know it was Zoreene who was behind it.” He also mentioned that in 3 days the man with the golden face will be here looking for Revalor. They all agreed that they won’t give him up. Gazlowe suggested they could simply take them and get information on the shield of Niptu and that he had dibs on the mask. Thomas wasn’t excited about fighting the Victor. Isabella wanted to go to the Shrines.

Visiting Zoreene

The all agreed to go to town together and Thomas would lead the discussions with Zoreene. On their way there Abrash looked for poison and Gazlowe used the gem of seeing to look for any shape shifters, but nether found any. Arriving at the jail they found that there was a total of 3 prisoners, a frail old man, a young muscular man and Zoreene, each in different cells. Thomas went to Zoreene and told her that Lord Blackmoor was dead. Zoreene seemed surprised. Thomas explained what happened. Zoreene asked how Willet was after the loss of his father.

Thomas mentioned that they met Oliver and asked Zoreene about reaching out to him. Zoreene said that she had to reach out to all of those whom she led astray and make amends. Thomas argued that’s not what he said. Zoreene told Thomas that she reached out and he never came to speak with her. Abrash didn’t think she was sincere, but Thomas thought she was. She asked Thomas if he was not going to be a character witness for her.

Gazlowe had enough and stepped forward, knowing in his heart that she’s guilty. He told her as much and then threatened her. Gazlowe told her unless she tells them who the assassin was, her trial will end in death, and he’ll assure it no matter what. Zoreene maintained her innocence. Gazlowe walked away to talk to the old man.

Lord Abbington Whellam and Zebedee

Gazlowe walked up to the old man in the first cell who introduced himself as the former “Lord” Abbington Whellam. Abbington admitted to taking bribes for Zebedee, the man in the next cell who is on trial for Murder. Abbington told them that he foolishly deposited the 10,000gp into the bank the day after Zebedee was released and the authorities found out and had him arrested and Zebedee brought back for retrial and a new magistrate brought in. Abbington said that the new Judge, Arelldormo, is an Elf from Silvery moon and has a good reputation. Abbington told the party that he’s being charged with Treason and rightfully so, and the penalty is death. Abbington seemed to be resigned that this is what he deserved.

Isabella asked him if he was married. Abbington said he’s married to Ophelia, and they have 2 children, Anastasia and Rafferty. Abrash suggested, “If they should find their way to a safe place…” Abbington interrupted and said, “They are safe.”

The party tried to talk to Zebedee. He just sat back in his cell, very relaxed and confident and told them, “I have friends.” They asked where the the money came from, but he didn’t say anything else. Abrash tried to intimidate him, but Zebedee didn’t seem to care. Gazlowe pulled Abrash to the side and said they really can’t go around just killing people in the town.

Ajani approached Abbington and asked if he’d like for them to contact his family. Abbington seemed touched by the soft approach and leaned very close to Ajani and whispered into his ear, “Tell my daughter that I love her. They can be found at 123 Warhall drive.” He then went and sat on his bench and looked at Ajani with pleading eyes.

Regroup.

The guard kicked the party out for harassing the prisoners. Isabella suggested they “deal with” Zoreene before the trial as she felt that Zoreene has been playing them this whole time and has something going on. Abrash suggested that if she’s free and then they kill her, they could be charged with murder of a Nobel. Gazlowe suggested that they let the law deal with it. He wanted to meet with the new judge and testify for the prosecution. As the party were walking away, Gazlowe realized that the judge is in his quarters in the courtroom.

What’s Next:

• Tell Anastasia (at 123 Wharhall drive, daughter of the former judge Abbington Whellham) that he loves her.
• Find Lord Blackmoor’s Assassin.
• Zoreene’s Trial, now moved to the 22nd of Marpenoth
• Meet Victor at Blackmoor’s on 23rd to return gem and hand over Revalor
• Abrash: Go into high forest, find the Tribe of the Bear and pickup his hide armor.
• Gazlowe to find out about Adventurer’s guild
• Find out about the Red and White Ladies and report back to The Lord’s Alliance.
• Find out about mysterious slave trade in the High Forest.
• Locate the Shield of Niptu and find where they’re hiding Niptu’s Body
• Disintegrate Niptu’s Body and let Revalor Miadi know. Revalor is hiding with family at cottage along the Delimbiyr River between Zelbross and Loudwater.
• Go to Niptu Shrine #1 to learn about Niptu’s magic
• Train the Hellhound Johny Cash
• Purchase the Firestone Keep and rebuild it.
• Gazlowe not happy with helm purchase
• Party to utilize the herbs Abrash and Ajani found.
• Gazlowe to make a permanent mayonnaiser for Flicktongue