The Black Market Episode II Report

General Summary

The players went to the Quiet Fountain Inn and witnessed the aftermath of an exploded orb. In the process, Brea exposed herself to the black fluid.    Then the party wreaked vengeance on Lumin, who they tortured into telling them why he had them attacked. Apparently the Sultan's grudge against Ryder was not settled, and he had some servants put a new price on Ryder's head. Additionally Lumin had overheard that someone was looking to offer compensation to anyone trying to stymy the investigation of the orbs. He was then executed and made an example, and a former accomplice of Ryder's was arrested.    Afterward they went to the Bath House to confront the Cult of Taron, coming too late to interrupt a ritual of child sacrifice. The Cultists were quick work for the party despite posessing powerful fire and mind affecting magics. Their leader revealed that Deraj was one of a Dark Elven bloodline that carried the power of Taron's physical manifestation, the Balrog. Prophecy held that this bloodline would one day bring Balrog back into the world. He also told of the location and provenance of the auroid orbs.   The party then interrogated an employee of the Bath House who, under duress, was willing to give ownership of the bath house to the group. He also unlocked safes containing incriminating documents and valuables including an orb to the party. He was also arrested by the group and taken in to the authorities after a scar with the cult's logo was discovered on his chest.   At debriefing, Francis was incredulous about the Cult's claims about Deraj. While he admitted that it was true there was a sorcerer related bloodline in the Dark Elves, he didn't believe that Taron could possibly be resurrected and told Deraj that the Cult was trying to manipulate him. Aurora took a middle ground, and urged Deraj to focus and hone his powers and encouraged the group to communicate openly about their secrets and any ill omens they receive.

Rewards Granted

525 sp divided evenly. Certain party members received auroid projectiles that came from the orb. The group is now de facto owners of the Bath House which earns 1,000 sp per week in profits.