Episode 2: Tears for Friends
General Summary
The players made their way across the Hirane Town Square to the Town Guard Barracks with Ceona carrying the recently discovered Tiefling beggar, who she had wrapped in her cloak as a way to keep the girl calm and to prevent her being seen by prying eyes. As they entered the Barracks, they called out for Captain Berny Page. The party asked that they be moved to a more private room before revealing to Berny what they found. He led the party into a room normally designated for interrogations and closed the door as Ceona sat the beggar up on the table and removed her cloak.
Berny Page and the party began to ask the Tiefling several questions and learned that her name is Levkaria Yumaia. Kasek inquired as to the specifics of what happened to her while in Hirane, and the party learned that Levkaria was keeping to herself within the alleyway in which the party found her when she overheard three individuals talking to one another. She overheard them mentioned the phrase "Tears for friends" when suddenly her presence was discovered by the talking individuals. These men cornered her, beat her, raped her, and then one individual stabbed her in the abdomen with his wicked-looking dagger and she was left to die. Berny asked if she could describe the individuals, and after doing so the party determined that two of the three individuals were Tela Cliffoak and Sylrith Madz, with Tela being the one that stabbed her. Berny Page acknowledged that the third individual was more than likely a man named Rilanor Minun who is the Harbor Master of Hirane.
The party continued to ask her questions as to her history, and she revealed that she suffers from partial amnesia and can't remember anything before being severely beaten while waiting to be sold as a slave in the slave pens in Bhaevor. She was eventually sold and loaded onto a ship with several other slaves bound for the port of Mosrothi in the Dominion of Xeshana. While enroute, the ship was attacked by a Privateer known to Celindriel and Kasek, and the slaves were transferred from the Slave Ship to the Privateer's ship called the Greward Hewe. She mentioned the Privateer was dashing and handsome as well as an incredible swordsman. When this occurred, she believed they were going to be rescued, however the Privateer turned out to be far more vicious than the Slavers. She was singled out from the other slaves and kept in the Privateer's quarters where he repeatedly abused her. Levkaria continued by telling the party that the Privateer had mentioned that if the ship were to return to Bhaevor, she would legally be his property, but since he "wasn't allowed to go back", he had to get rid of her. She said the Privateer decided to dump her overboard in the town of Hirane rather than killing her as it would be a far more cruel fate. She was kicked overboard as the ship swung about within the harbor of Hirane and continued to sail north. She has been living off the streets since.
Feadog Mhor asked Berny Page what could be done about what has been learned. The Captain asked the party to step into the lobby of the Barracks for some privacy to talk out of Levkaria's earshot. After providing Levkaria with some food and convincing her she was safe, the party and Berny removed themselves from the room and began strategizing. Berny admits being impressed at the party's ability to quickly find the beggar and concluded that he could trust them with additional information about the criminal element operating within town since it's obvious the party is no friend of the three men that attacked Levkaria. He reveals that there is a criminal gang of sorts operating within the town and the townspeople are being harassed and threatened by Tela, Sylrith, and Rilanor. The ship currently docked in Hirane is called the Waterwitch and is crewed by three sailors and Sylrith which occasionally sails from the port carrying cargo to points unknown and eventually returns with different cargo. The cargo is typically unloaded and stored within the Hirane Warehouse. Berny suspects some of the cargo to be contraband, however every time he conducts raids with his Guards, the materials found are rather mundane and benign. He suspects some of his guards may be corrupt and leaking information to the gang which thwarts his attempt to gather evidence. He informs the party that he's searched the Waterwitch, the Warehouse, and the residences of Tela, Sylrith, and Rilanor without finding anything unusual. Berny is obviously frustrated and asks the party for help in uncovering evidence as to what the criminal gang is up to, and potentially find any additional evidence that could link these individuals to the masterminds behind the gang since he doesn't believe Tela, Sylrith, or Rilanor being capable of running such an organization.
Berny also informs the party that any attempt he makes to question these three individuals is pointless as they always appear to have alibis when any problems arise. The townspeople repeatedly cover for the individuals, and it's obvious to Berny the people do so out of fear for their lives. He informs the party that he suspects Tela to be too stupid to be anything but a henchman. Sylrith is slightly more dangerous and more arrogant than Tela, however Rilanor is more intelligent and calculating. Berny reveals that Rilanor mostly spends his time either in the Harbor Master House, his home, or spends time with Ennen Kytson at her herbalist shop. When Berny has pressed Ennen as to what business Rilanor has with her, she fearfully makes the case that Rilanor is simply interested in learning Alchemy. The party finds this information highly suspect. Berny also admits that while he suspects these individuals are up to no good, they have never acted this brazenly before.
Berny also informs the party that he's aware of mysterious individuals that visit the town infrequently and stay at the The Grinning Kobold Inn. They first arrived roughly 6 months ago -- around the same time Lord Andel Caldel took over as Lord of Hirane. He doesn't know the full details, and tells the party to inquire with Drossa Diggle for more information. He doesn't know if there is a connection between them and the gang, but mentions it might be worth checking out.
Berny gives the party some options on how to proceed. They all agree that no mention should be made that Levkaria survived the assault, and Berny should act as if the town guard only found the body of Levkaria. The party also decides to have Berny pull Tela in for questioning the next morning which would give the party an opportunity to search Tela's residence for evidence. Berny tells the party that he must be careful in how he proceeds since these men are considered employees of Hirane, which falls under Lord Andel Caldel's authority. Berny can't shake these men down without good cause without running the risk of upsetting the Lord, however the events surrounding Levkaria's assault certainly merits him bringing the men in for questioning. He warns the party that while he approves of them searching the residence, if they are discovered, he will have to apprehend them -- at least for appearance's sake -- as the local law enforcement officer. The party agrees to help Berny Page since they are unknown within the town and could potentially uncover evidence easier than Berny.
Berny Page then asks the party what should be done about Levkaria, and offers to keep her safe within the jail in the Town Guard Barracks. The party weighs their options on whether to take Levkaria with them, or to leave her under Berny's supervision. They eventually decide to ask Levkaria herself as to what she wants to do. Upon re-entering the room, they find that the food offered had been completely devoured and Levkaria dozing quietly at the table. Upon rousing her, they asked Levkaria what she wants to do. Levkaria is given the option of staying within the jail under Berny Page's protection, or to follow the party and stay with them at the Grinning Kobold Inn. Levkaria adamantly insists on staying with the party, specifically with Ceona. After trying to persuade her otherwise, the party eventually agrees to have her stay with them.
Berny Page offers the party some supplies: A warhammer, a full suit of studded armor, or a 10 gp credit at the local General Goods store called The Common Voyage. After deliberating, the party agrees to take the full suit of studded armor.
The party relocates to the Grinning Kobold Inn with Levkaria and are met by Drossa Diggle, who is excited to meet the Tiefling stranger. The party attempts to convince Drossa that Levkaria's existence needs to be kept secret -- an order from Berny Page. Drossa agrees and follows the party upstairs to their rooms to talk with two waterskins after water being requested by Feadog. Once within the rooms, a waterskin is given to Levkaria and another to the party. Drossa is excited to learn more about the Tiefling and admits she would have loved to have the opportunity to travel. Celindriel tries to calm Drossa's excitement and warns her that Levkaria's existence needs to be kept secret. Celindriel then begins inquiring about the mysterious travelers that have visited the town in the past. Drossa reveals the individuals initially arrived in Hirane approximately 6 months earlier, then visited again 3 months after, and had just recently visited roughly 3-4 weeks ago. She described the individuals as being dressed in gray hooded robes. The individual's identity were hidden as the hooded robes only exposed the individual's noses and mouths while keeping their eyes hidden from her. They both had leather sashes across their chest that had an assortments of fluid-filled vials. The individuals would arrive, book rooms for one evening, and then visit with the Temple of Valkur. Drossa is not aware of the sort of business they were involved in, but she admits the individuals gave her the creeps. Feadog convinces Drossa to let the party know if the mysterious individuals show up again.
Celindriel then convinces Drossa to stay within the Inn for the evening as she is worried about Drossa gossiping about the Tiefling to the townspeople. Drossa admits she hasn't eaten yet and wanted to pop down to the What Ales You Tavern for a bit. Celindriel happily volunteers to collect the food for her and departs the Inn, leaving the rest of the party to relax in their rooms. While there, Celindriel sees Symes Vatsk and his daughter Relyra Vatsk happily serving a now busier crowd. She sees Tela Cliffoak face down asleep at a table. She sees Rosla Grurim, Berny Page, and a beautiful High Elf woman drinking by themselves. Celindriel also notices a group of individuals with instruments starting to assemble beside the bar tuning up, apparently getting ready to play for the patrons. Celindriel orders some beef stew from Relyra, and while waiting attempts to recognize anything of importance with the High Elf. Not noticing anything out of sorts, Celindriel eventually collects her food and returns to the Grinning Kobold Inn.
Celindriel enters the Inn and hands off the food to Drossa Diggle, who happily accepts and begins eating. Celindriel returns upstairs to the rest of the party to find Levkaria sitting on the floor keeping an ever watchful eye on Ceona. Kasek suggests Levkaria take one of the beds, and Feadog suggests switching rooms with Celindriel to allow the females to all share a room. Levkaria climbs into bed happily and quickly falls asleep. Now being roughly 8:30 in the evening, the party begins to discuss their next move. They begin discussing the prospect of breaking into the residences of the three individuals, and Kasek admits he's concerned about getting past any potential locks they may encounter. Celindriel puts his fears to rest by suggesting any locked door wouldn't be a problem for her. Kasek and Feadog then suggest heading down to the What Ales You tavern to learn more information, and to allow Feadog to show off his skills. Celindriel and Ceona agree to stay behind as Kasek and Feadog leave.
Kasek and Feadog enter the tavern and see the same scene as Celindriel before; Symes and Relyra serving patrons, Tela face-down on a table, Rosla, Berny, and the High Elf female drinking by themselves, and a number of musicians tuning up. Feadog however notices the High Elf seemingly staring off into nothingness while mouthing words quietly to no one. Scanning the room, he notices Berny Page some distance away from her exhibiting the same behavior. He makes this known to Kasek who thinks maybe the two are communicating to one another since the Captain had mentioned to them that he thinks highly of Lord Caldel's High Elf advisor named Edraele Trisyra. Feadog suggests talking with the High Elf, but both eventually decide to talk Rosla instead. They weave their way through the tables and ask if they could join him for a drink, and he agrees.
Kasek and Feadog begin asking questions about what happened on the dock and why Sylrith Madz treated him so poorly. Rosla reveals that Sylrith is very protective of the goods that are loaded and unloaded from the Waterwitch, and he's been punished by Sylrith for not being discreet with the goods in the past. Rosla also reveals he's been working under Sylrith for the past 9 months, and Sylrith was hired by Rilanor. Rilanor doesn't care for Rosla much and prefers to stay away from him -- something about Rosla's smell. Feadog asks if Rosla knows if either Rilanor or Sylrith are involved in any illegal activity. Rosla denies knowing anything of that nature, not really following what Feadog is asking. Kasek determines that Rosla might not be the brightest of individuals and changes the subject to Rosla's daughter Veta. Rosla tells Kasek and Feadog that his daughter Veta has the notion to become a fighter and an adventurer, and he has been trying to teach her how to fight. When a dwarven deliveryman named Aghad Longhelm arrived in town claiming his delivery of ore had been stolen, Veta volunteered to help the dwarf recover the goods. Kasek and Feadog admit that they want to help Rosla find his daughter, and he informs them to search the Cyns Grove located about half day's ride east of Hirane. He fears for his daughter's life as she's not really a capable fighter, and he himself is unable to search for her as Sylrith and Rilanor won't give him the time off since Rosla owes them money.
Kasek then attempts to delicately tell Rosla that they are interested in learning more about Rosla's employer and whether or not there is anything illegal happening. Kasek promises if Rosla can reveal any information about any wrong-doing by Rosla's bosses, Kasek will help find Rosla's daughter. Rosla agrees, excited over the prospect of having either Sylrith or Rilanor removed from their positions. Kasek wants to know if anyone comes to the warehouse to purchase any of the goods they keep. Rosla admits no one buys anything from the warehouse. They occasionally load the Waterwitch with cargo, the ship leaves for a few days, and then returns with a similar amount of different cargo. Rosla reveals the cargo to be common items such as cups, plates, candlesticks, paintings, plants, herbs, dried powder, furniture, etc. Rosla also reveals that there are always people at the warehouse and on the boat -- either Tela, Sylrith, the Waterwitch sailors, or other dockworkers. Kasek asks Rosla to keep his eyes open and to report back to them if he notices anything suspicious. Rosla happily agrees. After noticing Rosla beginning to appear a little inebriated, Kasek and Feadog decide to move away from his table.
Feadog then suggests meeting the High Elf. Kasek isn't interested...however he's interested in seeing Feadog talk to the High Elf and encourages Feadog to do so. Kasek hangs back to watch while Feadog approaches the bar and sits behind her. At this time the musicians begin to play a song as Feadog introduces himself to the woman, who introduces herself as Edraele Trisyra, Adviser and Councilor to Lord Andel Caldel. Feadog asks how she enjoys living in Hirane, and she admits the town has it's challenges, but she enjoys seeing people thrive and prosper. She cares about the town's residents and wants to see the town do well for itself. Feadog asks whether she enjoys working for the Lord of Hirane. She hesitates a moment before admitting that he's new to the position of being a Lord and attempts to manage the town to the best of his abilities. At this time, the musicians finished their song with the crowd clapping their approval. Edraele attempts to change the subject by inquiring where Feadog hails from. Feadog informs he they arrived on the Anellas as passengers, but originally hails from the town of Bayvale. Feadog claims to have been the entertainer on board ship, and Edraele suggests that Feadog honor the patrons of the Tavern with a song somewhat dismissively (but politely). Feadog agrees and as he stands to begin his performance her attention to returns to her previous action of seemingly talking to no one.
Feadog introduces himself to the musicians who agree to accompany him in a song called the Dervish which is known throughout most of Abios. Feadog leads the song, nervously beginning the song without waiting for the musicians. As the musicians struggle to keep up, Feadog begins to find his stride and the crowd begins to take an increased interest in the musicians. Throughout the song, Feadog manages to maintain his rhythm, neither impressing the crowd, nor coming across as an amateur.
Eventually the song ends with Feadog maintaining a modicum of dignity while Edraele watches on with a smirk playing on her lips. Feadog feels somewhat disappointed in himself as he knows he's capable of performing better. The musicians thank him for joining and go back to their normal routine of playing among themselves as Feadog tells Edraele that he was merely not trying to embarrass the locals and was playing as such on purpose. Edraele then inquired as to Feadog's ancestry asking about his elvish heritage. Feadog admitted he didn't know much about his elvish heritage which saddened Edraele. She suggests that he seek out the guidance and insight of the priests of Corellon Larethian that may be able to offer some assistance in helping him learn about his lineage. Feadog takes this advice to heart and thinks hard about potentially wanting to learn more about his family.
With the time being now 10:30 PM, the patrons of the tavern begin filtering out, and Feadog and Kasek decide to head back to the Grinning Kobold Inn, calling it an evening. Upon returning to the Inn, they notice that Drossa isn't in her usual spot at the front desk. They begin heading upstairs as Celindriel hears them approach and peeks behind her door. Feardog notices her watching and calls out that it's only them and there's nothing to worry about. Celindriel welcomes them back and asks if they had learned any additional information. Kasek gives the impression that they did learn some new information, but both Feadog and Kasek decide to retire for the evening since Ceona and Levkaria are fast asleep. Celindriel decides to keep watch somewhat as being an elf, she only needs to trance for 4 hours during the evening.
At midnight, Celindriel is roused from her trance as Levkaria awakens coughing slightly. Levkaria asks if Celindriel has any water, and as Celindriel begins to fetch the waterskin Drossa had left with them, Levkaria's coughing grew increasingly problematic. Levkaria takes a long drink, but her cough grows increasingly worse. Suddenly, in a coughing fit, Levkaria falls from the bed suddenly clutched with convulsions. As Celindriel rushed to her side, she noticed a thick black ichor beginning to flow from Levkaria's tear ducts and the corners of her mouth. Ceona, being awakened by the noise, rushes to her side in an attempt to assist. Levkaria's convulsions are so violent that as her muscles spasm, it lifts her body physically off the floor. Ceona tells Celindriel to rouse the others. Celindriel rushes from the room and meets Feadog opening his door after being awakened from the noise created from Levkaria's convulsions. Celindriel tells Feadog that there's a problem with Levkaria and proceeds to Kasek's room and begins banging on Kasek's door, trying to rouse him from sleep. He awakens reaching for his weapons, and calls to Celindriel to give him a moment. Celindriel tells him to get to her room quickly and rushes downstairs to find Drossa. Drossa meets her in the lobby sleepily asking what's going on, and Celindriel asks for a healer. Drossa, confused, says she'll fetch Berny Page and leaves. At this time, Ceona determines from a successful medicine check that Levkaria appears to be suffering from the effects of poison. At this moment, Levkaria's body goes limp with no sign of life apparently dead. Celindriel begins to make her way out the front door, but hears the noises from Levkaria's convulsions cease, and decides to head back upstairs. Feadog, now beside Ceona with Levkaria, attempts to cast Healing Word on Levkaria. Levkaria comes back to consciousness, takes a gasp of breath and immediately goes back into convulsions, and then eventually returns to lifelessness. In the midst of all this, the individuals in the room take note that Ceona's holy symbol on her shield begins to glow bright red. Ceona begins to hear the sound of sobbing similar to what she heard while in the alleyway prior to discovering Levkaria -- the sound of a humanoid female sobbing. Ceona feels the presence of a watchful presence within the room and is compelled to embrace Levkaria. She does so, and the moment at which she embraces Levkaria, Ceona falls unconscious, tumbling to the floor along with Levkaria. Ceona at this point appears dead and lifeless to the others and begins rolling death saving throws.
At this time, Celindriel comes back upstairs to see Ceona unconscious and a noticing a small amount of movement from Levkaria, now seemingly showing some signs of life. Both Feadog and Celindriel scramble to get a hold of the situation as time passes with Ceona passing further into the realm of death. Celindriel comments that it appears that this is a sign from Ceona's god (Ilmater). At this time, Kasek comes to the room looking slightly disheveled and not appearing as how the party has normally seen him. Both Celindriel and Feadog notice he has tattoos on his arms that weren't previously apparent as Kasek demands to know what happened. They both try and explain what they know as Drossa returns coming up the stairs. As Kasek attempts to render aid to the best of his abilities, Drossa enters and discovers Ceona lying dead as Levkaria slowly regains consciousness. She lets out an exclamation and runs from the room. The party begins to notice the holy symbol on Ceona's shield growing brighter. Celindriel grabs Ceona's shield and attempts to position the holy symbol close to Ceona, even attempting to touch the holy symbol to Ceona herself as she lays unconscious in any attempt to assist. Levkaria sits up, coughing and attempting to wipe away the black ichor on her face. Celindriel tries to recall information about poisons and information regarding Ceona's god. She recalls Ceona's god is one that believes in assuming the suffering of others, but also fails to recall any information about this particular poison as it is something she's never seen before. As Kasek attempts restarting Ceona's heart, Drossa re-enters the room and shoves a minor healing potion into Ceona's mouth, effectively healing her and bringing her back. Ceona regains consciousness and looks at Levkaria. Levkaria at this time begins to stand, and as she does so, the clematis flowers fall from behind her ears onto the floor. Ceona grabs the flowers and examines them, and realizes that the flowers used to be clematis flowers, but now appear to be daisies. Ceona asks Levkaria where she got the flowers, and Levkaria admits a slave in Bhaevor gave the flowers to her in while she was in the slave pens. Ceona offers the flowers back to Levkaria who smiles at seeing them, and returns them to their position behind her ears. After taking a moment to breathe a sigh of relief, Levkaria returns to bed and quickly falls asleep apparently exhausted. Ceona again takes the flowers and examines them closely. She knows that Ilmater sometimes interacts with mortals directly and offers signs to them through certain colors or objects. While she knows that this appears to be a sign from her god, she's unsure as to the exact meaning. Celindriel attemps to search her memory as to what she knows -- based on her training -- of what this means. Celindriel assumes that this is a magical influence, or a deity is asserting their influence.
Drossa looks at the others wondering what just happened. Kasek checks the water in the waterskin to see if it's tainted or poisoned. He samples the water attempting to see if anything is wrong, and based on his training he determines the water is safe. The party begins discussing what just happened. Unable to find any clues, they cautiously decide not to eat or drink for the remainder of the evening and suggest everyone has an escort if they leave their room. Drossa incredulously asks what's going on and tells the party that they're not "normal" people. Celindriel asks what the cost of the healing potion is, and Drossa admits it was 50 gp as she clutched the empty flask. She says she'll get with Berny in the morning to recoup her cost of the healing potion, and Celindriel gives her 20 gp to help cover the expense. Drossa is appreciative, but says if Berny reimburses her, she'll be more than happy to give the money back. The party ushers Drossa out of the room, and she eventually makes her way back downstairs. The party is left looking at one another as they cautiously decide to return to their rooms to go back to bed. Celindriel resumes her trance as everyone sleeps, and eventually the party awakens the next morning bright and early at 6 AM successfully completing their long rest.
To Be Continued in Episode 3
Rewards Granted
- One full suit of studded armor.
- Inspiration Point awarded to Celindriel for her ability to keep Drossa Diggle from venturing from the Inn while the rest of the party attempted to keep Levkaria within the Inn.
- Inspiration Point awared to Kasek for his ability to get Rosla Grurim drunk and inspiring him to want to get his boss removed from his current position.
Missions/Quests Completed
- Rescued the beggar Levkaria Yumaia
Character(s) interacted with
Click here for an audio recording of the session.
Takes a moment to load - be patient!
Takes a moment to load - be patient!
Celindriel Bryleth
Feadog Mhor
Kasek Bonebrewer
Ceona Haloren
Report Date
31 May 2018
Primary Location
Levkaria Yumaia
Berny Page
Drossa Diggle
Rosla Grurim
Edraele Trisyra
Symes Vatsk
Relyra Vatsk
Tela Cliffoak
Comments