Episode 7: Quoth the raven, Nevermore
General Summary
Opening
The party stood in Berny Page's office after having just watched Gilson dragged from the interrogation room and taken back to his cell. Ceona turned to Berny and asked if he wanted to assist them in assaulting the Warehouse. Berny said that it was certainly a possibility, and if the party wanted, all 7 of them (the party, Berny, and his two trustworthy Hirane Town Guard) could proceed and attempt to gain entrance.
Berny asked the party if it was still necessary to keep Liam isolated at Rilanor's House. The party agreed there was no need to have them separated from one another since they have learned what they needed to know, and told Berny to have his guards secure all the prisoners within the cells. After sending the one guard to fetch the other at Rilanor's house, Berny began asking the party what their game plan was for a successful assault. Ceona told Berny she knows a special knock to get them to open the door, the same knock she heard from Athyen Eddyns the night they saw him enter the Warehouse. Kasek then mentioned if the knock doesn't work, they could perhaps use a battering ram on the door to gain entrance. Kasek asked if Berny was in possession of a battering ram, to which he admitted that he did not.
Berny informs the party that the last time they gained entrance to the warehouse during one of his raids, they had to enlist the services of Inghas Ulxian using his tools to cut-through the wall of the Warehouse. Berny also said it could be possible for them to secure a large piece of timber, or a log of a tree to use as a battering ram -- should be easy enough to obtain. After brainstorming briefly among the party members, Ceona asked Berny what methods he and his guards had used previously to gain entrance into the Warehouse. He admitted that they had, rather sheepishly, attempted to wait out of sight for one of the Warehouse workers to open the door and then they attempted to rush the entrance. This was unsuccessful as the distance they had to cover allowed the Warehouse workers enough time to close and lock the door. At that point, he and his men resorted to using a boat frame as a battering ram on the large barn doors on the south end of the building, which was also unsuccessful. He admitted that he did not attempt to ram the small single-entrance, as by this point in their raid they felt they had taken too much time and needed to gain access immediately. That's when they enlisted the help of Inghas and cut through the side of the Warehouse. After hearing this, the party decides to attempt the secret knock that they had overheard feeling confident that it would work.
The two guards returned from Rilanor's house leading Liam back into the cells with Gilson and the Thug. At this time, Berny takes the opportunity to suit up, donning a full suit of Scale Mail armor. He proceeds to walk behind his desk and removes his shield with the emblem of Laskea from the wall and sets it on the ground, and then removes the Greatsword from behind it and slings it over his shoulder. He turns to the party and asks "Ok, how are we going to do this?" Ceona says "Stealthily....". At this time, Berny's two guards re-enter and Berny begins planning strategy. He says that he and his men could wait around the corner of the Warehouse near the Harbor Master House and wait for their signal before rushing in. The party agrees that they will give a signal in the form of a crow call, and then Kasek asks if he could have the Warhammer Berny had offered them from before to use in case he needs to batter the door down. Berny nods and hands the Warhammer over to Kasek, then tells the party to give him and his men a five minute lead to get into position. He then wishes them good luck, and then he and his men depart leaving the group alone in the Town Guard Barracks.
Feadog plays a tune on his pan flute, inspiring Ceona and Kasek for the perceived oncoming battle. The party waits the allotted time, and then proceeds to the Warehouse. As they approach the single door on the northern wall of the Warehouse, they catch a glimpse of Berny and his men waiting around the corner near the Harbor Master house. Kasek stands at the ready wielding the Warhammer while Ceona approaches the door and begins to knock in the same rhythm they had heard from Athyen. After a moment of waiting, they hear various locks being undone from behind the door. Celindriel draws her sword, Ceona prepares herself, and Feadog waits in the back. The door is opened by a Waterwitch Sailor, and as soon as the door is cracked, Kasek rushes in knocking the sailor down inside the building.
Warehouse Battle
Hirane Warehouse by SirElghinn
Surprise Round
At this time the party rolled initiative gaining a surprise round and discovered the Warehouse was occupied by Sylrith Madz, Tela Cliffoak, and three Waterwitch Sailors. Celindriel rushed in and sliced the neck of the Waterwitch Sailor that opened the door, hitting an artery and killing him outright. Kasek drops the Warhammer and draws his shortbow, looses an arrow and strikes Sylrith in the thigh. Feadog lets out a crow call signaling to Berny and his men to join the fray, and then moves behind Ceona. He plays his pan flute casting Vicious Mockery on Tela Cliffoak, which is effective. Ceona then enters the Warehouse and casts Bless on the three others.
Round 1
Celindriel begins rushing towards Sylrith as Kasek looses another arrow at him, striking him in the shoulder. Sylrith takes cover behind a crate and attempts to fire on Celindriel with a light crossbow, but misses and strikes one of the two large barrels at the north end of the building. A slow stream of ale begins to spill out from the bolt hole. Tela draws a shortsword and rushes Ceona taking two swipes at her. She deflects one and dodges the other easily. Two Waterwitch Sailors pop out from behind crates, one taking a shot with a light crossbow at Celindriel, which goes wide. The other draws a light crossbow and also fires at Celindriel, which glances off her armor causing no damage. Feadog steps through the entrance of the Warehouse, sees Ceona being harried by Tela and attempts to cast vicious mockery again, however this time Tela isn't affected. Ceona reaches out and touches Tela on the chest and casts Inflict Wounds, causing a necrotic fetid fluid (similar to this visual representation) to fill his chest and spill forth from his mouth as he sputters. Tela suffocates from the water and necrotic damage and falls dead at her feat. Ceona steps over his corpse and mutters "May you forever drown in the afterlife" and begins moving towards Sylrith.
Round 2
Celindriel strikes Sylrith with her blue steel shortsword, slicing him across his face and then jabs him in his flank with her dagger. Kasek jumps up on the dining table in the northwest corner of the building, runs across the table and attempts to leap from the table onto the top of a crate nearby. His jump falls a bit short, and the crate strikes him square in the chest. He lands on his feet, then attempts to find cover behind the large crate in the middle-right of the battlemap. Sylrith lashes out at Celindriel and strikes her in her midriff. One Sailor shoots at Ceona with his light crossbow, which glances off her armor. The other Sailor also shoots at Ceona, but the shot goes high over her head. Feadog takes cover behind one of the large round wooden pillars supporting the roof of the warehouse, and attempts to cast vicious mockery on Sylrith, which is successful. Ceona rushes Sylrith taking cover behind the crate, and gains advantage as she flanks with Celindriel. On a natural 20 roll, Ceona stikes Sylrith with her Warhammer, landing the blow on his upper lip with such force that is causes his skull to crush inward as the head of her weapon comes to a stop at the top of his neck. He twitches and slumps over dead at her feet. She turns and to face one of the Sailors and points at him (similar to the first 0:10 of this video). The Sailor's eyes widen as he continues to load his crossbow cursing under his breath.
Round 3
Celindriel puts her sword down gently, pulls her longbow from behind her back, and looses an arrow at a Waterwitch Sailor striking him in the heart, killing him instantly. Kasek nods his approval, moves from his cover and jumps over a nearby crate to get line of sight on the remaining Sailor. He takes a shot with his bow and strikes him in the throat. The Sailor gargles and then slumps over dead.
Warehouse Victory
Berny and his guards enter the Warehouse to find all enemies dispatched, and the party victorious. Berny looks somewhat disappointed at not having any enemies to deal with, but is impressed with the group's efforts. Berny sheathes his greatsword on his back, and asks the group "Should we see what's in these crates, then?" The party begins searching the warehouse for contraband. Feadog tells Berny that, if he needs them to, they can testify that they found the bodies this way. Berny shakes his head and states that isn't necessary, and they are deputized so their actions are justified. As they search the warehouse, Kasek and Ceona get distracted by the stream of ale flowing from the large barrel punctured by the crossbow bolt fired by Sylrith earlier. As they check, they realize it's Browncoal Stout, and begin to take turns drinking from the barrel. After getting their fill, they plug the barrel to prevent any more from leaking out.
Celindriel and Berny, with the help of the two guards, begin busting open crates and barrels, and find various pieces of expensive art, dinnerware, ornamental weapons, 4 barrels of Browncoal Stout, 122 lbs of Hops, 200 lbs of Barley, and the following alchemy ingrediants:
- 10 lbs of Atropa Belladonna
- 4 lbs of Wormwood
- 22 lbs of Fly Agaric (Amanita)
- 5 lbs of Milkweed and Seeds
- 12 lbs of Henbane
- 17 lbs of Foxglove
- 2 lbs of Petunia
- 55 lbs of Tobacco
Berny instructs one of the guards to fetch Ennen Kytson and bring her to the warehouse to identify the components. As Feadog begins wandering the warehouse, his foot hits a hollow point on the floor. As he investigates, he find a false floor with a lid that covers a hollowed-out portion of the floor filled with 37 vials of brown tar-like substance similar to what was recovered from Athyen Eddyns. Feadog calls out to Berny to look, and Berny congratulates Feadog on the find. Berny muses that he wishes he knew what it was that was contained within the vials. At this point, Ennen enters the warehouse. Berny talks to her a moment at the warehouse entrance out of ear-shot of the group, and after a few moments he escorts her to look at the components. She begins pointing out what each component is, and indicates that all of the components are mildly to extremely toxic if consumed. Ennen becomes lost in thought and raises an eyebrow upon seeing the Perilla Mint in the collection.
Kasek asks Ennen if she's worked with any of the components she sees here, and Ennen shakes her head stating that she refuses to work with such components since they tend to cause harm due to the extreme toxicity of the plants. She points out the Perilla Mint and tells the party that several farmers often seek her aid after their animals show symptoms of having ingested the plant when grazing in nearby pastures. Ceona begins to muse over the fact that having 37 vials of the brown tar-like substance, while a substantial amount, is still considered by the criminals as not being enough for the buyers. The party shows Ennen the vials of brown substance and ask her if this is the same material than Rilanor Minun forced her to make, using the ingredients shown on the list they had obtained. She agreed it was the same material, after having now seen the substance in the vials. Ceona asks if she knows the effects, and Ennen shakes her head saying no, but suggests to the party to not eat any of the ingredients. She begins to point at each material and starts telling them of what the effects of each are. She points to the Perilla Mint and informs them that, when consumed, a person will eventually develop water on the lungs and die of suffocation. She pauses before continuing, a dreadful realization falling upon her, and then explains to the party that you can typically tell the symptoms when an animal begins panting because they're unable to get enough air.
Previous Lord's Demise
The party recalls being told that James Caldel, the previous Lord of Hirane, died suffering from flu-like symptoms, panting due to being unable to catch his breath, and eventually passing from suffocation due to water on the lungs (Pulmonary Edema). Berny begins scratching his chin and tells the party that this certainly fills in the missing pieces of the puzzle. Kasek warns Berny that this still isn't enough to indict Lord Andel Caldel. The party begins brainstorming on the various ways in which all of these findings could possibly indicate Andel Caldel as being involved in the criminal activity, and the murder of his brother. Ceona admits that the only other two people with possible knowledge of what was happening are now dead (pointing to Sylrith and Tela). Kasek says the buyers of the poison are what interest him the most. The party continues to brainstorm on what to do next.
Berny has a thought, and inquires on how much combined gold the party has. Feadog asks why he wishes to know, and Berny mentions that Vyncis Marte has the ability to Speak with Dead -- for a fee. The party asks if the dead would be compelled to tell the truth, and Berny informs them that, in his experience, they will not have a reason to lie unless they know you to be an enemy. He suggests that a party member disguise themselves before asking them any questions. Feadog asks incredulously if they would have to pay considering his Acolyte has caused a majority of the problems within town. The party suggests they may be able to haggle with Vyncis, and Berny sends one of his guards to collect the Priest.
The Dead Speak
After a few moments, Vyncis enters the warehouse and greets Berny and the party. Berny points to Sylrith's lifeless corpse and tells Vyncis that he wishes to speak with him. Vyncis says it's certainly possible, for a -- at which point Berny cuts him off stating "As a service to the people and town of Hirane". Vyncis begins to argue that a lot of time and effort, not to mention materials, goes into running the Temple of Valkur and the components which make such ceremonies possible as the one they are asking for him to perform. Ceona yells that they've been spending a lot of time and effort cleaning up the mess of his Acolyte, to which Vyncis is genuinely confused as to her meaning. Kasek reminds Ceona that Vyncis isn't aware of what has transpired, and she walks away in a huff. Berny pulls Vyncis off to a corner of the Warehouse and begins to haggle out of ear-shot. After a few moments, the party witnesses Berny hand Vyncis a pouch of money. Vyncis pockets the coin and then approaches the party and asks if it is Sylrith that they wish to speak to. Berny reminds the group that, in order to get truthful answers, they should disguise themselves before Vyncis performs the spell.
The party begins to debate on who to disguise themselves as, and Kasek raises the question of what specifically they would want to ask of Sylrith. The party debates on the points with Vyncis informing the party that they will be able to ask the corpse only 5 questions total. During this time, Ennen walks over to Berny and has a brief discussion with him. He pats her on the shoulder and nods understandably, and she leaves the warehouse, obviously not wanting to be among the gruesome scene any longer. After a moment of brainstorming and discussion, the party decides to have Vyncis as the one to speak with Sylrith. The party writes their questions on a piece of parchment and hand it to Vyncis. Vyncis agrees, and casts the spell.
Question One
Sylrith's crushed skull sits upright with only his mouth intact and his chest expands as he inhales with a raspy intake of air. Vyncis asks "What is this poison?" and holds out one of the vials containing the brown tar-like substance. Sylrith replies "It's called Midnight Tears, but it's our own special blend. It will cause pain when ingested or injured by." At this point, Kasek and Celindriel search their memory after now having a name. Kasek remembers the poison called Midnight Tears that, when ingested, only affects individuals at the stroke of midnight. However, Kasek doesn't remember it having the same effects as what was witnessed in Levkaria.
Question Two
Vyncis asks Sylrith "Who are the people that are buying this poison?" Sylrith replies "They're cultists...I don't know who they are. I just know they like poisons and the undead." Celindriel's eyebrows shoot up at the mention of the undead, and everyone takes notice of her reaction.
Question Three
Vyncis asks Sylrith "When do the buyers next come?" Sylrith replies "They come every 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 months, we're never quite sure when they will be by, we're just told to be ready."
Question Four
Vyncis asks Sylrith "How is Lord Andel Caldel involved in all of this?" Sylrith replies "He runs the entire operation. He hired all of us to make the poisons for the cultists. It's all Caldel's doing."
Question Five
Vyncis asks Sylrith "Did Andel Caldel kill his brother, James Caldel?" Sylrith replies "Most certainly he killed his brother, to become Lord of Hirane." With the last gasp of breath escaping Sylrith's lips, his re-animated corpse returns to lifelessness and falls over motionless.
Down with the Lord
Vyncis is visibly shaken after hearing this news, and Berny curses after hearing about Caldel now also visibly upset. He suggests that they immediately go get Andel Caldel. Kasek reminds Berny that Caldel has six of his Town Guards positioned in his home, and asks if Berny thinks they could be swayed to either fight for them or lay down their arms. Feadog suggests Berny call a meeting of sorts for the guards, but Berny indicates that kind of ruse won't work without Lord Caldel's permission. Kasek and Ceona both indicate their hesitation in killing town guards -- Pirates are another matter completely. Kasek doesn't want to leave Berny, or the town of Hirane, with only two guards and a Captain protecting it. Berny recalls that the party had indicated that they're planning on heading to Sestatrea once their business in Hirane is concluded. Berny states he will give them a missive to deliver to the Temple of Torm's Coming requesting aid for the town. Berny estimates they will only be short-handed a week at the most. Ceona states that dealing out a death penalty for the crime of accepting bribes (referring to the town guard under Andel's employ) seems a bit excessive. Berny admits that taking Caldel alive without bloodshed is certainly the best possible outcome.
Kasek begins to ask of Lord Caldel's capabilities, of which Berny is not aware of anything of note. Ceona warns that Lord Caldel potentially has poisoned weapons, and Kasek follows up with the statement that they could as well (eyeing the multiple vials of poison). Kasek asks Berny what he intends on doing with the poison. Berny states that he'll have to notify the Temple of Torm's Coming that he's in possession of the poison, and will seek guidance on what to do with it or on how to dispose of it properly. Berny is certainly concerned about the potential of it further falling into the hands of cultists. Celindriel asks if Berny is aware of cult activity in the area, specifically organized Cults. Berny admits that he knows of a few cults, but nothing of this scale and organization that he would have suspected to be involved in Hirane.
Kasek suggests that whatever they do, they should move quickly. Kasek notices Celindriel is hurt, and Berny asks Vyncis to heal Celindriel as a service to the town. Vyncis begrudgingly agrees, and restores Celindriel to full health by casting Cure Wounds. Vyncis finishes the spell, and looks exhausted from his efforts. Feadog thanks Vyncis for his service as Vyncis excuses himself to go rest. Berny asks if they should now move, and Feadog raises the issue of feeling uneasy about killing town guards. Berny states that he will attempt to reason with them to the best of his ability, and try to remind them of their duty to the Kingdom of Laskea and that they've all sworn an oath. Kasek suggests they arrive in force, state that they are deputies of Hirane, and hope the guards come to their senses. Berny agrees, and the party heads towards House Caldel.
House Caldel
As the party begins to make their way through the alleyways towards House Caldel, they spot Levkaria come trotting out of the Grinning Kobold and rendezvous with the party. She goes up to Ceona and apologizes for leaving the Inn, but she was starting to feel uncomfortable in the Inn and felt like she needed to check in with the party. Ceona reassured her that it was ok, and also informed Levkaria that her attackers had been 'dealt with'. Levkaria gives Ceona a large warm embrace and thanks her while nuzzling into her shoulder. Levkaria then looks at Ceona, the makeup that the party had applied to her to keep her hidden now being blotched and missing in patches on her skin, and asks if she has to continue to wear the makeup. Ceona begins cleaning her to the best of her ability as they all begin to make their way to House Caldel. Levkaria begins to tell them that she doesn't want to stay in the Inn any more because 'that Halfling' keeps talking her ears off. Kasek suggests that Levkaria wait outside, and Ceona tells her to keep watch for everyone out in the Hirane Town Square and at the fountain. With the time now being 10:30 AM, the party arrives at the front gate of House Caldel. Feadog and Berny take point, Kasek following behind with Ceona, and Celindriel and the two trustworthy town guards in the rear. They walk up to the front doors and knock. The door is answered by one of Caldel's town guards who welcomes them inside. The party enters the lobby of the manor, and the guard who granted them entrance asks Berny their business. Berny takes a long look at the rest of the party, then speaks up in a voice loud enough for all to hear. "By the right of the Kingdom of Laskea and by Torm we summon Lord Andel Caldel to answer for alleged crimes to the town of Hirane and to the Kingdom of Laskea and the crown of King Alwyn Nede of Laskea. Would you please bring him forth?"
Celindriel places her hand on the hilt of her weapon to emphasize Berny's words. The guards all being to look somewhat nervously at one another, and the guard that had granted them entrance gives a long look to the guard near Edraele Trisyra's office door. That guard opens the door into Edraele's office, speaks some words into the office, and then walks a few steps away. A short moment later, Lord Caldel appears through the doorway and pulls Edraele Trisyra by the arm out into the lobby. With a swift movement, he draws a dagger and holds it to her throat as he positions himself in the middle of the room with his back against the wall. He tells the party that it certainly took them long enough to find out what was happening in town, and cursed them for foiling his plans and meddling in his affairs. He chides Berny coming to apprehend the villian of Hirane with his new found friends. Berny attempted to reason with Caldel stating that his underlings had been dispatched, his plans have been uncovered, and he has nowhere to hide, so it is in Caldel's best interest to surrender while he still draws breath. Caldel calls out "Guards!", and all six of the town guards that had been positioned previously in the room all lower their spears on the party. Berny looks at the party as he slowly moves to draw his greatsword.
Lord Caldel begins to monologue, asking what 'exactly' the party knows about his plan. Kasek begins to fill him in stating that they know Caldel is manufacturing poison, that Caldel is keeping most of the profits from the sale of the poisons, that Caldel is commanding Pirates to raid the seas nearby, and that he killed his own brother for his 'lowly' position. Caldel was impressed that they discovered he had murdered his brother, and because of that the party all certainly needs to now die. Celindriel chimed in saying that they knew it was Perilla Mint that did him in. Caldel admitted that it took a bit of time and effort, and Celindriel added that they also know he's running short on his next shipment of poison -- Midnight Tears to be exact. Caldel chuckled and reassured Celindriel not to worry, they have enough and will be just fine. Kasek asks how that's possible given the fact that all of his underlings are now dead. Caldel admits it's a minor setback, but they have enough to set their plans into motion.
Celindriel scoffed at his remarks and stated that all of his supply has been uncovered. Caldel laughed back asking if Celindriel thinks that what they found was all of what they had? He admits that they've been moving product for several months, and he re-emphasized that they had 'enough'. Feadog mentioned that Athyen Eddyns didn't seem to think so, to which Caldel responded that Athyen is a fool. Celindriel chimed in stating that Athyen is dead, and Caldel chuckled saying "My point exactly." Feadog comments that Caldel isn't nice at all, a statement which Caldel takes as a compliment.
Caldel tugs on Edraele's arm pressing the dagger against her flesh and states "Of course, Edraele here is to become one of my prizes for being dutiful to my Queen. And her consent isn't part of the deal." Berny becomes extremely agitated at this, and Celindriel tells Caldel that his 'Queen' isn't going to be agreeable to that. Caldel scoffs, and asks what the party intends on doing about it. His guards will dispatch them, and even if they don't, they'll at least incapacitate them and claim they were all agents of Cyric intent on destroying the very fabric that holds the Kingdom together. Who is going to be believed more, him, or some rag-tag bunch of adventurers. Celindriel reminds Caldel that Moon Elves don't work for Cyric. Caldel chuckles and merely suggests burying her body to never be found. Kasek takes the opportunity to draw his bow on Caldel and yells "Berny!" At this point, the party rolls initiative.
House Caldel Battle
House Caldel by SirElghinn
Audio Battle Begins at 02:11:30 and ends at 02:59:24.
Lord Andel Caldel escapes through a secret passageway with Edraele Trisyra, leaving the party to fight the six Hirane Town Guard. The party attempts, and fails, to find a way through the secret passageway Caldel had taken. Towards the end of the battle, Levkaria enters through the front doors and yells that she spotted Caldel outside. Ceona yells for her to get back outside and stay out of harm's way. The party eventually succeeds in dispatching the guards with Kasek and one of Berny's trustworthy guards falling unconscious from injuries -- both are stabilized preventing death. Feadog rushes out the front doors of House Caldel first and spots Levkaria at the fountain in the Town Square waving excitedly and shouting "He's over there!" while pointing towards the northern Stables. Feadog begins rushing in that direction as Celindriel exits the house with Berny. She sees Levkaria and tells her to stay with Ceona inside House Caldel, and then Berny and Celindriel join the pursuit after Lord Caldel. Ceona stays behind in House Caldel to keep an eye on the unconscious Kasek and Berny's unconscious guard. Levkaria walks back inside House Caldel, and given her penchant for scavenging, she begins to rifling through the victims of the battle.
Caldel's Attempted Escape
As Berny, Celindriel, and Feadog round the corner to come into view of the northern stables, they see Lord Caldel attempting to saddle a horse with Edraele unconscious at his feet. He notices their approach and grabs a handful of Edraele's hair in one hand and places his knife again at her throat. Meanwhile, back in House Caldel, Levkaria found a Potion of Healing on one of the bodies. Seeing Kasek still unconscious with Ceona, she decides to feed it to Kasek, and he is restored to consciousness. Ceona helps Kasek to his feet, and Levkaria fills them in on the details of seeing Caldel escaping to the northern stables. Ceona and Kasek rush out of the building in pursuit. Back at the tables, Caldel warns the others to not take another step. He informs them that he intends on leaving with Edraele, and if they attempt to get any closer, he will kill Edraele. Seeing an opportunity, Feadog attempts to cast Hideous Laughter on Lord Caldel. The spell is unfortunately not effective, but Caldel becomes aware of Feadog's attempt. He presses his knife harder against Edraele's neck, and a small amount of blood can be seen by the players. He reiterates that he's going to leave, and they are not going to stop him. A bit of desperation starts to creep into his voice as he realizes he's in a tough spot. At this time, Kasek and Ceona join the others and upon seeing the situation, Kasek draws his bow and hits Caldel with an arrow. Caldel, after being injured, slits Edraele's throat and then tosses her on the ground in front of him. He draws a longsword in in one hand and continues wielding the dagger in his other hand, and faces off with the party. Berny lets out an agonizing cry at seeing his love being killed before him, and the party continues their initiative from before.
Round 1
Kasek attempts another shot at Caldel, but misses. He then peels off from the rest of the group to spread out. Celindriel draws her longbow and fires an arrow which strikes Caldel. Ceona rushes forward, picks Edraele up and begins to rush her away from the scene. Caldel lashes out with an attack of opportunity and hits with a natural 20 roll. Ceona reacts with Wrath of the Storm, rebuking his attack. Ceona finishes her movement, gently lays Edraele down and performs a successful medicine check, stabilizing her for the moment. Berny draws his greatsword and rushes Caldel landing a slash across Caldel's chest. Feadog gives Celindriel a bardic inspiration, and successfully casts Vicious Mockery on Lord Caldel.
Round 2
Caldel takes three attacks at Berny and misses each time. Kasek drops his bow and draws his shortswords and lunges for Caldel, landing a hit with his main hand and off hand. Celindriel, draws her shortsword and dagger, flanks Caldel and strikes with sneak attack. Her shortsword drags across Caldel's armor not causing any damage, however her dagger attack is successful. Ceona rushes Caldel and strikes with her Warhammer. She strikes with an underhand strike, hitting Caldel under his chin, and the force from her blow actually tears Caldel's head from his neck sending it onto the roof of the stables. His body falls lifeless at her feet.
Anxious Wait
Berny immediately rushes to Edraele's side and cradles her. He asks frantically for someone to check Berny's weapon to see if it was poisoned. Both Kasek and Celindriel take a look and discovers Caldel's dagger is in fact poisoned with the brown tar-like substance known as Midnight Tears (Silver Raven Blend). Kasek assists Celindriel in searching Caldel's body, and finds 7 gp 3 sp, a longsword and a dagger. Not satisfied, Ceona suggests they return to House Caldel and search through Caldel's possessions. Berny scoops the still unconscious Edraele up and begins walking her back to her house without saying a word to anyone. Kasek follows after Berny telling him gently that she's been poisoned, and wants to know if Berny wants him to fetch Vyncis to see if he's able to help. Berny is frazzled as he is focused on Edraele's health and is slow to respond, however does eventually agree to have the party bring Vyncis to Edraele's House. Kasek nods and rejoins the group as they head to House Caldel.
The party begins riffling through Caldel's possessions and various coin and items that they collect for themselves (See Rewards Granted below). After a time, Berny enters to check in on the party as they finish looting the house with Levkaria tagging along behind her. Berny tells the party that Edraele is sleeping, but it's safe to assume that she's under the effects of the poison. Kasek suggests checking in with Vynics, but Berny tells them that Vyncis is asleep and probably won't wake up until nearly 9 PM. Kasek doesn't like not having a Plan B, so the party decides to pop over to the Leaf it to Me Herbalist Shop and speak with Ennen Kytson.
They find Ennen working in the back room as before, and Celindriel informs her that Edraele Trisyra has been poisoned by the poison she helped Rilanor make, and that it's called Midnight Tears. Ennen admits to making it, but doesn't know the effects. Celindriel asks if she knows of a way to counter-act the poison given that she knows the ingredients of the poison. Ennen nods and says she could but she requires Mandrake Root, Poppy, and Bark of a Birch Tree -- each native to Laskea. Levkaria waves excitedly to the group and reveals that she knows where each of those components are since she's had to scavenge off the land since being thrown off the Greward Hewe. Levkaria takes off running without saying a word, and Celindriel follows after to keep an eye on her.
Kasek offers his assistance to Ennen in helping her craft an antidote, and she nods her approval. Ceona and Feadog head to the Warehouse to see if there are any of the components needed by Ennen within the broken crates, but didn't find any of the components requested. Celindriel follows Levkaria out into the open fields surrounding Hirane near the shore and comes upon a small patch of poppies. Levkaria gathers up as many as she can and explains to Celindriel that she's been by here before looking for food. Levkaria then dashes off to a nearby patch of trees and gathers up some bark from a birch tree. Levkaria then leads Celindriel to the open fields on the other side of town and begins searching the ground until she comes upon a Mandrake plant. She pulls the Mandrake plant free with the roots intact, slings it over her shoulder and walks back towards the Herbalist Shop.
Everybody reconvened at the Leaf it to Me Herbalist Shop and handed the components over to Ennen. With the time now being 3:00 PM, Ennen states that she can certainly work with these components, but it will take her 8 hours with help. The party agrees and Kasek begins helping Ennen brew an antidote over the next several hours. Ceona visits Vyncis Marte's cell at the Temple of Valkur and wakes him gently. Ceona asks that he assist in curing Edraele of poison. Vyncis agrees, gets dressed, and follows Ceona over to Edraele's house. The front door is unlocked, and Ceona leads Vyncis upstairs where Edraele is dozing in her bed while one of Berny's trusted Hirane Town Guards stands nearby. Vyncis walks over and casts Lesser Restoration on her, and a soft glow surrounds her body momentarily and then fades. Edraele smiles weakly and goes back to sleep. Vynics tells Ceona that the job is done, but Ceona is dubious whether Edraele is actually cured. Vyncis takes his leave while Ceona waits anxiously with the Town Guard at Edraele's side.
With the time now being roughly 11:25 PM, Ennen produces a bowl of brew that is still bubbling and smells horrible with clumps of detritus floating in it. She hands it to Kasek and admits that she doesn't know if it will work, but it's the best she could do. The party and Berny all convene at Edraele's house and files into her bedroom. Berny dismisses the Town Guard who leaves, and Kasek gently wakes Edraele indicating that they have medicine to administer. Berny takes the bowl from Kasek and helps feed it to Edraele, who then falls back to sleep as soon as she finishes. A visible wound remains across her throat from where Andel Caldel had previously cut her. Berny thanks the party for all that they have done, and everyone sits by her bed as time goes by. Midnight comes...and passes without incident. The party breathes a sigh of relief seeing that their efforts saved Edraele's life. Berny smiles at the party and thanks them for the service they've provided to the town. Berny suggests they all turn in for the evening and come see him in the morning, and he'll see to it that they get on their way to Sestatrea. Feadog takes this opportunity to cast Healing Word on Edraele to repair the damage to her throat. The wound dissipates from his healing but is still slightly visible, and Berny clasps Feadog on his shoulder thanking him, obviously moved by his gesture. The party heads back to the Grinning Kobold Inn to turn in for the evening, leaving Berny and Edraele alone in her house.
To Be Continued in Episode 8
Rewards Granted
- Kasek collects 3 lbs of Barley and 3 lbs of Hops into a small crate from the Warehouse and adds them to his inventory.
- Feadog collects 3 lbs of Barley and 3 lbs of Hops into a small crate from the Warehouse and adds them to his inventory.
- Celindriel collects 7 gp 3 sp, a longsword, and a dagger from Lord Caldel's corpse.
- Ceona and Kasek find 550 gp, 37 sp, 92 cp, and 125 gp-worth of gems, and two vials of reddish-pink watery fluid similar to what was found on Athyen Eddyns from a chest within Lord Andel Caldel's bedroom in House Caldel.
- Ceona obtains a nice cook-pot and a ladle from Lord Caldel's kitchen.
- Feadog finds two sets of Fine Traveler's Clothes from House Caldel.
- Kasek obtains a heavy crossbow with 106 heavy crossbow bolts, a shield and a longsword from the dead enemies in House Caldel.
- Ceona obtains a spear from the dead enemies in House Caldel.
- Celindriel obtains a cult coin with the unknown image similar in design as what was found on Athyen Eddyn's corpse in a drawer in Lord Caldel's office.
- Ceona awarded party inspiration for drowning Tela Cliffoak, clobbering Sylrith Madz, and taking off Lord Andel Caldel's head as he attempted to make his escape, and for accurately remembering the knock to get into the Warehouse.
- Feadog awarded party inspiration for providing amazing support in causing most enemies to suffer disadvantage on their attacks, for finding the cache of Midnight Tears (Silver Raven Blend) poison in the Warehouse, and for staying true to his character penchant to avoid bloodshed.
Missions/Quests Completed
- The party discovered the contents of the Warehouse and learned important information regarding Lord Andel Caldel after having Vyncis Marte cast Speak with Dead on Sylrith's corpse.
- The part defeated Lord Andel Caldel and all his minions that made up the Silver Ravens Organization within the hamlet of Hirane.
- The party was able to obtain an antidote to cure Edraele Trisyra of the Midnight Tears (Silver Raven Blend) poison.
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
10 Jul 2018
Primary Location
Berny Page
Sylrith Madz
Tela Cliffoak
Ennen Kytson
Healer by Mike Perry
Vyncis Marte
Levkaria Yumaia
Andel Caldel
Comments