Session 1 - Round Up the Usual Suspects

General Summary

30th-31st of Amael, 1700

  While traveling toward Maccion, the Pan Flute 5 understood that they had pressing business to attend too; addressing the werewolf in the room. Andre wasn’t really ready to lose his abilities, as he had grown accustomed to the added strength (and violence) it gave him. Cref and the others then conspired against him, and while he was asleep removed the curse of lycanthrope. The group decided it was best to let Andre find on his own to avoid any unpleasantries. After that was resolved, they continued traveling. One night, they were about to strike camp for the night when they saw a campfire not far away from their current position. They decided to investigate further and approached the campfire.   There were two large individuals at that campfire who, upon getting closer to, radiate divine energy. As the group approached, the larger man appeared to be having a good ol time. Taking large bites out of a cooked boar’s leg, even sitting, it was clear this person was tall. Seemingly in his late 20s and Laughing through a large beard, the firelight highlighted his muscled, tattooed body.   Next to him was a smaller man, clearly older than his friend, sitting quietly. A long beard appeared from his hood, with only the occasional flick of firelight showing his face. In those glimpses you could make out his sharp features consistent with someone who has lived a long troubling life. Betraying this is the sharp look in his eye that almost impossibly glinted even when the fire wasn’t showing his face. Making this more pronounced was the fact his other eye was hidden under an eyepatch. While it was easy to be drawn into this person’s face, he was dressed in long dark robes with an equally dark raven on his shoulder.   The older man introduced both himself, The All Father, and his son, Thor. During their discussions with the group they speak about the Swaying One that Cref was carrying, Baba, and a test that the Pan Flute 5 was unwittingly involved in. When speaking about the Swaying One, The All Father confirmed that the spear was not meant for humans to wield and that continued use will age the person. He also mentioned his desire to have the spear back, as it was his, but understands that he cannot forcibly take it from Cref.   He asked the group about his other son Baba, specifically when they last saw him. It wasn’t uncommon for him to disappear, but his absence has gone longer than usual. He did confirm that Baba was the one who originally took the Swaying One and probably is why he tasked you all with getting it back.   When he shifted the conversation to the catastrophic event, his demeanor didn’t change, and spoke as if he was talking from a script. He explained that there was a cataclysmic event in the next 24 hours, and that the Pan Flute 5 had failed to prevent it 12 times already, as time would reset them to this point in time. The difference is that this time, they would be given a boon from the All Father; one that would allow them to remember what happened previously, and learn from their past tries. The other option is that they could just leave all of this behind and walk away.   The purpose of this is for the All Father to learn more of this group that Baba had taken an interest in. He had high hopes for them, but wanted to see what they were made of during this endeavor. Thor believed this to be a fool’s errand, given the extensive failures thus far. It is at this time, the crow turned into a small statuette that the old man extended out to the group.   While the group discussed what to do, Andre took it upon himself to take the statue and with that a flash of light occurred, with any trace of these deities gone. After berating Andre, the group decided it was the best idea to head towards Maccion to learn more.   Upon arriving at the town, the Heroes of Maccion immediately saw the differences in the city. It had doubled in size, and was bustling with activity as people started their day. Most people didn’t recognize them, with some giving double takes as they passed. On their way to their tavern, they saw a statue of Neophytos in front of the civil building. That was to be expected, but the Pan Flute 5’s statue was missing.   After making their way into the Inn, they realized that there had been some new renovations, and ownership. More surprising, was seeing the familiar faces of Patroklos (surviving son), Goda (patriarch), and Alexia Aquila. Patroklos was behind the bar, clearly the owner serving up breakfast to paying customers. Goda and Alexia, last seen being taken into custody of the Church of Pelor, were now dressed in the garb of Pelor Inquisitors. Clad head to toe in shining plate mail, they were very hostile toward the Pan Flute 5 when they entered.   Pelor’s Chosen argued with the group, and demanded that they leave. Before leaving they did learn that Elidi had an accident and after dying from that accident, the Inn was purchased by Baron Delacroix Carp. In turn it was then given to Patroklos to run. Choosing to not make a scene, they left.   Crossing into the city market they are approached by a small boy who introduces himself as Max, and that he knew that the PF5 was still alive! Being no older than 8 years old he asked for their autograph. While this young man was innocent enough, it was notable that he somehow was dragging a large, ornate black greatsword that is nearly as long as he was.   The group immediately understood this sword to be magical, as it made no sense this kid would have it, let alone be able to wield it. They asked about the sword, and the boy introduced it as ‘Lemmy.’ He mentioned that he found it in a chest in the cemetery, and that he was ready to go on adventure. He asked if he could come along with them, but he just had to be home before dinner so he wouldn’t get in trouble with his parents.   They eventually dismissed the child, but had Buttons follow him. Max noticed the dog following him and in Abyssal, told the dog that if he kept following he will kill it. Max makes good on this as they go down an alley. The Pan Flute 5 corners Max and convinces him to take them to his house. Upon arrival, Max’s father, August, was very excited to see the Pan Flute 5 and opened his home to them.   Inviting them in, August, his wife and Max entertained the Heroes of the Pan Flute 5. Getting later in the evening, they started to speak to August specifically about Max and his sword. Apparently, the sword can change its appearance, and does so around Max’s parents. It currently looks like a wooden toy sword. Incredulous, the dad waves away the stories and theories the PF5 offer.   When Gavin tries to use magic on the sword, specifically a protection from evil spell, the father reacts negatively and tries to strike at Gavin as magic is not widely trusted in Absalon. With a fight breaking out in the living room of this small house, Max channel’s Lemmy and begins to fight the PF5. When the father is struck down he basically goes nuclear with a necrotic fireball blowing through the house and heavily damaging everything, including the Heroes of Maccion.   After doing a skedaddle, the PF5 slips down an alley while the city guard are called to the scene. While they gather their senses, their attention is drawn to the sky with a loud crack. They can see the heavens part as a giant meteor with licking with flames around it’s edges hurtles towards Maccion. As they stand watching, with crowds of people running around them, their last feelings are that of the intense heat and pressure on their bodies, the smell of everything burning and their bodies vaporizing.   They wake up in a field outside Maccion as if nothing happened. Heading back into town, they plan on adding to what they have already learned…specifically to keep away from Max.   Here are some key points of information they found on attempt 14:   They visited Unduth in the morning at his forge
  • Confirmed that Elidi had an accident and passed away, although he had his suspicions
  • Neophytos had been called back to Ithaca. Originally thought to be regarding a promotion or official recognition of his success as Demoarchos of Maccion, he has been gone for much longer than should have been. In the meantime, acting Demoarchos, 2nd Commandant Alcaeus Phocas from Fort Garrard was put in charge.
  • Nobody has seen Ava in years. She left Maccion with her kids about 5 years back.
  • Baron Delacroix Carp is definitely buying up properties and getting away with some shady business deals. This wouldn’t have flown with Neophytos, but with the new Demoarchos, Alcaeus, he has prospered.
  • Unduth admits that he too deals with Carp when needed to get items he normally can’t get.
  • They party buys some mithral armor, but it won’t be ready for a day or so.
After that, they headed to the temple to see their friend Ceo. As they passed through the market, they saw what they believed to be Kyros in the crowd. They attempted pursuit, but could only find a coin that he must have dropped. This coin, specific to the shipping/pirating activities where Andre met Kyros seemed to confirm that this had to be Kyros. They decided to resume their path to the temple. They find that Ceo has certainly risen in the ranks of the Church of Pelor, with most of the Old Gods being replaced throughout Stratos. Aside from confirming much of what Unduth told them, the group gathers this bit of information:
  • Ceo is not a huge fan of Alcaeus, citing his drinking and relationship with the Blowfish. Ceo also believes that the Blowfish is up to no good, but he does tithe his way into the Church’s good favor.
  • Ceo was as surprised as the PF5 of the arrival of the Aquilas. While he understood that the Inquisitor arm of the Church brought them there, it was bad taste to send those two. He didn’t have specific information about why the Inquisitors were here, but he thought it would have to do with Ava, and the current Demoarchos would had to of ordered them here so he might know more.
It was late afternoon as they made their way to governmental area of Maccion. Their goal was to get more information out of Alcaeus, but was getting the run around by the person working the desk. Eventually fed up, they stormed Alcaeus’s office demanding answers. In doing so, they navigate their way around two guards. Mercifully, they knock them out to get by them.   Once in the office, using a mix of good guy and then bad guys tactics as the aloof Alcaeus was cagy with his answers, they were able to determine that there was much more going on with Neophytos and Ava.   Using intimidation, promises of pain and searching his office they found out that the Church was aware of Ava’s status as a mage and Neophytos’s knowledge of that. While it was much more accepted in Maccion when the PF5 left, the Church made sure to purge any sympathy for mages when they moved in. While it was clear the Church had sent the Inquisitors to deal with Ava, Neophytos’s fate was much less certain.   Given that they wouldn’t be able to go to the Hag Shack that Ava might be at, they decided the best policy at this point was to kill everybody in their path. After killing the desk clerk, guards and Alcaeus they begin to cut a swatch of violence towards the inn.   Upon entering the Inn, the Pan Flute 5 find it is packed given it is early in the evening, with drinking and merriment happening. They find the Inquisitors, all the Aquilas, the Blowfish and his hound, Unduth and many townspeople. Before rushing into attack, they manage to spy through a window what appears to be Del just outside the Inn. The evening proceeds with wanton violence as the Pan Flute 5 pass judgment on all in the Inn. Unduth did not join in with the Pan Flute 5, and perished with the others, defending his people and town.   Before the battle could conclude, the now familiar sound of the meteor cracking through the atmosphere silences all those in Maccion.   The group wakes up in a field for try number 15, with the sound of the attack on the Inn still in their ears.