Chapter 32: Ominous Portents

Session Date: 2/15/19

Summary:

Sneak. Don't make a sound. The party ambushes an ambush set for them.
spoilers

• Khadgar hears several locations of interest for the Shadow Web.
• Some creatures from a place called the Dreamlands are aiding the Shadow Web and causing problems.
• The SW has plans in Azuria.
• The party heads to the capital city to stop Zelena.

Plot points/Scenes

Unmarked Home - Citadel of Avalon

An invisible Khadgar spies on Zelena, Rolan, and a mysterious goliath with an ornate Crescent Saber.
Zelena: to Rolan “This is your fault! If you and your agents hadn’t botched the disposal of the cat, we wouldn’t have alerted anyone to our presence. But you had to go and burn half the city! Now we are being hounded-”
Rolan: “By a lizard! As if that brainless reptile strutting around in a dress could possibly track us.”
Zelena: “She has more of a brain than you have! We’ve been chased all over the city by the most ridiculous assortment of creatures imaginable. You better have at least collected the information to make this worth our while.”
An amused chuckle escapes the goliath as Khadgar slowly moves to the door on the opposite side of the dining room, listening to the whole encounter.
Rolan: “Of course I did! I executed it flawlessly. I can’t comment on or take the fall for the ineptitude of others. It’s right here.”
Rolan, Zelena, and the goliath exit the storage room and Rolan unfurls a large parchment onto the table. Khadgar recognizes a few of the markings as the same map that was on Professor Dillaron’s desk in his office. It’s a map of Eilgorah with comments and markings in places, though he cannot tell where or what all of the markings are.
Zelena shoulders her way in past Rolan and traces her fingers across the map. Khadgar picks up on a few phrases… “Fogbound Peaks… Twilight Woods… the desert… Broken Shores… Dothimere...”
The goliath stands arm crossed silent in the corner as Zelena finishes studying the map. From what Khadgar can tell, there is no clear authority over the other between Zelena and the Goliath, but they both seem to be in stations of importance and Rolan is definitely beneath them both.
Zelena: rolling up the map; “Yes, very good. We shall send scouts immediately.”
to the Goliath; “Gaumul, see to it that these locations are properly investigated. It seems even though we had agents in the area they were entirely unaware of such powerful artifacts just under their nose.” as she gives a withering look at Rolan and rolls up the map.
Rolan moves to protest: “Let’s not forget who learned of this map and was able to retrieve it, hmm?”
Zelena: “Let’s not forget who fabricated a story about eliminating a recurring thorn in our side. You wouldn’t have anything to add to that report would you? Anything we should know about that particular situation?”
There is a long pause.
Rolan: “No. Nothing.”
Gaumul: “That reminds me. We found her heading south towards Quarion. She is already en route to the southern base for full questioning.”
The goliath's voice is deep and smooth. If Khadgar had only heard it, it would have almost sounded comforting, but seeing his towering stature and occasionally testing the sharpness of the blade on his back, Gaumul the goliath is anything but comforting.
Zelena: “Excellent. I want to know everything that they learned in that time and the true,” glances back to Rolan, “account of what happened in the mines.”
Zelena and Gaumul begin to move to leave.
Rolan: “uh, one more thing. As you have quite clearly indicated, we need to leave no further trace in this city. I need to borrow our hired hands for a final cleanup job. To avoid any more... screw ups as you put it.”
Zelena glances over to Gaumul who shrugs and gives a nod. He pats the giant crescent saber on his back.
Zelena: “Fine. Take them.”
They begin discussing final extraction plans, when Zelena holds a hand up and turns off to the side. A moment later she begins unleashing a torrent of harsh words in a language Khadgar does not understand but can only assume she is cursing everthing and everyone.
Zelena: “Unbelievable. This wasn’t the plan. We needed more time and dont have all of our resources.” she turns to Gaumul. “New arrivals from the Dreamlands. Our current allies are getting restless and this latest arrival is borderline uncontrollable. They are moving ahead with Azuria.”
She sits and puts her head in her hands.
Zelena: “Here we thought their unknowingly creating the bridge to the Dreamlands was a stroke of luck in our favor. It seems even unwittingly they are still creating complications.”
Gaumul: “Then we shall make the best of it. We shall mobilize what forces we have in the area to the rendezvous point. I will personally escort the weak link to the southern base for questioning before meeting you at Azuria.”
Zelena: “I shall make my way directly there. Apparently we are the only competent agents here. I will prepare the forces and modify our plans accordingly. It is going to be a lot harder without the resources we intended to gather first.”
Gaumul: “Ah but we will gather them, and perhaps we can obtain 2 objectives simultaneously. Intelligence has some interesting new information regarding that thorn in your side. Or should I say 2 specific thorns.” and he lets out a small chuckle. “You will be able to pluck them out and crush them in one swift motion.”
Zelena: “Hmm. Very well. Let us leave immediately. The sooner we leave Avalon the better.”
Rolan: “Maybe I should come with you… help straighten them out Az-”
Zelena: swiftly turning and glaring at Rolan; “You will remain here and cleanup this mess you created. And I don’t want to see you until that is done. Do. Not. Screw. This. Up.” and she storms back into the storage room and into the tunnel.
Gaumul: chuckling again, “Good luck. You’ll need it.” and he turns and leaves
Rolan: “Of course, Sentinel.”
After Zelena and Gaumul have left, the assassins exit the storage room.
Rolan: “Prepare your blades. They arrive in half an hour. I want them dead. And this time, be more discrete in disposing the evidence.”
One of the assassins pipes up, “but wasn't it your idea to stage the f-”
Rolan: “SILENCE! Just get into position. I will follow them to Azuria while you take care of thi-”
And Khadgar hears a thud as Rolan attempts to enter the storage room, presumably to enter the tunnel.
Rolan: “Damn you Zelena!” and he comes storming out of the storage room, apparently foiled in leaving.
Random Assassin: “Oh yeah, I heard her saying something about, making sure you did your job. I guess that’s what she me-”
And Khadgar watches as Rolan materializes a shadow blade and slices into the assassin’s throat.
Roaln: “Does anyone else have any other comments? Good. The prepare in silence.”
Khadgar quickly backs up and returns to the front door. Unlocking it as quietly as he can he swiftly opens and closes it before running to rejoin the party.

---

Nervously waiting outside, the party sees the front door swiftly open and close but no apparent person to have done so. Moana feels a pull on his arm and is lead to an alley where Gavin and 26-Lobsters follow.
Khadgar drops invisibility and sends a message to Myriam:

“Dillaron is dead. Found Zelena. She’s heading to Azuria. Dreamland monsters released. Help! We’re about to be ambushed. West Stonewall. Near Mountain’s Thunder.”

Khadgar: “Guys! I saw Zelena. She was with this goliath. And Rolan, the guy who threw the fireball at as! They were after a map.”
Moana: “Are you sure? I don’t know… It’s probably someone who just looks like her. You know how we met Selena that sounded like Zelena.”
Gavin: “So wait, what happened to Dillaron?”
Khadgar: “Oh he’s dead. It was an illusion. Rolan was masquerading as him.”
Moana: “Well, we’ve been outside this house the whole time and we didn’t see anyone enter the front or back.”
Khadgar: “There is a trapdoor in one of the rooms. That’s how they came in. Also Zelena confirmed Rolan was the cause of the fire.”
Gavin: “Did you see where it went?”
Khadgar: “No, I stayed back a bit. I saw 5 assassins, Zelena, and the goliath come out.”
Myriam and Varis find the party as Khadgar explains and explains all he heard and saw. Knowing that there is an ambush waiting for them inside, but also wanting to cut off this thread, they form a plan.
Varis: “So what is out plan? Do we go in and just take everyone out?”
Gavin: “I have questions about their plans for Azuria.”
Varis: “Right, but if we go in and happen to kill everyone, what do we tell the town guard?”
Gavin: “That’s a good point. If we go in and slaughter everyone, we have nothing. Myriam, what do you think we should do?”
Myriam: “We need at least some proof of their actions. I have a means of somewhat concealing my form, but it is not perfect. The specimens I had to blend in with were… exotic.”
Gavin: “Ok, so you, Khadgar, myself, and 26-Lobsters at the front door. Moana and Varis are making their way around back. We see where that goes and try to get proof before slaughtering everyone inside.”
As they get into position, Myriam’s form shifts- into a purple butterfly with ornate wings. A butterfly the party had seen before, sitting on the fern beside them as they first talked with Madame Vashar. A butterfly on his shoulder, Khadgar and 26-Lobsters behind him, Gavin knocks on the door.
Meanwhile, around back, Varis unlocks the door and enters; silently moving to the other door listening for a queue to go.
Out front, Gavin knocks on the door. After a slight pause, the door opens to reveal the tabaxi form of Dillaron, though something seems… not quite the same.
Dillaron: “Ah, yes. Sorry to keep you waiting. Please do come in.”
They enter, Gavin attempting best he can to keep Myriam hidden, and as he passes a counter he feels her slip off and onto the wall out of sight. As he rounds the corner there is a soft click as 2 crossbow bolts slam into his chest and leg. Behind him, Khadgar yells out as one impales itself in his arm.
Hearing a faint exclamation, Varis signals to go and he and Moana quickly make there way through the door, down a hall, and into a dark bedroom with sounds of a scuffle happening on the other side of the second door.
Rolan drops the illusion and begins casting spells. Myriam jumps from behind the counter and lashes out with black tendrils of energy towards Rolan. Gavin hypnotizes most of the assassins while Varis and Moana burt out of the back room leaving carnage in their wake. 26-Lobsters manages to grab Rolan, shove him into position, and proceeds to unleash lightning strikes over and over, leaving charred marks on the wall. As the assassins slowly fall, Rolan realizes the odds are rapidly stacking against him.
Rolan: “I will not fall to you! If I die, then so shall you!”
And with that he pulls out a medallion of orange stone and smashes it in his hand unleashing a terrible fiery explosion that rips through the building and severely injuring the party. With only moments to make decisions, the party quickly looks for any clues before having to escape the inferno through the trapdoor.

The Secret Tunnel - Citadel of Avalon

After walking for about 10 minutes, they come to a fork in the tunnel and take the left path. 5 minutes later and the rough tunnel transitions into well placed stone and the party finds themselves in a sewer network. Backtracking, because apparently this is the time for exploration, they now go down the right path. After about 20 minutes of walking, Varis hears roaring water. The party approaches to find they are in a cavern behind a large waterfall. A very thin ledge winds its way off to he right and slowly descends. Carefully making their way across, they come out behind the waterfall and find themselves above the lake just inside the city’s outermost wall.
Moana dives into the water, and does not come up. 20 minutes go by as the party calls out to him and debates whether they can leave him or not before he resurfaces and swims back to them. Tired, singed, and for some soaked, the party makes its way back to the Stonemill Tavern to regroup and recover. Concerned with Zelena’s plan, Myriam states she will begin the journey to Azuria tonight. The party should rest and regroup and make their way there as soon as they can.

The Diamond Orchid - Citadel of Avalon

After a long rest, Gavin and 26-Lobsters are eager to return to the Diamond Orchid to collect their Billowing Cloaks of Many Fashions. On the way, the party stops at Avalon Sundries and Supplies to purchase new clothing to replace their singed attire. Heading back to the Bran Kara district, the party arrives once again at the Diamond Orchid. Tuvir pulls out packages from beneath the counter, smiling and welcoming them all back.
Gavin pulls out a deep blue cloak with gold clasp. As soon as he puts it on he makes it billow dramatically. 26-Lobsters pulls out black pants with red, gold, and maroon flame embroidery at the base of the legs. The cloak is a dark maroon with a black obsidian clasp, and he also makes his cloak billow.
Varis, shaking his head as he makes his way past the 2 billowing cloaks and approaches Tuvir asking for gear and clothing. He asks about enchanted rings in stock. Unfortunately he does not have much but could enchant one if he knew the exact enchantment he is looking for. Gavin purchases a ring of protection, while Varis attempts to make a deal.
Varis: “I have here a used Tome of Wisdom. Very rare. Very valuable. I’m sure you can easily re-sell this item for a large sum. I’ll take a ring of mind shielding and the armor for 50GP and give you this tome.”
Tuvir: “Well… how recently used are we talking?”
Varis: “I used this item 20 years ago, and it’s just been collecting dust in my bags.”
Tuvir: taking the book and flipping through the pages, “20 years you say?”
Varis: “Yes. I remember because it was a going away present from home.”
Tuvir: “Your friends and I made an arrangement not to lie to one another. Are you sure it was 20 years ago?”
26-Lobsters: “I only met this guy like 3 weeks ago, but I think he’s pretty trustworthy.”
Varis: “I’m trying to remember. The years meld together. It may have been 15 years.”
Tuvir: “Very well,” and he closes the book, “on this condition: should anyone ask where they can get such quality items, tell them the Diamond Orchid in Avalon is the place to go.”
Gavin OOC: “Guys we’re gonna get a sponsorship!”
26-Lobsters: “What about that shield?”
Tuvir: “Ah yes. I see you have fine taste, but I’m afraid this shield is a bit outside your price range.”
He points to a large shield above the counter with a blazing sun in the center. Around the circumference is beautiful flame engraving and painting. The shield runs at least 50,000GP. 26-Lobsters asks if a regular shield could be enchanted, but since they plan on taking the airship that afternoon, it can’t take longer than the afternoon.
Tuvir: “If you require any enchantments that take time, I can of course send them to a destination of your choosing, for a fee of course.”
Gavin OOC: “Would I know where the airship landing is in Azuria?” (Yes, and he’d know the closest tavern or inn)
Moana OOC: “For someone who hasn’t been to Azuria you sure do seem to know a lot...”
Gavin OOC: “Oh… Yeah… You’re so… observant… just love that about you...”
All told: Varis got a Ring of Mind Shielding and Leather armor. Gavin got a Ring of Protection and leather armor, and Moana got a Ring of Waterwalking.
The party stops by Madame Vashar’s estate on their way to the Skyport. She allows them to keep the card, in case they ever find themselves back in Avalon. She is very interested in the tunnels the party found under the city and plans to investigate them.

Allyra Skyport - Citadel of Avalon

The party finds their way to the Stonewall district and to the Allyra Skyport. In dock is a large ship with four fins on its sides that hold large clear crystals used to power the ship’s flight. At the rear is a specialized rudder and modified sails are unfurled as it prepares to launch. Dwarves can be seen tending to the crystals and a few robed individuals inspect and are casting enchantments over them. Gnomes can be seen tightening connections and prepping a secondary dock for a new arrival. Across the bow is painted in bright blue: Destiny.
The party boards the Destiny with general tickets, while Varis purchases a private room. As the ship prepares to launch, Varis looks out and sees a brown and white figure flying off and disappear in the distance. An hour later and the crystals hum to life. Slowly the ship rises from the docks and moves over the lower districts. Soon enough, the wind catches the sails and the party is on its way… to Azuria.
Moana: “So… We’re heading to a place none of us have been before.”
Varis: “Yeah. A place no one here has been.”
Gavin: “Nope. Not a one of us.”
Khadgar: “Actually, I’ve been before! It was when I was coming here to Avalon to learn about Evocati-”
Gavin: “Great. Then you can show us around.”

Plot type

Chapter

Recorded in:
The Shadow Chronicles Volume 1: A Growing Darkness