The Age of Worms / The Champion's Belt pt. 3 / Von the 15th, 3593 CE / 1-23-22

General Summary

After arriving in Kedesh, Not by Choice has been temporarily stashed in an empty warehouse as they await the start of the ceremonial dinner which will signal the official commencement of the Champion's Games. They have come to compete in the gladiatorial contest as a way to get closer to Loris Raknian, the arena master, who for some reason had previously had put a hit out on Lulu. Not by Choice hopes that by infiltrating the games they can discover the reason behind Loris's vendetta, as well as why he purchased the Apostolic Scrolls from the now-dead mind-flayer, Zyrxog. The Apostolic Scrolls are a profane text written long-ago by the dark mage Caius which includes a formula for creating an ulgurstasta, undead engine of destruction. In addition to needing evidence against Loris, the party fears that the bloodshed of the Champion's Games will be the fuel the arena master needs to power the ulgurstasta ritual. Efraym Smallcask, Not by Choice's manager for the games, returns with items from their shopping list; smoke sticks for Nari, healing potions for River, and armor and a new bow for Moth. (To be fair, Moth didn't ask for her items, but Efraym is dismayed at the quality of the owl girl's equipment, and purchases the items for her as an advance on her winnings). As Not by Choice sets out for the Free City Arena, they keep their heads down trying to avoid attention, but Lulu notes a familar face in the crowd, the elven noblewoman Ilya Starmane, whom she knows is being impersonated by the same doppelgangers who currently have it out for her. When they reach the arena, Efraym registers the team, with Lulu listed as team captain, and they are lead into the arena grounds where a great feast will be held to celebrate the commencement of the games. Choosing a table near the center of the action, they watch as various guests trickle in. River tries unsuccessfully to gauge the competition, but Efraym suggests an alternative means of evaluating their odds might be to use the betting board set up by the gamblers. Soon Loris Raknian arrives, flanked by his entourage; his right hand Captain Okoral, and Talbir Welik, the competition's referee. Loris gives a brief speech, including introducing Auric, the previous year's champion. Afterwards the celebration is once again underway, and the party is approached by various gamblers trying to evaluate the team's odds for success. After the gamblers have scurried off, Lulu sees another familiar face; Tirra the elven rogue. After introductions are made, Tirra tells the party she has a proposition for them.

Character(s) interacted with

Lulu Victry, Nari Ashida, Moth, Hush, River, Idra Brisby, Jozu, Efraym Smallcask, Ilya Starmane (a doppelganger), Loris Raknian, Captain Okoral, Talabir Welik, Auric, Tirra, Kedeshite citizens, arena guards, servants, gladiators, gamblers

Report Date

23 Jan 2022

Primary Location

Landmark

Secondary Location

Kedesh