XII - A Checkered Future - 7.23.23
Tarsakh 9-11
On Tarsakh 9, the party was spending the evening at the Shattered Dragon while Elmo Caleb made excited preparations for the Dragonchess tourney the following day. On the other side of Ylraphon, Rhokeion Archos was on patrol. He walked around the commoners' residences on the north side, eyes peeled for any kidnappers. Escher O'Hara had said the threat could be a hag, but there was no way to be sure.
Rhokeion crossed paths with the Hunters once or twice. While there for the same purpose, the men and women were a brutish sort and jeered at Rhokeion. He conjured a flash of magic and drove them off to walk elsewhere. Soon after, Rhokeion spotted movement in the shadows aside a home nearby. He enhanced his vision using magic to see a purple fleshed, lanky creature with long unkept hair. With a jolt Rhokeion sprinted toward the receding Hunter patrols, calling for aid. He lost sight of the creature for a moment, but soon gathered the patrols to his side. The Halruaan was explaining what he saw when suddenly a flash of lightning lit the sky, drawing his attention to his quarry.
On a grassy knoll nearby, a horse made of shadows carried the creature upon its back. In the moonlight, it did seem to be a hag of some sort. It carried a bundle in arm, cackling as it turned the horse about and thundered north through the lowlands. It disappeared into the edge of trees demarking the Flooded Forest. Thinking to report this to Escher, Rhokeion made out at once for the Horned Keep. There, he was soon able to speak with the woman. A rowdy gathering seemed to be playing out in the common area, with many a minotaur towering over the other Hunters. Hearing Rhokeion's news, Escher at once dispatched several more groups to patrol the commoners' homes. Unsurprised to hear Rhokeion's description of the perpetrator, she exclaimed that the hag likely lived in the swamps to the north. She assured Rhokeion the matter would be addressed and bid him goodnight.
At the Shattered Dragon, a great variety of strange travelers were staying the night. The party saw quite a few Gith who seemed drawn to the strategies of Dragonchess. Sea Elves from Seros made a thin appearance, while the Dalesmen and commoners from the nearby port towns saw abundant representation. Elmo hurried about, making final preparations for the next day's event. Oliver Thickets solemnly reviewed the Dragonchess strategies he had been practicing. Sora Shana looked on with wonder at the biological diversity gathered under one roof. She felt compelled to offer her services as a scribe to Elmo during the morrow's tourney. The man gratefully accepted. Sariel Amastacia quietly sketched patrons of the tavern, engaged in passive conversation with Gremir. Soon, Rhokeion returned for the night. He gave his news to the party, regretful that another child had been taken.
On the morning of Tarsakh 10, the party went to observe the site of the last night's kidnapping. They were only able to find a few hoofprints not completely overtaken by the muck of the miry landscape. While a reliable trail could not be found past the edge the swamp, Escher's prediction seemed likely. The party began to consider taking the long way to Tavilar, combing through the swamp instead of riding along the road.
Meanwhile, Oliver decided to buy new jewelry to wear during his sure victory later that day. He consolidated his funds at the House of Merchants then went out on the town to look for a jewelry shop. He passed by a window display of fine porcelain cups and dishes; looking through the window, he noticed a glass counter with jewelry lit beneath. Oliver entered the shop to see a minotaur woman stationed at the counter. She snorted dismissively as the dwarf entered, looking down to watch him step closer.
After buying several pieces of elaborate but inexpensive jewelry, Oliver inquired about less-than-legal items the shop might sell. After a moment, the minotaur produced a wooden box. She showed Oliver a brooch inside, which she said was a Brooch of Shielding. Nothing fancy, but might be of some use in the future. Oliver paid for this item too, then returned to Ylraphon Plaza where the tourney was about to begin.
Gremir wanted to put on a display of faithfulness during the tourney, sanctifying the proceedings in Donlad's name. Before leaving the commoners' residences on the north side, he stopped to buy a load of chickens and a chicken cart from a humble man and his family. Gremir overpaid intentionally, changing the lives of the commoners for the better. His handful of gold was more than they would likely have seen in a year.
Across town, Rhokeion went to inquire about Horse 72 at the stable. He told the stablekeeper about the corpse which the party had found in the swamp west of the Gnasher Spring. The stablekeeper paled at the account, then stepped to the back to retrieve a new tag for 72, placing it amongst his things. Evidently, there would be a new Horse 72 soon. The man did not have any guesses as to what could have happened to the poor beast. He did say that Horse 72 had been among a group sent to investigate a monastery in the Flooded Forest, called the Orchid. Rhokeion remembered hearing that the sisters there were loyal customers of Twilight Lumber.
As everyone gathered at Ylraphon Plaza, the scale of the tourney became apparent. Dozens of tables were set up all across the brick, with the vendors and their carts lining the perimeter. Elmo stood at an elaborate table, preparing to begin. The party saw Amrul Ilnatar among the throng of spectators and players. Sora took note of a dark, cloaked figure nearby Elmo. The person seemed to be a small minotaur with dark fur. The tip of his left horn looked as if it had been broken off and repaired with some metal or ceramic. The innkeeper took no notice of the minotaur, addressing the crowd. Escher stood by, seeming to magically project the small man's voice.
Elmo explained the structure of the tourney and showcased the prize: 1000 platinum pieces and a Dragonchess board made of parts of Throstulgrael's remains. The white pieces were carved from his bones, while the black pieces were whittled from Velvet's ebony scales. Excitement filled the air as the tourney began. From the party, only Sariel and Oliver entered. Sora sat near the front of the proceedings, taking notes for Elmo and keeping record of the event. As the first round began, Gremir loudly sacrificed the first chicken.
The next few hours were a gauntlet of strategy for Oliver and Sariel. Amrul, too, proceeded well into the tourney. After a few wins, Oliver was eliminated from the competition. He skulked off to simmer for the rest of the tourney. Sora, keeping an eye on the strange minotaur, did not see him visibly react at all during the tourney. All the spectators socialized throughout and cheered at the top of every round when Gremir sacrificed another chicken. Still, the hooded bull sat back and observed silently. He turned suddenly to look at Sora, who quickly averted her gaze. Soon, only Sariel and Amrul remained in the competition. The final round was quite a display of prowess (or perhaps natural talent on Sariel's part). Finally, Sariel captured Amrul's king and the game was won.
The crowd loudly celebrated as Sariel was pronounced the winner. Elmo looked very pleased the tourney had gone well. Amrul, ever the gentleman, humbly thanked Sariel for a thrilling game. Sariel was given the Dragonchess board and was told the platinum pieces would be held for her at the House of Merchants.
Amrul approached the table where Sora was taking notes, pulling along Oliver and Sariel. The pale nobleman, evidently wearing some sort of makeup, proclaimed his thanks to Oliver for helping to fund the tourney. He again congratulated Sariel for her victory. Finally, Amrul made an announcement. Giving Gremir an excited look, he confirmed that the city of Ylraphon would be building a temple to Donlad on the south side near Moonwater.
In the ensuing applause, the hooded minotaur stepped forward to whisper in Amrul's ear. Without changing his posture or reacting, Amrul stepped forth once more to continue. He announced that he had misspoken; the temple would be built on the isle of Pharyssolnyth offshore to the southeast. The ancient dragon's legendary nest would be perfectly suitable. Again the crowd erupted in raucous applause, with a blood-covered Gremir shouting in apparent ecstasy.
Tourney-goers began to disperse and proceed with the usual nighttime happenings in Ylraphon. The mysterious minotaur took Amrul abreast and began to walk east toward Ilnatar Manor. Oliver tried to catch Amrul's attention, but the nobleman brushed him off. The strange pair walked out of Ylraphon Plaza and down the street. Angrily, Oliver stormed away. He felt betrayed by Elmo, whom he had hoped would place a finger on the scale and help him win the tournament. Sora packed up her scribing materials and presented Elmo with a record of the tourney. She had also been taking personal notes of the rules of Dragonchess; perhaps the people of Eberron would enjoy this game.
The party, taking interest in the duo leaving town, endeavored to follow them unseen. Thinking to dissuade any tourney attendees from following his companions, Rhokeion caused a magical diversion near the crowd gathered in Ylraphon Plaza. He was brazen, flaunting his magical privilege. Unfazed, Escher approached and made casual conversation. She only barely even took note of his magical display. Rhokeion thought of how meaningless this city must be, filled with Empty Seats. Still, he carried on and gave the party (sans Oliver) enough cover to take their leave unnoticed.
The party was keeping an eye on the minotaur and Amrul, making sure to hang back far enough. The party was in sight of Ilnatar Manor when Gremir made a splash in a puddle and drew the minotaur's attention. He truly was small for a minotaur, hardly any larger than Gremir. Turning to peer directly toward the mostly-obscured party, the bull reached out to touch Amrul. The elf fell into himself as space seemed to bend around him. He seemed frozen for a moment, with his hair and clothes appearing to lose texture. In a flash, the nobleman had disappeared. Glaring once more toward the party, the minotaur cast a spell and teleported elsewhere.
Bewildered, the party looked about at one another. The manner in which Amrul had been "sent away" was reminiscent of the Moander Abomination's burst which had disabled the Empty Seats. As the party discussed what they had seen, their attention was drawn to a window at Ilnatar Manor. A light had come on inside- perhaps Amrul had simply returned home? Or maybe "Mother"? Thinking to follow up with Amrul at a later date, the party decided to reunite with Rhokeion and rest up for the following days' travel. On their way back towards the inn, Oliver rejoined the group. He had apparently been to a tattoo parlor. The dwarf now had tattoos across his knuckles, spelling "K I L L E L M O".
On the morning of Tarsakh 11, the party enacted their plan to investigate the fungal "X" that Sariel had seen through her mask. As the arms of the "X" crossed near Tavilar, they planned to take their Growboats and row through the swamp in that direction. Instead of taking the road, they would parse through the forest and keep an eye out for any hags. Sora had seen crude inscriptions of the Mage's Tower on historical maps, and it was always depicted as being slightly northwest of Tavilar. After leaving the other half of their Sending Stone with Escher, the party set out toward the Flooded Forest. After a quick stop at Growboats to retrieve their gear, they embarked.
The group had already planned to spend multiple days searching through the swamp, so they planned to spend the whole day mapping out portions of the swamp as they traveled. They took note of the water's depth and remembered where they could best travel in their boats. In the afternoon, the group came upon the area where Regneld Rockbash had been killed by Stirges. They noticed peculiar flight patterns in the Stirges fluttering about nearby and pressed on to investigate. Their map of this region was nearly complete.
Soon, the party came upon a musty cave in a small rocky hillside. It was mostly obscured by foliage and trees, but the Stirges flew in and out regularly. Perhaps in some act of revenge on Regneld's part, the group endeavored to enter and clean the place out. They did so, facing down groups of the mammalian pests. They took note of what seemed to be adventurers' remains strewn about the cave as they fought.
The extermination led the party through multiple low passages infested with the beasts. Finally, the group of now-seasoned swamp warriors came up against a particularly swollen and gluttonous Stirge. Flanked by a brood of sorts, the disgusting bloodsucker viciously attacked the group. They fought hard to eradicate the pestilence, crushing each leathery creature into the stone of the caverns. As the large Stirge popped like a balloon, everything ran red and the party caught their breath. After gathering the fallen adventurers' treasures, they wasted no time leaving the lair.
Will Oliver actually harm poor Elmo? What foul secrets might Amrul be keeping? What will the party find in the Mage's Tower? Find out next time on... The Domain of the Metamage!
Rhokeion crossed paths with the Hunters once or twice. While there for the same purpose, the men and women were a brutish sort and jeered at Rhokeion. He conjured a flash of magic and drove them off to walk elsewhere. Soon after, Rhokeion spotted movement in the shadows aside a home nearby. He enhanced his vision using magic to see a purple fleshed, lanky creature with long unkept hair. With a jolt Rhokeion sprinted toward the receding Hunter patrols, calling for aid. He lost sight of the creature for a moment, but soon gathered the patrols to his side. The Halruaan was explaining what he saw when suddenly a flash of lightning lit the sky, drawing his attention to his quarry.
On a grassy knoll nearby, a horse made of shadows carried the creature upon its back. In the moonlight, it did seem to be a hag of some sort. It carried a bundle in arm, cackling as it turned the horse about and thundered north through the lowlands. It disappeared into the edge of trees demarking the Flooded Forest. Thinking to report this to Escher, Rhokeion made out at once for the Horned Keep. There, he was soon able to speak with the woman. A rowdy gathering seemed to be playing out in the common area, with many a minotaur towering over the other Hunters. Hearing Rhokeion's news, Escher at once dispatched several more groups to patrol the commoners' homes. Unsurprised to hear Rhokeion's description of the perpetrator, she exclaimed that the hag likely lived in the swamps to the north. She assured Rhokeion the matter would be addressed and bid him goodnight.
At the Shattered Dragon, a great variety of strange travelers were staying the night. The party saw quite a few Gith who seemed drawn to the strategies of Dragonchess. Sea Elves from Seros made a thin appearance, while the Dalesmen and commoners from the nearby port towns saw abundant representation. Elmo hurried about, making final preparations for the next day's event. Oliver Thickets solemnly reviewed the Dragonchess strategies he had been practicing. Sora Shana looked on with wonder at the biological diversity gathered under one roof. She felt compelled to offer her services as a scribe to Elmo during the morrow's tourney. The man gratefully accepted. Sariel Amastacia quietly sketched patrons of the tavern, engaged in passive conversation with Gremir. Soon, Rhokeion returned for the night. He gave his news to the party, regretful that another child had been taken.
On the morning of Tarsakh 10, the party went to observe the site of the last night's kidnapping. They were only able to find a few hoofprints not completely overtaken by the muck of the miry landscape. While a reliable trail could not be found past the edge the swamp, Escher's prediction seemed likely. The party began to consider taking the long way to Tavilar, combing through the swamp instead of riding along the road.
Meanwhile, Oliver decided to buy new jewelry to wear during his sure victory later that day. He consolidated his funds at the House of Merchants then went out on the town to look for a jewelry shop. He passed by a window display of fine porcelain cups and dishes; looking through the window, he noticed a glass counter with jewelry lit beneath. Oliver entered the shop to see a minotaur woman stationed at the counter. She snorted dismissively as the dwarf entered, looking down to watch him step closer.
After buying several pieces of elaborate but inexpensive jewelry, Oliver inquired about less-than-legal items the shop might sell. After a moment, the minotaur produced a wooden box. She showed Oliver a brooch inside, which she said was a Brooch of Shielding. Nothing fancy, but might be of some use in the future. Oliver paid for this item too, then returned to Ylraphon Plaza where the tourney was about to begin.
Gremir wanted to put on a display of faithfulness during the tourney, sanctifying the proceedings in Donlad's name. Before leaving the commoners' residences on the north side, he stopped to buy a load of chickens and a chicken cart from a humble man and his family. Gremir overpaid intentionally, changing the lives of the commoners for the better. His handful of gold was more than they would likely have seen in a year.
Across town, Rhokeion went to inquire about Horse 72 at the stable. He told the stablekeeper about the corpse which the party had found in the swamp west of the Gnasher Spring. The stablekeeper paled at the account, then stepped to the back to retrieve a new tag for 72, placing it amongst his things. Evidently, there would be a new Horse 72 soon. The man did not have any guesses as to what could have happened to the poor beast. He did say that Horse 72 had been among a group sent to investigate a monastery in the Flooded Forest, called the Orchid. Rhokeion remembered hearing that the sisters there were loyal customers of Twilight Lumber.
As everyone gathered at Ylraphon Plaza, the scale of the tourney became apparent. Dozens of tables were set up all across the brick, with the vendors and their carts lining the perimeter. Elmo stood at an elaborate table, preparing to begin. The party saw Amrul Ilnatar among the throng of spectators and players. Sora took note of a dark, cloaked figure nearby Elmo. The person seemed to be a small minotaur with dark fur. The tip of his left horn looked as if it had been broken off and repaired with some metal or ceramic. The innkeeper took no notice of the minotaur, addressing the crowd. Escher stood by, seeming to magically project the small man's voice.
Elmo explained the structure of the tourney and showcased the prize: 1000 platinum pieces and a Dragonchess board made of parts of Throstulgrael's remains. The white pieces were carved from his bones, while the black pieces were whittled from Velvet's ebony scales. Excitement filled the air as the tourney began. From the party, only Sariel and Oliver entered. Sora sat near the front of the proceedings, taking notes for Elmo and keeping record of the event. As the first round began, Gremir loudly sacrificed the first chicken.
The next few hours were a gauntlet of strategy for Oliver and Sariel. Amrul, too, proceeded well into the tourney. After a few wins, Oliver was eliminated from the competition. He skulked off to simmer for the rest of the tourney. Sora, keeping an eye on the strange minotaur, did not see him visibly react at all during the tourney. All the spectators socialized throughout and cheered at the top of every round when Gremir sacrificed another chicken. Still, the hooded bull sat back and observed silently. He turned suddenly to look at Sora, who quickly averted her gaze. Soon, only Sariel and Amrul remained in the competition. The final round was quite a display of prowess (or perhaps natural talent on Sariel's part). Finally, Sariel captured Amrul's king and the game was won.
The crowd loudly celebrated as Sariel was pronounced the winner. Elmo looked very pleased the tourney had gone well. Amrul, ever the gentleman, humbly thanked Sariel for a thrilling game. Sariel was given the Dragonchess board and was told the platinum pieces would be held for her at the House of Merchants.
Amrul approached the table where Sora was taking notes, pulling along Oliver and Sariel. The pale nobleman, evidently wearing some sort of makeup, proclaimed his thanks to Oliver for helping to fund the tourney. He again congratulated Sariel for her victory. Finally, Amrul made an announcement. Giving Gremir an excited look, he confirmed that the city of Ylraphon would be building a temple to Donlad on the south side near Moonwater.
In the ensuing applause, the hooded minotaur stepped forward to whisper in Amrul's ear. Without changing his posture or reacting, Amrul stepped forth once more to continue. He announced that he had misspoken; the temple would be built on the isle of Pharyssolnyth offshore to the southeast. The ancient dragon's legendary nest would be perfectly suitable. Again the crowd erupted in raucous applause, with a blood-covered Gremir shouting in apparent ecstasy.
Tourney-goers began to disperse and proceed with the usual nighttime happenings in Ylraphon. The mysterious minotaur took Amrul abreast and began to walk east toward Ilnatar Manor. Oliver tried to catch Amrul's attention, but the nobleman brushed him off. The strange pair walked out of Ylraphon Plaza and down the street. Angrily, Oliver stormed away. He felt betrayed by Elmo, whom he had hoped would place a finger on the scale and help him win the tournament. Sora packed up her scribing materials and presented Elmo with a record of the tourney. She had also been taking personal notes of the rules of Dragonchess; perhaps the people of Eberron would enjoy this game.
The party, taking interest in the duo leaving town, endeavored to follow them unseen. Thinking to dissuade any tourney attendees from following his companions, Rhokeion caused a magical diversion near the crowd gathered in Ylraphon Plaza. He was brazen, flaunting his magical privilege. Unfazed, Escher approached and made casual conversation. She only barely even took note of his magical display. Rhokeion thought of how meaningless this city must be, filled with Empty Seats. Still, he carried on and gave the party (sans Oliver) enough cover to take their leave unnoticed.
The party was keeping an eye on the minotaur and Amrul, making sure to hang back far enough. The party was in sight of Ilnatar Manor when Gremir made a splash in a puddle and drew the minotaur's attention. He truly was small for a minotaur, hardly any larger than Gremir. Turning to peer directly toward the mostly-obscured party, the bull reached out to touch Amrul. The elf fell into himself as space seemed to bend around him. He seemed frozen for a moment, with his hair and clothes appearing to lose texture. In a flash, the nobleman had disappeared. Glaring once more toward the party, the minotaur cast a spell and teleported elsewhere.
Bewildered, the party looked about at one another. The manner in which Amrul had been "sent away" was reminiscent of the Moander Abomination's burst which had disabled the Empty Seats. As the party discussed what they had seen, their attention was drawn to a window at Ilnatar Manor. A light had come on inside- perhaps Amrul had simply returned home? Or maybe "Mother"? Thinking to follow up with Amrul at a later date, the party decided to reunite with Rhokeion and rest up for the following days' travel. On their way back towards the inn, Oliver rejoined the group. He had apparently been to a tattoo parlor. The dwarf now had tattoos across his knuckles, spelling "K I L L E L M O".
On the morning of Tarsakh 11, the party enacted their plan to investigate the fungal "X" that Sariel had seen through her mask. As the arms of the "X" crossed near Tavilar, they planned to take their Growboats and row through the swamp in that direction. Instead of taking the road, they would parse through the forest and keep an eye out for any hags. Sora had seen crude inscriptions of the Mage's Tower on historical maps, and it was always depicted as being slightly northwest of Tavilar. After leaving the other half of their Sending Stone with Escher, the party set out toward the Flooded Forest. After a quick stop at Growboats to retrieve their gear, they embarked.
The group had already planned to spend multiple days searching through the swamp, so they planned to spend the whole day mapping out portions of the swamp as they traveled. They took note of the water's depth and remembered where they could best travel in their boats. In the afternoon, the group came upon the area where Regneld Rockbash had been killed by Stirges. They noticed peculiar flight patterns in the Stirges fluttering about nearby and pressed on to investigate. Their map of this region was nearly complete.
Soon, the party came upon a musty cave in a small rocky hillside. It was mostly obscured by foliage and trees, but the Stirges flew in and out regularly. Perhaps in some act of revenge on Regneld's part, the group endeavored to enter and clean the place out. They did so, facing down groups of the mammalian pests. They took note of what seemed to be adventurers' remains strewn about the cave as they fought.
The extermination led the party through multiple low passages infested with the beasts. Finally, the group of now-seasoned swamp warriors came up against a particularly swollen and gluttonous Stirge. Flanked by a brood of sorts, the disgusting bloodsucker viciously attacked the group. They fought hard to eradicate the pestilence, crushing each leathery creature into the stone of the caverns. As the large Stirge popped like a balloon, everything ran red and the party caught their breath. After gathering the fallen adventurers' treasures, they wasted no time leaving the lair.
Will Oliver actually harm poor Elmo? What foul secrets might Amrul be keeping? What will the party find in the Mage's Tower? Find out next time on... The Domain of the Metamage!
Key Items
- Dragonchess Board
- Dragon Turtle Scale (3x)
- Horn of Fog
- Blister Ammunition (15x)
- 100 GP
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