Session Preface:
After a well-earned night of deep and dreamless rest, Parathrax, you wake, for a moment disoriented to find yourself once again in the room of your childhood prior to the years spent in the Talon's Barracks. In the foggy thoughts of early morning, it takes a moment for your mind to recalibrate itself to the present realities. In an effort to focus your mind and steel yourself against whatever lies ahead, you kneel before your shield and meditate, focussing on the visage and presence of Bahamut.
In your meditations, you are surrounded by dark wisps of mist swirling around you as if in the center of a storm cloud heavy with a forthcoming thunderstorm. In the midst of this darkness, a small figure approaches. As she draws closer, you recognize the seventh prophet. She smiles to you, placing her small hand on your forehead. In a soft, tender voice, she says "Forgotten Truth is Seldom Justice Nor Mercy" before fading back into the mist. As she departs, a single thunderous roar booms through the clouds around you and you are once again back staring into your immaculate shield in the bedroom of your youth.
After donning your armor, you exchange brief pleasantries with your father before making your way to the Library of Libations. As you enter, you see Endriel and Vorothruun already gathered and eating a simple breakfast as you are met with the inviting scent of fried dough cakes, a breakfast specialty of Beldan's.
Session Summary:
The party catches up on the most recent changes and conversations in Avraathe other breakfast before heading toward Orin’s villa to discuss the job he has reached out to them to discuss. During their meal, Vorothruun shares the content and muses on the nature of his prophetic dream including the familiar and strange words which linger in his mind. Hoping to further test the wine which may have triggered the vision, he requests Beldan set aside the next two shipments and order more for his experimentation. Parathrax shares the verse of wisdom spoken to him by the seventh prophet during his meditation and the party concludes it is best for her to remain away from the events unfolding in Avraathe. Learning of Porath’s knowledge of the Harpers and the recent undermining of his efforts, Endriel expresses his concern regarding the information flowing out of the Harper’s plans and a possibly compromised agent.
Walking through the Workman’s Ward, the party notices an immediate uptick in the presence of patrolling Scalers as well as additional refugees who seem to have found a home within the walls.
The undisputedly most extravagant and expansive estate within the Workman's Ward, the Underfury villa effortlessly pairs its nondescript stone structure befitting of its neighborhood with the pristine and manicured gardens of the wealthier wards surrounded by an imposing fence of platinum bars each topped with the Underfury crest of three interlocked crescent moons.
"Do you have business with the Underfury family?"
Two inexperienced guards meet the party at Underfury’s gate, inspecting the note they received before allowing them to enter the facilities, where one of Orin's house staff greets them and notifies the master of the house of their arrival.
Stepping into the office chamber, you squint as your eyes adjust to the low lit room. The dark stone walls, atypical of Avraathian construction, feel more cavernous and mirror the dwarven architecture of much older structures. At an ornate wooden desk sits who could only be Orin Underfury, owner and operator of the Boulderdown Mines. Orin's sharp hazel eyes look over each of you in turn as he slowly rotates a golden ring on his finger. His dark black hair is neatly pulled back into a knot while his well groomed beard with streaks of grey woven throughout falls to the middle of his chest and is similarly tied off. Wearing a fine tunic of a rich maroon cloth as well as his family crest as a golden pendant, Orin gives an air of both his incredible wealth and comfort.
"My esteemed guests, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to meet with me. Please, take a seat, make yourselves at home. Would you like something to drink? My kitchen brews a mulled spice cider which is quite invigorating, especially on such a cold day. I believe they are also preparing a stew for this evening, if you find yourself famished."
After being led to Orin’s chamber, he and the party discuss at length the recent events and their opinions on the individuals and organizations involved. Among other topics, the party learns of Orin’s general support for the recent economic initiatives despite the changes it has caused in the mines. Orin also discusses his working relationships with the High Council and Justices of the Platinum Keep given his relative isolation from other members of the Merchant’s Guild. When asked specifically about the newest High Priest, Orin admits not knowing Porath particularly well since his position is so new and as a Keeper he did not oversee the services the Underfury familiar frequents. During the meeting, Vorothruun notes that while Orin speaks of Bahamut with respect, he also keeps writings on the dwarves pantheon within reach of his desk as well. Endriel also notices Orin possessing more than a cursory familiarity with the party, especially when Orin is momentarily caught off-guard by an unexpected comment from Endriel regarding the half-orcs in his employment. Finally, Orin shifts the conversation to the task at hand.
"In a particular vein on the eastern edge of my mines, workers have been complaining about an infestation of kobold. Thank Bahamut the creatures have not hurt any of my employees yet, but my inventory sheets show these vermin have been sneaking in and stealing resources. Tools, supplies, and even the raw materials we excavate. Simply, I need these monsters cleared out. You can obviously understand my need for quiet, quick work. If you feel you're up to the task, I offer 250 gold upon agreement, a remaining 500 gold upon completion, and a bonus 250 gold if you bring back evidence of rooting out the source of the trouble. Can I count on you?"
The party is initially relieved to hear the task is as simple as clearing out an infestation of monsters pilfering and scavenging in the mines. But this relief passes once Orin reveals his request to lead the to the affected area blindly to protect the proprietary nature of his discovery. After further negotiations and clarification as to his intent, Orin points the companions in the direction of the mines to meet with his men for more details.
The party then makes their way through the North Gate and towards Bolderdown Mines where they are met by Nokdren. Nokdren goes into a bit more detail, describing the creatures as “small, menacing, and reptilian” before requesting they don the sacks which will keep the location of the particular mine shaft secret. After several minutes of walking blindly, the party discovers themselves in a weaving set of caverns filled with battle-ready and armored kobolds. The pack of kobolds quickly descend upon Vorothruun and nearly overwhelm him, but the warlock manages to use his defensive magics to ward off their threats, allowing Endriel to pick them off from a safe distance while Parathrax holds the frontline for the remainder of the skirmish. After finishing off the remaining kobolds mesmerized by Vorothruun’s illusory spells, the party turn their attention to the crevice through which the last two kobolds escaped with gems and tools in hand.
Comments