Session 128 - A Murder Solved
General Summary
30th Morgat (last day of Winter) 722TR to 16th Nuzyael (first month of Spring) 723TR
The story so far
Avon, a member of the Elite Red Guard has been ordered to investigate the murder of Senator Farandin Aquil. He has learned Han Hylsok, the chamberlain of Senator Tuvoth Rylen, was involved, likely hiring assassins and attempted to implicate the victim's brother for the murder.
The Heroes have also captured two of the assassins, former gladiators, after a brawl in a seedy tavern.
The continuation of Session 126 - Chaos in the Streets.
Location - City of Coranan in the Thardic Republic.
Part 1 - A True Villain is Revealed
The Investigators attempt to sneak the captured gladiators into the Citadel for interrogation. However, there are too many witnesses, and the arrest is soon common knowledge. Later that day Avon confirms, after a bit of torture, that they were hired by Han Hylsok, the chamberlain of Senator Tuvoth Rylen.
The Heroes visit Senator Tuvoth Rylen luxurious townhouse. On entering, they notice banners of their old enemies, the evil mercenary group, the Company of Dead Men hanging from the walls.
The Heroes follow the Senator in Chamberlain Han Hylsok's study. They find him lying in a pool of blood with a knife clutched in his dead hands. Senator Tuvoth feigns shock and surprise. A very rigorous examination of the scene shows that he stabbed himself in the gut repeatedly. There is no evidence of a struggle or that his suicide was in any way forced. Nearby is a note and confession.
The suspiciously cooperative Senator is more than happy for the Heroes to search his townhouse. Acheron learns that he is part-owner of the Company of Dead Men and owns many properties rented by the poor. He has a large storage room filled with many luxury goods and a bookcase dedicated to Morgathic teachings. Some of the artwork on display is distinctively macabre. Avon goes through the pretense of looking for evidence but makes no real effort.
Before the Heroes depart, the Senator congratulates the ambitious Avon on his fine work as an investigator and implies that he may support him in the future. He gifts Avon a 1,000sp "encouragement bonus" to continue his efforts in the pursuit of justice.
Part 2 - The Final Report
Avon reports to Commander Azikain his findings, omitting his "gift" and private conversions, with Senator Tuvoth. The Commander is disappointed there is not enough evidence to prosecute a Senator but is satisfied that Avon has completed a comprehensive investigation. He does not suspect that he has been deceived.
The prisoners make a full confession before witnesses and are publicly executed for their crimes. The assassinated Senator's bother, Senator Rodin Aquil, denounces Senator Tuvoth as a murderer, but nothing comes from this accusation.
Location - The Salt Route in the Thardic Republic.
Part 3 - Bandits and Old Enemies Attack
A few weeks later, Acheron and friends start their quest to recover the Shield of Saint Andrada from Clan Sherwyn in the distant Kingdom of Orbaal. Before he leaves, he commissions a replica of the Shield. The Adventurers plan to travel the Salt Route to the Kingdom of Kaldor, then take the Fur Road north into Orbaal.
During the first leg of their journey, they are ambushed by Bandits. This motley collection of criminals and legionary deserters prove no threat to the seasoned Heroes and are easily dealt with. Two of them surrender and offer to follow Avon's orders.
A few days later, the Party smells brimstone, the distinctive odor commonly associated with the rituals of the god Agrik. They are attacked out of nowhere by a large Demonic Monster armed with a huge Bronze Crossbow. He temporarily blinds Acheron, who seems to be its primary target, and nearly paralyzes Sabretooth. Battling this creature is all the more difficult as it turns invisible at will. Eventually, its location is deduced, and it is dispatched by a series of well-timed Holy Smites from Acheron. Slain, it fades from the world, leaving only a cloud of sulfurous dust and a bronze chain with the symbolism of the Order of the Eight Demons inscribed on it. The Priestesses of the Eight Demons have not forgotten Acheron (or more correctly, his alias Ricon).
To be continued...
NPC Interactions
Azikain Gelber, Commander of the Red Guard.
Challenges Overcome
Uncovered evidence to proves Chamberlain Hylsok was solely responsible for the assassination.
Defeated 12 Bandits.
Defeats 1 Orthon Demon.
Rewards
Avon received a 1,000sp "encouragement gift" from Senator Tuvoth.
Created Content
Related Reports
Senators of the Thardic Republic.
Great Families of the Thardic Republic.
The Company of Dead Men - updated.
Player Character Status
Acheron - Human - L6 Paladin and L4 Warlock Disciple of Mendiz.
Sabretooth - Unique Ivashu - L6 Ivashu Lord Barbarian, L3 Monk, and L1 Druid.
Avon - Half-Elf - L10 Thief.
Avon
Acheron
Sabretooth
NPC Companions
Moneypenny
Avon's able assistant
Ringo
Sabretooth's Ivashu Companion.
Red Guard
Clan Rylen
The Company of Dead Men
An evil Mercenary Company.
Order of the Eight Demons
Brilliant! I ffing LOVED this part of the story:
"Before the Heroes depart, the Senator congratulates the ambitious Avon on his fine work as an investigator and implies that he may support him in the future. He gifts Avon a 1,000sp "encouragement bonus" to continue his efforts in the pursuit of justice.'
It was a very 'Roman' way of handling these things.
Yes, the next step would be to develop a patron/client relationship.