Session 6
Reassignment
Reassignment
General Summary
The party arrives back to Brimstone early the next morning after encountering the Imperial Legion following the events of Brimstone Hollow. All Indents working there were ushered onto train cars and transported back for "reassignment" while the legion conducts their investigation at the mine. Brimstone is now bustling with the unemployed awaiting work from the imperials - Meanwhile indents are provided no form of compensation during this time and without a clear plan for when they can return to work, the atmosphere is tense and civil unrest is impending. Walking down the main stretch the party notices the unruly mob in front of the imperial labor office, it is then that they are approached by a commoner claiming to be a deputy, the party is lead back to the sheriff's office to speak with Marshal Elias Dane. The Marshal informs the party that he is investigating the source of the riot at Brimstone Hollow, and said that the two dwarves that were trapped in the pit with the party, had revealed the party's identities when questioned by the Marshal. However, just when they think they've been caught - the Marshal destroys his report, and reveals that he will keep their secret because he does not morally condone the actions of Gorem Handrik or the Eternal Empire - he acknowledges that morality is a grey area, and thats how he ended up in his position as Marshal here so he feels he can relate with the party's motives. The party express their immediate need to remove their Shackles, in which the Marshal responds that he cant help them himself - though they may find someone who can at "the Oasis", a Casino at the edge of the Wildlands. Thane who still possesses the Emergency Transponder found in the mines, traces the signal to be coming somewhere from the Wildlands, just North West of where the Oasis is said to be. After their conversation a noise is heard outside and the Marshal goes out there to assist his Deputy in resolving a civil dispute between two indents, when suddenly one of the involved indent's head explodes as they are shot from a distance.
Approaching down the road and in clear line of sight of the attack, is Father Gideon Thorne accompanied by the Imperial Inquisitor known as Varlo "Deadeye" Trask. In Trask's hand is a flasklock pistol, its barrel still smoking, he is clearly the shooter. The Marshal has a brief altercation with them, in which it is revealed that Father Thorne has intentionally went over the Marshal's head to bring in his own lawman, Trask, as it is imperially sanctioned by the Chantry to employ the likes of Inquisitors. Trask mentions that he is conducting his own investigation into the riot at Brimstone Hollow, and will be around to sniff out any trouble. When they leave the Marshal warns the party about Trask, and though he can't help any further, he directs them to Salda's Saloon where they may be able to get more information on the Oasis. Upon entering the Saloon, the party elects to have a few drinks and listen to the crowd there. Thane gathers that there is a noble from Avalon visiting town, while Boost observes strange interactions with Salda Mourn the owner and some of the other patrons - it would appear as if some illicit transactions are taking place. Upon approaching the bar and speaking to her and her bodyguard / bartender Baxos Delmirev, Boost & Thane manage to broker a deal with Salda to deliver a package of illicit goods to the Oasis. With her blessing they may enter and deliver her package, subsequently allowing them to use the opportunity to search for someone there that can remove their Shackles. Content with the deal struck, the party are to return the following night to pick up the package. Leaving the Saloon, the party head into northern Brimstone where they meet Cornelius Copperfield III and his faithful Droid companion NESTOR. Cornelius being part of a wealthy and influential family who founded Brimstone, has a large estate there which he visits occasionally - the party, who seem to have encountered him on such an occasion, are invited inside for a drink. Conversation is struck up and its revealed that Cornelius is an archaeologist with a particular interest in ancient imperial religious artifacts, the same kind that are often sought out by the Chantry, putting him at odds with their agenda. Regardless, he still seeks out these items for his vast network of private collectors, and often hires mercenaries to help him on his expeditions. Noting this the party strikes a deal to help Cornelius on his upcoming expedition into the Wildlands - in return, they will receive compensation as well as be allowed to stay at the expansive Copperfield Estate while working for Cornelius.