Session #4
General Summary
The sessions continues on from the previous adventure, as the group find a place to rest after a tiresome first day in Ashuur.
Tokaxochitl however first conducts a ritual to commune with her goddess, intending only to offer apologies; she is surprised by a direct communication with Uttu. Though the deity chastises the girl for her past choices, Uttu also makes it clear Tokaxochitl can find redemption, though Uttu leaves a startling warning that Tokaxochitl cannot serve two masters.
Afterwards, the group wakes up, have some breakfast and head off to explore/shop.
Tokaxochitl goes off on her own first as the rest eat, the others following along later.
They purchase arms and armor as well as new clothing, finally appearing like free people instead of mere serfs. Tokaxochitl splurges on new foods.
While in the markets Khel finds out about Ashuurite traditionalism when he attempts to purchase a hand crossbow, having to settle on a piece from a completely trustworthy(™) Copper Goods merchant called Ea-Nassir.
They also hear a proclamation from a town crier that tells them the Empress lives and celebrations and games were to continue, overseen by the Empress' youngest daughter Ishtari.
After their shopping trip, Kyros grabs them from the inn and takes them to see Salazar in a pleasure house known as The Gilded Lily. It is managed by a person known as Damakos. They have a deep conversation about matters of great import, about the state of the Empire and its succession, about foreign lands (with particular focus on Harmundara from Aban, Ptolea from Khel and Subaruum from Tokaxochitl)
Salazar tells the new "sparrows" in his employ that they are now free to pursue their own investigations, as they see fit. He asks only that they keep him informed of the situation within the Empire as they see it. He may occasionally give them tasks to perform and wishes to remain in contact using a diplomat's case, a magically imbued scroll case. He informs them that if they are looking for a place to start their journey, make some money, and gain a useful asset then they should go to the docks and find a man that goes by the name "Spiros the Bull".
The talk becomes emotional at one point and Tokaxochitl storms away.
In the end, our protagonists decide to join forces with Salazar (for now at least) and see where that leads them.
Salazar takes his leave and the group is left to enjoy the pleasures of the Gilded Lily.
Report Date
07 Feb 2024
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