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Ashe C2 Episode 42 - Back to Warshaw

Previously on Liters of Tomorrow…
Engaged in combat with the dangerous woman Charmayne Daedalus and her mercenaries, You watched as Mausim was abducted by way of a dimension door. Seconds later the two druids in the party disappeared in a flash of sunlight. The rest of you faced off against two summoned ice demons and the two powerful mercenaries.
As Daedalus retreated from the battle the two mercenaries also began to have misgivings and began conversing in goblin. Nuth, being fluent in the strange language, began to negotiate a deal with them. They turned their attention to the Ice demons as well turning the tide of the battle.
Unfortunately Nuth failed to inform the rest of the team of the deal and Wes took aim on the Tortle barbarian, blasting him with arrows and fire. In the resulting chaos the mercenaries lashed out severing Nuth's left foot from his leg. Bon Vee and Archos both spent part of the battle near death on the road. Through a series of healing actions and the help of Crashe Spritzer the team stood victorious but bloody at the end. The deal with the mercenaries turned sour as you all brutally slaughtered the pair.
Resting after the battle camp was made and the team rested. Bon Vee took advantage of Crashe's weariness and regained control of the material plane. He pulled forth a Giant Boar to pull the carriage and the team headed to the city of Warshaw. On the road you encountered a pair of cavalry riders who sped off after spying you. They seemed to wear the vestments of Copenhaus.
In Warshaw you helped Nuth limp to the nearest magic shop with his left foot safely wrapped in ice. After furious and lengthy negotiations a deal was almost struck, but at that moment Bon vee reached into his pocket and asked "What's a potion of Limb Regeneration? Cause I have one right here…"

Plot points/Scenes

Mausim
[DM Note: Where is Mausim? Electra has moved him to an ancient Mausoleum. She intends to open a tomb that can only be opened by the blood of Encealadus Calwyn. She attacks him with undead creatures and magical traps. The undead should reflect ancient warriors or figures that prominently figured in Calwyn's life during the Human Elven Wars. She is trying to open the sarcophagus of Calwyn's wife, Hemma Fiorentine. She was entombed with a necklace of great power. TBD!]
When Mausim first gets there it’s a beautiful cemetery rich with vegetation on a comfortable summer day. This is all hallucinatory terrain though, if he pierces the illusion he will see that he is in a gloomy underground tomb. Both versions have a Mausoleum in the center. The tomb of Encealadus Calwyn. It can only be opened by Mausim. In the center of massive double doors is a circular design that looks like a hand. If he places his hand on it gears begin to turn and the doors open. Same. On the massive sarcophagus inside. The body of Calwyn is entombed with an ornate Elven crown. There should be an inscription in Sylvan and Primordial that was written after the war when Calwyn had joined forces with Rivendrias to fight the dark one.  This is why he is buried in an elven tomb.  It looks to be wood shaped and laced with silver and emeralds. Oddly enough it has similar look to the beetle carapace that they rescued in the Dark Fae.
When Mausim takes it the scene changes and he is attacked by powerful undead creatures. Electra taunts him, have her take something else from within the tomb so she gets what she came for. She thinks the crown is useless.
Start Here:
Mausim you leap forward with you hand on your sword, you feel it charging through the hilt as the sword and scabbard work in concert to absorb magical energies.  In mid leap, however, you see Charmayne's face turn to a wicked smile and she moves her fingers into a square pattern and a rift appears in front of you.  When you land from your jump you find yourself in a serene underground cavern.  
Despite the rocky ceiling above the cave itself has a manicured garden feel.  Imitation sunlight creeps up from the intricately carved sconces from the walls.  The ceiling is fairly high making the area less claustrophobic than usual.  Well manicured flowers and bushes are lined around ornate stone sarcophagi.  You seem to be in a mausoleum of some kind.  Roll a history Check.  
10 - You recognize the patterns and stonework combined with vegetation as high elven
15- You know that this type of mausoleum is reserved for elven nobility or military heroes.  
20- You realize that this particular mausoleum would be located deep in the Oru Forest and dedicated to the late second age human elven war.

  • Around you are nine sealed stone sarcophagi arranged in a circular shape.  The largest sits due north and the second largest at the 3 o'clock position.  The rest are slightly smaller and fill out the rest of the circle.  In between are long stone planters containing rare elven plants, a magical rune mists them with the perfect amount of water and the sconces provide sunlight.  What would you like to do?
    [DM Note: As Mausim investigates the area there is a main entry way on the southern wall but it is sealed from the outside and looks like it hasn't been opened in centuries.  With his language abilities he should be able to read the inscriptions. ]
    The Largest one is:
  • "Encealadus Calwyn - Greatest of all human generals.  He gave his life to give the rest of the world hope."
  • "Hemma Fiorentine - Half Elven Wife of Encealadus Calwyn - A star that shone brightly against the darkness."
  • "Cavertine Crowe - Captain of the guard - Personal Guard of Calwyn"
  • "Su Zanne Busan - Personal Guard of Calwyn"
  • "Mantaigne Trux - Personal Guard of Calwyn"
  • "Mitsofar Celly - Personal Guard of Calwyn"
  • "Richard Vukan - Personal Guard of Calwyn"
  • "Nico 'Hulk' Tradevine - Personal Guard of Calwyn"
  • "Umbrilla Melova - Personal Guard of Calwyn" 
  As you investigate the Sarcophagus of Calwyn you see that the lid is a transparent glass with hundreds of runes written on the outside of it.  The rest of the personal guard have normal stone lids on them.  Calwyn and his wife have these more elaborate viewable resting places.  You can do an arcana check to identify them.  As you approach you see the body of Encealadus Calwyn, he has been entombed with his armor with the tabard bearing the insignia of his house.  A white eagle on a field of green with silver ivy and two golden arrows. He is wearing a silver crown that looks to be of elven make, silver with bright emeralds placed into the fine metal. Both the bodies of Calwyn and his wife look incredibly well preserved, most likely the work of the elven undertakers who created this mausoleum.  The skeletons have a thin bit of skin that remains on the bodies and their hair and his beard remain though they are brittle and wispy.  
[DM Note: As he gets close or touches the tombs the runes flare and deactivate.  Both Calwyn's and his wife's exhale a mist of inert noble gasses.  The glass covers slide open. If Mausim takes the crown or touches the necklace on Hemma two of the tombs will burst open pitting him against two strong undead soldiers.  Need stats for this.  Mausim can try to take either the crown or the necklace but Electra will take the other.  Once she has what she wants the undead will be less powerful and easily defeated.  Mausim will be rescued by a silent Great Dryad who will appear and heal his wounds.  Then she will transport him back to Warshaw.]

Themes

Virgil Capsaicin
[DM Note: In the last month since the team fled the vault, Virgil has been hiding in Warshaw. In Bulongo's inn he discovered a thirteenth floor that was built for tiny folk. These days it has been largely forgotten by larger people and faeries, pixies, and imps use the rooms for free. Virgil found an open room and has been staying there. During this time he met often with Sava Cogson until he disappeared a few nights ago.]
Wes, you find yourself in the comfortable bed of Bulongo's Inn. The feel of a real bed, a plush pillow, and the sweet air tinged with the smell of bacon and spiced potatoes makes you smile as the sunrise warms you through the window. Two pressure points land on your chest and you open your eyes to the orange and white furred head of a guinea pig who leans in with an angry look.
  "Where the hell have you been!"
  Virgil Capsaicin throws his arms up in the air and begins to pace angrily back and forth on your chest.
"You scoundrels head off to the vault and leave me behind, then you all disappear for a month! I'm left here to look after the carriage that supposedly has this important magical artifact in it and keep it all safe. Then I hear the rumors that a boatload of gold has gone missing and that the thieves are living it up on a beach in Cobra'Lah!"
"Well of all the nerve, you jerks just show up again and don't even bother to check in on me! Well I've been up to all kinds of adventures and interesting stuff. I foiled some thieves who were trying to steal the carriage, I came up with a recipe for pecan nut bars, I even did a couple of stories for the local broadsheet printer. Kind of a cub reporter type thing."

Structure

Exposition

Shrine to Oppapan and Thra'Oneiros
[DM Note: Whether we have Demaia or Truffle both of them were transported away by the great Dryad. She has taken them to Thra'Oneiros, the dreaming world of the druids to give them information on what they are up against.]
Demaia you see a beautiful twilight sky of purple and orange, the air around you is a comfortable summer night. A massive stone statue with an animalistic face towers above you covered in ferns and wildflowers.

Truffle you see a similar scene but the sky is a green a blue aurora with thousands of stars on the edges. The massive stone statue is covered in lichen and moss of bright pinks, purples and green. Thousands of bright mushrooms dot the ground and the statue each glowing with blue, purple, and orange phosphorescence.

A woman standing almost 12 feet tall approaches you, she holds her hands out in greeting. Her skin is of a supple wood and branches with bright green leaves creates a crown around her head. Her eyes are large, almost like a deers, and they glow with a warm green light.
"Daughter of the living world, I have brought you here to tell you of great dangers. Also of great hope, for you carry light of Maka'lua'a in your hearts. This place you now stand in is Thra'Oneiros, the dreaming world of all animals and druids. It is a special place that can only be accessed by those druids who have been blessed by nature herself. Despite the powers and abilities you will gain from this blessing, Thra'Oneiros is a dangerous place for druids. Utilizing this space can create exhaustion on your physical forms when you wake and any wounds you incur will carry with you back to your waking selves.
Now down to why you are here. Agents of the dark one work to awaken a great demon that threatens the world. They also will search for the creature you call the beetle. That beetle is a vestige of the great forest spirit Oppapan. You must help your friends return it to the great tree before it falls into evil hands. We will speak again, now I will return you to your companions..."

Conflict

Grantebridge Strahan -
[DM Note: Grantebridge has been scrying on the team and will set up a trap for them. He is using a river crossing as his battle field and has set up archers and cavalry to hem them in. He is quite aware of their array of abilities. He has also brought along quite a bit of Hell hornet poison to use as well.]
  The two calvary men who saw them earlier on the Stonemarke Road have relayed their information to Strahan. He now waits with a full platoon of trained men with poison who will attack the group.
Grantebridge Strahan - Half Orc man with Lime green skin. Receding hairline and white hair pulled back in pony tail. Has a snake tattoo on the left side of his face. His team is loyal to him and are well paid. He uses a cult like system of rewards and punishments to make them think they are important and special. They are all promised land and gold from Vernabogge when they get back to Copenhaus.
Jovus Flamedancer - A dark elf and a member of the Assembly of the Weave. He has been contracted by Strahan to run his operation. He is the hound and the secret weapon. He has a staff of fireball that allows him to use the spell three times. He tattoos every prisoner on the back of their necks with a glyph. This allows him to magically track them wherever they go. Strahan hates runaways.
  • Caffer Strong - Goliath man
  • Melville Drenter - Half Elven man
  • Brosuph Ash - Goliath Man
  • Izzy Prophet - Human Woman
  • Din Curran - Half Orc Woman
  • Bronwyn Little - Halfling Woman
  Corporal Revis Damago - Human man, large scar on his chin, black hair. From Copenhaus
Sergeant Talasco Brigg - Half Orc man, younger with a black ponytail.
Other Reminders - 
Archamemnon's Black Web Gage will begin acting up again.  It's a Wisdom saving throw DC 15 each time it happens.  For now in times of combat or stress it will try to steal life from those around him.  It's 2d6 HP necrotic damage to the victim and 2d6 HP or temporary HP to Archos. 
Assassination attempt on the Queen. 
The current ruler is Queen Amalia Retranche Wardashaw and she has been in power for over thirty years. Often referred to as Amalia the Great by her subjects and admirers she appears to rule fairly and is very protective of the region. She has three children who are vying for the succession rights as she is approaching the age of 70, which as a human, puts her at an older age.
  • Her children are:
  • Princess Eldressaria Vitalia Wardashar, human
  • Princess Lydia Mistletoe Ladalia Wardashar, human
  • Prince Vestun Ricard Tred Wardashar, human
  • Her current advisors are:
  • Viceroy Khandashar Credulun, a human man from the kingdom.
  • Bishop of Kierkeolon Maddelin Barrius, A green elven woman from Quellis
  • Baron Zark Tang Maker, A Dwarven Man who grew up in Stoneport.
    With the vault ransacked and the crown jewels stolen the administration is in full panic mode.  Roving guards patrol the streets more vigorously thanbefore.  Though Ricelia Serise has disappeared from the city with her objectives fulfilled, Revetan is still in disguise and is stoking dissension amongst the nobles. 
    Queen Amalia is getting old. Her scions are vying for the throne.
    Also Revetan the warforged,
    [DM Note: Formerly the rogue known as Rumen Vuighn.]
    is posing as a human man with royal lineage to act as a spoiler in the race. He has allied himself with Prince Vestun Ricard Tred Wardashar, human man, who is last in line for the throne. Revetan is posing as his vizier and advisor.  His current disguise is illusory and looks like an older human man by the name of Viktor Stenkov.  His image is in Pinterest.  In the last month he has decided to seize on the Queen's weakness and plans to assassinate her and her daughters.  Once they are gone that leaves Prince Vestun as sole heir.  With these resources Revetan can continue his hunt for Cog and find a way to kill him. 
    His first plan is to create a carriage accident over the Queen's Span Bridge into the city.  It is common knowledge that the princess often visits the golden orchard during times of harvest.  Revetan has developed an infernal machine that he will place and activate underneath the bridge. It will fire off dozens of magic missiles targeted at Princess Lydia while a fireball destroys the evidence.  
  He has also created two automatons that are trained like monks.  These are Crane Style Martial artists who are designed to engage in combat with Sava Cogson.  Wu Zhi of the 6th chamber and Chun Zhi of the Whooping Leap.

Rising Action

Warders / Wardashaw City Guard - Well trained and fierce fighters, the guard protects the royal family and it's citizens and is usually quite unfriendly to outsiders. Over the last decade due to corruption and dwindling budget many of the guard now look to bribes or other compensation. Some enjoy some freelance work on the side. Some wonder if a more militaristic government wouldn't get more done than ruling by divine right…
  Random Gaurds -
  • Captain Ragar Heaton - A human man in his 50's, thinks a more miliatiristic approach may be better
  • Politon Frey - An Earth Genasi man with dull red skin and crystalline scalp. Loves a good scrap.
  • Giddleston Drinkwater - A handsome blond haired human man. Vain but with quick hands.
  • River Chandler - A halfling man whose father was a chandler. Has a short fuse.
  • Gnarg Montoya - Half orc Man with a scar on the left side of his head. Surprisingly reasonable.
  • Tri Boro - A Half Goliath Woman with one ear. Loyal to Captain Heaton to a fault.
  • Wheat Dancer in the Field - A rare Tabaxi fighter with Grey fur striped with black and white. Strikes first listens later.
  • Altricia Rum - A human woman with smarts, maybe too good of a heart to be a warder.
  • Grudge Match - A goliath man with anger issues.

Climax

Sava has been taken prisoner by several ETC thugs in Mettletowne. There is a large group of warehouses there and he is being held in one. Revetan has been working covertly with the ETC and they have splashed a lot of gold around to the organized crime in the city. Easy enough to have a strange looking automaton monk knocked out and restrained with magnetic cables.
the team must rescue Sava and fight several skilled thugs.  From there Sava will tell them of the plot to kill the princess on the bridge.  He had found evidence of the infernal device in the nearby warehouses of the ETC.  The device is a bomb put together with several rune stones and welded into a spider looking steel carapace.  It has been placed underneath the bridge leading into the city.  Once the Princess' carriage moves over the bridge it will go off.  Dozens of magic missiles are set to attack the princess directly and several fireball runes will cover the crime and destroy any evidence.  The Princess often visits the golden orchard and gives alms to the poor farmers and laborers who tend it.  
Now the players must race to the bridge to stop the device and battle the two Crane Automatons!

Falling Action

ETC Officers Warshaw:
Lord Marshall Remy Hernandez - Human Man
Lord Commissioner Buswell Phelps - Half Elven man
1st Lieutenant Gerald Winkler - Human Man
RHC Officers in Warshaw:
Mister Rand Tremolo
Lord Chiswell Murtaugh
Baron Ashtenford Willson
Royal Trade & Freight Company
Mr. Yancor Von Grupp
Mr. Landsor Schunk
WANTED POSTER:
  • The man known as Wes, a Ranger of the Ashen Forest, Known murderer and larcenous thief.
  • Accused of seven brutal slashings in the City of Stoneport.
  • Accused of the murder of Baron Harken Quail of Allachi. Hung by the neck at the city square.
  • Accused of brutally slaying the lower minister of Hellenox, Reccip Nuxhall and his wife. Run through with a broadsword.
  • Accused of theft of several thousand gold worth of jewels and equipment from the city of Stoneport.
  • Accused of Grand Larceny in the city of Helletowne, including several trained horses.
Current Date : The Year SF3, 3028 the month of Ventel (June)
Completion Date
7/27/23

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