Ashe C2 Episode 43 - To Save a Princess
Previously On Liters of Tomorrow...
Waking in the Bulongo Inn in the great city of Warshaw, you all assembled in the Common room. After a few moments the Druid Truffle reappeared in a burst of sunlight. A few minutes after that Mausim stumbled into the common room clearly beat half to death and too exhausted to tell the story. The sentient Guinea Pig known as Virgil Capsaicin came in with Wes, they both seemed to be in the middle of an argument. Archos and Nuth ate a small breakfast at separate tables studying their many books and scrolls. Unbeknownst to any of them they were being watched by a solemn lizard folk man who took in the scene with some curiousity.
In true adventure team fashion the common room became a series of arguments, the telling of bizarre stories, and a bizarre scene in the background involving a Halfling Bard wrestling Truffle for the microphone to the Karaoke machine. Eventually Virgil filled the team in on what has been happening in Warshaw for the last month. He mentioned the sudden disappearance of Sava Cogson and a possible plot against certain members of the royal family.
The team split in two to begin an investigation in the city. This however was a bit of a smoke screen so that Truffle and Archos could head to the docks and do some light terrorism on the East Tellenheim Trading Company. They snuck Truffle onto a heavy freighter while Archos used her Zombies as a safety violation on the docks. Truffle swiftly set the vessel on fire and ran off in the confusion.
Wes, Virgil, Nuth and the new lizard folk Monk named Rango headed out to the Blacksmith to pick up supplies.
It was only after happening upon a strange meeting of two ETC officers and some thugs from the Crown Smashers that prompted Wes and his team to investigate more directly. Nuth impersonated one of the thugs and found valuable information stashed in a warehouse in Mettletowne. Once they arrived Nuth, Rango, and Virgil attempted to find a way in While Wes commandeered a horse to go find the rest of the team.
During all of this Mausim, still beat up and bedraggled, went to bed to rest up.
Rango found a weak spot in the building near the roof of the building and used his crowbar to gain entry. The three began to investigate the space but were accosted by several thugs from the Crown Smashers. Alone and outnumbered the three put up an impressive fight but were eventually on the ropes. The Cavalry arrived just in time to rescue them and defeat the gang members. They also found Sava Cogson tied up in a secret room at the back of the warehouse. The leader of the gang members fled and escaped.
Waking in the Bulongo Inn in the great city of Warshaw, you all assembled in the Common room. After a few moments the Druid Truffle reappeared in a burst of sunlight. A few minutes after that Mausim stumbled into the common room clearly beat half to death and too exhausted to tell the story. The sentient Guinea Pig known as Virgil Capsaicin came in with Wes, they both seemed to be in the middle of an argument. Archos and Nuth ate a small breakfast at separate tables studying their many books and scrolls. Unbeknownst to any of them they were being watched by a solemn lizard folk man who took in the scene with some curiousity.
In true adventure team fashion the common room became a series of arguments, the telling of bizarre stories, and a bizarre scene in the background involving a Halfling Bard wrestling Truffle for the microphone to the Karaoke machine. Eventually Virgil filled the team in on what has been happening in Warshaw for the last month. He mentioned the sudden disappearance of Sava Cogson and a possible plot against certain members of the royal family.
The team split in two to begin an investigation in the city. This however was a bit of a smoke screen so that Truffle and Archos could head to the docks and do some light terrorism on the East Tellenheim Trading Company. They snuck Truffle onto a heavy freighter while Archos used her Zombies as a safety violation on the docks. Truffle swiftly set the vessel on fire and ran off in the confusion.
Wes, Virgil, Nuth and the new lizard folk Monk named Rango headed out to the Blacksmith to pick up supplies.
It was only after happening upon a strange meeting of two ETC officers and some thugs from the Crown Smashers that prompted Wes and his team to investigate more directly. Nuth impersonated one of the thugs and found valuable information stashed in a warehouse in Mettletowne. Once they arrived Nuth, Rango, and Virgil attempted to find a way in While Wes commandeered a horse to go find the rest of the team.
During all of this Mausim, still beat up and bedraggled, went to bed to rest up.
Rango found a weak spot in the building near the roof of the building and used his crowbar to gain entry. The three began to investigate the space but were accosted by several thugs from the Crown Smashers. Alone and outnumbered the three put up an impressive fight but were eventually on the ropes. The Cavalry arrived just in time to rescue them and defeat the gang members. They also found Sava Cogson tied up in a secret room at the back of the warehouse. The leader of the gang members fled and escaped.
Plot points/Scenes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Themes
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…
ETC Officers Warshaw:
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.
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
Structure
Exposition
Speaking with Sava
Sava bows low to thank you for freeing him. "Greetings once more, Your noble actions complement your knack for violence. I thank you for freeing me."
Sava explains that he has been investigating the Crown Smashers for weeks now and had uncovered a plot to kill princess Princess Lydia Mistletoe Ladalia Wardashar, human woman. Through a series of investigations he had found a link between the Prince's advisor Viktor Stenkov (Revetan the Reclaimer, though Sava has no proof of this yet.) funding coming from the East Tellenheim Company which quickly gets funneled to the Crown Smasher and their leader Gibdo Crosse.
[DM Note: a Half orc man, the same man who fled from Nuth just last episode.]
"If you all would assist me in searching this warehouse I believe it will confirm my suspicions on how they intend to terminate the Princess."
Archos - The 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.
Investigation checks:
10-15 - You find several crates that have scorch marks on the side and the remnants of smithied metals and molten drops of bronze and copper which have now cooled into small balls.
15-20 - You find empty vials and flasks that once contained alchemist fire and a fine alchemical pitch. You smell the stoppers and glass and confirm it as the same ingredients used to recharge an Exlposive Pot.
20 and above - You leap up on a series of stacked crates and look down to where your compatriots are studying the remains of blacksmithed and alchemical components and you see a shape formed out of the scorch marks on the stone floor. In your mind you form a shape of a device that looks almost spider like that once sat here being worked on. You also find scraps of parchment that have a magical formula inscribed on them. Nuth or Finn could determine that it is magic missile.
Sava bows low to thank you for freeing him. "Greetings once more, Your noble actions complement your knack for violence. I thank you for freeing me."
Sava explains that he has been investigating the Crown Smashers for weeks now and had uncovered a plot to kill princess Princess Lydia Mistletoe Ladalia Wardashar, human woman. Through a series of investigations he had found a link between the Prince's advisor Viktor Stenkov (Revetan the Reclaimer, though Sava has no proof of this yet.) funding coming from the East Tellenheim Company which quickly gets funneled to the Crown Smasher and their leader Gibdo Crosse.
[DM Note: a Half orc man, the same man who fled from Nuth just last episode.]
"If you all would assist me in searching this warehouse I believe it will confirm my suspicions on how they intend to terminate the Princess."
Archos - The 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.
Investigation checks:
10-15 - You find several crates that have scorch marks on the side and the remnants of smithied metals and molten drops of bronze and copper which have now cooled into small balls.
15-20 - You find empty vials and flasks that once contained alchemist fire and a fine alchemical pitch. You smell the stoppers and glass and confirm it as the same ingredients used to recharge an Exlposive Pot.
20 and above - You leap up on a series of stacked crates and look down to where your compatriots are studying the remains of blacksmithed and alchemical components and you see a shape formed out of the scorch marks on the stone floor. In your mind you form a shape of a device that looks almost spider like that once sat here being worked on. You also find scraps of parchment that have a magical formula inscribed on them. Nuth or Finn could determine that it is magic missile.
Conflict
Have Mausim make a wisdom Saving throw again. Jovus Flamedancer is scrying on him again for Grantebridge.
Sava gathers your information and makes his conclusion. "Ah! friends your deductions are forming my conclusion! These Crown Smashers have created an infernal device to terminate the princess. Based on your findings I believe I have an excellent theory on the manner of this execution!" He looks at you all and his eye brackets move to the "pleased" position indicating that he is smiling.
"Though clearly an illicit criminal cartel of low intelligence individuals could not have created such a device without assistance. I must therefore conclude that an artificer hired by either the East Tellenheim Company or Revetan himself must be technological or magical advisor."
With some prompting he will exclaim "Princess Lydia often visits the Golden Orchard in late afternoon to give alms to the farmers, on her return she must cross the Queen's Span bridge. The device will be placed underneath the bridge and attach with the spider like metal that you have observed, once activated it will explode in a great fireball destroying the princess and the evidence! The magic missiles could be set to target the princess herself, easily ending her life almost instantaneously. The plan though wholly evil and without pity is undeniably genius and well thought out."
"Yes to stop the nefarious attempt we must move quickly, the hour of one is upon on us and the princesses carriage will be moving if she holds to her usual schedule. We must make haste for the bridge!"
Sava gathers your information and makes his conclusion. "Ah! friends your deductions are forming my conclusion! These Crown Smashers have created an infernal device to terminate the princess. Based on your findings I believe I have an excellent theory on the manner of this execution!" He looks at you all and his eye brackets move to the "pleased" position indicating that he is smiling.
"Though clearly an illicit criminal cartel of low intelligence individuals could not have created such a device without assistance. I must therefore conclude that an artificer hired by either the East Tellenheim Company or Revetan himself must be technological or magical advisor."
With some prompting he will exclaim "Princess Lydia often visits the Golden Orchard in late afternoon to give alms to the farmers, on her return she must cross the Queen's Span bridge. The device will be placed underneath the bridge and attach with the spider like metal that you have observed, once activated it will explode in a great fireball destroying the princess and the evidence! The magic missiles could be set to target the princess herself, easily ending her life almost instantaneously. The plan though wholly evil and without pity is undeniably genius and well thought out."
"Yes to stop the nefarious attempt we must move quickly, the hour of one is upon on us and the princesses carriage will be moving if she holds to her usual schedule. We must make haste for the bridge!"
Rising Action
The Queen's Span
As your rush down the road you feel the hot summer sun on your backs as you move into position. A light breeze provides some relief on the sweat that now drips down your backs. What would you like to do?
[DM Note: The device has been placed underneath the bridge and is set to activate when the carriage passes over a sigil on the bridge. The Sigil is set to account for the size and weight of the carriage. It will not detonate if a person or horse moves over it. Hiding motionless on the walls above are the two monk automatons sent by Viktor Stenkov to oversee the operation and report in when it is done. There are also six of the Crown Smashers who have now been alerted by Gibdo to look for the adventurers who broke into the warehouse. They will attack with crossbows and ranged weapons from strategic positions on the map.]
As your rush down the road you feel the hot summer sun on your backs as you move into position. A light breeze provides some relief on the sweat that now drips down your backs. What would you like to do?
[DM Note: The device has been placed underneath the bridge and is set to activate when the carriage passes over a sigil on the bridge. The Sigil is set to account for the size and weight of the carriage. It will not detonate if a person or horse moves over it. Hiding motionless on the walls above are the two monk automatons sent by Viktor Stenkov to oversee the operation and report in when it is done. There are also six of the Crown Smashers who have now been alerted by Gibdo to look for the adventurers who broke into the warehouse. They will attack with crossbows and ranged weapons from strategic positions on the map.]
Climax
East Tellenheim Company enforcers
The ETC will be looking for the saboteurs who burned the frigate known as the Gold Leopard. The property damage was in the tens of thousands of gold and the city guard will be turned out to look for suspects in the city. Due to their allegiance to the city and the Royal Freight Company the ETC has sent out roving bands of their own enforcers to find the culprits. [DM Note: Truffle was never seen during this crime but Archos was as well as suspicious zombies that appeared out of nowhere wearing elegant hats with beautiful hair. The Zombies were destroyed in the ensuing chaos.]
The Enforcers are looking for male Tieflings in the city and will capture first and ask questions later. They are equipped with nets and Chain hooks to reel in any fleeing suspects.
The ETC will be looking for the saboteurs who burned the frigate known as the Gold Leopard. The property damage was in the tens of thousands of gold and the city guard will be turned out to look for suspects in the city. Due to their allegiance to the city and the Royal Freight Company the ETC has sent out roving bands of their own enforcers to find the culprits. [DM Note: Truffle was never seen during this crime but Archos was as well as suspicious zombies that appeared out of nowhere wearing elegant hats with beautiful hair. The Zombies were destroyed in the ensuing chaos.]
The Enforcers are looking for male Tieflings in the city and will capture first and ask questions later. They are equipped with nets and Chain hooks to reel in any fleeing suspects.
Current Date : The Year SF3, 3028 the month of Kieralar (July)
Completion Date
8/3/23
8/3/23
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