ATG Mission 5 - The Mothman Cometh

Story Hooks in Tellenor -

Tellenor currently is enjoying the last few days of Winter's Faire, a winter solstice celebration. In town is the Bryce Dallas Five, a famous company of adventurers on their way to Penthos. They have just arrested a costumed man on the road who they have assumed is the Mothman. They are putting him in stocks and transporting him back to town to claim credit for defeating the monster. Adventure Team Grimm is currently battling the actual creature in the woods outside Onsalm.
Tyll Bebo has shown up in Tellenor, a mysterious Gnome Bard. She has a mysterious past and seems real dodgy on any questions posed to her. [DM Note: She is a spy sent to monitor ATG from the Time Variance Authority. Her current mission is to place a tracer on a member of the team to track their chronal movements.] She has found lodging and a job at the Cog and Gear Magical Emporium after interviewing with Gazza Dwindlehooke.
Mew has had a meeting with Olmed Hashan of the Abyssal Knife. He has invited her to sneak into the castle tomorrow night for a burglary. Though he phrased it as an "In and Out". Though he is looking to steal a tome from the library his other objective is to murder the librarian, he has not told Mew this part. Mew also had a late night meeting with Nosferus of the Bryce Dallas Five. He offered to make her into a full vampire completing her transformation. She mulled it over seriously but had second thoughts when a disguised Karnak caused a ruckus which allowed her to have second thoughts.
Karnak has met a strange Pandaren man who is promising to be a mentor figure to him in the Druidic Arts. His first lesson is to learn how to speak when in his beast shape. Karnak is also planning a Druid Moss smoke shop of sorts. He is planning on creating several strains of his special moss if only he could find a business partner.  Sun Paw Kong, the Pandaren man is going to teach Karnak some Druidic skills, he is also concerned about Mew's ongoing condition and will offer to help.  
Blizzard Hops has decided to not regrow his missing arm. Instead he has drawn up plans with Gazza Dwindlehooke to craft a prosthetic with the ability to fire off Magic missiles.

Plot points/Scenes

Last time on Liters of Tomorrow -

Adventure Team Grimm found themselves once more hurtling through time back to their point of Origin. This time they arrived in a strange office in front of man at a desk. He was startled and called for security but before they could engage the team ported out again. Safe back in Tellenor the team saw the arrival of the famed adventurers the Bryce Dallas Five, One of whom was Karnak's cousin Karnvior Maximal. Both teams turned the meeting into a pissing match of sorts with many wagers and verbal jabs passing between them as they exchanged pints and shots. A Gnome woman with Bard skills showed up in town as well looking for work and a place to stay. She found both in the Cog and Gear magical emporium after interviewing with Gazza Dwindlehooke. Blizzard Hops is designing a new arm to replace his old arm which became infected and turned into a spider. Mew spoke with an old acquaintance from the Abyssal Knife who invited her to join him on a job. She is also dealing with her burgeoning infection which is beginning to effect her work place performance. Next the team was asked by the Duke himself to look into the monster problem outside of Onsalm. Several farmer were missing, presumed dead, and a creature was to blame, a creature with bright red eyes. The Bryce Dallas Five set out to capture the creature and were seen arresting a man in a costume and calling it a day. Using the power of flight and beast shape ATG flew past sure that the menace was more than a hoax. That brought you to the frozen swamp outside of the Forlorn tower.

The Mothman -

Bright red orb like eyes flash through the falling snow casting a fiery glow on the icy crystals around you as well as the frozen water under your feet. The creature stands easily 16 feet tall with huge curved wings sprouting from it's back. Instead of a roar or an angry screech, the sound emanating from the creature is an unearthly hum and a vibration you can feel in the back of your skulls. Cog your skin crawls which is something that you have never felt before, fascinating considering that it is a new sensation but horrifying when you think of the creature before you. As combat continues you all forget the icy cold temperature and almost don't notice "Is the snow falling faster?...." Roll Constitution saving throws to see if anyone takes exhaustion due to freezing temperatures. Hops may already have one level
Mew it's your turn and you have jumped on to the creature's back. What would you like to do? [DM Note: Make Mew roll on the Vampirism table V2.]
After three rounds of combat on the current map the creature flies into the snow and retreats to the Forlorn Tower. The map moves as the team heads in to take a look. [DM Note: Roll constitution saving throws to see if anyone takes another point of freezing/Exhaustion. ] The snow is indeed falling faster as another inch piles up under your feet. You move a little slower than usual towards the direction the creature has flown if you are walking or running. Those that decide to fly need to make Navigation checks. [Karnak can get advantage if he is in Beast Shape, none if he is using his tattoo wings. ] The outline of the forlorn tower can be seen through the tree line sitting in a large clearing. Walls of heavy snow flakes continue to fall all around you. Let's keep initiative order, what would you like to do? As the battle progresses anyone who enters the tower will face a psychic attack from the eggs, if they fail the saving throw they will attack their teammates. New moth creatures begin to hatch from several of the eggs. These all have the same attack capabilities as the mothman with none of the other abilities. As the team defeats the creature have Cog and Vom Fass roll arcana checks. Both of them still sense the unearthly vibration somewhere in the area. A higher check will allow them to pinpoint it even with the blizzard. As you walk around the area and peer at the source of the vibration you begin to see it. A tear in the fabric of your plane of existence, almost two dimensional. From the right angle you can see a shimmer in the air and a hell dimension beyond. A different sky streaked with red and magenta energy ribbons. Sharp jagged rocks float through the air and did something move in the distance? [DM Note: A dispel magic spell will destroy this tear and return the area to normal. If they do not have that they may have to come back or come up with something different. There are still a few eggs left that will need to be found using an Investigation check. Also they will all need to do another constitution saving throw. Depending on where people's exhaustion levels are they may need to camp in the tower or head into Onsalm for warmth.]
Once the creatures and the rift have been dealt with the party may explore the tower. With a high enough history check a party member finds evidence of the rest of the castle in an old book. The inside of the Forlorn tower is beat up and decrepit. Gaps in the remaining shingles on the roof allow small snowflakes in once in awhile. Old books and scrolls sit on shelves that are ready to come apart at any moment. [DM Note: an investigation check of 18 or higher reveals an ancient tome with few pages that are still salvageable. They seem to be formulae for different magical devices and elixirs. Perhaps Gazza could take a look at it. The pages that are still intact are : An Amulet of Health, A Flame Tongue Sword, an Elixir of Health, Bag of Holding, Bead of Force, Broom of Flying and a Magnesis Rune.] At this point have the party once more roll their constitution saving throw or suffer another point of Exhaustion/Freezing. It is possible to camp in the forlorn tower but even with all the old books and remaining furniture probably not enough fuel for a small fire to last the night/8 hours. Flying through the snow storm would be almost impossible to navigate and leave them open to more condition checks.

Tellenor -

Arriving back in Tellenor you get there just in time for the Bryce Dallas Five to show off their capture. Some of the townsfolk recognize him as Holber Zambrowski. The man is in stocks with metal manacles around his wrists, the large heavy wooden beam across his shoulders and wedged behind his head. Trevor Bryce stands on a raised platform his hands in the air "People of Tellenor your creature is none other than a common man's hoax!" He holds up the black paper mache monster head and tosses it forward. [DM Note - Have the players foil this little play act as they will, afterwards the BD5 saddle up their horses for their journey to Penthos.]  At some point Karnvior Maximal will make his way over to Karnak.  "Cousin, don't tell anyone but I was spitting drunk night before last and wandered over to the tower.." He hesitates as he looks around "And a huge Wyvern fly by and shit all over me!!"  " I wouldn't have believed it myself if I heard someone else tell it.  It was a big heaping pile too."  You can still smell the remnants even though he looks as if he has cleaned himself up.

Themes

Cog -
The ownership group at the Cog and Gear Magical Emporium have some matters to discuss and they send a messenger to flag down Cog and ask him to come to a meeting. They would like to discuss the new hire and the direction of the business going forward. Gazza is interested in creating some new magical items and would need some exotic supplies he is asking if Cog can keep an eye out on his travels. The other two, Morchu and Rasturus, also have some lists of alchemy and herbal supplies they need. They are wondering if they can send their new hire, Tyll Bebo, with Cog on his travels to acquire items. Maybe Cog can take her on a personal assistant?
Vom Fass -
[This is an assembly watcher named Culdregar Bupkiss. He is an elven man around 60 years old, young for an elf, and a third level wizard. He has been sent to find and report back on the two rogue magic users Cog and Vom Fass.] Sets a trap for Vom Fass to do something illegal so that he can get him into trouble. Maybe a small child made of meat with a cage suspended over it? He has many rascist views on kobolds and assumes he can get the little guy to commit an offense to get him sent out of the city.
Karnak -
As you walk through the last days of Winter's Faire you notice a green elven man leading a horse and cart towards the stables. When he sees you he waves happily. "Mister Karnak! what a surprise meeting you here! I'm in town for the Faire and to sell this!"  He uncovers a portion of his cart and you see several jars of Druid Moss.  You notice the familiar smell of you proprietary blend. "Don't you remember me?  It's Plankton Verhoof from Corralon Township.  You and your friends freed us from a dangerous man named Davos Kareshi.  Many of us are still struggling with our lycanthropy but we are no longer dangerous.  Oh!  The Blizzard Hops Distillery is under construction!  Clanchin Stoat received a delivery of iron and mortar and written instructions by the great cleric.  He is quite excited about the venture."
As you round a corner on your way to tell Hops the good news about his distillery a huge round form explodes from a snow bank. The new fallen snow flies about you and drifts down on your hair and beard.  Sun Paw Kong the Pandaren man rolls and slides for a bit before looking up at you.  "Snow coats the world in beauty don't you think?  I'm glad you are here, how is your Tabaxi friend feeling this day?  I'm quite concerned about her health and safety.  Becoming a vampire is a dangerous and deadly thing, though she may think and act like herself the body will be dead.  She will surrender her life for power and that must be stopped.  I have a cure that requires many ingredients as well as the Druidic Arts and the help of a Cleric, and I believe you know where to find one?
Mew - 
You wander back through town after your battle with the Mothman and feel worse than usual.  The arrival of the sun that morning felt prickly on your fur and skin, your eyes sting and your tongue is dry.  Your stomach feels awful as well and the vomiting is not helping.  As a dizziness spell comes on, you turn to see the dark red cloak of Olmed Hashan.  "Well you look awful.  If you are interested in joining me tonight meet me by the castle wall on the North side. Might be fun."  [DM Note: This mission will take them up the castle walls and climbing in through a window on the top floor which is like an attic level.  They will then have to make their way to the library.  Mew will have to find a book in the restricted section and Olmed will assassinate Telkir Alectur.  The book will be written in Infernal and is about summoning demons.]
Tyll Bebo - 
As the team arrives back in town you think to yourself how cold and miserable you are.  Did you sign up for this level of spirited adventure and action?  You wind your way down to the Cog and Gear and collapse on your bed in the loft above the store. [DM Note:  She also sees a mysterious note placed on her bed. Give her the note from the TVA.]  After a couple hours of sleep you hear a knock on the door.  Gazza Dwindlehooke and the Alchemist Rasturus stand there. "Sorry to disturb you miss Bebo we have heard the news of what you and Cog accomplished last night.  Though your skills as a clerk are adequate we also need new stock to keep the business functioning.  We are hoping to send you with Cog on his journeys to acquire more components.  What he does is not easy traveling in a nice coach with stops at fancy inns, it's a bit more hectic and harrowing than that.  We expect you to help him out and act as a Personal assistant.  While doing so we both have lists of different components to acquire, some of which have to be found out in the wild and some you can purchase while in different towns.  We will give you some extra gold for traveling expenses and a per diem for rations.  Keep to Cog and you will be safe."
Blizzard Hops - 
Do you head back to the Void Omen for rest or do you head back to the BHDAT for a drink?  Eventually Gazza Dwindlehooke tracks you down and with wry smile unfurls a large leather parchment with designs written on it. "This is your new arm.  I'll need to take some measurements for the fitting but Morchu says we have all the metal components for the crafting.  I'll be creating your Whistling Bird capability on the top of the forearm panel.  Would you like the activation to be a series of whistles or would you like to activate the missiles with a finger press?" [DM Note:  If Hops is at the BHDAT then Harv Leder will be there talking with a green elven man.  Plankton Verhoof is in the process of receiving the written instructions that Hops gave Harv a couple days ago.]  "Hops this is Plankton Verhoof he is from Corralon Township.  He says the first franchise is under construction!  I'm providing him with your instructions, he's heading back there next week."
The rest of the night is up to you on what you want to do.  Afterwards if Mew has accepted the invitation from Olmed Hashan we will head to that.

Structure

Exposition

Castle Kelleborne Thieving Mission - 
As you make your way to the castle most of the streets have been shoveled and the days foot traffic has compressed the snowfall into a hard packed ice.  Bright moon light from a full moon illuminates the city especially for your tabaxi eyes.  The air while still cold is nowhere as freezing as it was the night before.  How are you proceeding?  Stealthily or are you walking normally?  The north side of the wall is outside of the city and as you climb over you see Olmed Hashan awaiting your arrival.  He has on leather armor with each piece wrapped in black cloth.  [DM Note: Perception check DC 15 to notice small black painted spikes on the inside of his gloves for climbing.]  "Ready for this?  Let's get moving."  He is looking for an ancient tome in the restricted section of the library on the second floor.  You will know it by the black binding and the crimson lettering on the front.  It's written in infernal so look for the cover to have a bunch of dagger like marks with sharp curves around them. 
You climb the side of the castle effortlessly as always until you get close to the top. [DM Note: Make Mew roll on the Vampirism table if she is still infected.]  On the seventh floor there is a small window the locking mechanism has already been picked by Hashan.  As you make your way inside you see a large section is used for storage. The wooden beams that hold up the roof made of large slate shingles is beginning to show some wear.  Small beams of moonlight can be seen in between some of the shingles and even a few piles of snow can be seen on the floor.  Rows of old furniture stand before you as well as piles of tapestries and several old trunks. [DM Note: an investigation check searching the old trunks will get an exasperated sigh from Hashan but also 64 gold, three diamond rings worth 300 gold, and mastercraft crossbow.]  Hashan motions you to floor panel leading to the floor below.  He lifts it silently and motions you to head down.  [DM Note: do a perception check as you drop and do a stealth check for this floor.]  In front of you not 20 feet away a small human child walks sleepily with a glass of water.  She is slowly making her way back to her room not far from the stairs leading down to the next level.  Roll on the vampire table [if applicable].
The next floor is silent as is the next.  As you move down the stairs to the third floor you hear a creak on the landing.  Two guards begin ascend.  Finally making your way to the outer door of the library a member of the Kerra Guard stands outside.  Inside the library two more guards make the rounds.  They chat back and forth from different rows of books as if bored.  They sometimes read titles and make jokes back and forth.  Hashan in thieves cant says "The restricted section is over there behind that door."  As you make your way over to it roll a perception check DC 14.  A floorboard creaks as someone steps out of a bed. Hashan once more signals to you "The Librarian, I'll take care of him get the book."  The door to the restricted section is locked.  [DC 15]  After disabling the lock you make your way into the restricted section.  It's dark even with your vision the room isn't very big and is stacked with books and scrolls on shelving that reaches all the way to the ceiling.  After a bit of panic you focus and do an investigation check DC 14.  In a black wooden box with an ornate demon carved handle you pull out the book that matches the description.  You silently head back out into the hallway and through the door that heads to the librarians personal quarters you see Olmed Hashan finish drawing his knife through the librarian's throat.  A quiet gurgle of blood from Telkir's mouth and he's gone.  [DM Note: roll on the vampirism table again]  What would you like to do?

Conflict

The following morning in the Void Omen Vom Fass wakes up first and makes his way downstairs.  [Bert Oberton - Chief of Staff / Yorus Carobelt / Halfling man / Chef and Bartender / Belba Caraway / Half Elven Woman / Maintenance chief ]  Yorus is behind the bar preparing ingredients for the day's breakfast.  Lean cuts of bacon, several eggs, and diced onions and tomatoes are all set upon cutting boards.  An iron frying pan is melting butter on a stove behind him.  "Mornin! what were you thinking for breakfast?"  Bert walks up to you next "Mr. Fass Trusilla Fane has arrived she has some news about your next mission."  The tall half orc woman walks in gold rimmed glasses perched on her nose and her dark green hair tightly wrapped in a large bun behind her head.  Her fur lined jacket and boots are quite stylish as she sits down at the table with you.  She carries a leather folder and a knife at her belt. "Our informants say that members of Helle's adventuring and trading company may have the Arcanist Circlet.  They could be in Copenhaus in two days time.  I took the liberty of speaking with your captain and she assures me if the team leaves today you could be there in time to intercept."  
"Perhaps you would like to rally the team to impart this information?"  She readies herself to go after finishing her coffee.  "I'm heading back to Home Office if anyone needs me to deliver anything. Oh, and one more thing, do not try to message Agrimor directly his time is incredibly important.  Wizards do so hate it when an errant message interrupts a complex ritual."
The team spends the rest of the morning preparing for the journey.  Hops you run into Vazquez as she carries a large box of whiskey from your distillery to store on the ship. "Morning commander, ready for another trip?"  Cog as you head out of the Void Omen walking up the hill from the Cog and Gear is Tyll Bebo.  She has a large backpack and is wrapped in fur lined cloak ready for the journey.  You both walk towards the ship down the stairs at the docks and see a flurry of activity.  Ropes and sails being positioned.  Boxes and rucksacks being brought on board and stowed. Captain Eltera Ro barking out orders and commander hicks, his face still scarred from Bullfinch, checking on each station. As you all walk up the gang plank Captain Ro nods in your direction "Ready to set sail commanders.  Due to the waterfalls and direction of the river we will head back to the bay of Seskar and then up the Alcala Strait.  Seems a bit out of the way but the calm waters this time of year and strong headwinds will make the trip go by fast.  Plus a great view of the city of Penthos right in the afternoon sun.  Plus it will get us away from this blasted snow!"  You all make your way to your usual quarters and stow your stuff.  Tyll you stand there unsure of where to go or what to do, the crew of the ship scurry around you tying ropes and readying to sail.

Rising Action

The first day at sea goes by uneventfully, you sail down the Archon river using your hull upgrade and a light southerly wind keeps the boat moving out of the frigid weather. The temperature climbs into the 50's as sail past Lothar's Castle and into the Bay of Sekar. Most of you feel quite comfortable back on the open sea with the exception of Mew who repeatedly points out her hatred of water. Tyll this is your first time aboard the boat, anything you want to do?
By sunset off in the distance you see the great Goliath of Penthos. A one thousand foot tall iron and bronze statue of an ancient warrior, sword in hand. The mega structure has stood on Pentolos Island for millenia, the setting sun highlights the edges with an orange glow. Thirty minutes later looking North (Port side) the great capital city of Penthos is bathed in orange light. Hundreds of white sails can be seen from fishing vessels, commercial frigates, and pleasure yachts. The city is always abuzz with activity. Darkness falls and the ship continues on towards Tarokin Island through the gap. [If anyone is awake at this time they can overhear a conversation between Apone and Hicks. "Sure you can sail that gap without hitting a rock?" Apone smiles and says "I can sail a whaling vessel through a gnat's bunghole, commander. The Tarokin Gap is wider than your aunt Hildie!" Hicks shakes his head a little and responds "damn you kiss your mother with that mouth?"]
The following morning just before daybreak anyone on deck can hear the cry of Mordret from the crow's nest. "Ship ahead! Looks like a man o war!" After a few moments the ship comes into view in the distance. Indeed it is a large warship the captain shouts up to Mordret "Mordret you have the best eyes on the boat, can you see the flag?" After a few moments of study Mordret says "Cap'N I think it's from Lamborginus, that's the flag of the Archos Divinus." Captain Ro calls a conference with Apone and Hicks and they begin to discuss options. "We got every right to sail these waters, technically anything north of the strait is free. They can only claim territory within 500 miles of the city." Apone responds with "If the rumors are true and they are fomenting war than the old sailor laws may be gone. We have no idea what they are up to." "If they try to board us do we relent and let them inspect or do we run?"
[The ship ahead is the Blade of Aventador the warship of Kazan the Hunter. He is one of the nine Aventador Knights who serve Panthrus Murcielagus the Archos Divinus. It is captained by human man named Pak Catalay, and has a crew of 20 and has at least 8 trained fighters on board who serve as Kazan's elite force.]

Climax

As the ships near each other a booming voice from the Blade echoes across the water.  "Drop anchor and prepare to be boarded."