Session 9: Bertrude’s Bazaar Report

General Summary

Session 9 – Wednesday Aug 31st, 2022 – Bertrude’s Bazaar of Wonder

4 Hour session 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The Stone Bearers. Party of 5:

It is the 15th day of the month of Marpenoth (Leaffall) in the 50th year of the Age of Enialis (Mid October.)

• Abrash – Wood (Dessert) Elf L3 Druid – Jacob Munson
• Ajani– High Elf L3 Wizard – Nathan Gioconda (Remote)
• Gazlowe – Goblin L3 Artificer – Josh Pozsonyi
• Thomas – Human L3 Blood hunter – Ryan Armstrong (Remote)
• Isabella – Forest Gnome L3 Barbarian – Jackie Armstrong
• Gurthen – Dwarf L3 Paladin – Spencer Armstrong (School)

Goals:

• Determine Ajani’s L1 and L2 spell scrolls.
• Can join the Adventurer’s guild
• Find out about the Red and White Ladies and report back to The Lord’s Alliance.
• Find out about mysterious slave trade in the High Forest.
• Locate and enter Bertrude’s Bazzar (Password is “nying”)
• Find Eek’s Easy Pawn and Recover a Striking Cobra stature from a goblin named Eek. Return to Pa’Kamsi Anepou at Runes and Relics in Zelbross for 200gp.
• Find the Gnome Wykoop and Isabella ask him about the Shield of Niptu.
• Locate the Shield of Niptu and find where they’re hiding Niptu’s Body
• Disintegrate Niptu’s Body and let Revalor Miadi know. Revalor is hiding with family at cottage along the Delimbiyr River between Zelbross and Loudwater.

Lunch interrupted

The Stone Bearers Left Pa’Kamsi’s and walked down the street looking for a pub. Abrash discovered that the Keoghtom’s Ointment had 4 doses in the bottle. They went to the Run Amuk tavern run by the dwarf Gumuk had some chicken and fishhead ale. In a flash of light, a portal opened and Gazlowe popped through and landed on the table with Abby (the brain in a box.) Gazlowe explained how he was in the Ethereal plane and able to watch and hear everything the party had done. Gazlowe (and Abby) were able to figure out how to get out of the Ethereal plane. They noticed some sort of thread between Thomas and “Some unconscious girl” in the Ethereal plane.

Thomas refused to discuss the situation in a public place. They grabbed their food and headed to Lord Blackmoor's. Gazlowe expressed his disappointment in the party refusing to join the guild and the Lord’s Alliance and the Lord’s Alliance Bank etc. Back in the privacy of the manor they went to the Lab. Thomas explained in more detail the situation.

The daughter of Thomas.

About 3 months before Gazlowe pulled Thomas’s burned body from the river, Thomas found a book that detailed how to access the weave without any components using one’s body. Gazlowe said, “That sounds like Niptu.” Thomas described the process as dangerous and potentially lethal. But with blood transfusions there was a better chance for survival. His daughter (17 at the time) willingly agreed to help. Thomas regretted the decision, but he was overwhelmed by the pursuit of power. Thomas was successful in the process, but his daughter didn’t survive. Perhaps it is her soul that is projected into the ethereal plane and somehow tethered to Thomas.

Abrash offered to help Thomas and perhaps bring back his daughter, but Thomas dismissed the idea believing that it’s just not possible. Gazlowe felt compelled to explain to the party that his method to escape is very unstable and it could possibly cause problems in the future. He showed them a small object he called “An irregularity.”

Planning

The party spent the night at the Blackmoor mansion and agreed that they will pursue the Shield of Niptu and destroy the body of Niptu. Gazlowe suggested that perhaps they can get some of his blood for their own use first. Thomas reminded the party that they need to back to the Trial in 8 days.

In the morning Gazlowe went shopping and spent 1,000gp for a human size suit of armor. He took it back to the lab and Abby said she would begin working on a plan on how to put a small creature into a full-size suit of Armor. She also offered to incorporate herself into the Armor.

The Bazaar.

The party walked a day and a half to the woods. They found the entrance to the Bazaar in a hollow tree. Thomas said the password “Nying” just as a couple of hobgoblins were about to ambush the party. They walked down the spiral staircase and followed a dark tunnel. They came to a sign that listed the 5 rules of Bertrude’s Bazaar. They were greeted by a couple of hobgoblins that explained the rules, handed them a map of the Bazaar and told them to pay 1 sp each. The party reluctantly paid the 1sp. each and proceeded into the Bazaar. A Green Kobold greeted the party and explained a few places the party might be interested in.

The party walked across the wooden walkway and glanced around the Bazaar in general. They spotted a few places they wanted to go and then walked down in front of Gabus’s Exotic Eats. The party agreed to split up and accomplish things separately. Thomas saw the place only had 2 exists and considered how to prevent Eek from fleeing in case things went bad.

Garbus’s Exotic Eats

The party walked out in front of Garbus’s Exotic Eats. Feeling a bit hungry, the smells of the food enticed the Stone Bearer’s. They also saw a couple elves and a few others sitting at tables and thought they may learn something from talking to them. A goblin sat them at a table and the reviewed the menu. They asked about “Fiery love” for 250 gp. The goblin explained that Fiery Love is a lightly seasoned dragon’s heart, and it is said that it conveys the strength of a dragon to those who eat it. Gazlowe looked very skeptically at the goblin. Ajani and abrash ordered the Hag’s Mystery Brew and some Deep-fried Cockatrice Wings. Gazlowe ordered the Dragon’s breath. The Mystery brew was a like a small mug of Jell-O that had a hint of pepper. The Deep-fried Cockatrice Wings were actually quite tasty, and the Dragon’s Breath was a deliciously stuffed, very spicy pepper.

Feeling unsatisfied by the Mystery Brew, Abrash ordered the Ooze Booze. He received a large goblet of gray slimy ooze brought out by the Wereboar human female proprietor, Wilma. She put the mug in front of Abrash and with a smile said, “If you can drink it all and keep it down, everything you’ve ordered so far is on the house.” Abrash attempted a large drink but couldn’t quite keep it down. Gazlowe reached over and drank the rest, but he too couldn’t keep it down. Isabella, intrigued, paid for her own goblet of Ooze Booze and downed it in one gulp, and found it quite palatable.

The Elves at the next table and the Red and White Lady.

Ajani approached a couple of elves sitting at the table next to them. It was a male and female wood elf who were touching each-other’s fingers across the table and making googly eyes at each other. Ajani bought them an additional round of what they were drinking. They were thankful and asked where he’s from. He told them, “The desert.” They told him that they’re from Nordahaeril in the High Forest. Ajani asked if they knew anything about what’s happening in the forest, or if they know anything about the Red Lady.

The male elf explained that he was of the Lady Red. He called her Morgwais Nightmeadow . He told them that she is the head of the Caerilcarn, also known as the "Council of the Wood", a gathering of leaders from among the wood elf tribes of the High Forest and moon elves of the Silver Marches. He explained that she is trying to unite the various tribes of Elves in the forest to restore the long-lost kingdom of Eaerlann. However, the White Lady, known as Tina P is much more popular amongst the Wild Elves and she too has a similar goal to restore the united Elven kingdom of Eaerlann.

The man again said, we are of the Lady Red simply because we know her better. The female elf pulled away from her date and looked a bit upset. She began to argue for the White Lady explaining that she has the love of the Wild Elves, “Of course the city Elves love the Red Lady because she is one of them.” Ajani thanked them as they continued to argue about who is the better leader of the Elves, clearly not as romantic as they had been a few moments before.

Eek’s Easy Pawn

Gazlowe and Abrash went to Eek’s Easy Pawn. Gazlowe introduced himself and asked Eek if he’d be interested in the bone collection he had found. Eek wasn’t very interested and offered 25gp for it. Knowing that it would be worth 100gp to the right person, Gazlowe said, “perhaps some other time.” Gazlowe then offered the Snake worshipers prayer book and hymnal they recovered from the Temple of Thythys. Abrash tried to explain how much work was required to obtain them but Eek didn’t care about that. However, he did offer 25gp each for the 2 books.

Gazlowe then inquired about the snake statue. Warmed to dealing with a fellow goblin and believing he made a good deal on the books Eek said he would sell that statue for 50gp. Gazlowe agreed and purchased it. Looking over the inventory he saw some spiked boots, a helm with wings on it, a bone knife, a cigar box and a Large Tome bound in weird leather.

Gazlowe looked at the Tome and saw that it was actually bound in cured human flesh and contained information on Necromancy. Eek said, “It’s 800gp, but for you I’d sell it for 700.” Gazlowe asked about the yellow spiked boots. The boots were bright yellow leather and the toes had sharp spines pointing outwards that can deal an extra 1d4 piercing damage when used to kick someone. But they won’t make good climbing boots as the spikes are too fragile for that. Gazlowe asked about the Cigar box and was told it was 700gp for a box of rare cigars made from extinct plants. Abrash saw right through that as some of the cigars had T&L bands on them.

Asking about the helm, Eek told Gazlowe that the battle-worn silver helmet with miniature wings on the sides of the helm will make you fly if you attune to it and it was only 450 gp for him. Gazlowe offered 500gp for the helm and the boots. Eek agreed and sold him those two items. Gazlowe immediately knew the helm wasn’t really magic.

Thomas and Eek

Gazlowe and Abrash moved on and Thomas saw that they were successful in getting what they came here for. But Thomas also saw some interesting items. He approached Eek and asked about the knife. Eek told him it’s a bone knife made from the claw of a beast, but he didn’t know what type of beast. But it was beautifully carved and very sharp. Eek told Thomas he would sell it for 500gp. Thomas asked about the Tome and Eek showed it to him and told him it is 800gp.

Thomas offered to trade the book of eternal life for the necromancy book. Eek wrote a note and told Thomas to take the book and the note to Wykoop and have Wykoop give it an appraisal.

Regroup

Abrash and Gazlowe went back to the eatery and found Ajani and Isabella still eating. Gazlowe was proud of his new helmet and boots, the others rolled their eyes. They shared what they had done and learned and Gazlowe briefly mentioned that he was an only goblin and that his father was killed mysteriously but said, “That’s a story for another time. They got up and headed to Wykoop’s so Isabella could ask the gnome about Niptu. They passed by Bertrude’s Giant Slug and saw a large bugbear lady selling potions. They ran into Thomas, and all went to Wykoop’s.

Wykoop’s Scrolls and Elixirs

Wykoop greeted them all as they arrived at his stall. Ajani browsed through the fine assortment of scrolls Wykoop had available and Isabella purchased a healing potion for 50gp. Ajani showed interest in some scrolls but didn’t have much gold. Abrash purchased the Faerie Fire scroll and offered to teach it to Ajani.

Isabella asked Wykoop of “Niptu.” Wykoop brought the Stone Bearer’s in closer, and they spoke softly. Wykoop showed Ajani a special box he had. He offered to sell them some of the special Niptu's Spell Components , and he also had something that they had not heard of before: A small clear pill called NPT-48. He told them of its benefits (see -> NPT-48 ) and they bought 1 pill for 50gp. Ajani also bought 1 vial of Healium.

Looking to make more of a deal, Gazlowe mentioned the book they found that had some Niptu’s spells for eternal life. Thomas handed it to Wykoop and said he was looking to trade if for another book and needed it appraised. Wykoop looked at it and saw it wasn’t actually Niptu’s book but some other wizard who had discovered some of Niptu’s secrets that Wykoop hadn’t heard of.

Wykoop knows of the Shield of Niptu

Wykoop asked how much they wanted for the book. Abrash advised the party not to sell, Thomas mentioned the shield of Niptu. Wykoop asked what they know of the Shield of Niptu and Thomas told him they wanted to know more and that’s why they’re there. Wykoop asked if they were interested in learning more of Niptu’s secrets. The party said they were and Wykoop explained that the Shield of Niptu is said to have Niptu’s body protected in a secret location and that they also protect the various temples that Niptu setup to teach others his magic. Wykoop explained that he can share the location of the first temple in the long journey to learn the secrets of Niptu.

Wykoop explained that Niptu believed that magic users need to do the primary research to become more learned rather than to simply copy the spells of others. For that reason, by tradition, those who wish to learn of Niptu must go to the temples to read the original works themselves. He also explained that Niptu didn’t believe that a single individual should work alone but that true power rests in people working together as a team. As such, his secrets are extremely difficult to obtain by a single individual.

Wykoop offered to give the party the location of the first temple of Niptu’s knowledge in exchange for the bone collection that Gazlowe had and allowing him to read the book they have for one week. Gazlowe wanted Wykoop to throw in additional components and agreement that whatever information he finds in the book he’ll share. Wykoop agreed to share information but not to give away his hard work.

Wykoop gave detailed instructions on how to find the cave. It’s a 2 day walk north of where they are, deeper into the High Forest. He also offered a few bits of advice to survive the temple:

“Remember, your pathway in is also your pathway out. You need to work together. The cave entrance only opens for one hour at midnight during a full moon, a ½ moon and a new moon. Also be aware that the Shield of Niptu will have guards protecting the temples.”

Thomas gave the appraisal of the book to Eek. Eek was willing to make the trade but Thomas told him that he can’t do it right now. Eek promised to hold the Necromancy book for 1 week.

Wattie’s Glorious Deeds

The party headed to the pet Shop at the request of Abrash. On their way they were accosted by a female Lizardfolk trying to sell trophies (creature parts that are often collected by adventurers to show their skill.) She held aloft a golden egg claiming it will hatch a giant goose. She wanted 400gp for it. Thomas offered 20gp for it and she agreed. She then held up two small white dragon scales and said, “150gp.” Gazlowe offered 25 gp for them, and she agreed.

Gazlowe purchased a 50gp Kraken tooth for 1gp. Thomas purchased the 100gp Cockatrice Feathers for 2gp. The 200gp red dragon horn was sold to Thomas for 5gp. The small bag of 3 hag fingers started at 300gp and Thomas bought them for 1gp. She held aloft a small stone tongue and said, “Tongue of Medusa, 200gp.” Thomas gave her 2sp for it. Abrash asked her to spit into a rag and she did. She was very happy she made all her sales.

Pissaria’s Perfect Pets

They found the petshop and female Minitour selling the pets. They saw the creatures for sale included:

• A bear cub: 50gp.
• Magical Wolf: 50gp.
• Water Weird: 450gp.
• Octopus: 50gp.
• Baby Dragon: 500gp.
• Baby Hydra: 400gp.

The baby dragon looked to be a tiny Blue Dragon that was unusually small. Thomas and Abrash were examining it and found it to be a real Blue Dragon but just unusually small. Isabella went to the bear who looked very scared. The Bear was muzzled and chained to a post and cowered in fear. Isabella approached the bear, sat with it, and fed it some berries trying to calm it down.

Abrash and Thomas examined the “Magical Wolf” they found that it was really a Hellhound. Thomas spoke to it in infernal, but the creature was not tamed. Abrash tried to approach it, but the creature tried to breathe fire on him and only smoke came out. They saw a bloody muzzle near it and noticed a wound on the Centaur’s hand.

Ajani looked at the “Baby Hydra.” The Minitour Passaria said, it’s legs will develop over time. As it grows it can be a great defense for your castle if you have a mote. The Baby Hydra looked like a large green snake with 3 heads and had a couple lumps in its side. She told Ajani that it is 400gp.

Thomas bought the Hellhound, named it Johnny Cash, and realized it will be a very difficult to train. Isabella felt the bear snuggling up to her. Thomas offered to pay 30gp for the Bear. Parssaria saw how attached Isabella was getting and stood firm at 50gp. Thomas paid 50gp for Isabella to have her own bear. Isabella called it “Trinket.”

Where to next?

The party debated going directly to the Niptu shrine (2 days north) or Back to Zelbross first (1 ½ days to the south.) Having the new pets that were untrained made going to the shrine unlikely. Abrash knew the new moon was just 2 days ago so the next ½ moon won’t be for 6 days. Thomas pointed out that the trial is in 6 days, and he wanted to be there. They decided to head back to Zelbross and await the next full moon (on the 29th.)

They discuss going to the Firestone Keep with their pets and cleaning it out and officially purchasing it from the town. Thomas realized that walking around town with a Hellhound may be difficult. They headed back to Zelbross. After a day and ½ Gazlowe realized that the helm was not magical.

What’s Next:

• Determine Ajani’s L1 and L2 spell scrolls.
• Can join the Adventurer’s guild
• Find out about the Red and White Ladies and report back to The Lord’s Alliance.
• Find out about mysterious slave trade in the High Forest.
• Return to Cobra to Pa’Kamsi Anepou at Runes and Relics in Zelbross for 200gp.
• Locate the Shield of Niptu and find where they’re hiding Niptu’s Body
• Disintegrate Niptu’s Body and let Revalor Miadi know. Revalor is hiding with family at cottage along the Delimbiyr River between Zelbross and Loudwater.
• Go to Niptu Shrine #1 to learn about Niptu’s magic
• Train the Hellhound Johny Cash
• Train the Bear Trinket.
• Clean out and purchase the Firestone Keep
• Zoreene’s Trial on the 23rd of Marpenoth

Campaign

The Forest

Protagonists

Thomas Elliot

Abrash Asim

Chaotic Good Moon Wood Elf (Folk Hero)
Druid 1

9 / 9 HP

STR
7

DEX
10

CON
13

INT
8

WIS
19

CHA
14

Report Date

03 Sep 2022