Mission Impossible - Familiars!

 

10th of Planting

The Beta team relax, study and prepare at the Jade Sanctuary. Studying new spells, discussing tactics, preparing gear and relaxing in the baths, pool and sauna.

Division of gained magic items takes place..

Queue the Mission Impossible music..

Aerial View

The party arrives in the area by carriage, and go into the Golden Bloom Tavern. An older pub beams and interior are covered in soot and smoke. Cozy. The party acquires a booth that is partially outside and in. Allowing a perfect view of the mansion. A rotund dwarf approaches and the party orders the Monastery Crescent wine as well as some water for some.

Vencer has summoned his flock of familiars (2 spiders and a seagull to carry them) and Faust sends off his invisible imp familiar to do the recon.

2nd Floor

1st Floor

Having done some excellent recon and scouting, as well as having a number of glasses of wine at the tavern, the party has an excellent map now of the building.

The party then returns to the Jade Sanctuary. Discussing and getting some supplies and clothing on the way and other needs for the upcoming event. Vencer will be attending as a disguised merchant with an invitation, supplied by V. As well as a poison and sleeping potions.

Faust visits the library at the Jade Sanctuary and has some philosophical and physiological conversation with a drow - Saran -  also staying at the Sanctuary. Faust tries to acquire knowledge for using poison and magic against the drow.. he gleans some minimal knowledge.

The party hears of a hanging coming up at midnight - 3 young Black Runes - at this, Irakul recalls back to his fortune being told (Blog entry). The party takes a carriage  - with a large bribe to get out the gates to the event. The party is surprised to see Eldeth - the 1/2ling they had rescued and was going to meet with them once they leave again. Heavily bruised and standing with the young men, the rest in ill-fitting Black Rune armour.

The party uses some persuasion with a Githyanki and drow watching the event as well as bartering to be able 'acquire' Eldeth as a slave. Vencer uses his persuasive skills and deception to good effect to seal the deal.

While this is going on, Irakul feels similar to have transported to be the executioner and takes the role. He tightens the ropes around the necks of the two older boys and then does the hanging.

After the execution.. the party returns in the carriage, the goliath is near comatose but does come back to his senses part way back on the ride. Irakul thinks back again to the fortune being told to him. He feels now though able to bring forth some magic in the form of a noose..

[Echo Noose - spectral misty noose goes around a creature's neck.  Mute another creature/ once per day. DC:??]

It is close to 2 bells in the morn.. and the party rests.. 

The next morn, a rainy day in Rastor and final preparations for the heist.

The Heist - Map

The Commander's Abode

Vencer's owl and Fausts' 'raven' do some aerial recon.
 

The Jade Sanctuary

8th of Planting

The party now much smaller, can all fit in the wagon - also with the large keg hidden a day’s travel outside of the town. As the warhorse clops along the street, the group see  bustling and busy streets, folks - primarily dwarves with full beards on both males and some females, but as well a large variety of races and more present - going about their business. It seems the war is a far off discussion or memory.. except for the combined patrols of Rastor city guards accompanied by 2-3 drow and rarely - a githyanki.

Notably Eldeth was no longer with the group. The female hobbit had slipped away off the wagon in the throngs at the gate. Not entering the town or being confronted by the guards. Irakul found a hastily scrawled note that she would meet the group on the road back through the mountains.

Faust looks around the town, fascinated by the many people and sites, his eyes swiveling and scoping. “There seems to be many interesting people and creatures here, each with their own life and story to tell.”

It is evening and the wagon passes through a town square market still doing a busy trade, traders and stall folks calling out to passerby of their variety of wares for sale at extremely low prices.

Heste comments, “Interesting, I had heard tales of the forces of IUZ wreaking havoc, pillaging, razing whole cities and putting the people into slavery.. or worse.. ” shaking his head he looks about. “Mayhap this mercenary crew is different.”

Clucking and slapping the reins lightly on George - Heste’s name for the warhorse - the wagon moves off towards the Jade Sanctuary. The bustling noise drifting into a murmur behind..

Arriving at the Jade Sanctuary, Heste advises he can take the wagon and horse for now, he knows a stables. Planning to meet around noon tomorrow. The party agrees and the old man clucks at George and they trundle off. Vencer summons his owl to follow the wagon into the night.

From the outside it looks to be a large stone block building, well maintained. Intricate details and patterns cover most of the building's outer structure. There are 2 statues flanking the double door entrance. Both sitting, one female and the other male. Probably 10’ tall, weathered and faded runes on a stone plaque at each figure’s feet. The Made of a greenish blue jade. 

An old man works in the street down the way.

After some scrutinization and all they determine the plaque notes in the Kettish language, “The Sister and The Brother”. Once a dual deity worshipped in the lands of Ket and deserts to the West. 

As the weary adventurers enter the sanctuary through the thick, stone doors, they are welcomed by amazing, but unknown scents and a very noticeable calm and restful peace.

A foyer filled a variety of blossoming flowers and bushes flank a large fountain, the water tumbling and gurgling gently. A woman, close to seven feet tall stands to one side waiting expectantly it seems for them with a welcoming smile. She wears a fitted robe of red over dark blue skin in contrast  with long black curly hair. A look to Pyra and the rogue knows she has infernal blood as well, even as small horns can be seen through the perfectly styled hair.

With an undetermined accent, “Our pleasure to welcome you to the Jade Sanctuary. We will look

forward to your stay with us, We are  Xirraa, your host...” she trails off at seeing Ara, the tall woman cries out in joy and scoops the dwarven girl up amongst a long series of complaints mixed in with some swearing from the dwarven girl.

Xirra calls out and from behind the fountain 2 attendants dressed in blue and green fitted clothing come at her call.

Ara looks back to the party quickly and with a resigned sigh, shrugs her shoulders. “My thanks again and see you later. Xirra will take care of all your needs.” Smiling she walks with the 2 attendants out of sight.

Xirra smiles and arms wide, “Welcome.. To the Jade Sanctuary!”

Walking through a central garden area, there are the same 2 staff that bustled Ara the dwarf off, they are in the garden, working - the female pruning a  plant and the male doing some maintenance on a walkway

A perceptive Pyra notes a small number of black and red furred monkeys in the trees watching the

group curiously. They do not approach. Xirra just smiles when asked. “They are our long time guests. Have always been here as long as I have.”

The infernal woman walks on explaining, “We are not open yet for our normal season, but with the.. “ she pauses and the with a side glance at armoured and armed adventurers “change in leadership of Rastor, we are now open for a select few guests. “

Leading the group through the calm and peaceful place, the infernal woman smiles as she sees the affect on the party, the smells and beauty wipe away the weary travel of the past days and weeks.

She guides the group to a suite where advising they can rest or leave equipment, “Securely and privately,” Xirra says. She passes each of a bronze card that will allow the holder access to that room as well as all the areas of the Sanctuary.

All feel a vibration from the card as they take it. A pattern draws on the one side engraving an exact picture of the holder. On the opposite side is a likeness of the dual statues outside, but one statue, left side being the male and right being the female.

Vencer rolls an arcana check, he has heard of these, they are a kind of life key card. Once assigned to a guest it links to the person similar to attuned magic items.

Xirra, after some persuading advise that there are 3 other groups of guests, 2 githyanki soldiers (Ziglartin and Pkalla), a single drow( did not give a name, male) all as far as she knows are part of the mercenary force, and a Noble from the North west. He has a retinue of 4 whom look to be guards\attendants, none of the Jade Sanctuary staff are allowed to serve him. She recalls they called him Villion she was not sure if that was a name or title.. Possibly another language.

Xirra does not seem that concerned about the political changes, as long as the Jade Sanctuary continues to thrive.

Multiple platters of fruits, meats, cheese, sweets, and more are brought in by the same 2 attendants - a man and woman   - whom do not speak.

“The baths are open as well as the pool for your use and at your leisure. Note.. There are fish in the pool, they are harmless.. but playful.” The infernal smile showing sharp teeth but in a friendly way. “If you need anything in the J.S. just hold up your bronze pass and either say ’Xirra’ for we,“ motioning to herself, “to assist, or say ‘Jade’ and we“ she motions to the 2 attendants standing nearby, “will be there to assist.”

Bowing all 3 make their leave after any further questions or requests.

The party makes note of the strange way that Xirra refers to herself as we. Vencer is able to connect with his familiar and the little owl is riding in the cart unbeknownst - it seems - to Heste. He approaches a large round stone building - a merchant's hall -  that has a ramp going down. Into the gloom the wagon. A large unground stables is attended by a young man. Heste leaves the wagon and George with the young man and head's off through double doors.

Back at the Sanctuary, the griffon rider is finally awake. Her name is Roxberry or Rox for short.
After finding out more about what happened, to her and her griffon as well as the Controller and her magically sealed scroll tube, Roxberry seems eager to help once she learns the party's intentions and goals.

After delectable food and excellent drinks or many types, the party relax on cushions in their suite.

Faust ventures out into the pool area and communes with his patron. Summoning his familiar. At the floor in front of the warforge starts to bubble, the flagstone rips apart like flesh, and an infernal creature comes out as a wave of brimstone and heat hits Faust. For a moment, a view of a massive gate and a winding river and then it closes with a pop. An imp. The infernal creature looks with glee at its new Master - Faust. The warlock hears within his mind an extremely DEEP voice.. "How may I serve you?"

Another spirit or soul for the true Masters below.. Faust yearns to find out about his master and the imp promises infernal help.. Faust decides to name the creature, Mephesto.

Vencer assists Rox and ensures she rests and eats. Skrit uses his medical skills to ensure she recovers as well.

Irakul tries to take the devil's head out of his bag of holding. It seems the head advises it cannot survive without a body. It asks to bring a recently dead body. It seems there is a section to the bag of holding is blocked by the head of the infernal creature. 

Pyra practices with her crossbow in the gardens. Sees the monkeys flitting between and as one seems to keep an eye on the rogue.

The party relax.. none perhaps except Vencer may have enjoyed this level of luxury. Vencer writes a letter to his school.

The party sleeps and then late at night, around 1 bell after midnight a strange creature enters the room. Faust, finished his recharging, notes a breeze. The party are able to react but it is not an enemy. It is a messenger.

A dragon-like snake-like creature without legs is coiled around the post of the double windows. As it uncoils it flies into the centre of the room and with its tail drops a pouch and then moves back to the window again. Bearing its teeth, a smile or a sneer?

All have weapons ready.. it tilts its head curiously at all then looks back at Faust. the Warlock opens the pouch and there is a squared piece of paper with a wax seal - of Overlord Romack.

Breaking the seal, the warlock reads out loud:

Greetings, RedWater Fellowship. I have need of you in the City of Rastor. I hope you can meet tomorrow at High Noon. There is a certain sewer - 3 palm trees hang over in the slums area. If you can meet me there, I hope you can do something to support Overlord Romack. 

A stylized V finishes the note.

At that point, the dragon flyer flies off into the air. The party discusses late into the night, deciding to meet with this 'V'. The party realizes after Rox points it out that they are fairly unique and stand out in a crowd: a kobold, a tiefling, a goliath, a warforged, and a human plus another with Rox..

The next morning, the party encounters a drow in the gardens. The tall lithe elf is very interested in

Faust - warforged. Faust proudly stating he is unique. This perks the drow's interest even more. The drow offers to meet later with Faust. "Perhaps we can talk by the pool later." The elf advises his name is Zerann.

A library in the Jade Sanctuary is explored where a number of books are found as well as history of the Sanctuary.

Vencer confirms the location of the slums in the city. Faust asks his imp to transform into a raven to scout. Changing form the imp looks to be in pain and with bones cracking and flesh pulling and stretching it changes into a raven. 

This is very beneficial. As the raven floats around, Faust - looking through the eyes, sees a former town square and imprinted into the flagstones are three large stylized palm trees. This would have been hard to notice walking. Taking wheeled cabs, the party heads out to the square of the three palms. It seems it was originally four palms but one was destroyed or the flagstones removed.

In the centre of the square they note a trader with a variety of clothing, boots, shoes and more. The party barters and buys a variety of clothes. The trader motions, and then moves a chest out of the way to a sewer entrance. Yelling out to some other folks in the square, he looks to be distracting all..

Taking this opportunity, It is locked, but this does not deter Pyra whom is able to pick it quickly.  Lifting the square grate - like a trapdoor - the heroes head down into the dark, dank and fetid

sewers.  Seeing nothing moving, the heroes form up on a walkway. Mephesto scans the area as well as Pyra but after about 50 feet the dank mist obscures all vision.

Vencer momentarily feels something touch his shoe or boot. Then the party hears the click-clack of booted feet coming near. Possibly more thna 2 feet. Then a tall figure appears out of the mist. About 5' tall, portly with ruddy cheeks, and greying hair with mutton chops. Carrying a walk stick. 

"Ahh the RedWater Fellowship. A pleasure to meet you all!" He beams.

V talks to the group and advises of a RESCUE mission.. not a person.. but an item. This is to help save Lord Royce whom is trapped in the Abyss. [DM see blog post] The item an amulet will allow the wearer to create a gate portal to the plane where Royce is held. Creating a portal to a specific place/person in the Abyss or Hell is nigh impossible. Except with an amulet like this. An artifact.

V continues, "The Commander of the town - a Githyanki - holds this item. There will be a reception in two nights. This would be the most opportune time while the guards and the commander are busy with this event.."

At that moment, a tentacle slings out to stealthily wrap out to Vencer, Pyra notices this, and fires. 

Battle ensues with a giant carrion crawler.

Back and forth with the monstrous creature which paralyzes multiple creatures.

In the end the massive creature dies. 

V is impressed and advises he will bring supplies and a map of the location..