Session 025 - The Proactive and the Protectors

The Book

Picking up from last session, Alison explained to Fill and the party that this was the only known copy of The Telltale Brothers - 0th Edition which was thought to be lost after it was moved at some point prior to beginning of the Shadow Cove Conflict from a library in Olto that her contact works at.

Furthermore, she suggested the party might be on the correct path to opening this book but can’t be sure because it likely hasn’t been opened in over 1000 years.

The Starling Sect

After Alison left to attend other business, Mike and Alberic stayed back to rest/meditate for a while, and Wu Tang left to visit a vendor on the other side of town where he purchased 8 gold worth of rations.

At the same time, Illsaiim and Salvador walked with Fill and Graxious towards the Starling Sect before heading towards the Wolf-Pelt Watchtower themselves.

Fill and Graxious were astounded by the exterior of the sect before heading to the door. They were greeted by a woman wearing Midwife robes and the symbol of Marius around her neck who introduced herself as Elizabeth. The two pious party members took in the wealth of religious depiction within the room.

The Mural

Fill and Graxious looked over at a sprawling mural across the back wall of the main chamber that depicted a retelling of the foundational myth of the World that even captured the likeness of The Grinch as a manifestation of the natural chaos that once controlled the planet of Mor’Thal.

A Fellow Acolyte

A short moment later, Elizabeth returned with a tall Elven woman who introduced herself as Valda Faye; wearing a similar outfit as Fill although not armoured. The two spoke alone as Graxious was taken over to meet with some other followers of Elatia.

The two acolytes of Santa Claus discussed their shared deity and Valda Faye confided in Fill that she had felt the lack of their god’s presence in the past 6 months, to which Fill consoled her that it was in fact; not her devotion that was faltering but a nefarious act by The Grinch, and inspired her that Santa Claus could be rescued.

The Wolf-Pelt Watchtower

At the same time, Illsaiim and Salvador headed towards the North of Neverwinter and noticed a Dwarf male standing outside the Wolf-Pelt Watchtower; who spoke to them as they walked into his line-of-sight.

A brief conversation was had before a small explosion went off in some nearby buildings and three people in blue coats were chasing after screaming civilians.

Saving The Civilians

Salvador and Illsaiim watched the Dwarf jump into action and defend the civilians as they fled the scene. Illsaiim was ready to attack the presumed members of Oskar Kryme’s gang but a woman spoke to him before he could. She stated she trusted the Dwarf; a man named Kurrud, with her life to escape unharmed.

After a loud and intimidating showing; Kurrud Silverbeard defused the situation and returned to the door of the Wolf-Pelt Watchtower unharmed. Illsaiim and Salvador spoke to the two and asked from assistance in fighting Oskar Kryme and his gang - of which the two stated they were only here for protection. Only after Illsaiim and Salvador confided in Kurrud Silverbeard and the woman that Salvador and the others were the people who killed Dagult were they were invited inside for further conversation.

Entering The Tower

”You see a stone brick interior decorated with the same red and gold you grew used to seeing around Dagult. This was clearly designed with his image in mind.

You look up from the main chamber and see a large painting of the late Dagult Neverember wearing a regal outfit.

One large set of spiral stairs trail around the inner perimeter of the structure and you see a handful of people wearing similar robes to what Brick Farrow and Trick Price wore on Amylthas.”

- The inside of the Wolf-Pelt Watchtower, as narrated

Salvador and Illsaiim took in the surroundings of the tower and speak further with Kurrud Silverbeard and the now introduced Lavendra and manage to build some rapport with the two.

Lavendra and Kurrud Silverbeard both spent time explaining how they and the rest of the Wolf-Pelt Watchtower’s guard generally have sworn to minimizing violence wherever possible since being released from Dagult’s control.

Protective Philosophies

Lavendra explained that she is currently the de facto leader because of her age and experience but isn’t native to Neverwinter or even The Sword Coast, and that she came to the city in search of the princess of her home city; the Solstice Collective located in The Shielded Inlands. Illsaiim pushed for more details but Lavendra was quite guarded.

Salvador and Illsaiim managed to negotiate and acquire a guard to the location formerly known as Fontaine’s Fortunate Fluids where Illsaiim was told to meet his contact at dusk; however they were told it would be a while before he would be ready to leave with them.

Divine Disrespect

Wu Tang returned from the shopping trip and rudely banged on the door of the sect; for an unclear reason, and shortly afterwards he heard loud footsteps coming from inside the sect.

Disgracing the Gods

Fill and Graxious noticed the Tiefling male in the corner of the room move over to the door to deal with the disturbance; unlocking and opening the door with his greatsword at the ready. Wu Tang responded to Kaius’ questions antagonistically and was slashed at; barely dodging his greatsword.

Wu was granted entry into the Sect after Graxious validated he knew him - only to be kicked out for speaking quite plainly about the Gods. A very apparent follower of Devos appeared from one of the rooms and cast a spell onto the Human Monk. Wu Tang was helpless to resist as he became compelled to leave the Sect.

After the doors were slammed and locked behind him, Wu Tang vented his frustration by launching an arrow at one of the windows - hitting the one that had the symbols of both Marius and Santa Claus on it only to flee the shortly after, having been stared at intensely by Valda Faye and hearing the voice of Fill boomed from inside the Sect.

Grinchy gratification

Wu was greeted by an odd furry green humanoid creature on the way back to the Starling Library and grew quite frustrated by the creature’s demeanour and deceitful nature - ignoring it and returning to the library to take a short nap.

Mike and Alberic wake up

As Wu returned Alberic and Mike finished their meditation and sleep respectively and catch up that Fill and Graxious are at the Sect. Alberic and Mike decided to head there and regroup with their friends.

Regroup at the Sect

Alberic and Mike walked over the sect and politely entered and introduced themselves to Elizabeth and met their friends and shortly later, decided to search the city to find Salvador and Illsaiim.

Speaking with Raluki Longstone

Illsaiim and Salvador were introduced to Ronin; the guard that would help them across to their meeting point, but advised them he would need more time before they could leave and suggested that they could speak to some of the other people upstairs if they were in search of conversation.

After heading up stairs - the pair found a Human male called Micah and Dwarf male called Raluki. Salvador first attempted to speak to Micah but he seemed disturbed by something and instead he decided not to interrupt the Human and instead speak to the Dwarf.

Raluki spoke about his time in Dagult’s control and how different people remember less or more about their time under his persuasion.

”I think his name was Leo-something?”

Raluki says he can only recall a single memory of a day where a young Dragonborn was brought in to search and find an item that had been stolen from Dagult’s vault earlier that day. Salvador and Illsaiim clue into the note about the Dragonborn and Raluki Longstone recalls that his name was something like Leo- but couldn’t recall the full name nor when the memory took place. Salvador and Illsaiim discussed with each other briefly if the unknown Dragonborn was actually their former party member Leodel.

The Dwarven guard also revealed that he recalls being punished heavily for his inability to prevent the theft from taking place.

”I was on vault duty that day; and I was punished for failing to stop them - punished hard…

Hard enough that if I was anyone else I likely would’ve turned to a life of vengeance if it weren’t for Arcolla - my deity.

She’s given me the courage and strength to resist the lust of violence every day since that spell ended.” - Raluki Longstone speaking about his punishment

Suddenly, Ronin called from downstairs that he was about ready to leave and Raluki Longstone wishes the two farewell.

Dusk

Just as dusk began to fall, Salvador and Illsaiim left the tower with Ronin only to notice Fill, Mike, Alberic, and Graxious speaking to Kurrud Silverbeard outside.

They all regrouped and decided to follow along with Illsaiim towards the location that was once known as Fontaine’s Fortunate Fluids.

Meeting with Marsha Corn

Following a 20-30 minute journey across the width of Neverwinter, The Bussy Knights arrived at Fontaine’s Fortunate Fluids former site of business.

Before long; Illsaiim noticed the familiar figure that he referred to as Marsha Corn. They spoke quickly before she hurried all of them barring Ronin down a ladder and to a location even Illsaiim was not aware of.

After reaching the bottom of the ladder; The Bussy Knights found themselves at a landing with many flights of stone stairs that descended deeper into The Column than any of them realised it went.

The party descended the 12 flights of stairs after which they were presented with a large wooden door decorated with the Alagondar Family symbol made from metal. Marsha Corn stepped forwards and opened the doors for them, revealing a well stocked and lively tavern filled with 20 or more people.

The Bussy Knights explored various areas of this new location in smaller groups.

The Alagondar Trust Tavern

Illsaiim quickly headed to the bar and offered to buy a round of drinks for everyone in the bar before speaking with the bartender for information - only to be pointed to speaking with Marsha Corn. Graxious and then Alberic headed to the dancefloor to let off some stress - with Salvador watching and cheering them on. Fill took time to process his thoughts about Wu Tang’s actions - being a bit emotionally spent from the whole ordeal. Mike waited at the bar before he noticed a familiar looking Elf standing next to Marsha Corn.

Illsaiim and Mike headed over to speak with the two Alagondar Trust members before being joined by Alberic; after the Human Monk was bested in a dance battle by Graxious.

Marsha Corn inquired about Illsaiim’s business in Neverwinter and the entire pub went silent when he stated they were there to kill Oskar.

”We are here to kill Oskar Kryme”

- Illsaiim to Marsha

It followed by a large cheer and celebration after it was announced that they were the group who had slain Dagult Neverember a few day prior and they were invited to speak to the leader of the Alagondar Trust upstairs.

A Familiar Looking Elf

The male Elf standing with Marsha Corn introduced himself as Lucius Price; and confirmed his blood relationship to Trick Price - one of Dagult’s guards who had died on Amylthas as well. A moment of tension came over the party before Lucius Price confirmed he already knew about his brother’s fate as wasn’t going to seek vengeance for it.

Meeting Rowland

”You see a tall Water Genasi male standing at the head of the round table in the centre of the room. He is talking quite confidently and commandingly.

He is wearing a very decorated outfit with the symbolisms of the Alagondar Family; with the royal lion very clearly displayed on his pauldrons and cape.” - The description of the Water Genasi man

After heading upstairs; the party saw a tall Water Genasi male standing at the head of a round table providing an update on their plans regarding Oskar Kryme.

”Our intelligence tells us that Oskar planned to make his move on Castle Neverwinter tomorrow but has changed his timeline due to our efforts the other night.

There has been open communication with the Wolf-Pelt Watchtower but they are refusing to do anything more for us than defend the gates and any civilians caught in the crossfire. We are on our own for this fight when it comes.

We expect Oskar Kryme to wait till the very last minute to reveal his location - we know that he has control over my family’s casino and has two of his generals in charge of defending it.

Rowland notices the entry of The Bussy Knights

It also seems we have the additional support of The Bussy Knights; the heroes who slayed Dagult Neverember and gave us the opportunity we’ve been waiting for.” - Rowland speaking to the room about the Alagondar Trust’s plans

Illsaiim recognised the man as Rowland Cillian; the head of the Cillian Family. They shared a moment to catchup and discussed their business in Neverwinter before the Water Genasi male had to leave to attend urgent business.

Rowland invited The Bussy Knights to spend as much time as they needed in the tavern and granted them use of the beds and amenities they could provide.

Wu Tang’s Luck Has Run Out

At the same time; Wu Tang decided to head back towards the South gate of Neverwinter and keep an eye out for any carts coming in.

Shortly after making his way to the area they had originally passed by; Wu noticed a carriage enter over the bridge and around the backside of Casino Cillian. Wu followed around stealthily. The Human Monk overheard a conversation between the man in the mask saying something about an additional shipment. Wu decided to head back and tell Alison Starling about this crucial information.

”The Trust thinks we’re delaying our takeover because they blew up our cart the other night…

They don’t know that we planned ahead and got an additional shipment sent in.” - The Masked Man speaking to someone out of sight.

As he began to turn around; Wu heard the click of heels on the cobblestone behind him and a cold, metal device at the back of his head before Samira Farrow made her presence known to him. Despite successive dextrous dodges by Wu, he was unable to avoid the Grappling Gun that she used and was bound from head-to-toe in its wire.

Wu was quite surprised to see Samira Farrow manage to lift him up by herself and carry him back into the ground floor of Casino Cillian where he was greeted by over 30 of Oskar Kryme’s grunts.

Time for a Bath!

Graxious headed to take a bath before bed and was bumped into by a middle-aged Human male who sported the Alagondar Family colours quite visibly and introduced himself as Darren Brigg. He apologised to the Leonin male, offered his services as a good shot of a crossbow, and headed towards the bar.

Speaking with Darren Brigg

Suddenly and without warning, Darren downed an entire ale before rallying the bar in a celebration of “the old Neverwinter” and praised “old King Soren Alagondar” before raising his glass which was met with a relative cheer from the rest of the bar - but seemed to catch the attention of Illsaiim.

Illsaiim approached the Human man and they talked briefly about the old city and the Shadar-Kai opened up about how close to the Alagondar Family he once was. Darren talked about how his wife and kids had fled the city to avoid Dagult and he wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to stop another dictator from coming to power before it was too late.

Session close

The session closed with the party going to sleep in the Alagondar Trust Tavern.

All characters levelled up to Character Level 5.