22nd day of Deepsnow 1492
Mission: Pass information to the council of Triboar
Campaign: Black Maw Bog
Location(s): Triboar.
Present: Aerie, Anor, Bandur, Garet, Heimund & Droop, Karion, L'Aalratic Paskan
22nd day of Deepsnow 1492 (Full Moon)
Master Raemund escorted Anor, Heimund, Karion & Droop to the Protectors keep.
The night before Heimund had told him of what had transpired. He told them they must hand themselves in under his protection the very next day, well it was that anyway as the events had unfolded in the small hours of the 22nd.
Master Raemund led them into a small tower in the centre of the main square of Triboar. He informed the Master at Arms to secure the group whilst he attended the council on the upper floor.
It was a few hours before the group were brought into the council chamber to find Paskan already there. The council consisted of:
Lord Protector Darathra Shendrel
Master Raemund Swiftbow
Captain Brad Farthor leader of the Mercenary company 'The 12'.
Over the course of the next hour, they contemplated the evidence and the conclusion they came to, was that Droop's dagger had been stolen and used to perpetrate the crime. No blame or guilt was placed on any of the group.
They then listened to Heimunds news of what had transpired in the Black Maw Bog. The disturbing news that the merchants Maits & Sons could be involved with the Cult of the Dragon even more so.
Captain Farthor: "I put forward that we would send two patrols from 'The 12' to scout the northern edge of the Black Maw Bog and the road towards Westbridge as far as Westbridge itself. Another patrol to head west towards Connyberry and a fourth towards Yartar. That would leave 1 patrol to watch the town limits and local farms. I also propose that the Select Fyrd be called out to augment the town militia already on duty."
The council agreed to the patrols from 'The 12' but would have to debate further calling out the Select Fyrd.
Darathra: "Tobias Maits & Sons are a wealthy merchant family, we need to tread carefully lest we have got this wrong. They have great power and influence amongst the merchant guild."
We will convene tomorrow when hopefully at least 2 of the patrols should have returned.
With that the session was closed and Master Raemund escorted them all back to the temple.
Raemund: "A public proclamation is to be read out as to the innocence of your group and that the murdered or murderers are still at large".
Later that afternoon Master Raemund came and found them in their lodgings.
Raemund: "I have had word with Tobias Maits. They were transporting a number of ballista from their works in Yartar to Waterdeep. The convoy was attacked between here and Westbridge, half-way between the southern edge of Black Maw Bog and Westbridge to be exact. Similar convoys from here to Phandalin or here to Yartar have not been interfered with."
Master Raemund gave his excuses as he had to make provision for the temple guard to be put on alert to defend Triboar if necessary.
Garet: "What strength the garrison of Triboar Master Raemund?"
Master Raemund: "The mercenary company 'The 12', have 60 mounted riders, 5 patrols of 12, hence the name 'The 12'. The Order of the Gauntlet is the only temple with a military unit, we have 10 men at arms. The Select Fyrd numbers 50 to 75, ex fighters/warriors/adventurers who have settled in Triboar. The General Fyrd number perhaps another 75 to 100. The Militia have around 100 men at arms, they mainly guard the 3 main gates, the wall towers and a night patrol. Not all the militia are on duty at any one time. So, all told 350 maximum, of which only 150 have combat experience. We need 1000 men to man the walls effectively. Against 500+ warriors, siege engines, a Blue Dragon, a Raver and possibly a Devastation Orb! We cannot possibly hold out. I have sent word to Phandalin, Silverymoon, Waterdeep, Yartar, and Neverwinter for aid."
Aerie: "What is a Raver?"
Master Raemund: "A 'Raver' is a creature that was once living and has been raised from the dead. They are the stuff of legend from centuries ago. They need a controller, usually a Liche, an undead magic user, he performs rituals and ceremonies. A red gem is placed in the forehead of whichever creature he wants to control. The creature then becomes a 'Raver'. The 'Raver' does the bidding of the Liche, but if given a simple instruction will follow the instruction to completion and then go dormant awaiting its nest instruction. However, the 'controller' can take control and like a puppeteer, make the 'Raver' act in any way the controller wishes. If what you told the council is true..........then they have an undead 'Frost Giant Raver'!"
Bandur: "Just let the damn thing come within range of my shiny weapon, then it'll see who's the controller!"
Anor: "We need to come up with a plan, a damn good plan before this goes sideways very fast".
Aerie: "Any ideas?"
Anor: "Um, I think a visit to T.A. Maits & Sons should be our first call. Ask this Tobias himself about the convoy that was attacked, if we can gain entry into the compound have a mooch around and see if we can see anything linking them to the Cult of the Dragon."
Bandur: "T.A.Maits & So.....!"
Anor looked at Bandur, then continued.
Anor: "If we find out something or nothing, we head out with the patrol to Westbridge tomorrow and see what we can find at the ambush site of Maits & Sons convoy."
Bandur: "Hey, you know something, I've just worked it out. T.A.M.A.I.T.S is TIAMATS jumbled up!"
Anor: "What more incentive do we need. I suggest Heimund and Aerie use their persuasive natures, they seem to be good at it, from my experience, and got to T.A. Maits and get answers to questions. The rest of us can be near, say in the market should anything happen".
The market was busy, even into late afternoon. Heimund, with Droop and Aerie made their way to the Maits compound. The others went to the market.
Man: "Yes, what do you want?"
Heimund: "We come on behalf of Master Raemund to find out further answers to questions that have arose about the convoy that was attacked."
Aerie: "Too that end may we speak with Tobias Maits, please?"
Man: "Too busy, can't talk, anyhows we don't know you, you could be anyone, clear off!"
With that the flap was slammed shut, Heimund tried to block it but thought better and pulled his fingers away.
Heimund beckoned to Droop to come closer, then hoisted Droop onto his shoulders.
Heimund: "What do you see Droop?"
Droop: "Boxes, crates 2 doors a cart".
(meanwhile, back at the market)
Bandur turned around when he saw a figure some way down the street behind T. A. Maits & Sons compound suddenly let fly a magical spell that created a swirling vortex not 100ft away.
Bandur drew his longbow and proceeded to nock an arrow.
Karion cast blight.
Aerie and Droop ran on hearing the noise but away from the market trying to get behind where they thought the danger was. Heimund was slower. Then he reacted to Aerie shouting come on. Heimund ran to where he could see, a half orc from the pit fighting.
Anor, Paskan and Karion were still engaging the bull, Anor managed to get a few hits in, Bandur discarded his longbow and charged in swinging his battle axe bringing down a few blows. Paskan hit with his sword, but it flew out of his hand as he miss-timed his strike. Thinking quickly, he rolled under the bull and tried to wrestle it to the ground, he failed but managed to roll out from under the bull.
The bull slashed Anor with its horns. Heimund charged forward and attacked the bull from the rear.
Aerie jumped over the last wall of the wood compound and as she landed sent two deadly arrows toward the bull. Droop followed her and did the same with one arrow.
With the arrival of the 'Bull' the market had cleared. Aerie ran over and using her powers cast revivify twice. The startled halflings were in a state but Aerie told them they had been knocked unconcious by the bull but were ok. The first Halfling was bemused as to why there was a hole in the front of his shirt and one behind and the shirt seemed to be covered in blood.
Aerie: "It was from the bull!"
Heimund: "Now my two fine halflings, brave halflings to be sure. Your bravery should have some reward, standing and facing the bull as you did. I would like to initiate you into the Order the Conquest, a group linked to but not specifically to The Order of the Gauntlet."
Both halflings were that taken aback by the events that had transpired and the presence of the Goliath, towering over them, that they both whole heartily agreed that they would consider it a great honour to serve the Order of Conquest.
Heimund: "Then my friends to prove your worth you must compete in the fighting pit of Triboar and prove your worth, once you have then the mighty Tenet of Conquest shall be tattoo'd on your arm".
Heimund rolled up his sleeve and showed them his tattoo. Both halflings were even more impressed and promised they would do as Heimund asked.
Militia Sgt: "Not you lot again, what have you been up to now, and what's that big metal bull doing there?"
Anor explained what had happened as Aerie pushed Paskan gently to one side and told him to shush, she did not want the Sgt being scared as he was last night.
Bandur: "It's called a Metal Gorgon, a construct. Have heard of them used in the Underdark, nasty place."
Aerie: "I think we need to check that all is ok in the Maits compound as we saw the Half Orc, one Granshkin Gnor, recognised as one of the pit fighters from last night. Goes by the nickname Viscious. Enter the rear of the compound."
Sgt: "Um, not sure about that, need an officer for that sort of thing, Mr Maits is well known in these here parts, and well-liked and respected."
Anor: "It's his safety we are thinking about, I don't think there is too much time to waste, don't you?"
Sgt: " Yes, you're right, we can go there now!"
Man: "Hello Sgt Ulfan, what can we do for you today?"
Sgt Ulfan: "Well, see, the commotion at the rear of the compound and the market, well these people saw the person responsible enter the rear of the compound through the big barn doors. Kind of worried they are that all is not well. Perhaps a quick chat with Mr Maits would allay their suspicions?"
Tobais Maits: "Right here Sgt Ulfan. Yes, we saw the commotion outside the rear and were quite perturbed as to the goings on. Good job these stout fellows were brave enough to sort it out. But I can assure you know one entered the compound through the big barn doors, they are locked shut from the inside."
Anor: "Yes but we have questions in regard to the convoy that was attacked, may we come in and chat?"
Tobias: "Now, now, it's unwelcome visitors in the compound, my safety and now an attack on one of my convoys, lots of questions, questions that have already been answered."
Heimund: "We are friends of Master Raemund and he has told us partly of the attack is there anything more you could add, and would you be hiring any people to assist, like could I assist, perhaps join the next convoy to help with its security, I'm sure you can see how helpful I could be?"
Tobias: "My, my, that is a lot to be going on with. I'm not hiring at present, I have already fulfilled my quota for the next convoy. The convoy in question was carrying I belive 15 ballista, destined for Waterdeep and the military there. We make them in Yartar, they are transported broken down, quite complicated pieces of machinery I can tell you, to places like Waterdeep, Neverwinter and Phandalin. I am very busy at this time, I wish I could spend more time chatting, now I have to get on with my work. I wish you well in your endeavours."
With that the hatch was shut.
Anor: "Sounded very convincing, I believe he was telling the truth.
Paskan: "We need information on this half-orc".
Bandur: "Well his name was on the fighting list, perhaps someone in the tavern knows him, where he lodges etc."
Aerie: "Good idea Bandur. No-one has seen either you, or myself there. How about we go there and ask around?"
Anor: "That seems like a good idea, we can wait back at the Temple, bring Garet back up to speed. Maybe Garet and Karion could do their sneaky things again and take a closer look at the compound?"
Karion: "Let's put it to Garet then."
Aerie and Bandur headed to the Shady Gryffon tavern as the other made their way back to the Temple accommodation.
Karion: "How about a bit of sneaky beaky stuff around the Maits & Sons compound, see if we can find out interesting?"
The Tavern Recce:
Aerie and Bandur remained in the Shady Gryffon for a few hours just taking in the local vibe.
It would be some 5 hours later they overheard a conversation that related to the
Half-Orc, Granshkin Gnor, but refered to by his fighting name 'Viscious'. Listening closer Aerie, with her Elf hearing, overheard two drunks talking:
Drunk 1: "Heard that the rumours were true, my cousin, who is married to your brother, you know the one, well her brothers, cousins daughter had been in the market and she saw the whole thing. 'Viscious' it was, she said, you know him who was friendly with the gardener from the Temple of Waukeen, always in here drinking together they was. Gambling too, bet they had his fight rigged, heard the gardener made a pretty sum betting against Viscious."
Drunk 2: "Yeah me too.......won a packet on that fight too, hahahahaha!"
Aerie whispered to Bandur it was time to go. Bandur played drunk and leant heavily on Aerie's arm. He whispered so she could barely hear:
Bandur: "We're being watched, let's take care going back to the lodgings!"
They were barely half-way home when they came across..............
The Compound Recce:
Garet managed to get to the compound. Karion and Garet hid in the wood merchant yard. Karion changed into owl form and would keep watch from up high. Garet again snuck up close to the large barn like building, whose wall formed part of the wood merchant compound. There was a wood pile close enough for him to look inside one of the high windows. He could see at least 10 men working on a large wagon. Steel plates had been mounted along both sides and strange ballista contraptions, each one looked like a large version of Aramils crossbow, were being mounted at the front and rear. He manged to climb onto the roof and was peering over the edge of the roof into the compound below. All was still. 2 more wagons stood in the compound courtyard, but none were like the wagon in the barn.
Garet looked for Karion in Owl form but could not see him anywhere to attract his attention. Climbing down, Garet searched the wood compound and found Karion lying behind a large wood pile. An arrow stuck in his shoulder; he was unconscious. Garet quickly snapped the arrow off leaving a small piece of shaft sticking out. He did not want to have to make any explanations as to why he was dragging a wounded Elf with an arrow sticking out of his shoulder around Triboar late at night. Garet managed to heft Karion over the wall and into the shadow of the street beyond.
Keeping to the shadows Garet half carried, half dragged Karion back. He heard footsteps approaching, he hid, then whispered in relief when he saw it was Bandur and Aerie.
Garet: "Help me, Karion's been hurt."
Bandur took over the other shoulder and it took them another 30 minutes to get Karion back to the safety of the temple. Aerie took over, asking for hot water and bandages, this was no ordinary arrow.
Garet pulled the broken part of the shaft out from his clothing. He spat out:
Garet: "ORC!"
Aerie: "and a poisoned Orc arrow is still a poisoned arrow!"
It was morning before Karion was himself again. Aerie's ministrations had cured the wound of poison and there were no lasting ill effects she could detect.
Aerie: "So my friend who shot you?"
Karion: "I don't know, one second I was flying to a better position then I wake up here.
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