Downtime

After the Crimson Rasp was cleaned up, the individual members of the group pursued some personal goals, in some occasions with assistance from the rest of the group.

Corrigan spends much of his time preparing for an invention fair of his own design. He also designs and has built a bow-sling, a device for delivering alchemical compounds.

Verut goes to school for the first time, in the hopes of learning how to read & write. He also begins sharing herbal compounds with the head of the Herbalism department.

Kerrick works on buying and developing a pair of apartment buildings. In the process he came in contact with a fence living in one of the apartments and willing to do business. He also learned that a pair of were-rats were residing in the apartment buildings and causing problems for some tenants. The apartments also provided the perfect location for a new Markarin temple.

Perezada went shopping.


The group did have one piece of excitement during their downtime. They were attacked by an aberrant maw. Afterwards, the group decided it needed to fortify their rental home. The purchasing of the necessary hardware was managed by Perezada. Corrigan added some magical alarms and protective runes. Verut added some Razor Vine to protect the back fence. Kerrick later verified the quality of the doors and locks, while added a simple marking trap to the lock of the backdoor.

Post Fifth Task

Fifth Task III

March 8, the night of the party, arrives. The group set out in their best clothes. For Mishram, this is a set of clean but simple robes. Perizada is set up in sumptuous silks for a sword dance. Corrigan allowed Perizada to purchase his clothes, and so is dressed in Ar’bal style, complete with a small fez. They bring in a cart with goblin-made armor and some fireworks.

The place is decorated beautifully, and lighting is provided by dozens of caged mephitis that Arabane must have personally conjured. The cream of Highmoon society is there, and the New Warriors look around for anyone they know.

Their eyes alight on Sherriff Pickingill, whom Corrigan and Perizada met when they had to obtain his signature as Low Council representative of Cubbyhole village. He is at the buffet table and happy to engage in his usual gossip and banter. Among items of interest:

— At Baronet Axel Cedric’s ball, Grugald Mugerpuck (the all-goblin band of Challengers) showed up and made a horrible disruption. They announced they were there to uncover a dark seer, poked and prodded at everything, and fought the household guard before running away. (Later Corrigan consults his notes and finds that the goblins were supposed to go to Lady Charity’s ball on the 10th. He concludes that Ceridwah’s Rejects must have somehow convinced them to switch.)

— At Baron Kinsley’s masquerade, everything was quite and the Silver Sabres weren’t much noticed. Pickingill complains that it’s hard for him to disguise himself, being a Halfling and all.

— Pickingill also remembers meeting Estaban, leader of Yarsa’s Avengers at Tallcastle’s ball. Again, not much excitement.

— After hearing the Warriors’ first-hand account of the king’s confrontation with the elf on his processional, the Sheriff pronounces it typical of Tylor Simmerian. Corrigan probes if the Low Council is unhappy to see the king return to Highmoon, but Pickingill is philosophical about dealing with the man who used to be their grand duke. He says the only thing the Low Council can agree on is to not being pushed around by the High Council/Duke.

The New Warriors see Viscount Talion Arabane briefly, but (after briefly quizzing Mishram on his religion) he doesn’t seem to have much time for them. He seems to avoid the group the entire night, and the Warriors elect not to press the issue. Corrigan is somewhat disappointed, having hoped that the Viscount might be inclined to show them favor.

Corrigan looks for Lathifalamirus, the master illusionist who is representative of the Gnome District. He is not seen, but Corrigan suspects he is there in some illusionary disguise.

The New Warriors also get to meet His Grace, Grand Duke James Simerian. He fits perfectly his reputation as a frail and shy man. He engages them in some pleasant conversation, but when the subject of Arabane’s missing ward Cordelia gets brought up, he grows visibly nervous.

Then it is time for the demonstrations of skill, the last requirement of the New Warriors for Sycron’s challenge. Mishram summons a greater Manahune, which runs wild in an entertaining manner. Its visit cuts short, however, when it sees Arabane. After the manahune vanishes in terror, Arabane announces that many spirits find themselves terrified by powerful mages. Corrigan fumes in silent jealousy and wishes for the day when he has such power.

Perizada performs an exotic sword dance from Ar’Bal, which goes off without her cutting herself (not a sure thing).

Corrigan announces he will perform a display of gnomish alchemy and magic. He is given a lot of room by the crowd. A lot of room. However, the fireworks prove beautiful and are a great success.

Arabane does a display combining sword work with magic. It conjures up memories of the Black War, with black dragons being fought and slain, and seems to promise victory in the new war. Everybody applauds.

After the display, the New Warriors approach their targets. Mishram and Perizada go to speak to Baronet Sedgewick. Seduced by Perizada’s charms, he listens to Mishram’s pitch. He is extremely reluctant at the thought of selling goblin goods, though he is interested in how cheaply they can be made. After some indecision, he promises to think about it and take the group’s address for later consideration.

Corrigan goes to speak to Tallcastle, bring along a bottle of good port. After chatting a little bit about war and sharing a drink, Corrigan lays out his pitch about fireworks as battlefield signaling devices. Tallcastle is already pretty drunk but seems receptive to the idea. He promises to discuss the matter further three nights hence. He presses Corrigan about exclusivity, and Corrigan puts him off for the time being. (Later C decides to offer him an exclusive color.)

The group approaches Baron Kinsley together, arriving in time to overhear him talking about a measure he intends to put before the High Council in 8 days to expel all the remaining elf residents of Highmoon. After the Warriors express their sympathy to this idea, Kinsley warms right up. He proves to be a well-spoken, pleasant individual who listens to the group’s efforts and offers valuable advice. Corrigan hints that the New Warriors could help get his expulsion measure passed by finding evidence that the elves are up to no good, and Kinsley promises that his gratitude would be great if they did. Corrigan arranges a meeting the next evening to discuss fireworks and getting rid of elves.

Finally, Perizada is sent to approach Longaxe on her own. She makes a short pitch regarding the usage of fireworks and hands Longaxe some paperwork prepared by Corrigan showing schedule and prices for the ‘New Warriors’ trading group. Longaxe is skeptical about gnomes, asking if they will deliver what is promised and are reliable. However, a clear and written offer seems to reassure him, and he promises to talk with the field commanders. He has absolutely no interest in using goblin troops or equipment. After Perizada reports back, Corrigan wonders if the humans might not find other gnomish inventions to be of use.

The party winds down with Corrigan more than a little drunk and talking to plants. The New Warriors head home, having succeeded completely in their challenge task. As he lays down his head to sleep, Corrigan begins dreaming up ways to help Kinsley expel all resident elves from Highmoon.

Fifth Task II

The New Warriors receive the invitation on February 22 (game time) and instructions from Sycron. Apparently a malefic party is out to disrupt the soiree and cause loss of face to the Viscount. We must stop this. The New Warriors begin investigating Viscount Arabane.

Viscount Talion Arabane – 36 year old human, 7th lord Arabane. Family has been in Highmoon for 200 years, He is considered tall, muscular, and handsome. Fair fencer and powerful mage. Dresses opulently. Eyes are supposed to change color. Carries an elven staff. History of magery in the family. He is unmarried and being pressured to marry but seems uninterested. No siblings, parents dead. His family has a long and tragic history, and many Arabanes have inherited young.

He and Abic collaborated during the Twilight Times. He’s considered to be a political moderate and has introduced legislation to control use of magic in Highmoon. He is an expert on monsters and monstrous religion. Theology of different monster races; that sort of thing.

Arabane had a ward, Cordelia Terrrisan, until recently. She was cold and unapproachable. Rumors say he was ‘strict’ with her, and a story uncovered by the party suggests he may have been abusive. On the same night the cult (Circle of the White Stone, taught that life and death could be unified, strictly human) was discovered that had framed the archduke, Cordelia disappeared. Arabane has a standing 2000 gp reward for info leading to her safe return.

Arabanae has three sets of relatives:

1. Back in Debarnia, 1st cousin (one of father’s brothers). 45 year old knight name Farion; served with distinction during war. Occasionally sends relics to Viscount, 3 sons and a daughter. One son set to inherit, the next is clergy, 3rd may be an adventurer. Daughter is married. Invites were sent to this branch of the family.
2. Cousins in city of Northgrey, 3 weeks ride from Highmoon. Second cousins. Current family over there led by Lord Winslowe Arabane. No military service but rich with many holdings. 2 sons, 2 daughters. One of each has been “attained” (stripped of titles). Eldest son, Winslowe Jr., attained for acts of blasphemy 4 years ago. Daughter Elexia attained one and a half years ago for theft from family. Other son is “Jacob”. Invites sent to this family.
3. In region of Glacia (former capital) are two Arabanes. Aunt (Augusta Arabane, a cold woman) and her son in the Gregoran navy.

Harrington Bluefang (half-orc), is the family’s financial controller is the city. He tells us that Jacob is in town and up to many financial dealings.

Corrigan decides to infiltrate the Northgey family’s townhouse. There he figures that “Jacob” is really Winslowe Jr, Jacob’s twin brother. However, he is interrupted by Winslowe’s return. Unable to hide quickly enough, Winslowe discerns there is an intruder and dispels Corrigan’s gaseous form spell. However, Corrigan manages to summon a hippogriff and escape.

Determined to strike before Winslowe can move his base, the New Warriors gather themselves and fly back the next night on a celestial hippogriff. They engage in a pitched battle with Winslow, his sister Elexia, and their troops. Winslowe is captured and his men struck down or dispersed, but Elexia escapes using a ring of invisibility and the confusion of the spellbattle. The team quickly loots Winslowe’s records and carries him away on hippogriff-back before the Diamond District guards can arrive.

The New Warriors carry Winslowe towards Arabane manor, despite it being forbidden by Sycron’s rules. They feel that only the Viscount can resolve matters without risk of Winslowe getting away. Along the way, a quick perusal of his records tell a compelling story. W once wishes to be a paladin, but found himself too physically weak. Studying arcane magic, he learned enough to call upon the power of Bel, one of the diabolic lords of the Nine. The sword granted him the strength to be a mighty melee fighter.

After some negotiation with the gate guard, they are granted an audience with the Viscount. He is a huge man of impressive physicality and potentially it was a desire to emulate him that drove Winslowe’s actions. He easily pierces Winslowe’s disguise and the two have a frank conversation. Winslowe tries to play it off as not targeting the Viscount directly, but the Viscount is not fooled. He stiffly and unhappily admits that he owes the New Warriors a debt and dismisses them.

The New Warriors head home for a well-deserved rest. With them they carry Winslowe’s diabolic sword. In the days that follow, Corrigan does an Identify spell on the sword. He is disturbed to find a strange intelligence behind it. It offers to belong to him and transform him into an image of physical perfection as it did to Winslowe.

As the days pass, word comes that the processional of the king approaches. The New Warriors prepare for the sale of Corrigan’s Loyalty Torches while also preparing for the Viscount’s soiree. Perizada buys a fez for Corrigan. When the king arrives, the New Warriors decide to see him twice. They decide to watch once as he enters the Craft District and then run to see him again as he enters the Citadel. The first viewing goes off smoothly, and the king even nods at the NW’s sign. The second not so well.

An elf accosts the King outside the citadel and demands to know if he will end the war. The king is not receptive, and the King’s Shadow (making a rare open appearance) cuts off the elf’s head to be sent back as a message. Corrigan quickly scribbles down the entire conversation, planning to send copies to both the Library of Highmoon and slip one on a caravan to the front of the war in Tulmish, that they might know what really happened.

As for the Loyalty Torches, Corrigan manages to sell 90%. After paying off the vendors, he has a total of 1782 gp. He owes the bank 40 gp interest plus the principle of 1000 gp. He pays off the interest, but the bank offers to extend his loan if there is more business to be done. And indeed, some of Corrigan’s employees tell him that there may be a continuing demand.

During this time, the New Warriors get a letter from Club Doom saying what really happened to the Remainders. It’s not the story that Sycron told, about them voluntarily dropping out. They meet with Elysia and promise to share information in an effort to puzzle out the secrets of Sycron’s challenge.

Meanwhile, Corrigan begins using the Grell Alchemy book to experiment with blending alchemy and magic. Specifically, he is trying to prepare a spectacular magically enhanced fireworks display for the soiree. In doing so, it occurs to him that such things might have a military application.

“The New Warriors shall become war profiteers!” announces Corrigan to Mishram and Perizada. He convinces Mishram that the war gives an opportunity for goblin craftsmen to sell sundry military supplies for cheap and Perizada to assist him in selling fireworks as signaling devices for the army. They can make contacts at Arabane’s soirée. Before they can get to work on that, though, there is the matter of the devil-haunted sword.

Corrigan decides that if he was going to look for a diabolic patron (not that he’s thought about such a thing), it would not be a brute force guy like Bel. He informs Mishram and Perizada about the true nature of Arabane’s evil sword. There is some discussion about whether the group should try to profit from the sword, but Corrigan is unhappy with simply selling it, and Mishram thinks Corrigan’s plans to come off as heroes are too complicated. They compromise on taking it to one of the city’s two cathedrals to Ceridwah.

Mishram and Perizada take the sword, Corrigan being busy with his researches. Informing an acolyte of their mission, they get in to see Bishop Aregar. He’s a canny older man who asks searching questions about where Perizada got the sword, if there were any other artifacts, and if either of them has been affected by it. Perizada stands firm to her story that she killed the owner of the sword somewhere far away from Highmoon, has not used it herself, and does not want to use it. Bishop Aregar teases the two by pretending he will leave the sword in the attic as a test for acolytes, but his request for a basin of holy water as they leave implies he’s not as reckless as that. He thanks them for doing the right thing.

Afterwards, Mishram goes to see an armorsmith in the Goblin District. The smith agrees to produce a human-size suit of armor as a demonstration piece, but warns Mishram that production sufficient to supply an army will require many goblin smiths to be organized and working together.

Corrigan goes to the fireworks factory next door to their rented house, noting again its concrete walls and paper roof. He asks to see the chief designer and (after five minutes of argument amongst the fireworks crafters) sits down in an office with a gnome named Tera Pestagar. Pestagar is pleased with the idea of increasing his market and agrees to write up a potential supply and cost schedule. They agree Corrigan will take 20 to 25% of net as middleman (depending on sales) and 60% of net on any fireworks he magically enhances. They have a written contract created and signed.

Over the next few days, Corrigan attempts to find a way to blend arcane power with the fireworks. He cracks the basic secret of gunpowder, though he still does not know the secrets of packing that allow the creation of fireworks. However, he is able to use this knowledge to create an arcane preservative ritual that will cause the fireworks to hang in the air for up to a full minute after exploding.

However, sales will be difficult. The structure of Gregora’s military is feudal, with each lord being required to raise and equip his own troops. Consequently, selling military supplies will be tricky. Perizada take her copy of the party guests and begins researching whom it would be useful to approach. After some digging, she comes up with four names. She sets out to research each of them, using her charms (and some bribery) to pry information from their men. They are:

• Baron Reginald Tallcastle – Lord of House Tallcastle, the Baron takes deep pride in his military service. His family has a long record of glory in battle, and he personally has fought in several wars. He spares few expenses when equipping his men and is a bit of a peacock, valuing appearance. He is fond of port.
• Baronet Axel Sedgewick - The Baronet is a rich man, having made his fortune purchasing basic utility goods (rope, oil, etc.) needed by the military in bulk and taking them to the front lines of combat to sell to the commanders. As the war with Tulmish heats up, he is building stock for the spring campaign and his money is all tied up. He is in competition with other houses and has a wandering eye.
• Baron Locklin Kinsley - An older nobleman who earned his title on the battlefield during the Black War. He is now too infirm to go into the field. His son was badly injured by an elven assassin, but has now recovered and is assembling troops for the war in Tulmish. The attempt on his son's life has left Kinsley with a deep genocidal hatred of elves.
• Colonel Randell Longaxe - Longaxe is the King's appointed military liaison with the commanders out in the field during the war with Tulmish. He has an extra vote on the high council. He is a veteran of several wars and a stickler for order. Described as efficient, brutal, stubborn, and possessing no sense of humor. He is something of a racist, not placing much value on non-humans.

The group determines how they will approach each of these men.

Intermission during Fifth Task

New Warriors agree to help Club Doom hunt down a grell in return for Club Doom taking custody of their favor to Benjamin Redfingers. We defeat the monster.

Among the treasure: Grell spellbook – 0th: Daze, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Touch of Fatigue, Acid Splash, Slash Tongue, Arcane Mark, Prestidigitation; 1st: Summon Monster I, Obscuring Mist, Comprehend Languages, Chill Touch, Identify, Aching Dread (from Dragon Magazine issue XXX); 2nd: Melf’s Acid Arrows, Lightning Strike (a lesser lightning bolt that does 1d8/2 levels to two targets, max 5d8), Daze Monster

Book detailing the ancient and noble art of grell alchemy

Fifth Task

First the totals from the previous task (after additional, we are tied for second):

• Club Doom 19 (+2 additional for two favors owed)
• New Banner of Silver Cloud 17 (0 Additional)
• Grugald Mugerpuck (goblins) – 16 (+? Additional)
• Yarsa’s Avengers & New Warriors – 14 (3 additional for New Warriors on Favors owed; ? to Yarsa)
• Ceridwah’s Rejects & Silver Sabers – 8 (+? Additional)
• Wolves of Soreomir – 8 (+? Additional)

This is Highmoon’s festive season, as winter shifts to spring. The 7 Noble Families on the High Council (plus the Speaker) host the best festivals. Gala season begins at the beginning of March. Sycron gets invitations to each one, and he is distributing his invitations; one to each group. (Though if we can swing invitations to any additional, we are welcome to do so.) Each of us will be given a side project to undertake at our gala, and orders of merit will be given based on degrees of success. He gives us 200 gp each.

• Club Doom – Grand Duke James Simerian (king’s family), 1st day of spring, March 21
• New Banner of Silver Cloud – Marquis Caspar Highmoon, March 14
• Grugald Mugerpuck – Lady Charity Sunriver, March 10
• New Warriors – Viscount Tallion Arabane, March 8
• Yarsa’s Avengers – Baron Tallcastle, March 7
• Silver Sabres – Baron Lochland Kinsley, March 4
• Ceridwah’s Rejects – Baronet Axel Cedric, March 3
• Wolves of Soremir – Speaker of the People, Feb 26

Between 4th & 5th Task

As a plague seems to be sweeping the Grail District, Corrigan and Perizada relocate to the Gnome District while Mishram continues sleeping in goblin temples. We get one for 30 gp/month in between an alchemist’s shop and a fireworks shop.

Fourth Task

This task is a simple one. Each team will draw randomly three cards representing three of Highmoon’s districts. We must go to the district representative for each district and convince them to sign a magical blank document that is immune to forgery, tearing, or destruction. (When Corrigan examines a document through the holy stone, it has Garrite runes all over it.) Each band has four days to collect signatures and cannot use enchantments or threats. If a team completes before the time allotted, they can come back for another signature. Also, the fifth challenge will deal with “social revelry”.

New Warriors *(Kristiana has departed for parts unknown) *Corrigan *Perizada – (Wendy’s PC) Genie-kin from Arabian lands; bard/barbarian *Mishram – (Geoff’s PC) goblin spirit shaman, want to push goblin power

The New Warriors draw: *Rogana District – Bugbear district ruled by illiterate badass fighter Fox Claw. *Law District – District representative is famous mage Abic the Visionary. *Cubbyhole Village – Halfling village whose representative is Sheriff Pickingill *Gnome District – District Rep is Lathifalamirus, well respected but cantankerous illusionist known for his use of phantasms.

The warriors trick Fox Claw into thinking they are representatives from the Low Council out to get him to sign receipt of an apology. To do so Mishram lures away the brains behind the operation, a bugbear necromancer, by challenging him to a duel. The bugbear kills Mishram, but his spirits bring him back to life with a mission to kill necro-dude.

The warriors approach Pickingill and humbly gain his signature in return for a favor to be named later.

Corrigan tricks Lathifalamirus into signing the paper.

The warriors make a deal with Abic to report on Sycron’s challenge in return for his signature.

We also get two additional draws. The first is the Shambles, run by crimelord Benjamin Redfingers. He knows exactly why we are there and exhorts a promise to do him a service during the next challenge in return for his signature. (We also find out a fee market is held every 10th day in Round Square. 10th, 20th, 30th, are next ones.) The second is Slirvirp Blatu, the district of the catmen. We flatter a signature out of priestess of Isis names Svilvi Nirlipa, who is the district representative.

Between 3rd & 4th Tasks

The group rents a 8 room house in the Grail District (apparently Highmoon’s slum). It’s 25/month, which we pay in advance. Corrigan takes a spellbook he has found with unique enchantment spells (which he can’t use) to an air-focused mage named Mellomoss Rainforger. In return for the spellbook, Mellomos teaches Corrigan several spells and promises to teach him one 4th level spell at a later date. (Adam charges 10 gp/page for scribing spells, rather than the PHB price.)

In addition, Corrigan begins making plans to produce some alchemical lights for folks to wave in the street when the king makes his planned processional into Highmoon. He secures a loan for 1000 gp with Turtledove & Brass, using his magical necklace as collateral.

He plans to make 1030 lesser torches (1000 to sell and 30 demo models) and 230 sunrod-style torches (200 to sell and 30 demo models). Materials costs are estimated as 745 gp. He pays 30 gp for lab space, and he pays 26 gp for labor by other alchemists. In addition, he rents warehouse space for 4 gp. Total cost of 805 gp. He plans to attempt to sell the sunrod-style (greater) Liberty Torches for 3 gp each and the torch style (lesser) for 1.5 gp each.

Third Task

When members return to Club Doom, we are told the group has grown too large and must split into two groups. The split-off group becomes the New Warriors.

New Warriors *Kristiana *Corrigan *Perizada – (Wendy’s PC) Genie-kin from Arabian lands; bard/barbarian *Mishram – (Geoff’s PC) goblin spirit shaman, want to push goblin power

We are to travel to Saha-tsu, a remote tropic island. (See third task hand-out for details.)

The party equips as well as it can, but Club Doom wins the coin toss and sets out first. They play a humorous trick on NW by pretending to have been killed in an ambush on the beach.

On Saha-tsu, we meet and befriend (sort of) a group of fae known as the Manahune. Corrigan gets a talisman from them that allows him to summon them with Summon Monster spells. We also discover that there is a bokor on the island doing bad ju-ju with the undead and that an eruption will occur soon. (Later events suggest the lava reached the ruins where the Manahune lived.)

There are two volcanoes on the island, Big Mamma and Little Mamma. We are told Sycron visited Little Mamma, for it was a power that could be tamed. One of the things that Sycron was doing on the island was gathering lava in a great flask of metal. He used it to create burning footprints that anyone might take to be real. As far as Corrigan knows, only Nightmares and Hounds of the Wild Hunt leave footprints in stone, and he has no idea why Sycron would want to fake either.

A lot of other stuff happens, but the upshot is the party leaves before the eruption.