| Session Date | November 25, 2022 |
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| Player Characters | |
| Base XP Gained | Carry Over |
| Player Notes | ZZ's Notes |
The safe house provided by Ravenna proved to be adjacent to the Ratcatcher’s Tavern, a wretch hive which a few of the party had been in before. Here, the party discussed at length how they would proceed. Most centered around reconnaissance and observation in order to better determine the situation before taking any drastic actions. Also, the party thought that Girion, formerly Captain of the Lormyrr Gate, might be a good choice to lead the city after it was liberated. He had previously proven to be intelligent, resourceful and friendly to the party. Ravenna reported that he and the other guardsmen had been disarmed and demobilized, but they almost certainly had at least a few weapons tucked away.
In discussion, the party learned that Hobgoblins had taken control of all the city fortifications, with the majority of their forces centered on the citadel. By report, there were also a few Giants in the citadel, though they were keeping a low profile. Interestingly, Lord Alcibard, now styled as Governor of Manston, was not dwelling there. Rather, he was still using his private residence and periodically making his way to the citadel to conduct city business. Alcibard made the trek to the Citadel a few times a week, always with a strong entourage, but of human mercenaries, not Hobgoblins (members of the Company of the Holy Tree, which once worked for the party). The same mercenaries provided security for his residence. This all caused some confusion as to what was really going on in the city, though it was believed the Old Order (old noble families) generally supported him. Regardless, the party also learned that the locals were still frequenting taverns and the like, though food was certainly running low. Hobgoblins were not using the taverns and remained aloof from the townsfolk.
ZZ now cast divination on the citadel to learn what he could. Surprisingly, it was revealed that very powerful and hostile entities were present there, far more dangerous than the party had thus far come to believe. And though a relatively low treasure was present (not overly surprising), what also seemed odd was that the chance of incurring the wrath of powerful, supernatural beings was not zero – it was low, to be sure, but the fact it was not zero was a surprise.
Ravenna had left some time before, but soon the party was joined by the so-called Thief-With-No-Name who had been helpful to the party in the past. In discussion, he told the party that Girion could be found at the Plentiful Tankard tavern, the largest in the city and near the Lormyrr Gate. Homfrith had not been seen in some time, as he was still in exile at Far Andor where the party last saw him some weeks past. He continued to stir up trouble of some vague sort.
Of greater interest, they learned that a priest of Maladominus might be a good contact to gather further information. However, many of those priests were being watched since Homfrith had openly defied Alcibard. He could be found at the Gold’s Head Tavern. Thus, some of the party decided to head that way when the day faded. Dane and Hans entered the tavern and took up a position to use ESP and other magic to keep an eye on things. Deaglan took post outside and faded into the shadows. And HelgaVinka and Dane were chosen to make initial contact. Mordecai and ZZ, being well known, opted to remain hidden in the safe house with Jarrik and Burt.
The cleric, Beylim, was very nervous. When he learned the party was “sent by Mordecai” and were of the party, he became more talkative, though not less nervous. He was surprised to learn a Paladin was in the city and asked if Dane had spoken with Paksis, chief cleric of Grimbold in the city. He had not, and was unaware of here. Bu, the real information he had was that Paksis, working for Homfrith, was about to launch a revolt and attack the citadel that very evening. His role was to watch for trouble and signal if there was danger with a light spell cast into the sky. The rebels were positioned around the citadel already to move, but there was concern as a number of human adventurer types were known to be in there, working for the occupation. Dane told him it was imperative he get in contact with Paksis, but the cleric told him it was too late – the plan was already in motion.
Meanwhile, Sirius and Hans began to spy on the tavern patrons with ESP. one person at the bar proved to be very interested in watching the Maladominian cleric and was very interested in the fact he was talking to people. ESP indicated that he was debating making a “report” rather than continuing to watch. Hans now made his way to the watcher and tried to start a conversation, but he proved instantly hostile! The spy drew a dagger but Hans hit him with magic missiles while Sirius, observing all this, cast charm person with success. The cleric they’d been interviewing started to flee during the altercation but Dane and Helga stopped him; many other patrons did leave.
Charmed, Sirius was able to get a good deal of information from the spy. He was charged with watching this and maybe other taverns, and the cleric of Maladominus had got his attention. He wanted to leave immediately to check into the Citadel as he was under orders to report any spellcasting in the city, but Sirius was able to convince him to wait a short time (and have a drink and then some food). Hans now cast forget on him to erase these recent events from his mind. His attitude immediately turned pleasant (if a bit fake) though he admitted to feeling very rough thanks to the unknown magic missiles cast on him.
Given the apparent knowledge the occupiers had of events in the city, Dane began to become urgently concerned that whatever was planned had been compromised. He urged the cleric to give his emergency signal. Finally, he relented and went outside to do so, with Dane and Helga (the spy tried to leave but Sirius masterfully was able to change his mind for just long enough). Outside, the cleric Beylim cast his light spell into the air. A short moment later, there was a flash of red and a whoosh from the north of the city, towards the Citadel. Horns began to blow and it was clear something significant was going on.
The party converged on the citadel, where they found that a tavern near to the Citadel was on fire, blasted by magic. In the streets adjacent to it a battle was raging between a force of Giants, Hobgoblins and others with a number of humans led by a female cleric of Grimbold. The good guys were clearly outnumbered and in severe danger. As the enemy had spellcasters, ZZ cast an insect plague over the whole area to suppress spellcasting (Burt was able to help with a darkness spell and Sirius with black tentacles; Hans, meanwhile cast wizard eye to gather some info). Jarrik took down a Hill Giant while Dane rushed in, laid hands, and scooped up the very wounded cleric of Grimbold. A lone Hobgoblin managed to pursue Dane, only to be cut down by Deaglan from the shadows.
Paksis, the rescued cleric, insisted she NOT be taken to her temple, as that would be assailed any moment by the occupiers, as she’d openly revealed herself to them. So, her and the party all managed to return to the safe house in the confusion. She revealed that the plot to rebel had been worked out between her and Homfrith, but they’d clearly been found out as the enemy were ready for them. They’d seen the emergency signal and were in the process of breaking up, but apparently the enemy were prepared for them. They had not involved the town guards in the revolt as they were being too closely watched. She further revealed that the real power in the city was a Fire Giant named Glumnir who commanded the Citadel, currently accompanied by a Frost Giant named Jarl Vostok (a Giant previously encountered by the party as a direct emissary of the Giant King himself). When asked about the captive Dwarves, she assumed they were in the Citadel dungeons.
The Thief-With-No-Name appeared about this time to tell the party that the city was in chaos. There had been another small battle near the New Gate but the rebel faction had been defeated by a group of the Holy Tree mercenaries, though most had managed to scatter into the city; if it were an attempt on Alcibard it had failed, as well. Hobgoblins were now pouring into the streets and it appeared they were intent on locking down the entire city and likely going to declare some form of martial law. The party was likely safe for the night, but the quiet occupation of Manston was over.