Session 42

Tyrian Conspiracy 1

Chapter 1: A Tempting Offer

As the group meandered through the crowded streets, a sweet female voice rang out, breaking the ambient noise of the city. "Hello there." The enticing sound lured their attention, prompting them to turn and face the source. Standing just a few feet away, a slender, attractive, red-haired woman adorned in a traveler's outfit surveyed them with a keen gaze.

A warm smile played on her lips as her eyes met theirs. In a soft, melodious tone, she remarked, "You look like a band of experienced mercenaries." With deliberate steps, she approached, confirming her assumption about their capabilities. "Are you?" she inquired, her demeanor exuding a mixture of curiosity and purpose. Without romantic intentions, she knew how to capture their attention.

"I will pay you well," she added, emphasizing the allure of her proposition. The group, now fully engaged, awaited further details. The woman proceeded to outline her request, revealing a task involving House Vordon's caravan bound for Urik. Her eyes wandered past them, hinting at a hidden observer in the crowd. Cautioning against turning around, she continued, "Don't turn around. Someone is watching. Listen."

The woman conveyed her instructions with a mysterious air, emphasizing the need for vigilance during the caravan journey. As she brushed against one of their hands, she left a small item, her final words echoing, "Don't forget to tip the barmaid." A sly wink punctuated her departure.

In the palm of their hand, they discovered a gold coin, sparking speculation about the true value of the task she had set before them. As the red-haired woman disappeared into the bustling city, the group couldn't help but wonder if they had stumbled upon an opportunity that could change their fortunes.

Chapter 2: Street Brawl

The passage between the bustling streets, though typically quiet, took an unexpected turn. Devoid of the usual foot traffic, not even a beggar in sight, it created an eerie contrast to the lively surroundings. A small lizard hastily scurried away as the group approached, sensing their presence.

The tranquility shattered as the realization dawned that they were not alone. Up ahead, three rough-looking men, armed with clubs, materialized, effectively blocking the far end of the passage. A quick glance backward revealed the approach of three more menacing figures, wielding similar weapons. It became evident that this encounter was far from a friendly neighborhood welcome.

Swiftly assessing the threat, Magnamus, utilizing his psionic abilities, unleashed a burst of power that instantly vaporized three of the brutes. In a synchronized response, the rest of the group dispatched two others, leaving only the third assailant, who wisely fled for his life, narrowly escaping the same fate as his companions. The passage, once quiet and unassuming, bore witness to a brief but intense clash that ended with the would-be assailants scattered and defeated.

Chapter 3: Fire in the Night

After a day's endeavors, the group sought respite in Magnamus' estate before their return to the House Vordon Emporium. As night enveloped them in the comforting embrace of sleep, an unexpected calamity disrupted their restful slumber.

A sudden disturbance roused them from their peaceful dreams. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, they were met with a disconcerting sight—a fire had ignited on the floor of their room, rapidly gaining ground. Alarm surged through them, realizing the urgency of the situation; time was of the essence.

Acting swiftly and with coordinated effort, the group rallied together, waking each other from the grips of sleep. The flickering flames were promptly extinguished, their combined efforts successfully quelling the alchemical fire that threatened to engulf the room. However, as the embers settled, the search for the culprit responsible for the dangerous outbreak proved elusive. Despite their collective endeavors, the identity of the arsonist remained veiled in mystery, leaving the group to grapple with unanswered questions in the aftermath of the nocturnal blaze.

Chapter 4: Signing On

The Vordon compound bustled with activity during the daylight hours. Messengers hurriedly traversed the space between the Emporium and the main office, while diligent workers loaded crates onto an enclosed wagon. Overseeing the orchestrated chaos was a lightly built, well-dressed man of medium height, boasting short-cut black hair. By his side, a clerk diligently etched an inventory list onto various colored, soft clay bricks.

Approaching the entrance, a pair of vigilant mul guards eyed the approaching group. "Halt," one of them commanded, hand firmly on the hilt of his sheathed sword. "State your business."

Expressing their desire to be hired as caravan guards, the group received a nod from the caravan master, who had been observing the scene. A smile played across his lips as he dismissed the clerk and turned to address the group. "I am Nadar, the caravan master. What can I do for you?" His voice carried a stern authority, and his gaze bore into theirs as he spoke.

Upon expressing their intent to join as guards, Nadar cast a quick, discerning glance over the group. Studying them briefly, he smiled and remarked, "You look like you've seen some action. Tell me a bit about your previous work history and any talents I should be aware of. I might have some openings for people with the right skills, if you know what I mean."

After the group detailed their worth and skills, Nadar, satisfied with their qualifications, agreed to hire them at a rate of 4 ceramic pieces (CP) per day per person. The agreement sealed, they became an integral part of the caravan, their fate now entwined with the journey ahead.

Chapter 5: Last Minute Crew Member

On this blustery day, the wind cut through the city with unyielding force. The caravan, poised to depart, experienced a late arrival. A male half-elf, donned in inix leather armor and a brown cape, strode into the compound with a crossbow slung over his shoulder. In the midst of instructing his animal handlers on the route to take, Nadar, the caravan master, was approached by the newcomer.

Nadar turned his attention to the half-elf, and a brief exchange of words ensued. With an affirmative nod from Nadar, the caravan master spoke to Cratek, his imposing mul bodyguard. Stepping away from the pair, the half-elf's eyes scanned the surroundings until they settled on the group. Driven by the wind, ripples cascaded through his cape, and his shoulder-length black hair danced across his face.

"So, you're the experienced mercenaries the caravan master speaks so highly of," he greeted with a confident tone. The half-elf introduced himself as Daimon and acknowledged the impending collaboration. Extending a hand wrapped in black leather straps, he brushed back his hair, signaling the beginning of their shared journey. The wind continued its dance, weaving through the meeting as Daimon's presence became an integral part of the caravan's upcoming adventure.

Chapter 6: Passengers

Over the course of the six-day journey, the group had the opportunity to meet and interact with various members of the caravan. Mario, in particular, chose to spend much of his time with Cleaz, the sullen dwarf chef. The unlikely companions shared moments amid the mundane routines of the journey, their camaraderie evolving over the days.

Rexar, on the other hand, found himself drawn to the eccentric air cleric. Engaging with this unique individual, Rexar even took possession of the cleric's medallion, a gesture that added an intriguing layer to their interactions.

Despite these personal connections, the overall journey remained uneventful. Days passed without incident, and the caravan continued its progress without facing any significant challenges. As the landscape unfolded before them, the members of the group navigated the routine of travel, forming bonds and forging connections that would prove valuable in the days to come.

Chapter 7: Arrival in Urik

After enduring another grueling day of desert travel, walking for hours with the relentless sun bearing down on them, the weary group finally caught sight of the blurred outlines of the City-State of Urik on the distant horizon. Nadar, the caravan master, urged them to maintain the pace, and a couple of hours later, they found themselves standing within Urik's walls. The large plaza just beyond the city gates bustled with activity, creating a stark contrast to the vast desert they had traversed.

No beasts of burden were permitted within the city, so the mekillots and kanks had to remain outside. The templars' routine inspections and tax calculations proved more time-consuming than anticipated. As a result, about half of the caravan guards, including the group, were paid and dismissed. The caravan master, Nadar, addressed them, releasing them from their contracts with House Vordon. They were not required to report for duty when the caravan embarked on its return journey to Tyr at sunrise the following morning.

Discontent murmurs arose as the dismissed guards promptly headed for the nearest tavern. Nadar called after them, officially announcing their release. Following this, Roshan, the guard captain, assumed responsibility for transporting the caravan's goods to the compounds of House Stel and acquiring slave carriers. Nadar assured Roshan that he would join them shortly. Disembarking from the caravan, Nadar, accompanied by his mul bodyguard, Cratek, headed down Caravan Way.

Daimon, recognizing the predictable turn of events, turned to the group and whispered reassuringly. "I figured this was coming after such a quiet journey. Don't worry. This has happened before. I'll have a word with the caravan master about keeping us on. We might have to accept a cut in our pay, but it's better than being stranded here in Urik, the city with a law for every man that lives in it." The group, now faced with uncertain circumstances, prepared for discussions with the caravan master and the potential renegotiation of their contract terms.

Chapter 8: Following Nadar

Nadar navigated Caravan Way for several blocks, his steps purposeful as he led Cratek through the labyrinthine streets of Urik. Eventually, he took a turn onto Obsidian Way, followed by a left onto a smaller street. Negotiating a series of turns through ever-narrowing alleys, Nadar consulted a small map drawn on papyrus to guide their way.

In due course, Nadar found himself facing a half-elf standing on a street corner. In exchange for a silver coin, he acquired further directions to a modest two-story clay building with a wooden door. The neighborhood they entered resembled the Warrens, the slums of Tyr, hinting at the less affluent side of Urik.

Approaching the designated building, Nadar knocked on the door. Engaging in conversation through a small round hole in the door, he communicated with someone inside. However, he refrained from entering, maintaining a conversation without revealing the interior. After a brief exchange, Nadar and Cratek eventually departed, leaving the two-story clay building behind.

Observing from a distance, Rexar, adept at reading lips, caught the words "deal" and "We will be back." The cryptic conversation left an air of intrigue, suggesting that Nadar had struck some form of agreement and intended to return in the future. The clandestine encounter in the heart of Urik's slums left the group pondering the nature of Nadar's dealings and the potential implications for their ongoing journey.

Chapter 9: Elf on the Corner

A voice called out from somewhere behind them. Turning to locate the source, the group spotted an elf dressed in gray robes standing on a street corner near an alley. The elf's dark skin and square-cut, tightly curled hair reflected the typical fashion of male Urikites. Making a strange hand gesture, the elf spoke in a low voice with a noticeable accent, enticing them closer to avoid unwanted attention.

"I've got something I can guarantee will be of interest to you. Come closer, so I don't have to shout," the elf urged, casting cautious glances up and down the street and into the nearby alley. The air of secrecy surrounded their conversation.

Leaning into the mystery, the elf continued, "I've got something the likes of you will be simply thrilled about." Another furtive look around preceded the reveal of a shiny metal mirror wrapped in red cloth. Carefully unwrapping it, the elf displayed the intricately adorned mirror, adorned with mysterious sigils and runes tracing its frame, and a significant rune on its back.

"I found this while exploring the ruined city of Kalidnay. I don't know what the runes mean, but they're undoubtedly magical in nature... So, are you interested?" The proposition intrigued Rexar, and he decided to purchase the mirror at the full price offered by the elf.

However, amidst this transaction, Tectilith, one of the group members, discovered that someone had skillfully picked his pocket, relieving him of the single gold coin he possessed. The bustling streets of Urik revealed both opportunities and risks, leaving the group immersed in the unpredictable tapestry of the city.

Chapter 10: Rexar Goes Boom

Rexar, seizing the opportunity, took Mario's ring of invisibility and ascended to the rooftop. Surveying the surroundings, he discovered a trap door. Cautious and methodical, Rexar, first checking for traps, opened the door. Unbeknownst to him, the trap door was warded with a glyph that triggered a thunderous explosion, violently rocking him.

In the aftermath of the explosion, a tall robed man emerged from the doorway. Reacting swiftly, T'taka, one of the group members, pursued the man, chasing him around the corner. However, the pursuit was short-lived, as the mysterious robed figure managed to vanish from sight, leaving T'taka frustrated and confounded by the sudden disappearance. The rooftop escapade had taken an unexpected turn, leaving the group grappling with the consequences of their actions.

Chapter 11: Hamanu's Code

As the group deliberated on their next course of action, four Urkite men clad in bleached white robes approached them with commanding authority. Dark square-cut hair adorned with ringlets framed their imposing postures, complemented by square-cut curled beards. The white cloaks they wore bore the emblem of one of the city's many officials, the Sorcerer-King Hamanu in battle dress. Underneath their cloaks, suits of leather armor adorned their forms, and each carried a decorated wooden shield on their left arm. Sheathed scimitars hung from their belts, with one hand poised over the weapons.

The leader, speaking in the characteristic thick Urkite accent, addressed the group sternly, "You have violated Hamanu's Code. Ignorance of the Code is no excuse. You will pay the necessary fine of compensation or be sentenced to life in the slave pens."

Opting to avoid a more severe consequence, the group decided to pay the fines imposed by the templars. Satisfied with the resolution, the templars, with their imposing presence, turned away and walked off, leaving the group to contemplate the unexpected encounter and the strict adherence to the city's laws.

Chapter 12: Second Meeting

The group, believing their carefully laid plans had unraveled, saw Nadar and his bodyguard reappear after their initial venture. Faced with silence from behind the door, they returned to camp, where they diligently reviewed some documents. Undeterred, they set out once more, with the group in determined pursuit.

Approaching a new location, Nadar knocked on the door once again. This time, Mario attempted to stealthily spy, relying on his invisibility. However, his presence did not go unnoticed by someone inside. Wisely retreating and patiently waiting, Nadar knocked once more. Revealing the contents of a bag through the door's opening, they were eventually granted admission.

Inside for nearly twenty minutes, Nadar and his bodyguard emerged and made their way toward an inn in the merchant district. Their intention was clear—to rent a room and spend the night. The group, undeterred, remained on their heels, shadowing their every move as the night unfolded in intrigue and uncertainty.

Chapter 13: Dead End

After an extensive deliberation, the group resolved to approach the doorway and confront whomever was concealed behind it. To their surprise, upon entering the room, they discovered it to be empty. Undeterred, their curiosity piqued, they continued their exploration.

Their investigation led them to a trap door in the floor, a hidden passage awaiting discovery. With determination, they opened the trap door and entered the dimly lit tunnel beneath. Crawling through the tunnel, they emerged on the other side, finding themselves in a kank stable. However, the mysterious person they sought had vanished, leaving behind only lingering questions and an air of uncertainty in the dimly lit surroundings.

Chapter 14: Inn Investigation

Opting to investigate Nadar at the inn, Rexar took the initiative and secured a room. Armed with Mario's ring of invisibility and a gaseous form spell, Rexar chose a covert approach. Skillfully infiltrating through the slits of Nadar's room window, he discovered Cratek diligently guarding the door. Inside, Nadar lay fast asleep, seemingly unaware of the intrusion.

Despite the thorough search, Rexar found no new items or anything of particular use within the room. Satisfied that there were no immediate threats or discoveries, Rexar exited the room. As a parting gesture, he left behind a noxious gas before discreetly departing to report his findings to the rest of the group. The clandestine investigation had provided some insight but left the group pondering the mysterious circumstances surrounding Nadar's actions.

Chapter 15: Departure?

Upon reaching the Obsidian Gate, the guards adamantly denied them passage beyond its threshold. Daimon's voice resonated from the other side, regret and apology evident in his words:

"I'm sorry. I did what I could, but the caravan master only had room for one of us. I'm sure you'll find other work. I hear there's a House Wavir caravan leaving for Balic in a couple of days. Maybe they'll take on a couple of extra hands. Well, it was nice working with you!"

A somber tone enveloped the scene as a horn sounded, signaling the commencement of the caravan's journey. The wagon wheels creaked under the strain of the mighty mekillots, responding to the psionic prodding of the animal handlers. The caravan began to move, leaving the group behind. As the distance between them widened, the realization set in that their paths had diverged, and they were now left to navigate a different course.

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