Session 100: Feeling Outcast in the Big Town (Day 22 Reaping - Day 2 of Good Month)

Day 22 Reaping:

Following the warm meal at the Dapper Crab, the group decided to separate for the afternoon. Kyro heard that there was a secret temple to Merikka just outside of town and decided to investigate. Feno and the newly arrived Calbach, decided to go what was described as the fighter's guild, but was in fact, the area that the Knights of Hookhill trained. Instead of a collection of fighters and mercenaries, they were met with an organized collection of presumably paladins. When asked if they knew anything about the dim forest, they refused to answer, because they sent Ronan on a mission to the Barrow Maze and they were awaiting his return. They refused to elaborate on his mission, and instead, were quite dismissive towards the two group members. Niki decided to explore the forest and wild parts outside of the town. In his discovery of the secret temple, Kyro discovered that Merikka was outcast from the town due the deities' chaotic alignment. It would seem that those that are chaotic leaning are not welcome inside the town. Armatzi looked for his penguin friend but was unable to find him inside the town. Following the day's adventure, the group spends the evening at the Dapper Crab (since rooms were already purchased). Feno learned a rumor about Nanor, the villian that the group is after in the barrowmaze: apparently, he may have been part of the group that killed his family so many years ago. Now motivated, Feno and the group are ready to head back to Orlane.  

Following breakfast, the group looks to find a caravan that is heading towards Orlane. They find the caravan driver that they used coming to town, but after discussion they find he won't be leaving for a few more days. This was not soon enough (since the group felt very unwelcome in town, especially Feno and Kyro) they decided to head to Orlane on foot. Kyro purchased a pot to have warm meals on the road, all the while trying to scour for ingredients and spices to help cooking. Once they left town, Zraith appeared again to join Armatzi on his quest. Kyro found nothing of note along this well-traveled route. Feno was also unable to see any wildlife along the way. The group took turns on evening watch, ensuring their camp was safe, similar to what they did on the way to Hookhill. The days come and go during the march back, with Zraith giving Armatzi fresh fish, and generally ignoring the rest of the party. The group noticed that it was quite peaceful as they traveled, as well as on their evening watch assignment. 

They arrive at the Dim Forest on last day of the month, day 28 of Reaping. Following a brief rainstorm, the group encounters a wild pig in the Dim Forest. After slaying the pig (it had an unusual amount of health) the group harvested (at Kyro's assistance) and divided the pork meat. Each member was given a portion that they could supplement their rations with. After a more enjoyable evening ration, the group once again continue to take watches at night and continue on. 

2nd Day of Good Month (or Sunflower in Elvish):

The group arrives in Orlane and enjoy a warm delicious dinner at the Foaming Mug. The recount to the familiar barkeep with the tales of hostility and mistreatment at hands of the denizens of Hookhill. 

Session 99: Finding answers in the Temple of Boccob

Armatzi, Niki, Gnorcia, Kyro, Lhoss, and Feno found themselves pondering the plans for the day after eating their breakfast at the Dapper Crab Inn. With no other specific business to be done in Hookhill, the group made it their primary objective to go to the Cathedral of St. Cuthbert. There, hopefully they could finally find a cleric with the knowledge of how to bring back Tatania. Lhoss asked the inn keeper Tiadora for directions and they set off.

Several in the party noted that the feeling of suspicion and paranoia that was observed in Hochoch was absent in Hookhill. Not all cities of the realm are equally affected by the terrors of the giants. The group made their way down wide, well-paved streets to the mercantile district. It was well exposed to the light of the warm summer day, which added to the pleasant journey. They passed by nicely-constructed homes and came upon the edge of the basilica, which was surrounded by walls. There was a field, which appeared to be the grounds for fairs and festivals. The area was busy with people coming and going. This appeared to be the religious district with a temple dedicated to Boccob and the Cathedral of Pholtus. The Cathedral of St. Cuthbert stood out in shining blue and white stone. It was an imposing structure, invoking the deity's cherished principles of order and lawfulness.

Armatzi stepped forward to introduce himself and was quickly recognized as a curate of the faith. The rest of the party were asked if they too were followers of St. Cuthbert. When they each indicated that they were not, they were informed that only Armatzi would be allowed to enter the while armed. Feno grew suspicious of this restriction and declared that he would wait outside. Lhoss, Gnorcia, Kyro, and Niki left their weapons with Feno and entered the cathedral. 

The entry gave way to large chambers, beautiful stained-glass windows, and paintings depicting the heroic deeds of St. Cuthbert's followers. As the group waited for Raymond Bachelet (the emissary of the cathedral), they heard the chanting of monks. At last Raymond appeared and addressed Armatzi (and only Armatzi). Raymond informed Armatzi that resurrection is a benefit that is only offered to the followers of St. Cuthbert. As Tatania had not declared fealty to any deity and was a chaotic personality, she would surely not be eligible. Kyro interjected to ask which other edifices the group might try to petition their cause and was sharply cut down. In the cathedral, communications could only go through Armatzi. Raymond had no knowledge (or interest) of what could be provided by other temples. But, he made it clear that there was no shrine to Merikka in the city and the closest place of worship was far off in Buxton's Crossing. The parting offerings of each member were received as thus: Lhoss (1 silver piece), a sniff; Gnorcia (1 gold piece), a slight nod; Armatzi (3 gold pieces), a deep nod.

Glancing around, the conical, several-story tower of Boccob came into view. It dazzled with blue, red, an yellow stones and was adorned with astronomical symbols. Boccob is the god of magic, arcane, and knowledge; this information pierced Kyro's heart. True, Tatania had never chosen a religion to follow, but this set of priorities seemed to align with hers very keenly. The group approached to inquire inside.

The party were met by two hooded guards wearing black robes embroidered with white stars. Kyro approached and explained our quest to have Tatania resurrected. When asked if any of us were followers of Boccob, we admitted that none are, but Kyro insisted that Tatania would have been if she had known of Boccob's existence. The guards thought to themselves and asked who wished to enter. Kyro, Gnorcia, and Lhoss indicated yes and were ushered in. Each gave an offering of 1 gold piece and were seated in a dark room lit by candles and infused with incense smelling of mint and cinnamon. Nearly intoxicated by the smell alone, the group was greeted by another man in a black robe with white stars. He asked if the group would be willing to submit to a test of truthfulness. After three yesses, they were presented to Metheven Pickney. Metheven asked probing questions about Tatania, including her motivations and temperament. Each adventurer seemed to pass the test and was rewarded with a large flagon of good wine. The effect of the drink caused the mystical signs emblazoned on the walls to shimmer and shine. The high priestess came to address the three and indicated that, yes, they had been truthful. She indicated that Baccob was an uncaring god, but would allow Tatania to be brought back, under two conditions. First, she would receive a quest to complete upon resurrection and second, the financial cost would be 10,000 gold pieces. This was bittersweet news. At last there was a path to see Tatania again, but it would not be easy. This would be an open-ended offer and Kyro could return with the treasure should he ever be able to collect it. Feeling a mix of emotions, the adventurers returned to the Dapper Crab to eat lunch and eavesdrop on the locals talking about the happenings of the surrounding areas. 

Session 98: Days 6-22 of Reaping

 From Gnorcia's notes:

The next morning dawned, day 6 of Reaping, and most of us awoke a little fuzzy about the previous night's adventures. Everyone except Armatzi, who had tossed out his herbal drink and had only water during the adventures in the grove. We had a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and fruits, then decided to go tell Da’ana that we will not be needing her services, and then to head out for Hookhill.

We got directions to merchants and information about traveling to Hookhill, then headed to the merchant center on Banker Street. We soon came across “The Darling Stone” with a diamond-shaped sign, and determined this must be a jeweler, which Niki and I were looking for. Two mail-clad guards looked at us suspiciously and there was a man with a very pointy beard. I handed him my white jade and sold it, Niki sold some smaller gems, and Lhoss sold him a gold ring. The return on our items was about a 10% loss over the prices in Orlane.

We then went to Hearts & Flowers, the bakery. Kyro, Lhoss, Armatzi and I went in. I purchased a meat pie to share with the group, along with a barley loaf for the trip and a cinnamon roll for an afternoon snack. Lhoss spent all of her copper on cinnamon rolls for the group, and Kyro bought a tart. Armatzi merely nodded at the proprietress and she gave him a scone.

From there we went to Da’ana’s tower and found that she could not see us for another 5 hours. We decided to leave a note for her, letting her know that we found ourselves unable to meet her price at this time, but that we were grateful for her services. I folded this carefully into a little origami shape, which I passed along with a gold piece to the servant for delivery to Da’ana, and he promised to pass it on to her.

We then went back to Banker Street and found ourselves at the amphitheater, where there were people selling goods as well as a group preparing a caravan. After some negotiation, we agreed to join the caravan of Moussa Zidane as protectors for two and a half gold plus two meals a day, for a total of 37 gold and 5 silver at the end of the trip. Moussa proved himself a clever bargainer.

We all pitched in and helped the caravan load up, and after a few hours of heavy labor we were on our way out of the city. As we moved past the river, Zraith appeared next to Armatzi, asked where we were going, then said she would be coming along. When evening came, the caravan stopped and set up for dinner, which was a nondescript stew with hardtack. We took two people per shift guarding the group, midnight to 3 and then 3 to 6, and found it to be a quiet night.

At breakfast I was most displeased to find it was gruel for us all. To make it worse, as we were eating, heavy drops of rain started to splash down. The group quickly mobilized and set up tarps over the tents, but the rain didn’t clear up for hours and left the path muddy and impassable. Fortunately it had dried by the next day and we traveled easily along the road toward Orlane.

We quickly fell into the habit of guard duty for two shifts each night. The next day was a hot one, and we determined there was one more day of travel before we would reach Orlane. The meals were monotonous but I supplemented with my bread to keep it a little bit tastier. We arrived in Orlane at about 8pm that evening and were given coin to find a common room. We immediately went to the Slumbering Serpent Inn. It was then the 10th day of reaping and I needed to renew my contract for my room at Thorin’s inn, to keep my chest there.

We enjoyed the company of the elves and the mayor that evening and the elves in our group stayed up late talking with the Orlane elves, who were especially concerned about the changes in Hochoch as well as the tales of giant raids in the Grand Duchy of Geoff. Llewellyn was also very impressed with Lhoss’s boots. (I snuck down from my room and listened to all of this from behind the door.) The next morning we had a lovely pancake breakfast and were all happy to enjoy the food in Orlane again. We then returned to the caravan and were headed out of town by 7 a.m.

We passed the turnoff toward the barrowmarsh and moved along the main road toward the Dim Forest, then camped that night within sight of the forest. We awoke to another tasteless meal with the caravan, along with fine rain that made our travel through the forest a plodding affair. Everyone was bothered by the weather, in a foul mood, and snapping at each other. That evening we found a location in the forest and set up a camp, lit a smoky fire, and ate a meager meal that I supplemented with the last of my bread. At least there were no problems with any creatures in the forest that night.

The next day, despite the rain, the thick forest canopy made it possible to still travel and that evening we camped again in the forest. On day 14 the rain stopped but a mist arose, making travel challenging, but by midmorning we exited the forest and found ourselves on the plains nearer to Hookhill, though still about five days away. Of course the next day the rain started again and we weren’t able to travel. Our clothes were by then pretty wet from all the past days’ rain and the whole thing was becoming quite miserable. Day 16 came with sun that quickly burned off the water and mud, and we had to fight to get through the drying mud and dirt with the wagons. Guard duty was again boring and the next day we found ourselves even more irritated by the dirt all over everything. The entire group was bothered and overwhelmed by the traveling conditions, resulting in a full day that we were unable to move forward. Finally on the next day we managed to break camp and get moving again.

Each day we would also find ourselves periodically passing other traveling caravans, which required moving off the road and back on, and by the end of each day we were exhausted and even more tired of the disgusting food. Day 19 was the worst. It started with thunderstorms and at midday we were hit with lumps of hail and had to run to protect the animals, tents, and belongings. It was cold and everything was uncomfortable and difficult thanks to the weather. Fortunately the next day the weather cleared up and we found ourselves about a day’s journey from Hookhill. This boosted our spirits some and we were able to put up with the drizzly rain the next day a little better than before. At the end of Day 21 we found ourselves close to Hookhill but it was too late for the customs check-in so we stayed a couple of miles outside the city that night.

The next morning we arrived at the gates of Hookhill. Being a martial city, Hookhill is surrounded by walls and we were interested to see that there is a traveler’s town on the outskirts, around a pond, and yet another town like it closer to the city gates. Moussa paid the fee at the city gates and we moved into the city down Ivory Lane to the merchant area. He then paid our group 30 gold and 75 silver (which we quickly split between us) and seemed more friendly than he had on the rainy travel days, even inviting us to travel with him again another time.

It was then about 10am and we asked Moussa about the locations of a few places, such as a shrine to Merikka (he knew of one but didn’t know where it is), and a fighter or mercenary’s guild for Feno (he suggested going to the northwest quadrant and inquiring there). The group then determined to find an inn. We had passed two on the way down Ivory Lane: The Exotic Ox Inn and The Dapper Crab Tavern. Lhoss and Feno were both especially interested in the Dapper Crab so we went there.

A thin, aging woman with a tight bun of grey hair greeted us and introduced herself as Tiadora, the proprietress. I immediately took one of her best 5gp rooms with a hot bath, a real bed, and breakfast served in the room, and sent my clothing away to be laundered while I cleaned up my armor. Feno also took one of those rooms, and the others took smaller rooms at 2gp with a 1sp bath, or stayed in the common room with a 1sp bath. Feno and Armatzi also apparently each paid for a servant to fetch a new set of clothes, a traveler’s cloak, and low boots. Who knew a fighter and cleric were so particular about spare clothing? Everyone was especially grateful for a relaxing bath to end 15 days of exhausting travel.

Session 97 Day 5 of Reaping - Adventuring in Hochoch

 Armatzi and Niki left the group to head to the Cathedral of St. Cuthbert, leaving Gnorcia, Lhoss, and Kyro to travel to the Tower of Mystery. 

Armatzi did most of the talking at the Temple. He was escorted in based upon his rank that he wears on his clothing, and he met with Rosalinde, the 2nd in command at the Cathedral. She inquired about his circumstances, and indicated that Armatzi will now need to do all further training with her until he gets to the rank of a High Priest. Armatzi discovered more about the strange creature Zraith, and possibly why she is so intent on helping him. A penguin clan far to the south was converted to St. Cuthbert, and due to their mystic nature, from time to time the journey on a holy voyage to serve St. Cuthbert - often these visions are very specific in nature, which is what it sounds like for Armatzi and Zraith. She also informed Armatzi that penguins in general dislike large cities, and that Zraith was probably fishing on the river outside of the limits. Armatzi then inquired about powerful clerical magic to raise the dead. The less powerful Raise Dead spell can be cast within a short amount of time (several days) provided that there is still a body. However, a much more powerful spell of Resurrection is needed if the body is not available. Fortunately, it has a much longer length of time from death as well. There is not a cleric of St. Cuthbert powerful enough to cast this in Hochoch, but the high priest of St. Cuthbert in Hookhill is. Armatzi also found out that Azcuursh was a very evil magic user that had transformed into a vile, powerful undead called a lich. 

Gnorcia, Lhoss, and Kyro met with Da-ana - who they initially thought was a man, but when they reconsidered later, they were confused to consider that she was clearly a woman. This caused quite a bit of cognitive dissonance amongst them all. Da-ana was very wise, but also aloof and snobbish. She said that the 200 gp fee was sufficient for a 2 day consultation, but that her fee would be 500 gp a day for approximately 12 days to obtain a solution. She also requires 3000 gp of that up front to start. This troubled the group, and they said they would get back with her. 

The group met back at the Swift Coin Inn for dinner, eating a filling and good meal of mutton stew that was nevertheless below the standards that have come to expect from eating well at Orlane. 

The group then headed back to the Tower of Mystery only to find it locked up for the night. The group then split up again, this time Gnorica and Lhoss going off together, with Armazti, Kyro, and Niki going to The Grove. 

Gnorica and Lhoss first stopped at the shrine of Zuoken, of which they are both worshippers. An acolyte there showed them the various mats, exercise tools, and equipment they could use to engage in worship (Zuoken being the deity of physical and mental mastery). They then went to a non-disclosed location, Lhoss going back to The Grove and meeting up with the other three, and Gnorica showing up later in the evening at the Swift Coin. 

Niki, Kyro, and Armatzi - and later Lhoss, went to The Grove to participate in the worship of Obah-Hai. Eiluned, the Pristess of Obah-Hai led the group in a hallucinnogenic experience, which was triggered from an herbal drink - it was revealed later that Armatzi didn't partake of the drink, but swapped it out for water. The experience was quite surreal and the group returned to the Inn quite tipsy.