Adventure #1 - Tears of Siberys

[reefwood]

Tears of Siberys

1,005 YK (9 years after the Last War)

Omens of late have spoken of a Protector in peril. Are they a warning or prediction? A clue or lesson to be learned? Or something else? The precise nature or timing of the danger is unclear. As is the identity of the Protector. Therefore, all avenues must be investigated. One such possibility is Baaldra the Protector - a so-called deity worshiped by orcs who watches over the Shadow Marches.

Legend tells of a mighty priestess named Baaldra who held the invading Daelkyr forces of Xoriat at bay. While the goblinoid Dhakaani empire was overrun, orc lands were kept safe. When the time came to strike, a vision guided Baaldra deep into to the heart of Daelkyr-controlled lands, and her forces tore it apart. Complete victory would not come for centuries, but this vital strike began the bleed to defeat for the invaders, and Baaldra was gifted longevity for her bravery. She continued to lead orcs in pivotal battles, and when the war was won, she ascended to the heavens in order to forever keep watch over her people.

Historians, however, tells a somewhat different tale. Orc history is difficult to piece together, but Baaldra was believed to be the leader of the largest tribe during the first century of the Daelkyr-Dhakaani War. She kept her people out of the war for decades, but eventually, led them into battle. Her reasoning for all this is left to speculation. Perhaps wisdom made her cautious or fear held her back. Maybe she thought the goblinoids would drive back the invaders, or she wished to see the goblinoids destroyed. Whatever the reason for staying out of the war and then entering it, this is the final part upon which various sources agree. Later references to Baaldra are sparse and inconsistent and span centuries. Far longer than the lifespan of any orc. Therefore, most historians conclude that the force led by Baaldra was defeated, but not wanting to be seen as any less brave, other orc tribes entered the war, which forced the invaders to fight on two fronts. This dual effort alone may have still not been enough to turn the tide, but it did provide openings for the Gatekeepers to move deep into Daelkyr-controlled territory and seal the portals to Xoriat. Thus diminishing the power of the enemy and resulting in their slow decline. Most likely, tales of Baaldra were concocted to inspire orcs, and perhaps some warriors took on her image to further bolster the courage of those in battle.

[reefwood]

Day 1

-Razel the Hagling is instructed by her contact at Morgrave University to take the a ship from Sharn (Breland) to Zarash'ak (unofficial capital of the Shadow Marches) and get a room at the closest inn near the pier.

-Orpas Gornhelm summons an elemental, but instead, a familiar imp appears. He knows this means he must go to Zarash'ak to speak with his connection to the order – who in turn sends him to the Red Tusk Palace.

-Orpas and Razel find their handler from the order, Kaela (half-elven female), at the Red Tusk Palace. She informs them that recent portents of the Draconic Prophecy are pointing toward a “Protector” in peril. In the Shadow Marches, that title often refers to Baaldra – an orc leader and priestess who battled the Daelkyr-led invaders from Xoriat nearly 9,000 years ago. If this is the Protector in question, new signs may have recently appeared in the Shadow Marches. They are instructed to research Baaldra, inquire with knowledgeable locals, and follow where clues regarding the Prophecy may lead. Also, Khaz should be joining them soon.

-Orpas and Razel inquire about sources of knowledge and lore in Zarash'ak. House Tharashk has the largest collection of tomes. Razel once worked for the House of Finding and knows the formalities required to access their library. However, as luck would have it, a familiar face and fellow underling, Kennth d'Tharashk (male orc), spots her at the gate and guides the duo to the library. Kennth used to dig through the muck for bloodstones (Eberron shards) but is now part of the security detail protecting the expeditions. Study reveals that most stories of Baaldra and her tribe make mention of forests and rivers. The two true forests in the Shadow Marches are the Deepwood to the north and Balinor's Sorrow to the south, but rivers only run through the Deepwood.

-Jorgenn d'Velderan (half-orc male) greets Razel when she and Orpas exit the library. Jorgenn rose through the bloodstone ranks from skilled digger to expedition leader with the help of Razel during her House Tharashk employment, and he made sure she received proper respect and compensation. Jorgenn is now among the top expedition leaders and invites the duo to dinner. He offers Razel her old room while she is in the city and asks for help in a House matter. He prefers to say nothing else until she has completed her research for Morgrave University and is completely free to assist him. Also, the duo ask about passage to the Deepwood, and Jorgenn offers to see if he can assist them.


-Razel declines the room offer and returns with Orpas to the Red Tusk Palace where they are reunited with Khaz. Kaela informs them that she can be found at this inn for the next several weeks while working on the docks. Razel communes with greater forces and is told, “Hagrose petals blanketed Baaldra when great sorrow mended the heart of a shattered land.” Hagrose is the derogatory term within House Tharashk for marshpetal – an ugly and foul-smelling bloom more commonly known as wardroot for its roots' ability to increase the caster level of abjuration spells.



Day 2

-The early morning is spent searching for wardroot. House Tharashk appears to be the only supplier to the markets. One merchant claims they are hoarding it to keep the price high (500 gp), but all others agree there is an ample supply, which is as expected for early summer after the spring bloom, and it is simply the overall rarity and arcane value which make it expensive.

-Much of Zarash'ak worships the Sovereign Host, so the rest of the day is spent hiking outside the city to find a temple devoted to the orc pantheon – Baalkan the Beastlord, Baaldra the Protector, and Ollarasht the Gambler. The hamlet of Ghuun has a lowly temple with an aging priest - Reshk (orc male). Inquiries on Baaldra and marshpetal reveal a possible connection. Reshk believes that much like Baaldra, who appeared in many places across centuries to protect the Shadow Marches, marshpetal is a gift from the Protector to those who continue to ward orc lands against threats.

-Another dinner with Jorgenn winds down the evening. He has found them passage on a riverboat heading north in 3 days. It is taking a bloodstone expedition near the northwestern Crawling Swamp and will take them along in exchange for labor. Razel asks about the recent marshpetal bloom, but Jorgenn reminds her that information is confidential. However, as to the internal matter in which he seeks her assistance, Jorgenn reveals his suspicion that Dhuurken Aashta (male orc, rival expedition leader) may be stealing from the House.

-Back at the Red Tusk Palace, Khaz reveals that he is not an orc but a changeling. He initially thinks to take the form of Jorgenn on the riverboat to get information on the recent marshpetal bloom from members of the upcoming bloodstone expedition. Then, he decides Dhuurken may be a better option as to not get Jorgenn in trouble.


Day 3

-The entire morning is spent inquiring about Dhuurken. He returned from a failed bloodstone expedition the other day. It left him in a foul mood, which led to drinking and brawling, and he is believed to be nursing his hangover and wounds at his private residence outside the House Tharask enclave. As to not be seen in public or by House members in such a ragged state. Khaz wishes to see Dhuurken in order to take on his form.

-The trio makes their way to Dhuurken's home. Khaz knocks on the front door. No answer. Orpas summons a lantern archon to look through the windows of the three-story building. The house appears empty except for someone sleeping in a bed on the top floor. Khaz enters the front door and makes his way upstairs. A bruised and weary orc is sitting up in bed clutching a dagger. Angry words are exchanged, and Khaz conveys that the House is tiring of Dhuurken's drunken antics.


Day 4

-The trio realizes they do not know who will be in charge of the upcoming bloodstone expedition. What if Dhuurken is aboard the riverboat? Inquiries around town reveal two things. First, the riverboat company – Bog Barges – has been working reliably with House Tharashk for over a century. Second, Kreston Draask (human male) is in charge of this bloodstone expedition. He is young but bears the mark of finding, which gives him much clout. Khaz believes he can now imitate Dhuurken safely, but the trio decides the deception may still be too risky.


Days 5-7

-The trio boards the riverboat departs with Kreston and his expedition team. They are put to work doing simple tasks and pass the time by discreetly inquiring about the recent marshpetal bloom. Orpas and Kaazair have no luck, but Razel fares much better. She learns from an middle-aged half-orc that the bloom this year was very small and that House Tharashk has indeed been hoarding wardroot from large blooms. In part to keep the supply and price steady during leaner years but also to maintain their reliable appearance over the decades. The largest bloom this orc ever saw was 9 years ago. Just as the Last War ended. He suspects that bloom alone has kept the supply steady for the past few lean years and provides the trio with direction to its location.

-The riverboat reaches its destination. Kreston and his expedition team depart on foot toward the Crawling Swamp. The trio convince the riverboat to carry them to the Deepwood for 50 gp each.


Days 8-10

-The journey into the Deepwood is fraught with danger, but the crew is brave, and together they make it to the end of the river only lightly scathed.


Days 11-17

-The trio sets out of foot with Kaazair leading the way. They march through the night and sleep during the day. Danger persists in the form of horrid beasts, aberrations, and draconic monsters. The most formidable is an enraged gray render. Orpas summons creatures to slow it down while the others surround it to attack or heal each other. After the battle, they try back tracking the path of the gray render, but it appears to have been wandering aimlessly.


Day 18

-The trio reaches the supposed location of the bloom from 9 years ago – a wide mound at the edge of the treeline that is indeed covered in marshpetal. Though, none are currently blooming. A search of the mound uncovers large stone blocks buried under the dirt. They seem damaged and do not line up quite right, but they do radiate an overwhelming magic aura. Digging the blocks out is long and tedious and leads to more disjointed blocks. Eventually, there is enough room between a set of blocks to pass between them.

-Upon entering the structure, Orpas and his eidolon temporarily succumb to madness. Orpas is able to regain his senses long enough to dismiss the eidolon. Then, Kaazair and Razel restrain him until they are confident the episode has passed.

-The trio finds themselves in a tunnel that has clearly been built, as opposed to naturally formed, but the walls are an uneven patchwork of smooth and rough spots. Parts of the tunnel have partially or entirely collapsed, and the only ways forward are a pair of pits. One goes down 50 ft. The other drops further than their darkvision can see. They decide to try the shorter pit. Kaazair holds rope to help the others descend, but falls when he has to make the climb by hand. He crashes below with a thunderous clatter but is not seriously harmed.

-This level is a similar series of tunnels. Some are damaged or collapsed, as above, but the overall network extends much farther. Though, it does not seem to be laid out with any rhyme or reason. After much wandering, the trio encounters a beholder – a floating orb of flesh covered in many small eyes with a larger eye set on a stalk and a single gaping maw. It is hungry and offers to let two of the heroes live as servants if it can eat the third, but that is not a deal the trio is willing to make. As battle ensues, Kaazair hears a faint whisper behind him, “Come below to receive my gift,” but he advances toward the hideous aberration and takes cover behind a corner. A ray from one eye disintegrates the corner, and the trio soon realize they are outmatched. Orpas summons numerous lowly ponies to slow down the beholder while they retreat down another pit.

-The pit drops 100 ft. Razel falls, Orpas rides a summoned dire bat, and Kaazair jumps onto the bat. A single tunnel runs a short distance to a corner, and around it is a metal door with a sliding bar to lock it, and five dragonmarks glow around the door. Kaazair uses his might to tackle the door while Razel attempts to decipher the dragonmarks and Orpas tries to hold the beholder at bay.

-Orpas sends his bat back up the pit. It comes crashing down on him, but takes flight again, but once out of sight, it screeches in agony and falls silent. Orpas then summons eagles to slow down the beholder. Each one squawks in terror as it is devoured.

-Razel studies each dragonmark. The first reads mind, the second reads stone, the third she fails to read, the fourth reads madness, and the fifth she fails to read.

-Kaazair has some trouble with the door but is able to open it. It leads to a small room with a skeleton on the floor. The bones glow with a faint blue light.

-The beholder reaches the bottom of the pit. Orpas and Razel turn invisible. Kaazair steps into the small room. The faint glow from the skeleton turns blinding, and Kaazair receives a vision of Baaldra:
Baaldra leads her forces into battle. Many are set aflame. Those who survive are beset by frost. Baaldra alone is left to stand against the daelkyr commanding this army of invaders. She tears the heart from its chest, lifts it high, squeezes its blood into her mouth, and ascends into the heavens.

-Kaazair also receives a mixed blessing of sight and curse of madness:
Blessing of sight – as a standard action, the blessed creature may transfer their mind to any location they know personally as if using clairaudience/clairvoyance for up to 1 hour. However, each use of this supernatural/spell-like ability may result in slipping closer to madness (Will save or -1 Wisdom drain). During this time, the blessed creature is helpless. Additionally, there is a chance (100% - 10% per spell level) that the blessed creature can cast a spell at this location.
Curse of madness – Each time the cursed creature takes mental ability damage, drain, or penalty, she is afflicted with confusion (CL 11), as per the spell.

-The blinding light dissipates, and the structure begins to shake violently. The corner of the tunnel collapses, and the floor of the small room crumbles away. Kaazair leaps toward the doorway and catches the floor of the tunnel. The trio only has a moment to regroup. The rubble filling the tunnel disintegrates, and the beholder gives chase again.

-Orpas summons another dire bat. Everyone climbs aboard, and it flies down the newly formed pit, which leads to another series of tunnels. These are wider and appear to be naturally occurring. They wind side-to-side and up-and-down. A glow in the distance attracts attention, and they fly to it. Another dragonmark. Razel cannot decipher it, but they follow a trail of more glows. Most of the dragonmarks are beyond her ability to translate, but the fifth one reads light and the seventh one reads chaos. Protection from law is cast into the chaos, and it unravels into a Draconic script that reads: “In darkness the eye watches with sorrow the light devoured by chaos. In its womb the final seeds.” Then, the tunnels begin to shift. They seem to be forming into a dragonmark, but whatever it may reveal remains a mystery, and the trio decides it is time to leave.

-Kaazair guides the group out of the winding tunnels. They see the beholder along the way, but it is slow in its pursuit. Orpas continues to summon dire bats as needed through the artificial tunnels and pits. Upon reaching the surface, they hide behind the treeline and watch for the beholder, but it does not emerge.

-Once the sun goes down, Kaazair oberves the Ring of Siberys high in the night sky, and notices that the largest fragment – the Eye of Siberys – is above them tonight. Glowing nearly as bright as a star.

-At midnight, the mound of marshpetal begins to glow blue. From faint to astoundingly bright until the light beams straight up into the sky and becomes practically blinding. Only Kaazair is able to see into it, and there appears to be the form of an orc woman being lifted up through it. She rises out of sight, and moments later, the light fades. The rest of the night passes quietly.


Days 19-25

-The trio rests during the day and marches south back toward the river. During the trek, they encounter a group of Gatekeepers marching north. Orcs and half-orcs. Kaazair finds many to be lawful or good. A few are chaotic or evil. Most seem to be some kind of neutral. They are heading toward the source of the blue light, and the trio fills them in on what they know of Baaldra and the beholder. After parting ways, the trio hear most of the Gatekeepers continue north, but a pair peel off to get reinforcements.


Days 26-29
-Marching along the river.


Days 30-34
-The trio comes across a riverboat laden with herbs to sell in Zarash'ak. It is about to set sail, and they successfully bargain an offer of protection in exchange for a ride.



[OOC: This concludes the recap of the adventure. Next up is a summary of the House Tharashk investigation. Also, these are some additional divinations by Razel that are in my game notes, but I'm not exactly sure at what point they happened:

“The Eye of Siberys will avenge the Protector.”
“A step forward, a step back.”
“Whether it is a step forward or back will be determined when you see them next.”
“You must thwart not only the foul prince but also his bride.”

It seems like most happened on Day 18, but I think the Oracle divination ability only works 1/day, so maybe some of these came on other days or via other sources, such as the actual augury or divination spells.]

[reefwood]

POST-SCRIPT - Dhuurken Investigation

Jorgenn d'Velderan (half-orc male) reveals that he received a letter insinuating improper activity on bloodstone expeditions led by Dhuurken Aashta (orc male). Bloodstones are the dragonshards (pink or red) found just below the surface in soil or mud. They are form inside geodelike stone shells. Careful hands and knowhow are required to open these egg-shaped casings without shattering the dragonshards. However, these geodes can be damaged naturally for a multitude of reason (i.e. earthquakes, rock slides, trampling), so it is not uncommon to find cracked shells and even loose dragonshards. Geodes found by expedition teams are brought to the House Tharashk enclave for proper opening.

An investigation reveals that a member of Dhuurken's expedition team - Tarvin d'Tharashk (half-orc male) - has been intentionally cracking open geodes in the field and smuggling dragonshards to sell to a thieves guild. This guild specializes in blackmarket sales, which undercut House Tharashk. They have also been known to embed small dragonshards in larger crystals and sell them for inflated prices to those who fail to recognize the trickery.

No link was found between Dhuurken and Tarvin's activities, but under pressure, Dhuurken confessed why he added Tarvin to his team. 8 months prior, a source outside House Tharashk began advising him where to search for bloodstones. This source proved to be surprisingly reliable and only asked in return that Dhuurken hire Tarvin when his team needed an opening. This happened 6 weeks later when one of the team members lost a leg to a dire crocodile. Dhuurken only received communication from this source through letters. Tracking the source down was difficult, but it turned out to be Fiorna Orleth (human female). A local healer who received a finder's fee for Tarvin's dragonshards, and she turned out to be the leader of a Dragon Below cult. Another member of the cult was Praask Velderan (orc male) - the supply purchaser for Jorgenn. Praask had been working with another thieves guild that dealt in more mundane stolen goods. Praask billed House Tharashk for supplies at standard market rates but bought stolen goods at a discount from the thieves guild and pocketed the difference. For the past 2 years. The funds taken by Fiorna and Praask went to the cult. For what purpose, if any, was never discovered. Praask and all the other cult members except Fiorna were killed. All she would say was that Khyber had told here where the dragonshards would be found. Fiorna was brought to the House Tharashk enclave for further interrogation, but mysteriously disappeared from her cell overnight. On this same night, Tarvin- who had been held in a cell since his capture - died of a gruesome yet seemingly self-inflicted wound: digging into his own chest and plunging fingers into his heart.

Dhuurken was taken out of the field and demoted to basic house duties under strict supervision. Jorgenn was not implicated in any wrongdoing, but the lengthy illegal activity that had gone on under his supervision severely tarnished his reputation.


[OOC: You are welcome to post any reactions to all this or add some story elements yourself.]

[reefwood]

Over the Years... (1,005 - 1,020 YK)

Shadow Marches: The supposed ascension of Baaldra is controversial since the small numbers of faithful thought this occurred millennia ago. However, many orcs of all faiths are drawn to see the site for themselves. Gatekeepers from numerous tribes work together to watch over the area. Their numbers are bolstered by visitors who are inspired to join their efforts, and over the next decade, the northern Marches become somewhat safer as many aberrations are hunted down or driven off.

Thrane: 1,015 YK – The Keeper of the Flame is deposed by Queen Diani ir'Wynarn with support from the Council of Cardinals. Thrane becomes a theocratic monarchy. The Keeper remains the spiritual authority of the nation but only serves the throne in an advisory capacity. The Queen oversees the functions of government and nobility while the Council of Cardinals continue to direct the church. Guided by the Silver Flame, the Council will also select which royal child inherits the throne. Additionally, governorship of cities and towns, which had entirely fallen to the archbishops, will now alternate with members of nobility approved by the Council. This effort is praised by Aundair and Breland, but Karrnath responds by increasing military exercises along its border with Thrane.

Aundair: 1,018 YK – Queen Aurala ir'Wynarn and her children are slain by vampire agents from Karrnath. Outrage sweeps across the nation as her brother Adal, Warlord and Minister of Magic, accepts the throne. Both nations muster their military, but before warships take flight and undead armies march, it is discovered that Adal learned of the assassination plot weeks prior and took no action to stop it. Aundairians who first rallied behind King Adal and his push for vengeance are quick to recant and call for his head. Under pressure from leaders of the other Five Nations, Adal escapes execution and is sentenced to life in prison on Thronehold. The next in line for the crown is Aurad, governor of the capital, but the people rally behind the much loved husband of Aurala - Sasik Vadalis of the House of Handling - to take the place of the late Queen. In an unprecedented move, he is appointed Regent and charged with overseeing the nation for a single term of one decade. At which time he will select the next member of the royal family to take the throne. The assassination of Queen Aurala was not sanctioned by King Kaius ir'Wynarn III of Karrnath, who is able to stave off war by convincing Sasik Vadalis of this and promising that everyone involved will be turned over to Aundair for execution.

Karrnath: 1,019 YK – The investigation into the assassination of Queen Aurala takes nearly a year and finds that the plot was crafted by rogue elements under the direction of Count Vedim ir'Omik, cousin to King Kaius III and Minister of the Dead. Vedim had already garnered support from Warlords Renn ir'Tanar and Charl ir'Loran - who command the living battalions of Karrnath - to break the peace with Aundair. When the three traitorous nobles are implicated, they openly turn against the crown, and civil war breaks out.

Xen'drik: Scores of drow tribes begin uniting into larger factions. Clashes for territory and influence spread across the continent, which makes expeditions for Giant artifacts and the collection of Siberys shards even more treacherous. The Blademarks Guild of House Deneith (Mark of Sentinel) attempts to sell its services to the drow with mixed results.


[OOC: I know this took forever to post, but you are welcome to comment on these events, or place yourself in them, or add your own events in other places, or say what you have been up to over this time.]