Information Gathered

Information learned from Emesha in Merylsward:
Who is Jaryn?
"Jaryn is a stalwart of our faith and a veteran of countless campaigns against the cult. He and a group loyal to him undertook a mission a year ago that would have struck a mortal blow at the heart of Naarash."

What was Jaryn’s mission?
"While our order defends the villages of the frontier, Jaryn and four companions sought to take the battle to the heart of the cult. Naarash’s faithful are based in a great temple in the Moonsfall Mountains. The Pillars of Night, they call it. Jaryn swore to break the cult by destroying its leaders."

What happened to Jaryn and his group?
"Our last contact with Jaryn was a sending ritual four weeks ago that placed him deep in the borderlands at the head of a trail he called the Black March. We have had no further word."

Who else was in Jaryn’s party?
"Four faithful of Pelor—Andressa and Annika, sister-clerics of our order; the fighter Kelma; and Dajani, a tiefling sworn to the Flame's cause."

Who is Naarash? What is the Hand of Naarash?
"Naarash is said to be a hobgoblin prophet of Bane but no history speaks of that name. The Hand of Naarash arose as a hobgoblin cult five years past, though it now counts all of the borderlands’ races among its members."

What activities does the cult engage in?
"They prey on the most isolated frontier villages for converts and spoils. Townsfolk are given the choice of joining the Hand or accepting the salvation of death."

Why do you need our help?
"Our own operatives are too well-known among the cultists. Two groups have tried already to follow Jaryn’s path. Neither returned. Acapable party unknown to the cult might succeed where others have failed."

Information and rumours found in the frontier:
"I saw this paladin of yours. He and his group were headed west. I told him all he’d find west was cult trouble. He was smiling as they rode off."

"The Hand’s enforcers were always after silver and gold, but that’s changed. More of their death squads are on the hunt for arms and magic now."

"Used to be, the cult’s hobgoblins were thugs that a strong threat and a pitchfork could drive off. Now, they fight like soldiers."

"We were hit by the Hand twice in the past year. Your Jaryn and his group came through, told us not to worry about the Hand no more. Cult came back just the same."

"I never saw him, but I heard about him from three different villages northwest. Jaryn and his band of Pelor faithful were going after a Hand chieftain named Larkazh—foulest hobgoblin Hell ever spawned."

"Heard about a fight between the paladin and a force of Hand members come down from the north to hunt him. Didn’t see it, but the crows were thick over the hills."

"That fight was eight months back. Naught there but hobgoblin bones now and three cairns on the field, each capstone painted with the Silver Flame."

"I heard a story from a refugee family out of the Harsmad that met a holy knight of the Flame. Said he looked like a wild man—mud and brambles in his hair, a string of hobgoblin teeth around his neck."

"Caravan of refugees came through four months past on its way south Refugees said they met a knight heading the other direction. Shared a campsite with him. Said he preached the faith of the Flame. When they woke up, he was gone. But there by the fire was his gear—armor, shield, and all. He took his sword and waterskin and naught else, heading straight for the heart of the hills and the Moonsfall Mountains beyond."

Clothes Make the Cultist
All the cultists you have faced wear the symbol of Bane— either painted in black on a loose-fitting gray tunic (worn over leather armor if applicable), or painted directly onto heavier armor.

Recap #13 - The Group Reaches Out...

• The party opted to take the Soarwind ship to Merylsward. It took 13 days and cost each member 64 gp. (Be sure to deduct it from your gold)
• They arrive in Merylsward on 10 Zarantyr at about 4 AM.
• They follow the captain’s advice and head into town to an inn he recommended. Jonathon went up the street to stay at the small Church of the Silver Flame. (If you want to call it a church. It is the Eldeen Reaches after all. More like a makeshift shrine than anything. The only reason it is tolerated is because they have been assisting the local refuges.)
• After a few hours rest the group begins the quest to find out where Jaryn might be located. Several inquires within the town divulge the following:

The area outside the town wall known as “The Pits” is swelled to capacity with refugees fleeing the frontier lands. A cult known as the Eye of Naarsh has been recruiting members – or “saving” those who refuse to join.

Jaryn had been in town a number of weeks back. He had arrived via an airship with 4 companions. After a short stay he headed west into the frontier to deal with the cult once and for all.

• Assuming that the group would be heading into the frontier the party stocked up on some supplies and Sterling looked into hiring a tracker to help them navigate the lands.
• With no other leads within the town, the party headed into The Pits under the pretense of assisting the Silver Flame people with doling out food and clothing to the refugees.
• A short time later the party found themselves near the western edge of the camp when they heard screams of terror and saw people fleeing toward the town gates. A cult death squad (as the locals called them) was raiding the edge of the encampment.
• Quickly the group jumped into action and (quite a while later) they were able to defeat the mage, 2 guards, and 2 bandit humans. Jonathon’s attempts to rescue a refuge trapped under a fallen tent were thwarted when he inadvertently killed the unlucky soul with an area blast spell.
• The group killed all but one of the attackers. However when they removed a curious necklace made of a ring with a red gem in the centre from around his neck, the gem dissolved and the captive died.
• As the battle ended a half dozen battle-ready people ran into the camp seemingly in pursuit of the now-dead assailants. Emblazoned on their gear was the mark of the Silver Flame.
• Their leader – a female human named Emesha – thanked the party for their assistance. They had been tracking the death squad for 3 days. She asked if she could meet the party later to discuss some matters of import. The party agreed to meet her at the inn around the dinner hour.
• During the meeting Emesha informed the party that she was a cleric of the Silver Flame. She was specifically of an order called the Light of the Sun. They were dedicated to fighting the Hand of Naarsh as the cultists have named themselves. She wants the party to try and find the location and/or fate of a champion of the Flame named Jaryn (dun-dun-dun!) His mission was to strike at the heart of the cult by taking out their leaders. However, it seems they lost contact with him several weeks ago. He simply stopped replying to their periodic sending rituals.
• (I’ll put the specific info learning in another post.)
• The party was able to hire a tracker and they set out the following day. (12 Zarantyr)
• For the next several weeks the group wandered the frontier looking for signs of Jaryn and his party. They came across a number of small hamlet and farmhouses dotted throughout the region. While most people were reluctant to talk to the group simply out of fear of reprisal from the Cult, a number of them were able to provide the group with hints and rumours.
• (Again, I’ll put the specific info learning in another post.)
• Finally, one dusk, they arrived in a very small village called Erstlin in the NW of the Eldeen Reaches – almost on the foot on the mountains marking the border of the Demon Wastes. Here they were met by the town’s leader named Perren Auldwyl. He was polite and offered a place to stay for the night but forbid the party to ask about the Cult. He seemed adamant that the town was able to walk the line with the Cult and they didn’t want to stir up trouble.
• However trouble found them. They group was surrounded and attacked in Perren’s home. 2 Bugbear warriors, 2 hobgoblin archers, and a hobgoblin warcaster laid a beating on the group. However they were able to overcome their adversaries and were rewarding with a +2 magic rod that the warcaster was carrying. Their attire confirmed that they were members of the Eye of Naarsh.
• The party was able to revive the unconscious Perren and learn the following information:

Perren rubs his head and says “Unless you’re planning to stick around to take on the group that comes looking for this one, you ain’t done us no favors.” Auldwyl pulls aside the curtain to the bedroom, showing the crates stacked there. He opens one, revealing a brace of black-fletched arrows. Another crate contains longswords, and a third is packed with steel helmets.

“The Hand is running weapons north,” the old man says quietly. “Erstlin’s a stop-off point, last town short of the wilds. We give their smugglers free run of the town, the Hand leaves us alone. You folsk will have to clear out at first light.”

The next day the party followed Perren through the village. To their surprise the place was a bustle of activity. It seems the story of the battle had spread through the night and the locals wanted to see the victors. As they neared the last of the small buildings a young woman steps forward.

“Name’s Shandra. Hobgoblins killed my pa when they first came. Said it was a warning. I followed them, meant to take revenge but I couldn’t keep up. But I saw where they went. I can make you a map for finding their Black March. Take my advice though. Only a fool would fight their way in. The pass is well-travelled by the Eye.”

The map leads into the mountains to the west. Your tracker says he will take you until they have found the path but no farther. The lands beyond Erstlin turn to hilled forest, offering better shelter and obviating the need for Endurance checks. Three days out, they stumble upon an ancient ruin shrouded in stunted spruce – a shrine or temple reduced to a foundation pit and a half dozen pillars among the trees. They decide to use this place a shelter for the night.

The date is 6 Therendor. (You were in the wilderness for quite some time folks.)

A Letter from Dad

Braddoc,

I hope that this letter finds you well. I have sent Grandor Smithhammer to Sharn to make contact with you. He should be there on the 7th of Zarantyr. I ask that you meet with him upon his arrival. He will be in Sharn on family business with the local Houses. Please make yourself available to assist him on this important family deal. He can elaborate further in person.

Yours in Steadfastness,

Bradforn,
Chief of the Stoneshields



Father,

The next time you want to check up on me, come yourself.

Your Son in Exile,

Braddoc

Merylsward

I'm going to take a small liberty as DM in regards to Merylsward. I am going to say it is much closer to the water than it looks on the map. Here is a description I found on the Interweb that I will use as a description.

Located to the far north of the Eldeen Reaches, by the Eldeen Bay, the town is situated on an open area of land approximately 30 miles east of The Towering Wood.

Originally a frontier fort to protect the farmers in the region, the town grew with the families of the guardsmen and various support facilities. The town grew slowly until House Vadalis established an estate there. The town swelled in size, stabilizing on todays population of about 1200. A city wall was erected on the insistence of House Vadalis, constructed from locally mined granite. While the city itself may seem gray and dour, the inside of the buildings are usually quite colorful.

Merylsward has a small dock area down by the Eldeen Bay. A steep ridge separates the city and the docks, accessible through a set of stone stairs predating the city, a lift constructed and operated by House Cannith, and a road traversing the ridge about a mile to the south.

The town is highly seasonal. During summer and fall the city swells with seasonal workers helping with the spawning, hunters, traders from the Lhazaar Principalities and people wanting to earn money on those. These people take up residence in the Pens, an area outside the city walls consisting of tents, semi-permanent and quickly built structures. The Pens contain huge markets where someone can get their hands on just about anything during the season.

A Chat With Tharunn

Gulls squawked as they hovered over the harbour of Flamekeep, circling above waiting for an errant fish to slip off one of the many skiffs currently unloading its cargo. The dock district smelt just like the dock ward in Sharn. Located throughout the ward were all the businesses that other’s didn’t want to see or smell. The lowest of the low lived in this ward and Ethan knew it. He also knew that those who lived in palaces up above needed those who lived so far beneath them, whether they wished to recognize that fact or not.

The walk through the dock district was pleasant. Tharunn carried the conversation pointing out landmarks and favorite locations. He pointed out to Ethan the first place he ever stole food, his face turned red as he realized what he just said. Ethan just chuckled and thought of the first loaf of bread he ever stole. Truth be told he was rather fond of the boy and that was part of the problem.

After Tharunn had gone to bed the evening before Ethan had sat around as his companions planned their next move. Ethan couldn’t care less where they travelled, so long as he had the opportunity to practice his craft. He’d been working on some new maneuvers that he wanted to try out. He’d sat back and let the others debate the merits of the choices set before them. One thing had become abundantly clear, Tharunn wouldn’t be travelling with them any further. The task of breaking the news had fallen to Ethan and he still hadn’t figured out what to say.

Tharunn hadn’t spoken with Braddoc since the boy felt the dwarven warrior abandoned him when the dragon attacked. Ethan didn’t want the boy to feel betrayed again; he’d lost enough over the past weeks. It was something Ethan was familiar with and it had taken him years to finally find a new home. Tharunn had latched onto the party quickly, adopting them as his new family. Ethan dreaded the task ahead. Six take the others for leaving the task to him.
Stopping at a merchant’s stall Ethan purchased fresh fish and crisped potato’s for the two of them. Ethan continued to listen to the boy as he talked with a full mouth. Finding themselves at the beach Ethan began skipping stones into the bay. Looking down at a stone in his palm he figured now was as good a time as any.

“We’re leaving Flamekeep tomorrow,” Tharunn’s ear’s perked up at the news. “It’ll be dangerous, we’re heading after Jaryn. We feel it’s our best chance to figure out what’s been going on.”

Tharunn was obviously excited about the prospect of further travel, “That’s great! I’ve got my bag all packed, I’m ready to go. You don’t need to worry about me.”

Ethan chuckled, “I know Tharunn, you’re a smart kid and you know how to handle yourself. You’ve grown a lot over the past few weeks. I’m proud of you.”

Tharunn glowed as the comment was delivered. “I won’t let you down Ethan, you can count on me.”

The look on Tharunn’s face was serious, far too serious for a boy so young. “I know Tharunn”. Ethan sighed, here it comes he thought. “Unfortunately the others don’t feel that way. They worry that you might be a liability to the group; that you might get in the way.”

“That’s not true” the boy protested. “You told ‘em didn’t you Ethan? You told ‘em I could hold my own didn’t you?”

“I did Tharunn and I know you’d be a valuable addition to the party.” Ethan paused, his face clearly showing his frustration.

“What is it Ethan?” Tharunn asked.

“The others are right Tharunn; you are too young to travel with us. Your uncle Dourstone would tan my hide if I let you come with us. You understand don’t you?” Ethan clearly didn’t know where to go from here; he could see the disappointment written on the boy’s face. “I want to give you something Tharunn. You’ve proven yourself to be fairly good with a dagger, it’s time you had a good blade. My first dagger was given to me when I was a little older than you. It was given by ah, a friend of my mother’s.” Ethan fought hard to control the anger that was rising from within. “This dagger has been my most prized possession for many years. It carries with it many memories and lessons. Lessons I learned the hard way. I want you to have it and when you’re ready I promise that you can join us on this adventure. Do we have a deal?”

Letter from Ragnolin

The gnome entered Thelio's waiting chamber. Thelio's assistant easily recognized the symbol of the House Sivis upon the lapel of the delivery man.

"I have a message for the warforged named Sterling."

His face showed no emotion as he waited patiently for Thelio's assistant to retrieve the warforged from his musings.

"Are you the one known as Sterling?"

"I am." replied the warlord.

The gnome's eyes glazed as he spoke a quick incantation beneath his breath. Whatever it was he did it seemed to satisfy Sterling's claim. He handed over a sealed note, nodded, and left.

"Thank you Reeson." he said to the butler. He opened the letter and read it to himself. No emotion showed upon his face as he took in the information it contained. When he was finished he turned and went to seek the others. They needed to hear this.

Hail respected members of the Clifftop Adventurer's Guild,

In my last letter I told you I would help you in any manner I could. To that end I wanted to update you on some information and happenings that pertain to your current situation.

The elf, Kal'ser, who hired my dear friend Kartenix and his group is here in Sharn. He came to see me late the other evening. He was concerned that he had not received the item and was looking for an update on its status. After learning of the fate of his employees his mood seemed to darken. Aside from his obviously sincere condolences, he was very concerned that two of the items now seem to be in the hands of the tiefling Skamos. He wishes to extend the contract that was drawn up with Kartenix. Upon retrieval of both stolen items he will not only make good on the gold promised Kartenix and such, he will double that amount. He would not name the amount of the payment. My years of experience in dealing with these types of folk tell me he is holding back information but I do believe that he is honest in his offer.

I did not tell him that I have already asked you to follow up for the Guild's sake. A shrewd adventurer would consider this an opportunity to make additional profit for something they were goig to do anyway. Of course, the choice to do anything is yours.

Enclosed is a letter of credit for 100 gold to help cover the cost of your stay in Flamekeep.

It is my hope that I receive word from you regarding your next move.

Ragnolin Dourstone.

Delian’s Observations - Homecoming

19 Vult

I’ve heard many veterans speak of a euphoria they experience when returning home after a long campaign, but it wasn’t until I got off the lightning rail in Sigilstar that I truly understood what they meant.

Less than two years had passed since I left Thrane for Breland. But upon seeing the familiar sights, walking down the streets I travelled during my childhood, and seeing my father again that I truly realized how much I missed it all.

When in Sharn I learned to ignore the stares and insults thrown at me simply because of my nationality and my faith. Being home and being accepted allowed me to lower my guard. People smile as I walk past them. Many offer me the blessing of the Flame and wish me well. The warmth of community has reminded me just how brightly the Flame can burn.

But as I enjoy this homecoming my companions receive the flip side of the coin. Their clothes, mannerisms, and speech clearly mark them as foreigners. The sight of a warforged walking freely causes great concern for many common folk.

It seems that my own countrymen have the same dislike for my companions that the Brelish have for me. It’s funny how people of different countries can behave so similarly. Perhaps they are not as different as they all think they are.