PROLOGUE
Ralnor and Druinder arrive in Specularum and disembark as the Festival of Lucor is beginning, when there is an altercation in the street. Concerned about mob violence and the safety of his prized new pups, Ralnor intervenes to calm tempers.
Druinder suggests a boarding trainer for the dogs for once they have settled into their lodgings, and Ralnor agrees. Assuming no adventures come his way, he looks forward to spending dedicated time working with his new pups.
PLAY LOG
1. The Festival of Lucor
Entering Specularum. They enter the city from the docks. The guards at the docks collect 8sp from each.
Into the City.
As they move into the interior, they run into the Festival of Lucor procession, which is moving to the dock to float the statue out to see. An altercation takes place between several people at the head of the procession and the crowd falls silent. The leader of the procession was Aleksander Toresnescu, the young head of a prominent family in the city. He had just struck one of the members of the crowd with his jeweled walking stick, and it was clear several of those among the bystanders were ready to pounce on the young merchant. Ralnor stood in between the parties to prevent further violence before anything more could happen.
"There is room enough for all to pass, my friend," he said helping the man up from the street, and interposing himself between the two sides. "It is good and right to make way for a procession honoring a great holy man of the city. I am sure the bearers meant no disrespect to you as they went."
They all tensed up, but before the men could respond, a clear voice rang out.
"The ettelëa is right," the voice stated. "And it is the will of Duke Steffan that the peace be maintained at all times."
None of the assembled brawlers felt the need to argue with the mounted elven warrior who had spoken. Her blue and white tabard spoke to her authority as a member of the Elvenguard of Karameikos. The soldiers of the City Watch that accompanied her were even further deterrence.
The young man at the head of the procession nodded to Ralnor.
"I thank you for your efforts, friend," he said in parting. "The Torenescu do not forget those who show their quality."
The procession moved along again, and the danger had passed.
"What is your business in our fair city?" the Elvenguard pointedly asked Ralnor once the crowd had dispersed. Druinder interceded at that point.
"We have come from the north of Alfheim to trade our wares in this great city."
"Where in Alfheim, elder?"
"The Emerlas."
The warrior maid nodded.
"Vyalia," she replied, pointing to herself. Vyalia lay near the eastern border of Karamaeikos and Thyatis. She was native to the Duchy.
"Druinder Ithylityl," he said bowing in the elvish style. "Deputy Commander Emeritus of the Elvenguard of Specularum."
"Myrissa Diamarak, Subommander of the Elvenguard of Specularum," she announced in reply, returning his bow.
"Ah, a Diamarak," the aging elf remarked. "I once served with a member of your clan many years ago. Vidalys Diamarak."
"My uncle. Did you serve in the Elvengaurd with him?"
"Aye, he was my Subcommander when I retired."
"Then you have my utmost respect, elder." she said, returning his bow again. "And him?" she asked, gesturing disinterestedly at Ralnor with her thumb.
"My nephew, Ralnor Ogreslayer."
"Ogreslayer, you say?" she exclaimed, one of her eyebrows arching in bemusement. "Well, it is a good thing I spared the men of Radu and Torenescu the embarrassment of crossing him today!"
"Indeed," Druinder grinned merrily.
"Commander," she nearly whispered to Druinder in a guarded tone, stepping in close. "Radu and Torenescu are at each other's throats in these tense times, even more than usual. Take care, lest an errant knife find you unawares."
"I certainly shall. Thank you for warning words."
"I would do no less for any other member of the Guard," she said, tipping her broad brimmed cap in salute. She turned to smirk at Ralnor and nodded in his direction before taking her leave. "Ogreslayer."
They arrived at the Griffin's Arms Inn in the Merchant District, where Druinder usually stayed when visiting the city. The following morning, the elves had breakfast in the common room, and Druinder then headed out for the day's business. As Ralnor sat enjoying his tea, a rough and tumble, scarred veteran called out to him from across the room, asking the elf if he was interested in work in the city. The fellow's name was Theosius. Ralnor looked to the friendly innkeeper, who nodded approvingly. For as long as he was in the city, Ralnor agreed to take on jobs, so long as they were honorable.
Theosius then headed out, and shortly thereafter an elderly woman frantically burst into the inn, looking for help. The elder claimed demons were infesting her cellar, and as the innkeeper came out to comfort her. He looked over to Ralnor, who stepped up and volunteered to check the cellar, not expecting very much.
Following the elder to her home a block away, Ralnor descended down into her root cellar to explore.
2. Under the Floors (Ralnor only)
A lot of exploration under the streets and houses of the neighborhood. Not much significant fighting. The fights were easy. I decided not to reproduce the record here, just the summary of what was fought. Ralnor comes up into the house of the Vorloi and enters a murder crime scene. He alerts the authorities, and members of the City Watch are sent under the command of the local Subcommander of the Elvenguard. The response is being led by... Myrissa Diamarak.
Ralnor collects several clues at the scene, and decides to look into the matter on his own.
Kobold Exploration Party (10 kobolds) 5gp 50xp
Cellar Dwellers (2 x lv3 thieves) 70xp
Slavers (3 hobgoblins) 15sp 45xp
Unburied Dead (3 zombies) 3 jewels (600gp) 60xp
Cellar Assassin (lv2 fighter) 20gp 20xp
Treasure 625xp
870xp
3. Riot!
Ralnor begins following up on clues in this part of the City.
The mood in the city deteriorates and rioting breaks out. While out in the street, Myrissa and a cohort of ducal guards are trying to do crowd control, and the horses are brought down, Ralnor jumps in to defend Myrissa and the others.
He pulls her up.
"Well, Ogreslayer," she said. "I certainly hope you aren't part of this unlawful assemby!"
They each save each other during the brawling. The two of them finally escape the crowd to safety. They do not follow the orator, as Ralnor instead helps the ducal soldiers.
Myrissa was called to assist as she was in the area investigating.
4. Ambush! (Ralnor only)
Employment (deliver + escort) 500gp reward (Ralnor only)
veiled society men (f1) 10xp
veiled society leader (c3) 35xp
545xp
After an undercover escort security job for Simion Torenescu (Aleksander's cousin), he continued his investigation of clues from the scene. He is ambushed and gives chase and takes the ambushers out. He finds a note that leads him to the Blue Water Mead Hall. After casing the location, he reaches a conclusion--
"I'm going to need backup for this..."
He reports his investigation results to Myrissa, and she decides to accompany him. There is no unassailable proof yet, so she will not call out the Watch to raid the property of a prominent merchant house.
5. The Chase and the Chambers gems worth 3000gp (Split w/Myrissa)
As they make their way to the Hall, Ralnor is ambushed.
"Believe me now?"
4 crossbowmen (f1) 10xp
giant guard (f3) 35xp
fighter 1 10xp
They explore the secret areas and tunnels that begins under the Hall and have several fights. At one point, they sneak up on a gathering of Society members being presided over by a masked priest.
He leaned in over the Elvenguard's shoulder from where they remained hidden... and smelled jasmine.
Without looking up, she whispered, "Stay focused."
The two of them managed to take on over 20 of the Veiled Society. They came upon the fighting Radu in the end, and had to kill both of them. The fight with the 6th level fighter was rough, but after that ended, the 3rd level fighter tried to backstabe Myrissa. They took him out too.
cleric 3 potion of invisibility 35xp
20 veiled members (f1) 200xp
leader (mu3) dagger +1, ring +1 35xp
giant guard (f3) 35xp
Cartha Radu f6 sword +2, ring +1 275xp
Zweis Radu f3 sword +1 35xp
670xp
Treasure 3,000xp
3670/2 = 1835xp
3250 +325= 3575 (15,735xp)
"It was good to work with you, Ogreslayer."
"I feel the same, Elvenguard."
"What is this?"
"Your share. You earned it."
"I did my duty. I need no other reward."
"Fair enough. Even so, I'll hold onto it for you. When your service is up, it'll be waiting."
As they parted ways, eyes were watching them from the darkened alleyway.
The Radu would have their revenge...
CONCLUSION, AFTERMATH AND IMPRESSIONS
An investigation and what undoubtedly have been quite a bit of roleplay. The use of the cardboard cutouts would also have been a major part of group play. They were a major part of my playing days then and I continually reused them. But this was roleplaying and simple, nontrying investigation and intrigue.
Playing this solo meant I would flesh in details to match the spirit of the adventure. Hence, the introduction of Myrissa Diamarak, Subcommander of the Elvenguard of Karameikos. Ralnor would need backup for the final assault. Rescuing the captured Elvenguard would also provide additional support. Taking down a 6th level fighter wasn't going to be an easy task.
Also, Myrissa would be a potential love interest as well as every bit Ralnor's equal. We will see how things unfold. Myrissa is not a member of the Callarii clan, and so in the end she does not have the deeper ties to the Elvenguard that that other clan does. Perhaps it was her own desire to buck tradition that led her to Duke Steffan's service?
The next adventure will be the solo module, Lathan's Gold. Perfect for a 4th level elf. Only the ransom for Alandah is the fiancee of the young Torenescu lord, Aleksander or perhaps he could use one of the other or more of the PC quests. I ultimately decided on using the Isle of Dread quest idea with a few twists.
Ralnor wants to command a ship and sail the oceans. Aleksander Torenescu is looking for ambitious ship captains to expand his reach. In a few years, Myrissa's enlistment will end (should be after Blade of Vengeance). Then, who knows?
Druinder will return to the Emerlas, Leaving Ralnor to linger in the city, which has captivated his attention (perhaps it is also Myrissa that compels him to stay?) The elder elf will be travelling north overland, rather than back along the water route.
EPILOGUE
They clasped forearms, and touched their foreheads in salute to each other in the traditional parting.
"I will take the northern land route home. There are many old acquaintences I have not seen in many years that I intend to visit. And what will you do, now, nephew? All the world is open to you, young hero!"
"There are still many adventures ahead of me, uncle," he replied. "I will linger here for awhile until the next opportunity arises. I am meeting with Master Aleksander tomorrow to discuss some potential leads."
"Hmmm," the old elf considered thoughtfully. "Specularum? With the demise of the Radu, things will be rather tame here in the city. Of course, during such times there are other adventures a young man might pursue..."
Ralnor knew the pointed tips of his ears were visibly reddening.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Welcome, my friend!" Aleksander exclaimed, genuinely happy to see his newest acquaintance. "I owe you a great debt for all you have done for my house!"
"I want to sail the seas, and make my fortune."
Aleksander leaned back on the ornate chair and smiled ruefully.
"Well, isn't that interesting... I currently have need of a valiant ship captain..."
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