Chapter Four: The Lost Villages (Interlude II)
Having decided to move on to Saragost and meet with Arigane the heroes make their way to the big city again. The crowds of refugees trying to get into the city are bigger than ever. There are many hundreds of farmers, craftsmen, the elderly, women and children begging for passage into the city. Most do not have the cash or the requisite abilities to enter the city. Some of the refugees cry out to the heroes as they pass offering to sell household goods, livestock or anything they might have to collect the funds to enter the city. A group from Lichgate recognizes the heroes and they are nearly buried in the press as dozens of people rush forward asking for news of the Duergar, begging for the heroes' blessings or crying out for salvation and entry into the city. A passing guard patrol sees the situation and presentation of the Freeman of Saragost badges gets the party into the city without a problem.
So, off to buy/sell gear or find Arigane or otherwise first . . . what are you going to do?
posted by Brent Nall at 6:25 PM
12 Comments:
Selling gear:
Each party member will collect 354.28 gp each.
Assuming Rumus takes the scroll of invisibility (75 gp sell value) he gets the scroll and 279.28 gp.
One person (Alev or Casey?) will get the mithral chain shirt +1 (1,050 gp sell value) and owe the party 685.72 gp.
The heroes meet with Lady Arigane at the Santuary of the Seven Archways. She has servants that see to your comfort (food, drink, etc.) and gives you time to settle in before speaking.
"As you know we have sighted the enemy on the north of Chillhame. There are many more than we had anticipated. It seems they have learned that we were warned of their arrival and are deploying reserves. Scouts stationed at Bronce report a force of some ten thousand grey dwarves, led by dark-skinned commanders that can only be drow. They move by night, so it is difficult to gain a true reckoning of the size of their force. Our last reports indicate that they have reached Lichgate and are moving towards Lower Scumsgrove."
"Additionally, my research into the nature of this conflict has led to a startling conclusion . . . each of you is one of a select group of heroes called the Starborn. You are destined to fight this battle to the end. The success or failure of the forces of Light depend upon you."
She begins to tell you the Legend of the Starborn. You have all heard this information before from Rumus's research.
Sweet! Two simultaneous in-character conversations involving some of the same people that occured at different times!
OK, resolve the Rygorh, Casey, Alev and the Knife thing . . . THEN we'll get to Lady Arigane.
Let me know when you are all finished.
If Rygorh says that he'll be safe within his church, do we really need to go? I mean, you heard him, they're Brothers or something.
Alev's right about one thing. You should probably leave the sword in the safekeeping of group just in case something does happen. Its obviously special and the last thing we want to see is the wrong people get their hands on it.
OK, with the Rygorh goes it alone thing settled (not), let's continue the conversation with Arigane . . .
Lady Arigane stares thoughtfully at Rygorh for a moment. "We are working on getting people into the city as quickly as possible. Count Crastic has jurisdiction over economic matters, and he has deemed that any people who would be a drain on the economy should be barred from the city at this time. While I don't totally agree with Crastic, I do understand his concern, and I must yield to him in this matter. Should we find that the city can support all of the refugees then everyone will be allowed in, but until that time we will only allow in those who can positively contribute to the city's defense and economy. Ships may become a necessity for support of people before long. I will advise Count Crastic of your counsel on this matter."
She accepts any arugments with her on this matter with equanimity, but she cannot be swayed. It is not her decision to make.
She reads the drow letter (mentioned by Alev above); yes, she can read undercommon. "This is a rather disturbing revelation, but it only confirms my suspicions. The drow are involved and apparently already in Saragost. This is yet another reason for you to be out of Saragost . . . surely these agents will strike at you, the Starborn, if they can."
"As for me . . . I intend to continue my research into your nature. I believe there is more to learn in this library as well as that in the Hall of Echoes. I have found hints that there exists within Saragost that was sacred to the Starborn of old."
"My reading indicates it is a place . . . not a thing. A place where the Starborn could regather their strength to withstand their enemies."
Yeah yeah, another tump, we all knew that. Can we go now?
Lady Arigane cocks an eyebrow at Alev and Rygorh, "My but you two do assume a bit . . . I will look into what I can and will communicate it to you as I may. As to my safety . . . if I fall then it is likely that Saragost is not a safe place to which you should return. Unless your power far exceeds what you appear to be . . . well . . . I can handle myself."
"And you," she points down at the Knife, "can leave whenever you want to. I thought I might be doing you a favor or two. You're not here by my order . . . but at my request."
"As to interrogating the Council . . . I find it unlikely that such a course would be well received. I have had my eye on Count Crastic for some time. He is the only one among us that I doubt, though I have seen nothing to make me believe that he wishes to harm the city or me."
"I'm sure that Rumus's 'gift' was a result of his search in the library. His search of the library is what led me to what I have found about you, the Starborn. No one enters the library without my knowledge and it's rare that a visitor can puruse the stacks without a careful and discreet watchful eye on them. Rumus's studies helped me a great deal."
"I would suggest that you make haste in your business here in Saragost. Surely you will want to find a nice bed for the evening. I encourage you to depart the city early tomorrow, at dawn if possible, to avoid any trouble that may befall you here."
WOO! HOO! And the party is split! Heh, heh, heh!
Lady Arigane eyes the door cooly as Rygorh and company depart. She shakes her head in resignation, "I certainly did not mean to offend anyone. Your friend has quite a temper and should probably learn to control it. Not everyone is as forgiving or easy-going as I am. Ah, well, perhaps it is for the best. I believe our business is concluded here, unless you have something more?" She waits for any additional question or comment and then makes for the door (assuming no one says anything else).
Doing me a favor or two? Lady, we're doing you a favor by saving you from an army of dark dwarves. If it wasn't for us, you probably wouldn't have known about it until they were knocking on your gate. Not to mention the thousands of good people that would have died. You think I asked for this? You think I'm here because I want to save the world? Lady, you need to step back a minute and take a hard look at what is going on. Its nice to have a "powerful" friend but you need me a hell of a lot more than I need you. Wait up Rygorh.
The Knife walks out defiantly.
As he walks out, The Knife drops his Freeman badge on the floor in plain view of everyone.
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