| DM | The room is now empty
except for yourselves and Akarios, still tied to the chair. He is
semi-conscious. |
| Berillia | Best not hang
around here methinks. Get him out of here?
Leanna - anything interesting back there? |
| DM | Leanna calls from behind
the gong. |
| Leanna | Quick, follow me!
|
| Berillia | Are we taking
him with us? |
| Dreylin | Habib, grab
that guy and bring him with us. [Moves to join Leanna behind the
curtain] |
| Berillia | [Helps
Habib unattach the chap from the chair, and gauges how badly injured he
is] |
| DM | You untie the
semi-conscious Akarios. Berillia uses the Staff of Healing on him. He wobbles
groggily for a few moments. |
| Akarios | What's
happening? |
| Dreylin | You're under
arrest for the murder of Poppy Toney, but right now we need to go get the guy
who ordered the killing... so you're coming with us. |
| DM | Akarios doesn't look
convinced.
He stumbles towards the dais and follows you through the entrance that you
find behind the gong.
Beyond it is a corridor that turns sharply left. You follow it for 60 yards
or so. At the end it turns right and you find another door.
You notice that Leanna is leaning against it trying to listen. |
| Narond | [Whispers]
Can you hear anything? |
| Berillia | [Watches
Akarios very carefully] |
| Leanna | I just heard
this... |
| DM | A voice you definitely
recognise but haven't quite placed: |
| Voice | Don't be a fool,
father. He was just making things up. |
| DM | Booming voice, although
less booming now: |
| Voice | I'm less of a fool
than you think. I know of your opinions of Mendel Callister. |
| DM | A third voice, which
again you recognise: |
| Voice | Will you both calm
down! |
| DM | Booming voice: |
| Voice | I'll be calm when
my son explains why he had an innocent girl murdered. |
| Leanna | So if we continue
to assume that the signet ring at the murder scene was a plant and not
actually left by House Hallonica, this ought to be Lucius, Astinius and Corwyn
Linton. |
| Berillia | [Watches to
see if Akarios reacts as Leanna says the three names] |
| DM | Akarios looks more
confused than anything else. |
| Leanna | [Smiles
broadly] Yes! I knew I'd heard those voices somewhere before.
So what now guys - shall we go and prevent a spot of patricide? |
| DM | You tune back into the
conversation behind the door... |
| Astinius | You can't
handle Bertram Hallonica. That much is clear from the fiasco at the
procession. What a fine plan that was, father! |
| Lucius | I know it didn't
work out... |
| Astinius | Because of
bloody Mendel Callister. My plan would have driven a wedge between Toney and
Hallonica that would have been in place for generations. |
| Lucius | At the cost of an
innocent girl's life? That was never what we were about! |
| Astinius | What you were
about. You were always weak. |
| Dreylin | [Whispers to
the rest] I think we've heard enough, don't you? |
| Berillia | [Nods and
loads up her sling] |
| Leanna | [Also nods]
Agreed. Are we dispensing our own brand of justice, or bopping them on the
head for the Watch to deal with? |
| Dreylin | Erm, you don't
think Harlon would be a teensy bit upset if we killed the heads of one of the
great houses... even if they are responsible for a girl's death? |
| Leanna | [Looks slightly
disappointed] Hey, I'd settle for just Astinius!
[Smiles] So bopping it is, then. |
| Berillia | Narond, what
do you know about the way justice works in the city? Are they likely to get
away with it by virtue of nobility? |
| Narond | More than likely,
yes, when you have enough nobility and money as they do, then there is very
little Harlon and the Watch will be able to do. |
| Berillia | Or can we
trust the Hallonicas to see that they don't? |
| Narond | Potentially, the
fact that they really need their name exonerated and relations with House
Toney patched up would be of use to them; however, they are likely to want
something a bit more public.
Fundamentally we have already captured the culprit who performed the murder.
However we still need to get into the room and at least make a play to arrest
Astinius, I would suggest we then try and involve House Hallonica rather than
Harlon as they are more likely to do something useful. However there is always
the possibility that we can strike a deal with Lucius to try and clear this up
quietly and discretely. |
| DM | While you're speaking...
|
| Corwyn | Asti, you know
this isn't the way. |
| Astinius | Oh don't
patronise me Corwyn! This Society could be the greatest power in Darokin if
given the chance. But you use it for smuggling and a bit of power broking. We
could take on the Maunteas with the connections we have. |
| Berillia | [In a low
voice] So don't go for Corwyn or Lucius unless they go for us?
[Considers the necessity of knocking Akarios out with her hammer to stop
him getting away] |
| Dreylin | Come on, let's
just get in there and sort this out, they probably won't fight back anyway.
[Points to Akarios] Habib, you make sure this guy doesn't go anywhere.
|
| DM | Berillia suddenly swings
her hammer upwards and strikes Akarios sharply. He collapses to the floor.
|
| Berillia | We'd better
do this by the book then. Oh well. Let's try not to kill anyone. |
| Leanna | OK, a-bashing we
shall go. |
| DM | While you talk...
|
| Lucius | Are you accusing
me of incompetence? |
| Astinius | I'm accusing
you of cowardice. This Society should be mine by right and I'll take it by
force if I have to. |
| DM | A sickening thud comes
from beyond the door. |
| Corwyn | What are you
doing you madman? |
| DM | Having finished your
conversation, you enter the room.
It is large and contains hundreds of sputtering candles, which light the area
with a warm yellow glow. In the centre of the room is a large table covered
with books and papers. Across the table lies a grey haired man, face down.
There is blood dripping from the table edge. There is a large door in the left
hand wall.
Behind the table two men are facing each other with drawn swords. Astinius
has a mad glint in his eye while Corwyn looks frightened but determined.
Both look very surprised when you enter. |
| Berillia | [Assesses
the difficulty of getting to Lucius without interference] |
| Leanna | [Moves into the
room in order to show the number of people behind her]
[To Corwyn] We have no quarrel with you, sir.
[To Astinius] The game's up, Astinius. Best you come quietly. |
| DM | He looks sidelong at
you, apparently on the edge of laughter. |
| Astinius | You were
supposed to have been killed. GUARDS! |
| DM | The far door opens and 6
guards rush into the room. |
| Astinius | [Barks]
Kill them. |
| DM | He rushes at Corwyn and
the two start to fight. |
| Berillia | [Tries to
get to Lucius with her staff, and then fall back and switch back to the
sling]
Someone cover me!? |
| Leanna | [Covers Beri's
dash by moving towards the table and engaging an approaching guard... with a
sword, not a club] |
| Dreylin | Habib, you're
with me; Shianara, cover us.
[Starts dashing towards the door the guards are coming through, axe at the
ready]
Hey guards, you know Astinius has just tried to kill his father and is
starting on his brother... who do you serve, him, or the House!? |
| Berillia | [Murmurs] An axe-wielding diplomat... |
| DM | Ignoring Dreylin's
'diplomacy' the guards rush into the room. The first reaches Leanna and deftly
sweeps aside her attack. He slashes her shield arm quite badly.
The second guard makes a play for Dreylin but is caught off-guard by the
hafling's axe. He seems upset by the resulting thigh wound.
Shianara fires an arrow into the guards at the back and lightly cuts one of
them.
Habib rushes forward and slashes the third guard badly. However, he is
skewered in the shoulder at the same time.
Behind the table Corwyn and Astinius lay into each other, parrying blows at
an astonishing rate. They are both clearly excellent swordsmen. Astinius cuts
Corwyn badly but Narond rushes forward, grabs the flame from a candle, and
hurls it at Astinius, who reels back and is sliced by Corwyn.
Berillia reaches the table and lays the staff on Lucius. He moves slightly
and seems to keep breathing although it is clear that he is badly injured.
The last three guards enter the room. |
| Berillia | [Steps
round Narond to reach Leanna's left, switching to her hammer on the way, and
attempts to kneecap a guard]
[Notices Narond in the way]
Narond, take this, and let me thwack them... please? [Offers Narond her
sling] |
| Leanna | No, I'll make
room. |
| Berillia | Narond - to
my left then? [Prepares for thwackage] |
| Narond | [Nods and
prepares for slashage] |
| Dreylin | [Goes for the
inventive 'hit guard with axe' plan] |
| DM | Berillia rushes forward
from the table as Leanna sidesteps and catches the first guard with a glancing
blow. Leanna tries to take advantage of the moment but is parried and falls
back as another guard strikes at Berillia.
Narond rushes to Leanna's side but is met by yet another guard. As they skid
to a halt, each of them stabs the other deeply.
Habib takes a flesh wound from the guard he faces in exchange for giving him
a deep wound in the chest.
The guard facing Dreylin is so put off by the halfling's facial expression
that he drops his sword and is hit sharply on the toe.
Shianara, having reloaded his bow, surprises everyone by shooting an arrow
into the eye of the guard at the back. He collapses in a heap.
Corwyn and Astinius continue to fight. As time goes on Corwyn seems to be
flagging. |
| Dreylin | Shianara, help
Corwyn...
[Moves to prevent his guard from recovering his sword, and tries to hit him
again] |
| Shianara | Just
considering that... [Reorients to aim at Astinius' legs] |
| DM | Habib takes the
opportunity to take another small swipe out of his opponent, who is looking
decidedly ill. In exchange he receives a small wound to the thigh.
Narond stabs forwards with all his might and buries his dagger in the throat
of the guard he faces. As the guard collapses, he thrusts his sword through
the mage. Its point exits below his shoulder. Narond does not look well.
Leanna puts a nasty wound in her opponent but is equally badly sliced in
retaliation.
Dreylin successfully prevents the guard reaching his sword but fumbles his
swing in the process.
Berillia and her guard trade parries and do no damage.
Shianara nocks another arrow and sends it flying towards Astinius, who ducks
just quickly enough to avoid it. In the process he cuts the back of Corwyn's
leg. The young man falls over and Astinius begins to come round the table.
|
| Narond | [Cries out]
Oww!
[Attempts to remain standing, and tries to move towards
Shianara] |
| DM | Dreylin hefts his axe
and lands a good blow on his opponent. As the guard falls he retrieves his
sword and stabs the halfling in the leg. The guard is still fighting but is
now on the ground.
Berillia's opponent spectacularly fails to hit her in any way and recieves a
crushing blow to his side.
Habib and the guard he faces parry each other attacks, sweat beading on their
foreheads.
Leanna lands another severe cut on her opponent who strikes her but her
armour turns aside the blow.
Narond stumbles towards the back of the room. He leans against a wall and
looks unhealthy.
Shianara fires another arrow at Astinius who is coming towards him around the
table. The arrow misses and Astinius smiles grimly. |
| Narond | [Aims his
dagger at Astinius and throws it at him in the hope of slowing him down before
he reaches Shianara, then, using the wall for support, moves so that Shianara
is between him and Astinius] |
| DM | The guard facing Dreylin
recovers magnificently and manages to put a nasty cut in the halfling while
getting up.
A little way over, Berillia's opponent places a flesh wound in her thigh
before her hammer stoves his head in. He collapses in a heap.
Habib dispaches his guard without acquiring any further wounds but Leanna
continues fighting hers without either side getting anywhere.
At the back of the room Narond throws his dagger before cowering behind
Shianara. It slices through Astinius's robe and he starts to bleed from the
upper arm. He doesn't look happy.
Shianara responds by drawing a slim length of wood from his quiver. Much like
you saw in the Temple of the Siswa, it rapidly shapes itself into a pure wood
arrow, which he fires. It tears its way into Astinius's shoulder, dripping
blood. |
| Astinius | Bastard elf!
|
| DM | He breaks into a run.
|
| Berillia | [Dashes for
Corwyn to attempt to revive him with the staff before we lose an
elf] |
| Leanna | Habib, you'd
better help Narond and Shianara... |
| DM | Dreylin's guard takes a
swing at him but fails to hit. Fortunately, the little halfling does manage to
do some damage in return though it's only a flesh wound.
Habib heads towards Shianara and Narond, the latter of whom is now creeping
away from the fight.
Berillia rushes to Corwyn and lays the healing staff on him. He begins to
pull himself to his feet although he still looks shaky.
Shianara frantically pulls a medium sized green leaf from his pocket and
places it in the centre of his chest. He speaks a word of elvish and there is
a brief flurry of motion as the leaf grows to cover his entire body. He now
seems to be encased in living plant tissue. He raises his sword just in time
to meet Astinius's first attack. The sword is swept aside and Astinius lands a
powerful blow on the elf's side. As Shianara reels back you notice that the
leaf covering was not cut open by the sword's edge.
Leanna finally gets back in gear and rams her sword through her opponent. He
collapses as she pulls it back out. |
| Berillia | [Moves
round the table to sling a stone in Astinius' direction] |
| DM | Dreylin takes a mighty
swing and finishes off his guard before turning to witness the rest of the
battle.
Shianara desperately tries to parry Astinius's blade but is run through and
collapses to the floor.
Leanna and Habib each run for Astinius and strike him before he can react, as
a stone from Berillia's sling bounces off his head, Corwyn swings in behind
and drives a long dagger through his heart. He falls into a lifeless heap.
|
| Leanna | [Puts her hand
firmly on Corwyn's shoulder]
[Slightly wistfully] Good shot...
Why don't we go and take care of your father while my companion tends to our
own wounded? |
| Narond | [Retrieves his
dagger] |
| DM | Corwyn looks at Leanna
for a second then heads over to where Lucius is lying. He gently turns the old
man over. There is a deep wound in his chest and he is very pale. He is,
however, still breathing albeit shallowly. |
| Corwyn | Without your
friend I think he would be dead by now. Thank you, for that and your help with
my brother. |
| Dreylin | Well, from what
we overheard it was pretty clear that Astinius was mainly responsible for this
whole mess... although I'm certain Captain Harlon will have questions about
your running of a secret society.
[Cleans and stows his axe and then goes back to check on Akarios in the
corridor] |
| DM | After Dreylin leaves to
check on Akarios, Corwyn continues talking while he takes a small vial from a
pocket and pours the contents onto the wound in Lucius's chest. |
| Corwyn | I'm not certain
involving Harlon is all that necessary. I presume you have the body of the
killer and I think that's all he would want. |
| Leanna | [Studies Corwyn
for a moment and changes the subject] Perhaps; we'll see. Did your brother
have many sympathisers within the Society? What will happen to them? And what
about your colleagues in Karameikos? Would they be likely to take his side in
this affair, or your father's? |
| Corwyn | He may have had
some followers. I think they were more likely to be stooges like that idiot
shipwright. As for Karameikos, why would you think we have links there. This
is purely a family game I assure you. |
| Leanna | [Sighs] It
may have been a game to you and your brother, but I hardly think the Toneys
would agree. This has gone too far. |
| Narond | Well we currently
happen to have the killer, who is less of a body and more alive than you
thought. Fortunately for you however he doesn't actually know it was you who
is involved, or at least we don't think he does thanks to the society's
secrecy. However he does know about the society. But I sure we can close down
the society with your help, and with Harlon's help, without Harlon even
knowing that you were involved all along. In fact given the gravity of the
situation it would be in all our interests to have the Veiled Society
disbanded. Your involvment can be, shall we say, forgotten if necessary.
[Gives Corwyn a look to say a debt would be owed for such a
favour...] |
| Corwyn | [Looks
thoughtful] |
| DM | The door opens and
Dreylin drags the unconscious form of Akarios back into the room. |
| Corwyn | Very well. 500
Daros each, Harlon gets Akarios and the Society is cut back, on condition that
the name of Linton is quietly forgotten. |
| Narond | [Looks
thoughtful]
My, your family name and reputation is cheap isn't it... Come on now, you can
do better than that. The cutback of the society though does have to be a
public cutback, or at least involving Harlon. |
| Berillia | [Assesses
Shianara's vital signs, and gives him the benefit of a healing scroll]
[Takes the opportunity, afterwards, to staff-heal everyone who she can who
needs it - including Narond but excluding, rather unfortunately, herself and
Shianara] |
| Leanna | [Thinks for a
moment] Corwyn, I'm with Narond in thinking that if we were to accept
blood money from you, your price is rather too low. I imagine that Harlon
would be able to come up with a similar amount for our testimony that you've
tried to bribe us rather than face charges; frankly I just don't think it is
worth the risk for us. However if you had another of those potions you just
poured on your father, we would at least be more favourably disposed to your
request. |
| Dreylin | [Looks
vaguely disgusted, but says nothing] |
| Corwyn | Oh yes sorry, I
should have offered. |
| DM | He hands a potion to
Berillia. It looks different from the standard healing potions you're familiar
with. |
| Corwyn | Pour it on the
wounds. |
| DM | He looks back at Leanna
then leans back onto the table. |
| Corwyn | First off, the
Society was set up merely to give us the edge in some of the more physical
negotiations. Every house has their own private army. Ours was just a bit more
private than some. Astinius wanted to make it into something else. Perhaps a
thieves' guild, perhaps something worse. I realise that people have been
killed through his arrogance but he's dead now and there's little point in
taking this to the courts as there's no evidence he was involved. You have
your killer, take him to Harlon.
However, you were right. My initial offer was a little ungrateful. 2,000
daros each to forget the name of Linton, the Society is publically cut back
and, most importantly, you each can claim a favour from House Linton. Believe
me, that last offer is worth more than you can count.
I want you to know how much I regret Poppy's death. But that won't bring her
back. It's clear the Society has got out of hand and I believe father will be
too ill after this to run it. I shall personally see to its... er...
restructuring.
[Turns to Dreylin] Master Willowbark, I know your people find this sort
of thing difficult but this is how Darokin works. Dragging Linton through the
mud would cause more harm than good. Instead perhaps you could consider using
your favour to help your own people or some other good cause. Astinius aside
we are a relatively philanthropic family, by Darokin standards. |
| Leanna | [Nods and
smiles] Well said, and thank you for the potion. Events have shown that
you and your father are a rather better class of Linton than your late
brother, and we're all well aware of Darokin customs - frankly it's a relief
to be on the receiving end at last! [Pauses] |
| Narond | I would hope that
the favour would be at least as substantial as the 'favour' we are going to do
for House Linton if we accept.
[Turns back to Corwyn] Now that does sound more like what I was
expecting, much more. Now I can't speak for all my collegues, however, I am
happy with the offer as it stands. |
| Leanna | [Grins]
Well I thought that went without saying! I was just trying to find out what
form the favour might take. Last time I checked I didn't have any murder plots
to cover up... Maybe you do?
[To Corwyn] Might I ask what form this favour you mention might take?
To give us some idea, what would you consider doing to help the Hin as you
mentioned to Dreylin? |
| DM | Corwyn winces at the
mention of a murder plot but carries on. |
| Corwyn | The type of
favour is up to you. I've no doubt we'll tell you if it's too extravagant. As
for what would help the hin. Hmm. I believe they have difficulty with a
Karameikan Baron on their borders. We can provide arms, or training, or even
lobby the Duke to cut back his activities. Things like that. |
| Leanna | Fine. I'll have
to think about that. |
| Dreylin | [Still looks
uncomfortable but nods slowly] What you offer would be too great a boon to
my people for me not to accept. I will send a message to our leaders and they
will contact you in turn. |
| Corwyn | Thank you Master
Willowbark. You may also keep the favour for later should you wish. The
goodwill of the Lintons may prove very useful down the road. |
| DM | Berillia opens the phial
from Corwyn and pours the contents onto Shianara's wound. It heals itself as
the bluish liquid drips onto it.
Shianara's eyes flicker open. |
| Corwyn | [Crosses to
Shianara] Ah, glad to see you're feeling better.
[Leans down to help the elf to his feet]
[Crosses back over to his father] Well, if you accept my offer, I think
it best that we were on our way. |
| DM | He sweeps the papers on
the desk into a leather bag and begins to pick up his father. |
| Leanna | Well I think
we're all agreed. So we shall take Akarios to the Watch. Do you need any
assistance with Astinius' body? |
| Corwyn | [Looks away for
a moment] No, leave it there. I'll send someone for it. |
| DM | He makes for the door,
carrying his father. |
| Berillia | [Waits for
him to leave, then checks the guard's bodies and looks through the door they
came through] |
| DM | The door the guards came
in is the one Corwyn left by. It leads to a small room with a few windows and
a door leading out onto the docks.
You hear a carriage pull away. |
| Berillia | Well,
they were paid particularly well, weren't they? [Holds up a small,
sad collection of low denomination coinage, then pockets it]
Shall we be on our way? |
| DM | You pick up Akarios and
take him (in varying states of unconsciousness) to the Stag. After sending a
message to the guard house, Harlon and a party of militia arrive a short time
later.
Harlon strides into the inn. |
| Harlon | Well well. What
have we here? [Gestures towards Akarios] |
| Berillia | Sorry about
the dent on his head. He, um, 'fell down some stairs'... |
| Leanna | Well, this is, we
believe, the murderer of Poppy Toney. |
| Harlon | [Looks
closer] Red hair certainly matches up. Is he likely to confess? |
| Berillia | [Grins]
You mean the red hair isn't enough?! |
| Leanna | I imagine he
could be persuaded to, certainly. |
| Harlon | Good. One of the
clerics of Tarastia might be useful there. So where did you find him?
|
| DM | (The party tells Harlon
what happened, without going into the whole Linton connection.) |
| Berillia | ...And so we
brought him back here with us.
[Beams at the Captain] |
| Harlon | So he works for
the Society. Well he might be able to lead us to the rest of it. You've done
well. Thank you for your help. Remember to call me if you need anything.
|
| DM | He gets the guards to
pick up Akarios and heads out of the inn into the night.
After your long day, you go to bed and spend some time recovering from the
events of your first days in Darokin City. Shianara remains in his rooms for
several days but makes a good recovery from his injuries.
As the New Year has passed, the number of people in Darokin starts to dip and
you are given individual rooms. Berillia moves to stay in the Temple of
Valerias and Shianara, Dreylin and Habib also move to other inns, more in
keeping with their cultures.
Each of you recieves a note from Linton's Bank explaining that your accounts
are now open and that a deposit has been placed in each.
The city talks for a while about the death of Poppy Toney, but the talk dies
down when a young Karameikan is hung for her murder. An investigation of his
rooms by the militia turns up a list of contacts including some people who
were arrested on the day of the great riot. According to the charges laid
against them, they all worked for the Veiled Society - a group of criminals
trying to increase their standing in Darokin. The people on the list are duly
captured, tried and sold as indentured servants.
The only other news of any import is the sudden death of Astinius Linton who
is killed by a wild boar while hunting. His father's attempts to save him were
apparently fruitless and resulted in a serious injury. Lucius Linton retires
from public life, leaving the family business in the hands of his three
remaining children.
Corwyn Linton's first public engagement is as one of the senior mourners at
Poppy Toney's funeral. In accordance with Darokinian tradition, the mourners
give alms to the needy in the name of the deceased and some in society wonder
why Corwyn, a man who had no known connection to the girl, gives so much.
Eventually, even that talk dies away leaving Darokin City as a prosperous and
elegant capital again. |
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