Session 17: The Dark Day Report

General Summary

22 FEB 2020   29 AUG 3024 Ǎ12 36288 Ê1     Inside the Citadel, the Crimson Order's monastic headquarters, our heroes helped Lord Kyo retrieve the black saber and secure the much needed alliance with Black Sun, just in time to hear the approaching Eshkataran army. This is where our last episode "A Sun As Black As Night" concluded.   Our current episode, "The Dark Day" part 1, picked up right where the story left off.   The heroes presented the Phoenix Sabers recovered in the catacombs to the council, and asked if they could keep them. Naw-Ibo, the head of the Order, allowed all of the heroes who could attune to sabers to temporarily use them, but would not consent to keeping them permanently until the heroes proved themselves worthy to the Order. Naw-Ibo advised a trip to the Order's master healer, Un Atsacoj, who could provide much needed healing, and also could reset the attuned sabers, so they could be attuned to our heroes. He told them that they would each have to spend an hour with one of the Order's masters in order to attune to the sabers. He then encouraged our heroes to seek much needed healing and rest.   After meeting Un, she restored the damage and curses dealt to the heroes by the goddess of the grave, Hesh Ra'Ahn. Un was also talked into resetting the attunement on the Phoenix Sabers. Upon return to Naw-Ibo, he encouraged the heroes to get some rest and provided a private barracks where they could finally sleep.   Ranmin took the opportunity to help Seren out by converting her leather armor into studded leather armor while the rest of the party slept. He joined them in slumber after his work was completed.     30 AUG 3024 Ǎ12 36288 Ê1     In the morning all were refreshed, with the exception of Clara, who was visited with tortuous dreams by Hesh Ra'Ahn. Although tired, Clara still was able to get enough rest to recharge her spells.   After a hearty breakfast of bread, cheese, fruit, goatsmilk, and wine the party set off to meet with Un, mistakenly thinking she had the Phoenix Sabers. She informed the heroes that they had been given to Naw-Ibo. Seren inquired for Yendaya about the possibility of resurrecting lost members of the party. Un, unfortunately, could not. The goddess she prays to for such work is none other than Hesh Ra'Ahn. She refused to contact her upon hearing of the heroes' adventures in the catacombs. Un's spells were also unable to help Dae'Van, due to the extensive damage he sustained and the extreme cost, 25,000GP worth of diamonds. Yendaya decided it was best to bury her friend and honor his memory. Seren performed the funeral rites.   The heroes then headed back to the council chambers to check in with Naw-Ibo and received an update on the enemy before the gates. The heroes were introduced to Ukood Tnouc and Edaj Aram, the final two masters of the council. Sir Aethelwold, leader of Black Sun, was able to bring his battalion of 300 veteran mercenaries to safety behind the Citadel's walls. It was confirmed by the Order's scouts that this was indeed a foreign enemy bearing the scarlet symbol that the heroes revealed to Naw-Ibo as Eshkatar. This army was estimated to be 2,400 strong, complete with about 20 catapults. The council was waiting for the parlay party from the besieging army, which traditionally would make itself known at noon. Trumpets would announce the arrival of the parlay party. The council had doubts as to the veracity of the heroes' story about the blue gem, but finally relented and Naw-Ibo said that they would research the gem's location within the Citadel. There were some writings with in the Order's secret papers. He asked the party to return in an hour.   Akash, Clara, and Dwarf Buddy #1 spent time with an Order master and attuned the borrowed Phoenix Sabers.   Seren and Yendaya went to the library. Kyo, Clara, and Vaela went to the mess hall. Ranmin went to a training yard. When the parlay trumpet sounded Ranmin climbed the walls to view the meeting, and Kyo looked out a window in the keep. Both were able to hear the conversation.   A hooded figure represented Eshkatar. When they removed their cloak it was revealed that they were a woman. She used magic to speak with Tristan, the Order's representative.   Her demands were to give up the blue gem. If this demand was not met: everyone would be killed, all the buildings would be utterly destroyed and not one stone from the fortifications would be left upon another. The Crimson Order would have 8 hours to comply.   Ranmin and Kyo met Clara and Vaela in the mess hall. Ranmin contacted Seren and told her to meet them in the mess hall. When everyone had gathered there was a quick discussion concerning the parlay, then they all went to the council chambers.   Naw-Ibo confirmed the heroes story about the gem. Masters Ukood and Ecam left to find the gem, and master Nikana presented a possible plan to the heroes. Nikana posited that if the party undertook a snatch and grab mission against the Eshkataran General, the Crimson Order would have more to bargain with. After much discussion and weighing of options the heroes decided to proceed with Nikana's plan.   Nikana led the party, minus side kicks and Arami'el, out the Citadel's secret passage. A scout named Billy accompanied the heroes. Their mission was to skirt the main battle lines, avoid detection, capture the general, and return to the Citadel. Seren cast Pass Without Trace and the heroes were successful in skirting the main battle lines.   Along the way, the heroes spied out the Eshkataran army. They saw phalanx formations of hoplites, horse archers, peltasts (skirmishers armed with javelins), cataphracts, and ominous warriors in black plate armor carrying large shields and armed with spears, battleaxes, and swords. These "shield" warriors had dark red plumbs upon their Corinthian helms, and they were guarding tents in the rear section of the army. The heroes also observed civilian "sappers" and "siege engineers". This enemy seemed prepared for a long siege. They were busy building up their defenses and siege works. Peltasts ran about the camp searching for enemy infiltrators.   There was a collision with a squad of peltasts, and Clara was discovered. Yendaya tried to help divert suspicion by revealing herself and telling Clara to get back in formation. The enemy was not fooled. They did not speak Common, and Clara was wearing Eshkataran Plate. The peltasts attacked, but Seren cast Silence preventing discovery by other enemy forces. The session came to a close with 9 of the 10 peltasts killed, 1 peltast polymorphed into a cat, and Lord Kyo severely wounded.

Rewards Granted

3834XP to everyone   (9) of each of the following: +1 Spear, +1 Studded Leather armor, +1 Shortbow, quiver with (20) +1 Arrows, and +1 Shield.   (36) +1 Javelins   (1) Inspiration point to everyone for a well played session   Lord Kyo: 450XP for good interaction and role playing   Yendaya: 450XP for fast thinking strategy when she cast the Silence spell   Seren: 450XP for using Pass Without Trace spell   Ranmin: 900XP for tinkering for a friend, and for honing your skills in making studded leather armor.

Missions/Quests Completed

Retrieval of Zafeiri, the blue gem - continued.   Eshkataran General Snatch and Grab - started.

Character(s) interacted with

Un Atsacoj - Crimson Order master healer   Ukood Tnouc - Crimson Order master and Council member   Edaj Aram - Crimson Order master and Council member   Eshkataran Peltast - mobile footmen wearing studded leather armor and wielding javelins, shortbows, spears, and shields. These peltasts acted as skirmishers, designed to harass the enemy, or overpower weaker forces, and then quickly retreat. All of their equipment were +1 variants.