Session 24 – A Bargain Struck
Campaign II, session 24. Previous: Session 23.
This page is still in progress.
When they return from their exploration, Vierath finds a letter waiting for him, hinting of an underworld threat in the Lake District as well as a potential partnership.
They are able to deduce that this hidden threat in the lake district is likely a result of their incident with the death cult several weeks prior. After discussion with the party (and doing some shopping), the party agrees that they will meet with Lucius.
Fenmyra and Tessine join with Vierath to meet in Lucius’ private office in the Mink; Zydell disguises himself, Edwither, and Mireya to arrive separately and hang out in the common room of the Mink while the meeting takes place, in case they need backup.
An acting troupe, the Darkwater Players, are performing The Wolf at the Gate, a dramatic retelling of a siege during the Mourning War in the common room. In the private office meanwhile, Lucius invites them to share an appetizer of salted chickpea pancakes, and drinks of raisin wine mixed with honey.
The “small talk” at first is about the potential danger this cult might pose (“It seems you should consult a priest?” Furlan raises an eyebrow at Tessine) and the earlier incident at the Mink (“You do not think that justice has been done? Hm. Well it is true that our system is not perfect, but it is the one that we have.”)
The conversation continues over a main course of boiled veal with fermented fish sauce, accompanied by fried cucumbers drizzled with honey. “I have heard that you are interested in the city’s old roots, yes? I perhaps know of some men who have made recent discoveries. Of course, some did not come back. Perhaps a more balanced crew in terms of capabilities would have more luck…”
When Lucius offers them a favorable rate compared to the “normal channels”, Tessine asks if there are any specific items that he is interested in.
“Of course, I am interested in all the relics of my people.”
After a dessert of honey-sweetened milk custard, the party agrees that they will make a preliminary expedition to the Nethercity. As they leave, an assistant follows, explaining that Lucius will pay 80% of the value for any Caernathi artifacts they find (compared to the 50% tax rate on recovered items, this is quite generous.) When it comes to magic items, Lucius will pay more generously for those as well (50% above base rate). For most items or trinkets, Lucius will not object to the party keeping and using things themselves, but wants first refusal. If they happen upon anything of particular value to the Caernathi people, Lucius might insist on a sale, but would be even more generous in terms.
The following day the party moves their stuff back into the Mink, and that evening follows the directions to the entrance of the Nethercity, an opening in the cesspit just beneath a public latrine in the Old District. As they make their way inside, they are attacked by a Carrion Horror that paralyzes Zydell before it falls to the party’s attacks. Fortunately, Edwither’s prowess at Healing is able to restore Zydell without recourse to magic, and the party continues forward.
In the next room, there is a buzzing swarm of insects feeding on a corpse (presumably one of Furlan’s footpads). As the party moves by, the insects begin to swarm over them, seeking fresh meat. The party eventually disperses the swarm with torches, but removing the final vexing few requires submersion… in the sewage…
(tune in next time to find out how that goes for them)