Ironguard: Seeking the Nergal Sanctum (Expedition thread).

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

I think my conclusion to the Green Flame would be these backstreet alchemists were definitely 'on the take', supplying drugs or spell compounds to various illegal groups and were engaged in some experimental research that either went inadvertently awry or deliberately so intended by whoever used them as patsy's to initiate some dark plan.

Hope that makes sense. Their 'losing ahadows' is very strange but this 'shadow' clue seems very relevant to the Nergal cult whose sanctum is gidden and accessed only by 'Shadows' guidance.

I am not sure if that relates to the undead creature 'Shadow' or just some 'shadow magic'. We recommended the men be kept somewhere more sacred, suggesting the Silvanus Temple crypts which are undergoing some priestly changes after our last endeavours and are in a relative 'lockdown', so should be more secure. They fear some evil is going after them.

Perhaps 'Green Flame beggar' can be commissioned to watch the temple rather than here as I think there is more to gain.

but the second takes the admonition and begins to confess a little more detail. He gives a name, "Hexton, a scribe in the Arcanum. He passes us scrolls and texts and we supply his habitual." He goes on to share more and supplied with quill and vellum and write out a few runes and arcane algebra that he remembers. His hands trembling as he does so. Dadely might be able to verify their authenticity or similarity to those on the zombie.

I will give Dadely more scripts to interpret and suggest we go to the Collegiate and try to research stuff (shadow magic, mephits, Nergal scripts?) and locate this man Hexton, get to him before the Sheriff's men do. (Thinking after the beggar's report, that not all the Sheriff's guards are as legit as they should be).

Anything else I may have missed?

[Spearmint]

Anything else I may have missed?

don't think so.

I am editing my draft update now.

[tristenc]

Gunter

When they are back together, Guntershows the "serpent bracelet" to Dadely to see if he can interpret or get any clues from the runes carved onto it.

Dadely will examine the bracelet from Gunter

He will then agree and examine the scripts from Golgarth as they make their way to find Hexton.

(Foes Dadely know Hexton from the college?)

====
bracelet int or wis (same ability score value)
int or wis (17) inspect serpent bracelet [4d6]=13
Pass if 4d6 difficulty is appropriate

Manuscripts int or wis (same ability score value)
int or wis (17) inspect manuscripts [4d6]=14
Pass if 4d6 difficulty is appropriate

[Spearmint]

Ironguard investigations

The beggar, "Issachar", he says, shaking Selina's hand. "I am still hesitant to trust the Citadel's roughnecks but
you have an easy manner. A man's word is enough bond." He gets up to leave, pocketing the silver coins with a promise that he will 'watch and wait'. You can return to seek out the 'green flame beggar' at another time.

Dadely checks over the bone snake design bracelet taken from the alchemists and given to Gunter by Sheriff Longstaff. The scholar muses on the strange design. It can be uncoiled and straightened out but is crafted to be worn and fastened around the forearm and wrist. Rather than having a serpent head, it actually has a skull and looks like a miniature Necrophidius, a golem like snake construct. You assume is has some enchanted trait but that is undetermined since no Identify has been cast upon it.

Gunter takes it back, adding to his growing collection of weird artefacts.

Studying the scripts will take time but a brief glance can determine that the rudimentary Infernal tongue being used. A direct connection then to the cults of chaos.

He goes on to share more and supplied with quill and vellum and write out a few runes and arcane algebra that he remembers. His hands trembling as he does so. Dadely might be able to verify their authenticity or similarity to those on the zombie.

Dadely: knowledge of Hextor? vs 5% [1d100]=7

The name seems vaguely familiar to the scholar. He doesn't know any Mage or senior cleric in the Collegiate that might specialise in mentoring those with an interest in Nergal or Underworld vocations. A secret society of alumni to be sure.

Dadely: knowledge of sage specialist vs 5% [1d100]=96

The quintet gather belongings and head to the Collegiate.

here is a view on the faculty.
viewtopic.php?p=607654#p607654

Setting yourselves tasks, you can spend time in study (researching a specific topic) or try to engage a graduate researcher and pay him to trawl archives for information.

Whoever asks around for Hextor can add a Charisma check and a [1d8] please.

next actions for Golgarth, Gunter, Dadely & Selina.

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

There is an Arcantryl shrine attached to the Collegiate Arcanum and library. I wonder if enquiring there also might turn up some clues.

Golgarth. vs Charisma 9 [4d6]=14

He has no skills in bluff or persuasion, so just goes for the direct mode.

"Excuse me. I am looking for a research colleague, Hextor, hace you seen him? Us he here?" He wonders on any bribery or even intimidation but thinks better of it.

Golgarth: search random [1d8]=4

I do like the idea of paying researchers to spend a couple of days on intense background stuff. It might be worth the few gold cost. Selina or Dadely are the most charismatic I think, so I will underwrite any negotiations they can undertake (unless Dadely's companion in the tavern can assist?).

try to research stuff (shadow magic, mephits, Nergal scripts?)

We should not be discouraged if things don't turn up straightbaway. It is still 'day one' and I suspect any Nergalites might 'get in touch' with us sooner rather than later. I can't think of any divine Cromm Cruach help that might benefit us. Certainly going at some point to the Cromm Cruach shrine will be in order too. Later though.

Golgarth: Wisdom check vs 15: [4d6]=10

If I need to solve any problems, use that Wisdom skill if appropriate.

[tristenc]

Dadely will first ask around about Hextor

Then he will conduct some investigation of his own utilizing the collegiate facilities looking for info about Nergal

=====
Dadely Cha (13) [4d6]=7

[1d8]=3

Nergal research, int or wish both 17
Dadely research Nergal int or wis (17) [4d6]=12

[archolewa]

Selina

I do like the idea of paying researchers to spend a couple of days on intense background stuff. It might be worth the few gold cost. Selina or Dadely are the most charismatic I think, so I will underwrite any negotiations they can undertake (unless Dadely's companion in the tavern can assist?).

Selina will nod and give Golgarh a smile. "Excellent, for after my conversation with that beggar, I find myself severely lacking in funds."

Selina will seek out a student who may wish to do some research, focusing on any who look like they come from more modest means. In her estimation, a child of the nobility is less likely to be swayed to a clandestine search by mere gold, nor does she like the idea of owing any favors to one who is here solely because his father made a generous donation. While Dadely searches for Hextor and Nergal, Selina will pursue a different avenue.

She is seeking to learn about the following:

1. More information about the kind of (supposedly) minor demonic summoning performed in the Green Flame: what materials are needed, where one might get such materials, what can go wrong and why, and if there is any way to track the demons (especially quasits) who may have been summoned.
2. She seeks to learn more about this "strange primate" the beggar mentioned: a long-armed primate with rubbery skin that exudes oil, and possesses a keen sense of smell that could be used like a guardsman might a dog.

Intelligence roll in case that's necessary to find someone:


and Charisma roll for convincing them:



Had to fail a Charisma check sometime, I suppose.

[Spearmint]

I will give Gunter another day as I know Hvalreki to be busy, then update here.