Eberron - Return of the Lich Queen

Changing Fate

July 20, 2010 10:48
Zol – Aryth 10th, 998 YK
Tuesday – December 10th, 998 YK

Afternoon

For Sejik and Caiphys, it is hard to believe that it has only been a week since you defeated Khurystas at the Orrery of Vortuum and teleported back to Zilargo via Miklos’ linked portal ritual. It honestly feels like a lifetime ago. With nothing keeping you in Korranberg, you each purchased first class tickets aboard the next Orien Lightning Rail to Sharn by way of Wroat. During the two 1/2 days that followed, you enjoyed a comfortable trip in your private sleeper and during the day watched the ever changing colors of the Zilargo and Brelish late autumn countrysides.

Upon your arrival in Wroat. Breland’s capital, the Lightning Rail’s conductor announces that the rail will be delayed for approximately 4 hours before leaving for Sharn. Apparently, a Brelish VIP is running late and cannot miss the train. Brelish authorities have ordered the train to remain in the station until the VIP arrives.



Seeing no reason to remain on board, you decide to stretch your legs in the city. The air is cold and crisp. Fresh snow falls from above. As you make your way through the station, you catch the glimpse of a darkly cloaked humanoid beckoning you. His cloak clasp bears the symbol of the Tyrants, Caiphys’ guild in Sharn.

As the man looks at you both from under his cowl, his face ripples from a blank slate of gray flesh to that of a human male. Caiphys, you recognize him as Ruzzell… changeling and lieutenant to One, leader of the Tyrants. He is extremely skilled, but incredibly arrogant, and you have little fondness for the man. The last time you saw Ruzzell was back in Sharn, just before you left for Q’Barra and the Temple of Kha’shazul. You were about to find yourself in hot water with he and the guild due to the failed attempt to secure Kirin’s inheritance from Halas at Swordkeep. Fortunately for you, Sur’kil paid the fine assessed to you and Ruzzell unhappily had to allow you to leave with no further trouble.

“The One has been looking for you two… Sejik and Caiphys.” he hisses. “He is less than pleased by your absence these past few months. I trust you have good reason for your…. disappearance?”

He patiently listens to whatever excuses or explanations you have.

“No matter, we have at last been reunited. The guild is in need of your service. It is a delicate matter, one that will require discretion and subterfuge. Your rail pass to Sharn will no longer be necessary. You are staying here in Wroat… at least for the time being. If you will accompany me, we can discuss details in a more appropriate setting.” He smiles.

You decide to follow the messenger, wondering how the Tyrants continually manage to keep their eyes on you. After a short walk, you arrive at a seedy diner lined with private booths.

A hostess greets you as you enter, recognizing your newfound “friend”. “Greetings Master Gedrin, your regular seating?”

“Yes,” Ruzzell barks dismissively. “And bring me fresh wine and a hot meal for my guests.”

“Of course.” the hostess bows, gesturing your forward.

Clearly, Ruzzell’s appearance is known by another name here. You are seated in a private booth and your orders are taken. Amid the course of a decently prepared meal, Ruzzell discusses the details of the Tyrant’s latest request.

“The Digger’s Union, often called simply the Digger’s, is an acquisitions guild based in Wroat, specifically the Grea Towers. The guild’s matron,Martra, is a stern Q’Barran woman of much report. As an acquisitions guild they are known for their skills in relic hunting. Recently the Digger’s picked up a contract from a gnome lord in Sharn, named Aehion Hanius Hayttear. The gnome holds substantial wealth and has been interested in Sharn’s undercity since his arrival from Zilargo 4 years ago. He has enlisted the aid of the Diggers Union to acquire a number of trinkets from the Undersharn, including a crystalline dragon, carved of Khyber. The Tyrants took interest in this matter after overhearing drunken chatter from members of House Tarkanan, who believe the item to be an aberrant dragonmark focus from the time of the War of the Mark. House Tarkanan intends on capturing this relic before the Diggers. The Tyrants would like to acquire it before either organization. We have no interest in seeing House Tarkanan acquire such a powerful artifact, if that is indeed what it is. And we certainly do not want this item in the fumbling hands of the ignorant Digger’s Union or Lord Aehion.”

“One originally intended on intercepting the Diggers in Sharn and removing them from the picture, however, when we received word of your Lightning Rail purchase, One decided to take a more subtle, if not more natural approach.” he smiles.

“We have already made the necessary “arrangements” by taking the liberty of disposing of two Digger members here in Wroat. These documents, should provide you with ample information regarding your newfound identities." Ruzzell smiles again as he slides two dossiers over the table.

Sejik, your dossier consists of Identification papers for a rugged dark haired dwarf named Thoten Colworn of Clan Soldorak. He bears a deep scar across his left eye, which turned milky white from the wound. According to his papers he is middle aged and a citizen of Breland. Additional papers in the dossier describe Thoten as a gruff but devout servant of the Sovereign Host (specifically Kol Korran God of World and Wealth) with a priestly skill set as well as some thievery. While dwarven, his personality is distinctly Brelish. Thoten is loud, boisterous, and easygoing. He is confident, liberal, and tolerant of others. Nothing seems to surprise or phase him. He loves to engage in debate, especially regarding politics. He also has a special love of gossip.

Caiphys, your dossier consists of indentification papers for a older silver haired human named Daen Redeker. He is an Aundarian ex-patriot now living in Breland. He is a mage, taught by the mages of Arcanix, though he no longer holds much loyalty towards his former school. His dossier is a bit lacking in information compared to Thoten, however, he is described as fiercely competitive, almost arrogant; willing to display his verbal, martial, and intellectual skill. He is also quite the connoisseur of Aundarian wine.

Ruzzell continues, “Both are respected members of the Digger’s Union, so be sure to play your parts. They are expected to meet with Matron Martra at first light tomorrow.”

“Once you have completed your task in Sharn, return to Velvet’s. I trust you are familiar with the location?” he says raising an eyebrow to Caiphys.

Caiphys, you know Velvet’s is a luxurious inn located in the seedy red light district in Lower Tavick’s Landing, ironically named Dragoneye. Velvet’s derives its name from the name of it’s beautiful female proprietor, whose business talents lie in fantasy fulfillment. Velvet is a doppleganger and a fellow member of the Tyrants, with close ties to One.

“Upon your return, the Tyrants will then see to it that you are both compensated appropriately and that Thoten and Daen meet a more official unfortunate demise. After which, we can properly discuss your initiation.” he gleams at Sejik. “Khorvaire is a cold and dangerous place, and someone with your special talents should find proper protection and refuge amongst those of similar ilk, no?”

Changing Fate – Part 1
Changing Fate – Part 2
Changing Fate – Part 3

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