Updated Quest Log
Narrative
Mikhail Pharin asked Flailius Thunderhead about the Riskbreakers in private. Flailius grew upset and demanded to speak with Ebethil about his affiliation with the Riskbreakers under the threat of violence. Ebethil turned over the “RB” stones that both he and Bart had. Flailius was able to open them and stated that these stones can be used to spy on the holders. He then commanded the presence of Colem Thunderhead and after a brief argument was able to get him to lift the Geass he placed on the party.
Flailius shared that he was once a Riskbreaker and served as a scout in The Protectorate stationed at Cael’s Cross. When a large army of Orcs, Goblins, and Ogres attacked the keep, he fought with the troops to protect it. Troops from other nations arrive to help relieved a siege, specifically soldiers from Lear. They were led by Warmech Albeicht, a fellow Riskbreaker. Flailius and some other soldiers held the main gate to Cael’s Cross under three days and two nights of fighting. With only Flailius and one other soldier alive, they had held the gate. Then Warmech betrayed them all by opening the gate, causing the keep to be overrun. Flailius credits Colem with saving the day, as he confronted the monsters with his magical might and allowed civilians and soldiers alike to flee.
Flailius no longer trusts Riskbreakers or their motives because of Warmech’s actions; he does feel that his brother is a honest person who is still worthy of trust. Ebethil suggested that Warmech and the Peacekeepers have been building their plans for a long time, because these events occurred fifty years ago. The fall of Cael’s cross choked off trade between the Protectorate and Lear. This forced Lear to have to barter through The Free Cities to trade for the Arms to maintain their considerable military. This makes some elements of Lear uneasy and encourages the opinion that it would benefit Lear’s security to invade The Free Cities and unite them under the banner of Lear. Pharin and Bart both reveal that under the current political situation the Emperor is against military expansionism and the platform that the Peacekeepers endorse. The current Emperor has no heir and if he were to die, a new noble family could be elected in his place. Baron Veritas and the Benedicts are most likely aiding the Peacekeepers in exchange for their support in elevating the Veritas family to imperial status. Bart feels that Prima Veritas might be manipulating her father, so that after elevation he meets an untimely end and she can become Empress. Flailius recommends that the party continues to build up their nation and assist Colem in identifying the toxin that they are creating to be able to challenge the Peacekeepers. Flailius has also agreed to have Thunderhead and Thunderhead extend a loan to the realm to help rebuild.
The next day Bart, Buda Smith, Ebethil, Kathryn Pharin, Pharin, and Pest Smith headed to the shack that the slavers were holed up in in the Swamp South of Three River Falls. Battle was swift and furious, with the slavers falling quickly. There was a moment of concern where the shack was rigged with explosives, but with the assistance of Sebastion, Arminia’s talking familiar, and Ebethil they were able to diffuse the trap and save some of the towns people. Unfortunately, the slavers had already transported the bulk of the slaves down river.
The party followed on a raft and went down river. A day later they arrived on the coast only to discover that the slaver’s barge is a burnt out husk and that they have been killed by the halfling crew of the pirate hunter and Warship, the Last Dance. They made quick introductions with Captain Wavecrest and the Ship’s Cook (Buda’s and Pest’s adopted father), Yusef “Uncle” Hosa. They quickly agreed to help the would-be rulers rescue the beleaguered towns people of Three River Falls.
The party boarded the Last Dance and chased down the pirates who were transporting the slaves to the Ruins of Private Cove. The Last Dance was swiftly able to descend upon its prey and the party, assisted by Yusef, were able to board the ships and put the pirates to the sword. They learned that the slaves have already been taken to the Ruins and are currently under the possession of Isaac Benedict and held in his Manor.
The crew of the Last Dance being effective Pirate Hunters, Yusef in particular, would be assaulted by the populace at the Ruins. Yusef was willing to transport the party by dingy to the Sea Serpent, a tavern located on the wharf of the Ruins. He also stated the Last Dance will be able to stay in the area in three days and gave Buda a means to signal the Last Dance when they are on water. Yusef also recommended that they seek out a drunkard by the name of Conrad and a priest called Father McKraken. The party arrived and saw a contest with a hefty reward, the Fist of Furry Tournament. A bare fisted gauntlet where the winner gets fame and fortune. Healing is handled by Priestesses of Achtland between bouts. The current, and final champion is First Mate Smee of the dreaded pirate ship the Tsunami. Kate entered Buda in as a champion. Pharin secured information on the Benedict Manor from Conrad. Bart worked his roguish charms on the Priestesses to ensure that Buda received the best of healing. Pest helped other party members place bets. Ebethil, had other plans, and sought to sabotage Smee by disrupting Captain Jayn of the Tsunami.
The brawl was a success with Buda swiftly moving through the ranks to the final melee with the giant minotaur Smee. Ebethil attempted a disguise to sneak up on Captain Jayn and his Companion Priestess to hinder Smee, however his disguise was so disgusting that it caught the attention of other patrons and resulted in him being abused by the pirates. Bart challenged Jayn to a gentleman’s wager and was able to secure a bet on Buda’s victory over that of Smee with the nefarious pirate. The brawl was a brutal back and fourth, Buda barely was able to maintain against the giant Smee. He was nearly felled by a massive blow, however both Pest and Pharin called upon the powers of Destiny to aid their comrade. Pest absorbed the shock of one blow, bringing Buda to back from being unconscious. Pharin had the power of the blow that affected Buda, affect Smee and as a result the towering Minotaur was knocked from his feet. Buda was awarded the title of Champion and taken to a back room of the tavern by the Priestesses to “Heal”. The rest of the party absconded with their winnings as Captain Jayn took the fallen Smee back to his ship. The party rented a room and began to discuss the issues on hand, trying to free the slaves, transporting slaves, and, possibly, finding someone to pilot the ship. Pharin revealed that he had a map of the Pharin Manor.
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