DB Notes: Ravensburg: The Broken Pony: 1.4,10/2.7.2024
EXPENSE:
45sp: Ravenloft: 26-28 Alturiak
112?? Kegs??
1R (6-8Hgp): Broken Pony: Quilro's Boon & Excess of Goodwill to Denizens of Ravensburg
300gp: 100 per Night: 25-27 Alturiak: Quilro's Boon & Excess of Goodwill to Denizens of Ravensburg
TBD: GV Repairs and Upgrades: Grappling Capabilities
NEW LOOT:
Ravensburg Pilsner: 10 Kegs to be Delivered to GV
Nether Scrolls??
INTELLIGENCE:
Broken Pony:
Reynaud, Major Domo of Ravensburg (Shadow of the Mountain):
-Initial Negotiation/Coordination for Removal of H Devlin:
-1/3 Calvary to Take Zarach for Future Bridge Construction to Bypass Heliogabalus
-Recall Food Supply Lines from Heliogabalus and Reestablish to Valls/Bloodstone
Dolko, Emissary of The Southern Orothiar (OroThuuur?): Tomrav: Dwarven Hold SW of Earthwood in Earthspur Mountains:
-to arrange formal introduction of DB to Leadership of Clanhold (via written intro)
Esmeralda?
Lady Christine announced/proclaimed as Queen/Empress? Kailute!
Dunbar Broadacre: 1/2ling of the Dale? Su?
3 Days in Ravensburg:
HoWinc.: Under Surveillance Lathandariites: Warned by /k of Vampyr Infiltration
Kailute: Encounter with Zhent Female Cleric of Bane
Draxos Hulch
As the party approached the Broken Pony, Draxos notes several distressed shrines in disrepair. Where a candle should be lit and surrounded by fresh rosemary, in the entrance to the barn, only a charred stump. A small plate for alms to Chauntea is upturned near one of the stable boys hitching posts, and a finely carved series of oak leaves and acorns has been scratched over in several ornamental fixtures of the fence in the outdoor open area of the fest hall. Draxos waves the heroes inside and takes a sidestep to one of the lightly crowded tables to observe outside. He notes a significant number of humans traveling from the east; wealthy traders but not with their wares and burdened with what wealth they can carry. Over dressed in attempts to hide their jewels. More than a few obvious Zhentilar agents. Many of the younger of the refugees appear to have taken in with the fatalists and embraced the blight lord of rot. Aside from the obvious bounty of trash heaps, it offers a nihilistic view for those traumatized by years of conflicts. It is clear this area lacks any organized druidic influence, as all the minor shrines are either despoiled or long out of keep, and nobody appears to speak counter to the dark nonsense of putrification. There is quiet talk of another army of the undead, to the far south where Thay continues to grind at the borders of Aglorand. It’s rumored that Selfaril, one of the High Blades of Mulmaster has initiated marriage rituals with a Tharchioness of Thay. This should be of interest to Hillsfar as well as Zhentil Keep. The recent conflicts, and the appearance that order may well be restored has driven the price of slaves up throughout the Moonsea, given many Zhent and Thayvian teams ranging so far from their usual bases of operations. Barovian Red appears nearly triple the price back in the village…
Bhelron Ofghate (Monk of the Yellow Rose)
Bhelron rubbed his calloused hands together, glad of the warmth of the Raven’s Roost. It had been a long week’s walk from the monastery, out of the mountains to Ravensburg. He’d raided a few of the Watcher’s Mounds provisions, but he’d use the Brother’s and Sister’s coin to make sure each one was stocked and ready should goodly mountain folk need a protected position of refuge. The monks made sure there was always a well provisioned stash within a day’s walk of each other throughout the mountains, usually in a defensible location of comfort. Fresh food was scarce, so the disciple of Ilmater asked only for the lowest bowl of serving food, and watered house red for his fare while he unrolled his scroll of vellum in a quiet corner of the common room. Few paid any mind, as they knew the Brothers of St Sollars twice martyred were meticulous note takers. The much humbler god of strife was winning the attention of the stout folk of Damara over the opaque and ostentatious rituals of the Morninglord attended by the wealthy. While they focused their energy on ever more extravagant buildings of the faith, the simple monks of Ilmater collected the news of the land, crop yields, and weather while sharing what meager supplies they could raise with the goodly humanoids of the northlands. Nodding to the comely barmaid and kindly placing a full platinum in her palm, he set to record what he had seen and heard since departing the high towers and low tunnels of the Yellow Rose. Traders from the Moonsea had confirmed a group of adventurers claiming the mantle of the village of Waymeet had not only deposed Maalthiir; hated tyrant of Hillsfar; but had just this past month usurped unnaturally long lived Strahd Von Zarovich and smashed the Witch-King Zhengyi’s confederation of abyssal undead and independence minded Vaasan inhabitants. The unholy status quo of Damaran thronery was broken free! Once the paralyzing threat had been eliminated, Duke William made a move to choke off Bloodstone Valley from the rest of Damara. The heroes murdered a member of the Valley Shadows in their protection; in the same week Duke William is seen pulled by magical flying demons from his castle to the sky. Now, the heroes themselves have arrived in Ravensburg, and it appears for once Master Fist is unsure what to make of the opportunity. There are continued reports of distemper within the natural order. As the undead hordes wander, they have spread blight and corruption in their wake, and the druidic circle appears compromised. Arcatan forces continue to assemble in Ostrav, while slaving gangs in barely disguised Zhent attire are roaming the hinterlands, a long way from their usual roaming ground. …Bhelron barely finishes an accounting of his outline before a guard rushed in and yells “Know ye, the Rough Elves of Riding Tree proclaim Lady Christine Tranth, Queen Bloodfeathers of Damara! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!” and a sack of gold is tossed in the direction of the bar before “Thank the folks from Hillsfar!” and the crowd immediately breaks into cheer. May the suffering be short, the monk thinks, putting aside his quill to take in the scene. Shouting for “Zarach, and control of the river!” as well as “Bloodstone for all! Queen Christine!” roused throughout the tavern.
Missive from Faerenal: Loyal Caravan Guard to Sers Crashhawk, Luchesi, Eldarym, Golgonthiir of Hillsfar.
1st Alturiak, Thus Begins the Year of the Shadows.
Well met, and regarded Heroes. Poltar is small, and the storms dreary but somehow all storage is full now of Guryerivich wines and ore from the mines. A small cohort of Barovian and Oriothar have delivered a fair shipment of bloodstone and wine casks considering the weather. We are providing for their comfort as they represented themselves as emissaries in your names, with the blessing of the Duke. We are afforded gracious credit up to 500 gold backed by several precious stones I am allowing being held in credit reserve. A full report from Hillsfar is attached. Mordak requests assistance in fitting out forces for continued assault with the Black Keep. He appears particularly interested in magelings for hire, magic weapons, or specialty mercenaries. I have arranged for a fast charter on credit back to Hillsfar; negotiated a 100gp monthly retainer with a weeks response to Poltar. There is definite interest in Barovian wines, as well as armed groups and explorers arriving by the week. What little rooms there were are now overflowing, and the outskirts of town are becoming a bit of a shanty camp. I have taken the liberty of scouting those with a steady arm, quick eyes, and little complaints. We have a group of 15 on 5gp a week each for eyes, ears, and arms as needed.
Respectfully,
Faerenal
The Provenance of Lucifuge:
"May I lay eyes upon that blade?" inquires the jovial Melkot Durkin, his voice carrying the warmth of dawn itself. Kailute draws the sword from its sheath strapped to his back and presents it to the devout follower of Lathander. As the blade emerges, a subtle shift occurrs in the overcast sky, as if the heavens themselves acknowledge its presence. The ambient light grows brighter, imbued with an ethereal glow that commands reverence. Observers pause in their activities, drawn by the celestial spectacle unfolding before them. With a reverent lift, Melkot Durkin beholds the blade and asks, "Do you know the tale of this weapon?"
"I do not," replies Kailute, intrigued by the solemnity of the moment.
"Surely, all beings hold legends of creation and the eternal struggle between light and dark," began Melkot, his voice resonating with ancient wisdom. "But this blade is no mere tale. It is a relic of that timeless conflict. Long before mortals walked this earth, primal forces of good and evil clashed in cosmic battle. The essence of pure light, radiant and potent, was forged into a Shard and wielded against the encroaching darkness. Through epochs of transmutation and heroic deeds, the blade endured, vanquishing demons and piercing the heart of the abyss itself. Its journey led into the hands of those who first championed Lathander's vision of purity," continued Melkot, his words painting a vivid tapestry of ancient valor. "Together with dwarven allies, they unearthed the raw essence of elemental fury and shaped it into the form you now see. This is no mere dagger; it is a two-handed instrument of divine justice. The blade, infused with the very essence of light, possesses the unique ability to draw upon the magic of the weave itself. With each strike, it channels the radiant energies of creation, sundering the spells of wicked foes and banishing darkness from the land. Its legacy spans the ages, from the forgotten realms of the early Tammaran tablelands to the distant lands of the Far East," Melkot concluded, his gaze fixed upon Kailute. "And now, it has chosen you, bearer of the Vaasan lineage. May you wield it with courage and honor, a beacon of hope in the darkest of nights."
GTE: 11:31AM, 25 ALTURIAK - 10:00AM, 28 ALTURIAK.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:37, Mon 26 Feb.
