How do you define good? As in an interesting puzzle to solve, or a puzzle that makes us rich? Both work for me.

For a few days after gaining both the reward and later a note from Reverend Blackthorn announcing that the family was very grateful and had restored the amulet to its proper resting and that if they ever needed a friend with connections to the "olde" families in the city, to send word through the Reverend.  That, in a city such Stormhaven, is a boon to value.

Research of the companions reveals several interesting facts.

Maps of the city, especially those of the sewers and their grates, are a hodgepodge, and no where can you find one that lists every grate by number.  You do find many from different ages, that have some of them identified by number, and although they don't all agree, with some study, you can basically figure out that certain areas correspond to certain ranges of the numbers.  Old Turk was nearly correct in his guessing as you see no numbers higher than 1127.  Knowing the actual number, you could narrow it down to a quadrant within a section of the city.

Also, the last mystery symbol is one from the Celestial tongue, that of lawful good persons.  According to the books, it means "creation" or "enlightenment" depending on the translation.

Finally, you learn, looking through all these old books, maps, and scrolls, both gives you allergies, headaches, and high blood pressure.  You gain a measure of respect for Clarks, Historians, Scribes, and their ilk.

Janek says, "You know, I think we might have seen what we are looking for in crypt 15."

"I think the number is supposed to be 607."

In response to Tanyl's comment... "Possibly, I was thinking 677, and the four zeroes might each also mean a blank."

She ponders their findings.

"Do you think the language they are in might mean something? Did these races ever have distinctive sectors of the city they lived in"

She wonders if they can find a map from the days of the man whose clues they followed.

"I also wonder about the celestial term, creation or enlightenment. Seems to imply a holy district? Godswalk perhaps?"

At Janek's comment she nods. "Might be worth looking their too."

OOC: Still waiting for the requested clarification.

Several weeks go past as the party researches the mystery of the amulet.  Several things work in their favor.  First, on sharing the information they have with Matthias, he actually speaks Celestial and is a cleric, so can interpret the true meaning behind the symbol, it's most literal meaning being from a center spiraling outwards.

Secondly, though none of the current sewer workers will divulge anything about the sewers, they find a retired sewer maintenance worker, who knows the family of the "ratman", who was changed sewer guard.  He is grateful, though you killed him, that his body was returned to the family for a proper burial, and also giving them his pension.  As before he was just "missing".  With his help, and using quite a few old maps, you feel if you figure out the number, you will be able to pin the location of the grate to within a few blocks.

Though she hadn't really been involved with the amulet chase (ruefully explaining she is little use at puzzles) Vala is happy to lend her sword to the continuing venture. "Another trip to the sewers, how can I resist?" the tall Northern warrioress jokes.

Following two theories, the party searches around the northern area of Oldhaven, seeking out sewer grates near to 677 on their cobbled together map.   As fate would have it, they actually find 677.  It takes a week, and looking into grates is not actually legal, so it must be done quickly, quietly, and at the right times of the night.  It helps to have the sewer tool that was found from the 'ratman'.  667 seems to simply open into the actual sewer system.

Janek likewise returns to the sewer inside the cemetery and finds its number is 121 and leads to a most unpleasant and poorly maintained part of the sewer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:21, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

Another fine mess I've gotten myself into. 

"Is 607 near 677?"

607 is more toward the center of Old Haven.

Another week of research and searching and no new information can be found.  It is at once frustrating but also confirms why no one has found this place, if it exists at all.  Still, a secret library of a learned man, what artifacts, what lost lore or spells, or other treasures could it hold.

Meanwhile, one day when comparing notes over lunch, a messenger boy arrives with a note for you.  It is not addressed but the boy says he was given good descriptions of who he was looking for, it is sealed with a wax seal of the Hogs Head.

Inside, a short note written,

"High paying job just dropped in my lap, they are requesting you, come by if interested, Goblin Thar".

Well, it looks like the mystery will remain hidden for a bit longer. 

"Off we go then! Maybe thinking about other things will aid us in figuring this one out."

Still curious about if the languages are part of the puzzle, Delta puts such concerns aside.

"High paying is always good," Vala said. The warrioress smiles in approval at the prospect of more adventure.

"Money in hand is always good," Tanyl says.  "Let's go!"

The party arrives at the Hogs Head Tavern to find it quite busy.  As soon as you are recognized, the busy barmaid leads you to a back and private room.  Soon she returns with drinks for everyone and before long Goblin Thar bristles into the room.

He pulls up a chair, and leans his large meaty forarms on the table.

"Ah, good of you to come so soon.  You've been busy I hear and gaining some friends in the upper crust of the city ta boot.  Well done indeed.  This here job was specific asked for you, and through me as your agent.  A month or so ago, some scholars from University, in researching discovered what they thought on a map was the location of a temple, or possible burial chamber, or both,  from the ancient days when the Ekaitz tribes lived along these shores. The Ekaitz worshipped a death god or goddess called Beltza Atarabi.  Little is known about these people or their goddess and so they began searching the area, the seaside cliffs to west of Storhaven.  Last week, they found an entrance.  They mounted a ten scholar crew to go see if it truly was Ekaitz in nature a few days ago.  Apparently, they didn't get very far into the place before being set on by something, based on their description, I'd say hobgoblins.  Most returned late last night, only frightened and bruised but two of the members were captured.  These two scholars have rich families who want them back, alive or their bodies recovered.  Needless to say, if they are to be rescued alive, time is of the essence.  The families have offered 1000 gold pieces for the rescue, the University has offered another 500 if the hobgoblins and the rest of the temple is cleared so it can be explored safely."

Certainly nothing to take lightly.  Did they have an idea of how many hobos?

Vala looked thoughtful. "Hobgoblins are not stupid. If they took those scholars alive they probably wanted something from them."

Thar grins and announces the round of drinks is on the house.  He produces his normal contract, and also passes over a map that shows the route to the seaside cave where the scholars went missing.  Once the paperwork is all in order.

To Janek's question, he shrugs, "They were too panicked to really be reliable, I'd plan for a good many and be pleasantly surprised if there are less".

"You should probably head out immediately, but its your business to decide now.  Good luck to you, I'll await your successful return".


ooc: you can continue to post here, but I will be opening a Chapter Four thread as well.

"Is that a thousand each, or total, for the hostages?" Delta asks, always curious about decimal points and such.

Depending on the time of day, she might go to the guild to do some research, as they probably want to head out early enough in the day to get there with the sun up.

With just his eyes, Tanyl expresses obvious interest in the answer to Delta's question.

Thar scratches his hairy neck and almost laughs.  He digs down inside his waistcoat and produces a folded letter.  He reads it over carefully and winks to Delta.

"They were not specific in that, so if you are successful, I shall bill them a thousand each and see if they balk at it.  At worst, I can probably meet them in the midways....."

Now, that is what I like in a business manager, always play to the party's favor.

Delta wasn't thrilled with the answer, but it would have to do. Thar's business depended on his reputation for honesty and fail play, seemed unlikely he would upset his cart full of golden little apples for this one prize.

Tanyl seems placated.