More than Meets the Eye

August 18, 2011

The group is getting back to Neverwinter with the feeling that they have hidden the items well and can call it up if they need to but don’t remember at the moment.  They were worried about the army of Zhentarim and Malar followers.  As they approach the city, they see that the Malar followers are in a camp off to their left and the Zhentarim are bivouacked off to the right as they approach the town.  It’s not a siege, just an army that has set up their camp.  They aren’t sure if this is good or bad. 

They get harassed a bit at the gate until they say they were on an errand for Lady Ralee, and then they are let through with no problems.  They do see some Zhentarim at the market but keep going to talk to Lady Ralee.  She thanks them for the service they did and explains that the Zhentarim and Malar had a falling out and then didn’t attack but made camp.  Maybe that was always the plan, although she didn’t think so, but she is in negotiations with them.  Unfortunately, she may have to give the Zhentarim Helm’s Hold for themselves, but with the promises, as the elf pointed out, of fealty to the town and to the people around them.  There are still details to work out, and she is only allowing so many in the town at one time at the moment.  She’s hopeful it won’t come to a fight.  She hasn’t talked to the followers of Malar and doesn’t know what they want. 

They go talk to a wizard about moving the enchantment over but it would cost more than they have, possible as a group.  So, they ask if there is anything they can do for him in exchange for the enchantments being moved.  He says he bought some land but thinks there is something there and wants it cleared out.  If they are willing to do that, he will move the enchantments for them.  They agree but are rolling their eyes at being rat killers. 

So, they gather the group and go check out the house.  They find it abandoned but signs are there that someone was been around.  They find a trap door in the basement and go down to find tunnels!  And not rat sized but human sized, with signs of it having been used and by many people.  As they proceed, they are challenged and told not to come any further!  One of the party attacks and then the fight is on! 

It’s a tough fight with the Bladesinger going down by combined arrow shots!  However, the group rallies and takes them out.  And realizes they are worshippers of Asmodeas!  So, they keep going and clear out the rest of the devil worshippers.  It’s quite the tough fight and when they are done, they go back to the wizard. 

They tell him that it was a lot more than what they bargained for and they should get more!  He offers to move another enchantment, and they agree, so several of them got things moved over to items they can use. 

When they tell Lady Ralee what happened, she is quite distressed by this and tells them to keep going and find out all they can about more devil worshippers and to get rid of them.  They are even paid for it. 

250 xp

GM Notes

• I started In Media Res and I think it worked out.  The group realized that the intention was so that they don’t know, as players or characters, where the items are hid.  I liked how it went. 
• The fights were quite fun and tough.  I had LOTS of minions and I think the group liked that.  Some tough foes but also minions to take out as they could.  I think it worked out well. 
• The players really were expecting a simple clear out, not a complete dungeon with big plot elements that could turn into something else!  So, that was fun to surprise them like that! 
• I’m trying not to make them rich to quickly or easily, as happened with other campaigns.  I’m also trying to slow down advancement a bit, so they can get used to their character’s powers before gaining new ones.  That’s my thought and plan, anyway.   
• Looking up Transfer Enchantment costs, by the book, they probably were slightly underpaid, even with the gold bonuses they earned.  So, my plan is working so far! 

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