The Plot Thickens

After we arrive in the Phoenix capital we set about finding lodging fairly quickly and crash for the night. The next morning we begin our investigations into the poisoning of the Black Dragon Emperor.

I decide to investigate the magical aspect, some of the others begin looking for any poisonous plants they find. I'm not really sure what they expect to find actually, as you can find poisonous plants anywhere, but the child is back in full force and I don't want to debate him. Qux and I go in search of alchemists, and Kish accompanies the others as protection I imagine.

I find an alchemist fairly quickly and provide him a list of ingredients I require for my alchemical research. To any alchemist, it should be obvious my list of ingredients is for a poison, but I don't outright say it. Letting him draw the conclusion on his own. Surprisingly the alchemist is fine with me buying poison ingredients  and makes it clear that he has most in stock aside from a rare one. He sold the last of it to a blue haired gentleman in black. I do my best to explain I don't actually need the ingredients if I can't buy them all from him and it takes some time to convince him I don't want them. He gives instructions on how to find it myself and everything, but again. I don't actually want any of the poison.  Now that we have a probably perpetrator  Qux and I begin searching for any underground Dragon clan lairs.

We assume they would be based in the docks, where traditionally there is a large criminal element, and aren't disappointed. One of the watering holes in this area has the Dragon Clan symbol incorporated subtly into their sign. Once inside we meet the proprietor, who thoroughly vets us as members and we explain our mission. He offers to let us stay and we gladly accept. I send one of my conjured men to alert the rest of the party when I assume they will be back at the old inn. While waiting for the others, he explains that he is here as an official ambassador and runs the other stuff secretly on the side. I formulate the idea that we should somehow get in touch with some of the nobility here to see if anything seems off about them and ask if he can get us into a party or gathering of nobles as ambassadors. There we can look for clues on the poisoning and such while we are there. Something about the blue haired man's description seemed off, and had a feeling none of the Phoenix leaders were involved. This would give opportunity to confirm or investigate my suspicions. He arranges for us to be given diplomatic papers for use as an alternative cover.

The rest of the group returns having successfully found "some poisonous plants". Apparently they found all the poisonous plants in this region but one, the one that alchemist can find. If that turns out to be the one we need, we can find it later. As I explain the plan to attend a get together, the child adamantly refuses yet another cover story. I don't want him ruining our new contact, and so quickly apologize and return his cover story. All of us will sneak in as ambassadors except him, who will stay in his room or something. I don't really care.

The evening of the party approaches, and we spend the day getting into character. The party is grand and luxurious and we spread out to do investigations. I quickly slip into line to meet the royalty and speak with whoever appears to be a part of the royal family. I also slip mentions that I saw a curious man with blue hair the other day, and no one seems to have any knowledge of who he was.  A few are shocked that I, as an ambassador from the Dragon Clan haven't seen it before, and one goes on to explain that the Emperor's son has blue hair. This is interesting news, and backs up my suspicions that no one here was involved  It seems strange though, that the prince would kill his father, because I was under the impression that if the Emperor died within the next few years the line goes to his sister, a girl promised to a Phoenix Prince. While sorting out the succession order for the Dragon Clan it is my time to meet the Empress. I will follow up on that line of thinking later.

The Empress is a charming woman, and I quickly realize she could never be involved with something like a poisoning. I offer her my services if she ever needs them, and pass through the line fairly quickly.

While ironing out the Black Dragon succession, I have determined that the son is most probably poisoning the father. If he kills the father before the princesses 18th birthday she is next. If he dies after her birthday it falls to him as son. I assume this is why the poison is slow acting, so as to time his death right after her birthday, and give him ample excuse to solidify power away from her and her Phoenix husband. Thus keeping power for himself with no chance of her having a claim. If it appears her husband killed the Emperor, there would be no chance of power falling to her. It appears the 18th birthday time period is a little hazy, and if the king dies near it, it can occasionally fall to the daughter anyway.

This fully completes my investigation into the Phoenix clan, and in the morning I suggest we return to the Dragon capital as soon as possible. For now though, I enjoy the rest of the party...

Come morning, it appears that Qux has found enough money and goods for us to buy our own airship. This should be a top priority, as one could cut our travel time down immensely  Especially if the Dragon Emperor is killed and power falls to the son. I would assume we need to flee with the princess quickly and they seem to be able to outpace even the swiftest flying beasts.

Sky Captain and the Lost World of Yesterday

We arrive in the border town between the Black Dragon and Phoenix Clans as the shop-keeps are opening their doors to start the day. Deciding not to raid that dungeon saved us quite a bit of time, and I am optimistic about the future. The child has been silent since the previous night, and I believe Treash said something to him before bed. He appears sullen and disheartened.

Once in town we set about the normal routine of selling any spoils we have, and investigating what they have for sale here with our new found money. We are able to sell the Dragon skin and teeth and buy some expertly crafted dragon bone weaponry for most of the group. Its not magical, but the dragons innate magical abilities will probably help.

While about town, Kamala informs us she has met a man needing the help of some botanists and archaeologists. We remind her that we don't actually know much about those subjects, but decide to check it out anyway. If it won't take too long it might give a little income while we wait for the dragon bone weaponry to be made.

He is an elderly gentleman, and explains that he is opening a resort and destination getaway for the wealthy. He needs someone to go and check on the animals and plants there to verify their health and general status.It sounds easy enough that we can let Kish fake our way through it, but it also sounds far away. We explain our timetable to him, and how we have a prior commitment the next morning. We don't really have time to kill doing this sort of thing and prepare to leave, when he explains that he has an airship prepared and we should be able to make it back by morning at the latest. This is almost too good to pass up as it fits our time table perfectly. We agree, and are able to talk him into paying us quite well. His assistant leads us to where the ship is docked and we leave.

The airship is not only an airship, but a relatively luxury model. I haven't seen one of this quality before, and think some of the others haven't ever seen one at all. The Captain is a fairly proficient woman, and handles the ship with ease. I do my best to watch, and eventually she offers to walk me through the basics. After flying the ship, I have made up my mind to own one at some point. Rex and I begin running the math on our income to see what it would cost to buy our own, or hire her and her crew. We might be able to swing it with some clever negotiations at the purchasing table with the income from this job.

We arrive on the island and are given rough directions for the location of the enclosures. Most contain giant reptiles that seem about as hesitant of us as we are of them. They let Kish collect samples, and we are on our way quickly. In a few cases Qux and I have the same idea, and I notice him slipping some eggs into his bag of holding. I do the same, and all told at the end of the day we have 4 giant eggs and there is a fierce debate on how to prepare them, or even if we do. Kish is firmly against it and it will take some convincing.

The notable cage was the one where something went wrong. We found giant carnivorous reptiles. Quickly evident by the fact that one immediately swallowed Zathras. The cleric enlarged Kish and she managed to wrestle the beast down while we cut him free, but it was clear these were vicious.

One other cage had nothing inside, but a clearly broken roof. We found the occupants in another cage, feasting upon the smaller reptiles within. At this point we were all exhausted, and so since we had enough samples decided it was best to just leave and warn the old man that some of his animals had escaped.

We return late the next afternoon and are further behind on our trip. We resolve not to entertain any more of these side journeys, as who knows how long the King's health will hold. We manage to convince the old man  to lend us his airship to get us to our destination faster, because of the unexpected hazards on the island, and we embark immediately. Also of note, the Captain refuses to sell us her ship, and we will need to buy our own. Qux seems to eagerly agree.

The Black Dragons

After we exit the dungeon, the Dragons have requested we meet them tomorrow evening for an initiation ceremony into their order. We go to town, and resupply, while Kish keeps watch at the tavern.  As I leave, she informs me there is a new stranger in the bar clearly sticking out from the rest. He is dressed in bright orange robes, and stands out very distinctly from the black robed Dragon Clan. I establish a link with her, and ask her to alert me if there is trouble. We then head into town and various shopping is done. I buy an immensely expensive wand that can heal our entire party twice over, so that the boy stops fretting the threat of death. Really though, why bring him adventuring if he cannot handle danger? I convince some of the rest of the party to pitch in a bit to help.

We return, and the boy has wandered off. I assume the priest, Treash, knows where and as he has recently begun to loudly lecture on politics and morality I am content to leave him wherever he may be. Treash and I will have to have words soon on how to handle his son, if he cannot control him. We head to our rooms, and Kish has been watching the stranger fairly intently. I'm positive it would be uncomfortable for him, if the rest of the establishment were not doing the same.

I finally have realized the process to bind an unruly demon to a mortal host, and begin the ritual. I plan to bind one of the infernal ones to a toad, and force it to help in my challenges providing valuable insight direct from the enemies playbook so to speak. As I finish the arcane ritual, Kish summons me. We race downstairs in time to see the orange robed stranger handily dispatch a drunken Black Dragon. I ask Kish to summarize the events, and she explains that there was a brief fight, after the Black Dragon stumbled into him. She then goes on to explain she has been talking to some locals, and apparently he belongs to the Phoenix clan. The tension is because it is suspected that the Phoenix clan is suspected of poisoning the emperor. This is valuable information indeed.

The next day, I spend time in the library. I am able to convince the librarian that I need to be in the restricted section, I assumed existed. Here I read up on the books specifically marked to be edited and shredded, as I assume they are the most honest. I get an idea of local demonic lore, but I also look for information on the Phoenix and Black Dragon clans. Apparently there is a long history of mistrust and animosity. The Phoenix clan are apparently responsible for several emperor deaths due to poisoning and other stealthy means, and the local townsfolk rumor seems founded in reality. It also seems like the Black Dragons are relatively honorable and righteous.

At the ceremony, we are asked to return to the dragon rock formation, and step into another extra-dimensional palace for the exact happenings. They lead with the caution that there is an oath required. I am initially hesitant, but they explain the oath is fairly basic. "I swear to protect the Dragon Emperor, provided he remains just and honorable" to summarize. I am fine with this, as anyone who is just and honorable and asking for my protection can have it. The rest of the group doesn't put as much weight in oaths, and will throw them around for little to no reason, so they have no such hesitation The boy refuses to attend, claiming he cannot swear an oath, as he is too law abiding. I don't follow his logic, but we are almost not admitted. He is sent back to town, and Treash will deal with him later I assume. I commend him on laying his foot down for once, and we continue through the portal.

Once inside, it is revealed that the Black Dragons are the emperors unofficial guardians, pledged to protect the rightful ruler of these lands. Furthermore they suspect the Phoenix clan of poisoning the emperor with an exotic blend of plant and magic poison. They ask us, as foreigners, to travel into the Phoenix lands and collect a sample of the plant, and any evidence of this poisoning we can find and bring it back.

We head back to town, to supply for our journey that begins the next day. Treash asks if he should get the boy, and I explain it is his choice. He opts to do so, and I see most of the group sigh. Once reunited, there is no scolding for his behavior, and I can see where his attitude comes from immediately.

We set out on our journey the next afternoon with horses provided by the Black Dragon. They also give us a cover story and papers as archaeologists studying ancient plants in the area. We make it a few hours outside of town, when we discover a cave that the group is intent on exploring. We debate on the state of the emperor's health, and decide since  he is magically sustained he can handle a few hours here and there. The cave turns out to be a Green Dragons den, and I recall that they are notorious bullies. Treash won't let this stand, and we set out to slay the beast. It is a fairly small den, and dragon, but a dragon none the less. The battle is fierce, and due to its flight most of our party is ineffective until I force it to land with summoned giant bees. Luckily none of the insects are killed in the fight, and they are able to return home safely.

Unfortunately, while examining the dragons horde (I suspect a strong motivator for us pursuing the beast), Qux triggers a trapped grafting machine. Kish is injured during the resulting explosion, and it appears the machine forcefully removes her arm, replacing it with some sort of tentacled arm instead. Not only that, but the arm seems possessed and attacks anyone near it. I am astonished at Kish's ability to survive the operation, as it did not look clean or painless. The two of us ride back to town on a single horse, leaving the others to secure the location as a camp. On the ride, Kish takes the opportunity to rant about the boy. I knew he was grating her, but she seems less able to ignore him than I. In her harsh upbringing, a child like this would have been abandoned in the woods long ago. She cannot stand his incessant proselytising about morality and laws being right because they are laws. Kish has a very firm notion of right and wrong, and cares little for the laws. In town we sell most of the dragons loot and are able to pay a priest to restore this curse, but it is costly. By the end of the ride back, I have convinced Kish not to murder the boy in his sleep, and to remember that he is a child, but I don't know how long that will last. I fear that his next lecture to her may be his last.

We return to the camp, and debate about returning to the crypt. I am in favor of leaving it alone, as we were unable to destroy the machine previously. I advocate simply leaving, or at most destroying the entrance so others don't enter, but Treash and his son are adamant that we must go inside and slay any evil that remains. To me that militant attitude is directly the evil they claim to fight, but I hate debating morality with them, and the discussion is sure to set Kish off. We agree to postpone it until morning.

An end to the Dungeon

We spent a  few days clearing the remainder of the dungeon for the Black Dragon, but I have no idea why. There seemed to be no method to the monsters it contained, or even purpose for building it. Seeming just a maze filled with beasts.

The halfing Kamala either knows little about her life before the dungeon, or it playing things very close to the vest. Still she seems to be a healer, and I find nothing directly objectionable about her, so we bring her along.

As we leave the dungeon, we encounter the Black Dragon who have been waiting at the exit, and inform us that they will let us join them. Based on their demeanor alone, I feel like they may fight against evil, but I really can not be sure. We will continue to gain their trust, but I will keep an eye out for doublecross.

The Hunt Begins

We have arrived in the town of Lao-Zun and it appears to be in the beginning of a ceremony of sorts. The Festival of the Water Dragon. I am always wary of festivals devoted to the worship of dragons, as they often serve as a front for demons in disguise. Luckily, most dragons are too proud to associate with outsiders, and if it turns out this Water Dragon is actually a dragon, the town should be fairly inhospitable for demons.

Upon arriving, Rex points out a local tavern, the Laughing Lama, and we can assume burly adventurers lurk inside. Once inside, we notice immediately that we stand out, as the populous entirely wears black robes with little decoration, those with decoration seem to be well off. My worn leather coat, and regular to [continent] garb stands out drastically. Rex's robes stand out less, but there is little we can do at the moment. The boat ride took the majority of my money, and we will probably need what we can to persuade our potential new hires. We grabbed a seat at the bar, and ordered drinks, which appear to be some form of bean wine. Its interesting, but I'd prefer the traditional mead of home.

In watching the locals what strikes me as odd, is that even though many carry swords or various weapons, none are particularly big. Traditionally for these quests I would hire the biggest guy I can find, but I can't see many all that much larger than my companion Rex. He isn't especially big for a human either. As we are getting a bit discouraged, we notice the lama from out front has followed someone inside. This woman stands easily a head over the rest of the room, and her shoulders are easily twice as broad. Across her back is an exotic sword of some sort, and she is clad in the skins and leather of a wild-man from [place]. This could be our hired sword.

I let Rex take lead on the conversation, as has been our custom so far. He seems to get along better with the locals than I. He introduces us, explains that we need some hired muscle and reviews all the standard practices. As soon as he mentions the offer to split any found treasure, or spoils during the adventure, a voice cries out from behind the lama. It comes from one of the most filthy creatures I have seen, but by all appearances is human. He explains to Kish, I gather the woman, that they should take the job and are short on cash. While he is persuading her to take the job Rex and I switch to goblin, a language we discovered we both know fairly well, and debate his inclusion at all. Neither is especially thrilled to travel with this filthy little man, but the woman would be a welcome addition. We decide to offer them a split share, but they will have none of it. In addition, it appears they are inseparable for some reason and Kish won't leave him. We relent, and begin hashing out the specifics of our journey and acquainting ourselves with one another. Apparently the fitly man apparently has no name?

While familiarizing ourselves with our new companions, two men drag a third over to our table and introduce themselves. It appears them have overheard us in our discussion, and wish to help rid the land of demons. I gather they are more focused on the destruction of evil in general, but the devoted can always be a great ally. The third man appears drunk, and as I take a second to size them up, he appears to be a child. I'm not sure why these men bring their child on quests, but it is theirs to do as they please. As I go to ask about it, I notice their attire. One wears the traditional chainmail of our home country, but appears to be a priest of some deity. The other is dressed very much as a local. I don't want to offend the locals by misunderstanding their customs, and don't have time to debate with the priest, so I leave it be. Humans have always seemed careless with their children but this is probably not the time for the discussion, we will have to do that later. We agree to let these three come as well, because as I said, the devoted will rarely betray you.

From the other end of the bar, I overhear some men discussing the Black Dragon. Now I have no idea what that could possibly be, but after years of demon hunting, the Black Anything is always a good place to look. I send our new friend Kish with Rex to inquire further with the men. She falls into the routine fairly well, and seems familiar with the job assigned her. They chat for a bit, and then Rex leaves motioning for us to follow. Zathras and his cleric friend grab the boy and follow me out front. Rex explains that apparently those men are members of a Black Dragon cult, and that they may have caught on to our occupation. He couldn't get a solid read really, either they were the cult and he successfully infiltrated them, or they want help getting rid of the cult. He went on further to explain that they want to meet at the Dragon Rock at dawn. We find it best to scout the area ahead of time, and lay in wait, while Rex and Kish meet up at the formation on the outskirts of town.

Come dawn the robed figures arrive, and greet my companions and tell them that before they can go further, they must do something. The fairly standard initiation package, but what surprised me was that he then acknowledged us as well. As we made our way to the group, he opened a mystic portal to some other location. I was able to trace it out and the portal remained on the material plane, and we all followed through. He explained the challenges lay within.

Awaiting inside, was a rough hewn stone room, with a variety of twisting and maze like patterns. We traveled through them a bit when the boy shot bright and awake, seemingly unconcerned for his sudden change in surroundings, and alerted us to some Giant Rats. They were dispatched easily enough, and he seemed to think this was the challenge. I explained to him that it almost certainly was not, but rather simply some rats that found their way into the dungeon.

While traveling we discovered a cadre of wolves and dust spirits. We battled them, but as soon as it started they revealed themselves as Dretch and Quasit. The lowly servitor demons used for menial tasks and keeping guard at fringe locations. A sure sign that we were either sent down here to eradicate the demons, or to be killed as interlopers in the demonic scheme. Either way, we were able to defeat them before they summoned too many of their brethren. Further down this labyrinth we encountered a larger demon trapped in what was effectively a hallway, probably as a sort of guard or trap. We took it to be a sign that we were going "the right way". As for the demon itself, it seemed relatively in-sentient but also very hostile. It very well might have taken the entire team if my grease spells weren't up to snuff. Due to the confined space of the hallway it was unable to stand, and the party was eventually was able to take it. But not before some serious wounds to the barbarian woman. Luckily the priest was able to heal them easily with a few whispers to Kord.

We continued through the maze for quite some time, until finally we found a suitable area to make camp for the night. While doing so, we also managed to discover a cloaked halfling figure lurking in the shadows. The filthy man seemed unnaturally warry of her, but I found nothing especially off putting, and we offered to let her camp with us. Hopefully she will regail us with how she came to be here, and any hints about our purpose while we make camp.

The Begining

With the destruction of my order, I have decided to seek aide in my quest from the rest of the world. I cannot remain in seclusion and must expand to rebuild the order. While I do not have the skills of my elders, I have completed the trials and am fully versed in our techniques for protecting this world.

I have been in the local town of [____] for some time now investigating what I can of demonic threats. The first thing that I am made aware of is that not only is my order forgotten, but the entire war we fought as well. The devils have done an amazing job at destroying the histories, and our seclusion was clearly not the right choice. We thought it would protect us from infiltration, but it appears we have become antiquated and forgotten.

In town, work as a demon hunter has been difficult to come by. Most people either don't see the demonic presence, or don't want to hear about it. I have mostly been taking work clearing the dog like Dire Rats from sewers and rescuing farmers daughters from marauding goblin hordes. These things are never obviously or directly related to the evil outsiders, but I can sense their influence behind the curtains.

One thing of hope in this time, for my quest, is the discovery of a man on a similar quest. A warlock by the name of Rex has enlisted my aid in tracking down the demon that killed his mother. He has heard rumor and whispers of the demon having made its way to Asiana and aims to track it down. I offered my services, and we have arraigned to travel by boat to the port city of Lao-Zun. Once we arrive, we plan to hire on some added muscle. The demons have a habit of flooding their lairs with cultists, and magical beasts. A few strong warriors is never a bad thing in those circumstances.

Purpose

This is to be an in character record of each session from Raz's point of view. I plan to outline what was done, and Raz's take on everything that has happened.