Episode 12 - Search and Rescue - Notes

DM Notes

Olivian-Celebarim conflict/dispute

Elaron and royal hunting party.

Feast for Ambassador Alaina Queus

• Conversation about how the queen and king have no children.

Drethar is accused of kiling a child in Carwenhen. He has diplomatic immunity but has been recalled by the Celebarim to prevent any further damages to Olivian-Elven relations.

Drethar is the son of Eldin III but is currently a ward of Elaron.

The Olivian Republic and the Celebarim have historically good relations. Both heads of state want this resolved quickly and amicably but there's pressure from the child's family for justice. Eldin III does not know of the incident yet.

Child's famiy is an important merchant house in Carwenhen and Port Olivia. Have threatened to blockade the ports.

Vistro 19 - Aithessi learns of proposed Shifter Enslavement Law.

Prologue

We last saw our zealous adventurers making a quick exit from Mist. During their short stay of just a couple days, they managed to disperse a pack of doomsayers led by Ackgar, discover the truth about the Temple of Water, hold a high priestess hostage, track down and slay a blue dragon by the name of Ghentular, and promise a trio of elementals their freedom.

After learning that such freedom would probably prove the doomsayer Ackgar correct in his prophecy about the city of Mist being wiped away, the party scrambled to find possible solutions. They ventured to the Grey Pause and met with Midnight once more and discussed possible solutions. In the end, they decided to ask for the assistance of Thronn, a dwarven architect and head for Bellglade to meet with the scholars of the Aetheria University.

Give each player character 1,214xp.

Scene 1 - On the Road to Aithessi (Vistro 5)

We now join the party on their second day of their journey to Aithessi. The Ambassador had been quiet most of the first day but today she's been her normal chipper and talkative self. She brings her horse up beside Odanus.

"You have some stories to share?"

The Ambassador will be appalled by the apparent enslavement of sentient beings. But also understanding of the precarious situation that the city of Mist is in.

She will be grateful that the party has put some plans into motion to prevent the flooding of Mist.

She will also push to discuss Aithessi (and Bellglade should the party bring it up).

Aithessi is a beautiful place and the last of the major fey cities in this part of Mionia. This particular city is considered an extension of Skywood and is ruled by the Celebarim. Duke Waukeen Sandoval is the administrator and is a cousin of the Queen. I expect there will be some festivities held shortly after my arrival. You have my gratitude for accompanying me on this journey and I would be honored to have you involved in any ceremonies and the like.

Bellglade is the royal home of the Celebarim. Few non-fey are allowed upon its shores and only if they have been granted passage by the royal family. As such, all the foreign embassies are located in Aithessi and most international affairs are handled there. They say Bellglade got its name because the city is in the middle of a beautiful glade filled with a small flower that rings when the wind blows.

The Celebarim are an old and powerful eladrin bloodline, second only to the Thertylians. Those two families have been in power since time immemorial perhaps even before the Ithquenti brought us to Treskri. Since the Olivian Tolerance Movement, the Celebarim have been close allies with the Olivian Republic and the Free Cities of Mionia. Also, their arcanists are some of the most powerful around.

Scene 2 - Entering Aithessi (Vistro 17 Afternoon)

The journey to Aithessi took a few days longer than expected due to one of the horses falling a bit ill and requiring a slower pace. The sun is shining brightly and had a few elven scouts not been waiting for you near the road, you might have passed right on by the fey city.

An armored female elf and an ornately dressed male eladrin step ahead of the other elves. The male eladrin speaks, pleased to meet you Ambassador Queus. I am Waukeen Sandoval, Duke of Aithessi, cousin to the Queen. On behalf of the Celebarim Elfhame of Skywood I welcome you to Aithessi and look forward to working with you in your new post.

The King is currently away on a hunting trip with his niece and a few others but they'll be back later tonight. The King and Queen have arranged for a feast in your honor in two nights. Until that time, feel free to see all that our city has to offer. We'll take care of any room and board until you have officially moved into the embassy.

Scene 3 - Royal Summons (Vistro 18 Morning)

A rather loud and insisitant rapping wakes you from your slumber. The barmaid is at your door. A slight tremble runs through her words. I'm sorry to disturb your slumber, sir, but a royal messenger has arrived and is requesting your presence downstairs.

Coming downstairs into the main room of the Grey Pause you see a contingent of guards standing by the door and an eladrin sitting down at a table. She motions for you to join her.

The information I'm about to reveal is of utmost importance and secrecy. If you feel that you cannot keep this to yourselves, please let me know but you came highly recommended. She pauses to allow the group to discuss.

Very well, your presence has been requested for an audience with Queen Ilri Celebar of Skywood. Please follow us to Aithessi Castle.

Scene 4 - Meeting the Royals (Vistro 18 Morning)

The Aithessi Castle looks as if it was grown rather than built. Branches interlaced with other branches and tree trunks make up most of the walls. You're guided into the building and through several hallways before being brought into a sitting room. The messenger stays back and closes the doors behind you. A tall, graceful blonde eladrin stands looking out a window. Duke Sandoval stands beside her looking towards you. A well-armored elf steps towards you. Ambassador, Lira and friends, it's good to see you again. General Ahern Saeque embraces the Ambassador in a hug.

The female eladrin turns to face you. Greetings friends. As you are aware, my husband and niece left a few days ago on a hunting trip. They were supposed to return yesterday evening. Had they planned on spending another day out there, they would have sent one of their many companions back. I fear the worst.

She looks to the general, General Saeque is a good friend of Elaron's and after hearing of your arrival recommended you for the task of a search party. Waukeen and Ahern have agreed to accompany you.

Scene 5 - Search for Hunting Party

The city slowly fades away into the forest and the trail quickly ends.

Three successful Nature checks (DC 15) to track.

After the first successful Nature check the party runs into two fleeing assailants.

The trail is relatively easy to follow. Néshira and Rolfewicke slow though as they hear something up ahead moving slowly towards the party.

Two men dressed in leather armor and covered in blood are slowly trudging towards you.

Encounter - 350xp
Veteran Assassin (x2)

Encounter - 700xp
Owlbear

Scene 6 - Finding the Hunting Party

Slowly a clearing comes into view up ahead. A slight chill wind blows through the area.

There are a dozen dead asps and several dead fey.

Fein Thertylian
Elaron Celebar

Elaron - Not sure what happened. Lots of assailaints.

Scene 7 - Return to Aithessi

Scene 8 - Asp Ambush

Asp ambush. (1650 xp)
Asp Soldier (x3) DM 1
Veteran Assassin (x4) DM 2
Asp Archer (x5) DM 3
King - 20
Run into Isaac, a member of the Holy State.
He ran and hid as soon as the assassins attacked.