Introductions

About the Saga

A half-dozen strangers arrive in Obsidian Bay, each seeking their own path to adventure.

Timeframe

• Greyhawk Date: Goodmonth 25, CY 591
• Real World Date: November 5, 2004
• Read other Dark City Sagas

Cast of Characters

• Prug, Half-Orc Monk 1 (Bob), a refuge from the Wild Coast with a shameful past, Prug seeks the path to enlightenment.
• Gruffudd Castlemaine, Half-Elf Paladin 1 (Jon), a paladin of Lendor and former resident of Urnst out to see the world, and to conquer his despised elven heritage.
• Largo Leftpocket, Halfling Rogue 1 (Lance), a former locksmith on the run from the Blue Thieves Guild and eager to start a new life.
• Vargas of Ralsend, Human Aristocraft 1 (Nate), a young aristocrat, late of Greyhawk College, who comes to the city seeking apprentice himself to a powerful shadow mage.
• Absalom, Human Urban Druid 1 (James), child of the woods transplanted into the city, where communes with the water and tries to eek out a living as a city guide.
• Corash, Elven Wizard 1 (Damon), Celenese seeker of arcane knowledge and cultural awareness.

Notable Quotes

"I recommend not getting to close to the forge, because it is hot." – Absalom the Urban Druid.

Introduction

Two weeks have passed in Obsidian Bay since the events of “Pain’s Comet”, when a fiery object fell through the events and crashed to the earth, causing physical and social shockwaves to spread through the Flanaess. Since that day, all but a handful of Heironeons have left the city, apparently compelled by the gods for forsake even their holy duties involving the War on the Pomarj.

Over three months since the “Freesword Draft Act” was passed. The Freesword Draft Act, though unpopular with many in the Domain, did gain it 200 more swords to assist in the war effort.

The war continues. Several small battles – involving perhaps a few hundred troops on a side – have been fought between the Obsidian and Orcish forces. Neither side seems willing to launch a major offensive on the western front, largely because of heaving fighting that has been going on in the Ulek. Reports say that Orc Harbor has fallen to Allied forces and that Fort Buckhold -- a fortress on the western edge of the occupied land – has been taken.

Obsidian Bay itself is teaming with refuges, and combined with the deployal of thousands of troops to the front, this has led to increased crime and lawlessness in the city.

The Saga

Goodmonth 25, CY 591

The Noble Arrives

Vargas arrives in the city through the March Gate (north), talks with the guard (Dareth), gets run down on Moneylenders, fees, Foreign Watch. Secures Absalom as a guide, then goes to the Moneylenders Guild where Vargas gets recommendation for Diamond Unicorn Inn and Hero’s Rest Inn. Moneychanger is horrified when he learns of

At the Docks

Gruffudd steps off the boat, meets Obari the street urchin and requets that he take him to a reasonably priced in within the city. Pays one copper

Prug steps off the boat, dejected, runs into cultist of Earth Dragon. Pleads to go to the mMudsitters District and learn of the glory and embrace of the Earth Dragon. Explains dragon will smite enemies and protect earth; Purge says true strength comes through restraint and knowledge of self.

Gruffudd’s urchin takes him on a shortcut through the Docks District toward the Sea Gate (the district’s proper entrance to Obsidian Bay). Prug, not having any thing better to do, follows at a distance. Halfway to the gate, Gruffudd is set upon by ruffians after being lured into trap by urchin. Monk charges up to help shouting “Leave that man alone”. As he does so, one of them shouts back “No one threatens the Brainsmashers, man!” Rogues run up to attack him, one barely hits. Monk then drops two with flurry of blows, shattering nose and shredding brain of opponent

Paladin says “now is the time to abort this failed endeavor” and lashes out with great sword, missing. Then the remaining Brainsmashers go running off. Paladin says “Thank you sir – did not expect to be setup so quickly. Nice to see others will step to anothers aid”. Prug responds “Your kindness was unexpected.” Exchange pleasantries, then head off for the gate.

The Oblivious Elf

Back at the March Gate, and elf waits to enter the city. His name is Corash, and he is late of Celene. Unlike the aristocrat, when he finally reaches a guard, he is greeted with scorn, sarcasm and derision. The guard makes clear his distaste for the elves of Celene, which refused to emerge from their seclusion to aid in the wars against the humanoids. He charges the elf more than is normal for entrance into the city, and when he explains the Foreign Watch, he makes it sound as though it is something that came about because of the untrustworthy nature of elves.

After entering the city, Corash wandered through the various quarters, going down through the Adventurers Quarter and finally landing the Strange Quarter, where he began seeking lodging. Not far from the Wizard’s Guild, he found a place that looked interesting – it’s sign was of a draconic chicken!

Entering, he sees two mages standing on opposite sides of a large stage. One has apparently summoned a cockatrice, the other a basilisk. Each monster has just turned the other to stone, and has begun to dissolve away. Crowd applauds, announcer says that next contest will begin momentarily. Corash finds barkeep who does not balk at an elf in his establishment. Barkeep explains that this is the Dragon’s Chicken Inn.

When asked about rooms he explains that they do cost a pretty gold griffin, but that the elf can get a discounted rate if he wins one of the illusionary duels happening on the stage. Corash says he’s not that kind of wizard, preferring to specialize in more evocative spells. The barkeep nods understandably, tells him contests for that kind of magic usually aren’t held here, and then arranges for the elf to rent a room for the night.

Small Folk, Big City

Largo Leftpocket arrives via the Krovis Gate where a tired guard waves him through. Once in the city, seeks out some place to stay and finds the Bouncing Elf Inn in the Shield District. Finds bard reciting famous tales of elvish bravery, but all of the brave elements have been replaced with acts of cowardice. Sees the room is filled with humans, gnomes and dwarves. Talks with the barkeep, who explains he has nothing against anyone, well except elves, but that’s political. Welcomes lalfling to the city, says that he wishes there were more small folk here.

After getting a room, Largo gets a run down of some possible adventuring opportunities in the city, including the Sunken Hammer Guild (“How long can you hold your breath? Can you swim?”), the Starfire Guild (“Say, do you know any of the Art?”), the Orcslayers (“Hmmm. You don’t look quite like the orcslaying type, but…”) and the Goldseekers, whose name immediately attracts the halfling’s attention. He decides to visit there first thing in the morning, as it is now late and Inner City gates close at dusk.

Nightfall with the Shadow Apprentice

After dinner, aristocrat meets with his druid guide, gets food from the back kitchen for him. Heads to the guild, sees that there are guards outfront, and the building looks closed. Hears roar come from across the street, druid explains the nature of the Dragon’s Chicken Inn, and Vargas is intrigued. They go into drink and gather information.

Vargas learns of Darksteel, orders Baklunish wine for him. Impresses mage, who gives him a task: find coal mined in darkness, never exposed to light.

Vargas then spots an elf sitting by himself and looking confused. Goes talks to him, strikes up a conversation about magic. Learns that the elf is in the city to expand his knowledge of the art. When Vargas shares his quest for the “unlit coal”, the elf explains that he believes that particular item might be used to meta-magically enhance a spell. Absalom follows his new patron to the table and talks to the elf, briefly introducing himself … and then launching into an introduction of the waters of OB. Elf responds by discussing rivers and waters of Celene. Druid then asks to speak to owl, elf is skeptical, but agrees.

Vargas asks his druid guide about locations using “I recommend not getting to close to the forge, because it is hot.” – Absalom the Urban Druid. He asks the elf to join him in his quest for this odd magical component, and the outsider agrees. They decide to meet up the next morning at the Restful Hero.

Back to the Gate

Prug and half-elf paladin get to the Sea Gate. Orc talks triply about out life is a journey and he seeking a path, weirding out the guard, who turns to elf for normal conversation. Finally allowed to pass into the city, with stunned guard slowing reading them instructions. Head into the city, looking for food. Find Dagger Down Tavern in the Wharf District.

Go to barkeep, look for food. Asked for fish or beef, fast or slow, get food barely cooked with ale. Talks with barkeep, asked about Brainsmashers, learn about resurgent gang, as well as other gangs in the city.

Orc goes up the mudsitters district and sleeps outside. Sees patrol of Cuthbertians go by. Erma, priestess of the earth dragon, goes around with cauldron filled with soup, followers carrying bread, feeding the poor. Offers food to orc, who refuses. She nods says if need sustenance, go there again for food or healing.

Paladin, however, stays at Fire-Eaters Inn in the Strange Quarter, and passes night uneventfully.

Goodmonth 26, CY 591

Halfling for Hire

The following day, Larrgo Leftpocket goes to visit Goldseekers. Meets Alvis Glimmerling, a gnome, taking delivery iron igots outside the guild hall, as a dwarf looks over cargo. After done with delivery, Largo introduces himself says he’s looking for employment. Gnome explains that those seeking to join must produce a map or tome referring to lost information. Agrees to hire halfing for 1 gp a week to deliver messages until he can join guild. First job is to deliver a message to the Restful Hero Inn.

Fires of Brass

First thin in the morning Vargas goes to the gate to check in. Buys nice outfit for new man servant (the Druid). Spend morning shopping, then return to Hero’s Rest. Meet elf there.

Delivers message to steward, who pauses to tell patron directions to Sunkenhammer Guild. Vargas overhears, and approaches him, asking if he knows the location of any forges. Halfling doesn’t, but introduces himself as part of Leftpocket Messenger Service. Gives him a “business card” with scribbling saying where he stays at the Bouncing Elf.

Runs back to the Goldseekers, asks for location of finest forges in the city. Told about delven & sons and the magical foundry known as the Fires of Brass Foundry. Immediately runs back to the Heroes’ Rest to share information, where Vargas and his friends are eating lunch forced to rest.

After lunch, Largos catches up with Vargas, tells him of facilities he learned of. Vargas explains looking for magical forge. Ah, you want the fires of brass. Meet with Afhad, owner of the shop, who is aware of where to find such items in the Underdark not far from Obsidian Bay.

The Gangs of Obsidian Bay

Monk goes around talking to refuges. Learns information about monastic order in OB, but don’t know where it is. Tries to learn status of refuges. Learns that people are afraid of the Rusty Axe slitting throats. Also learns that Hextorites are running around ambushing lay worshipers of Heironeous, wearing iron masks when they do know ;; call selves light breakers.

At the Temple of Kord

Meanwhile, the half-Suel paladin goes to the Temple of Kord, looking for training opportunities. Gar, leader of the temple, is skeptical, but when the paladin shows of his great sword, he says that some Ralleymen will be break heads later that day, and would welcome new blood.

Experience

Not available.