Tag Archives: House

The Black Chalice

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Dressed in nondescript outsider cloaks, the Xaniqos set out on their separate routes towards The Black Chalice.

Phaedra glides through the ghettos in her green cloak. She is treated with contempt by the nobles and has to move aside for every drow. Exposed to the whims of the passers-by, she keeps to the walls whenever she can and blends in. Her brother Alvra, bigger and more muscular than the scout  – the Wizard in his wake – isn’t bothered by the public. Orcs and kobolds leave them alone, figuring they are not worth the trouble. Face averted, Lilith tries to make her way to the establishment without giving away her identity. Act like an outsider! She has to remind herself almost every step. When the Cleric is almost run over by a merchant car, his rude

Get out of the way!

making her jump aside just in time, she comes extremely close to losing her temper. Especially House Vae merchants are very annoying – a fact which Lilith stores away safely in her memory. For later use. Finally all siblings arrive at the Black Chalice.

Silk Curtain

Inside the clientele is mixed:  drow, both males and females, undead and other creatures. There are no priestesses of Lolth, though. The food is of dubious composition. Strange snacks, narcotics and goblets of blood are distributed around. When the Draegloth passes Phaedra’s table, she greets him in a soft voice. He snarls.

What do you want?

Only after she reveals her face, the half demon-half drow relaxes. A soft chuckle, then:

What are you doing here?

Intrigued, he sits down at the drow’s table.

Well, as they are good sources of information, I go to all kind of inns regularly,

The Draegloth replies that, though he thinks all is foul in the city, he likes the Black Chalice because there is very little drow interference.

Do you know anything about foreigners – non-drow – living underneath the city? It seems House Eilservs has lost control over this ghetto.

Phaedra leans slightly forward after her question.

Have you seen a large tower, made of bones? It is owned by a male lich Morius. Rumors are that he is not content with living in the tower anymore. A lot of foreigners have disappeared – also drow, perhaps to be used for experiments. To make more undead. The Eilservs do nothing indeed, so be careful.

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From the corner of her eye, the Scout sees her sister enter the inn, a cloud of pent-up anger and frustration almost tangible around the Cleric. Lilith stomps towards the bar and orders a glass of wine. Suspicious of its contents, she first smells before taking a sip. In her rage, drinking and grinding her teeth is all she’s able to do, apart from strangling a by-stander to cool her anger. At another table many high-ranking people are socializing. There is much food, but only a few eat. A woman – a vampire – looks like she might be the inn’s owner, Nytha’ela. Phaedra turns her attention back to the half-demon.

Has Thangarth left already?

Yes, but I’m staying for a while, I have some business still.

Can I be of assistance?

No, but thank you for the offer. Until next time.

Then the powerful Draegloth grabs his scythe and walks out. Phaedra throws back her hood, moves towards the noble table and says in Drow:

Greetings!

Can I help you?

Would you mind if I joined you?

Yes I would!

the vampire indignantly says. When Phaedra doesn’t move, she hisses,

Are you dimwitted?

I’m so sorry, I meant no disrespect. I only have a quick question: if I wanted information, who would be the best person to ask?

An icily “Me” is the answer.

Rumors have it that undead giants are in the ghetto. Is that even possible?

You’re talking about the Principles?

Yes, have they set up a place here in the ghetto?

Yes.

Truth is I’m surprised House Eilservs allows this to happen. I have some business with these Principles.

Instantly the mood turns and becomes threatening.

You want to do business with them? What kind of business? Do sit down, ‘please’.

The vampire hisses and shows her teeth – Phaedra sits and says

I just want to know where they are. Do they work for you?

No, they arrived not long ago, though they act as if the city belongs to them!

And if I say my ‘business’ would not be positive?

That does make a difference, yes. I would like to see them destroyed.

Phaedra smiles, while Nytha’ela continues.

They entered here, didn’t pay homage to me at all and now break all the rules. They are backed up by House Shi’quos. A lot has changed lately.

What if I would take care of them?

Continuing her story, the vampire nods.

They have taken residence underneath the Sarcoma Keep, a mansion that has been empty for over a hundred years. It has been used several times by necromancers and undead, and is overgrown by vegetation. The keep is enormous, but ruinous.

The Xaniqos Scout thanks the lady for the information.

If I can be of assistance in the future…?

You may.

May I take my leave now?

You may.

With that the vampire turns back to her party.

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Ambush

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Alvra carries the strongbox back down to the corridor, and does the same with his dead mount’s saddle and bridle. Phaedra points out it would be suspicious if a dead riding lizard was found in this cave. Combined with the missing Cloak of the Consort, it might lead straight to House Xaniqos. They decide to burn it all: the crates, bedding, araneas and the riding lizard. An incendiary slime spell in combination with a fire ball does the trick. An enormous explosion rocks the stone, and when the Wizard climbs back up to check out the area, all is scorched black. A mass of organic and inorganic stuff remains, reasonably unrecognizable. Satisfied, the Drow follow the corridor, the younger sister scouting ahead. She finds herself in a cave with ladders and ropes, leading up to a platform with a small pool of pure drink water. This might come in handy for future travels. They fill up their water bottles. Since it is a dead end, they retrace their steps and take the long and arduous route back. A lot of climbing and hoisting needs to be done and it takes them at least two hours to reach the spider carcasses again.

At the bottom of the slope that leads down from the cave entrance, the scene is unaltered. Or is it? When Lilith takes a closer look, she sees that one of the hobgoblin bodies has been turned over: someone has been here. Fresh bear tracks lead back the way they came from, but all seems quiet for now. After about an hour the siblings come upon a crossroads. The bear imprints lead to the right, but their city is straight on. The Cleric sees no point in following the tracks any further and takes the road towards Erelhei-Cinlu. To their right and left are paths filled with stalagmites, while high cliffs frame the way forward. Then the Scout spots a male Drow standing on a small rock at the side of the road. He’s seems to be nonchalantly waiting for them, his hands at a safe distance from his expensive looking rapier and dagger. The male is wearing a costly outfit and his whole demeanor radiates supreme confidence.

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Greetings, I want you to lay down your weapons and hand over the cloak that you stole.

The adventurers immediately stand still, assessing the situation.

Please lay down your weapons, I will not ask again.

When Lilith asks for his name, he responds with

My name is Jhael’min Shi’quos.

Of course that does ring a bell. House Shi’quos, the Fourth house of Erelhei-Cinlu. And member of the House of the captive Drow whose throat Phaedra slit. The Scout, in a high state of alertness, hears a soft snort to the right. They might have caught up with the owners of the bear tracks. The male Drow, seeing the family crest on Lilith piwafwi, exclaims:

You are of House Xaniqos? That cloak belongs to our family!

Such a devious Matron Mother, the Cleric muses, she indeed never said anything about our House owning it or being entitled to it! Lilith keeps on talking, since the Drow seems genuine in wanting to let them pass, and throws her diplomacy skills in the game.

We know we took something that most likely doesn’t belong to us, but you must understand that we can not go back to our Matron Mother without it.

I’m sorry you feel that way,

Jhael’min says, whereupon both the Wizard and the Cleric feel the impact of a crossbow bolt. Slowly the world fades…

Web Strands

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The Xaniqos Drow make their way out of the city and pass the same Priestess who granted them access earlier. She does look surprised. The new outfits have their effect: people look with respect at them and make way. They soon arrive at the City Gates and head north. The route takes them through inhospitable sceneries with less and less traffic and rumors are that further ahead there is a large empire of Undead north of the Dead Wastes. Geographically, the area is changing rapidly. The road becomes narrow and high walls enclose them. Caves are everywhere, some used, some old.

Phaedra keeps a steady lookout for signs of the fight and when they arrive at the scene, she notices that most tracks of the caravan have been erased. A broken cart, demolished with great force, is all that is left. Behind her, the Scout sees the cliffs where Erelhei-Cinlu has been built against. This side of the cliffs is very high, covered in deep gravel that leaves no traces behind. Most caves in the area are inhabited by small tribes, but these specific ones are too high. Only insects would live in the ones on the lowest level. When Phaedra examines the cart, she discovers pieces of web strands. Seems like someone has been trying to hide them. Jharrath casts a spell to determine if magic has been used, but the spell comes up negative.

Is the lizard able to climb this slope, Alvra?

the Clerc asks. The Fighter is fairly sure of it and steers his mount up the pebbles. The others follow as quiet as possible. When they are almost at the top of the hill, they see the head of a Goblinoid. It raises the alarm.

Intruders!

Bugbears

Alvra quickly urges his lizard forward to get a better grip on the unstable ground, and at the top encounters two surprised Bugbears. They don’t even get a chance to load their crossbows. Next to them is a form that looks like a human spider; a half Humanoid with legs and poison glands. The Drow immediately attacks one of the Bugbears and calls out to warn his brother and sisters. When Phaedra arrives at the top of the slope, she grabs her spiked chain and lashes out at the second Bugbear, killing it with one hit. The first Bugbear panics, throws down its bow and bolts, trying to reach the safely of the cave. Alvra sees his chance and lashes out with his sword, while his lizard finishes the job. Two dead Bugbears are lying still at their feet.

The other two Drow are still trying to reach the top of the slope, but Lilith’s armor is rather heavy and she concentrates on putting one foot before the other. When Jharrath sees the half Humanoid, he recognizes it as an Aranea, the result of a magical Drow experiment. The Aranea is a spellcaster like the Wizard. After a tactical retreat, it disappears into the cave.

Aranea

The black maw of the cave opens up to reveal a path sloping upwards. Thought there are less pebbles than outside, the ground is still not suited for a charge. Alvra grabs his javelin and hurls it after the Aranea. When he follows with the Scout, smears of blood tell them that it is wounded. Be careful with this creature, the Wizard says, it is a Shapeshifter, beware of its spells. Further up, the cave widens and becomes higher. The Humanoid disappears into the distance. It is very dark and the floor of the cave is made of irregular stone.

Lilith, who has finally managed to make it to the top, walks into the corridor and goes after the Aranea. The trail of green red blood is still visible. Seated on his lizard, Alvra climbs the walls and manages to get in front of the Shapeshifter, but at the same moment he feels resistance, web strands touching his face. The Drow and his lizard try to break loose and warn the other Xaniqos about the webs, when two monstrous spiders sink down from the ceiling. Behind them a third spider-like shape appears, smaller than the others. It has long arms and a spider head. With one of his spells the Wizard tries to aid his brother by spreading a layer of acid underneath the spiders. When one of the spiders reaches the ground, the acid bites into its feet. Together, the Scout and the Cleric stand ready, while the Aranea casts mage armor on himself. A massive fight is about to start…

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A banquet, new piwafwis and… a new quest!

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The Lady Thandysha looks even more ravishing than before. She’s wearing elaborate expensive jewelry and an exposing outfit that leaves only very little to the imagination. The siblings are glad they have changed into noble clothing too. The Matron Mother enters with a pleasant demeanor and is accompanied by the pompously dressed House Wizard K’yorl. She is pleased to meet the travelers again and says

Welcome back, sons and daughters. You have returned at the right time. Things have quieted down since you left, and though we should still be wary, it is time for a great banquet. We have further established to be one of the top Eight ruling houses now.

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She walks them to the dining room, where K’yorl, Quarra and Taldinyon join them.

Please sit, you have performed well enough. Due to extensive work on my part but with a little nudge from you saving the House Vae male, House Vae has reopened negotiations with us. Your role in these development was, more by accident, helpful. But why have you only returned with ten lizards? That’s no army. Are there more to come? And did you have to arrive as beggars? Your attires have to change now our House is moving up.

Of course we will dress accordingly to the status of our House now we’re back again, Lady Thandysha,

Lilith says,

but our outfits were functional for what we had to do on our travels. The funds you generously provided us with got us the riding lizards. They are in excellent condition and have proven their worth on the road.

The dinner continues in a pleasant way. One of the servants comes to the table, holding a familiar chest jingling with gold pieces, and reports to the Matron Mother that it was found on one of the lizards. Lilith quickly tells him to take the chest to the treasury and add the gold to the House funds.

Quarra looks at Alvra, who is wearing his Gnashing armor.

What a grotesque outfit.

Excuse me, Mistress, as a male perhaps I don’t know how to dress properly?

Nobody taught you? I will!

With this tempting promise, they continue eating. When the dinner has been concluded, Lady Thandysha asks them to follow her to the Throne Room.

You shall all dress as nobles from now on. I have ordered new piwafwis for all of you, since someone has lost hers…

Lilith tries to bite back her mumbled Yes, but for a good cause!

I presume you still have your house brooches? I know you just arrived, but I have a mission for you to perform, since you returned sooner than expected. Recently one of our caravans has been waylaid along the merchant route. We have been unable to follow the tracks after they lead to one of the higher caves, but perhaps you can. The ambushers didn’t come from the city. Make sure we are not bothered by them again! We don’t involve the city guard and the goods can be carried back. The tracks were found north of Erelhei-Cinlu in a very inhabitable area with small roads and many caves, high on the rim. The goods are silk, piwafwis and a very special cloak for my consort. It HAS to be retrieved.

When did this happen, Matron Mother, how old are the tracks?

The attack occurred one day ago, Phaedra.

Can Alvra take a lizard, Lady Thandysha?

Yes, Lilith, he may, but bring them back in one piece. Alvra has a leading roll to fulfill in showing these lizards after.

They all receive funds to spend on their outfit and Lilith is allowed to take a new mail from the armory. Taldinyon provides them with their new piwafwis: made of silk, they are very beautiful and don’t hamper their movements at all. There’s a gray hue over the inside of the cloak, where their House insignia – the bolt – has been applied. The piwafwi’s outside shimmers when the light falls upon it. Jharrath recognizes them as magically enhanced cloaks of elemental resistance.

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The silver light suddenly reminds the Cleric of mithril and she strides back towards the Throne Room.

Pardon me, Lady Thandysha, but there is one more thing I wanted to tell you. We have initiated a possible deal with the Steelshadow Clan from Dunspeirrin, Phaedra can better inform you about the details but we await your approval to further negotiate.

The Matron Mother nods thoughtfully and tells her that she will ask Phaedra for more information.

Thank you, Lilith. That piwafwi looks good on you. As for the cloak that you are about to retrieve: it is very important to us, so do not fail. There are only three Cloaks of Consorts in the whole Drow world. Our prestige will go up because of this artifact and I have spent much money on it. If it doesn’t return, do not bother to return yourself.

When Lilith asks what distinguishes this garment from others, Thandysha describes it as a very light cloak that looks almost boringly gray, but the moment it is held up to the light, it shimmers and absorbs any light. It is highly sought after by the other Houses.

The Clerc bows and heads back to Taldinyon and her sister and brothers. On request, she is granted a satchel with six potions of healing. These potions will return your health in a reasonable amount, the Weapon Master says. Lilith gives a potion to each sibling and keeps the other three. They change into their travel outfits, get their packs and continue to the stables to pick up Alvra’s lizard. Back on the road so quickly…