Unchartered LandsA few words in German ...Ein wenig ungewöhnlich für diese Breiten, doch auf Wunsch eines einsamen Freundes im fernen Rauhaland (Finnland), kommt diese Abenteuerbeschreibung mal dem Board-Titel entsprechend in Neuwestsächsisch (also: Englisch) daher.
Es dient sowohl zu Eurer Unterhaltung, als auch zur Orientierung der Helden, die sich nicht durchweg im Setting auskennen. Dahingehend wird zunächst nicht allzu großer Wert auf superperfekt-fehlerloses Englisch gelegt. Die Ereignisse werden nach und nach erzählt, je nachdem, wie und wann die Sitzungen laufen bzw. die Zeit zum Schreiben vorhanden ist.
Vorneweg / In advance
Als Aufhänger wurden einige Ereignisse aus Thay genommen, die in
The Haunted Lands bzw.
The Grand History of the Realms dargelegt werden. Sollte ein Leser diese Bücher / Informationen nicht kennen, beklagt euch im Anschluß nicht über Spoiler.
Cliffhanger for the plot is an event which prominently features in
The Haunted Lands (novel) and is also related to in
The Grand History of the Realms. Those who read on nonetheless should not start moaning about being spoiled here. You have been warned.
Hintergrundinformationen, die jene, die von meiner SL-Gnade abhängig sind vorläufig noch nicht lesen sollen. (Ich merke das, keine Sorge. Und dann lauft ihr eine Woche lang als Goblindrider-Hybride rum!) -
Background informationSpoiler (Anzeigen)Als Charakterhintergrund wurde zunächst Thay gewählt, doch wird es die Helden alsbald in ein "nicht kartografiertes" Land jenseits jedweden Faerûnschen Wissen verschlagen. Zur Orientierung für den geneigten Leser sei angemerkt, daß wir uns in eine Region bewegen, die vom Flair etwa dem in "Der 13. Krieger" (1999) / "Pathfinder" (2007) nahekommt. Neben den Quellenbücher zu Thay (Spellbound, Unapproachable East) wurden zur Lokalisierung Sargunts einige Karten aus der Pathfinder - Welt Paizos geplündert, namentlich Sandpoint (Players' Guide). Die Lage der Stadt auf der entsprechenden Landkarte wurde allerdings geändert.
Die Enklave der Thayaner ist im Wesentlichen eine direkte Übernahme aus Lords of Darkness.
Background for the adventure is essentially Thay, even though the heroes will leave for unknown, "unchartered" lands pretty soon. It will be one of the Terrae Incognitae on the FR map, beyond any lore or knowledge available in Faerûn. Flairwise, imagine a landscape and features as presented in "The 13th Warrior" (1999) or "Pathfinder" (2007). Lorewise, Thayan sourcebooks (Spellbound, Unapproachable East) were used for the start, while most of the campaign as such will happen in that TI land. For the latter, I scavenged on Paizo's Pathfinder setting, i.e. the map of Sandpoint (Players' Guide), which was renamed as Sargunt. It was - for the adventure - relocated on the map of Paizo's world. The Thayan Enclave is essentially a carbon copy of the one presented in Lords of Darkness.
Unchartered Lands - Chapter I
The noise outside her window was becoming unbearable for Ani'it, so she threw off her blanket and climbed out of the bed. The dizziness in her head vanished very slowly, a certain sign that sleep had not been her partner tonight, at least not for that long. The female still wore the clothes of last night's foray into some of Bezantur's more prominent guest houses, so she had not to worry about her looks when opening the shutters.
The sun was still just creeping away from the horizon, but the streets were filled with a variety of people, all gesticulating, shouting, and debating with one another. Ani'it looked up and down the length of the street, shaking her head. Something important must have happened since last night, for hardly would the populace of a city like Bezantur be up and bustling about like that this early.
Her curiosity caught up on Ani'it and with it any chance of sleep this morning was now safely gone. The guestroom was as good a place for gathering information as any, so the woman decided on getting a decent breakfast and listing to the stories that were making the rounds there. Still enough time to go out and have a look for more afterwards. Ani'it made her way through the empty house and had to get herself a breakfast on her own, as no-one bar the blind father of owner of the inn, Hared Fizan, was inside the building. Since she was sure the world would still be outside the windows after her breakfast, she sat down near the old chap and helped herself to some bred, cheese and roasted meat.
"Is it you, Ani'it," the old man asked, after visible sniffing the air.
A smile crossed her face even while she was chewing.
"And here was me thinking you can distinguish people by their footsteps, rather than their smell, Farsal!"
"That and much more, lightstep," the old man replied, turning around to face her. Cleaning the hands on her trousers, she scanned the room for another mug, retrieved it and pored some quite expansive vintage she found in the kitchen's locker from a brass decanter.
"Here's something for you throat, so it won't run dry while you tell me what the fuzz is all about out there!" She shoved the mug into Farsal's reach and fell on her breakfast again.
A rumbling laughter left the old man's chest, as he grabbed the mug. "That's just like my good Ghindra," he said, "the world herself could fell into oblivion, but she would continue and finish whatever she was doing at the moment." Farsal took a decent gulp and set the mug down. "They say Aznar Thurl is dead, Ani'it. That, people might say, is a good thing. But the rumors go that the Necromancer is behind it and already his undead hordes are assembling. He wants to become emperor of Thay and all tharchs that do not bow to his will, will be quashed. No need telling you that Bezantur will not bow to the Necromancer."
Ani'it had stopped chewing when Farsal told her about Szass Tam's plans, but decided to continued her meal after a couple of moments later.
"People are up in arms already, fearing the undead that will come down from the north, and with Aznar Thrul apparently gone, the fear is even greater."
"People always wet their pants about something," Ani'it finally commented. She looked at the window and saw the inn's owner talking to a number of citizens and militiamen. He looked quite distressed.
"Hear me, lightstep," said Farsal, leaning closer. "Should it come to war, they will conscript anyone and anything that can hold a weapon. They did that the last time war broke out and they will do it this time. I for one would not wait here till my brain gets fried by some of Tam's abominations!"
"Have you got any place you can go to? Somewhere to see this out?" Her eyes were still fixed on the people outside the inn while she spoke.
Farsal laughed again. "Look at me, I will not run anywhere, nor have I anywhere to run to. I'm an old chap and if I die it will only cut short the few month still left in me."
Ani'it's hand found his, squeezing a few platinum pieces between his fingers. "Take these and help yourself to a few hours of comfort of at the temple of Sharess. I think I take your advice ... and my bow from this city!"
A commotion at the door drew her attention. Still panting from his run, a boy stood there, looking straight at Ani'it. He mumbled something and the words 'red hair' barely made it over to Ani'it. "What is it," Farsal asked.
The boy stumbled towards her table, bowing his head. "Mistress Ani'it," he said in his youthful voice, "I have to deliver this letter to you!" He produced the parchment from his vest and handed it over to the female. She dropped a few coppers into his hands, upon which he turned and raced away.
"See, it's as I told you, they will conscript anyone. But full marks to them," he grunted, "never would have thought that they get into action this quick."
Ani'it scanned the lines and raised an eyebrow. She was indeed conscripted, but not by any Bezantur official, but her own guildmistress. "Well, Farsal, I'll be off now. Take care and don't forget the platinums, will you?!"
When passing the old man, he grabbed her hand for a short moment. She stood, looking down at him. Farsal was the only one in the inn - and most likely the whole town - which did not judge her on her appearance and lacked any of the suspicion she felt with anyone she spoke to.
Instinctively, she squeezed his hand, bowed down and planted a soft kiss on Farsal's cheek. Half a moment later, she went up the stairs to gather her equipment.
The sun stood high above Bezantur, blazing down on streets still filled with people, when Ani'it made her way to the Seven Wands, an inn just to the north of Myrkul's old temple. The guildmistress had briefed her on the events that occurred, elaborating on the bits and pieces Ani'it had gathered from Farsal and those on the street. Furthermore, Etain had told her of a mission she was assigned to by the Scarlet Sash, after a request was posted by some of the more prominent customers of the guild. She was to meet a Red Wizard in the Seven Wands who would tell her more, a Red she had already worked for. Etain had given her access to the secret vaults of the guild and informed her that the Sash would not wait for any undead horde to sweep through Bezantur and the guildhouse. They were about to relocate and Ani'it was offered the chance to hand-pick her equipment. She did not need a second invitation.
Now, the female entered the inn disguised as an Thayan trader and was immediately stunned by the number of people inside. She recognized a dozen or so, people of her ilk, mercenaries, scouts, bounty-hunters and many more, so-called adventurers. A number of Red Wizards stood in the center of the room and her contact, Thorion, spotted her soon enough. No wonder, of course, as Ani'it had not dyed her red hair and thus stood out amongst most Thayans anyway.
The mage closed in on her and ushered her into a room upstairs without any explanation. Three more people were already waiting, all males. Thorion closed the door and quickly spoke a couple of spells, most likely warding the room off against magical scrying.
"You all know me by different names, but names do not matter today. Be assured that I am pleased of your attendance." The Red Wizard moved to a place behind the large wooden table, facing all his guests.
"As you have gathered by now, certain events have transpired from the north as well as out of the Citadel. I can confirm that the rumors are indeed true. The Tharchion and Zulkir Aznar Thrul is dead, slain amongst others in a great amount of bloodshed right within his Citadel. The circumstances are not clear, as all protections were and are still in place." The Red Wizards looked at the faces of the four, before continuing.
"I can also confirm that the Necromancer Lord has set his sights on ruling all of Thay and that diplomacy is not an option any longer. His forces have already attacked the northern Tharchs and soon enough it is expected that those loyal to him will show their true faces, even within this city. And it will be not long either before his undead slaves march against the city as such. To that extend, Samas Kul, who has been elevated to the rank of Tharchion of Priador earlier today, has ordered a conscription and all able men and women will join the defense forces of Bezantur. Some," Thorion pointed to the door, "will be sent on special missions and we hope to thwart a number of Tam's loyalists in the region before they can actually do any harm. You, though, will conduct a mission on my behalf."
He stressed the last words and the tiefling got the impression that confidentiality started right there.
"I served the previous Tharchioness, Mari Agneh, long before Aznar Thrul defeated her. Few people know that he did not kill but enslaved her in his fortress, keeping her as his private pet slave." A hint of disdain and agitation crept into his voice. Ani'it remembered Thrul's special liking of the faith of Loviatar.
"That dolt Samas Kul may be a brilliant trader, but he certainly is not of Tharchion-quality, so we do need a person capable of defending this city from Tam's abominations." He drew a deep breath, calming himself.
"We do know that after the killing of Thrul, Mari Agneh was not found within the citadel or her prison. We also know that some large chest was transported to one of Thrul's enclaves only the day before yesterday. We have no clue whatsoever whether Thrul knew anything of an upcoming attempt on his life, but I firmly believe that he got his most prized possessions off to his enclave and Mari was amongst them. She is ... or rather was a capable leader and an even more competent wizard. This city is in dire need of both and thus," he looked firmly at the assembled party, "I will send you to that enclave and recover the chest or Mari Agneh."
Ani'it let that sink in for a moment. Obviously, she was not willing to stay here and defend anyone's skin - the Sashes were already gone, of course. Soon, conscription would be upon her and this redrobe offered a job that would get her away from here. Her tongue needed just a little push and the wizard duly obliged.
"Each of you will get 15,000 gold pieces in gems, slaves or coin, just like you prefer payment. A third of which right now, if you agree to the venture. And once you do, I'll tell you more."
The tiefling sent a glance at the three males. Two of them towered head and shoulders above her, both clad in fine armor. The third, not as impressive a figure as the other two, had the keen and piercing eyes which usually went along with a cunning mind. Even while her mind was calculating and processing the abilities of her new partners, her mouth began to talk.
"Sounds good to me. At least better than to guard the parapets here and enjoy the embrace of some undead creeps."
Ani'it sensed more than saw agreement amongst her new companions. The chap with that large sword tied to his back uttered a short "I'm in!", while the Aurilite in his shining deep blue armor merely nodded.
'Keen-eyes' also nodded and turned to the Red Wizard: "So what is there to know which you could not tell us before?"
Ani'it instantly noted the deep Untheric dialect of the chap, a typical foreign mercenary then. As Thorion was not someone to leave something to chance, she assumed that he had gathered his most competent associates for the business.
"All foreign trade is in the hands of Samas Kul and his trade council. Thrul despised him and his dealings and established a few enclaves of his own. One about 13 month ago. It lies in a far off land, far off any civilization of Faerûn. A few dragonship sailors found these new shores, rich of ore, gems, and the like, so we got into a deal with them quickly after we found out. A secret deal that is." His voice was demanding confidentiality now.
Thrul established an enclave over there, sending his most loyal and some of his most capable people through a special portal, to trade with the sailors right there and to guard the outpost from the indigenous folk. All developed quite nicely and it was soon found that ancient civilizations had inhabited the lands before, their ruins spread all over the place. Anyway, the chest I mentioned was brought to that place by a group numbering about 20 in total, including Red Wizards like me and a few undead."
Thorion got a number of scrolls out of his robe's many pockets and presented them to the four. It were five scrolls in total, one elaborately marked with a sigil of Aznar Thrul himself.
"These papers will tell the Thayan ambassador that you work under my authority and since I know her quite well, there will not be any difficulties or inquiries about your work. That said, the portal is guarded by one of Thrul's own creations and only the latter knows the way to activate the portal on the other side. Hence you will get this fifth parchment, authorizing you to use the portal at will and any time you like. If all goes according to plan, you will only need to go through that process twice though, tomorrow night and when you bring Mari back."
He handed a scroll to every member of the party and left the remaining one on the table, so the foursome could decide about the diplomatic aspects of their venture for themselves.
"The enclave has been used as some sort of special retreat for some of Thrul's associates as well as a place of exile for those he did not particularly like. None of the latter ever returned. So be prepared for a rough-neck approach by the officials over there - or some unwanted attention by the exiles. Questions?"
A few things sprang to Ani'it's mind, but 'Keen-eyes' was quicker. He raised an eyebrow and asked: "Just in case this ... chest does not hold your missing Tharchioness, we are to bring it and ... or whatever it held back to Bezantur?"
"That is required to fulfill the deal." Thorion replied. "Though I am quite certain that Mari is in that chest, and hopefully alive as well."
( open for some more questions which escaped my memory )
"Meet me two hours after sunset at the Black Rose Inn, just south of The Manor. I'll get you inside the fortress and on your way." With that, Thorion stood up, pointed at the remaining scroll and before leaving the room, placed four bags on the table - the advance payment. Every member of the group retrieved their due and sized one another up. The tallest of them, a guy who called himself Ehran Irgalan left no doubt about his profession and his patron. Obviously Mulan by descent, the brown-haired man had the scar-lined face of a warrior and a hilt of the two-handed sword showed prominently over his shoulder. His green eyes professionally sized every party member up, trying to take in as much information - most likely of her combat prowess - as possible.
Clad in blue armor, the second bulky chap was obviously some follower of Auril, as her symbol prominently showed on his trousers. Ani'it even got the impression that the breastplate he wore was made of solid ice, even though she had never seen or heard of somesuch before. His eyes matched his armor in colour and steely sheen. The tiefling hadn't had that much contact to this church before, so she decided to postpone any judgement on it until she had spent some time in the company of this Tandril of Auril.
Last came 'Keen-eyes', the Untheric mercenary. His chestnut-brown eyes shimmered with a sorcerer's cunning intelligence that never failed to impress Ani'it. Then again, the chap wore a finely crafted leather armor, which was unusual for anyone wielding the arcane arts. Maybe there was more to 'Keen-eyes' than just that, Ani'it mused. Not that she had made any of her talents as obvious as Ehran or Tandril. They would soon enough find out about her abilities.
When 'Keen-eyes' laid his eyes upon her, she nodded towards the scrollcase on the table and bade the men a good night. They would surely become annoying enough by the end of the next day.
Ani'it spent the next day retrieving all her possessions and acquiring all necessary equipment. That done, she spent a few hours debating the venture with the Emerald Whip, the leader of the Sashes in Bezantur. Etain wished her well and gave her the new location of the headquarter of the guild - should she require assistance after her return. Normally, the Sashes would contact her rather than vice versa.
After a short stay with one of the city's more notorious alchemists, she went back to her inn and prepared herself and her equipment for the trip to that unchartered land. Farsal was nowhere to be seen, only his son was about, lamenting on the disaster which had befallen him and his home. Ani'it did not linger any longer than it took her to pay what she owed him. The sun was just about to vanish in the waves of the Alamber Sea when she stood in the long shadow of Bezantur's massive Citadel. Never did she venture close to this darkly foreboding home of the rulers of the largest city of the Tharch of Priador. The place where Aznar Thrul had been slain only a day or so ago. Now she was about to enter this very place with a band of strangers to embark on a trip to a land not even her employer had any clue of. A small part of Ani'it's mind was telling her to flee the place with the money she got, another part hinted at new opportunities beyond that portal, while a third part was still complaining about the lack of sleep and thus her inability to judge rationally. The tiefling decided to keep them all bartering a while longer and entered the inn near Loviatar's Manor.
Once more, she was the last to appear. The males gave her a short bow or nod and before she had the chance to order anything, Thorion made his entrance as well and bade them to follow him to the Citadel. Time was obviously of importance today, she thought silently. "No drinks for me then," her mouth mused more loudly, but the males ignored her plea and longing look for the vintage wines presented by the innkeeper.
Soon after, Thorion lead them into the depths of the Citadel, bypassing a number hard-staring guards and gates strong enough to withstand an entire army's onslaught. Ani'it took it all in with the trained eye of her profession, just in case Thorion decided to cut their deal short and keep the remainder of the payment in his coffers. Finally, they reached a number of extensive hallways, all leading up to a central dais with a towering archway. The Red Wizard bade them waiting for a moment just beneath the dais and began talking to the two men guarding the portal. The hallway was lined by large carts, all canvas covered. Ani'it's interest ended when she spotted the hulking ogre skeletons used as draftbeasts. Thorion returned soon enough and after the guards uttered a few unintelligible syllables, the portal sprang into action, presenting the night-time image of a settlement the Red Wizard declared to be Sargunt. Ani'it drew in a sharp breath and nodded towards Ehran: "Off to this unchartered land then!" The male duly obliged and vanished through the portal. Interestingly enough, he did not appear in the picture presented by the portal, but Ani'it decided that she would find out soon enough about the why's. With a mixture of dread and anticipation, she followed Ehran ...