March 24-April 1, T.A. 1355
The heroes who saved Maid Dolena arrived back in the citystate of Redmark on March 31st, and Dolena returned to the castle on April 1st.
Flashing back to March 24th, we find Fasolia alone in his inn. A page from Queen arrives and gives Fasolia an invitation to the court that day, saying they have questions they want to ask him. Fasolia arrives at the court, which is empty save for some guards, Queen Sophia, and her advisor Lord Hadrianus of the Western Reach.
Hadrianus says he has his own intelligence of disturbing happenings in the Oskarria. Fasolia recounts his tragic history: his true love, the daughter of King Menelaus, was sacrificed as part of the king’s pagan beliefs as King Menelaus went to war with Dasarria to his west. On hearing of this pagan practice, Queen Sophia is shocked. “This confirms what I have also heard in rumors,” says Hadrianus. “My queen, we cannot allow this to stand.”
Fasolia is dismissed. Time passes, and Fasolia has not been summoned to the royal court. Then on March 29th, Fasolia hears a great clamor in the street. Bells are tolling and crowds are milling throughout the city streets. “We’re going to war!” shouts a passerby. Fasolia makes his way to the docks to see the fleet of Redmark, over a dozen warships, laden with supplies and bristling with the spears and shining helms of Redmark’s army. Fasolia is desperate to join them, but a page arrives saying that Fasolia’s council would be sought as part of the royal strategy for the war. Fasolia returns to his inn, anxiously awaiting the next summons. Two more days pass. Fasolia was concerned about the delay but then on April 1st, the page arrives again, bearing 50 gold pieces and a note reading: “Enjoy a night out on the town, and we will be pleased to receive you at court tomorrow at 10:00am sharp.”
Meeting his friends Vyrus and Rurik, Fasolia shoots “Drinks all around!” As the merriment commences in the tavern, mysterious cloaked figures have entered the room. Fasolia walked to their table to offer them free drinks when the trio of figured throw back their cloaks and attack! The attackers are adorned with skulls on their clothes.
Cultist Attack in the Tavern
The Tattoo on the Cultist’s Neck
A battle ensues, and the three attackers are quickly dispatched.
Inspecting the slain foes, the heroes discover a mysterious arrow symbol tattoed on the neck of each.
The heroes ponder these strange foes and consider how to intercede to deal with Redmark’s looming war and their suspicions about Hadrianus.
LOOT
- 50 gold pieces given to Fasolia
