Slave Pits Of The Undercity (Session 54)

Summary

The session begins with the Slayers recovering from a fight with Hobgoblins. They decided not to chase the fleeing Hobgoblins but instead try to move on. They overheard someone mention that guards would be coming soon. The group then attempted to adjust their disguises with Brandy using the Hat of Disguise to appear as an old man, while Oglesby and Kipp became invisible. They headed east, moving through tent areas and crossing a major street, with Kipp leading and watching for potential problems.

Oglesby noticed someone following them and informed Elenor, who discreetly passes the message along. The Slayers continued east, passing warehouses and ruined buildings. The follower disappeared when they entered another tent area with little coverage. He would have stood out in that area. Kipp scouted ahead and found several taverns, including The Bearded Clam. The group entered the tavern and found a table in the back, ordering food and drinks while keeping an eye on the room.

While waiting for their food, they heard a loud argument upstairs. A woman named Cognac was angry about unpaid debts and threatened a man, who was then thrown over the balcony. The man quickly recovered and left. Cognac, a dwarven woman, descended the stairs and interacted with the barkeep. Cognac bought food and drink for a man named Feador, who seemed to be in a bad state.

Oglesby listened in on a conversation upstairs, learning about Lex's Legion, an adventuring group led by Lex and Cognac. The group was frustrated about not getting paid for a job they did for Rowyn. Feador, who was at the bar, was approached by Audra, who tried to engage him in conversation. Feador was initially dismissive but eventually opened up about his situation.

Feador revealed that he came to Highport looking for his brother, Falvin, who was taken by slavers. He tried to join Lex's Legion but was deemed too inexperienced. He then joined a slave ship called the Ghoul, where he witnessed the horrific conditions of the slaves. Feador provided information about the slavelords and their operations, mentioning names like Dirk and Mordrammo.

Audra invited Feador to join them upstairs for a private conversation, where he shared more details about the slavelords and their operations. Feador agreed to help the Slayers by showing them a secret entrance to the temple where the slaves are taken. The group set off under the cover of darkness, with Feador disguised as an old man. They reached the temple district and hid as a massive Ettin named Ooga Booga patroled the area.

Feador pointed out the hidden entrance, and the group took him to their friends for safety. They return to the safehouse and arrange for Feador to be taken out of the city by Blackbird. The Slayers then headed back to the temple and found the secret entrance. They navigate through the tunnels, encountering traps and enemies like Ghasts and a Wight.

The group fought off the undead. Brandy took the brunt of this fight and though Pyreece could heal the direct physical damage, the damage to her constitution will require a while to recover from.

This is where the session ended.

Please start the recorder.

Exp: 500 + 667 + 117 = 1,284

Detail

This session started after a fight with a bunch of Hobgoblins. They had killed several of them but stopped short of killing them all. They were trying to move about without being seen, at least as much as possible. This fight was not good for that. When the Hobgoblins started to flee after taking a few casualties, the Slayers opted not to give chase, but instead, pull up their hoods. They could here someone say, "You know, the guards will be coming soon.". Then a moment later, "Well, if there not busy somewhere else.". The Slayers began moving away.

The group moved behind some buildings and attempted to remake the look of the group. Oglesby gave the Hat of Disguise to Brandy. She took on the appearance of an old man. Oglesby activated his ring of invisibility. Elenor cast Invisibility on Kipp. The makeup of the group changed a lot. Now, to the world, it was only four people, three women and one old man. Audra and Pyreece were on either side of Brandy, the old man, appearing to help him along.

They headed east. They made there way up a little rise and to the road and then shifted towards some tents. From there they made there way to the eastern shore, crossing one major street. There were very few people out and about. They continued traveling, Audra and Pyreece helping the old man, with Elenor following closely behind. Invisible Oglesby followed further behind while invisible Kipp took the lead and watched for potential problems.

From behind, Oglesby noticed a person who might have been following them. He wasn't exactly sure that the man was following them so he watched him for a while. Once he was sure, he moved up to Elenor and whispered that they were being followed. Elenor moved around Pyreece, trying to look like she was not with them, but whispered to her that they were being followed. Pyreece passed it down the line. Elenor stopped to look at something while the others passed by again. She eventually moved back out and followed them again, at a good distance behind so as not to look like she was with them.

The Slayers continued moving east, staying close to the coastline, passing warehouses and the occasional ruined building. The docks were in pretty bad shape up here. The further east they went, the better to condition of the docks. As they passed through another tent area, the man slipped off south and disappeared. Oglesby felt it was because there was little cover in that area and his following them would stand out. As they continued east, Kipp saw some lights coming from some buildings and heard the sounds of life, tavern sounds. The docks in this area were in better shape. They also came upon a fairly large temple to the Elemental Eye. It was the only consecrated religion in the city.

Kipp whispered to the others to slow down while he searched for the Bearded Clam. He moved to the buildings that sounded as if they were taverns and looked for signs identifying them. He found one where the sign was only hanging by one chain named The Belching Beholder. The next one was in better shape and was named The Come and Go. The next one was called The Cloak and Stagger. The next one he spotted looked as though it was really nice at one point but was not so nice now. It was called The Bearded Clam.

Kipp then went back to the others and talked them through the buildings to the tavern. They went inside and looked for a table to the side or a corner where they could have a little privacy. The place appeared to have been a very nice facility at some time but had not been kept up very well. People looked up at the new commers but then went back to their food, drinks, and conversations. On the western side of the room in the back, they found a table and gathered there. The invisible ones moved to empty spots around the table.

They ordered rabbit stew, bread, and ale. They sat for a bit and took in the people around the room, looking for anyone that might be paying too much attention to them. They didn't see any thing that concerned them. They asked the server for a couple of rooms which they were able to do. She brought them back a couple of keys and told them where to find the rooms. While waiting for their food, they heard a loud argument. Everyone in the place quieted as they heard the raised voices from up the stairs to the west.

A deep womans voice - “No? No? Tell me that again. I dare you..

A man - “It’s like this,.. The dragons took some heavy losses and things are a little disorganized. You see these outlanders…

A woman you think: “And Vessa? How does she fare?

Man - ‘Lady Rowyn you mean?

Woman - “Whichever one she is.

Man - “Well. She’s getting things back in ship shape.. She..

Woman - “Ship Shape?

Man - You know.. to turn a sea-faring phrase. Like getting things in disarray back in order..

Woman - “I know what It means dipshit. I don’t think you understand that I don’t give two fucks about her excuses. Here’s what you’re gonna do. You get back on your horse, ride as fast as you can, and tell Lady Lookalike (whoever she is this week) that when someone owes us money and doesn’t pay, we get surly and ill-tempered. And she won’t like us surly and ill-tempered. Oh and give her this for me. (with that you here a heavy whack and a man comes through and over the balcony railing crashing to the floor).

He is lithe and quickly regains his footing. He looks about the room as he brushes the debris from his clothes. His face covered by a black cloth he gives one last glance at the balcony as a dwarf figure obscured in shadow leans looks over the room. “We’ll be there very soon. “ The messenger moves skittishly as if expecting a heavy object to follow. Then he quickly moves to the door. “Sam.. another round..”. The barkeep waves an acknowledgment.

The dwarf moves away from the balcony and descends the stairs. A rarely seen dwarven female, a feminine figure stout, broad at the shoulder, and formidable in stature makes her way down the stair. Your taken aback at how attractive she could be. But her face is a snarl of disgust and her red hair seems to accentuate her fiery disposition. She looks powerful and bears a slight resemblance to Brandy. She goes up to the bar as patrons give her space. “Sorry about the rail Sam. She throws down 5 gold on the bar. “No problem he says.", already getting 3 large mugs poured, "S’pose he had it coming?”

“Bah he’s just a piss ant. Lex ain’t gonna stand for someone trying to stiff him and none of us are interested in Ms Lady Lookalike’s excuses. I guess we’ll be on our way to Elredd soon enough to collect. She glances over at a slender disheveled man at the bar. “Hey Sam..(the barkeep) how about a shot and a little something to eat for little man here. On me. She places her hands on the mans shoulders and he pulls away nervously. “ C’mon Feador.. you’re wastin’ away. You got balls.. big pendulous ones.. to try and take them on. It’s over man.” He just stares down into his drink. She gives a sigh of resignation ‘Have It your way..’ She snatches up the mugs in one-hand and heads back up to the balcony.

Oglesby moved silently up the stairs to listen in on their conversation. When he got up there, he found a small group that reminded him of an adventuring party. The Dwarven woman was there, obviously a fighter, carrying a big war hammer. Across from her was a very big male fighter carrying a broadsword. Another man seemed more like an Oglesby type, black leather armor, seemed a little quiet and aloof. And on the other side was a woman dressed like the classic magic user. They were grumbling about not getting paid. From the conversation, the male fighter was Lex. The Dwarf they learned was called Cognac. The thief's name, they later learned, was Prentice. They never learned the magic users name. The group is called Lex's Legion.

Prentice said, "I think he was trying to explain something.".

Cognac, in an angry tone said, "I don't give a fuck…I don't give a fuck! I'm tired of not getting paid. She should have paid us when we made the delivery!".

"Well, she said she'd make good on it! She's always done good by us in the past.", Prentice replied.

Then Lex said, "Look, you always let your temper get to your head. Maybe we could a worked something out…".

Cognac responded, "Oh, we'll work something out alright. I'll go up there and shove her head so far up he ass that she won't see the light of day for a month.".

Lex asked, "So that's it then, we're off tomorrow? Is the ship ready?".

She responded, "Should be, crews in good shape, we were planning on sailing up in a couple of days anyway, this just kind of sped up the schedule a little bit.".

Lex said, "We'll be off to Elredd then.".

The mage said, "Weee! I love sailing!".

The rest of them looked at her like she was crazy. One of them said, "You're so weird!".

They settled in to drink and got out some cards and started playing a game.

Cognac asked, "Hey, you know whose fucking down there don't ya?".

They looked at each other and one of them asked, "Is it him again?".

She said, "Yeah, fucking Feador!".

Lex asked, "What the hell is he still doing here?".

Cognac answered, "I don't know! I don't know what he's got to prove man. He's loosing weight! He looks like shit!".

Lex said, "You know what, I don't fucking care! I guess he didn't find his brother then.".

Cognac answered, "No! He's not going to find him and their fucking going to kill him if he hangs around.".

One of them said, "Maybe he can come with us!".

The reply was swift, Cognac said, "Oh no! I'm not having that fucker on our ship! He's nothing but bad luck man! No..No..No..No..No!".

The thief said, "He's not that bad!".

Cognac said, "No..No..No.., he's not getting on my ship!".

The thief said, "It's our ship, it's our ship!".

Cognac replied, "Whatever, he's not getting on a ship that I partly own!".

"Fine then!", Lex replied, "Maybe we could have a little talk with him then, before we leave!".

Cognac looked over, "It's really pitiful!. He's down there with like his face down in his bottle! Kinda makes you sad!".

Lex said, "Oh cut it out, you don't mean it!".

She replied, "I do too mean it!".

He said, You haven't had a real genuine feeling in our life!".

"Fuck you I have!", she replied.

They went back to playing cards and Oglesby moved silently back to the table and passed on what he'd heard. The food had arrived while he was gone. They tried to place the name Feador! Lady Lookalike was interesting as well, like two different personas. She had mentioned Rowen from Elredd who tried to hire the Slayers. Vessa was another name that Cognac was getting confused with Rowen, or maybe they were one in the same. Lady Lookalike seemed like another name for them, or maybe she is a different person. The Dragons were mentioned and they already knew about them. The outlanders who had caused them significant losses were of course, the Orc Slayers.

They remembered the letter that Rowen sent rescinding the offer to work for her. The letter mentioned Feador. It said that he had gone before them trying to find his cousin or brother. He became a crew member on the ship called the Ghoul. They sailed to Highport with a shipment. He went AWOL shortly after the shipment was completed and had not been seen since. She told them that if he lived, he might have information on the Slavelords operation in Highport. He was described as dark haired, clean shaven, and well spoken. He should stand out in a town like that.

They looked at the man at the bar. He did have on what might have been, once upon a time, fine clothes but they were tattered, dirty, and nasty now. His hair was dark. If he'd shaved, it could be him. They discussed Lex's Legion some more, noting that they were an adventuring group. Good, evil, they couldn't be sure yet. They seem possibly just another adventuring group, much like the Slayers. They apparently did a job for Rowen but she hadn't paid them yet. They were angry about it and were going to sail up to Elredd to get their money. Cognac did seem somewhat compassionate toward Feador. Buying him food and drink, trying to convince him to give up.

Oglesby mentioned that someone should go talk to him. Audra made her way to the bar and sat close to him. She ordered a drink and then turned to Feador and said, "You look a little sad there. Everything okay?". He didn't look up, just replied, "Just leave me be!". Audra tried again. "What's got you upset? Granted things are not great around here. Surely they're not all that bad.", she said. He replied, "I done told you, you done had your sport with me. I'm not goin anywhere, I know all about your hunting games and I won't play along! I don't fucking care anymore! I'll just sit down and wait on the dogs and hunters to find me".

Audra replied, "I'm not hunting anything! I'm not playing any games! Just having an ale and thought you could use a friend.". In a dismissive tone, he replied, "Friend.". He looked over at her and added, "Do I look like I was fucking born yesterday?". He paused for a second, looking at her, and then added, "I've not seen you before!". He looked at her some more and asked, "Who are you?". Audra replied, "My name is Samantha!. "What's your name?", she asked. He replied, "You don't look like one of them!". She replied, "I don't know who it is you speak of!". He seemed to relax a little more around her.

Audra, feeling that she was making headway asked again, "So what's bringing you down, what's got you so sad!". He replied, "Not worth talking about!". She said, "Sometimes talking is the only way to get through it. Who knows, maybe I'll have some sort of ideas, I might be able to help you!". About that time, Cognac came back down the stairs and headed to the bar. She sat on the other side of Feador and shouted, "Sam, three more!". Seeing this, Oglesby moved to a better position to back up Audra in case she needed it, he also wanted to be able to hear the exchange as well. Feador had his back to Cognac.

Cognac looked at Audra and gave her a bit of a look. She hopped down and moved over closer to Audra and asked Feador, "She bothering you Feador?". He answered, "No..no. It's all cool!". She asked again, "You sure?". He looked at her and quietly answered, "Yeah!". Cognac said, "Alright buddy, alright!". Then she added, "Eat some of that damn food. It cost me money!". She gathered her mugs and headed back up the stairs.

Feador looked back at Audra, kind of laughed a little, then his expression changed to one of extreme concern. He said, "Oh, there's..no..no..there's nothing like that! She's just a friend! Her name is Cognac! She's a fighter. They are some kind of adventuring group called Lex's Legion. They're from Sasserin. Do you know where that is, Sasserin? It's all the way across the Azure Sea. It's kind of a dark region with jungles and volcanos and stuff like that. They are mercenaries or privateers of a sort I suppose. I met her in Elredd. She's…they had connections you know, I thought they could help me. I kind of tried to sign up. They have a ship. I thought they was…you know…them. But, they're not.".

Feador added, "You see, she's kind of into the import export business. She smuggles like exotic animals herbs and narcotics and spices and stuff from the dark continent down there. Basically anything that paid. I don't think they do any of the…you know…that. But I suppose that if times were hard enough, they might. They gave me a shot. Brought me onboard their ship but quickly saw that I was too inexperienced to be of any help. I offered them money, told them why I was here. They just sent me away with some information and an even bolder plan I suppose. Stupid plan!".

Audra asked, "You thought they were them? What did you mean by them?". He replied, "Have you ever been to Highport before?" She told him "No". He asked, "Have you ever been to the xxxxxx before?". She answered, "No". The barkeep came over and asked if anyone wanted anything more. Feador told him that he was fine, Audra asked for some bread and butter. Sam went back to the kitchen. Feador lowered his voice some more and leaned in toward Audra and said, "I can't talk here". He looked around the room at everybody and said, "They all know who I am!".

Audra told him she had a room upstairs. His eyes sort of perked up at that. She told him, "Not for that reason! If you would like to talk more about this, I'd like to listen. Maybe I can offer a perspective that you haven't considered. Then again, maybe you can help me understand things. As I said, I've not been around here and I don't know much about what goes on around here.". He asked, "Why would you be interested in talking to me?". She answered, "Because you look sad and I don't like to see people sad!". He said, "I am sad, but I'll get over it!".

Oglesby, who'd been standing near by, invisible, leaned in to Audra's ear and whispered, "Tell him, you are looking for somebody to!". She turned to Feador and said, "We're looking for somebody too, my friends and I. Somebody who was…well…she was taken!". His eyes lit up with that. He asked, "By them?". Audra replied, "I don't know if we are talk about the same them or not", he cut her off saying, "There's only one fucking them! They take everybody!". He caught himself and that his voice had raised some and lowered it again. He grabbed his drink, obviously concerned about saying that out loud. Some of the people at the other tables looked over but he calmed down and apologized.

Audra gave him her room number. She told hum that she and her friends would be upstairs in a little while. Come on up and let's have an actual conversation where we can talk in private.". Oglesby whispered to her to tell him that maybe we can help each other. She told him that. She said, "You have nothing to loose and who knows, maybe we can help.". In a depressed tone he replied, "I doubt it!". He then turned to her to say, "Listen, if you guys are looking to rob me, I've got nothing! They took my money a long time ago.". He showed her empty pockets and again said, "I've got nothing!".

Audra told him they weren't looking to rob anybody. He added, "If you're going to beat me up, it'll be the second time this week., I don't fucking care. You can beat me up right here. You don't have to play any games.". Audra replied, we don't hurt people unless they deserve it.". He said, "I've got to admit, I've not seen you before.". She added, "We help people, we don't hurt people!". He added, "I'm not worth tricking!". She replied, "I'm not tricking you!". She told him they would go up in a while and if he can get by his friends, to please come upstairs to their room and let's talk about it! She gave him the room number again and then returned to her table with her bread and drink and caught everyone up.

Audra suggested that someone, probably Oglesby, remain down here and keep an eye on him while the rest of them head upstairs. Brandy said, "Wait, let me try to get a better read on this other group first! I won't start a fight or anything, I promise.". With that, she got up in her old man form, moved around downstairs doing the old man walk, and then made her way up the stairs. She stopped a little ways away from their table and just stood there. Cognac looked at her and said, "Hey, private party asshole, move along!". She walked up and said, "Eh…I'm looking for the shitter, do you know where it's at?". Prentice said, "I think he's looking for the shitter!".

Cognac looked at Prentice and sarcastically replied, "Well, thank you for that piece of information Prentice, that's very helpful!". Cognac got up from the table and went over to look at the old man that was Brandy. She seemed to be examining him carefully, like she was trying to get a read on him. Brandy said, "You're kind of a short thing there, aren't you? Pretty though!". Cognac told her/him finally that the shitter was outside. Brandy said, "Oh, okay.". She began to make her way to the stairs, walking as if she was trying to hold it in. She said, "Thank you young lady!". Cognac asked, "Are you going to be okay?". She replied, "I'm trying to get there.". She made her way down the stairs and Cognac followed and then headed back up once she saw that she was safely down.

She went outside, Pyreece rushed to catch up, like a daughter trying to keep an eye on her father. They hung around outside for a bit. He told her that he picked up another name but didn't know the magic users name. "We have Lex, Cognac, and Prentice! They weren't really ugly to me.". She told Pyreece, "They remind me of us!". They worked their way back in and back to the table. Along the way, Pyreece had said, "Dad, I told you not to wonder off like that without one of us with you!". Brandy replied, "When a man's gotta shit, he's gotta shit!". When they got back to the table, he told everyone else what he'd told Pyreece.

Around two in the morning, they got up and head upstairs. As they passed the balcony area where the other group was, they were not there. That's when they noticed the doors to the suite nearby. That must be their room. The continued upstairs to their room. Oglesby stayed near the rail where he could see Feador and keep an eye on him. The rest went into the room they had invited Feador to come to. After about 20 minutes or so, Feador finally got up and looked up the balcony. He made his way up the stairs. He was moving slow, kind of like someone who was worried about who he was meeting with. Oglesby heard him mumble something like, "Well, nobody is waiting to kick my ass!".

Feador continued on slowly. He made it up to the room and stared at it. He put his ear up to it. He heard Brandy saying something like, "Well, if he was looking, maybe he can give us the information we need to help us continue the search for our people." Pyreece said, "It sounds like he could be a big help and, who knows, maybe we can help him while we're at it!". Brandy said, "I think so too. At least that was the name we were told to look for.". Feador sighed and then slowly started to walk away. He made it to the corner and stopped. He muttered something to himself and then walked back to the door. Finally he knocked.

Audra answer the door. She invited him in. He came in and saw Pyreece. His interest peaked a little and then he saw Honey Badger in the room and suddenly realized this was just going to be a conversation. Feador asked, "So, you think you can help me?". Audra said, "I told you my name is Samantha. I'm not going to name everyone in the group. We're trying to keep a low profile ourselves. Yes, I think we might be able to help you and I think you might be able to help us. We might be looking for the same thing.".

Feador said, "Look, I've got nothing to hide! Everyone knows why I'm here! Apparently, everyone except you guys.". He continued, "I came here looking for Falvin my brother, Falvin, Fymon & Me were inseparable back in the city of Divvers. Until we were separated that is. Fymon was killed in a raid on our village, Falvin my youngest brother, and others in the area were taken and I was left for dead. I tracked the bastards to Elredd. From there they were put on a ship.".

He continued, "I learned a bit about the operation from Lex and Cognac. I tried to join their crew on their ship. As I told you already Samantha, that failed. I did learn a little about what it took to be a sailor. From there, I used money and joined the crew of a cargo ship called the Ghoul. Nice name, I know. I thought I would infiltrate these brutes. What little training I had helped get me in but I am no sailor. And it was quickly apparent that Capt Girana would not tolerate incompetence. Gods I hated that bitch…I made mistakes since I didn’t know what I was doing. It seems like every other day I was tied to the mast and flogged. The crew were a nasty bunch, they gave me the lash and laughed about it. Evil as they come.".

He continued, "They carried legitimate cargo, oh yea. On the up and up they were; but below the hold was the real product. 20 or 30 shackled slaves lying in their own filth with barely enough room to move. Fed gruel and slop. I’ll never forget the sight or the smell. If one got sickly and dying, well they tossed them into the sea to be food for the sharks. In Highport they put them to sleep to be ready for delivery inland. In a few days the Ghoul was off again into the bay and gods knows where.".

He continued, "Onboard, I managed to overhear a few things. First of all, Girana, and the crew don’t ask questions so they don’t know much. Well, let me stop there. You said you were looking for someone. Were they taken?". Audra replied, "Yes!". Brandy removed the Hat of Disguise and revealed her true appearance to Feador. He was suddenly taken aback by that. Her resemblance to the drawf, Cognac, struck him. Brandy approached him and said, "Yeah, it sounds like we're looking for the same assholes you are, that took some of our friends.".

Feador was a little speachless at first but then asked, "Are you related to Cognac?". Brandy replied, "No, but just listening to her, I kind of get where she's coming from!". Audra said, "Similar attitude, different packaging!". Brandy asked, "Is she an evil bitch or is she on the up ad up? I only kick peoples asses that deserve it.". Feador replied, "I suppose she's nice enough. I mean they're…is like I told your friend, they're smugglers, they deal in…when I met them, they were working with a group in Elredd that I was trying to get into called the Lotus Dragons. There was this lady named Rowen. I couldn't pass mustard to join them either, I even offered them money to help me and Rowen took my money and gave me information about the Slavelords and the slave ship, the Ghoul.".

He added, "Actually, her first information was that she was doing this trade with Cognac and Lex's Legion and their ship. She suggested that I try to join up with them and if I could join with them, they would probably come to Highport and I could come down here and have some protection with them, pay them something for the transport and protection while I was here. I could see what I could do to find my brother. Well I…you would think a bunch like that would take any money you know, but they needed sailors, and I 'm no sailor. I'm an upper class citizen of Divvers. I've never done anything like that, and it showed."

He continued, "There were some accidents and I broke some things and they didn't want me on their ship. I gave them money and they finally agreed to take me onboard but they didn't want me working on anything. I basically paid for passage, or I was going to pay for passage and then I had a better idea, or so I thought. I thought I had learned enough about sailing that instead of traveling with them, I would join a slave ship. Then I would really learn what the fuck was going on. Cognac thought that was a good idea. In fact, their whole team encouraged me. Yeah that was a way to infiltrate these guys and get in like that, if you're determined. I was, so Rowen introduced me to Captain Girana and I paid Rowen money to kind of grease the wheels so Girana would take me on her crew.".

He continued, "That didn't work out so well, but If you lost someone to the slavers, and they've come this direction, it may be hopeless. It is for me, I've given up. I'm not going to…if Falvin is even alive, I'm not going to find him. What I learned on the ship, Girana and the crew don't ask questions. They don't know anything for the most part. I know they fear the Slavelords mightily and look the other way all the time. In their mind, they're just moving cargo, no different than any other items in their hull. They kept their mouths shut about what's in the bottom of the ship. As we arrived in port, the victims were all put top sleep. They took some sort of wet rags and put it over their noses and they all just were out.".

Brandy asked where they took them from there. Feador answered, "Well, it's a little weird. The stevedores in Highport were a grim crew, like they knew what was on the ship, but they only took care of the regular cargo. They came in and unloaded everything of the regular cargo and were sent away. After dark another group arrived. There was a man with them, his name was Dirk. He seemed to be in charge of the transport of the slaves. His crew went on ship and crated up the secret cargo, still knocked out, loaded them up onto carts and took them into the city.".

He continued, "I hid in the hold you know trying to find out where they were going. I heard them mention someone they called sometimes, ‘Lady Lookalike’, whatever the hell that's supposed to mean. I've heard that name before when Cognac referred to Rowen.". Brandy said, "She was saying it tonight when she was yelling at that guy and threw him over the railing.". Feador continued, "Yeah and there was another woman named Vessa, and apparently they look alike and so perhaps it's this Vessa they're referring to, I don't know.". Brandy asked, "It's not Rowen, you think, is it?.". Feador answered, "I don't know if it's the same woman and she is using different identities which seems possible when you do what Rowen does for a living, or if there are actually physically two different women that just look alike.".

Brandy asked, "So you're not sure where they took them once they drugged them out and took them into the city. Did you lose the trail then?". Feador answered, "They took them into the city, they mentioned this Lady Lookalike, I remember them talking about mutant bug men. Arguing about if they were real or not. They seemed genuinely unnerved about the rumored creatures and how they drink blood and all the bodily fluids in a person until there’s nothing left but a dried husk. They mused that the weaker slaves were fed to them.".

He continued, "Yeah I followed them. They weren't hard to follow with the carts. They moved in the night so I was able to hide in the shadows. They went up the hill, out there.". He pointed toward the south and continued, "Up to the old temple district. Well, what's left of it after the invasion. It's been ruined for years now and no one goes there, too dangerous, well, too dangerous for most. Anyway I followed them. I saw the area where they went. I got as close as I dared. Old OogaBooga lives up there. That keeps most people away. He's not just living there, he's guarding something. I don't know what they pay him, but he seems to patrol around one of the temple ruins a bit too regular. He ever goes in, just around it, sniffing the air, looking around… I can take you up there, I can point you to it. I can even show you a secret way in, but I ain't getting too close.".

Brandy spoke up, "Sounds about right! That's more than likely where our friends were taken. They were taken a while back. We're just now catching up to them.". Feador seemed to be sobering up a little bit. Brandy asked, "How did you get tight with this other group?". Feador answered, "I'm not tight with them. I think they just feel sorry for me. They knew my story. They know why I came here. I think they've seen how I get treated. I don't know why I'm alive, to be honest with you. When I got here and I went AWOL from the crew and started trying to figure out what was going on, they caught me pretty…I tried to sign in again, I tried to get on with the cargo crew and tried to get in with whatever is going on with the temple.".

He continued, "I tried to kind of mix it up. Basically the cargo guys came back here, I followed them and tried to get in line with them. They introduced me to some people. On of them might have been Dirk. He looked familiar but it was dark that night, it could have been him. He was a big fighter looking guy. I not…I had nothing to offer. I'm a bookkeeper, and their not going to let me anywhere near their books. I'm too small to do anything else and work my way up. So I tried to buy my way in and that just made them angry. They were already kind of suspicious.".

Brandy asked, "So the Lex group had no inclination to try to help you to find your brother?". Feador answered, "Lex's group is smart. They don't want to challenge the Slavelords. So they're kind of…they're being pragmatic I suppose you would say. They helped me as mush as get me here, give me advice, but when it came down to brass tax, they're not going to step in line and try to fight those guys. Or that'll be the end of their business here and maybe the end of their lives. I don't know how far the reach of the Slavelords is. If they went back to Sasserin, if they'd have any ramifications there, but certainly if they tried to do anything along the Pomarj, this whole area is run by the Slavelords.".

Brandy said, "Well, we're a little more on the stupid side cause we're here to kick all their asses. We want our friends back.". Feador kind of smiled and said, "Then you are indeed mad!". Brandy laughed as she replied, "Oh, I've been called worse.". Then she asked, "What's the deal with this guy being thrown over the balcony. What's your take on what that was all about.". Feador asked, "What are you talking about?". She replied, "When Cognac through the guy over the balcony, yelling something about getting paid, owing them money?".

Feador replied, "Oh..I didn't pay that much attention.". He added, "There are fights in the bar all of the time. I didn't pay much attention to it. I heard her say something about Rowen so I didn't know if that was one of Rowen's guys or something maybe.". Brandy responded, "That stands to reason! Lex talked about maybe working something out with him and Cognac apparently is like not putting up with it. She expects to get paid.". Feador laughed, "That sounds like her.".

Brandy said, "I'll tell you what, I think that the road to finding the people we're looking for is the same road you're on. We'd be more than happy to throw in, and help you accomplish that, because that's what we're going to do!". Feador replied, "If my brother was ever here, he is long gone.". Pyreece responded, "Maybe they have accounting records and maybe those accounting records will tell us where your brother went.". Feador didn't seem to think there was much chance of that, "I'm not a fighter! I ran out of money a long time ago. If you want to go, I can show you where they are taking those carts, but that's about all I've got to offer you!".

Brandy said, "That's where we want to go!". Feador added, " I never knew any of the names of any of the slaves that were in the hold of that ship. They're quick to remove any humanity they can and part of humanity is having a name. So, those slaves on that ship don't have names anymore.". Brandy stated, "We want to find those guys so it sounds like that’s where we need to go!".

Audra asked, "Do you know any of the names of the Slavelords?". Feador though a moment and then said, "I know Dirk! I don't think he's a Slavelord in the strictest since.". Brandy said, "Dirk Sturm, we've heard that name before.". Feador added, "I've not heard of Sturm. The only name I know or I've heard associated with an actual Slavelord is Mordrammo.". Brandy asked, "Mordrammo?". Audra asked, "Do you have any idea where Mordrammo is?". Feador told her, "Something about a stockaid? I think he runs…and this is just me kind of trying to piece together things in my brain, I could be totally wrong, but I think he might run at least the operation in this area."

Feador continued, "I believe he is credited with discovering the world of the outlanders. And began mining that area for fresh slaves.". Brandy said, "Yeah, we need to definitely have a talk with that fucker.". Elenor remembered the fight where they killed Daresh. Mordrammo had been meeting with her. They tried to kill him but he got away. Brandy said, "Yeah that Daresh, shooting that black shit at me!". They recalled that they heard about some lady that Daresh had mentioned that Mordrammo told her wasn't to be trusted. Daresh had said she was exotic. Daresh suggested that this woman would yield her secrets to her in time. Mordrammo told her that he didn't trust her, Daresh, enough to reveal this lady's secret. Daresh told him that she had seen her in her scrying and that her nature was known to her. Mordrammo didn't seem to think that would be possible but she seemed to think that he should have thought more about her and her power than that of the lady they were discussing.

Brandy wondered if this woman might be this Lady Lookalike. Audra suggested that she might be a shapeshifter. Brand said, "Or a Doppleganger. Or she could be a wizard that can Polymorph herself.". Feador spoke up, "You mean that you met Mordrammo?". Audra said, "More like listen to him blather on with this evil person and then we attacked. He escaped but then the other person did not. Daresh, you probably never heard of.".

Audra added, "I don't know if you picked up on this yet but, you talked about outlanders?". Feador said, "Yeah, I've heard of the outlanders.". Audra told him, "Well, we are a group of outlanders. We come from that other world. That's where our friends were taken from.". Feador said, "Really!". Audar added, "We came here to get our people and take them back and then hopefully close that portal.". Feador said, "Then you know where the portal is!". Audra told him, "Yes, we've been through it. It's out in the middle of the sea!". Brandy added, "it's kind of a pain in the ass but…".

Feador said, "Well, I still think you're mad but you've come a long way. If you've met Mordrammo and lived, that’s pretty amazing too.". Audra added, "Have you heard about the group that messed up the Lotus Dragons pretty good?". Brandy pointed out that Cognac was talking about that group. Then she told him her name was Brandy. Then they laughed about how both Cognac and her were named for drinks. Fascinating coincidence.

Feador said that Cognac was no outlander. Brandy responded, "No, but I am! We're going to teach people like Mordrammo that you don't come into our realm and take our people and bring them back, without consequences! And guess what, we're the consequences!". Audra said, "Our intention is to teach all of the slave lords to stay away from us and leave us alone. We are going to take them out.".

Feador said, "Frankly, I'm not sure they are all human or elf or what!". Audra said, "No matter what they are, they do die! Everyone dies.". Brandy told him "Yeah, we would appreciate it if you would show us the way to the temple and to the secret entrance, that we can possibly take advantage of.". Feador asked, "Do you have sufficient arms to fight them?", looking at them in their disguises. Brandy told him that we have the tools we need. He had this skeptical look on his face but then said, "Why am I questioning it. You've gotten this far!". Feador added, "It's just odd that when you see a team of adventurers, especially, the more powerful ones like you appear to be, they're always all men.". He looked at Brandy and said, "Wait a minute, you had that hat on a minute ago, are you a bunch of men?".

Audra told him that he was looking at four women. Elenor said, "There are actually two more here but you just can't see them, and they are men!". He asked who the leader was. Brandy told him that we were more like a democracy. Pyreece added, "We talk about it and make decisions together as a group. We all have similar attitudes as to how the world should be. Slavery is definitely not to be tolerated.". Brandy told him that we would even give him some gold to get him back on his feet. Audra told him that once he got them where they were going, that he might want to come back to the inn and stay here and see what more information he can gather. We can provide you with enough funds to be able to stay here and gather more information so when we are done and come back, we can get more information about the next Slavelord maybe.

Feador answered her, "I don't think I can stay here. I think they'll kill me! If I stay here long enough…they already kind of use me like a play thing of sorts.". Brandy asked, "Who did, specifically!". He told her guards, the populace, so many of these people are tied in to the Slavelords. They know why I came here. That's what I thought you were here for. When you first started talking to me, I thought, just another little game they are going to play with me cause they just like fucking with me. The latest threat has been…".

He continued, "Do you know what goes on outside the city? Just outside the city walls! One of their favorite games!", he asked. They answered no! He told them they like to, if they have an enemy or maybe a slave that thinks they may run away, they let them. "Yeah, runaway, take your best shot.", he added. They get outside the city walls and the have dogs and other beast, hunters, they hunt you. It's like the ultimate game with them. You are the smartest prey they could chase. There are people all through those outer range of the city and that's all they do. They wait on somebody to get out, and then they hunt them down and kill them, or worse."

He continued, "That's one reason I'm still here. I'm kind of afraid to leave.". Brandy told him that they knew a way that he could get out, without getting an arrow in your ass. Audra asked if this place where the carts were taken, was that outside of the city? Feador told her no, it is within the walls. He added, "They still operate, for the most part, under the cover of darkness. Everyone knows what is going on to some extent. They may not know where that temple is but the tracks, you'll see. Anyone that looked hard enough or gave a tinkers damn to find them could probably do it, but once they found it, they are going to die.".

Brandy said, "You said you potentially might know a secret way in". Feador said, "I've seen people come out, where there appears to be know door.". Brandy said, "Well, if you can come out, you can go in!". Feador said, "Exactly!". Brandy said, "If you can take us there and show us where this in and out goes, then we can send you, if you want to leave, back to some friends of ours that can arrange that.". Feador asked, "Friends here in Highport?". Brandy said, "Yeah! Of course if you breath that to anyone else, your life won't be worth a spit.". Feador said, "Well I'm thinking the opposite. I've heard of operations inside of Highport, a kind of underground, that is assisting with rescuing and liberating slaves, and that they've had some success. But, as much as I would like to get in touch with them, they all know who I am. Every street I go down, every corner I cross, somebody will recognize me. I can't secretly go anywhere. I'm afraid I would put an operation like that in jeopardy were I to try to engage them. I would have to be invisible.".

Audra said, "Or walk along with us and borrow the hat! You would appear as somebody else all together different. You saw Brandy a minute ago when she as an old man.". Feador said, "Oh that hat, I didn't know what you were talking about. That's how she did that? I thought it was some sort of illusion.". Brandy said, "Except it's not my hat!". Audra said, "We can't give it to you obviously, but we can use it to get you to the building. If you can show use where the temple and entrance are, then we can get you to the building and our guys and then we can go back to the temple and go in.".

Audra added, "Once to our friends, you will be inside and out of sight. Then we'll take the hat back and you can be yourself and they'll get you out.". Feador said, "If it will get me out of his place, it'll be worth a try.". Audra said, "It'll get you out and they won't eve know you left.". Brandy said, "Deal?". Feador said, "Deal!". He told them that part of the reason Cognac won't take him on there ship is that they think of him as bad luck. The slavers have this thing for him and that to try and get him out of here would put them on the slavers shit list and they don't want to be on that list.

He sat down and said he was quite tired. They agreed to let him crash with them. He told them that if they were going to go up there, they should do it under the cover of darkness. "Maybe tomorrow night, or, we can go now if you wish." he said. They agreed they were fine to go now and did. They put the hat on Feador so they could get him out. Feador took on the appearance of an old man. Audra told Feador that if someone whispered something into his ear or talked out loud, that he couldn't see, not to be afraid. "There are two more of us here that you can't see.". Oglesby had been listening at the door the whole time. The group set off and left their room. It was about four in the morning and the common room is pretty much empty.

Feador said, "Yea. I followed them. It was not hard to follow the carts. They moved in the night so I was able to hide in the shadows. They went up the hill there, up to the temple district. Well what’s left of it after the invasion. It’s been ruins for years now and no one goes there. Too dangerous. Well too dangerous for most. Anyway, I saw the area where they went. I got as close as I dared. Old Ooga Booga lives up there keeps most people away. But I say he’s not just living there, he’s guarding something. I don’t know what they pay him but he seems to patrol around one of the temple ruins a little too regular. He never goes in. Just around it, sniffing the air, looking around. I can show you where it is but I ain’t getting too close."

They headed out of the front door into the night. Feador led them up the incline toward the southern part of Highport. He stayed along the road then, after a bit, he turned more directly to the south. At one point, he told them the road west would take them to the lords palace. They entered an area that he told them was once the temple area. When the city was overrun by the humanoid tribes, anarchy reigned. Now this area is mostly ruins. Monsters, spooks, and all manner of evil things took over. The buildings got more decrepit as they moved south away from the docks.

The area did have activity of some kind. Kipp saw tracks indicating regular traffic from wagons/carts, booted feet. Some wheel tracks cut deep into the ground while some boot prints were quite large. They moved all the way to the east.

Feador finally stopped, “There.. that’s it.”. They saw a large stone ruin in the distance. It looked to have been magnificent once but was now damaged beyond repair. The tracks they followed lead that way. Feador said, “I’m can't go any closer. I think you guys are brave and out of your damn minds if you want to go there. But there…Oh shit…”. He moved into the shadows and hid. He laid down along the wall. He said, things like, "Oh fuck… oh fuck!". The rest of the group followed suit and hid in the shadows.

They didn’t have to wait long before a massive figure appeared from the shadows. You would guess some 12ft tall. Two heads swivel about alertly. The Ettin carried two massive spiked clubs in his mighty arms and moved along the road just outside the temple wall. They were not sure which head was Ooga and which head was Booga, but both seemed more intelligent than they had been led to believe these creatures might be.

He looked alert, his heads swept in all directions, obviously looking for intruders. He moved along the outside of the west side of the massive stone structure and when he reached the southern side, turned east and moved up along the back of the structure. He stopped at one point and sniffed the air. It took about ten minutes for him to finally move out of sight. Feador finally raised his head and said, "That's him, that's Ooga Booga! Damn I forgot how big he is!".

"Quickly", he pointed to one side of the structure.. “It looks like solid wall from here but I have seen people emerge from there. There must be a hidden entrance. “ The main entrance is around the other side. Well guarded normally. Of course, Ooga Booga is always hoovering around somewhere. He's gotta sleep sometime.”. It's about five in the morning now.

It was time to take him to their friends and get him out of here. They went back down the hill. They followed the road, taking the occasional short cut back to the house they entered the city from. They walked along the wall of the palace. They thought that though it was technically a palace, it wasn't all that nice. It was heavily guarded. They saw a lot of Orcs and Humans guards around there.

When they got about a block away from the safehouse and noticed more people floating around. It was light out. Oglesby told everyone to wait back here while he checked out the safe house. Feador pointed out how disconcerting it was to have a voice coming out of nowhere. Oglesby apologized for spooking him. He moved up to the safe house and entered, still invisible. He poked around and didn't spot anyone. He went down into the basement and looked around and still found no one around. After looking around, and seeing no one, he moved back upstairs.

As he started to head out, he spotted a hooded figure hiding, looking at the stairwell. It kind of looked like Blackbird but he couldn't be sure. He creeped up on him and spoke, "Blackbird, it's Oglesby!". Blackbird wheeled around with his weapons drawn. Oglesby said, "Chill out my lad…chill out. I'm invisible.". He continued, "We have someone and we need your help getting him out of the city through the tunnel we came up!". Blackbird looked in the direction of the voice and said, "What is this tunnel of which you speak?". Oglesby said, "The one that goes out to the sea, you know, the Troglodytes are down there!".

Blackbird seemed to be relieved a little. He put his weapons away and said, "It's good to hear from you my friend.". Oglesby apologized for being invisible but it was necessary to move around. He told him that he hated to break the spell because right now the guys need him to be able to move around freely and quickly. Blackbird crouched down again, getting out of sight of anyone passing by. He told Og that he had heard movement downstairs and thought they might have been discovered. Oglesby told him that it was he that he'd heard.

He told him that we had someone that had helped them, "You may actually know him, Feador?". Blackbird thought a moment and then said, "Oh, the drunk!". Oglesby said, "Yeah, that everybody beats the shit out of!". Blackbird said, "Yeah, there was a time we considered recruiting him but he is way to unsteady!". Oglesby said, "Well, he helped us and our promise to him was that we would get him out of the city, cause apparently if they catch him they are going to kill him. Anyway, he is disguised. If you could do us a solid and help him get out, then we're all good.".

Blackbird said, "We are in your debt, of course we will help you.". Oglesby said, "Good, he's disguised as an old man. I'll go get him and bring him in.". Blackbird said, "Unless you can hide him, I wouldn't bring him anywhere near this building until after dark.". Oglesby told him that they would wait until tonight then and bring him in. Blackbird told him that he could come with Oglesby and bring him in himself. That way they could go about their business. Oglesby told him that would be better. Oglesby added, "You'll have to keep him covered. He can't take the disguise hat with him.". Blackbird asked where he was and Oglesby told him where everyone was waiting.

Blackbird told him, told him that he would walk down the street and as he passed, have Feador follow him. He said there was a park near here and they could go sit in the park and pass the time until it got dark again. Then he could sneak him in. Oglesby moved back to the group and let them know the plan. About an hour later, Blackbird came up the road. He looked a little dressed up, looking kind of nice, and was strolling with a cane, whistling. He seemed in very good spirits. As he passed the palace, he looked over the wall and then turned and headed back down the road. He walked by the group and gave a little wink. He walked down to a park that had been destroyed as well but found a bench and sat.

Feador followed him and sat. Oglesby stayed with him and introduced the two. Blackbird had brought some clothes with him to help disguise Feador. He put a cloak over him and covered him and then Feador was able to remove the hat and return it. Og wished them both luck. Blackbird wished him well. Feador said, "My thanks to you! I still think you are crazy!". Oglesby replied, "We are!". Feador added, "Good luck!". Og returned to the rest of the party letting them know he was back. It was a little after noon by this time. They slowly headed back towards the structure they'd hoped to enter. Brandy put the hat back on as most people had seen the ladies with an old man, it would look more normal for her to be the old man.

They passed a few guard patrols which made them a little nervous and though the guards looked at them, they didn't seem concerned with them. They noticed that the guards were kind of ragtag looking but were clearly carrying some air of officialness to them. They are usually a mixed bunch of humanoids, most commonly a couple of human commanders and three of four orcs, and a maybe a couple of Hobgoblins in a group. They are outfitted in black armor of sorts. Some have leather, some have chain or plate. The armor always has the emblem of a flaming sphere with an eye inside of it. Sort of like the elemental eye to some degree. Some of them stand outside the walls of the palace. They look at the party as they pass but don't engage.

They found an area where there were a couple of shops and some places to eat. They stopped at one of the eatery's and ate. They then found an empty building where they could rest until nightfall. They got their spells back and Elenor made Kipp invisible again. Oglesby didn't use another charge on his ring so he was visible now. They left and moved back to the location where Feador had taken them. As they went, they ran into fewer and fewer people. Once there, they spied the structure again. There was no sign of Ooga Booga. They snuck up to the wall at the point where Feador had told them the secret entrance was located.

Oglesby began looking for secret entrance. Brandy removed the hat and returned it to Oglesby. Ooga Booga never seemed to come into view. Kipp found a poorly hidden door. Oglesby checked it for traps and then opened it. Beyond was a ten foot hallway to another door. He moved to the next door and checked it for traps. He spotted, through a very small gap in the door, a thin wire on the other side, crossing the doorway. It was really tight. He slipped a thin blade through the slit and managed to cut the wire. He heard a 'ping' sound as he did. He tried the door and pulled it open. He peaked in and saw a narrow passage way crossing east and west of the doorway. Kipp moved forward around Og to take the lead. He saw that the hallway went west to a doorway. He moved to the eastern side and peaked around the corner.

This started the official module, "Slave Pits of the Under City".

Around the corner to the east was another long hallway with a door along the eastern wall near the far end. Oglesby checked the western door. As they entered the main hallway, Pyreece pulled the doors closed behind them. The trap Oglesby had disarmed was a board, spring loaded, with bits of sharp metal and broken glass sticking out of it. It was imbedded in the back of the door where it struck after being triggered. They opened the western door after checking it and found another long hallway that turned east at the far end.

They went back to the eastern tunnel and up to the closed door, checked and opened it. This room was burnt and partially destroyed. It was full of debris. Movement would be difficult. The ceiling was sagging but still appeared to be sound. The east wall was different from the others as it showed signs of recent construction, patched up some. Brandy went in and looked at everything. Kipp and Og checked the walls for and hidden doors. They didn't find any. The group moved back to the western tunnel. They checked for traps all the way down the hallway to the turn at the far end. Pyreece closed off all of the doors behind them to conceal their passing.

Around the turn was another door. Og checked it for traps and found none. Brandy opened the door. The room inside had been severely burned. It's furnishings buried and ruined beyond recognition. The ceiling had collapsed for the most part revealing another chamber on the second floor. About five feet of the ceiling still remained around the walls of the room, forming a narrow jagged ledge. The floor was littered with beams, plaster, ash, and little pieces of junk. The air was filled with the odor of rot. Brandy stepped in and looked up to see if anyone was looking down on them.

As they started into the room, suddenly leaping from the ledge of the ceiling, were four Ghast and one Wight. Kipp had moved into the room and though he was invisible, the Ghast didn't seem to have any issues finding him. Kipp was hit first. Brandy was attacked by the next one. One of the Ghast and the Wight actually hit Brandy. She saved against the Ghast but failed against the Wight. She lost two constitution points that will start coming back in ten days at a rate of one per day. They continued fighting with Pyreece turning the Wight. They left it alone while the finished off the Ghasts. Once they were down, they turned their attention back to thw Wight and destroyed it.

Pyreece cast three healings on Brandy and healed her up 18 points.

That's where they ended the session.

Please start the recorder.

Exp: 500 + 667 + 117 = 1,284