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babybluesquid · 2 years ago

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Session 11, Secrets of Shadowblack

Our Players this Week:

Hog 112, they/them, Weapon Thaumaturge, skirmisher warforged, the leader of the inquisitives agency and founding member, tends toward practicality and following a command structure.

Vestige, they/them, Bones Oracle, warforged placed into a human body, a healer and the agency’s fleshborn face, remains on the periphery with an individualistic streak.

Strategy, it/its, Empiricist Investigator, officer warforged, an old model who’s seen much action and uses the tactics they learned back during the war now under Sharn.

Samanta, she/they, Swashbuckler Fencer, skirmisher warforged, a spotter during the war who turned to spying for one of Sharn’s criminal families before joining the inquisitives agency.

Mage, they/them, Universalist Wizard, living wand warforged, a young forged who was built after the Mourning, looking to find their place in the world.

Carmine, she/her, War Priest, infantry warforged, a forged who converted to the Blood of Vol and extensively modified her own body to fit a Seeker ideal.

——————

Along with Shot for some protection, Strategy gets to investigating the cultists’ machinery. The big machine seems to be designed to infuse a corpse fitted with an obsidian stone with ash, necrotic energy, and enchantments for controlling it. The obsidian stones can be activated by uttering some command word in Daelkyr to create a burst of hot fire around them. With that, Strategy’s out of things it can ascertain. It’s time to turn the evidence over to the Blackened Book. Though reluctant, Hog 112 agrees they may as well. Strategy offers they idea that it might be possible to disrupt the enchantment on the immolated, perhaps turning them against Jack-in-Irons. It’s back to the agency then to rest. The next day, it’s on to the Red Hammer.

It’s busy. Ash is examining Hook. Cross and Jabber are chatting. A group of forged are playing a six-way game of Conqueror. In the back, a duo are talking in hushed tones: Verdant 23 and Shadowblack! Vestige approaches, the rest of the sleuths hanging back respectful-like. Seeing them, Shadowblack disengages from Verdant 23 and approaches Vestige.

“You’ve been absent,” Vestige remarks. “I know,” Shadowblack replies, “I was moving to get closer to the Blades but they have turned against me. I’m concerned about Aggregate’s recent tactics.” “What’s he doing?” “I got a bit of intel on their plans that they did not exactly intend to tell me. Aggregate is building a criminal network of a series of proxies so that he can, without his own identity being revealed, order these criminal elements to cause trouble in the Cogs so his own Blades can stop it. By doing this, he hopes to endear the rest of the warforged to the cause. Additionally, he’s planning a series of assassinations targeting some of the industrialists. The most notable target that I’ve discovered is Slogar d��Cannith. I also know the identity of the chief assassin who’s been working with Aggregate, since I fought with them during the war.” “Who are they?” Vestige asks.

Shadowblack gestures to himself, “I fought as an assassin for the softskins. I was assigned to a unit. There were four of us. Two died, eventually. We were to strike high priority targets: officers, wizards, those sorts. The other surviving member is now Aggregate’s chief assassin, Khyberlurk. They were always the exemplar of that program, having a natural aptitude for being an assassin beyond us other three. They never shrunk away from dealing the killing blow, even after the war. When the Blades discovered I had this intel, Khyberlurk attacked me outside of the Red Hammer. Luckily, Hook saw them and they ran off. I barely survived. Khyberlurk is likely one of the most dangerous assets Aggregate has.”

Vestige takes the whole explanation in, then speaks, “alright, there’s something I don’t understand though.” “I can’t stand by what Aggregate’s doing,” he explains, “setting up criminal elements to attack the community here is against all principles of the Blades.” “Why keep you in the dark though?” They ask. “It seems that only Aggregate’s inner circle knows about that part of the plan. I suspect many of the rank and file members will have the same reaction I did.” “So they don’t know their actions are a setup, huh?” “Yes. Khyberlurk is quite the rat.”

“Do you know who Aggregate is?” Vestige asks, quietly. “I’m not sure,” Shadowblack replies, “it’s hard to trace their identity back before they came out of the Mournland.” “Think you’re safe here in the Red Hammer?” “Probably. I don’t think Khyberlurk would attack here, it’s not their typical strategy. I think I should stay here until they stop coming after me.” “Think there’s a way to convince them not to throw in with Aggregate?” Shadowblack shakes his head, shuddering a bit, “whey they attacked me I tried to tell them about Aggregate’s plans, but it seems they already knew.” Vestige taps their dagger, “well, it seems we oughta overthrow Aggregate’s posse then.” “Bringing down Khyberlurk is a good first step. With me out and them defeated, they won’t have any well-trained assassins with them.” Vestige nods, “let’s hunt an assassin.” “I’ll stick with you then. I would rather do something than be stuck in the Red Hammer waiting for them to kill someone else.”

Meanwhile, someone else approaches the group of sleuths. She’s a dark forged, wearing robes and a symbol of the Blood of Vol around her neck. Her lower arms have been replaced with five fingered and clawed hands. Her face is painted in white and red, and her ghulra has been gouged out with two claw marks. Overall, intimidating figure. “Hello!” She says eagerly, “Hi! Are you the inquisitives?” “Well that depends who you’re looking for,” Hog replies. “You’re Hog, right?” “Hog 112, Ringbriar Brigade, leader of this little company. You’re from Karrnath?” “I don’t put much stock into nations, but yes.” “Are you new in town?” “Yes. I’ve been staying at the shrine. I heard you all stirred up a little bit of trouble. I’d like to join,” she says, giddy.

Hog’s thrown, “you just said we’ve been getting into trouble.” “And helping, no?” “Well yes.” She taps her five fingers together, “I’d like to get out there are help you do some good.” Strategy enters discussion, “how do you feel about fire?” “Fire?” “We’ve been on fire quite a bit recently,” it explains. “Well I would gladly jump into fire with you.” Mage pipes up, “the goal is not being lit of fire.” She turns to face them, “it’s an expression, dear.”

Bringing things back on track, Hog asks, “can you fight?” “I can.” “Do you need someplace to stay?” “I figured you would have lodging.” “Payment?” “No need.” That doesn’t sound quite plausible to them, “you’re not running from creditors, are you?” “No. My name is Carmine, by the way, Carm for short. I can heal if that helps.” “More importantly, can you take orders?” “I can,” she says carefully, “I fought under a commander.” “Can you keep a secret when you need to?” “I can keep a secret.” Hog looks at her pendant again, “you some kinda Vol-ist?” “I’m a Seeker of the Divinity Within,” Carmine explains, “Seeker for short.”

Hog pulls Mage aside, talking quite and conspiratorial, “is that gonna be a problem? I’ve heard funny things about those Vol-ists.” Mage replies, plenty loud for everyone to hear, “I have no idea. They use necromancy though, they’re quite good at it.” “Well, Karrnathis are Karrnathis,” they turn back to Carmine and speak up, “well alright. You can join up with us.” Hog points out each inquisitive in turn and introduces each, telling her, “all these people are your superiors. Just so you know, this job won’t be easy. It’s as dangerous as the pits of Khyber.” Carmine’s unphased, “well, haven’t we all fought in a war ourselves?” Mage glances off into the corner. Perhaps not appreciating the question as answer, Hog adds, “we’ll see soon enough if you’re a real soldier.” “I wouldn’t call myself a soldier, but I hope to impress you. So, what are you up to?”

“Well, more recently we’ve been tracking down a gang of arsonists. They’ve got some demonic magic,” Hog says. Carmine’s red eyes seem to light up, “oh, arsonist cultists, lovely.” Strategy adds on, “they are servants of the Daelkyr who make fire monsters out of corpses and obsidian stones.” “Anything else I should know?” “Water hurts them.” At that point, Vestige rejoins the group. Hog puts up a hand signal for them to be quiet. To Carm, they ask, “you ever heard of the Blades?” She answers without delay, “the Blased are the independent warforged out in the Mournland, yes?” “I’m more concerned with their activities in Sharn.” “I wouldn’t know about Blades in Sharn,” Carmine says, “are you asking if I’m part of the Blades?” “It’s impolite to ask,” Hog says. “You don’t seem the polite type,” she counters, “I follow the Blood of Vol. I believe all life is valuable. My beliefs are conflicted with the Blades, so you have nothing to worry about.” She claps their shoulder, but when Hog just stares she withdraws.

“Let’s get down to business,” Hog says, “Vestige, what did you find out?” “I know who killed Clever.” Carmine shifts, confused. “Let’s head back to the agency,” Hog says, “we’ll explain on the way.” So the sleuths, plus Carmine and Shadowblack, head out into the streets of Blackbones.

Vestige explains. “This Aggregate fellow’s had his sights set on us to a while. Aggregate has an assassin named Khyberlurk. He sent them to kill Clever, and they also attempted to kill Shadowblack. Aggregate’s taken control of the Blades here in Sharn.” “And what did Shadowblack do to make an enemy of Aggregate? I thought that man was a Blade through and through,” Hog asks, glancing back at the forged in question. “Shadowblack learned what Aggregate’s actually planning. See, Aggregate’s set himself up as a criminal leader now. He’s causing problems in the Cogs and then sending the Blades in to fix them. Some kind of scheme to endear the warforged here to the Blades. It’s underhanded.” “It’s nasty,” they agree, “have we got any crimes that we can connect them to.” “I’m sure Shadowblack could explain some.”

Taking the cue, he answers, “unfortunately, not yet. They’ve started running this scheme recently but it’s hard to tie back to the Blades because it’s done through a series of proxies, to the point where the people on the ground on neither side know it was Aggregate who set it up.” Hog takes that with suspicion, “so what, you’re not following your Blade master anymore.” “Aggregate’s actions betray the beliefs of the Blades, sending criminals to attack warforged. I can’t stand by it.” “Are you gonna do something about it?” “Well, I’m sticking with you. I can’t go out on my own because Khyberlurk’s after me, but if I stick with you we’ll have a better chance at being able to find them and stop them. Disabling Khyberlurk will reduce the capacity of Aggregate’s forces and we can further our efforts against him from there.”

Vestige asks, “do you know where Aggregate’s hiding out?” “I did, but he seems to have moved.” “Course.” “Were you gonna,” Hog pauses, finding the tactful way to put it, “do something about him?” Shadowblack taps his arm, “I was, but it was hard to find an opportunity.” “Well, you must be dedicated. I think we could use someone like you for sure. We’re gonna need someone with more knowledge of the Blades and someone who can talk to them. Do you really think that most of the foot soldier would turn against Aggregate if they knew what he was doing?” “It’s likely that many of them would, but they won’t exactly believe me if I told them. We don’t have evidence, and some of them probably wouldn’t even then. There’s a few that see cause above principles.”

That hangs in the air for a moment, before Hog follows up, “what is your cause anyways? Never gotten a good picture of it. It feel like whenever you ask a Blade a question, they give you a different answer.” “Freedom from the domination and exploitation of the fleshborn through whatever means necessary,” Shadowblack answers, clenching his fist. “You know, I’m looking for freedom too, freedom for us warforged to live without fear.” “Seems we share a purpose then,” Vestige offers. “It seems Aggregate has become a mutual enemy,” Shadowblack agrees. “And you think we should take down this Khyberlurk. Hm,” Hog remarks with bitter humor, “I would say that’d be an escalation, but Aggregate’s already shown his colors.” “It’s a retaliatory strike,” Shadowblack agrees. “Do you really think we’ve got a chance at taking that one down?” “If we act together, then yes. Alone, none of us would stand a chance.”

“What do you know about their habits? Do they travel alone or with friends? Do you know where they live?” “They usually move alone. No set residence. Professional assassin so it can be hard to pin them down. They prefer to strike when their target is vulnerable. We need to find them or draw them out in order to fight them as a group. We should be wary of splitting up.” “Certainly, I’ve already got a standing order that nobody goes off without an ally and support.” Mage pipes up, “buddy rules.” “I’m wondering,” Hog adds, “do you have any contacts in the Blades we might be able to talk to? You said that nobody in the Blades would listen to you if you came to them with evidence of Aggregate’s misdeeds but is there someone else they might listen to?” “Most of the Blades have turned against me, but there are a few I might be able to talk to.” Hog nods, “if we can get an in, that would be valuable, but we’ll have to be discreet. Anyone you talk to can become a target just as you.”

Carmine pipes up, “so, is Aggregate related to the arsonists? I think I’ve lost something here.” “No,” Hog says. Though Mage also has been paying no attention, they nod along.

With that, the Hog, Forward, & Associates Inquisitives Agency on Washery Street is in sight. When Hog opens the door, they come face for face with a trio in the waiting room. One short human man with grey hair and blue velvet robes. Slogar d’Cannith, looking like he’s not slept. The other two are bodyguards, wearing symbols marking them as Deneith professionals. Jhaala stands there, arms crossed. “Ah, I have been awaiting your return,” Slogar says. “Lord Cannith,” Hog replies flatly. Slogar stands, clearing his throat, “I need your help. I’ll pay you as is proper. I’m sure you heard the warforged bodies were stolen. I hired a Tharashk inquisitive to seek them. That inquisitive was murdered. I fear for my safety now. I want you to investigate this murder and find the bodies.” Slogar stops, then adds, “at which point I will hand them over to Ash.”

“That’s very generous of you, Lord Cannith,” Hog says, “you know, lots of folks around here thought you were responsible.” “I was not. They were stolen. We have the scene of the murder mostly intact. The body of Theyden Tharashk is still there.” “How recently did this happen?” “A day ago.” “Alright Lord Cannith, we’ll get on it right away.” Slogar’s response is weary as it is shocking, “thank you. Upon the capture or death of this murderer, I’ll pay you a check of ninty-six galifars.” “Well, Lord Cannith, for cases like this we charge by the hour.” “Very well.” Slogar then instructs one of the two Deneith guards to lead the inquisitives to the murder scene.

It’s an abandoned warehouse. Immediately, Strategy takes stock of the scene. It should be empty, but it seems someone’s been holed up here. It finds as stash of belongings. Interesting. It approaches the body. Treyden was killed by a single dagger slash to the throat. He’s wearing a hat, overcoat, and cuirass. Laying in a pool of his own blood. Unmarked. No signs of a fight, this was a surprise. Carmine takes a closer look, determining time of death was two days ago, the body had been reposed to preserve it once it was found. “What weapon does Khyberlurk use?” Strategy asks. Vestige answers, “Khyberlurk and Shadowblack are the same model. They have the same daggers.” Strategy nods and then opens the cache of items. It’s artificer's tools and warforged repair kits, more than one forged could need or carry. It then sets to inspecting the dusty floor for footprints. It seems there were multiple forged here, three or four. There’s also some signs of recently moved boxes or crates. Lastly, some prints match Shadowblack’s feet exactly, and they’re the most recent tracks. Khyberlurk.

The party discusses which lead to follow. Shadowblack doesn’t believe they’ll be able to track Khyberlurk, they’re too careful to leave a trail. So instead the sleuths set off after the group of forged. The tracks are often deep in the muddy streets. They seem to be the ones that carried the boxes out, and the boxes were heavy. They head down a winding tunnel into Khyber’s Gate, up to a desolate area. Finally, they end at a building which is dark on the inside. “Do you have your familiar?” Strategy asks Mage. “Always,” the reply, retrieving a jar from their coat. They twist off the lid and the spell slime flies free, looking into the building. Though it cannot speak, the intention is clear: danger. Hostiles inside.

——————

Notables:

Khyberlurk, they/them, a skilled assassin warforged who’s part of Aggregate’s inner circle. Tried to kill Shadowblack, their batch brother.

Slogar d’Cannith, he/him, the Lord of the Cannith Forgehold in the Cogs. Has come to the sleuths for help. Why the change of heart?