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-Samrick, Lord of Vladshaw (in Kernassa) has forces which unite with a faction of pirates, the Pagus
-he organizes numerous ships to head toward Dara
-rumours of Lamonia's immense military forces dissuade them from attacking this city now, and instead they land secretly near Belford
-the city of Belford lies quietly in the north-east of Dara
-the Duke's daughter mysteriously disappears
-murder is suspected, so people are not allowed to leave the city until the details are investigated
-a man named Qirklin Mauntea acquires a personal vendetta against the PC's
-he tries to make their lives miserable by any means possible
-two large, mysterious mounds appear about half a mile from the city walls
-the water supply in Belford runs dry, which is typical in the winter, but this time it lasts for days which is not common.
-the people of Belford are weakened, and start dying
-pounding sounds can be heard from outside the closed gates, and from the walls
-there are two huge seige machines which are pounding the gate and wall
-it begins to rain, and becomes very muddy
-a colossal battle ensues in which the guards and people of Belford defend the seiged city from the pirates attacking
-the city is no match for the forces of foreigners, and Samrick makes a proclamation of victory in the town square (he rallies the city to join him in a sweep across Dara)
-the Duke's daughter eloped with one of the city guards
THE ADVERSARY
Name: "Qirklin Mauntea" (the Minari Socialis) 1st level human fighter, with red hair. AC: 8 HD: 1 HP: 9 DMG: 1d4 #ATT: 1 THAC0: 20
-very easily offended, paranoid personality
-manipulator, opportunist
-often goes around in disguise
-cuts saddle straps almost clear through
-arrow shafts are weakened, along with bow string (acid?)
-food is poisoned when they eat in a public place (a 'new' waiter serves the food)
-plants counterfeit coins in bags, has guards check
-puts up a bogus wanted poster with rough sketches of the characters, wanted alive for 200 gold
-has a 'witch hunter' follow them around, waiting until there are many people. Then a 'false dagger' with fake blood is used to show one of the PC's is a warlock
-one of the PC's is supoenaed for a trial for assault of an innocent pleb
-the characters will likely find it difficult to get to Qirklin while he is focussed on them. However, he has a personal hatred for another diplomat.
ENCOUNTERS
Standard Guards #APP: 2-8 (2,8,3) AC: 5 HD: 3 HP: 21 #ATT: 3/2 DMG: 1-8 THAC0: 18 WEAPONS: Long Sword, Crossbow ARMOUR: Chain
Killer Mimic #APP: 1 AC: 7 HD: 10 HP: 42 #ATT: 1 DMG: 3-12 THAC0: 11 SA: Glue SD: Camouflage SZ: 200 cu.ft XP: 3000
Jackalweres #APP: 3 AC: 4 HD: 4 HP: 25, 13 #ATT: 1 DMG: 2d4 THAC0: 17 SA: Sleep Gaze SD: +1 or iron to hit XP: 270
Kirre #APP: 1 AC: 7 HD: 6+6 HP: 37 #ATT: 7 SA: Psionics XP: 850 DMG: 1-4/1-4/1-6/1-8/1-4/1-4/1-6 (claw/claw/bite/horn/claw/claw/tail) SD: -1 to initiative rolls COAT: Brown and grey stripes
Leprechaun #APP 1-20 (2) AC: 8 HD: 1 HP: 5 TH: 20 XP: 270 MR: 80% SZ: 2' tall
CHARACTERS
Lord Samrick of Vladshaw
Lady Chancellor Ura
Qirklin Mauntea
Tamsin Rednook
Duke Vandris of Hinterlund
Vanesa Hurenn (Duke Vandris' daughter)
The Insane Man
RUMOUR MILL
People have a strong suspicion the Duke's daughter Vanesa was murdered. Rumour has it she was last seen in the Great Tower, and some servants reported hearing noises of a possible intruder around that time. (The intruder was actually her fiancee trying to visit her in the night. They will begin an investigation and keep people in the city.)
There have been some strange stories coming from traders going to and from Grenlock and Belford. Some people have gone missing, and rumour has it that all of them went off the road to the south. Most travellers will not walk on the north side of the trader's route. Some of the stories include:
-reports of trees growing sideways and floating
-giant grey mushrooms which spew spores if touched
-horses rearing, dogs barking for no apparent reason, shifting shadows in the night
PLOT DIRECTIONS
One PC is cursed by a "healer" who chants some mysterious words. The curse causes things to fall on his head whenever inside a place. Remove curse can fix this.
A fisherman spots a ship at sea, and Lady Ura has some of her soldiers investigate. Samrick finds out that one of his pirate ships was spotted. Lady Ura attempts to request assistance from Lamonia. She tries to send messenger birds to Lamonia to inform them of the attack. The birds are shot down by an archer hidden within the city. In fact, Samrick has several of his men posing as wall guards within the city.
The Leprechaun knows that they are searching for the Kirre, and will 'tell them where it is'. He sets it up so a cute, fluffy kitten is on the road. This is an advanced illusion, and although small, the Leprechaun has made it so the kitten will seem to do colossal damage (1-8/1-8/1-6) from a claw/claw/bite attack. The damage is shadow damage, however. The Leprechaun will appear and say 'shame shame' for them destroying a poor, helpless beast, and will begin crying. He will tell them they have to get a rare spell component called "Aubergena". (This is really a large jug of good wine).
ADVENTURE HANDOUTS
Hunters Needed Immediately
A large beast killed my wife and children on our way to Grenlock. I managed barely to escape with my life. I tracked the beast North to the Surin Valley where I believe hither the foul lair resides. This beast is huge and hideous, and the most fearless huntsmen will scarce be able to destroy it. For the safety of travelers I have been commissioned by Lord Chancellor Ura to have it killed, and will offer 150 gold. See Tamsin Rednook for more information (he lives in the house South-East of the Bell Tower).
I have reason to suspect that there have been pirate ships in the waters off the coast near the city. My worst fear is they may plunder the cigty for gold, at any time. Many of the townmen have gone North for the Winter celebrations in the Valley of Kings, and except for my personal guard and the wall patrols the city is very vulnerable. Please send as many men as you can spare. otherwise I fear the city may fall at any time.
Lady Chancellor Ura
My suspicions have been confirmed. It seems there are men killing my wall guards and becoming imposters. I no longer know who to trust. Please sent help immediately.
Lady Chancellor Ura
Two men of the following description are wanted for interfering with the enforcement of the laws of Belford. A bounty of 500 gold will be awarded fpor their capture. Please speak to the Justice of the city hall for details.
