More Magic and Splendor at the Ringing Anvil

 [written up by Joel for his character Durham's institution, the Ringing Anvil--thanks, Joel!]

the legendary warrior-boy sailing Dirac's Sea

Some updates concerning the Ringing Anvil, including the completion of certain wondrous items, as well as Durham's offering of a line of credit for those who wish to do business with him:

Najm's tunic

Najm ibn Toaz the blacksmith at the Ringing Anvil had partnered with Bartholomew Pettibone,

 together with Bart's research and Najm's skill they produced a new way of working zortrium into a weaveable material. Najm used this new technique to make a tunic weaving in gold thread in a decorative knot pattern on the collar and cuffs of a green tunic. The design was inspired by the stories his grandmother told him as a child, of a warrior boy clad in green who saved the world from a great evil. While simple in its design, Najm hopes that its lightweight and durability will impress his judges, so he can claim the title of Mastersmith.

The Guild of Blacksmiths is considering this work as to whether it is indeed a masterwork such that Najm can be entered into the rolls as a Mastersmith.

Durham's belt

Durham has always lacked the great physical strength most fighters are known for. But since Zaynab's partnership with the Ringing Anvil, he has been tempted with making of what Zaynab call's a "belt of giant strength". This project started a while ago, not too long after the technique of woven zortrium came to the Ringing Anvil. Then Durham collected blood of a Dzor by brokering a deal with the Colossian Oracle. Now this "belt of Dzor strength" is complete, a wide belt of woven zortrium that buckles in the back, in front a plate of polished bronze treated black with the face of Dzor in front with three rubies for eyes and the beak of gold.

Lines of credit & Store credit

In order to make their services more accessible to adventures the Ringing Anvil has decided to allow line of credit to players, this credit can be used to make repairs to gear, commission items or engage the services of Audrey the Alchemist or Zaynab the Enchantress. One hundred dinars (100gp) per level is the standard rate the Ringing Anvil is offering, these rates could be negotiated higher, for valued customers and friends of Durham. This credit has no interest, but must be paid off by the end of the year (tax season), otherwise repercussions will be in order.

For example, a level 5 character could be extended 500gp worth of credit to use at the Ringing anvil.

In the same lane as improving relationships with adventures and to build up the inventory of materials, the Ringing Anvil is also offering store credit for any materials brought in and give 5% above value in store credit. These items can be a variety of things: teeth, hide, ore, bone and whatever could possibly be used by the Anvil.

Other improvements

As outlined in “Downtime for fun and profit” Durham has hired a merchant and researcher for the Ringing Anvil.

A reminder that the Ringing Anvil also offers alchemy and has adjusted its prices.

• "Elixirs of Heroic Vigor" 200 gp per unit
  3 elixirs up for sale
• "Yramrag's Perfect Antidote" 250 gp per unit, none currently available but could be commissioned

A Surprise Match!

 The Results of the Games

What a spectacle! The Xoldasoteri Games have concluded, and concluded in a most surprising and spectacular way. After the normal--though nevertheless exciting!--round of contests between major gladiators, there was the specific Xoldasoteri contests, commencing with the match between Akklaw the Drone vs. Hlri Manhunter the Kzin, recapitulating in a ceremonial way the ancient Man-Kzin Wars. But even as the two gladiators circled, testing each other with tentative jabs, there was a flash on the sandy arena floor, and suddenly a barbarian stood there, armed with his great two-handed kopis, declaring himself Lars Ghar-Rider, Scion of the First Men!

The ensuing and surprising three-way gladiatorial contest ended with Akklaw and Lars teaming up against Hlri Manhunter in a kind of manifestation of the old alliance between humans and Klackons against the Kzinti. The crowd supported this with cheers, led from the stands perhaps by Bartholomew Pettibone, a most enthusiastic observer of the Games. Unfortunately, the spoiling with Lars threw the bookies' odds completely off, and everyone who bet on this match is left in the lurch, and potentially nursing a grudge ...

Akklaw vs. Hlri Manhunter vs. Lars

An unexpected match-up, including a spoiling contender, the Scribes feel this must be accounted first. Lars at first moved to engage both combatants (perhaps egged on by friends?) and body-checked Akklaw to the ground while he exchanged sword-blows with Hlri Manhunter. When the Klackon stood up and righted herself again, however, the Kzin and Klackon continued fighting each other (their slated opponent) while throwing extra attacks from their "off-hands" against Lars.

Lars focused on Hlri Manhunter predominantly, and after the chanting of the crowd and the mounting of his own injuries, he eventually maneuvered to pincer Hlri Manhunter between himself and Akklaw so that the Klackon drone couldn't attack him directly any more. Hlri Manhunter cried out that, "You've killed me, man-thing!" and attempted to rip out Lars' throat with his fangs ... but in concert with Akklaw's spears, Lars hacked into Hlri Manhunter's body with his kopis, and the Kzin warrior fell to the sands bleeding profusely to breathe his last (for now).

Badly ripped up by the Kzin's claws and fangs, Lars backed away, with chants from the stands remembering the old alliance; and Akklaw buried her spear-butts in the sand and offered a truce. To the swelling cheers of (much) of the crowd, Lars accepted, and so the two of them were escorted from the field by attendants of Akklaw's entourage, bearing the body of Hlri Manhunter with them as part of the spoils of victory, to be ransomed back to his fighting society for a handsome fee.

• The Cut
  316 xp to Lars Ghar-Rider
  200 dinars (gp) to Lars Ghar-Rider as a pittance from Akklaw's spoils
  an introduction for Lars to Akklaw and her entourage, placing him at "tick 1" on a relationship clock with the Klackon warrior

The Combats

The other matches, though exciting bloodsport as they are, were less sensational than that surprise match. As before, Durham was the only player-character to bet, and so his winnings (and losses) will be reported as well. The results are as follows:

1. Drago v. Theriax
   Both javelineers, the two faced off at a distance and exchanged missiles several times. At the last exchange before swords would have to be drawn, Drago (the only one wounded at that point), managed to nail Theriax with a debilitating leg injury. The crowd called for clemency, and it was granted.
   Durham bet 100 dinars on Drago, and won +67 dn
2. Barshan v. Charna
   Barshan the Strong and Charna closed together in a strong clinch almost immediately. The two battered at each other's armor with their swords and pushed each other around the sands with their shields before Barshan was ultimately bested by Charna slipping her sword around his guard. Barshan was badly wounded, but not killed.
   Durham bet 100 dn on Barshan and lost it all
3. Alora v. Khaled
   A second match between missile weapons, this time between archers. There was a preliminary target-shooting competition and then the two were pitted against each other directly. Unfortunately for Alora, she was hit by a life-threatening arrow quickly, and surrendered, being granted quarter by Khaled.
   Durham bet 50 dn on Alora and lost it all.
4. Korbassh v. Ayob
   Three missile-contests! These two Sakkra hurled javelins at each other from a distance before finally having to close to battle it out in melee. Ayob the Shen was ultimately able to come out victorious, successfully using his tail-mace to surprise Korbassh and lay him low.
   Durham bet 100 dn on Ayob and won +133 dn
5. Mortu v. Idrig
   Dread Mortu earned another notch on his Blade of Death in this match. Though Idrig put up a good fight, managing to wound Mortu three times, they all proved flesh wounds, and Mortu the Black was finally able to overthrow Idrig's defenses. Alas (or good, depending on one's view of spilt blood), Mortu stayed true to his reputation and slew Idrig when he yielded under the dark warrior's overbearing attack.
   Durham bet 100 dn on Mortu and won +50 dn
6. Elam v. Shalla
   In quite a different surprise, there was no victor in this combat! Elam and Shalla proved almost equals in battle, with Shalla taking one more blow than Elam. But as she loomed over Elam, and he clearly yielded for all to see, Shalla suddenly turned pale and succumbed to her wounds, passing out over her defeated opponent. The bookies declare it a draw, and a spare few who bet thus must have made a fortune.
   Durham bet 50 dn on Elam and lost it all
7. Akklaw the Drone vs. Hlri Manhunter
   results reported above--all bets refunded because of Lars' "spoiling"
8. Klackon phalanx and human auxiliaries v. band of Kzin warriors
   Perhaps spurred on by the final friendship between Akklaw and Durham, representing the alliance that the Games commemorate, the Klackon phalanx held the day. Though the Kzinti pressed them badly, and cut down many humans and Klackons alike, the hedge of pikes presented by the Klackons--two spears per warrior!--finally took too much of a toll on the Kzinti, allowing the leonine warriors to be overrun by a last charge of the Klackons.

Avinnia Competes

The only other player-character to interact directly with the Games, Avinnia caroused and was able to participate in one of the contests.

Despite her small size, Avinnia managed to convince her way into a wrestling contest among ephebe-youths all spoiling for victory. Because of her preternatural control of self, she was able to bind and lock her opponents, one after another, and finally come out dominant. Whoever bet on that scrawny and gangly girl certainly walked away with a pretty mithqal, given that most would have bet against her.

As for Avinnia, she spent 500 dinars (perhaps on bribes to get into the contest?), earned 500 xp, and received a silver laurel of victory, worth 250 dinars.

News and Rumors

[ I'm sorry to the regular players for my tardiness in updating much of the game. This year has been a bit of a challenge, between changing jobs, trying to write more (outside D&D), and ushering in a new family member. Life has presented a number of challenges to me in my maintenance of the game and its chronicles. Thanks to y'all for your patience--I really enjoy playing with everyone! 

With the birth of a new baby, I may not be able to game as regularly as once was, but I will try to have a game at least every couple weeks to keep things moving. ]

For everyone who has been in Cothon-Gadeed during the past few months, here is a list of news and rumors going about the cities. It is not exhaustive, but it is representative of the things that our barbarian heroes of the chronicle have been either engaged in directly, or poking around the edges.

The Scribes are hoping to expand the scope of the described world soon--not expansively, but with more information about the Ten Cities League and the Hanse at large, to allow for a wider perspective on things. It would also make overseas merchanting or adventuring easier.

News and Rumors

• new Souffets have been elected, namely Bayzadis al Othmani and Urodas al Arasquiy. They'll be replacing the old Souffets over the course of the next month, and will essentially rule the cities of Cothon and Gadeed, as well as the Ten Cities League for the next three lunar years
• concurrently, there is another set of Games to be held at the end of this month, before the new solar year begins--the Xoldasoteri Games, which will echo the Games of the past two years (Coreguyi and Tsamri-Hane)--it will be a time for those who like to gamble to see if they can bet on better gladiators
• the new solar year is about to begin, after a brief intercalary month at the end of December--this will be another time for feast and festival, much like the lunar new years, but on a different scale; the populace of the cities looks forward to this time, especially as it marks the beginning of the end of winter (remember, winter will last until about June 2023)
• the menace of the restless dead in Tsurr al Qadeem continues to grow. There are now reports of the winged undead vorodla leading contingents of mrur, as well as reports of stranger things, all per the Poor Brothers of the Dead and various mourner-societies brave enough to still traverse the road to the Necropolis.
• Telman of Tsipa has returned to Cothon! A "brightening star" of the Hanse, he has been away for most of the last two lunar years prosecuting a campaign against the Luwian pirates.
• ... and yet there are certain rumors that the return of Telman is seen as a kind of opportunity, an opportunity to be rid of one whose stardom is seen as threatening
• the Kzin warlord, the Red Cloud, continues gathering a force of extraordinary magnitude to be wielded against Cothon-Gadeed in a final victory of Kzinti over Men
• pursuant to this threat, the two new Souffets are rumored to be readying an army to field against the Red Cloud and his bands; this is a new development compared to the more hands-off approach of the last two Souffets (which seems to have facilitated the Red Cloud's meteoric rise--why were the Souffets so reluctant to move against the Kzinti??)
• other than his investigations into the Barcidae (which are not really as public as the chronicle might suggest), Durham is known to have been throwing himself into some great project at the Ringing Anvil, with the clamor of smithing and much activity constantly sounding around in the neighborhood
• Bartholomew Pettibone and his cohorts are apparently engaged in developing some kind of wondrous entertainment routine, including performance with the musician Anataynus and the dancing girls of the Kantor Kabljauhof
• bands of robbers from the undercity (Medina al Taht) have grown bolder in recent weeks, even to the point of openly robbing passersby on the street and breaking into shops and warehouses; meanwhile, the Bani Dawr have taken interest below, sending servitors of their house into the undercity, and Najm claims to have been approached by a messenger from the undercity asking for help for his mistress below--perhaps in relation to this increased banditry?
• The Banit Dawr are also said to be making money hand-over-fist by engaging with merchants that seem to be able to avoid the troubles of both winter weather and the roving bands of the Red Cloud; for those in the know, they are apparently able to get goods for low summer prices! Have the Bani Dawr made some deal with the demons of the Fortress Moon, or used some other magic to effect this wonder?
• the Attine Klackons, disturbed by the recent excesses of violence from Kzinti warbands, have opened negotiations with the Souffets and the Xolda Klackons of the cities, a move unprecedented in recent history, as they Attines have traditionally been isolationist

What's Happened in the Interim? A Downtime Update

As readers of this chronicle know, there was a gap of coverage/activity from much of January of this year to much of March of this year--and February was completely devoid of updates. At the same time, the pace of expeditions slowed markedly, even as the pace of life within the Dual-Cities likewise slowed.

There are a variety of reasons for this; mainly, the Scribes were busy with projects mandated them by the Souffets; but also, the Cities of Cothon-Gadeed have been set upon more viciously by the Kzin warlord the Red Cloud than previously expected; and not only the trouble of the Kzinti, but also some dread danger comes marching out of the ruins of Tsur al Qadim of nights (set loose, as some say, by the meddling barbarian adventurers of Cothon ...).

All of which is to say, the Scribes beg forbearance!

But as was perhaps mentioned in an earlier plea, life did not stop in Cothon-Gadeed during that time, and likewise the populace continued pursuing their own lives. Just so the barbarians! And so here is related the means by which barbarian-adventurers can set to record the works they pursued during those three months:

Any player-character who did not specifically set aside time for downtime activities during the months January, February and/or March, may avail themselves of either 1) generic downtime OR 2) special downtime for each free month.

The Scribes know in particular that Bartholomew Pettibone scheduled out his downtime pretty particularly for much of these months (or perhaps all). By way of example, let us assume he scheduled all of January and part of February. In that case, he would be free to use option (1) or (2) for March only. Having scheduled through January into February makes him ineligible for either of those months. Contrariwise, if Revna didn't schedule any downtime in the same set of months, she may elect option (1) or (2) for each of those three months.

1) Generic Downtime

Unlike the normal course of downtime, a character may spend one of the stipulated months automatically advancing a generic clock, rather than rolling. This automatic advancement applies only to specific activities, and only to a certain extent. The stricture that a player-character describe how they're advancing the clock with at least a sentence of detail still applies. The allowed activities (and maximum advancement) are noted hence:

• Non-magical research (limit 1 success)*
• Spiritual Exercises (limit negotiated with referee, according to goal)
• Martial Training (limit 3 successes)
• Alchemical Pursuits (limit negotiated with referee)
• Cultivating a Relationship (limit 3 successes)
• Magical Research (limit 1 success)*
• Professional Pursuits (limit 3 successes, only gp may be earned)--dinars according to one's skill:
  Plebeian -- earn 60 dinars (gp) per month selected
  Skilled -- earn 120 dinars per month selected
  Noble -- earn 225 dinars per month selected

2) Special Downtime

Instead of using a month for a generic downtime, a character may instead elect to have spent time involved in the "life" of the cities in that particular month.

For, though the game has been in a bit of a stall, the life of the cities has continued apace, with new developments, some noted (the Red Cloud), some hinted at (the strange goings-on in Tsur al Qadim). Characters who choose to involve themselves thus in the life of the city during any one of these months selects the month and rolls a d6 against the table below:

Special Downtimes

Month	Roll (d6)	Effect
	1-2	Hoarder – gain d6x250 dinars, -2 on reactions in Cothon for a year
January	3-5	Friend in Need – spend d6x100 dinars, +1 on reactions for a year
	6	Too Generous! – earn 1 xp per 1 gp donated; cannot increase in level
	1-2	Haunted – hair whitens, and lose 1d10 years of life
February	3-5	I will not fear – +1 on saves v. undead/fear for a year
	6	Fearless – cannot be paralyzed by undead, permanently
	1-2	Panicked – roll at -1 on reaction rolls in Cothon-Gadeed for a year
March	3-5	Held fast – AC at -1 bonus when facing Kzinti for a year
	6	Kzin-killer – +1 to hit when rolling against Kzinti, permanently

During the month of January, rumors of danger began to circulate through the Dual-Cities (and the Ten Cities' League at large). The Red Cloud and his Kzinti were at that point threatening, and though they had not yet done anything specifically, the air was thick with tension. And too, winter is on its way, long months of cold that will cause fields to lay long fallow, and supplies of grain and foodstuffs to grow thin.
Given this, characters with their "ears to the ground" may elect to have spent January preparing against the rumors of danger circulating in January, either by speculating and hoarding supplies, to be sold at profit; or by securing supplies to be donated to friends or associates. 

During the month of February, something of the true danger in Tsur al Qadim was revealed: shadows and spirits were seen to walk through the Cities at night, and Poor Brothers of the Dead who defend the Pallbearers' Way to the Necropolis reported constant skirmishes with restless corpses marching out of the Old Ruins. A terrible fear crept through the Cities, a palpable terror ...
Some stayed in their houses and apartments during this terror, but others chose to rise and meet it. Those who were unafraid, or who wished to master their fear, volunteered to assist the Poor Brothers, or to assist those who patrolled the streets at night in Cothon or Gadeed, to ward back the shadows with extra torch- and lantern-light. Even some of these could not meet their fear without blanching, and more than a few volunteers returned with whited hair and faces lined with terror and premature age.

During the month of March, the Red Cloud showed his hand. The Iqta' al Zaytun was plundered and burned, and Kzinti and their tribal human auxiliaries raided the hinterlands hither and yon. Not long ago, a band of Kzinti even attacked and burned the hillfort in the Tukayyat Hills, on the headland between Cothon and Ittiyqa!
Too late, much too late, the Souffets called for patrols to go forth from the Dual-Cities, to attempt to stave off these brazen attacks. Men-at-arms of various families and bands from the various Fighting Societies went forth, and volunteers who wished to test their mettle went with them (not a few having learned courage the month before) ...

Results of the Games

[The Scribes apologize for their long inactivity; they profess the most pressing trouble upon them has been the rumor of the Red Cloud and his imminent threat to the Dual-Cities. And that, because of duties relating to this trouble and the sending and receiving of messages, they have had little time to chronicle things for the barbarians of Cothon ...]

The Tsamri-Hane Games were held several months ago; and though the results of the gladiatorial matches are at this point widely known (and probably widely forgotten by many whose worries about the Red Cloud overwhelm their enthusiasm for the combats of the Arena), the barbarian-adventurers who dwell in Cothon may not have heard their results.

Truthfully, it matters only to perhaps a couple barbarians--the most paid the Games hardly any heed--but for those who were interested, the results are here posted for their knowledge:

1. In the match Drago v. Barshan the Strong, it was Barshan who came out victorious. In a surprise upset Barshan closed the distance quickly, clinching his enemy in a wrestling bind, and Drago yielded quickly after that

2. In Idrig v. Charna of Arnhe, Idrig performed as expected. The two closed into melee and exchanged several blows, but Idrig's skill proved superior and Charna found herself defeated. When she yielded, Idrig granted her life (a theme that would continue through the rest of the Games)

3. Between the javelineers Theriax the Peltast v. Korbassh the Sakkra, it was the Sakkra who proved superior. Bearing out his specie's skill in thrown weapons, Korbassh wounded his enemy in the first exchange of darts, and then, after avoiding all of his enemy's javelins, caught Theriax in a strong clinch; Theriax yielded and was granted life

4. In the battle between Elam al Kir v. Hiri Man-Hunter, the latter won handily with his superior Kzin strength. The two came together in melee, but Elam was unsettled by Hiri's "scream and leap" and surrendered with the Kzin's fangs at his throat; he was allowed his life

5. And in the anticipated Mortu the Black v. Shalla the Aridani another upset! After only a short melee and clinch, Shalla was able to disarm Mortu of his dreaded "Blade of Death"; without his weapon, Mortu offered his throat to be cut, yet much to the disappointment of the crowd, Shalla granted Mortu his life.

As for the animal battles:

1. The pack of gadhars easily overwhelmed the chlen they were set upon

2. Between the qaqtla and the yeki, the poisonous whips of the qaqtla serpent took their toll, and the yeki succumbed to the venom and was ultimately killed

3. Finally, between the zrne and the crowd of chnelh ape-men, the crowd was surprised when the leaping predator succumbed to numbers, and the chnelh closed together with their crude clubs and beat the zrne to death (not without a few bloody deaths of their own, to the satisfaction of the crowd)

The only barbarian that the Scribes received word of actually betting on the Games was Durham of the Ringing Anvil, who successfully bet only on the initial battle between Drago and Barshan the Strong. Alas for Durham, his other bets all backed the losers. But with 100 dinars (gp) bet to Barshan, Durham at least wins back 125 gp through Barshan's victory. Better luck next Games, Durham!

A Call Already Answered: Up a River

[Joel wrote this as a Call to Adventure, but we Scribes were in the throes of our troubles; we post it now for completeness, to be recalled when the recap is written]

The Missing Merchant

With the ghar gone, the land along the Ghana River grows bountiful, able to produce enough goods for trade. Many iqtadareen (lords) eagerly await ships of trade from the river. However, the first of these ships has not arrived and its whereabouts are unknown. So a bounty agent by the name of Duncan has been hired to negotiate with adventurer-barbarians on behalf of both parties, the merchant traders and the river lords. Both parties wish to find out the fate of the ship and to find out if anything threatens the riverine trade route.

Duncan has interviewed the people most familiar with the area: the ship was last seen headed down the Ghana River but no one has seen it in the delta. Many locals fear it may have been taken at the dunes at the delta's head as there is a new cavern there that was not there before. And of course rumors abound of misfortune and danger to all who approach this place, but Duncan has yet to confirm if any of it is true.

So the call has gone out to all the taverns of Cothan--now who will answer??

[the call was answered; the seeking was done ... the Scribes now only await a report as to the success or failure of the deeds ...]

The Red Cloud of War

Smoke rises southeast of Cothon-Gadeed, from the burning villages and vineyards of the Iqta' al Zaytun--clouds of smoke stained red with the light of the great red sun. The people of the Dual Cities tell each other on the streets, this must be the reason for his name--the Red Cloud, newly risen warlord of the Kzinti, master of Heroes, destroyer of Peace. Or so they tell each other as they meet in the streets, shaking their heads.

And all look to the strong walls of both Cothon and Gadeed, the masterwork fortifications of both klackon and human hands--and the great turrets that stand above, manned by retainers of the Guilds and the Bani-Houses, and the elite Knights Pylaea--and all hope and pray that it will not come to such War as it once did, between Man and Kzin, when the very walls shook under the fury of the Kzinti and their engines. But those days are over--those are the days of legend, of history--such days cannot now come!

And too, people whisper about the Souffets--after their refusal to join with the Hanse in their campaign against the pirates of the eastern seas; after their recall and snubbing of the great general Dalinar al Khalid, and suspicions against him--given all this, can Khosroa and Fadhlan be expected to muster any real resistance against the Red Cloud in this, their final lunar year in office? And they've already dithered these two months!

(

"Gadeed will fall!"

There will be an upcoming post detailing a way for player-characters to explain just what they have been up to in the "downtime" between January and now (going into April), given that the life of the Dual-Cities has been somewhat on hold during that time.)

Such is the talk in the streets these days, as refugees straggle in from al Zaytun with tales of Kzinti coming in out of the night, burning everything with their peculiar yowling hunting cries, cutting men down with claw, fang, and wtsai ... How could the Red Cloud of gathered such strength to himself already, to feel ready to challenge Cothon-Gadeed so directly?? The Iqta' al Zaytun is a breadbasket of the Cities, supplying olives, wine, oil, and all manner of corn and other foodstuffs. How could this upstart warlord already have mustered such force?

[Even the referee is surprised at this turn of events!--how indeed could the Red Cloud of come into such power? Well, it is "convenient" at least for the Scribes ... who can thus claim their lack of proper chronicling has been due more to their duties regarding this sudden onslaught, rather than having to attend to a greater number of personal matters in these last few months ...

... And rest assured, this is no moment like the apocryphal event in Dave Arneson's Blackmoor game when, after the players had spent too many sessions delving in the dungeons and neglecting the wargame proper, the cackling Arneson gleefully told his players that the baddies had won--no, the Red Cloud has not won in any sense! But perhaps he has at least shown himself to be a force to be reckoned with ...]

Plunder from Yramrag

About two months ago, a courageous company ventured into the sea caves of the Ocean's Throat, seeking the bounty on the rogue alchemist Yramrag, and to free the renyu serving him from the heavy yoke of his command.

That company included these adventurers:

• Durham
  Pako
• Mara
• Dehuhada
• Persephone
  Finbar and Tanit al Jamila

They succeeded in their mission--returning to the Kantor Kabljauhof with the inkvine-scarred head of Yramrag, and thus earning the Hanse's bounty for his demise, as well as declaring alliance with the freed tribe of renyu, now known as the Wasgo Tribe.

the inkvine-
scarred head

What's more, they plundered Yramrag's illicit alchemical laboratory, and thus came into possession of his equipment and inventory, but also laid claim to his spellbooks, notes, and correspondence. Now, as the Scribes have finally returned to updating this chronicle (their work on the upcoming tax-code reform being finally complete!), an accounting of these things is provided here, so that those who joined the expedition may properly divvy up their plunder:

Potions and Elixirs

• 10 "illicit" Sakkra blood potions (they appear darker, almost black, than the Kantor's potions)
• 8 "Elixirs of Heroic Vigor" (these potions inure the imbiber to pain or fear, granting temporary hit points and a bonus to attack and morale)
• 2 Potions of Heroism (per the OSE SRD)
• 1 bottle of poisoned wine
• 3 vials of "Yramrag's Perfect Antidote" (purported by the alchemist's notes to completely neutralize any kind of poison or venom)

Four Spellbooks

A Game of Death
This work includes a copy of part of the saga of the Red Pirate Galba in which he challenged a Sikelian pirate to a simple game of wits--"Which cup holds the poisoned wine?" Galba's success, of course, relied on his poisoning both cups, and being himself immune to the dose he proffered.
Following the excerpt, the spell-writer--perhaps originally Karmer himself?--lays out the principles of various spells involving poison, sniffing it out, and its slowing or neutralization.
I. preserve flesh
II. renyu's nose, Karmer's wine to poison, slow poison

A Prologomen to the Hidden Nature of Reality and the Lightness of Being
A peculiar treatise in which the arcane-philosopher disputes the reality of "matter", arguing instead that everything that exists is mere emanations of light--and such, once one understands the simplest such argument, one can perceive that "weight" and "mass" really are nothing, and that gravity is easily negated, just as light shines where it will. Unfortunately, this is only the prelude to the full argument (in which was promised much greater magics!)
II. levitate, lighten load

The Hunt for the Fuligin Feshenga of Zendak
A copy of a narrative poem about Jabborg, a smith-hero of the Bulrathi, and how he wielded the jagged lance of lightning in the eponymous hunt alongside other heroes and demigods. The cadence of stresses and harsh consonants is renowned among poets as onomatopoeia for a thunderstorm, and the spell-writer uses these cadences to actually effect lightning merely by proper recitation of the proper verses.
I. magic missile
III. lightning bolt

The Rhetoric of Genius
Yramrag's self-aggrandizing accounts of how self-talk that one is a genius can lead one to actually becoming one, and how talking oneself and one's accomplishments up in the right way can so overwhelm lesser minds that they fall sway to the dictates of one's own genius.
The possession of this original spellbook, which contains a polished mirror plate on the inside cover, opposite a mantra of self-praise, if regularly appraised, causes one's charm spells to be saved against at -1 by other creatures.
I. charm person
II. hold person
IV. charm monster

A Library of Notes

Several folios of notes, meticulously taken and organized, detailing various experiments both successful and failed. The example of his organization, as well as the extensive notes on various agents and reagents and their reactions, would aid any would-be-alchemist in designing and effecting their own experiments, and so anyone in possession of these notes while practicing alchemy can roll at +1 on their dice roll.

The notes include certain formulae, and also could be used to research certain narrow topics:

• formula for "illicit" Sakkra blood
• formula for "Elixir of Heroic Vigor"
• formula for "Yramrag's Perfect Antidote"
• extensive notes on Sakkra physiology and anatomy, as well as notes on their social organization and fighting tactics, as reported to him by the Wasgo
• similar notes concerning renyu (physiology, anatomy, social structure)
• details on his strange experiments in crossbreeding

Private Correspondences

A trove of letters and notes exchanged mostly between Yramrag and the pirates who are known to have a kind of fortified lair in the Ocean's Throat. Much of the exchange has to do with Yramrag's supply of the pirates with his potions,. in return for money and supplies, and as such is rather quotidian. However a quick skim through the notes reveals to potential topics of further inquiry:

• a regular exchange of magical notes, as well as investigations into the strange "Green Doors" in the caves, lights moving under the dark waters of the caves, and other such things, signed either Vikonyá or Hadisha (in different hands)
• certain cryptic "invoices" (as it were) which seem to indicate similar trade with a group other than the pirates--and signed in a way that seem to implicate the Barcidae of the Migdol!

Either of these lines of inquiry would require downtime to research, as sifting through the correspondence for relevant papers and letters would be rather time-consuming.

The Cities Subdued

No, the Dual-Cities have not been overcome by some outside force--at least, not in the way the chronicles would describe it, with barbarians clamb'ring over the walls--though a court-poet might indeed draw out such a metaphor ...

Indeed no, but the high priest of the ancient kings has fallen ill, and in his advanced age, there is no hope of recovery. Are there not sorcerous ways of returning a man to life? And yet, such methods restore a body grievously injured; but the mystery of age and its ails are poorly corralled even by sorcery--for an injured man, returned to health at 30 turns of the sun, what health is he returned to but a decrepit body all ready to die?

So the Cities prepare for High Mourning. The walls are draped with black, and doorways are veiled with dark silk or cloth. With such a prominent Mourning, fresh endeavors are frowned upon (there will be no games this week, ending 5 June). The Poor Brothers of the Dead, chiefest of the mourning-societies, gather outside the shrine of the kings in Gadeed draped in sackcloth and with ash smeared on their brows; meanwhile, their brothers also make the rounds in the streets of Cothon, scattering ash and salt, tearing their cloaks, and crying to heaven.

But the gods are dead. Slain in the wars against the demons, their virtues have passed from the world. They are outside human (or sapient) concerns. So men pray to their own--their kings and heroes of old--and they pray now that another should be taken up into unbroken litany of heroes, kings, and priests: al Kayl minal Muluk, priest of king-priests.

Indeed, death comes for us all. The gods themselves are dead. What hope has a man against Death, save that his family remember him and his tomb, and offer wax-cakes and milk at the appointed times to relieve his feast of dust?

------

Before the clear knowledge of the nigh-death of the great priest, nevertheless Captain-General Zaytar did lead his procession of gifts and courtiers from the Kantor of the Hanse unto the Temenos of the Colossian Oracle to seek the Oracle's perspective on the Hanse's campaign contra the Luwian pirates.

With the clash of many a cymbal the procession set out, led by lictors bearing thyrsus-reeds as staves. And gold and silver was in much abundance among the slave-bearers, just as salt and salted fish and nard were also borne thereby. A break in the recent rains gave a gay brightness to the banners displayed on shield front and from speartip as the company made its way along the Pallbearers' Way. And in the Temenos the Hansemenner set out the meat of many hmela to roast, to share with other mourners in the valley, while Zaytar himself went into the Oracle, accompanied by those lieutenants he kept near his person, to hear the judgment of the Oracle-Colossus.

It was seen that Zaytar emerged with a short smile, though he would say nothing of the Oracle's prognostication. When once the offerings to the Oracle had been properly made, and the feast had otherwise concluded, Zaytar led his contingent of courtiers back along the road to the Kantor Kabljauhof, and would speak none the wiser to anyone at his side concerning the Oracle's perception. Yet a smile hovered on his lips.

-------

The gods are dead, but fortune is a strange thing. Nigh on the return of Zaytar to town, word arrived by galley that the Hanse had won a great victory in the east of the Denyan Islands, driving the Luwians before them further east and banishing them from their island strongholds there. The merchant who brings such news, one Han of the Min al Uburun, is possessed of goods he wishes to sell, but finding the cities in mourning, is unable to engage his mercantile impulses.

Nevertheless, Cothon is the city to sell in, if one has the right goods. So Han will remain through next week at least, and a price listing of his goods will be offered as soon as appropriate.

Update from the Scribes and Lars Fangripper's First Report

It has been just over a week since the last update to this chronicle of the deeds and goings-on in Cothon-Gadeed and the nearby underworld of the Tel al Safina, and all the heroes and would-be-heroes who strive for glory within its depths.

Unfortunately, the scribes who compile the chronicle have been quite busy with other work recently: reports to be written for the Soufets, accountings to be done at the docks, seeing to the proper education of apprentice scribes, busywork, etc. etc.

This note is appended in hopes that interested parties do not fret too much!--as soon as they are able, the scribes will turn to accounts of the most recent three adventurous expeditions into the Tel (#32, #33, and #34/34.5), as well as producing a description of Captain-General Zaytar's procession to the Colossian Oracle, the outrageous suit by the Barcidae against the Survivors of the Tel, a new development concerning the Guild of Lamplighters, and other interesting news current in Cothon-Gadeed.

The scribes implore: please only be patient, dear readers!

In the meantime, here, at least, is newcomer Lars Fangripper's account of the monsters encountered during an expedition into the Necropolis some weeks ago (drawn and written by Joel, earning Fangripper 100 xp per level):

Fang-Ripper monster report #1

I am Lars Fang-Ripper and I am on a pilgrimage to collect and record monsters I encounter. 

Sekekers

Possum-like creatures that have poison quills on their backs. They live, hunt and kill in a

large colony. I do not know how powerful or the effects of their poison. 

Kurgha

A strange looking creature the size of a large dog, it has six legs, three eyes, a long rat tail, a break at the end of its snout and a long flicking tongue. It has oily skin that carried a horrible smell. Nothing about this beast seem particularly useful. However, I think you could get a moderate amount of coin for the head as trophy mounted on a wall.