Session 38 - Session Notes

This session actually occurred two weeks ago, I was just really slow at getting my notes typed up this time.

First, a note about the epilogue.  Once again, its just there to add atmosphere at this point - two powerful figures engaged in some kind of gentlemanly game using everyone as pawns.

But it won't stay that way.  In a few sessions, the remaining piddly things to do around the city will be finished and the group will start to learn more about the man in the purple cloak and discover who these two mysterious figures are and where all three fit into things.  

Foreshadowing - one of the mysterious figures from the epilogue has never been seen or discussed before.  The other has.

Now, on to the session itself.

We start off with a quick introduction of the new character to the group (replacing Challa, who the player "retired" last session).  Note that scene 1 is only included in the write-up, the actual game started with scene 2.

The player came up with the character, I just added a basic hook to get the character involved right away.  I'd always intended to move the action to Winterhaven once the Fallcrest area was more or less cleaned up; this will just accelerate things a little.

Smithens the butler was introduced just to give Scrag someone to talk to.  I find the idea that this half-orc who used to live in a shack in a haunted cemetery now owns a large estate and has a butler.  Note - he's not related to the St. Smithens who is the hero in centuries past with the local holiday named after him; I just didn't come up with a unique name.  Smithens servers hot cocoa and buns because I was thinking of an Are You Being Served? episode at the time.

It was a crying shame the Tiberius player wasn't there that session - not only would he have to hide the whole thing about setting up the murder, but on top of it he would have found out that Sage had information about the necromancer he's been searching for (Bragosani).

Once the introductions were over, I started to get blank stares from the players on what to do next (since obviously the Winterhaven adventure couldn't happen yet).  As is usual with them, they get confused when I don't put on my engineer hat and yell "all aboard!".

So, I had to put the murder of Vargas out there as something to investigate (What happened to their big idea about clearing the sewers or finding that wight?  I have no idea.  Apparently it ceased to become a big deal.)

The Vargas murder was a foregone conclusion since last session when Tiberius set things in motion.  One funny thing is that the players know this, but their characters do not.  So, the characters are making connections between Vargas' murder and the recent burglaries/rats in the docks area, but in reality they are not related at all (I'm not sure the players fully understand that last bit, though; they get easily confused with red herrings).

Inspector Hawksworth was added as an obvious anachronism because I love adding social and architectural anachronisms into my D&D games.  He's named after a character on Keeping Up Appearances.

Oddly, the game took a very "modern crime procedural" bent at this point, despite my originally envisioning things as more Victorian in flavor.  At one point, everyone started joking that Scrag was going to start asking Hawksworth if any fibers were found on the body.

Challa becoming the new Chief Justiciar was a surprise for everyone because I hadn't hinted at it to anyone ahead of time.  I thought it made sense as a natural progression for the character (now an NPC).  And of course, the first thing she would do, logically, is shut down all the criminals in town she was aware of.  The PCs will have to watch themselves now, as even back as a PC, Challa made it clear she would have them arrested if she found out about any more illegal activities from them.  

One point of tension - Tiberius could easily end up imprisoned or executed for his role in getting Vargas murdered; something I will bring up tonight at this next session.

Finally, the session ended with a battle because everyone always wants at least one fight per session.  Tonight, I expect they will head into the sewers, where they will find that it is not just a random nest of dire rats they are up against.


And now for a shameless plug - I have an article published in the latest issue of Polymancer called "Adjusting Your Losses".  I would love for people to read it and let me know what they thought.

Session 39 - Cast of Characters

Tiberius Enchilada - Human Warlord
Sage - Longtooth Shifter Cleric
Scrag Graveborn - Half-Orc Warden
Krolec Jar'Bin - Elven Ranger
Leigh - Eladrin Wizard
Sa'lid Dra'lah - Human Sorcerer
Durmindin - Wilden Shaman

Session 39 - Scene 1 (of 6)

The next morning at Scrag's mansion, everyone sits down to breakfast.  As Smithens serves kippers and eggs, Tiberius notices Sage at the table and introduces himself.  She briefly explains her story to him.

The others catch Tiberius up on what he missed the previous day, with Scrag giving a rather rambling account of the events.  Krolec interrupts him and gives a more detailed account of the murder, the missing people, the dire rats, and Challa's new role in the city.

Tiberius makes a comment suggesting he spent the time having an enjoyable day with Lady Abigail, but Sa'lid suspects otherwise.

The warlord does mention that the situation with Vargas is "a shame" and feigns sympathy.  Inwardly, he thinks to himself that Challa better not find out his role in the death of Vargas, for she made it clear last time she'd seek justice against him if he stepped out of line.  Still, he feels no guilt about the result, believing Vargas never should have crossed him in the first place.

Tiberius notes that Durmindin is not at the breakfast.  Sage responds that he is still recovering from his rat bites.  Tiberius laughs that a "tree" could be so injured, but Sage takes exception; she explains that he is not a tree and has many of the same features as other humanoids.  Tiberius makes a snide remark about her knowledge of Durmindin's anatomy, but Sage flatly states it is her responsibility to know as a healer.

Session 39 - Scene 2 (of 6)

Krolec then begins making plans for the group to head into the sewers.  He explains to the others about where he smelled the rat nest.

Everyone gathers together supplies for the excursion.  Krolec takes the opportunity to resupply his arrows from the mansion armory while Sage gets the others to put in some money to help her purchase more materials to perform additional cure disease rituals.

Leigh notes that the group treasury is almost gone and everyone is strapped for cash.  Scrag knows he has a fair amount of money in the estate treasury, but isn't sure yet how much he will need to fund the operations around the manor as well as pay his taxes.  Tiberius makes a snide remark about the high expense of keeping Krolec and Durmindin alive; Krolec isn't amused.

The group checks with the Temple of Erathis to see if they can provide the ritual cheaper.  To their dismay, they find out it will be twice as expensive as having Sage do it.  They are able to get another half dozen healing potion from the temple at their discounted rate, with Sa'lid offering to foot the bill.

Krolec decides to lead the group to a sewer entrance near the docks, but not use one of the drains, as it could be too dangerous.  Rather than attempt any stealth, he activates a sunrod (though laments there is no such thing as a "moonrod").

Session 39 - Scene 3 (of 6)

Krolec decides he should head in first and secure the area for the others to get down.  Scrag follows behind him.  They find themselves in the middle of a four-way intersection of sewer lines.

After making sure the area is clear and getting an idea of which direction the rat nest is likely in, Krolec signals the others down.  Tiberius comes next.  Predictably, he makes a fair bit of noise coming down the ladder.  Krolec decides Tiberius should be the one to hold the sunrod.

Once everyone is down, Krolec looks around a corner.  With the sunrod giving off light, he spots a bridge up ahead crossing over the sewer water.

Krolec has the group spread out a little and start towards the bridge.  Moving up a little, he takes a careful look at the area around the bridge.  He can spot something moving in the shadows on the underside of the bridge.

Trying to draw out whatever it is there, Krolec tosses out a copper piece.  Nothing comes out.  He then yells at whatever is under the bridge to come out, but still nothing emerges.

Wanting a better look, Krolec has Leigh illuminate an arrow then fires it into the water past the bridge.  As the arrow floats back, it lights up the underside of the bridge.  Several giant spiders can be seen moving around.

Since they need to use the bridge to cross over, Scrag moves up into position in the center of the bridge.  Sa'lid then uses his magic to fly himself and Tiberius across to the other side to take a flanking position.

Two large spiders emerge, biting Scrag twice.  Krolec responds by using a hawk's talon maneuver to strike one of them, killing it instantly.

More spiders pour out from under the bridge, but everyone recognizes these as deathjump spiders.  They immediately jump at Krolec, Tiberius, and Scrag.  Krolec moves back quickly to avoid the spider's attack, while Scrag and Tiberius are able to fend off their attackers.

Leigh helps out Scrag by firing off a shock sphere at the spiders surrounding him.  The other large poisonous spider is blasted into a smear on the wall.

Tiberius yells an inspiring word to Scrag then calls out for Sage to move up.  Then, yelling out an inspiring war cry, he chops into the spider in front of him.  He tries to follow it up with another attack, but misses.

Just as things seem under control, a giant phase spider teleports into the area behind Sa'lid.  As it bites into him, he feels the poison flowing into his veins.

Session 39 - Scene 4 (of 6)

Sage moves up further into position, blocking off the spider from Krolec.  She strikes out at one of the spiders with a healing strike, but misses.  She then uses a bastion of health spell to allow Sa'lid to recover.

Sa'lod steps back and blasts the phase spider with his rimestorm spell, knocking it over.  He then uses his cosmos call spell, injuring it further.

Back of the bridge, Scrag uses his font of life power to rid his body of poison then lashes out with a thornburst.  He is dismayed when the attack misses.  The spiders attack back, but Scrag blocks them off, as do Tiberius and Sage.

Krolec strikes into the phase spider with a shadow wasp strike while Leigh blasts the spiders near Scrag and Tiberius with a fire burst.  Tiberius tries to follow it up with a viper's strike, but fails to hit the creature as do Scrag and Sage with their attacks.

Sa'lid finds the downed spider in front of him can still teleport as it suddenly appears beside him again and he suffers another bite.  Sa'lid attempts to step back and lash out with his moon and stars spell, but fails to fully hit the monster.  As the poison continues to surge through him, he falls unconscious.

Luckily, before the phase spider can eat the sorcerer, Krolec uses an adaptive assault to finish the arachnid off.

The deathjump spiders and the others exchange more blows.  The spiders all miss while Sage, Scrag, and Tiberius find their marks.  Leigh assists with a scorching burst, further injuring two of them.

As Sa'lid starts to wake back up, Krolec uses a boar assault to attack the spider attacking Sage.  Sage fends off another attack from the creature then strikes into it with a recovery strike.

The other spiders are equally unable to penetrate the defenses of Tiberius and Scrag.  Tiberius finishes one of them off with his viper's strike then moves up to help Scrag, shouting an inspiring word to Sa'lid along the way.

Scrag tries to knock back one of the spiders on himself with a thunder ram assault.  The spider responds by biting him.

Back down the sewerway, Sa'lid stands himself up while Krolec misses with an attack on the spider on Sage.  Sage, however, does hit with her recovering strike then uses a healing word spell on Scrag.

Scrag attempts another attack on the spider in front of him, but misses.  Sa'lid, however, uses his swirling stars spell to destroy both of the spiders surrounding the warden.

Krolec continues to assault the remaining spider, hitting it with two arrows.  The spider is able to score a bite on Sage just before Leigh finishes it off with a magic missile.

Session 39 - Scene 5 (of 6)

With the last spider dead, everyone takes a moment to recover.  Sage in particular finds it takes her quite a while to fend off the effects of the poison.

Everyone crosses the bridge and regroups on the other side.  Krolec takes a second to discuss the battle and make sure everything went smoothly.  Only Sage offers any areas for improvement, cautioning everyone to try and stay within the range of her healing abilities.

Once everyone is ready, the group presses on, Scrag taking the lead.  Up ahead, he spots a humanoid form stuck in a web along one of the walls.  It could be a dock worker, possibly one of the ones who has been missing.

Krolec moves in to take a closer look, approaching cautiously.  He spots a bottle in the belt of the dead man, along with a pouch.  He grabs the bottle and pouch then makes sure there is nothing else hid in the rest of the webbing.  

The bottle appears to be a healing potion and the pouch contains a little over a hundred gold pieces.  After Leigh confirms it is a healing potion, Krolec gives it to Tiberius.

Sage takes a closer look at the body itself.  She notes it has been there at least four months, so is likely a victim unrelated to the missing people on the docks.

The group gets back on the move, heading further in.  As they approach a T-intersection, Krolec becomes unsure of which way to go.  Leigh uses her best guess based on his description that they should take the passageway to the left.  Krolec goes with her advice.

As they continue to move in, Scrag notices a small hole in the bottom of one of the walls, about two feet by two feet.  Krolec looks around the area for tracks.  He can see that the area under the hole has been disturbed, but not recently.

Scrag has Leigh illuminate a pebble then throws it inside the hole.  The pebble falls down a sloped passageway inside down to a lower level.

Krolec notes to the others that this is the passageway he took that led down to the lower levels when he was chasing after Jantor.  He takes careful note of the area so they can find it again later when they go after the wight he saw down there.

Session 39 - Scene 6 (of 6)

Continuing further down the passageway, the group turns a corner and Scrag can smell something up ahead – rats.  Up ahead, he can see a large hole in the wall with a cave area off to the side.

As the warden carefully approaches, he sees a humanoid figure coming towards the group from the opposite direction.  It is Durmindin, apparently having found the area coming from the plaza drain.  Durmindin spots the group and yells out a greeting, much to Krolec's chagrin.

Scrag moves up to the cave area.  Inside, he sees a nest of dire rats along with a wererat.  The wererat heads over to him, attacking with its sword.

Back behind Durmindin, another wererat emerges from the shadows.  It cuts into the shaman with its sword.  Durmindin responds by stepping back and summoning his spirit companion to intervene.  As the companion misses with a protecting strike, Durmindin summon up a spirit shield to protect himself.

Sa'lid uses his magic to fly himself and Leigh over to the other side to get into position to attack.  Leigh lets loose a fireball that strikes all of the rats and the wererat attacking Scrag.

Tiberius moves up behind Scrag then directs Scrag to make an attack against the lycanthrope.  Krolec fires a couple of arrows into the creature as well.

Meanwhile, the dire rats start swarming towards Leigh and Sa'lid, swimming across the sludgy wastes of the sewers.  Sa'lid responds by blasting out with his rimestorm spell then tries to step away from the creatures.

Sage moves up behind Tiberius as Scrag uses an earthgrasp strike to knock down the wererat.  It stands back up and cuts into him again.  The other wererat attacks Durmindin's spirit companion.  Durmindin feels pain as his spirit companion is dispelled.  Fearing another attack, Durmindin steps back and runs away from the wererat.

Tiberius, unable to get into an attack position, directs Scrag to make another attack.  He calls out an inspiring word to aid the half-orc.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Leigh activates a fireshield and blasts the rats with a fire burst, killing one of them.  She then uses her jump spell to move back across to the other side, into the cave area, where Scrag will offer protection.

Krolec finishes off the wererat attacking Scrag with a couple of arrow shots.

Back in the sewer waters, most of the rats swim back towards the other side, attacking at Durmindin and Scrag, while another stays on Sa'lid.

Sage takes the opportunity to move up and assist Leigh and Durmindin.  She gives a healing word for Durmindin then blasts a nearby dire rat with her sacred flame.  Scrag tries to follow up the attack with a thunder ram assault, but fails.

Meanwhile, the remaining wererat moves up and attacks at Leigh, but misses.  Sa'lid has no better luck with his swirling star spell, missing all the rats.

Tiberius arranges for Durmindin to move out of the way then gives him an inspiring word.  He then directs Scrag to make another attack, but the warden fails.

Durmindin summons his spirit companion then makes a thunder bear's warning attack on the wererat.  Leigh follows it up with a shock sphere that hits the lycanthrope and the dire rats and then a burning hands spell that strikes them all again.  She feels somewhat deflated when she fails to kill any of them.

Krolec tries to finish the wererat off with an evasive strike, but misses.

The dire rats attack, hitting Durmindin's spirit companion and the shaman himself.  Sage tries to blast one of them with a sacred flame, missing it.

Scrag decides it is time to transform into his panther form.  He strikes into the dire rat, killing it.  He then moves over to the wererat, but misses with his thunderclap attack.  The creature attacks back, cutting into him.  

With Scrag out of his way, Tiberius moves up and cuts down one of the rats.  He throws its corpse into the water.

Back on the other side, Sa'lid uses an explosive pyre to blast the rat near him while Durmindin uses a call to the howling wind to blast another.

Leigh uses her scorching blast spell to hit all of the rats, but hits Durmindin's companion in the process, causing him further injury.  The blast does, however, kill off the wererat.

Krolec fires off a couple more arrows, missing the dire rats.  They swarm at Sa'lid and Durmindin, biting into the shaman again.

Sage moves up and heals Durmindin then blasts one of the dire rats into a flaming corpse.  Scrag finishes off another with his axe.

Sa'lid blasts at the remaining rat with his energy strobe.  Tiberius and Durmindin both attempt to finish the creature off, but ultimately it falls to Leigh's magic missile to complete the job.

With the fight over, the group takes a moment to recover.  They notice the wererats have reverted to human form and can identify one of them as Chester, the missing boat rental man.  The other appears to be a dock worker.  Apparently, the two had been secretly robbing the smugglers around the docks and holing up in the sewers.

Inside the cave area, there are several crates with a few hundred gold worth of contraband goods.  To keep peace and goodwill in the city, not to mention avoiding upsetting the new justiciar, Krolec and Leigh feel the best thing is to turn them over to the authorities.

Session 39 - Session Notes

This session got to mix in a little bit of exploration with some combat, which would have been more fun if combats didn't take so long.

I'm increasingly becoming dissatisfied with the 4e combat mechanics overall.  The PCs simply have way too many special powers and monsters have way too little they can do, with too many hp and too little in the way of damage to avoid combat becoming one long drawn-out affair that simply takes too long.

The more I play the game, the more I feel they didn't get the design quite right.  The PCs at level 8 are already horribly overpowered.  I am barely even able to make a dent in their hit points and they must have at least 12 healing abilities within the group to negate even the toughest battle.  The only way they can come close to getting badly injured is through sheer bad luck combined with poor decisions.

It wasn't always this way - this campaign was quite the meat grinder in the beginning.  The problem appears to be that PCs get more powerful exponentially while the threats they face only increase linearly.  Even more annoying, PCs get much more powerfully defensively than they do offensively - defenses, HP, and powers that nerf enemies or heal allies seem to skyrocket, while damage capabilities remain relatively flat - making combat take progressively longer.

I know some of this will be addressed in the forthcoming not-a-new-edition-wink-wink D&D Essentials, but I have no desire to try and retrofit my campaign into a new pseudo-edition.

As I've discussed in the past, I still plan to finish out the parts of the campaign I have planned; I'm just getting less enthusiastic about it.  It's not so much a case of me disliking the rules now as it is that combats and traps now seem like time-wasting minor inconveinces rather than true threats to the group.

Session 40 - Cast of Characters

Sir Krolec Jar'Bin - Elven Ranger
Dame Leigh - Eladrin Wizard
Sir Tiberius Enchilada - Human Warlord
Sa'lid Dra'lah - Human Sorcerer
Sir Durmindin - Wilden Shaman
Sage - Longtooth Shifter Cleric

Session 40 - Scene 1 (of 7)

The group spends the day after the expedition into the sewers resting and relaxing.  Leigh manages to fight off her filth fever on her own, while Sage is forced to perform a cure disease ritual to cure Durmindin.

The next day, everyone gathers together to discuss what to do next; except for Scrag, who decides he needs to dedicate some time to taking care of the administrative affairs of his manor.

The first order of business is to deal with the contraband material.  While initially in favor of returning it to the city, Krolec has a new idea about possibly using it to draw out the unknown fence they once suspected of being involved with the Raven's Roost gang.

Tiberius, however, is thinking more about the small passageway they found in the sewers that leads to the lower catacombs.  He still wants to go after the wight.  Furthermore, there is also the underground temple they can find and explore.

Krolec decides that before they can proceed with anything, they should talk to Inspector Hawksworth first.

Session 40 - Scene 2 (of 7)

Krolec and the others bring the bodies of the wererats and the contraband to Hawksworth's office.  The inspector notes the bodies are of the "missing" men and surmises they were behind the burglaries at the docks.

The inspector asks if there was any indication about the wererats being involved in Vargas' murder, but Krolec can only say they found nothing linking the creatures to that crime.  Hawksworth notes that one of the men imprisoned as the result of the recent raids in the city has claimed to have information about the murder and he is planning on following up on that lead later in the evening.

Tiberius starts to worry a little and casually asks who the informant is.  The inspector announces it is a man by the name of Dortos.  Tiberius recognizes the name as the one belonging to his contact on the docks.  

The warlord begins to get very nervous but tries to hide it.  Krolec, Leigh, Durmindin, and Sage all notice something is bothering Tiberius, but say nothing.  Tiberius attempts to detect if Hawksworth notices his change in demeanor, but can't tell.

Inspector Hawksworth, however, says nothing to Tiberius about it and instead focuses his men on taking the contraband into custody and start logging it.

Krolec then proposes his thought to the inspector about using some of the contraband to lure out a fence.  When the inspector asks which fence Krolec had in mind, Leigh asks him which ones he knows of.  Hawksworth responds that the main fence in the city was a woman named Mandy, who was captured during the raids and currently imprisoned.

Leigh and Krolec then explain about the Raven's Roost gang they broke up a couple of months ago and their suspicions of a nearby fence.  Hawksworth ponders the situation briefly, but explains the Raven's Roost fence would not be in the city – it would have to be someone out in the area near Raven's Roost.  Therefore, he will keep the contraband in custody.

Tiberius briefly asks about the other known criminals in the city.  The inspector explains that Slippery Pete and Schlomo remain at large, but all of Schlomo's men, including Feldman, his top lieutenant, are in custody.

The warlord, trying to think of a way out of his dilemma, offers to do the interrogation of Dortos for Hawksworth.  But the inspector declines, citing Justiciar Challa's demands that all proper procedures are followed.  

The inspector then thanks the group for all their help.  Tiberius gregariously notes the group likes to be of help.  Before they go, Hawksworth asks Krolec if he'd like to get a report about the interrogation related to the murder.  The ranger responds that he would.

Session 40 - Scene 3 (of 7)

Everyone decides the next course of action is to head down into the lower catacombs and look for the wight.  They begin their preparations for the expedition.

As they have the discussion, Tiberius thinks through the implications of Dortos' information.  He knows Challa will likely have him imprisoned or worse for being involved in the murder.  He considers going to the Lucky Gnome Taphouse and getting the word out to kill Dortos.  He also considers getting the alchemical fire from Harlan Fogarty and using it to bomb Dortos' cell.

Krolec can tell that Tiberius' mind is elsewhere, but says nothing.  Instead, he is intently listening to Leigh as she explains all she knows about wights.

Sage offers to create holy water for the group in their efforts to fight the wights.  Krolec also mentions they need to go get the healing potion from the upper catacombs at the sacred tomb that Leigh and Challa left.

As everyone is talking, Tiberius takes Sa'lid to the side and the two head out to grab the potions as well as the alchemical fire from Harlan Fogarty.  

As they go to pick up Snarg, Tiberius' mind is still racing through his options.  He wonders if he can bluff his way past Challa and implicate Dortos before the criminal implicates him.  But Tiberius isn't so sure.  He then wonders if he can con Sa'lid, then perhaps Sa'lid could con Challa.  But it seems very risky.

Ultimately, he decides to let Sa'lid and Snarg go after the healing potions by themselves.  Explaining he has an errand to run, Tiberius heads off.

Sa'lid and the goblin reach the caves to find Krolec already there waiting for them.  Snarg easily disables the trap and they reach the potion without difficulty.  They discover one of the containers has turned into a healing potion while the other has remained water.

Session 40 - Scene 4 (of 7)

After a brief wait, the attendant shows Tiberius in to see Challa.  He immediately proceeds towards Challa's desk and places his weapons on it.  He tells the justiciar that he is there to turn himself in for being implicated in the murder of Vargas.

Challa is surprised and wants to know how the warlord is implicated.  He responds that he was not the direct cause, but admits that he made suggestions to Dortos about Vargas being an informant who needed to be killed as part of Tiberius' plan to deepen his cover in the underworld.  He does, of course, leave out that Vargas was chosen out of his personal desire for vengeance.

The justiciar responds that she is impressed with the man's conscience.  She laments, however, that he has just confessed to the crime of conspiracy to commit murder.  Challa notes she is inclined to be lenient with him for turning himself in, and because of the good he does in the city.

She then summons her aide and informs him to get a message to Krolec and Leigh, requesting their presence.

A short time later, Krolec and the others are getting their supplies ready for the expedition into the sewers when Wadsworth announces they have a guest at the door.  Krolec and Leigh are a bit taken aback when they find out it is one of Challa's assistants, and she has summoned them to meet with her.

Back at the office, Tiberius begins explaining to Challa the value of his undercover contacts being made as he tries to reduce his apparent culpability in the crime.  She is not at all convinced by his arguments, and sees through his attempts immediately.

Just as she's explaining to him not to bother to continue, Krolec and Leigh arrive.  They seem confused as to why they have been summoned and why Tiberius is already there.

Challa quickly explains the situation.  Krolec starts to realize why Tiberius has been nervous this morning.  Neither he nor Leigh are particularly surprised with what Tiberius has been up to.

The justiciar then announces her proposal for Tiberius' sentence – he is to be put in the stocks for a weekend, he is to be publicly stripped of his knighthood, and he will have to pay a large fine to the city in the amount of 1000 gold.

Krolec and Leigh listen closely, believing the sentence to be just.  The warlord, however, is taken aback; he expected a much lighter punishment given his long friendship with Challa.

The ranger does inquire a bit further about the fine.  Challa explains the warlord has three months to pay it, and that she wants it only to come from his share of treasure found.  She does not want the group to suffer.

Korlec goes on to plead the case for possible future extensions, which Challa agrees is a possibility depending on adequate progress.  She also states that services to the city may be offered in lieu of partial payment, also depending on Tiberius' attempts.

The one thing the justiciar is very clear on is that any attempts to pay the fine off illegally will be met with the swiftest justice, as will failure to pay the fine.  She also sets the timeline for the punishment – the next Friday, Tiberius will be publicly stripped of his knighthood in the city square then placed in the stocks for the weekend.

When he is asked for his acceptance, Tiberius inquires about alternatives.  Challa explains the only alternative sentence available would be a very long prison term.  Tiberius therefore accepts.  

She then explains to Krolec and Leigh that she has asked them here because they are the original members of their adventuring group and are the ones she considers the most honest.  Challa goes on to explain that she will hold them personally responsible for Tiberius' actions until his debt to society is paid.  They agree to the terms.

Before they all leave, Challa gives an impassioned speech to Tiberius.  She tells him he is capable of being good and doing great things for society.  She hopes he will travel down the path of following the law instead of working outside it.

As they exit, Tiberius re-thinks his decision, wondering if he would have been better served by fire-bombing the jail.  He ponders to himself if Challa will end up putting him in a position where he has to decide between his freedom and her life.

For her part, Leigh simply tells Tiberius not to get caught doing anything else.  Krolec clarifies their position, telling Tiberius flatly not to do anything else.  He responds only that he will have no chance to do so with Challa watching his every move.

Session 40 - Scene 5 (of 7)

Once everyone is back at the mansion, Sa'lid asks Krolec what Challa wanted.  Krolec explains the situation to everyone as Tiberius continues to fume internally.

Sa'lid seems taken aback that Challa didn't seek his advice about Tiberius.  He also wonders to himself if Tiberius originally planned to include him in some scheme to conceal the crime and is thankful he didn't have to get involved.

Krolec then asks Sa'lid about whether or not he intends to bring Snarg into the sewers with them, explaining that Snarg will have to be told of the potentially deadly nature of their expedition.  Sa'lid believes he should still accompany them, however, as they may require his skill with disabling traps.

Once that is decided, the group carefully introduces Snarg to Sage.  Sage isn't very thrilled and keeps her sword at the ready around the creature.  Having lost two of her friends to goblins recently, she is not inclined to befriend one.  Sa'lid manages to calm her down enough with Snarg's story that she is willing to accompany him as long as he stays in front of her.

With an estimated four to five hours of daylight remaining, Krolec leads the team back inside the sewers.  He activates one of the sunrods and gives it to Sa'lid to carry as he is in the middle of their marching order.

Tiberius takes the second position in line.  He carefully bundles together his vials of alchemical fire, intending to use them as one large explosive grenade.

The ranger attempts to lead the group back to the passageway in the wall, but loses his bearings.  After around an hour, Durmindin points out they have been walking in circles for quite some time, but neither Krolec nor Tiberius seem to have noticed.  Ultimately, it falls to Leigh to suggest the correct route to the passageway.

When they finally reach the small crawlspace, Krolec decides to go in quietly first.  He moves in without making a sound, but is surprised when the ground suddenly gives way underneath him.