[Starscream]

Session complete.

Turns out the noise Gamon heard and trouble Abel alluded to was an assassination attempt, and the guards were in on it. Mr. Knock and the guards attacked Russet, while you and Gamon tried to defend him. Russet however ended up petrified in his own wine cellar, with a dagger in his neck. You defeated Knock and the guards, and then learned some more information about what is going on.

Russet was previously commissioning the mad alchemist Dr. Ghastly to research methods of living forever, through alchemical means (which also have something to do with astronomy). He was unimpressed with the results, and dropped him from his service. However, he hired one of Ghastly's assistants, Abel, who has a knack for creating poisons (a few vials of which you acquired). Russet used his poisons to commit several murders around town, of people who caused him trouble.

Ghastly swore revenge, and sent his assassin Knock after Russet. The guards had their own reasons for hating Russet, and were only too happy to assist, leaving him with only the protection of his very lawful bodyguard (who also wasn't a fan).

It also seems that the reason he stopped funding Ghastly's research is that he got a better offer. The paperwork in his study alludes to some sort of undertaking in the north mountains that Russet was financing instead. The "payment" Russet would receive for his services would require a powerful being to be sacrificed, and Russet gleefully offered up how own loyal bodyguard for this.

Unfortunately, any more details on what's going on were in the paperwork that Abel stole when he ransacked the house for valuables. He escaped by using the same trick as the thief before, tearing a playing card in half and vanishing. These cards seem to be popular among members of the Thieves Guild.

Now down to business:
Two level 5 fighters defeated - 1000 xp each
One CR 9 Rogue/Stonedeath Assassin captured - 2000 xp each.

Loot:
*2400 gp
*A +1 Flaming Dagger
*Masterwork Leather Armor
*+1 Heavy wooden shield
*Ring of Protection +1
*Boots of Striding and Springing
* Four vials of Abel's poison.

Not a bad haul for a CR 9 opponent. Should help make up for the gap between you and WBL.

Since you specified that you wanted to take 20 in searching the rest of the house, here's what you found. The three bedrooms of the house each had a plaque on the wall, containing a poem. Here's what they say:


A simple man when doing sums
Must look no farther than his thumbs
But beyond my value he can't go
Or twice me with help from below.

Half of me is twice of thee
Twice of me; infinity
Although this fact is only true
From a certain point of view.

You'll find me in the rainbow
You'll count me among your sins
You're reading me now you see
Again, again, and again.


I like the new program so far. Any thoughts?