The Crimson Fist slid down the pipes, picking up speed until finally they shoot out of the pipe and are dumped into a sewer, somewhere under the Ashblack region of the Cogs.
The Crimson Fists pick their way carefully through the sewers until they emerge into one of the areas where the industry of the cog occurs. They find a friend of Anvil's and ask if he knows where there is a pool of lava (having been told that is the best way to destroy the Claw and finish the job).
Encouraged by a few gold pieces Anvil's contact leads the Crimson Fist through some of the tunnels to a lava pool. Anvil wastes no time and hurls the Claw into the lava.
The Claw floats gently on the surface of the lava for a second and then slips gently, and anti-climatically, under the surface. Nothing happens, then a small bubble comes up from the depths, followed by another, then a bigger bubble. The Crimson Fist withdraw hastily as more bubbles form.
Finally a large bubble forms and from it emerges a mighty white tiger-headed figure floating serenely over the lava.
This awe-inspiring figure introduces himself as Yshtamar.
He thanks the Crimson Fist for freeing him from and offers them his thanks in the form of information. Though he points out he might be a bit out of touch.
When asked how he might be defeated (as he has already cheerfully warned the Crimnson Fist he is evil) he warns that he can change his shape at will and say's that the power of the gods is an anathema to his flesh. Also when asked about the Cult of the Crawling Below he expalins they worship Ixtchamel'Traa a demon-god of the Abyss. He also warns if the avatar of this god is here it bodes ill for all.
Finally he warns of the return of the thirteenth moon, then he vanishes leaving the Crimson Fist with the disturbing feeling that letting him free was a very bad idea.
*Kapek comments
It also leaves Kapek wondering about the true motivations of their employer, Halais ir'Lantar.
Sharn Inquisitive, Sul 8th Dravago
The area surrounding Skyreach Tower, in the Downstairs district of Middle Menthis has be quarantined in the last few days due to prevalent disease. There have reportedly been scores of outbreaks of both Filth Fever and Blinding Sickness. Although there has been no official word on this matter, residents are claiming that the recent outbreaks are caused by the vermin problems that have recently been reported in the area.
The fear of residents in the higher wards of the tower are that this blight will spread to their neighbourhoods unless the City Council does something to investigate this matter. House Jorasco has already reportedly signed dozens of contracts with the wealthier residents of the tower as a precautionary measure, but that is of no help to the poor and needy of Downstairs.
Blinding sickness is known to be spread through tainted water and can weaken the victim to the point of helplessness whilst also causing permanent blindness.
Filth Fever is generally spread by rats and other sewer dwelling creatures, and is thought to be transmitted by bites. This disease can cause weakness, lack of co-ordination and in the worst case, death.
A spokesperson for councillor Savia Potellas gave the following statement:
"We are currently investigating the situation involving Skyreach Tower, however, our resources are stretched to the limit. Teams of sanitation engineers have been despatched into the sewer systems in and around the affected area but so far there have been no definitive conclusions. A relatively recent shift in the foundations occurred and the preventative measures taken at that time have prevented further investigation."
A brief seach through the Sharn Inquisitive archives has revealed the following report from around 85 years ago, detailing the foundation shift mentioned.
Sul 8th Dravago, 923 Y.K.
Cityquake
Menthis Plateau was shaken to its foundations in the early hours of Sar 7th Dravago. Fractures and chasms opened throughout the interior structure of the tower and many people were killed or simply vanished. Investigations drew to a halt as swarms of vermin spilled from the cracks and the old chambers were sealed to prevent further incursions.
The Crimson Fist exit the underground swiftly, emerging into the Blackbones district and they then travel up into the Downstairs district of Middle Menthis, just outside the Iron Gate area. Only to discover that the Iron Gate area was quarantined by the city guard who weren't letting anyone in or out. Apart from Lord Paxor ir'Somera who the sharp-eyed Lorric noticed speaking to the gaurd and passing through the cordon. Lorric calls out to Paxor but he keeps walking.
The Crimson Fist eat (and in Lorric's case drink) a hearty breakfast and then went to report to the ambassador and get paid. They reported what had happened to them and the destruction of the claw. The ambassador was both fascinated and disturbed by what had happened particularly the emergence of Yshtamar. When asked what Yshtamar had told them the Crimson Fist decided this fell outside their original agreement and bargained for a bonus which the ambassador agreed to. They then informed the ambassador of what had been said which seemed to disturb him even more. The Crimson Fist then decided to split up and meet back at their house.
*Kapek comments
The Ambassador's words do much to allay Kapek's suspicions, and he believes Halais was duped. Of course Halais is an Ambassador, and therefore a highly paid professional liar . . . .
Lorric notices a strange, immaterial creature in the corner of the room but as he dives to grab it, it vanishes. From his description Ajax indentifies it, with help of his new Third Eye of Improvisation as an Ether-Gaunt, a strange creature that inhabits the astral plane.
Time passes. Anvil works hard crafting a magical shield for Ajax and a boomerang-creating quiver for Kapek.
Kapek forges a cold iron Sharrash for himself from iron taken during their clash with Wing-Clipper.
Lorric visits his old sensei, Sorewyn of the Long Arm, and greatly impresses him with his Drunken Master style fighting.
Katerina finds a job for Kalen and helps her set herself up in a new home, to which Ajax happily contributes.
Ajax continues his investigation into Kalen's father. He discovers that her father was indeed involved with some dodgy dealings and is advised to consider him dead for both Ajax and Kalen's continued safety.
During this time Lorric again catches an Ether-Gaunt near the child.
*Kapek comments
Kapek is not particularly pleased at Ajax having invited a stranger into their house, but now she's here there seems little option. He suspects some of the others feel the same way.
Once back at home the Crimson Fist are informed that the child that has been entrusted to their care is ill, feverish and muttering. Anvil realised the language was goblin and was able to understand fragments; "of the lost mark", "the 13th scion" and "he's here".
Sharn Inquisitive, Sul 15h Dravago
Ash falls on Sharn. In the depths of the worst rainfall recorded for centuries an inferno has consumed the lower quarters of the city's towers. Like the tainted lungs of a dying dragon, the belly of the city has blasted the lofty spires with a poisonous cloud of ash and soot. To make matters worse the city is locked in a seemingly perpetual cycle of black skies and torrential rain that occasionally fade into thick dirty fog that leaves everything it touches coated with black soot.
The end can not be far behind, it's coming is foretold in the voices of the ravens that feast on the flesh of the dying that lie scattered throughout the region surrounding Skyreach Tower's lowest levels.
It has been a tough week for the residents of Sharn. One week past, a mysterious explosion in the Cogs spawned a fire of unprecedented proportions. Ashblack and Blackbones continue to burn bright, their foundries fuelling the spreading flames. The inferno still rages below the city, and the fire brigade, the watch and most of Sharn's mages battle the blaze night and day. Plumes of smoke choke the sky and heavy rain falls in torrents from tainted clouds. The city is shrouded in grey and black.
The skymages usually see to it that Sharn's spring-times stay a little drier than the surrounding areas. However with the fires raging in the cogs, Sharn's City Council has requisitioned the skymages to help deal with this catastrophe. Without the skymages asserting their power over the elements above the unusual rains have not passed. What's worse, the coal-black smoke rising like an angry shade from the burning Cogs taints the storm with poisonous vapour. Rain, fog and soot fill the air as one, plunging the entire city into darkness. No storm like this has ever been experienced before on Khorvaire, and many residents of Sharn believe it is the sign of an oncoming apocalypse akin to Cyre's day of Mourning.
Mol 16th Dravago
After eight day's of rain and fire Martell Cannith pay's the Crimson Fist a visit. He is deeply worried about the child ,who is growing weaker by the day, but he has a plan. In the Eldeen Reaches dwells Palomino N'ehar, prince of the Oaken Fief. Palomino can enter Thelanis, one of the Fae realms. Time passes differently there, Martell hopes that if the Crimson Fist can persuade Palomino to take the child into the realm he will gain valuable time in which to work out a cure.
However the child has only about a week to live and the Eldeen Reaches are far away, the Crimson Fist must get him there quickly. Martell doesn't mention what happens if the child dies but the threat comes across very clearly to the Crimson Fists.
The cost of getting there in the time will be extortionate and Ajax feels that after all they have done for him the debt they owe Martell is dicharged if they escort the child. Martell offers to pay 15% of their travel expenses and will not be moved to pay anymore. Again he makes it clear the Crimson Fist must do this or else!
*Ajax comments
As Martell leaves he suggests they call in any favours they may have. Ajax suggests that after liberating the Lighthouse at Bluescar, House Lyander may feel well disposed to them and lacking a better idea it is agreed to try this.
House Lyander are indeed grateful for all the Crimson Fist have done to keep the shipping lanes open and offer to let the Crimson Fist hire an airship to Greenheart in the Eldeen Reaches for a 75% discount.
At noon the next day the Crimson Fist board the airship Skystar for the journey to the Eldeen Reaches.
Anvil headed to the university library to investigate certain things the adventure had brought up and to research what the book ( the Libris Phasmatis Socius) he had found among the Calliginous Dyad's treasure contained.
Katerina went to collect some armour she had ordered some days earlier.
Kapek returned immediately to their house to be re-united with his beloved animals.
Lorric went to the nearest Watch-house to report the man-eating lizards they had just encountered. The Watch were initially interested but when the fact that this occurred in the Khybersgate came up they quickly lost interest. Disapointed Lorric went on to the Deathsgate Adventures Guild where he posted a notice asking for adventurers to join him in exterminating the lizardfolk
Ajax heads to find the elven sisters he had met at the Street-Kind ball so many weeks ago. He is shocked to discover their dwelling is an improvised tent behind a Smithy. He found one of the sisters, Kalen E'ressar, living there in abject poverty.
Ajax buys her a bath, some clothes and then a meal during which she tells her tale. She and her sister had lived happy lives until their father had disapeared. When their money had run out, they had been forced out of their house and reduced to living on the street. Even worse her sister had thought she'd seen their father some days ago and followed him into the area now quarantined.
Ajax offeres her a place at the Crimson Fist's house which she happily accepts. He takes her there and she is accepted by the others, particularly Katerina who takes her under her wing.
Skyreach Tower Quarantine
The area surrounding Skyreach Tower, in the Downstairs district of Middle Menthis has be quarantined in the last few days due to prevalent disease. There have reportedly been scores of outbreaks of both Filth Fever and Blinding Sickness. Although there has been no official word on this matter, residents are claiming that the recent outbreaks are caused by the vermin problems that have recently been reported in the area.
The fear of residents in the higher wards of the tower are that this blight will spread to their neighbourhoods unless the City Council does something to investigate this matter. House Jorasco has already reportedly signed dozens of contracts with the wealthier residents of the tower as a precautionary measure, but that is of no help to the poor and needy of Downstairs.
Blinding sickness is known to be spread through tainted water and can weaken the victim to the point of helplessness whilst also causing permanent blindness.
Filth Fever is generally spread by rats and other sewer dwelling creatures, and is thought to be transmitted by bites. This disease can cause weakness, lack of co-ordination and in the worst case, death.
A spokesperson for councillor Savia Potellas gave the following statement:
"We are currently investigating the situation involving Skyreach Tower, however, our resources are stretched to the limit. Teams of sanitation engineers have been despatched into the sewer systems in and around the affected area but so far there have been no definitive conclusions. A relatively recent shift in the foundations occurred and the preventative measures taken at that time have prevented further investigation."
A brief seach through the Sharn Inquisitive archives has revealed the following report from around 85 years ago, detailing the foundation shift mentioned.
Sul 8th Dravago, 923 Y.K.
Cityquake
Menthis Plateau was shaken to its foundations in the early hours of Sar 7th Dravago. Fractures and chasms opened throughout the interior structure of the tower and many people were killed or simply vanished. Investigations drew to a halt as swarms of vermin spilled from the cracks and the old chambers were sealed to prevent further incursions.
The Crimson Fist exit the underground swiftly, emerging into the Blackbones district and they then travel up into the Downstairs district of Middle Menthis, just outside the Iron Gate area. Only to discover that the Iron Gate area was quarantined by the city guard who weren't letting anyone in or out. Apart from Lord Paxor ir'Somera who the sharp-eyed Lorric noticed speaking to the gaurd and passing through the cordon. Lorric calls out to Paxor but he keeps walking.
The Crimson Fist eat (and in Lorric's case drink) a hearty breakfast and then went to report to the ambassador and get paid. They reported what had happened to them and the destruction of the claw. The ambassador was both fascinated and disturbed by what had happened particularly the emergence of Yshtamar. When asked what Yshtamar had told them the Crimson Fist decided this fell outside their original agreement and bargained for a bonus which the ambassador agreed to. They then informed the ambassador of what had been said which seemed to disturb him even more. The Crimson Fist then decided to split up and meet back at their house.
*Kapek comments
The Ambassador's words do much to allay Kapek's suspicions, and he believes Halais was duped. Of course Halais is an Ambassador, and therefore a highly paid professional liar . . . .
Lorric notices a strange, immaterial creature in the corner of the room but as he dives to grab it, it vanishes. From his description Ajax indentifies it, with help of his new Third Eye of Improvisation as an Ether-Gaunt, a strange creature that inhabits the astral plane.
Time passes. Anvil works hard crafting a magical shield for Ajax and a boomerang-creating quiver for Kapek.
Kapek forges a cold iron Sharrash for himself from iron taken during their clash with Wing-Clipper.
Lorric visits his old sensei, Sorewyn of the Long Arm, and greatly impresses him with his Drunken Master style fighting.
Katerina finds a job for Kalen and helps her set herself up in a new home, to which Ajax happily contributes.
Ajax continues his investigation into Kalen's father. He discovers that her father was indeed involved with some dodgy dealings and is advised to consider him dead for both Ajax and Kalen's continued safety.
During this time Lorric again catches an Ether-Gaunt near the child.
*Kapek comments
Kapek is not particularly pleased at Ajax having invited a stranger into their house, but now she's here there seems little option. He suspects some of the others feel the same way.
Once back at home the Crimson Fist are informed that the child that has been entrusted to their care is ill, feverish and muttering. Anvil realised the language was goblin and was able to understand fragments; "of the lost mark", "the 13th scion" and "he's here".
Sharn Cloaked in Darkness
Ash falls on Sharn. In the depths of the worst rainfall recorded for centuries an inferno has consumed the lower quarters of the city's towers. Like the tainted lungs of a dying dragon, the belly of the city has blasted the lofty spires with a poisonous cloud of ash and soot. To make matters worse the city is locked in a seemingly perpetual cycle of black skies and torrential rain that occasionally fade into thick dirty fog that leaves everything it touches coated with black soot.
The end can not be far behind, it's coming is foretold in the voices of the ravens that feast on the flesh of the dying that lie scattered throughout the region surrounding Skyreach Tower's lowest levels.
It has been a tough week for the residents of Sharn. One week past, a mysterious explosion in the Cogs spawned a fire of unprecedented proportions. Ashblack and Blackbones continue to burn bright, their foundries fuelling the spreading flames. The inferno still rages below the city, and the fire brigade, the watch and most of Sharn's mages battle the blaze night and day. Plumes of smoke choke the sky and heavy rain falls in torrents from tainted clouds. The city is shrouded in grey and black.
The skymages usually see to it that Sharn's spring-times stay a little drier than the surrounding areas. However with the fires raging in the cogs, Sharn's City Council has requisitioned the skymages to help deal with this catastrophe. Without the skymages asserting their power over the elements above the unusual rains have not passed. What's worse, the coal-black smoke rising like an angry shade from the burning Cogs taints the storm with poisonous vapour. Rain, fog and soot fill the air as one, plunging the entire city into darkness. No storm like this has ever been experienced before on Khorvaire, and many residents of Sharn believe it is the sign of an oncoming apocalypse akin to Cyre's day of Mourning.
After eight day's of rain and fire Martell Cannith pay's the Crimson Fist a visit. He is deeply worried about the child ,who is growing weaker by the day, but he has a plan. In the Eldeen Reaches dwells Palomino N'ehar, prince of the Oaken Fief. Palomino can enter Thelanis, one of the Fae realms. Time passes differently there, Martell hopes that if the Crimson Fist can persuade Palomino to take the child into the realm he will gain valuable time in which to work out a cure.
However the child has only about a week to live and the Eldeen Reaches are far away, the Crimson Fist must get him there quickly. Martell doesn't mention what happens if the child dies but the threat comes across very clearly to the Crimson Fists.
The cost of getting there in the time will be extortionate and Ajax feels that after all they have done for him the debt they owe Martell is dicharged if they escort the child. Martell offers to pay 15% of their travel expenses and will not be moved to pay anymore. Again he makes it clear the Crimson Fist must do this or else!
*Ajax comments
Ajax was furious about being threatned in his own home but he wasn't ready to fight Martell and his allies just yet. Still he grimly swore to himself Martell had used up his last bit of gratitude and the group would have to look into getting Martell off their collective backs.
As Martell leaves he suggests they call in any favours they may have. Ajax suggests that after liberating the Lighthouse at Bluescar, House Lyander may feel well disposed to them and lacking a better idea it is agreed to try this.
House Lyander are indeed grateful for all the Crimson Fist have done to keep the shipping lanes open and offer to let the Crimson Fist hire an airship to Greenheart in the Eldeen Reaches for a 75% discount.
At noon the next day the Crimson Fist board the airship Skystar for the journey to the Eldeen Reaches.
Anvil headed to the university library to investigate certain things the adventure had brought up and to research what the book ( the Libris Phasmatis Socius) he had found among the Calliginous Dyad's treasure contained.
Katerina went to collect some armour she had ordered some days earlier.
Kapek returned immediately to their house to be re-united with his beloved animals.
Lorric went to the nearest Watch-house to report the man-eating lizards they had just encountered. The Watch were initially interested but when the fact that this occurred in the Khybersgate came up they quickly lost interest. Disapointed Lorric went on to the Deathsgate Adventures Guild where he posted a notice asking for adventurers to join him in exterminating the lizardfolk
Ajax heads to find the elven sisters he had met at the Street-Kind ball so many weeks ago. He is shocked to discover their dwelling is an improvised tent behind a Smithy. He found one of the sisters, Kalen E'ressar, living there in abject poverty.
Ajax buys her a bath, some clothes and then a meal during which she tells her tale. She and her sister had lived happy lives until their father had disapeared. When their money had run out, they had been forced out of their house and reduced to living on the street. Even worse her sister had thought she'd seen their father some days ago and followed him into the area now quarantined.
Ajax offeres her a place at the Crimson Fist's house which she happily accepts. He takes her there and she is accepted by the others, particularly Katerina who takes her under her wing.
