I think tonight was an awesome night. The characters learned more about New Unswich (now properly pronounced as Unz-wick), some of the history of the area and a few adventure hooks.
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Gellac spoke briefly with a fellow paladin of Pelor, one minotaur named Frinain, and learned of Nyasuma the Crimson. Nyasuma visited the inner, dark remains of the continent Egesa and returned a changed giant. He had sparkling, clear, blue eyes before the trip and when he returned, his eyes were devoid of pupil, iris, and whites--they were now entirely black. This happened approximately 17 years ago when Nyasuma went in search of artifacts that were rumored to still be on the remains of Egesa. When he returned, the Talurian folk (goblin, orc, minotaur, etc.) that were still susceptible to the taint went mad and fled or were chased from the city by those who were unaffected. Since then, there are some who arrive on the island that have gone missing after venturing outside the wall (all races have had this happen at some point).
Talek believes his old tormentor Ylrish (a female hobgoblin) may be behind the disappearance of one Arbeorht, a servant of the Elf Inyen and friend of Inyen's other servant Breda. He mysteriously disappeared while fetching water from the northern-most public well in the city park along Grove Road. Ylrish is a known serial killer (to Talek) who somehow got released from prison due to good behavior. She volunteered to be relocated to the island as a weaponsmith. She survived the sinking of the prison ship that brought everyone to the island and disappeared after they all made it safely to shore. She is known to relocate any victims 20 miles away to an underground location where she removes the left foot and drains the blood from the victim. After 300 murders, she is also a feared and deadly opponent. Talek isn't joking when he says that she let him live when he encountered her as a youth.
Bobo made an attempt to help train some militia who were practicing archery in the town guard's complex (the party went to warn them of Ylrish). He successfully taught the proper form for using a bow and helped a few trainees actually hit their assigned targets. Though this came at some humility when he, himself, missed the targets.
The party secured a base of operations in the form of a 3-story Victorian-style townhouse. A secret wine cellar was discovered as well as a ledge along the city wall that was too small for a human to really make use of but a sprite could easily use it as a walkway. The house is on Grove Road and close to the most excellent tavern The Traveling Troll.
Another foray into the slums met with the destruction of another patrol, this time of tainted goblins. This makes two encounters survived.
The next session will be held on March 2nd, 8 PM, @ Richmond Comix.
