Graenath arrived back in Jetuw to gather Enthor up as his convalescence was at its end. The lad was helping Enthor gather his things when there was a knock at Nira's door. A local constable and a few of his men were there and they attempted to get the "proper" turn of events that caused Enthor's injuries. Enthor fibbed only a little, asking questions that he already knew the answers to, and the constable eventually told him that Argon of Yelt (known to many as "Argon the Shifty") was being held in the legion fort at Verus. Enthor could give a wager at law to press charges against him since it was clear to the lawman that he was the victim of a mugging or beating gone awry for the three men that assailed him. Enthor told them he would get the money and was told he would have three days to do so. Enthor and Graenath walk backed to Coranan and returned on the evening of the 13th, greeting the family at the Malthain house.

On the 14th, Graenath and Enthor told the rest of the crew about the wager at law and Argon's troubles. Liakos decided to bring Marwin of Hylde in, and discussed the matter at length with the litigant. Marwin was happy to help out, for his regular fees, and went to Verus with Liakos, Sir Bail, and Graenath. At Liakos' request, the litigant planned to pay the appropriate fees to have the case moved to the end of the docket - and kept there. If all went well, this would see the case buried for a few months, leaving one of Koral the Bloody's chief leg-breakers rotting in jail. Sir Bail and Marwin went to see the legar, Barane of Khonary, and gave the wager at law on Enthor's behalf. Afterward, Bail lounged in the common room of the inn they were staying at, talking to some Legion officers. Graenath returned to Coranan that night while the others stayed behind, the down-pouring rain giving them better sense. Graenath had memories of another solo journey through the rain but this time he chanced across nothing on his way home but a gambling game some farmhands were holding to pass the rainy evening.

Meanwhile, Kavon was gambling at the Apple Inn when two bedraggled, wounded men came in. They got an audience with Koral and asked for him to hide them, which he agreed to do. Kavon had to wonder just what had happened and who they were, mentally noting to do so at his next convenience. After he was done winning, of course...

The next day, the Pamesani games were being rained upon but Kavon went to watch and bet upon the blood sports. He found Molis and was offered a job. Kavon jumped at the chance and was assigned to take bets with Brother Halek, an Agrikan priest. He took bets and made some of his own, doubling his money. After the games, Kavon went with some of the other Coranan thugs and criminals to Aranoal's Inn with an impressed Molis. Molis was glad to see the books and bets in clear order and praised Kavon for a job well done. Kavon was pleased to indulge in the poor ale but declined the even more inferior whores. He asked a few of Molis' men about the two busted up fellows that came into Apple Inn earlier, and was told they were two tanners who ran afoul of the Kuseme Lia Kavair. Apparently, they had gotten into an altercation there before running across the river to ask Koral for help.

Back at the house, Liakos, Graenath and Enthor were visited by Dalton of Krone, newly minted underboss of the Kotros Lia Kavair. He spoke of a problem with a spice merchant who didn't seem too intent on paying protection money. He and Liakos pondered various schemes and ways to make trouble for the merchant if he didn't pay. Bail returned as Liakos and Dalton were deciding to find one of the mercenary guards the spice merchant kept on retainer (who spent some of his off-duty time at Ty's alehouse), with an eye towards roughing him up if the opportunity presented itself.

On the 19th, Dalton and Kraebor went to scope out the senator's house, a job Kraebor had been paid for but had yet to start. Dalton was brought along to test his mettle and instincts on breaking and entering. They viewed the building for some time and noticed it bore a courtyard inside the sturdy walls. Dalton recommended climbing the outer wall and then entering the building from the courtyard itself, which Kraebor had to agree was a sound plan.

Kraebor returned to his studio that night, finishing a triptych of his follies involving whores, ale, and climbing for the courtesan house. With this piece finished, his debt to Senator Wysele of Nordaka would finally be discharged. He had to admire his good work but he sullenly wished the subject matter was different.

Meanwhile, Kavon was visited by Gorn at The Stake and taken to Molis, where he was given the task of lookout. The simple task was to wait until Gorn walked by with two other men and to make sure they weren't followed. Kavon waited in an alley until he saw the trio (carrying a large trunk) and they passed by without incident. Kavon decided to trail them and he saw them go to a house which he was almost certain belonged to Senator Tuvoth of Rylen.

The next day, Kraebor scoped out Senator Gethedyle of Yemala's house yet again, getting a good long look at it during the daytime. He returned to the Halean temple and Kavon visited him not much later, handing over the cut gems. Kavon was intercepted by an acolyte as he was leaving and invited to sample some of the foods and dishes selected for the buffet during the upcoming festival. What happy timing!

Later that night, Liakos, Kraebor and Graenath went to the safe house that Vudrin had used before to try and find the two tanners, reasoning that this would be the most likely place Koral would hide them. The plan was to move them elsewhere and then give them to Caldan One-Eye in hopes of forging an alliance. Upon travelling through the rainy darkness across western Coranan they spotted a surreptitous lookout, lurking in an alley near the residence of Senator Yemala. After a quick confab (during which they decided that they didn't know what he was up to, but it must be 'no-good'), they circled the block, snuck upon him from deeper in the alley, and summarily killed him, taking his purse and a garrote. This done, they got back on task and advanced to the safehouse. They entered the house and were pleased to find their quarry, the two tanners. Kraebor fast-talked them into believing he was a friend sent by Koral.

He told the two tanners that enemies were on the way and the safe house was compromised, so they were taking them to a new safehouse. The group led them to a slum Liakos had rented earlier that day and admonished the men to stay there and do nothing until they, or Gorn, came to get them.

The next morning, Kraebor visited to Minzal of Sule to set up a meeting with Senator Nordaka so he could deliver the completed triptych.

Shortly after his return, one of Umis' beggars came with news that morning as well, letting the family know that the teamster who had been roughed up by Koral's men several days ago was found dead in Kotros square, lashed to a wagon-wheel with broken bones and a slit throat. He also reported that another meeting between the teamsters was to take place tonight at the bonding house. Liakos had a immediate scheme in mind, and set about planning to make sure that meeting went off without a hitch.

The Stake was busy with the lunch crowd and Kavon was gambling to pass the time when someone he vaguely recognized walked in, vaguely recognizing him in return. Kavon quickly stood up and approached the woman, a swarthy, dark-haired beauty with pale eyes. He smiled widely as he greeted her, "Denna! So good to see you again!" He hastily moved towards her and nodded his head in the direction of the stairs, indicating to her to walk with him, "Let me buy you a drink and we'll catch up! Oh, what a surprise to see you!" Kavon was secretly relieved when she followed him and he ushered the young lady up the stairs and to his rented room.

When she walked into the room, a slightly bemused expression upon her face, Kavon whirled on her. "What are you doing here? How did you find me? You can't tell anyone I'm here or I am in bigger trouble than you can imagine!" Kavon hurriedly tried to get all of that out as quickly as he could before Tamora, the woman's real name, could respond. "Why cousin, I would think you weren't happy to see me with this behavior." She smiled sardonically at him, causing the criminal jeweler to scowl.

The two cousins had a quick talk concerning Kavon's 'situation' and the dangerous work he was involved in. Tamora revealed that Kavon's sister, Tarna, was also in Coranan, at the Peonian temple. She told him that she herself had only been in town for a little while and Kavon advised her to leave him alone on this side of town. Tamora left with directions to Kezner's shop in eastern Coranan after Kavon bid her goodbye, giving her a last warning to not reveal to anyone, especially his sister, where he was.

Enthor was feeling almost sprightly when he awoke that morning and by mid-afternoon, he was itching to leave the house. He trundled down the stairs, gathered a cloak, and muttered to Kezner and some customer of his that he would return soon. Enthor stalked the alleys of the foggy city, wearing the cloak to keep his identity more hidden. He found a likely spot to lurk and soon grabbed an unsuspecting pedestrian, accosting the man, choking him into unconsciousness, and stealing his purse. He heard shouts from the road and swiftly left the victim in the alley while he raced away, making good his escape.

Tamora didn't waste much time in traveling to Flack's Wax, Kezner's chandlery. Kezner was only too happy to see a pretty young woman enter his shop and he did his best to help her while trying to figure out how to seduce her, having no idea they were related. When she revealed the connection, he realized she was family and the conversation turned to Kavon. Kezner was only too happy to try and make the family 'reunion' bigger and sent his apprentice to go fetch his spyfaring cousin. Tamora was pleased to stick another jab into Kavon's craw. Her conversation with Kezner was momentarily interrupted by a huge brute who came down from the upstairs rooms of Kezner's building, took a cloak and muttered, "I'll be back later," leaving Tamora to wonder just what sort of business her cousins were involved in.

Meanwhile, Sir Bail and a disguised Kraebor went across the Kobar Bridge to Kuseme to try and find a Lia Kavair contact so they could begin the difficult prospect of making friends. Enemies were easy and plentiful but Kotros was beginning to yearn for an ally. They found Molos of Tarholk at the Salt Bag Inn and Kraebor was able to convince the man to go find Kaftor of Rentin (known to most as "Kaftor the Quick"), an acquaintance of Enthor's. The two criminals were able to exchange the proper words and gave the correct signals to know that they were both in the guild. Kaftor arrived some time later with Molos and Kraebor told him of Enthor's 'death.' Kraebor gave Kaftor 5 silver, citing it as a last request of Enthor's, and then asked to speak to Caldan One-Eye. Kaftor and Molos were both skeptical but Kraebor sweetened the request and mentioned that Liakos had a deal for him that One-Eye would appreciate.

Kaftor left and promised to return, advising Kraebor and Bail to wait for him in the inn. Bail was uneasy, fearing an ambush and suspecting the worst, but the knight was ready to go down fighting if need be. Almost an hour later, a large group of day laborers came in, loud and rowdy, and Kraebor saw Kaftor among them. The mob spread out in the common room and Bail could see they were covering the exits and subtly surrounding the pair. A few tense minutes later, a man bearing an eye patch entered the Inn. The laborers took on a decidedly more guard-like bearing and the one-eyed man sat down to speak with Kraebor and Bail.

Kraebor and Caldan talked over about the mutual enmity between Kuseme and Kotros towards Koral and his Coranan gang. Kraebor told him they had a present for Caldan, the two tanners that he had been looking for. Caldan was impressed and asked what sort of reward Kraebor was seeking, but the burglar corrected him, replying that they're not seeking compensation but an alliance. Caldan was impressed at the temerity of their kidnapping and affirmed that he would meet with Liakos and see what he had to say. The knight and his companion were given instructions on how to send messages to Caldan, through Kaftor, and the pair took their leave to return across the bridge. Caldan had a murmured warning for them, advising both that he wouldn't be surprised if Koral knew about this meeting by the morn.

Kavon arrived at Flack's Wax sometime after Kezner's apprentice arrived and met up with Tamora and Kezner. Kavon had to remind Kezner of the dangers of contacting him but Kezner didn't see the harm in telling family, of which Tamora certainly was. Enthor arrived soon after and the assembled folk decided to go upstairs for food, drink, and conversation with Liakos. The two brutes were more interested in ale before they went upstairs for more private conversation, leaving Kavon and Tamora to lie to each other. The two verbally sparred for a few minutes, crafting tales of family and travel before Kavon called his cousin out on her falsehoods. They both came clean, laying their respective cards on the table while still trying to keep some secrets from one another. Enthor and Liakos were eavesdropping as best they could upon coming downstairs and heard Tamora accuse Kavon of poor sense. "At least I didn't steal a chunk of gold from my master," to which the jeweller smugly retorted, "Your master has never seen a chunk of gold."

Bail and Kraebor soon came back to the house and were introduced, noticing queer looks from Liakos and Enthor that seem directed at Tamora, these more observant members realizing she was carrying a brace of knives and darts hidden about her person. Who was this woman and what sort of trouble did she expect?

It came out that Tamora could use new lodgings in the city, and the Mathain boys were happy to lend a hand. Ever the good host, Liakos showed her to the 8th room and gave her an accounting of what she had access to while staying with them, if she chose to. He impressed the need for secrecy concerning her non-cousin, Navok. She agreed to his terms and they made arrangements to move her in. Tamora returned back downstairs, finding Kavon had already left to go back to western Coranan, and Bail escorted her to get her things from her rented slum.

Liakos was appraised of the meeting with Caldan by Kraebor, the brothers talking over what was said and the arrangements made. Enthor and Kraebor came up with a cover story for why they were in Kuseme, just in case it would be needed. They all hoped for the best and began plotting on how to make the best use of the tanners. Bail returned with Tamora unscathed and she began to settle in to the house with her meager belongings. Kavon was intercepted by Gorn at the Apple Inn and the henchman was in a hurry to use him a lookout once more. He asked Kavon to be on the lookout for the two tanners that were at the Inn days ago and Kavon immediately left to do as bid. Of course, he returned some hours later and regretfully reported that he was unable to find the tanners.

Kraebor was casing Senator Yemala's house on the night of the 22nd after completing Sofi's portrait, intent on completing the job to prove himself a worthwhile investment to his new handlers. He looked around the occupied manor and saw no one on the street, nor anything out of the ordinary about the manse's security. He looked over the house once more and his impulses got the better of him. He decided to break in that night and be done with it. He slinked into the alley between the two manse and it's neighboring senatorial residence and began to scale the walls. Unfortunately, the rain-slick bricks proved too wet for him to climb and he abandoned his foolhardy plan, disappointed.

Late that night, Umis arrived with a message that implied Caldan was amenable to talking and wanted to make arrangements.

The next morning, Kraebor went to the wharf to do some fishing, both for a meal and for Kaftor. Kraebor was able to find Kaftor easily and they arranged for Kraebor and Liakos to meet Caldan on a boat north of the Kobar bridge upon the waters of the Thard. Liakos and Kraebor left for Eldin Haven that afternoon and rented a rowboat, taking with them two fishing poles to complete their disguise.

Tamora was at the docks as well but for a different reason. She was meeting with Faygin of Beck, a Thard Lia Kavair gang boss and enterprising businessman who knew her only by her alias 'Safaea.' Her deal with him was for illicit herbs and ingredients from outside the city and she wanted to see what had arrived for her. He had nothing for her today but was still happy to attend to whatever business she might need. She did need to send out some vials of 'perfume' and Faygin was glad to do it for her at the pre-arranged price.

Back in Eldin, the Malthain brothers set out into the pissing rain to rendezvous upon the Thard and it wasn't long before they saw Caldan One-Eye and Molos of Tarholk rowing out to meet them. The two crime bosses chatted about what they were looking for in a relationship with one another, stressing their mutual hatred for Koral the Bloody and a desire to be masters of their own domains. Caldan asserted that he planned on getting Dewell, the leader of the Thard Lia Kavair, out of the picture before dealing with Koral. With the Thard leaderless and their ally besieged, Caldan intended to take over the Thard turf and control both sides of the river and the Kobar bridge.

Kraebor grew irate and became increasingly agitated as Liakos tried to negotiate hitting Koral first, making an outburst in front of his brother. Caldan shrugged it off and demanded that the teamsters be sheltered from Koral for the next 7 to 10 days so they could properly organize themselves. Liakos promised to do so and he offered a deal, a cut, for influencing the Red Guard upon the bridge so things could be smuggled easier. The fate of the tanners was sealed as well, with Caldan asking to have them drugged so they could be moved elsewhere. Liakos offered to not only drug them, but provide a porter with a cart as well.

The two crime lords were pleased with the progress made and they grimly bid each other farewell before rowing back to their respective shores. Liakos was fuming at his brothers impertinence but his mood was brightened by the fact that an ally seemed to be forthcoming at long last.

Liakos began giving out the marching orders for the busy night ahead of the crew. He sent Sir Bail to talk to Red Guard Sergeant Dalid of Colfax about providing security at the bonding house that night, wanting him and his Hand of Guardsmen protecting the place while the teamsters had their meeting. He also needed to speak with Javros of Aeb, a soldier who had been a go-between for the crew and Commander Chebelos, to see about re-arranging the existing "agreement" with the Red Guard at the Kobar bridge.

Finding Sergeant Dalid and his men idling in the marketplace, Bail was able to draw the sergeant aside and explain the arrangement he desired. He stated that he was in need of some privatized security and Dalid told him it would cost 20 silver, plus hazard pay. The final fee was a handsome 33 silver for the Hand to be there, and Bail grudgingly sealed the deal. Bail gave Dalid the rundown of what was expected of him and his men and gave Dalid 10 silver as a deposit. With that done, Bail left for the caer and met with Lieutenant Javros of Aeb. He was able to arrange for Javros to talk to Commander Chebelos to see what the new arrangement to have the security lessened at the gates leading to the bridge would cost him.

Meanwhile, back at the Malthain residence, Liakos approached Tamora and asked her to concoct a sleeping draught for the night. She was amenable to doing that for him and replied that she could have it for him in a few hours. She began brewing after rummaging through Kezner's shop for the ingredients and eventually came up with 4 doses of the potent draught. Meanwhile, Liakos left to speak to Meldin of Ulaby, a teamster he knew in Omagil, and hired the man to take his wagon into Coranan for transporting the (hopefully unconscious) tanners. Meldin was glad for the business and agreed to bring his cart and oxen into Coranan a few hours before sundown so he could attend some 'pressing matters' after dusk. Liakos smiled knowingly and told Meldin he was aware of such matters. Returning some time later, Liakos mixed Tamora's sleeping draught into a hogshead of ale and took it to the thirsty and agreeable tanners.

Kavon took his morning and afternoon meal at The Stake and heard rumors about an army of laborers at work on the western commons for the fair. There was reportedly a lot of unrest and a total of three fights on the commons so far. Intriguingly though, one of the fights had been between the Red Guard and the Coranan Legion, apparently due to a spat about whether or not the commons were part of the city and which force had jurisdiction. Kavon also saw reservists for the Red Guard sitting around The Stake, confirming other rumors that they had been called up.

After his repast and rumormongering, Kavon traveled to the Apple Inn where Gorn once again told him to find the tanners, the same job he had been tasked with for the past few days. He began walking the road between the Pamesani Arena and Kotros and he noticed Falorin, Yeremor, and even Big Zab at the three gates leading across to that side of town. A feeling that something was happening crept onto Kavon's shoulder, whispering in his ear, so he reversed his course and walked to the gate at Sylud Way. He had to talk his way through but he was soon heading across the back of the Senate grounds towards the river, where he strolled towards Kotros Square to see if his hunch was correct.

He eventually found himself at Ty's alehouse and enjoyed some ale before Dalton arrived and ordered a hogshead of mead. Dalton saw Kavon and ambled to his table, chatting with him and telling him that the extra security was because some meeting was going down, and he speculated that it was with either Dewell of Joltruin or Caldan One-Eye. Kavon thought that made sense and soon departed, heading back through the Pyetha gate and to The Stake to finish up some tasks he had set out for himself the day before. Yeremor was too busy gambling to notice him traverse through the gate, leaving only Dalton aware that Kavon had been visiting his home turf.

That evening, Liakos left the Malthain house to check on the tanners, hours after delivering the sleeping draught ale. He found the first one unconscious but the second one was still awake, though vomiting profusely. He knocked the man out with a single punch, sending the man into unconsciousness so he and Enthor could prepare to load the men into Meldin's wagon. Enthor helped him finish quickly, and best of all unseen, and they were soon done. Liakos took the wagon to across the bridge to Kobar Square in Kuseme, getting no attention from the Eidel Legionnaires there before heading to the exchange location. He met with Molos of Tarholk and they made the switch, letting Meldin take the tanners wherever Molos wanted them.

The teamsters' meeting was finally happening and it sounded like someone was inciting a riot in the bonding house. Enthor heard some of it but the others missed what was said as they stood outside in the rain with Sergeant Dalid and his men. Enthor and Kraebor took the opportunity, once the firebrand meeting was over, to blend in with the teamsters and porters as the crowd dispersed back to their homes in the night. Kraebor heard nothing of note from the surly laborers but Enthor learned that Uven was on the mend. He also heard that the teamsters were optimistic at succeeding at something if they stuck together but the details were left out. Liakos talked to Meldin about what could be happening in the coming days, offering assistance if things got violent, but Meldin hoped it wouldn't come down to combat.

Enthor walked with some of the teamsters towards Omagil and the group eventually dispersed. Two of the teamsters walked together in front of him and, suddenly, six men stepped out from behind a barn after the pair. They hastily begin laying boot to ass on the two teamsters, using fists and clubs to strike them down in a vicious ambush. Enthor reflected on the life lessons he learned recently and screamed 'Help, thieves!' at the top of his lungs. One of the 'thieves' threw something at him, which sounded like a club when it impacted on the hard, rainy road, and Enthor scrambled to grab it before two of the men could set upon him.

Enthor teed off on the first one, smashing him in the face and sending him to the ground, unconscious, with a single strike. The second man continued charging and Enthor knocked him down, following up with a second overhead smash that shattered the man's collarbone and rendered him completely unconscious.

One of the remaining four men turned and saw Enthor, shouting to his mates to leave the downed attackers and take their quarry of two teamsters. Enthor whipped his cudgel at them but missed abominably and so he instead looted the bodies of the two men he felled. He even took their boots, his loose moral code telling him they deserved it for starting a fight with him. He thought one of them might be a longshoreman but Enthor left with his new boots and tried to tail the other four men and their load. The men went through the Impaler's gate, pretending to be nothing more than drunkards with unconscious swilling partners, past the Stake, and then towards the Pamesani Arena before ending up at the Morgathian temple. Enthor decided to leave well enough alone and returned home to let the rest of the crew know what had happened.

The next day, the 24th, saw the storm blow out in the afternoon and the rain finally ceased. Kraebor decided to complete his break in job at Senator Yemala's manor and went climbing late that night. The manse of Kelen of Vanthes, next door, was having a raucous party and the thief was glad for the distraction. Kraebor found an open window after scaling the wall, wiping his soft-footed boots dry before heading into the house. He found himself in a hallway and recalled his mental map before making his way up and forward towards the office.

He snuck his way to the office door amidst the slumbering house and set about picking the lock. After a minute, he defeated the lock and slipped into the office. He noticed a window in the office that looked out over the Senate grounds but he focused his attention on a small, locked chest upon the desk. He picked the chest open and then closed the shutters and used his cloak to cover the gap at the bottom of the doorjamb before he lit a nearby candle and began reading. He was able to read quite a bit in the twenty minutes before he decided to finish so he replaced the books and letters in the chest and relocked it. He gathered his cloak, quietly left the office after snuffing the candle, and then relocked the office door behind him. Kraebor returned to the window he climbed through before and slipped out in the night, climbing down the wall and gathering up Liakos and Enthor before heading back to Kotros Square and home.

Putting his photographic memory to good use, Kraebor immediately began jotting down the notes he read so he could have Kavon, who he knew was familiar with Coranan's political luminaries, read them. He finished copying from memory late that night and locked the papers up until Kavon could come by the house. The apprentice was sent to fetch 'Navok,' using a delivery of candles for him as a cover. Candles to read by. At night. Wink, wink. Kavon left for the Malthain house minutes later after receiving the strange package.

The boys traded rumors, and after hearing of Enthor's run-in with Morgathian thugs Kavon recalled that Tuvoth of Rylen, the senator that Gorn took the chest of money to days before, was a lay Morgathian. The boys theorized that the Senator must've been the contact for the Morgathians who abducted the teamsters in front of Enthor earlier! Kraebor handed Kavon a sheaf of papers and the jeweler found a tidbit of correspondence between Senator Yemala and his nephew. In one of the letters, the nephew reported that his wife, the eldest daughter of Marshal Kronas of Elernin, was with child. And that, while the child would be of clan Yemala and it wouldn't be the first, he hoped that Marshal Kronus would be pleased to have another grandchild. There were also many papers concerning accounts of manor lands and it became obvious that Clan Yemala now had 8 manors in their possession, doubled since the Kuseme War. Kavon explained that since Gethedyle of Yemala was elected last year, the Yemalas were certainly considered 'new money'.

There was also correspondence from others, one anonymous letter arguing a bit of legal details. There was a letter from Evenor of Mariam, son of Kardis of Mariam, a Senator who was assassinated last year. Gethedyle took Kardis' seat and the letter was asking for Yemala's backing for Evenor to be elected to a newly vacated Senate seat himself. Finally, he read a letter from someone in Clan Cosele who wrote about a 'previous matter' being looked into. The author was vague and complained of copious bribes to get people to talk about the matter. It cautioned about the 'recent incident' outside of the Yemala house and that 'it might be related' and further that the Mariams were 'not to be trusted.' Kraebor recognized the handwriting as belonging to his mysterious employer, seeing the handwriting on the note that said 'We'll be in touch' from before.

Kavon seemed struck as he told Kraebor that Clan Cosele had two senators, Varbrin and Jolayn. Senator Varbrin of Cosele was currently the Chief Clerk of the Senate and would have had access to the deposition that arrived with the ominous note before. The shadowy figures behind Kraebor's employment were finally having some light cast upon them, it seemed.

Good lord, I'm two sessions in arrears!

On the morn of the 25th, Kavon traveled to the Peonian temple to speak with his sister. He had been ruminating over what do to about her ever since Tamora had mentioned her presence in the city. The two hadn't seen each other in years, long enough for Tarna to go from child to woman. Kavon mentally recited the story he had to tell to her in his head as he approached. When he arrived at the temple, a male acolyte asked Kavon to wait while Tarna was fetched from the infirmary. When she arrived, she didn't give a hint of recognition at Kavon's appearance and Kavon moved her to one side of the foyer for some privacy.

The light of recognition lit her face as the con man told her who he was, and she hoped he had arrived to finally seek penance for the thievery that made him leave Telen so many years ago. Instead, Kavon told her 'the truth'. He wove a story concerning his old master and an illicit silver mine in Stimos that he had gained knowledge of, forced to go on the lam lest he be killed to keep the mine secret. Kavon implored his sister for help, though he impressed upon her the extreme danger he was even now putting her in by visiting her. She believed every word of his lie, hook, line and sinker. Tarna suggested to her long lost brother that he speak with Sarawn, a priestess of the Laranian Temple about the grave injustice he'd been suffering from all these years, and promised she would breathe word of his 'predicament' to no one. Kavon left, satisfied that things might just work out on this wild gambit.

Tamora visted Lukas, a fellow apothecary and journeyman who had studied under Master Jond of Karin. She managed to catch his attention while he walked to an errand, sidling up to him upon the street and making sure she wasn't being tailed. They spoke of her dismissal from Master Jond's shop and the possibility of her name being added to the wager-at-law for the death of a woman, a woman married to a man who had allegedly purchased the lethal poison he used from Tamora. She convinced Lukas to confirm that the man was being held at the caer but Lukas grew suspicious and clammed up, not wanting to give away more information that might be used for illicit purposes.

Meanwhile, Liakos rummaged around Kezner's shop, looking for items he could use to disguise the safe house, desiring to make it look like longshoremen had stayed there. Chests, blankets and other amenities for laborers living in a slum were piled into the safe house, giving it a much more lived in look than the two renegade tanners had. Liakos and Bail then visited Gragor of Rodal, a fine weapon smith, to buy a high quality mace at Kavon's request. The jeweler had advised Liakos of using a fiery orange topaz he had cut from Kraebor's payment to decorate a mace to sell to the Agrikans.

After speaking with his sister, Kavon found Gorn after asking around at various unsavory and disreputable inns the underboss patronized. Kavon told Gorn of the movement of bodies that Kavon had 'seen' the night before, a story crafted by him and Liakos that morning, and Gorn wanted to see the house for himself. He told Kavon to 'watch' the house by selling meat on a stick at the corner, a simple ruse to explain a protracted presence. Kavon spent the money he received from Gorn at the Temple instead, making small talk with Althea the Silken about the upcoming ceremonies. He then returned to his post to put on a half hearted show of selling overpriced meat before heading back to the Apple Inn. Once there, Kavon told Gorn that he saw one of the three men from his fabricated story show back up to the safe house. Gorn immediately told had Kavon go back and 'keep eyes' on the safe house.

Returning to the Malthain house after her talk with Lukas, Tamora broached the subject of her problem concerning the murdered wife and the still-alive husband with Liakos and the rest of the boys at the house. She explained what needed to be done and what couldn't be done to try and prove her innocence, or at least point the blame at someone else. The boys conspired on how they could keep her out of trouble and decided to garner more information before making a move, though according to Lukas' information they only had until the 2nd to do so.

A Coranan underboss known as Galgar of Lorn arrived at the Malthaine house later that evening. Liakos invited Galgar in for a pint and Galgar, in a show of formalities, informed him that Coranan members would be coming in to Kotross territories for a hit. He left 45 silver for Liakos as compensation and then left, ostensibly to rejoin the other thugs.

Waiting at the safe house, ostensibly on the lookout, Kavon saw Gorn and Galgar of Lorn (freshly arrived from his confab with Liakos) with Yeremor in tow, on orders from Liakos. The assembled thugs entered the safe house, looking to gain information with their fists and cudgels. They came out after only a short piece of time, apparently satisfied, and Kavon was told to stay until midnight. Yeremor went back to the Malthain house and revealed that the landlord gave up the name 'Faygin' to Gorn - exactly as Liakos had planned. Liakos left the Malthain house to warn Dewell of Joltruin, the guildmaster of the Thard Lia Kavair of what had happened with the safe house and Faygin. Dewell thanked him, promising to talk to Faygin to sort things out. Dewell didn't want any trouble with the Coranan chapter and set himself to nipping the situation in the bud, unaware that Liakos himself had set the events in motion.

Back in western Coranan, Kavon returned to the Apple Inn at midnight and saw Molis, Koral, Gorn, and Galgar gathered. An apprentice arrived to tell Koral that 'the senator' declined his offer for various political reasons and this sent Koral into a rage.

Molis filled Kavon in, explaining that Koral had reached out to Senator Tuvoth of Rylen to have Argon freed from the caer he was currently locked up in, a consequence of his brutal attack on Enthor. Koral demanded Tuvoth's head, and while many of the thieves counseled caution Maldros of Kolgar took on the responsibility with a smirk. Koral was making rash decisions and striking out at allies, but it didn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

The morning of the 26th saw the mysterious senatorial messenger that had gifted Kraebor with the gems return, asking for the painter. Upset while under the impression that the mission hadn't been undertaken, the messenger was surprised when Kraebor revealed the information he sought. The messenger was pleased and impressed, and then asked Kraebor to spy on Senator Gethedyle of Yemala's house for the next five to ten days. He gave Kraebor 60 silver for the rest of the information job and for expenses he may incur with this new request. Kraebor recalled that Senator Kelen of Vanthes lived next door to the Yemala manse and that she was a fan of his statuary work.

He visited Senator Kelen's manse, introducing himself to the steward and requesting an audience. Kraebor was told to meet her on the 28th and he agreed, eager to do business with her. He spied a bakery across the street and he offered to paint the sign for two loaves, a convenient way to spend time outside watching the house. The baker readily agreed and so Kraebor took his time, ending up with a lovely sign that anyone would be proud of. Of course, he'd been spying the whole time but saw little of note.

Tamora spent the day making more bloodbane poison, the same type she had sold to the imprisoned wife-killer, intent on using the vials to frame Jond of Karin for the sale. She later paid a visit to The Stake with a message for Kavon, the note hidden in a coin purse. She delivered it under the guise of a Pamesani bet and Kavon read the message later when he was alone in his room.

When Tamora returned, she and Liakos talked to Vudrin about going to the caer and speaking with her accuser. They ironed out the details of what he should say and made plans for Kraebor to plant the poison in Master Jond's shop while the apothecary was out at the meeting of the syndics. That meeting would decide much but the results of Kraebor's trespassing and Vudrin's brow beating might lead to a completely different set of outcomes.

GM's Note: This one actually covers two sessions, in which a lot of plans came to fruition. Enjoy!

Kraebor returned to the baker's shop on the morning of the 27th to look for more business while he watched Senator Gethedyle's house. He visited a nearby lace maker's shop just up the street, and inquired within to see if they also needed a sign made and painted, as they lacked even that. They were skeptical and saw no burning need for a sign but Kraebor was advised to come back when the patriarch of the family that ran the shop returned. Kraebor also visited a victualer and they too agreed to have him repaint their sign for a pittance, well below his normal fees. He started this new painting, glad to have the work and to have the opportunity to spy on the Senator's house.

Meanwhile, Kavon gambled some at the Apple Inn that dreary, rainy morning, but saw no one from Molis' crew, nor anyone he recognized as a crony of Koral. He decided to head to the east side of the city, wandering about to see if he could meet up with any of the Kotros criminals to pass a message. He stepped into Ty's Ale House and found Dalton and Big Zab there already having some ale. He sat with the two of them, sharing rumors and news, before Kavon fed Big Zab a lie to get him to the Malthain house to fetch Liakos. Liakos and Bail were there when Zab arrived, grabbing cloaks and heading out the door when the thug delivered the message. Tamora, aghast at Big Zab's leg after inquiring about his hobbling, stayed behind to cut the man, fixing up his infection. It took some time but she was confident his leg would mend if he kept the wound clean.

Liakos and Bail arrived at Ty's and asked Dalton to keep on eye on things while they spoke with Kavon in the backroom. The three were satisfied that they were able to speak freely in the storage room and they talked at length about the plot against Senator Tuvoth of Rylen and Argon's confinement. Sir Bail noted to Kavon that they had acquired a mace for him and Kavon decided to work his mastery upon it immediately, though he was told to gather more information if he could. In turn, Kavon asked Liakos and Bail stay with Dalton for a time while he left for the Malthain house, not wanting to be seen leaving with the two of them. Though he observed his cousin working on Zab's leg when he arrived, he went upstairs to begin engraving and bejeweling the mace at once.

After mending Zab's pustulent leg wound, Tamora went to the docks intent on speaking with Faygin of Beck about some incoming goods she expected. He had a package for her and it was an assemblage of poisonous ingredients from her contact outside the city. Faygin was willing to haggle over the price, as normal, but eventually they came to an agreement; For the mere cost of a 'love' potion and fifty silver Faygin was willing to hand over the lot. The potion was for a 'friend' of his of course, though Tamora wondered what Faygin's wife would think of the beefy longshoreman's request.

Kraebor came home while Liakos and Bail (having returned home from Ty's after a sufficient time to allay any suspicions) were trying to figure out what to do about the Morgathians. Senator Tuvoth was a lay member of their church and Koral's assassination order would have to make them concerned. Kavon was upstairs working on the mace and the house seemed strangely quiet, so Enthor stepped outside to stretch his legs and get some fresh air. A veritable gaggle of Peonian pilgrims were in front of the Halean temple, causing trouble as they milled about in front of the gates, and so Enthor decided to have a theological discussion with them. The discussion mostly revolved around fists and faces, however, as Enthor tried to threaten the pilgrims into taking their pilgrimage somewhere else. One small, female Peonian pilgrim stood up to him, proclaiming that she was not afraid and knew that her faith would overcome. Enthor tried to make her flinch, and when his first attempt failed the big thug decided that is it was time to put faith to the test. He slammed his fist into her gut, knocking the wind out of her and setting off a melee amongst the flock.

Tamora was returning from her foray with Faygin when she saw the fight break out in front of the Malthain house, bodies coming together in the middle of the street with fists flying. Enthor punched a man after trying to stare him down, intent on not getting arrested for once, but they began trading blows with the new intention of knocking one another out. The fight quickly escalated into more and more pilgrims piling on as Enthor laid about with an increasing rage and that all-too familiar boil that came from a good fight. Alerted by the growing din, Bail, Liakos, and Kraebor came out of the house and they too witnessed the brawl in disbelief. Tamora moved closer to the house, preferring to stay out of the fight, while Bail decided to clear the street with words, shouting at the top of his lungs.

Enthor continued landing and taking hits, fighting four men at once as the brawl grew with every passing moment. One man was knocked into Sir Bail and the knight spun the lad about, smashing him down to the street as he continued wading into the heart of the fray. He continued to scream and Kraebor tried to knock down one of the Peonians to get the press to lighten up against Enthor. The crowd finally abated under the knight's incessant haranguing, the combatants seeing the potential trouble of a noble becoming involved. Enthor snuck in one last punch, dropping one of his opponents to the cobbles before straightening and trying to separate himself from the fight. Sir Bail used his knightly bearing (and well-honed Legion officer's command voice) to convince the Peonians to take their wounded out of 'his' street and begone.

An old matriarch, the leader of the pilgrims, asked for the Guard to be summoned and Bail countered, summoning the Captain of the Solithar to come out. He asked the Solithar to explain what happened, but one among their number explained that Enthor hit a girl and started the fight. Enthor tried to explain himself, and while several of the peasant bystanders sided with him, others didn't. Kraebor recalled that Dalid of Kolfax was nearby and so he left to get the sergeant and his Hand of Red Guardsmen to put the issue to rest. Dalid was only too happy to help oppress Peonians, and he told the old Peonian woman to be gone before everyone was arrested and brought in.

With that ugly business done, Sir Bail was able to go about his original business. He and Liakos had decided that Bail would travel across the bridge to Caer Kuseme to talk to Joubar of Holsine and warn him of the plot against Senator Tuvoth of Rylen. He was able to get the story out without spilling the beans completely as to how he came across the information, and while he agreed to pass the information along to Marshal Kronas, Joubar warned that passing such sensitive information could have politically unpredictable consequences. Returning to the Malthain household, Sir Bail told Liakos about his meeting with Joubar, the two trying to find the appropriate angle to reach the Senator before he could be assassinated. Bail also quickly bashed a sign together for Kraebor to use at the lace shop, relishing once again the chance to work with his hands even though the work took him into the wee hours of the morning.

The rest of the family was busy as well. Tamora made the potion that Faygin requested, keeping some for herself in case she ever had a need to significantly lower someone's inhibitions and make them susceptible to suggestion. Kavon and Enthor delivered the finished mace to the Agrikan's and were introduced to the Hardeth of Alviol, high priest of the local Agrikan order of the Octagonal Pit. The introduction was perhaps typical of most when dealing with Agrikans who are scourging themselves. Hardeth was impressed by the mace, noting the craftsmanship, and intended to use it at the Pamesani games the coming weekend. Kavon mentioned that he was willing to craft more for their church but was out of supplies. Hardeth had a small chest brought out, full of gems, and asked Kavon to select some. He wanted his armor to be worked by Kavon, and the jeweler elected to use the forge in the temple to set some of the gems into the temple master's gorget.

The 28th arrived stormy and rainy as Kraebor awaited for Wysele of Nordaka and Kelen of Vanthes at the Halean temple, intent on delivering his painting to the Mistress of the Senate and speaking business with Senator Kelen, but neither showed up due to inclement weather. The weather turned even worse that night, prompting most of the family to stay indoors. Snow fell overnight, barely but present, and Kraebor worked on the sign for the lace maker that morning. He snuck away while his finishes were drying to see Senator Kelen, and she agreed to have him do some work for her. She wanted a 6 x 10 tapestry replaced with a large portrain, and she and Kraebor agreed on 180 silver for the job. He requested permission to set up in the servants' quarters on the south side of the manse, where the "light was best" and also where he could spy on Senator Gethedyle's house. Ever a patron of the fine arts, the Senator graciously allowed him to stay at her house while he did the work, providing him room and board for the duration.

Tamora went to the docks to visit Faygin to deliver the love potion but was told he wasn't around and that he might be sick, as none of his crew had seen him. She asked one of the dockworkers to escort her to his house to see if that was so. She went up the stairs of his tenement and knocked on the door but found the unlocked barrier swinging open under contact. The apothecary smelled the copper tang of blood, her skilled training telling her that it was old, and her fears were confirmed when she saw Faygin's dead body, as well as the corpses of his wife and three children. Amongst the contents of the thoroughly tossed room, Tamora spotted her package of the rest of the herbs on a desk near the door and so she scooped them up before leaving the house quickly, afraid that whomever killed Faygin may still be watching.

That afternoon, Kraebor went to Jond of Karin's shop, seeing how the apothecary did business to scope the place out for later when he planted the evidence that Tamora would supply. Liakos and Bail went to Kuseme to speak to Caldan since they had received his cryptic message. They met him at the Kuseme common where some caravans were already moving in. The salt route traders were back, some at least, and Caldan noted that the caravans all employed teamsters. He laid out a plan involving the teamsters not moving the traders across the bridge into Coranan and Liakos surmised this was Uven of Gelt's plan to unionize the teamsters, by stopping commerce cold in an audacious display of disobedience.

Tamora made more potions at the house for use by Liakos and the others when they ambushed Koral, while Kavon finished up his work at the Agrikan Temple. The high priest was summoned when the gorget was complete and Hardeth was so pleased he praised Kavon's work and gave the young jeweler a benediction and, though the benediction ended with a bone-jarring backhanded blow. Hardeth made Kavon promise to "let no man say you are unskilled," and then swore to show off his work at the Pamesani games the next day. Kavon retired to the Stake to recuperate and rest, glad to be out of the Agrikan temple and back in a soft bed.

Kraebor broke into Jond's apothecary shop successfully that night, planting the poison vials where instructed and making good his escape without anyone the wiser. Meanwhile, Liakos and Bail travelled to Omagil to speak to Trallek of Bolrin about helping in Kuseme and stiffing Koral at the regular Lia Kavair meeting the next night after the Pamesani games. It seemed a riot was brewing in Kuseme and someone spotted smoke rising. Liakos used this against Koral, telling Trallek that it could be the Guildmaster burning the city again. Trallek was not entirely convinced he should help. He likened Liakos' offer to a silver dagger, that could be used to slit his own throat if things didn't work out the way Liakos hoped.

Kavon and Enthor went to the Pamesani games on the 30th, but Kavon was interrupted from his normal work when he was invited to a private box. He made contacts and wagers with the nobles and other notables that were there, winning some money. He recognized a few of the others from a high stakes gambling game that Kelen of Vanthes had hosted some months back. Molis came up at some point to take wagers and Kavon took him aside as he was leaving, noting that he was sorry he couldn't help. Molis, however, was glad to see him in the private box, making 'friends,' though his surprise at seeing "Navok" there was evident.

Tamora had made a hideous poison the day before to coat blades for Liakos and Bail as the two men began making the appropriate plans for the coming night. They would ambush Koral in his tunnel system after he left the Apple Inn, knowing that Liakos' absence, and hopefully Trallek's, would throw Koral into a rage. Taking the man's metaphor literally, Bail bought a silver dagger to bribe Trallek with, and Liakos had Umis and his beggars tell his other underlings to go to Kuseme and help Caldan and the teamsters. Liakos, Sir Bail, and Kraebor all donned their armor and cloaks before departing for the building they had used before to get to the tunnel system. Synainova accompanied them, and they hoped the four of them would be enough to put and end to Koral the Bloody.

Molis had told Kavon to go to the Apple Inn for the meeting after the Pamesani games, and the jeweler had a front row seat to the plan working out perfectly, though Kavon had no direct knowledge of it himself. He saw Koral blow up on Dewell over Faygin's fate, the two arguing before Koral put an end to the conversation. Liakos' and Trallek's absence only further inflamed Koral and he sent runners to find both of them. The messengers soon reported that the two men were either unaccounted for, or were busy in Trallek's case. They also reported smoke over Kuseme and trouble brewing across the bridge, causing further confusion in the meeting.

Meanwhile, Synainova, Kraebor, Liakos, and Bail were sneaking into the tenement that granted access to the tunnels to and from Koral's home/guildhall. Kraebor picked the lock and opened the trap door down to the basement, hearing rustling noises and signalling to the others. Synainova rushed in, Liakos quickly behind her, and they both found targets, stabbing in the dark. Bail waded in, swinging his sword into someone as well. Synainova found the mouth of her target and covered it with a hand before slashing his neck, and Kraebor's lantern revealed that the poor fellow was the only one awaiting them.

Shortly thereafter, Kavon heard a number of Red Guard moving in lockstep toward the Apple Inn, with Koral announcing that was 'his man's' signal. Everyone at the meeting moved, some staying behind and others heading to exits. Kavon asked Molis what to do and Molis told him to come with him. The pair, as well as Gorn, a member of Gorn's crew, and Koral, hurried to the back of the inn to a trap door. A man, Drell, let them through and secured the door behind him after striking a lantern, accompanying them through a secret tunnel. The tunnel was short and ended at a door that Drell pushed open and walked through. The assembled and waiting party of Malthain boys and their compatriots, hidden in the room, saw the secret door open and then heard Kavon ask 'Where are we going?' from the tunnel. Drell moved to the opposite secret door but Molis realized their guard was missing, asking aloud, 'Where's Gent?'

As if in reply, the attack was sprung with Synainova jumping out, wielding her newly poisoned daggers. She slashed at Koral twice while screaming a curse. Kraebor threw one of his poisoned daggers into Koral, drawing a ragged line across his ribs before readying another. Koral's party was stunned by the sudden assault, with Liakos moving to stab Gorn in the shoulder with a poisoned blade. Sir Bail directed the team before moving from his cover to close with drawn short sword. Jerris of Hezaid, one of Koral's apprentices, was behind Kavon when the fight broke out, and the jeweler screamed as he turned around, pushing and grappling with Jerris to flee back into the tunnel. Jerris tried to get out of the hysterical jeweler's clutches but was unsuccessful.

Koral was the first to respond, driving knives and trading cuts with Synainova, knocking her down at some point. The woman had delivered a handful of blows with her poisoned blades but Koral was striking hard and true still, the poison not affecting him yet. Liakos and Sir Bail were fighting the other men while Kraebor looked for a good opportunity to throw a second dagger into someone. Molis had a dagger drawn but had not yet committed to an attack, and Kavon still grappled with Jerris, trying to get the man to run or at least get out of his way. Gorn's man Tolliver of Wentz moved to aid his boss, engaging Liakos in the process. This in turn forced Kraebor to enter the fray to keep his brother from being overwhelmed. Drell had a hatchet that slapped against Kraebor's leather armor once, then twice, but the wiry man shrugged off the blows and punched and sliced when he could.

Soon, Gorn was down and everyone was wounded on Koral's side, most notably the Guildmaster himself. Synainova had taken two brutal stabs to the midsection but wasn't out yet before Drell was felled by Kraebor. Jerris found himself in rather dire straits as Kavon had him in a choke hold, tightening his grip to cut the off man's air as he shouted to Molis to run. For his part, Molis took careful aim and threw his dagger, catching Sir Bail in the arm and wounding him slightly.

The fighting was intense until the poison coursing in Koral's veins finally hit his brain. The man staggered, blinking in confusion as his muscles suddenly seized and an intense shock of pain seemed to set his brain afire. It gave Liakos the opportunity he needed, and the big Malthain brother stepped in, driving his dagger into Koral's head and dropping him to the floor like a felled sow. Molis saw Koral's demise and he stepped back, flipping his remaining dagger around to offer the handle out as a gesture of surrender.

Synainova, still in a fighting fury lunged at Molis, though Liakos quickly shouted, 'Not him!'. Still, the wickedly-quick assassin woman scored a blow against the defenseless Molis, though in her weakened state it had little effect. Liakos and Kraebor managed to restrain the woman from killing their valuable captive.

Once the situation had calmed, Kraebor began to move forward to accept Molis' surrender but then stopped himself. Molis was a friend of his, but Liakos was in charge here. Liakos took the dagger and Molis turned to Kavon, telling him to release Jerris and calm down. Visibly shaken, Molis looked back to Liakos and crossed his arms, waiting for surrender terms to be issued.

This is great stuff! I can't wait for more.

Thanks! And I'm sorry I'm a few sessions behind! I'll try to get them up over the next few days.

By the way, if you (or anyone else) have any questions, let me know and I'll try to add some extra detail. There's a lot of stuff that my players get from long experience in the game that might not make sense from just reading the logs.

While the fight with Koral was still in the works, things were happening in Kuseme. Enthor was there and working with the Kuseme Lia Kavair to stall out the returning caravans and help prevent them from moving into Coranan proper. The Malthain thug had been beating up random teamsters who didn't stop their wagons. At one point Enthor gleefully punched an ox in the head, dropping the animal to the ground and pointing out the malady to its owner. Eventually, the merchant of the wagon, who was also the owner of the punched, unconscious ox, called the caravan master over with some mercenaries to try to stop Enthor or any other thugs from interfering. Enthor, along with his new Kuseme Lia Kavair compatriots Molos of Tarholk (one of the crew bosses in the Kuseme Lia Kavair) and one of his apprentices refused to back down. A fight ensued, of course.

In the ensuing chaos, one merc ran off, one merc was knocked out, and the caravan master had also been knocked to the ground, though Molos' apprentice had received a nasty spear-wound to the leg. The caravan master was convinced to let wagons stay put and to rescind his order that any teamster who doesn't work have his entire pay from the caravan route withheld. After the brawl, Enthor saw a column of smoke somewhere distant in the caravan compound and he went to investigate.

Meanwhile, back in the bloody tenement basement, Molis the Magister, Jerris of Hezaid, and Tolliver of Went surrendered to the Malthaine crew as blood cooled on the flagstone floor. Kavon moved to Liakos' side, revealing the deception the jeweler had been orchestrating against Molis for weeks. The jeweler was dispatched to retrieve his cousin Tamora so they could attempt to staunch Synainova's wounds. Molis and Liakos talked about the way things were going to be in the future and Molis was visibly shaken as he talked "business" with Liakos. Sir Bail, Jerris, and Tolliver started moving bodies back into the tunnel but Jerris tried to make a break for it, attempting to push past Bail and flee. Bail cut him down with a few well-placed blows of his short sword and threatened to do the same to Tolliver. Tolliver admitted to being Argon's man and was sufficently frightened for his life that he was willing to do whatever he was commanded. Kraebor asked Molis about Argon's likely feelings toward Koral's death but Molis didn't think he would be a problem. Molis warned him, however, that The Snake of Kerabin would be trouble, almost without doubt.

Liakos cut Koral's head off with Drell's hatchet, using a lantern for light and making a mess of himself and the basement. He waited for the head to drain while Kraebor began trying to disguise the bloodied floor, making some progress with the hay available in the tenement.

Kavon and Tamora eventually arrived and she began treating Synainova, taking out a needle and thread to patch up the knife wounds Koral had inflicted. Synainova threatened to kill Tamora if she couldn't heal her well but Tamora simply told her to shut her mouth and let her sew. Liakos took up the head of Koral and commanded Molis to lead the way to the guild house through the tunnels. Everyone assembled began moving, with just a few lanterns among them, into the labyrinth.

Bail controlled Tolliver along the walk, making sure the henchman knew the knight was behind him with sword drawn. They traveled through the maze under the guild house and soon arrived in a storeroom. Molis knocked twice and a secret door opened in response, quietly drawing open without a man on the other side. They went into another room and then approached a trap door, where a man was looking down and waiting for them. Liakos told him to come down and 'assist' them and thanks to the dim lighting, the man complied. Severin, as he was named by Molis, was given Koral's head to hold so Liakos could climb the ladder but he couldn't bear the sudden, gruesome sight and left his lunch on the floor. Liakos asserted his authority to the man, telling him in no uncertain terms of what he expected this night; a complete absence of troublemaking. He climbed the ladder and then Bail followed, leaving Tolliver behind. Those still with him suddenly wondered if Tolliver might now make a break or a fight but Kavon decided to keep him under control. The jeweler looked at the man with a cool gaze and lied through his teeth, "I am a death master." Tolliver believed him with every inch of his being and climbed the ladder without fuss.

Liakos, Molis, and Kraebor began heading further into the house with Koral's head, looking for other apprentices and journeymen as the rest of the group stayed behind in the guardroom that they found themselves in after climbing the ladder. They found men in several nearby rooms and Molis commanded that they come to the common room. The rest of the Malthain crew was fetched, all assembling in the guildhouse's large common room, a table used as a hasty platform for Liakos to stand upon. Noted Coranan thief Galgar of Lorn was present, the only 'master' in residence at the time. Most of the other thugs and criminals in attendance were uneasy and confused, waiting to see what Liakos would do, Koral's bloodied head unmistakable in his hand.

Liakos spoke to the crowd, telling them of how the Lia Kavair in Coranan were too long in being enemies and not allies. In being rivals, not partners. Fighting for beggars wages amongst one another instead of taking pounds from the city itself. He reasoned that personal ruin was what came to Koral because of his ways but that business, and being business men, would be the way of the future. He ended the speech on the note that the way of the future also included a pay up of being one in four, instead of one in three. Galgar was one of the first to respond, looking up to Liakos and asking simply, "What now, m'lord?"

Liakos began interviewing the gathered thieves, trying to discover who the notable people were that he should familiarize himself with. Kavon asked Molis where Koral's money was kept. Bail told Kraebor he would need his tools and asked the artist to fetch them from the Malthain house so he could begin examining the guildhouse's fiendish traps. Ehrlid, the ancient steward of the manor, offered a tour of the house to its new lord and Liakos accepted, treating the elderly man with respect. He asked Ehrlid about the deed to the house and how it could be transferred without undue trouble and Ehrlid seemed to think it would be an easy task. Ehrlid also gave a short history of the Lia Kaviar, noting how much of it's past culture like oaths and training, had fallen to the wayside during Koral's reign as guildmaster.

They toured the various levels of the house, and from the balcony of the master's chambers the Malthain crew could see smoke and flames rising from darkness on the the Kuseme side of the river. The guild house is full of surprises, containing among other things a library of scrolls and a target range, as well as a stocked forge and armory. Ehrlid led them downstairs to the kitchens, into a storage room and then into a series of cubicle like rooms that made up the labyrinth. He explained how it had been a training course for years, a rite of passage for thieves, and something that he kept going even with Koral's leadership. He brought them to a vault, where he explained that records were kept until a few years ago, and he tried to make his own after but they remain incomplete. The vault was filled with chests and treasure, goods worth perhaps a hundred of pounds of silver spread about. Ehrlid explained them that Senator Brenyl of Kardan had a chest bound for him tomorrow, and noted how some of the booty had been organized.

Kraebor returned with Bail's tools and armor, which he stowed in the guardroom as the others come back from the tour. He also noted that he had seen smoke from the direction of Kuseme on his way back from Kotros.

Back in Kuseme, Enthor arrived at the sight of the fire in time to see a hand of Eidel Legionnaires taking prisoners away, bloodied or unconscious. He saw fires in the caravan camps and he found Molos to ask what they should do. Molos stated that things were getting out of control and he advised stepping up efforts to really make things volatile. He had a task for Enthor and Enthor was only too happy to oblige; he wanted Enthor to start a riot. Enthor did so by rounding up every teamster he could find and telling them of his exploits, like punching out an ox, to intimidate them into going to the square. A woman approached with four caravan guards and Enthor told her that the caravan master was to be making an announcement in the Square. She headed there with her guards and Enthor knew that armed men made a riot only more likely.

A fight mysteriously broke out near the square as Enthor approached. Pitchforks, clubs, torches, armed guards, Eidel Legionnaires, all become embroiled in an out of control riot as the fight spread like wildfire. Caldan One Eye caught up to Enthor and told him that the Square was in even worse shape and he needed someone to make sure the teamsters there wouldn't break and run away. The Square was a scene of absolute bedlam complete with looting and bonfires made from assembled detritus. Enthor spied a group of teamsters who looked like they may be losing their nerve, faced as they were with Legionnaires marching about, some already pounding rioters into the ground. He went to their aid, finding Yeremor in the press and helping them stare down a hand of Eidel Legionnaires. But the frightened teamsters were giving ground.

Resolved to turn the tide, Enthor plucked a broken stool leg tossed from the looted contents of a nearby tavern from the ground. He launched the impromptu weapon at one of the guardsmen. The soldier was hit just below the knee, falling face first into the cobblestones to lie unconscious. Enthor moved to the front of the mob, exhorting them with a wave of his burly arm and shouting for them to charge the remaining four guardsmen. The mob surged forward.

The mob surged around him and Enthor led the charge, smashing the first legionnaire nearest him in the head, denting his helmet. Yeremor and another legionnaire squared off, destroying each others' weapons with a flurry of clanging blows. Enthor already had his sights squared on another man and they took stock of each other, Enthor taunting the legionnaire to attack him. The Malthain brute took a few hits on his leather armor but managed to break the man's sword. To Enthor's right, Yeremor drew a dagger, as did the soldier he faced, but Yeremor was able to dart in with a stab. The teamsters moved in, one hitting Enthor's opponent with a brake handle though he was stabbed for his trouble. Another teamster, armed with a whip, managed to entangle Yeremor's opponent and bring him to the ground before getting stabbed by the flailing legionnaire, who was himself subsequently dispatched by means of a cobblestone cruelly wielded by an enraged rioter.

More soldiers of the Eidel Legion began to arrive to the riot, more of the teamsters and the crowd pressing on them. Another hand of legionnaires were forced away or beaten down and Enthor eventually spied archers coming. People began to flee in all directions and the center of Kuseme turned into complete chaos. Enthor and Yeremor decided to leave, ducking into a building and holing up for a while before exiting by another door, parting ways in the darkness to minimize their chances of being detected. Trying to make an escape by keeping to alleys, Enthor found the body of an Eidel legionnaire with a crossbow quarrel in his eye near one of the quiet streets, a sign that things had gone very wrong for the law. Enthor looted the body after a moment of quiet contemplation, and went looking for his people before finding another place to hole up.

He found fires in the market square and caravan common, and Hands of Legionnaires were moving with archers accompanying them, engaging anyone they saw on the night-darkened streets. Avoiding such patrols, Enthor waited for an opening and then swam down river, pulling himself up on the opposite side of the bank. As he caught his breath, a commotion from the river attracted his attention. Enthor did a quizzical double take as a bleating, lowing ox swam past. Then another. Then several more. Suspecting that some clever thief or teamster had sabotaged the livestock pen and driven the caravan's oxen into the river, the brutish Malthain man chuckled to himself, shed his armor, tried to dry off, and found a copse of trees to bed down in.

Meanwhile, back in Coranan proper, Kavon, Liakos, and Bail stayed the night at the guildhouse, resigning themselves to a night of light, nervous sleep in close proximity to so many people who might want them dead. At some point during the wee hours of the morning they heard the noise maker in the door fall over, which roused them in a panic. They looked for secret passageways but none of the men were able to find one. They returned to sleep and somehow managed to reach the morning without waking up dead.

Unwilling to stay the night at the guildhouse, Kraebor, Tamora, and Synainova returned to the Malthain house. Ms. Bunting fussed some and told Kraebor of riots in the square, though she couldn't elucidate. They were able to get Synainova settled in and dawn arrived after an eventful night.

The next morning, Kavon walked down to the common room to speak with Molis. They chatted about The Snake and Argon, and how things may be moving in the future under Liakos' reign. Kavon emphasized profit and fair business practices but mentioned extreme, ruthless measures when slighted. Liakos and Bail eventually came down from the upper floor and Liakos announced the beginning of a dagger training session. Kavon excused himself, as did Molis, and Liakos went to the training floor with some apprentices and journeymen.

As the dagger lesson wore on, Bail saw a steel dagger change hands between two men on the other side of the room and stormed over with his sword out. He spotted the boot knife the man had as well and demanded both of the blades. The men gave them up and Bail handed them to Liakos. Liakos made a statement that concealment would be taught later. One of the apprentices asked Sir Bail how he had spotted the knife and the grizzled legion veteran was able to impress the lad with his knowledge and observations.

Kavon arrived back at the Malthain house to have breakfast with Kraebor and Tamora, who spoke to Kraebor about the vials of poison he was charged with secreting and the plan to frame her former master. Kraebor mentioned that it had been handled and they would see how it shook out in the day to come. Kraebor asked Kavon to stay at the house to receive any messages that may arrive for him. Tamora stated she would stay as well, brewing drugs and keeping an eye on Synainova's recovery. Kavon mentioned needing to get his things from the Stake but he would be home all day besides a short jaunt to the other side of the city. Kraebor took his leave and found a beggar, asking for Umis to be brought to the house. Umis arrived a half hour later and Kraebor pressed the man about information concerning the Kotros people that had gone to Kuseme to cause trouble. Umis was sad to say he hadn't heard anything from his people and that the general chaos over there was making it extremely difficult to get valuable information. He advised talking to Dewell of Joltruin, the harbormaster and head of the Thard Lia Kavair, to get some muscle together for Liakos.

Enthor took a lengthy detour and came back to the city through the Impaler's Gate, meeting up with his old friend Malias of Throging and trading rumors with the affable guardsman. He told Enthor about the riot and the fair being halted, and the sheer vitriol that the citizens were feeling because of it. Enthor suddenly regretted coming back to Coranan, telling Malias, "I should've stayed where I was drinking already." Still, the thug thanked Malias for the information and began a trek back to the Malthain house. He met up with Kavon as the jeweler was leaving the Stake with his belongings, maintaining his cover with the inn keeper and promising more business in the future. The two distant cousins talked about Koral's overthrow and the riots in Kuseme, culminating in Enthor mentioning the ox and swimming across the river. Kavon patently didn't believe that Enthor had actually done either of those things.

They arrived at the house as Umis was leaving and Kraebor floated the idea of Kavon speaking to Dewell for more muscle. Kraebor was also curious about the goings on of his undercover operation and Kavon was interested to hear about the senatorial job that Kraebor had secured. Kavon showed him the gem shards, smuggled out of the Agrikan church, and then went to his little workshop upstairs to work on them. Kraebor would see himself back to the guildhouse with the intent of getting Liakos' take on garnering Dewell's help. Kraebor, accompanied by Kezner's apprentice, walked to the guildhouse and spoke to Liakos about the situation with Dewell, and how best to approach it.

Tamora worked on the newly conscious Synainova, checking her stitches and looking intently for any sign of infection. Synainova had something else on her mind, however, and she grilled Tamora about Kavon, though the young apothecary was reluctant to assert that her cousin Kavon was anything but a bumbling jeweler and sometimes thief. After finishing up with Synainova, Tamora went out about town with some disguise help from Kraebor, wanting to see what the mob was talking about concerning the riots and the caravans. She encountered some rakish gentlemen, though shabbily dressed, who asked her out for a drink. She went along with them to an alehouse and they told her about the riots in Kuseme. They tried to get her into a game of chance involving articles of clothing but she demurred. They had heard the parade was canceled but bore little other useful information.

She made her farewell to the dirt poor laborers as she spied another man, one pointed out as the one who had told the laborers about the parade. He looked wealthy, distinguished, and the best mark she'd seen that day. The man and some of his fellow compatriots were all complaining about their goods not coming in via the caravans. One spoke ill of Marshal Kronas' handling of the situation, bemoaning the lack of proper response from the legions. Two of the men both mentioned that they had goods in wagons stuck in Kuseme.

Tamora saw an opportunity to use some of her concoctions, a conspicuous draught that lowered inhibitions and loosened the tongue. One of the men was a gold merchant and he was able to say little of note before he eventually fell unconscious. The wood merchant became more and more agreeable as the hours passed on, giving Tamora scads of information about his shipment.

Kraebor was out of the guildhouse not long after his conversation with Liakos and he left the city to speak to Trallek in Omagil. It took him some time to find the man, hiding from possible consequences with not arriving at the meeting with Koral the night before, but Kraebor was able to track him down and tell him that Liakos requested his presence and that of some of his men. Trallek asked him to swear on his god that he was not being led to a slaughter and Kraebor did so. He returned to the house and told Kavon that he had word from Liakos; If the jeweler could sell Koral's massive and ornate bed, he could keep ¾ of the profits of the sale. He also instructed Kavon and Enthor to extend an invitation to Dewell to come to the guildhouse that night. Both men left right then, with instructions to look out for Tamora as well should they happen to find her.

Kavon and Enthor went to the harbormaster's quarters and found bedlam. Merchants, pilots, captains, everyone was screaming for service and notice to try and have their goods shuttled across the river via barge as the bridge was becoming a morass of wagons - apparently the Eidel Legion had begun dragooning anyone they could find to muscle wagons from the Kuseme common and across the Kobar Bridge by hand. The process was slow, laborious, and not going well.

Amid the mayhem at the docks, Kavon and Enthor met Thursden of Laing and passed him a message to tell Dewell to come to the guildhouse for dinner, though the insanity that Dewell was dealing with made that prospect appear quite difficult. They returned to the Malthain house, glad to have some time to enjoy the festival. Their joyous lack of care was soon disrupted, however, as Tamora was waiting for them with news. She told Kavon about the wood shipment being stalled in Kuseme, and the value of its cargo.

So Kavon and Enthor decided to go do crime while she went to the guildhouse to advise Liakos. The wood shipment would be a nice score and bring in some valuable coin for the new masters of Coranan. Besides, what's a little crime before dinner?

Very cool. You've certainly got a nasty bunch there. I was telling one of my gaming groups about this and they remarked we could never run a game like this simply because of them not being willing to do some of the things your group did.

Also, is it just me or did Graenath just drop off the face of Kethira there?

Yeah, the players sometimes muse that their characters are reprehensible human beings. They've done some stuff that boggles the mind sometimes, but it's all in-character. Much of it is also spur-of-the-moment reactions to situations as they come up. Kavon wigging out and going all stabby-stabby during the home-invasion kidnapping of the guy they thought responsible for stealing their stuff was a perfect example. As was the brutal slaying of Cadulus after he betrayed Kraebor.

What's most interesting to me is the "us vs. them" dynamics that the players have embraced. Liakos is very protective of anyone he considers "family," and the quickest way to move Liakos to violence is to threaten the family (as Koral the Bloody recently found out to his detriment). Kavon is a pathological liar (as in, the player took "Pathological Liar" as a flaw during character creation. Given the choice of telling the truth or a lie in an important situation, he actually has to pass a Willpower test to tell the truth - the player usually just skips the test and tells lies ), but even when he's lying his teeth off to them, he's still working to advance the family's interests.

There are also some weird ethical codes that they observe as well. Kraebor goes out of his way to avoid violence during a burglary, but in a fight he's very quick to escalate from fists to knives. Enthor will beat a man silly and rob him blind in an alley, but if the weather's running chilly he refuses to steal a man's cloak or boots. Because that's just cold-hearted.

On the whole, I'm very impressed with my players' ability to keep up with all of the political machinations going on around them. Part of that is because I've gone out of my way to make it grow organically around them. It started out relatively small-scale, with them involved in just the Kotros Lia Kavair, which had its own factional problems. As the campaign progressed, I started exposing them to an increasing scope of intrigues. Now they are balancing politics of the factions within the Kotros chapter, keeping Kotros and the other chapters from descending into complete anarchy (much more complicated now that Liakos has deposed Koral of Geldryss), dealing with the fallout of a gang-war, dabbling in wider guild politics with the whole Teamsters angle, and being drawn into Senate/bureaucratic intrigues by Kraebor's mysterious benefactor (who they now suspect is someone associated with the clan Cosele).

But doing the set-up work early has paid huge dividends. I don't really need to "plot" for this game, because the players are so hooked in that they are self-motivating. I was honestly a teeny bit worried when Liakos deposed Koral the Bloody that the players would be all, "Well, we won the gang war and control the city. Time to wrap up the campaign." But their reaction was far from it. They basically sat down, put their heads together, and said, "Crap, we won the gang war and control the city. There's so much stuff we need to do now!"

Liakos' player put it best when he likened it to finishing the first book in a trilogy. The characters have defeated one obstacle only to be exposed to a much wider conflict. So they're running with it and we're all having a blast.

And good catch about Graenath. The player isn't able to make it to the regular sessions anymore. Because of this, Graenath (the character) has gone on a pilgrimage to Araka Kalai. I had set up the hooks for this when the village wise-woman in Jetuw healed Enthor's wounds, and it was a perfect way to write the character out until the player can come back into the campaign. Somehow explicit mention of that got missed in the logs. He left shortly before Tamora showed up (as another friend of ours stepped into the game shortly thereafter, keeping me at 6 players).

Speaking of which, I got supremely lucky with Tamora's player. Bringing a new player into an established campaign is always a little risky, and given how, erm, "non-standard" this particular campaign is, I was a little worried about the result. But after getting the low-down on what was going on in the campaign and sitting in on a session, the woman who plays Tamora said, "So I was thinking of playing a poisoner..." At that point I knew she was 100% on the same page, and the results have been awesomely hilarious. The logs don't usually reflect dialogue as much as just what's happening, but the banter between Tamora and Kavon (who are cousins) is sarcastic, scathing, and frequently hysterical.

It makes me miss Kezner's player, though, because the comic relief that he brought to the campaign was priceless.

And now back to the story...

Liakos was continuing to iron things out with his new command of the Lia Kavair at the guild house, Koral's former manse. He asked Ehrlid why Senator Brenyl of Kardan was getting a chest of silver and the steward could only answer that it was for recent "services rendered." The particulars and specifics of such services were unclear and unknown to him. Liakos chatted with Galgar about a variety of topics; dagger lessons, the nature of the Lia Kavair, and back stabbings and revenge. In particular, Liakos emphasized why he did what he did to Koral. He asked Galgar about his duties as one of the masters in residence and then asked, if Galgar were willing to share his opinion of Liakos. Galgar was reticent but eventually admitted that the men hadn't seen enough to fear or respect Liakos yet. Galgar seemed suspicious of Liakos' motives and was cautious to throw his weight one way or another in regards to his new role. Liakos took his words under silent advisement.

Some of the other noteworthy members of the Coranan Lia Kavair came to light that afternoon as Liakos went about interviewing those in the manse. Samnarik of Vole (aka Samnarik the Bold) ran a protection racket in western Coranan. Shemlen of Aranoal, a madame of sorts, operated streel level prostitutes and sold narcotics from her dive of an inn. Huvien of Tarnoth (aka Huvien Nolah) was a contortionist and burglar, one seemingly in possession of extra joints and loose skin. Kudar of Teltagol was an apprentice until 3 weeks ago, but was up-jumped to Zak Farthing's old spot after Zak skipped town. Finally, Tarvrin of Kulos was a metalsmith who had run afoul of his own guild and had his credentials yanked. He now worked in the manse as a bonded metalsmith, making simple blades, clubs, chains, shackles, or whatever else the thieves or the household needed.

Liakos spoke with Tarvrin about the pace of work he could do in the armory forging weapons. Liakos elaborated on the role of blacksmiths in the guildhouse and what they meant to future operations. Liakos asked Tarvin to show him some prime examples of his work and was presented with two short swords. Liakos took one for himself, one that was more ornate than the others, to wear when in attendance at the guildhouse.

Kavon and Enthor tried getting across the bridge to Kuseme amidst absolute gridlock and bedlam, Kavon forced to fast-talk his way past an ucooperative Red Guardsman. Chaos between the Red Guard and the Eidel Legion was making the bridge virtually impassable but Kavon was able to convince the soldiers to see him and Enthor across with minimal fuss and reasonable bribes. Engineers from both divisions, plus masons, were arguing on the bridge. Apparently a collision with a wayward barge the night before had damaged one of the pylons, and it seemed none of them could agree on any singular aspect of the problem. The pair spent close to an hour trying to cross, and once that was accomplished went about searching for Kuseme Lia Kavair.

They eventually found Molos of Tarholk and Enthor apologized for leaving him after the fight. Molos told Enthor not to fret, and that he absolutely understood. He told them that they had been going through the farms to convince local drovers and landowners to keep their oxen at home, another way to screw the caravan merchants. He also mentioned that one of Yeremor's men had been killed and that Yeremor himself was hurt. Both men were being kept safe in a tenement not far away. Enthor offered to send a healer if he could but first wanted to discuss business with Molos.

The pair talked about the cart of exotic hardwoods that Tamora had discovered and what they could do about it. Molos offered to help and they decided to scope out the wagon, to see if the information panned out. Sure enough, it was where it should've been, with the correct number of guards, two men who looked extremely bored. Best of all, it was stacked to brimming with beautiful Anzelorian hardwood. Now all they needed was to find someone capable of driving the cart. Molos advised them that the Saltbag Inn was too dangerous at the moment, and took the Malthain thugs to another tavern full of surly people. Molos introduced the pair to a group of men at drinking at a table, selecting one of them who introduced himself as Fink. Fink, a teamster without a team, was glad for the work and Kavon was eager to work out a deal with him. He paid Fink 17d to do the job and then forget everything about it.

Now that they had Fink in tow, the next step was to find a team of oxen. Given the difficulties of the previous few days, teams of oxen were hard to come by. Enthor and Kavon left in search of a team but were told it'd be 280d for a pair. Exorbitant, but not an unheard of sum. Enthor split off from the pair to see Liakos for the money. He was able to hire a fisherman to row him across the river and wait for him at the docks on the Coranan side. He ran to the Malthain house to fetch Tamora but couldn't find her. Thinking fast, Enthor departed for the Coranan guildhouse.

Meanwhile, Tamora had arrived at the Coranan guildhouse some hours earlier in the day, on Kavon's word, to find Liakos and tell him what was going to happen. She found Liakos, who was speaking to Huvien, and she told him about the job that Enthor and Kavon were on. She mentioned that there was a gold merchant as well, but that he had been less talkative, and conscious, than the wood merchant.

Liakos asked her about her plan to frame her old master, Jond of Karin, for the poisoning crime which had gotten her in trouble with the law. She told him that Kraebor had fulfilled his end, which he knew, but that they had to wait for the meeting between the syndics of the Apothecaries' Guild to occur. Liakos reinforced his offer of assistance and Tamora believed they had done all they could. Huvien, she realized, was staring at her and resting his chin on the soles of his feet, a spectacularly creepy image. She quit the room for the archives to get away from Huvien's lecherous stare and found Ehrlid there. She helped herself to some of the records, reading up on the history of the Coranan Lia Kavair and a few texts concerning herbalism and medicines.

Kraebor was still with Kelen of Vanthes at the Halean temple that night, mingling with other devotees. His attention was soon snagged by a familiar face; The emissary that hired him to spy on Kelen's neighbor. Kraebor eventually separated himself from Kelen's entourage and approached the man. The emissary praised Kraebor's statues and then proclaimed his admiration of his 'work', as well as the admiration of his 'patron'. They exchanged cryptic double talk about 'work' and Kraebor and the man arranged to meet later under more covert circumstances. He approached a priestess after the conversation ended and inquired about the emissary's identity, but she was not familiar with him. She thought that he may have arrived with Senator Asarn's entourage but she wasn't certain. Kraebor filed that away and then rejoined Senator Vanthes and her guests.

Kraebor found himself entering a conversation in progress. A man, a senator, was speaking with Senator Vanthes about 'the unruly business' occurring and proclaimed his effort to have an emergency session convened. It became clear that he was anti-teamster and expressed his desire to see Uven of Gelt in chains for rabble rousing and causing willful mayhem. She identified him as Senator Irdime, and Kraebor connected the dots, recalling the man's name as Hesed of Irdime. The Irdime family was a noted a mercantyler clan. Indeed, Hesed's sister Zorna of Irdime owned a warehouse that the Malthains ripped off some months ago. Zorna had also heavily financed Turin of Markaz's senatorial bid two years back. He brought the seats from 67 to 68, an enormously expensive venture that put him so in debt that his vote was always openly for sale. Markaz was considered the crassest, poorest senator as a result. His seat was rumored to have cost him 4000 pounds of silver total and earned him the reputation of an up-jumped pot peddler. In senate sessions, he virtually demanded payment for his votes.

Kraebor decided to make a move on Senator Vanthes to further his goals, and he convinced her to allow him into the senate chambers during the emergency session to paint her on the floor. Senator Wysele of Nordaka was at the festival as well, and Kraebor approached her to tell her that the triptych that he did for her was finished and awaiting her approval. Kraebor reinforced his sorrow for what happened the night of his "drunken" escapade and alleged "regicide" attempt. Somewhat mollified but still of a suspicious nature, Senator Nordaka took the opportunity to drive home her point; she promised to have Kraebor killed if anything happened to Senator Vanthes, explaining that she knew of their arrangement and his plans to board at the Vanthes manse.

Meanwhile, Enthor arrived at the Coranan guildhouse and explained the situation with Yeremor and his men, wounded and laying low in Kuseme, and of the subsequent need for Tamora. A bet between Liakos and Bail concerning Enthor's method of travel was settled after they saw him arriving but Enthor explained the need for cash to get some oxen. Ehrlid was dispatched to get the money, and Tamora and Enthor left carrying two items: a bucket with Koral's salted head and a sack of money. On the ride back to Kuseme, the nervous boatman identified Enthor as 'Enthor Oxbane' and assured that he was pleased to make Enthor's acquaintance.

Enthor ran into Kaftor the Quick on the way to the safehouse and he explained that Tamora was a healer and they had a gift for Caldan One-Eye. Kaftor brought Tamora to Yeremor and the other injured men at the tenement safehouse while Enthor returned to the tavern where he and Kavon met Fink. Tamora was greeted with the stink of blood and she attended to Yeremor first. He also had three men with him who were wounded. One of Dalton's men was there and lightly wounded, but Dalton himself was dead from an arrow stuck in his neck. She began treating Yeremor and properly sterilized his wounds, giving him a good prognosis. She worked on one of the Kuseme men and found he was already septic. She worked hard, directing the woman who lived in the flat, and managed to clean the wound, giving him an outlook of recovering if he didn't succumb to infection. She fixed up the other two who weren't as bad off before re-examining the infected man and trying to give him the best chance of survival.

At the tavern, Enthor fetched Kavon, Fink, and Molos and they purchased 2 oxen for 305 silver from a livestock pen near the caravan commons. They departed for the target wagon immediately and Kavon wove a story; He was the new factor, hired by Master Vole, the owner of the goods. Moving the goods to Coranan was now his responsibility. The story was good enough to con the guards into allowing him to hitch up Fink's team and drive it out of town. One of the men was concerned it could be a snow job and Kavon became righteously indignant in response, dragging Molos into his story to seal the deal. He gave the guardsmen a bit more money to rent a boat to go across the river to the Stake to find Master Vole for the rest of their pay and confirmation of his story. They agreed and left. Suckers!

With Fink at the reins, Molos led the wagon down some back country roads and trails, avoiding heading directly through any villages, and eventually arriving at an out-of-the-way farmer's barn. The wagon was stored alongside the oxen and the wood cargo. Kavon examined it briefly and was able to determine that simply fencing the exotic goods would net nearly 6 pounds of silver. Turned into something else, the load would be much more valuable, however. Molos and Kavon agreed to talk about the price later, once the sun rose and the conman could sneak back into the city. Kavon dreamt of carpentry that night.

The home-invasion was actually the example I used. Along with the subsequent torture and my recollection that the kids got sent into slavery (actually, didn't one get away?). My memory on some of these things is fuzzy as I had a lot of interruptions while I was reading some of it...

I've done this sort of thing before with D&D before I discovered Harn. That kind of setup really does pay dividends and I hope to be able to do it again next time I run a game.


Yes, the dreaded beast "real life". I noticed because a mage is so handy and I was waiting to see what new and nasty plot they had for his talents when dealing with Koral.


Heh, in a very short Harn game I got to play in about 10 years ago, one of my friends played a perfumer who had a sideline as a poisoner...

Whoa. I'm way behind. Next session: Appearances

Tamora saw the arrival of Kaldan at the tenement cum field hospital and she gave him Koral's head from the salt bucket. He scooped out both of the former guildmasters eyes in a fit of laughter. Her septic patient wasn't doing so well but there wasn't much more she could do for him. She concocted a foul-smelling new antiseptic from her herb supplies, and administered it to the wound. By morning, his infection had subsided, though he certainly wasn't going to be dancing for joy anytime soon. Tamora advised her patients on proper medical care and the correct treatment of their wounds and was satisfied that no one was in immediate danger of dying. Afterwards, she retired to a nearby tavern for a much-needed repast.

The roosters began crowing, waking Enthor and Kavon inside the barn they had slept in. After a brief conversation with the farmer, they traveled into Ohnelf for new clothing for Kavon. The farmer told them to speak to the village reeve, as he was the only one nearby welthy enough to have any clothing for sale. Upon meeting the reeve and inquiring about clothing for purchase, the reeve pointed him to Kuseme. Kavon demurred, asking for a cloak at the least. The reave lifted an eyebrow and told the pair to wait a moment while he went inside. Becoming suspicious, Kavon and Enthor promptly left as soon as the reeve was out of sight and began the walk back to Kuseme, leaving with Fink driving the oxen. They encountered some Halean pilgrims on the way, and Kavon traded tales of the festival and the problems with the caravans, keeping them with him and Enthor. They chatted until they approached Kuseme where another group approached them, offering to buy the oxen for 350d. The priestess that Kavon had been chatting up entered the negotiations on Kavon's behalf, arguing the price up to 360d. Thus the oxen were sold, bringing Kavon and Enthor a tidy profit. Kavon gave the pilgrims 14d as a show of good faith and they separated with the pilgrims in Kuseme. Enthor and Fink left for the tavern to look for Molos, Kavon went to a clothier and bought some patchwork clothing and a hat, heading for the tavern to meet up with Enthor in his new disguise.

The tavern they chose was the same on in which Tamora was taking her lunch, so the group joined up to share news. They talked about their adventures of the previous night and eventually the three booked passage on a boat to cross the river back to Coranan. They returned to the Malthain house and Mistress Darby was sad to say that Synainova was being very difficult, citing her rude manners and vulgar language. Tamora checked on the assassin and was told to get 'the fat one' to bring her food but Tamora offered to get her meal and check her wounds personally.

Meanwhile, back at the guildhouse, Liakos was teaching another dagger course that morning when Trallek of Bolrin showed up. He mentioned that one of the Snake's men had arrived last night, very unhappy. Trallek asked Liakos about the issues in Kuseme, mentioning that the livestock pen was sabotaged last night. He wanted to know if he should be spreading the word amongst teamsters in Omagil to back Uven's play. They talked about arms and talent, Trallek noting that fugitives and runaway slaves would be best to help bolster his numbers. Liakos extended an offer of training courses to him and his men and subtly mentioned a desire for more bodyguards at the guildhouse.

Tamora and Enthor left for the guildhouse, leaving Kavon behind at the Malthain house to lay low. She and Enthor informed Liakos of the casualties incurred and the success of Kavon's con job getting the rare wood. Enthor was promoted to Dalton's position, gaining Big Zab and Bayden of Fisk as underlings. Liakos, Sir Bail and Enthor talked about their possible issues with the Snake of Kerabin and Argon the Shifty. They eventually summoned Galgar and gave him the task of delivering a message to the Snake. Liakos desired to invite the Snake to the guildhouse for dinner. Galgar was less than happy, fearing that any emissary would be in fear of dying, but he swore to do his best to get the task done.

Kavon crafted some jewelry at the house while the day dragged on. Tamora found recipes for potions in the archives, one to kill and one to resuscitate, and she received payment for more supplies. She made a plan with Liakos to send an apprentice with a letter to her herb contact upriver. Galgar reported that he was able to pass word to an associate of the Snake and Liakos had him recruit two apprentices to do Tamora's bidding. She explained what she required and the apprentices were given 150d for the purchase and 15d for expenses. Liakos had a meeting with the gang leaders and bosses in attendance at the guildhouse and then he and Bail walked to the Malthain house to talk to Synainova. They spoke, on the way, about getting Bail some new clothing to show his new knightly status as a landowner, as Liakos planned to make Sir Bail the new owner of the Malthain building.

Synainova mentioned that she was impressed with the quality of food at the Malthain house and Liakos asked her what she wanted the Kotros Lia Kavair to look like now that Koral was gone. They discussed who could become the new Kotros leader, eventually nominating Vudrin as the best bet. Bail and Liakos agreed that Synainova should be around the guildhouse to help protect Liakos and she agreed. Bail and Liakos went to speak to Vudrin, along the way stopping at Mirisna's brothel to tell her factor that Mirisna was invited back to town now that Koral was dead. They arrived at Vudrin's house and he told them he had heard rumors of an emergency senate session. He took leadership of the Kotros chapter gracefully but Vudrin was leery of the teamster play. Still, he was ready to throw his weight in behind what Liakos decided. Liakos told him of Enthor's promotion in the wake of Dalton's death.

Over the next few days, the festivals and parties grew ever larger and the celebrations were in full, frenzied tilt. An emergency senate session was planned for the 9th, the apothecary guild meeting was waylaid until the 10th and thankfully, there were no casualties reported. Marshal Kronas had some political blow back from the way the caravan riots were handled, and the Red Guard was out in force to make sure that Coranan stayed safe and orderly. The Coranan legion was patrolling the fair itself now, though it was rumored that the Warden of Coranan would most likely not keep his position because of the debacle with the fair. Bail caught up with Nylthalar of Tolen, who expressed support for Azikain of Gelber to become the new Warden.

Guild Hustling

Back on the night of the 2nd, Kraebor had returned home to the sound of crockery breaking. Mistress Darby was angering Synainova again, causing the assassin to react as she did to most situations; violently. Mistress Darby mentioned she'd make a poor suitor for Liakos but Kraebor assured her she wasn't his brother's type. Soon, the Emissary that had been giving Kraebor work showed up to the house, as per their conversation, and picked out a sketch of a man that Kraebor made, noting the subject as the target Kraebor should follow as his new assignment. Kraebor advised that he'd be contracting it out to someone else, someone more suited for the job, and was given a small sack of coin to cover hiring expenses. The Emissary mentioned that time was of the essence and then bade Kraebor good night.

Kraebor met Enthor on the night of the 3rd to give him the tailing job and the burly thug agreed to do it. Kraebor returned to the festivities at the temple for the rest of the week, gaining attention from a potter, Gaminn of Samazar, who wanted a portrait done. He'd been seeking out a franchise in Coranan while doing freelance work and was bonded to an influential household and decided to commemorate his prestige. Azikain of Gelber was another potential customer interested in a painting. He was the man who narrowly lost the last election for Warden of Coranan and wanted something decidedly regal.

The morning of the 6th rose rainy and windy. One of the journeymen thieves from Samnarik's crew came to Liakos and announced that their was a man he encountered who was asking for an introduction to the guildmaster. Liakos made arrangements to meet the man that at the Apple Inn, not wanting to hold court in the guildhouse but rather favoring using the tunnel system.

Samnarik's thief introduced the man, a mousy fellow who looked very nervous as he cleared his throat. He explained his brother, Holis, was a tanner and supposedly died of a wasting disease, but he believed that a business partner, Darae of Kygax, may have been responsible. After Holis died, Darae revealed papers, ostensibly made by Holis and signed with his mark, signing over his franchise upon his demise. The man, Keler of Felaegin, believed his brother Holis was killed for his trade secrets. Liakos advised Keler to come back in three days, after the festivities, so he could look into the situation. He asked Keler what he sought and the man simply expressed a desire for justice, specifically ruination. After he left, Liakos, Bail and Enthor wondered at which way to take Keler's case; Should they give him justice, albeit street justice, or should they use the information to get a stake in Darae's business? Keler had mentioned that he thought the Kuseme Lia Kavair may've had a hand in things, so Liakos made a note to ask Caldan about it.

Dewell of Joltruin arrived that night as well, his anger almost palpable as he demanded to know why Kuseme was smuggling goods over the Kobar bridge. Liakos advised him that he would try to work things out, though Dewell made it clear he wanted Kuseme Haven for the Thard and that ancient traditions of the Lia Kavair backed his claim. Dewell was still angry when he left, taking his entourage with him. Liakos had Umis send a runner to tell Caldan of a need to meet concerning the teamster situation, as well as other schemes and situations that had arisen in the short time since the riots. Caldan sent a reply that he and Uven of Gelt would come the next night, on the seventh.

The 7th was rainy, cool and windy when Tamora left the Malthain house. On her way to Kuseme, she was bowled into by a man dressed in fine livery, accompanied by other similary dressed mean. The big man, obviously well into his cups, was agitated at the interruption in the festivities he and his mates were enjoying, but demanded simple recompense from the woman appropriate to the Halean festival; A kiss! Tamora had to swallow her pride, though her keen eye spotted the man's purse. After a bit of verbal sparring and some strutting by her new mark, the man proclaiming himself a trusted retainer of the Musbern clan, she kissed him and lifted his purse.

She traveled back to the house and found Kavon working at some jewelry. She told him about what had transpired and that her mark was a Musbern. The purse held some coins, but also a ring of keys and Tamora asked her cousin what he knew about the clan and what he could tell her about the keys. Kavon knew quite a bit, describing the keys and the locks they probably accompanied. He had once owned a lock box manufactured by the same tradesman, recognizing his mark on the keys. Since the man was a retainer, the locks were for doors and something else but probably in a senate residence somewhere in western Coranan - probably too risky to attempt to use any time soon. Tamora was a bit disheartened at that, and decided to check on Synainova.

The distinctive thunking noise she heard through the door was soon revealed as Synainova throwing daggers into the wall with Netta, the house slave, retrieving them in between darning knitted hose. Synainova was angry that she was missing beating people up in the streets during the festival. She encouraged Tamora to, in her words, "slash a bitch" and promised it'd make her feel better. Tamora promised to take that under advisement should the opportunity present itself, and Synainova noted that opportunities can be made and not just found. Tamora excused herself, hustling Netta back into the room as the slave had scooted out when slashing was mentioned.

Kavon decided to go to the temple after finishing the pair of earrings he had been working on that day. He brought all three pairs he had made that week with him, dropping Kraebor's name to ensure he could actually get in as the revelry was in full swing. He 'sold' a pair to Kraebor for a buxom lady-in-waiting that was feeding the well-sauced burglar grapes and olives. A priestess was impressed with Kavon's work and had an acolyte bring Kavon to the baths for the 7x7 pleasures as payment for one pair. Kavon figured 49 was better than the 42 coins he would've asked and spent most of the night finding out he was correct in his decision. He was able to attend the services that night, encountering his slaver friend Thantar of Mirking and his wife with warm conversation and carnal knowledge, respectively, coming from the chance encounter. Somewhere nearer to dawn, Althea the Silken took Kavon's arm and she noted the earrings she saw on her sister. Kavon offered the third pair for her to see but she asked him to wait a moment. Althea returned with an older man in tow, introducing him as Master Tassin. He had a new young wife whose birthday was rapidly approaching and he hadn't purchased a present for her yet. Althea was glad to act on Kavon's behalf and the earrings were sold, netting a handsome sum after tithing.

Kavon wasn't the only one doing business that night. Enthor was skulking in an alley, waiting for an unwary reveler to choose the wrong way home. The poor weather and crowds were a problem for making good mugging but it didn't take long. He found a mark as a man cut down his alley to go toward the Mercantylers' guild hall. Enthor tried to grab him but missed and the man started screaming for help, shrieking as he bobbed and weaved. Enthor took off down the alley toward the guild hall but was interrupted by a dark shape with a pointy head - a helmed guard from the Mercantylers' guild hall come to investigate all the fuss. Enthor decided to keep on going, knocking the man back as he avoided a spear butt. Discretion being the better part of pretty much anything, Enthor then took off, leaving the guard in the dust.

Meanwhile, Uven of Gelt and Caldan One Eye arrived at the guild house. Caldan was very happy to be able to walk free in Coranan, noting how long it had been. His entourage was treated to drink in the common room while Bail, Liakos, Uven, and Caldan spoke about business in the council chambers. Senator Tuvoth of Rylen was their strongest supporter when it came to the teamsters becoming a guild. Having a teamsters guild would be good for lay Morgathians, one of Tuvoth's biggest power bases within Coranan. Uven of Gelt was surprisingly well informed on senate goings on and seemed well spoken and well educated. He was surprised at the backlash from the riots, never anticipating that they would reach the level they did. Further, he seemed to have a solid plan for what would happen if the teamsters became guilded. They wanted Liakos' help in convincing senators to not be opposed to the guildship, or at least find out who might be on the fence about the issue. The teamsters were trying to become a force to be reckoned with, and that was something Liakos could relate to very well.

Enemies and Allies

Uven and Caldan's meeting with Liakos came to a close as the evening was waning. Liakos asked Caldan to speak with him privately about a few matters before he departed back to Kuseme. The two men spoke about putting pressure on senators to vote for the teamsters cause, wanting to be on the same page and making sure that the chances for this scheme were the best for a favorable outcome. Caldan wanted Liakos to get the word out that Uven was under the protection of the Lia Kavair in the city, just in case. Caldan also denied any involvement with Keler of Falaegin's brother or his death, admitting to knowing nothing about either man.

Bail and Enthor set out on the morning of the 8th to go examine the wood that Kavon had stolen from the merchant earlier in the week, during the festival. Enthor knew the route and the two men took the most direct path to the barn where the wagon was stored. They came across a farm on the road, spotting eight or ten mercenaries surrounding a large family. The armsmen had corralled the farmer and his family and were in the process of searching their barn. Enthor recognized one of the mercenaries as one of the caravan guards for the stolen shipment and he was recognized in turn. "There's one of them now!" The merc pointed and shouted and the group advanced upon the pair. Enthor spoke lowly to Bail, asking him if they should flee, fight, or talk and Sir Bail stood his ground "We'll talk." He began asking the men what the meaning of this angry business was and why 'his man' was being accosted.

With the accusation of being party to robbery laid down, Enthor explained he did some 'looking mean' work because of the riots, hence why he was there. However, he pleaded innocent to knowing that his employer that night was a thief, and that he didn't really remember what he was doing that night due to a solid week of inebriation. Bail expressed his umbrage with being held up for this questioning, explaining he had places to be and business to attend to. The mercs insisted Enthor wait for a legionnaire officer to show up or go with them to the nearby legion fort to sort things out. Bail decided to go to the fort with Enthor and one of the men, Sir Zovan of Mulor, peppered Enthor with questions on the way. Enthor wisely kept to his story of being mostly drunk.

At the fort, Sir Zovan eventually got an audience with one Captain Tallith, the commanding officer. There was some talk about jailing Enthor to jog his memory, or flogging him to achieve a better story. Bail objected to that, and had to identify himself to Captain Tallith, identifying himself as a veteran of the Ramala legion. When it seemed that Tallith was not about to allow Enthor to go free without some punishment, Bail mentioned that Marshall Kronos and Joubar of Holsine would be very upset to hear about the rough treatment their friend, good Sir Bail, was having. Enthor gave them a bit more information about his 'drunken escapades', noting what bars he visited and which direction the wagon took when he saw it depart from Kuseme. With that story given, the two men were eventually cut loose under the provision that they go back to Kuseme with the mercs to point out various locations on the path out of the city to the best of Enthor's 'drunken' recollection.

Kraebor was busy preparing his painting works for the Vanthes portrait that day. A slave of Thantar's came to the house with Kavon's monthly slave money and the apprentices that had been dispatched for Tamora's supplies returned with their goods. Kavon walked to the guildhall with Tamora, staggering under the hangover of his wild night. Along the way they saw a procession of Agrikans flagellating themselves on the street to purify the city after a week of sinful debauchery. Liakos asked Kavon to speak to Tuvoth of Rylen and took the Musbern keys from Tamora to find out how connected Ehrlid may be to them. She retired to studying in the library and brewing antidotes, but Liakos spoke about the drug trade in Kotros starting back up with her assistance and Golin's absence.

Kavon already knew where Tuvoth lived since he had tailed a chest of money there previously. Upon arrival, he spoke with Niles, the steward. Niles was ready to delay Kavon and entice a bribe to get him an expedient appointment but Kavon quickly, and firmly, advised him of a threat upon the senator's life. The steward returned with two guards who promptly searched Kavon and relieved him of his dagger, then showed him into an office richly appointed with skulls. Tuvoth sat behind a desk, eating his lunch and he noted that a business meeting had been interrupted. Kavon spoke about the contract against Tuvoth between Koral and the Snake of Kerabin, warning that the hit might still take place even with Koral out of the picture. Tuvoth advised he would take the warning under consideration and they spoke about the shift in power within the Lia Kavair. Tuvoth seemed impressed with the usurpation of Koral.

The conversation turned to the teamsters and 'changing opinions' between Tuvoth and Koral. Senator Rylen was happy to hear that Liakos shared sympathy with the teamsters and Kavon asked if there was anything the Malthains could do to improve their chances. One possible assassination target given was Ezaid of Demoreth, or they could help buy votes with ten pounds of silver. Kavon ventured an idea to use Morgathians for the Omagil highway robbery enterprise and Tuvoth asked to speak to Liakos in depth at a further time.

Meanwhile, Liakos and Kezner traveled to speak to Senator Brenyl of Kardan with a chest of silver that was owed to him from some previous business with Koral. They were seen immediately, the steward recognizing Kezner. Brenyl mentioned that Harmon of Kainel, warden of Coranan, probably wasn't going to be reconfirmed thanks to the riots. He railed against the petition to require pilots on boats longer than 16 feet that was circulating and was particularly upset about the barge that hit the bridge, attributing it to a purposeful act in some conspiracy. They talked about 'reinforcing mercantile protection' and eventually Liakos and Kezner brought up the idea of Brenyl supporting the teamsters if they can find evidence of intentional misconduct by the barge pilot.

Bail and Enthor met with Molos in a tavern in Kuseme, looking for him to get the wood contraband situation under control. Bail tried to explain the situation but the hungover Molos was having a difficult time understanding the gravity of the situation. Molos cleared out the tavern and asked the two to speak plainly and Enthor told him about the mercenaries searching barns. That message was clear enough to get through the fog surrounding Molos' mind and he promised to find a new location to hide the wagon. Enthor and Sir Bail returned to the guild house and with the family missing only Kraebor, a meeting was convened.

Kavon reported what he had discussed with Tuvoth to Liakos, noting that the senator seemed agreeable to doing business, though killing Ezaid within 36 hours would prove nearly impossible and the idea shelved in favor of giving the man the ten pounds requested to buy votes. Kraebor eventually arrived, summoned by messenger, and promised to do what he could at a fete that Kelen of Vanthes was hosting on the 9th. The teamster situation was something that they were hoping to push through on all fronts. Bail and Enthor mentioned the mercenaries and Kavon was glad they weren't arrested. It was decided to see if Caldan could assist in smuggling the goods into town.

Bail, Enthor, Liakos, and Kavon left for Senator Tuvoth of Rylen's house with the intent to deliver the silver as requested. Ehrlid made mention of a stock of Dalkeshi coins that Tuvoth might like, given their skull motifs and they packed those, Kavon taking one for himself. They were shown in to Tuvoth's study by Niles after being frisked and relieved of their weapons. Tuvoth asked if Ezaid could be killed before the next regular senate session in Ilvin, as he suspected knocking him off before the 10th was unlikely to occur. He also wanted to arrange a meeting between Liakos and one of his temple associates to get manpower for their Omagil operations. Aside from scheduling difficulties, Tuvoth promised to send a message to let him know when that might happen. Kavon asked where Pyselle of Onandos lived, on behalf of Kraebor who was trying to tail the man.

Kelen of Vanthes was having a fete on the 9th, giving Kraebor the chance to rub elbows with other senators and political notables. He had visited the senate floor the day before to see it for himself and was very impressed by how opulent it was. Pyselle of Onandos was in attendance at the fete and was railing against the teamsters and their hopes of becoming guilded. Senator Ryburn of Elernin, son of Marshal Kronas and lover of the party's host, simply left the room during the other senator's tirade. It was obvious that few were interested in listening to Onandos' rant. Kraebor heard another man mention that they would need skilled teamsters for the construction of the Aramal road and that guilding made sense for that. Kraebor emphasized the idea of set rates and helping the poorer in the name of good Halean business sense, tactics which seemed to resonate with some people. He eventually met up with a slightly drunk Ryburn under the guise of showing sketches of Kelen. They shared some wine and Kraebor mentioned that he'd vote against whatever that ass Pyselle wanted simply out of spite and good taste, finding Ryburn amenable to that idea.

The Senate convened their emergency session on the afternoon of the 10th and it was riotous. Some asked for the head of Joubar of Holsine in response to the riots, the man who was beaten out of the warden of Coranan position stated that the riots never would've happened under his watch and an air of deep dissatisfaction with how things occurred expressed as Kraebor spectated. The anti-Kronas group was side by side with the pro-Teamster faction as they were both stating that Kronas' men overreacted and inflamed the riots in Kuseme. Finally, the issue of the teamsters guild petition was addressed. Kelen of Vanthes was very even keeled, mentioning that Halea would look favorably upon more commerce and she felt they would make that happen. The Senate heard other arguments, eventually deciding to vote to review a charter from the proposed Teamsters guild at the next senate session on the 1st of Ilvin. The vote passed by a fair majority and so the senate would see what the proposed guild planned before they decided if it would become an entity.

By chance on his way home after the Senate session, Kraebor met up with Solina of Abarl as she was leaving the Hall of the Mangai. He was able to chit chat with her about the Senate goings on, in return for information about a 'dreadful business' that her guild was dealing with. She revealed that Jond of Karin was trying to frame an apprentice of his for something very illegal that he perpetuated, but that evidence was found to incriminate him. Kraebor was secretly glad to hear that and knew that Tamora would be safe from prosecution. Their scheme had worked perfectly!

Umis arrived at the guild house during the early morning of the 11th, urgently needing to speak with Liakos. Liakos was roused from bed, asking Umis what was the matter; the boss beggar was sad to report that Caldan of Holk, known to many as Caldan One-Eye, was dead.

Blood and Gory

Umis' dire report to Liakos confirmed that Caldan was found in an alley between his home and the Salt Bag tavern with a knife stuck in his ribs. Liakos decided to take Bail and Tamora to the Malthain house to get Enthor before heading to Kuseme to look into the situation himself. Tamora checked on Synainova, finding her wounds healing up nicely. Nicely enough, in fact, that she was mobile which was causing Mistress Darby no small amount of distress. Synainova and Tamora traveled to Synainova's house as she didn't need (and by the household staff certainly wasn't wanted) to stay at the Malthain home anymore. Syaninova gave Tamora the secret knock code and a stern warning about not entering until Synainova opened the door. Likewise, Tamora gave Synainova some more medical advice to ensure her wounds healed up in the coming weeks.

The morning was foggy and cool, keeping the crowds confined to only the most active and necessary thoroughfares. The trio walked over the bridge and noticed a beggar child spot them and then run off into the mist. Enthor found a discarded horse shoe and decided to hang onto it, just in case he needed a lucky blunt object. The crew continued down the street until they come to an intersection of two alleyways that ran perpendicular to the avenue. Bail saw movement to his right and drew his sword, turning it into a swing and lashing at the figure. He drew blood and knocked the man down with a cry, more figures rushing the group from the foggy depths. Liakos had his own attacker almost immediately and the burly man struck with a dagger, knocking the unidentified assailant back. Enthor wasn't able to see his own foe in time to avoid getting slashed once but he stood his ground. Another man stepped into Bail but he too was cut and knocked down as well. A second man attacked Liakos and earned a hard dagger thrust for his troubles. While the three men were able to hold their own against the initial assault, it soon became obvious that it wasn't over and that they were outnumbered.

Seven attackers in all threw themselves into the street, creating a swirling melee and a vicious brawl ensued. Liakos was able to scare one off, stabbing one man to death in the process of intimidating the man's comrades into fleeing. Hard-pressed, Enthor knocked down a pair but they soon got back up and into the fray. Bail was faced with a trio, his short sword making him the greatest threat in the eyes of their assailants. As cries of men and steel rang in the street, one of the assailants was soon recognized by Enthor; he saw Bail get knocked to the ground by none other than Molos of Tarholk. It seemed that Caldan's lieutenant had quickly, erroneously, deduced that Liakos was behind Caldan's death. Enthor and Liakos were able to take down or scare off their attackers save for Molos, who viciously caught Sir Bail with a downward stab where the shoulder joined the neck, neatly bypassing the knight's mail shirt and dropping him in a rapidly spreading pool of blood.

Facing off against the bloodied Malthain cousins, Molos accused Liakos of betraying Kuseme, stating that he had moved once the teamsters had what they wanted. Liakos rebuffed him, pointing out that he wasn't so stupid as to betray someone and then go into their territory with only two men for protection. Molos found that to be lacking, declaring that Vudrun was seen in Kuseme last night and he probably killed Caldan. And since, in Molos words, "That man doesn't take a $#@! without someone else's orders," it must certainly have been at Liakos' behest. Liakos was done talking and attacked, knocking Molos to the grimy street before Enthor finished him off with a few blows to the head.

Liakos and Enthor took the bleeding, unconscious Bail to Caer Kuseme, hurrying and shouting for help when they breached the courtyard. A physician was fetched and Enthor returned to the Malthain house to get Tamora. They arrived before the other physician, seeing a veteran was already removing Bail's armor to assess his wounds. He had suffered serious injury to his shoulder and leg, stabbed and slashed respectively. Worse, the downward stab at his shoulder had probably pierced his lung. Joubar of Holsine eventually made an appearance, coming out to see what had caused a fuss. The legionnaire took command immediately when he recognized Bail and procured a litter to carry Bail back to the Malthain house with Legion guards, and then Red Guardsmen, for protection. Joubar was quick to put things together, telling the Red Guard commander that Sir Bail had been brutally attacked as revenge for foiling a plot against Senator Tuvoth of Rylen. A guard was set at the house in case of further retaliation.

Back at the guildhouse and unaware of the eventful morning, Kavon researched the archives for senatorial ties within the history of the Lia Kavair. Senator Faranor of Ulter was mentioned in some books and Kavon recalled that the Senator was from a merchant clan that had become heavily involved in politics. He was related to Wilom of Ulter, a merchant in Shiran that Delver had worked with in the past. Wilom, a usurer, was running a side business as a loan shark, dealing out high interest loans that weren't secured enough to prevent kneecappings. The Telen Lia Kavair and the Coranan Lia Kavair were close, at one time, and the records showed that Faranor had Telen thugs come to Coranan to get 'work' done in the past, spying, thieving, hijacking, and intimidating as they saw fit. It would seem Faranor had Wilom's legbreakers do some of his dirty work for his own political means. Ehrlid asked Kavon if he was finding what he needed and Kavon pumped him for information. Ehrlid mentioned that the Ulter clan helped finance the Nordaka rise, and it was found that Wilom even lent money to the Coranan Lia Kavair before. Ehrlid stated that the Lia Kavair used to be ruled by the Coranan faction from Golotha to Shiran in times past.

Over at the Vanthes manse, Kraebor spotted 'the target' that his emissary tasked him to follow arriving at Senator Gethedyle of Yemala's residence. He decided to follow him when he left after a short visit. His target eventually arrived at an inn called the Roundels. Kraebor followed him in shortly after and he overheard the man tell the innkeeper that he needed his horse saddled as he would be departing the city after lunch. Kraebor decided to have lunch as well and joined the man's table, striking up conversation. Kraebor found out the man had recently arrived from Geshtei and when Kraebor added salt to his stew, the man quipped that Kraebor should add another pinch as it would keep him employed. Kraebor got the sense that the man carried himself like a herald and so fished for confirmation by mentioning about painting dexter versus sinister, dropping other heraldic nomenclature. Alas, this garnered no comment from the man. The man took his leave after finishing his lunch, his horse announced as ready. Kraebor bade him good travels and then returned to the Vanthes manse, feeling that the man wasn't lying but wasn't being as forthcoming as he could've been.

Kraebor swung by the Malthain house and saw a hand of Red Guardsmen outside. He asked the Solithar at the temple what had happened and they explained that Sir Bail was brought back on a litter. Kraebor was shown into the house immediately thanks to Dalid of Colfax being the sergeant in charge of those protecting the house. He found only Tamora and she was elbow deep in blood in Liakos' room, site of Synainova's former convalescence. She was working quickly and confidently, and she told Kraebor that she was almost done stitching up Bail. Kraebor gulped down some brandy to settle his nerves at the sight of Bail's blood all over the place and he had to wonder just what had gone wrong in just one quick morning.

As an aside, my players are fascinated by the fact that the Lia Kavair guildhouse has archives. Several of the party members have been perusing those archives, and have gleaned some interesting tidbits, including:

The (Incomplete and Historically Dubious) Early History of the Coranan Lia Kavair

While thuggery is perhaps the second oldest of professions, organized thieving operations in the Coranan region date back to the days just after Corthir united the eight Corani tribes in 301 TR. As was customary at the time and in keeping with his policy of co-opting existing authority, Corthir arranged marriages for his clients in such a way as to intermingle his line with theirs and cement political loyalties.

One of Corthir's new "allies" was Samiza, chief of the Norii tribe (from the area comprising modern-day Noru). Samiza's eldest daughter, princess Azerath, was given in marriage to Horbeth, Corthir's 2nd son. To further cement the alliance (and to ensure that no harm came to Horbeth at the hands of the old Norii chief), Samiza's eldest son Neramor was "quartered as a guest" in Corthir's household within the rapidly expanding village of Coranan. As time passed, Neramor became a fixture in Corthir's court, and actually came to be close friends with Corthir's eldest son Kusem.

Upon Samiza's death, Neramor assumed that he would inherit his father's lands and position as clanhead of the leading Norii family. Unfortunately for prince Neramor, Corthir had wrangled a concession from Samiza - that should Azerath bear a male heir, Samiza would adopt Horbeth into his clan. When Norii clan "elders" met to select a successor to Samiza, Horbeth's name was put forward. Much to Neramor's disgust, Horbeth's Corani wealth and political influence won the day, and Horbeth was named clanhead.

Prince Neramor was furious, but chose to bide his time. When Kusem ascended the throne after Corthir's death in 318 TR, Neramor appealed to his long-time friend and companion to step in. Proving that blood is thicker than friendship, Kusem refused. Thus Neramor decided that if his birthright could be stolen from him, he in turn would set about stealing back double its worth in silver, and in so doing set himself on the course that would eventually form the Coranan Lia Kavair.

While he publicly broke with Kusem and was still confined to Coranan lest he cause trouble elsewhere, Neramor set about surrounding himself with trusted henchmen. He went to elaborate lengths to test their loyalty, but richly rewarded those who threw in their lot with him. A clever, patient man, Prince Neramor never betrayed his goals, and his operations started small. Initially, it was labor graft amongs the gangs of laborers working on the rapidly-expanding Caer Coranan. From there it was a short step to extorting money from the Masons (recall that this is before the Mangai was formed, when guilds held less power) in order to drive up Kusem's prices. Eventually, residences and businesses belonging to Kusem's clients were subject to burglary. Neramor required of his henchmen that each and every crime have a point, that it advance the organization's goals. He took an extremely dim view of "random" crime, and as a result Coranan was one of the safest settlements of its era.

It must be remembered that Neramor was of a "noble" line, and while that held less cachet in Corani society than it might in a feudal society, Neramor's princely lineage still had a powerful effect on his followers. Neramor also had a keen understanding of human motivation, and structured his organization in such a way that it played up the trappings of Corani nobility. Rituals and traditions were institutionalized, and followers were given ranks and titles that had tangible meaning within the organization. Given that most of Neramor's early followers were of commoner descent, these trappings had a powerful motivational effect.

According to the stories in the guild archives, Neramor was ultimately responsible for the assassination of Kusem in 333 TR (as he was beginning a military campaign towards the Hefiosa highlands), though no independent verification of this exists. Furthermore, guild legend claims that Prince Neramor encouraged Camrae, Corthir's third and youngest son, to attempt a coup against Lobir, Kusem's successor. Duped and betrayed by Neramor's plot, Camrae was caught and executed for treason. With the poisoning of Horbeth in 341 TR, guild legend claims that Neramor had had a hand in the death of all three of Corthir's sons.

By the time of his death in 345 TR, Neramor had built a significant criminal empire. He was involved in many different varieties of criminal enterprises. Given that Lobir acceded to the throne at the tender young age of 17, Neramor wielded a tremendous (though subtle) influence over Corani politics in his later years.

Similarly, they have found:

The Writings of Hohnor of the Green Thumb
Hohnor of the Green Thumb is written of, a guildmaster who assumed his title by poisoning the previous guildmaster. Hohnor was a farmer, son of a farmer and a wise woman, and it was rumored he was an alchemist. He was well known for giving out 'magical' charms to his favored minions and supposedly had a number of them himself. He disappeared around 600 TR on the 1st of Morgat, Shadowmath. He left extensive writings and Ehrlid has given them to Tamora. Much of his writings and nearly all of his recipes are written in a strange code, and after much work Tamora has deciphered this code. This has given her insight into a wide variety of poisons and other useful concoctions.

Factional Intrigues

Liakos and Enthor decided to speak to Vudrin while Tamora continued to patch up Sir Bail on the dining room table. A young woman answered the door at Vudrin's house, inviting them in. She announced the Malthain cousins to Vudrin, busy in the back room of his modest home. In turn, he told her to scram and made his way to the main room, brandishing a knife and an apple. He saw the blood that was still splattered over both Enthor and Liakos, asking what happened and whom they had killed. Liakos told him that Caldan One Eye was dead and asked if he was aware the fact, but Vudrin asserted that he hadn't known. Liakos related the tale of how Molos jumped them with six men and that Molos had implicated Vudrin, stating that he was in Kuseme on the night of the 10th. Vudrin owned up to that but not to killing anyone that night. He said he was in Kuseme to meet Yeremor about something, but Yeremor never arrived. Liakos asked how he had gotten word of the meeting, and Vudrin answered that it was Yeremor's apprentice, Lis, who had come to him.

Liakos began to ponder aloud if this wasn't the Snake of Kerabin screwing with Kotros in an attempt to sow discord. They talked over whether or not Yeremor could've turned judging from his ambition, his impulsiveness, and any vendettas he might be carrying. Being passed over for Master of the Kotros chapter in favor of Vudrin might be reason enough. Vudrin told Liakos that Lis had wanted him to go a safe house near the Salt Bag in Kuseme and wait outside for Yeremor. Liakos believed this was all a setup and Vudrin said he'd look into it and report back before he made any moves. There was a discreet knock Vudrin's front door and Vudrin answered it after Liakos and Enthor hid themselves in the back. They heard a high pitched voice, someone young, and saw that it was one of Umis' urchins.

The urchin reported that Uven of Gelt had called upon Liakos at the guild house and was waiting to speak with him there. They returned to the Malthain house to clean up and change clothing and then departed directly to the guildhouse. Kavon was already studying in the archives there and Ehrlid interrupted him, advising him there was a visitor for Liakos but that they couldn't find him. Kavon decided to entertain Uven in the lounge, having mulled wine served while they spoke. Uven seemed nervous during their conversation but Kavon brushed it off. Kavon told him he was leaving for Shiran soon and inquired if there was anyone Uven would like him to deliver a message or news to. He recommended speaking to Jasyph of Tallin, Uven's equivalent in Shiran and the would-be syndic there once the guild was created. Kavon asked if Jaspyh was working the Lia Kavair in Shiran but Uven wasn't sure what his involvement may be.

Liakos and Enthor arrived and Uven stated that he wanted to personally convey that he was unaware of the dispute between Caldan and the Malthain clan, but that he was Liakos' man through and through. Liakos filled him in on the events of the morning with the ambush and the fight, noting that Kuseme had been gutted. Liakos was mainly concerned about Uven's safety but was glad that Uven appreciated the aid he'd received thus far. Liakos asked Uven to have his men keep an ear out for problems in Kerabin, as the issues may be originating from there.

Kavon told Liakos that he'd like to go to Telen and Shiran to begin speaking with the Lia Kavair in those cities and handle some 'other' business while he was at it. Liakos didn't like the idea of having trusted talent out of the city while they were rebuilding the guild, but Kavon mentioned the danger of his latest con still hanging over his head and bodies turning up dead. Coranan may be too hot for a conman. Still, Kavon decided to wait until after the Pamesani before he left town. He returned to the Malthain house to check on Tamora, who had stabilized Bail and moved him to Liakos' room to convalesce, the dining room table left in a terrible state.

Vudrin arrived at the guildhouse on the 14th and was sorry to say that he was unable to unearth any proof whether or not Yeremor was directly involved in Caldan's death. He did know that Yeremor had mostly recovered from the wounds he incurred in the riots and might've been hale enough to do the deed. Vudrin also noted that he had encountered a fair number of resistance in his inquiries, though he hadn't resorted to beating the truth out of anyone yet. Liakos told him to lean on non-Lia Kavair first if he had to, but Vudrin mentioned that he didn't think the Red Guard were being entirely honest with him. He could beat the truth out of Lis, but not Guardsmen. They both believed Yeremor was capable of the double cross and Liakos pondered having Kavon talk to Lis, though Vudrin seemed eager to beat the snot out of the apprentice. Liakos decided to have Kavon talk to the Red Guard while he and Enthor went to smooth things over with Dewell of Joltruin and the Thard Lia Kavair.

Liakos and Enthor found Dewell working but the harbormaster made time to see them. He wanted to apologize for doubting Liakos' verve and attention to the matter of smuggling and friction with the Kuseme chapter, believing Liakos had indeed had Caldan killed. Liakos made a deal with him for control of all smuggling across the Thard in exchange for bringing Kavon's stolen wood shipment into the city. Dewell asked where it would be stored and advised speaking to Trallek Bolrin in Omagil about obtaining a workshop and storage area. They exchanged pleasantries and departed, satisfied to have one faction loyal again.

Meanwhile, Kavon headed to the Quilon gate to speak to Javros of Aeb, the bought Red Gaurd officer that helped keep things moving over the bridge. They talked as they ambled across the bridge, and Kavon stated that he wanted to know if Yeremor came across the bridge the night of the 10th. Javros didn't know, but soon fetched three guardsmen who were on duty that night. They reported that they hadn't seen Yeremor that night, though one noted that he would recognize Yeremor and noted that last time he'd seen the thief he'd had a limp courtesy of the recent riots, confirming that the guard knew his business. Kavon thanked them and asked them to leave word for him at the Halean temple if they came across anymore information.

The members of the crew still standing took time to visit the Pamesani on the 15th and Molis asked Kavon to help him out with the running the numbers and the betting, half joking that such activities might be beneath the con-man given his now-revealed importance in the Malthain household. Kavon told him he'd be glad to help but should speak to the Agrikans first to pay his respects and see if they needed anything from him. He found an Agrikan cleric at the clerical suite that he wasn't familiar with, judging that he must not be from the local temple. It turned out that he was in Coranan with a champion, having traveled from Azeryan to fight, a sort of pilgrimage of violence - apparently an Agrikan tradition in many parts. The cleric was impressed by the work Kavon had done for Grandmaster Hardeth, who had apparently been praising Kavon's work in his absence. Shemaar, as the cleric introduced himself, decided he would like two pieces done, one for him and one for his champion. He intended to be leaving for Shiran by the 24th and was unsure if Kavon could complete the work in time, but the jeweler promised it would be done.

Shemaar's champion fought with brutality that stunned almost everyone in the arena. Standing stock still at his opponent's approach, the gladiator simply took his opponent's thrust to the stomach, then calmly reached out and snapped his opponent's neck before withdrawing the blade, dropping it to the ground, and walking back to the gated exit. Clearly a man not to be trifled with. Arrangements were made for Kavon to work at the Agrikan temple again while crafting items for Shemaar and his slave. Enthor found his own fun after the Pamesami, going to the Glaive and Sickle and being rewarded with a bar brawl kicked off by a fight between two gladiators' girlfriends.

The twice monthly meeting of the Lia Kavair took place the night of the 15th. No one from Kuseme or Kerabin arrived but the other factions had emissaries in attendance. The main matter was if the standing order of 1 in 4 tribute was still in place and Liakos reiterated that the quarter being paid up to him was for business, primarily bribes, and not tribute to him. Most were agreeable to this and Liakos assured them that things were moving forward. Trallek promised to look into a warehouse for the wood storage. After the meeting, Vudrin mentioned that he had someone Liakos should speak with. He showed in an older man, vaguely terrified, who told Liakos that he was a fisherman and had been paid to row a man across the river and back, and then to 'forget' about the transaction. He described Yeremor, down to the limp. They paid him for the information and the old man left. Vudrin mentioned that Yeremor had spent a lot of time in Kuseme just before and after the riots, and might've been able to approach Caldan with his guard down. Vudrin offered to take care of the issue and Liakos told him to "Do what you need to do."

The 17th rolled around and the peddler client of Liakos' came by the guild house, the address supplied by Kezner, and mentioned that he was still hoping to have his daughter married off. There was talk about betrothing the pretty girl to Sir Bail, once he was hale and healthy again, and sending her to Kavon's Aunt Rylas for an apprenticeship as a clothier. Once her journeywoman status was achieved, they could marry. Of course, asking Sir Bail his opinion would have to wait until he was conscious once more. Kavon worked at the Agrikan temple to create a ring for Shemaar and embellish his champion's helmet. Tamora spent time in the archives in the intervening time not spent tending to Sir Bail, and was able to find more recipes written by Hohnor of the Green Thumb that were incorrect in a myriad of ways. However, she was finally able to recognize and decipher the parts of the code used to make them look incorrect, hinting at a deeper layer of information contained within.

Things began settling into a new routine, and several days passed uneventfully with the group attending to their various projects.

Once again, I am delinquent. We're about 6 sessions ahead of this. I'll set about rectifying that.

Stone Cold Killers

On the morning of the 21st, amid rain and chilly weather, Enthor and Kavon traveled to Darae of Kygax's tannery after trying to locate him at his home. At the tannery, they were shown in, the Malthain men fighting the urge to retch from the awful smell, before Darae thankfully brought them to a storeroom. He asked what they might be interested in purchasing, ironically showing Kavon a pair of buttery soft leather gloves, which Kavon surmised were made with Holis' technique. The rogue jeweller opined that there were people unhappy with how things turned out upon Holis' death, and that's why he and his scowling, massive companion were there to talk to Darae.

Kavon made an offer of a deal: armor for blood. Darae would outfit men that were working for other interests outside of the city, at a deep discount, and in return the issuers of the contract for his life would be neutralized. Darae was skeptical but demanded that Holis' brother, Keler, be removed permanantly. And further that it should be public, such that there be no question of his later return to cause more trouble. Kavon asked Darae if he wanted any particular body part as a memento, but Darae simply wanted to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was done. They agreed to the terms and departed.

Along the way back to the guildhouse, Enthor came up with a devious idea to trick Keler into fighting in the Pamesani on the 30th, as public a death as there could be. The two men spoke to Liakos about it, reporting that Darae was willing to make them two half suits of Kurbul armor per month. Enthor and Kavon went to the Agrikan temple and spoke to Enthor's priest friend Berutas of Kujik about their idea, the priest making an arrangement to fix a fight so Keler would perish in the octagonal pit and offered to speak to Keler himself if needed. Kavon and Liakos hatched a plan to get the man to the Apple Inn so Kavon could try and convince the man to willingly march toward certain doom.

Tamora was waiting at the Apple Inn that afternoon, having gone there via the tunnels to meet Lucas. They chatted about Jond of Karin, who was under arrest and awaiting trial for providing the poison that had been used in the murder. Jonas, the senior journeyman under Jond, had the talent to take over the franchise but would need money to make it official, and it didn't look like he would be able to come up with that sum. Lucas warned Tamora that Jond of Karin had vowed revenge and that she shouldn't take his threat lightly.

Kavon and Liakos were at a private room at the Apple Inn an hour or two later when Samnarik's man brought Keler of Falaegin in. Liakos introduced him to Kavon and left them alone to talk over the 'complications' that were posing a problem in the completion of his contract against Darae. Kavon acted the part of a hired killer and explained that Darae was protected, and getting to him would be prohibitively expensive. More than Holis could afford, anyways. However, he had worked out a deal with the Agrikans. Holis would fight an animal, ostensibly drugged, and the fight would be rigged so he'd win. The winnings would more than cover the cost of assassinating Darae. Holis was wary at first, but felt more at ease when Kavon promised he'd fight an animal as he didn't want to kill a man. Deftly weaving the tale to make every turn sound believable, Kavon was very convincing. As such, Holis decided he would do it, given that he was used to killing animals as a farmer, and he left the meeting feeling empowered to avenge his brother. Kavon directed him to the Agrikan temple on the 28th or 29th to be put up in lodging and to speak with brother Berutas of Kujik.

On the 23rd, one of Trallek's men came to Liakos with a shaving of hardwood and gave him directions to the stable where the shipment of stolen lumber had been delivered to. Liakos and Kraebor talked about upcoming jobs and contracts the artist had to complete, and Liakos noted he needed some ownership papers forged to transfer the guildhouse to his name. Kraebor later spoke to Azikain of Gelber and was able to convince the man to hire him for a portrait.

Kavon and Tamora left Coranan with the visiting Agrikan priest Shemaar, his gladiator slave, and two other Agrikans on the 24th, heading for Shiran. They met up with some merchants along the way and all three wagons decided to travel together. They had good weather the first day but it soon grew rainy and wet. They had to stay a night and a day in Telen and they took up with Delver, staying with him and Petra. He had gossip that Manzenar the True was caught and hanged, and that there was talk of building a bridge across the river in Telen. One of the main proponents of the bridge was said to be Senator Ezaid of Demoreth, whom Liakos had been asked to target by Senator Tuvoth of Rylen. And finally, Delver mentioned that he didn't like what the Teamsters were trying to accomplish and said that a man named Pembran of Cole was the one organizing for them in Telen.

The Pamesani took place on the 30th. Enthor was there after finishing up his protection racketeering work for the month, as well as Darae and Liakos. Keler had his moment of glory, fighting to avenge his brother, but the crowd roared when they saw he was faced against not a drugged animal, but rather an angry basilisk, and was soon turned into a limestone statue of himself. An acolyte was stoned just trying to cage the beast, which took over an hour, and Enthor found Darae during the debacle. He asked if that was sufficient for his interests and Darae managed to keep from soiling himself when he mutely nodded his assent. Enthor gave Darae's address to Brutus for the receipt of the new statuary.

Interlude: Disturbing Visions

After the excitement of the Pamesani and the wrangling with the heads of the other Lia Kavair factions on the night of the 30th, Liakos retired to his chambers for some much-needed rest. In the wee hours of the morning, he was awakened, his paranoid senses attuned to the slightest sound.

Waking from a dream, taut as a drum he sat up in bed, listening carefully in the darkness. The city was quiet at this hour, the occasional barking dog or sigh of breeze through the gabled rooves of the city the only sounds. Thus, the harsh whisper from his left came as a surprise; "Liakos of Malthain. You have done well."

Turning to the source of this unexpected disturbance, Liakos glimpsed a shape step from the room's deep shadows. Though the form was clad in black and indistinct, the gleaming white skull face peering out from under the hood caught enough light to be easily discernable. Heart racing, hand gripping the dagger he kept near his person at all times, Liakos tensed, ready to sell his life dearly if need be.

"You have risen." This from the right of the bed, now behind Liakos, as another skull-faced form stepped from the shadows to the bedside.

"But a pact is a pact." This from the foot of the bed.

"A bargain has been struck." More forms stepped out of the shadows, surrounding Liakos, their impassive, empty eye sockets seemingly peering into his very soul.

"A bargain must be honored." Each new whisper from a different direction, causing him to turn back and forth wildly in an effort to process the terrible import of their words.

"Traditions upheld."

"See to it."

"Remember, Liakos of Malthain. Wake and remember."

Waking from a dream, taut as a drum he sat up in bed, listening carefully in the darkness. The city was quiet at this hour, the occasional barking dog or sigh of breeze through the gabled rooves of the city the only sounds.

Liakos was awake. And he remembered.

Bail spoke to Joubar of Holsine while he was recuperating at the Malthain house. He had been hoping for the chance of thanking Joubar for making sure he hadn't bled out in the street after the brutal fight in Kuseme. Joubar confided that he had been formally questioned about the riots and that Marshal Kronas' actions had been getting questioned by certain senators. Joubar, ready to fall upon his sword for his superior, claimed that he was the one who ordered archers into the streets during the riots and told Bail he'd defend that statement to his dying breath. He was sullen about the politicking going on concerning the riots and that it was being used as a weapon against Kronas. Joubar did ask Bail about his connections with the Malthain house but Bail demurred, stating that they were his employers and he merely an employee. As talk turned to the situation with the teamsters, Joubar expressed his understanding of the teamster position and their attempt to become a guild but saw valid points on both sides of the issue. The man said his farewells and headed back to his duties, leaving Sir Bail to convalesce.

Rain announced the beginning of Savor. Kraebor went to speak to Vudrin about his position in the new Kotros Lia Kavair now that his work for Senator Kelen of Vanthes was finished. He spoke about how the members of his old crew had moved on and that being known as the man accused of regicide had seriously curtailed his ability to perform burglaries. He demonstrated his photographic memory to Vudrin and added that he had remembered everything he'd seen and heard. He mentioned that he was willing to train others to burgle, to become a mentor as Baran had once done for him but Kraebor asserted that he didn't want his own turf. Vudrin was willing to make a deal of 48 silver a month in tribute if Kraebor was willing to take on two or three apprentices.

Kraebor went to Umis in the market square and invited him to the Malthain house to get out of the bad weather. He told Umis that he'd like an apprentice or two, someone small, quick, and light on their feet, from Umis' stable of beggar children. Umis had two in mind but wanted 48 silver up front for them. Kraebor didn't have the sum but promised to come up with it, as Umis wasn't budging on the issue - loss of the urchins meant a loss of the income they'd bring in.

A short walk later, he was speaking with Liakos at the guildhouse. Kraebor spoke to him about his conversations with Vudrin and Umis and explained his need for some money. Liakos cut him a half pound of silver to help him get his new ventures started with the apprentices. Kraebor also mentioned that he was commissioned to paint a portrait for Senator Azikain of Gelber, who was most likely going to be the new Warden of Coranan.

Liakos and Enthor left the guildhouse to meet with Meldin of Ulaby at his home in Omagil. Enthor hadn't forgotten about the spice merchant that Dalton wanted to 'shake up' before he was killed in Kuseme and Enthor had an idea. He asked Meldin to sabotage a wagon, loaded with manure, in front of a certain spice merchant's shop on the next warm, sunny day. Meldin would supply the wagon and the team but didn't have a sufficient pile of dung on hand. Big Zab had an idea, and took Enthor to the innkeeper of the Roundels, Josrath of Asain, who normally paid a small amount of protection money up to the gang. Enthor offered to haul his manure for free the next sunny day. Josrath couldn't turn that deal down and offered to save up a wagon load of $#@! for him.

Meanwhile, back at the guildhouse, Liakos (vividly recalling his chilling dream) asked Ehrlid about how to appease the Navehans and about the Musbern keys that Tamora had lifted. Ehrlid was fairly certain they were indeed used at the house of Senator Musbern's townhouse in Coranan and would be happy to see the man robbed blind. Apparently, Ehrlid's relations with his own clan were somewhat strained. As to the Navehans, he advised that a pound of silver be left every 30th in the center of the labyrinth to keep the Navehans satisfied, but another pound and a knife with the victims name carved into it could be left as well for assassinations. Tarvrin had done that a few times already and noted that he had carved the name of a senator's chief bodyguard before. The city's warden, four wardens back, was also killed by Navehans in the same manner.

Bail finally felt like he was back to his normal hale self on the 2nd and so he and Liakos went to look at the Anzelorian hard wood that Kavon had scammed during the riots. He began planning on making the tools he would need to start turning the wood into furniture and imagined how Kavon and Kraebor could help him turn the pile of wood into a pile of silver.

Still catching up. At this point the party was split, with most of the folks cooling their heels in Coranan. Recall that Kavon and Tamora, however, were on a jaunt to Shiran. Today's installment:

Time Abroad with the Logues

The pair of Logues arrived with the Agrikan convoy in Shiran early in the morning on the 30th of Halane and accompanied Shemaar to the Moon and Flagon Inn. They acquired a room and let Shemaar know that they would see him at the games later that afternoon. Shemaar mentioned that he would let his slave rest but he needed to go to the Temple to announce their arrival. Shemaar made sure to mention to the innkeep that his slave shouldn't be disturbed for any reason.

The Logue kin slept through the morning but Tamora awoke just a few hours after sunrise to sounds of quiet talking in the hall and then a quiet knock on the gladiatorial slave's door. She woke Kavon from his own restful sleep. Grumbling, he peered into the hall and saw two women with deeply scooped bodices, apparently soliciting. Kavon tried to dissuade them but one was quite persistent. The slave opened his door and Kavon decided not to stand in his way, shutting his own door. Tamora mentioned that one of them seemed quite persistent to her and that perhaps they were trying to contaminate the upcoming match. Kavon considered that and found it likely, so he left the room and knocked on the slave's door himself. The huge warrior answered, eagerly holding up three fingers and looking immediately disappointed when he saw Kavon. Kavon once again attempted to dissuade the girls by mentioning a lack of cash to pay them for their "services." One of the ladies was easily persuaded by this pragmatic line of reasoning. The other persisted however, and Kavon and Tamora made up a gruesome story concerning another woman that had broken the slave's 'pre-match regimen'.

The second girl finally decided it was too much of a bother and she got up to leave. Shemaar's slave, however, suddenly glowered at the woman and grabbed her arm. He threw her on the bed as Kavon, Tamora and the other girl recoiled away, flipped up the whore's skirts and sniffed at her exposed rear. The slave then hauled her back up by her arm and brought his opposite elbow smashing into her face, filling the room with a sickening crunch. The trio at the door quickly parted as the slave approached, stopping to toss the limp, and quite dead, prostitute into the hallway. The others hurried out of the room and the slave slammed the door shut.

Tamora examined the fresh corpse in the hallway while Kavon talked to the remaining girl, Iria, and calmed her down enough to find out that the girl dead was named Maisey, and they worked as prostitutes for a man named Nolan of Filch. Kavon told her to go and then got dressed before fetching the innkeeper. The innkeeper asked what Kavon did to send a seasoned prostitute running and Kavon told him of the fresh body in his hallway. A stableboy fetched the local authorities for an inquest and another left to fetch Shemaar at the Agrikan temple. Kavon and Tamora gathered their things with the intent to remove themselves from the situation, but the innkeep wasn't letting anyone leave. They were trapped in their room and it was time to come up with a story. Kavon dredged up his genealogical knowledge to assume the identity of one of his Loguish ancestors, explaining to Tamora who the man's wife was and what they did, so they could tell the same lie.

Eight guardsmen and the legar's inquisitor arrived after breakfast and began to segregate the crowd downstairs while there was an examination of the body. They tried to question the slave and Kavon offered that the man didn't speak Harnic, as far as he knew. As he explained that the man was a slave in service of an Agrikan order, Shemaar arrived. Kavon mentioned self-defense on the slave's behalf to help explain why he killed Maisey and Tamora interjected with the factoid of the poisonous aroma the girl had, which the slave smelled and she confirmed in her own exam. Shemaar translated for the slave and the entire (true) story came out, forcing Kavon to corroborate. Shemaar mentioned Kavon's name and his work for the slave's helm but Kavon (still a known and wanted criminal in these parts) tried to downplay his skill and involvement to the legar's inquisitor.

An apothecary was fetched to examine the body, but he didn't seem to be able to find the clues of the nascent poison, likely due to his refusal to see Maisey in any state of undress, as that would be 'unseemly.' Tamora 'helpfully' tried to explain the matter to the man but he didn't seem to like a woman telling him what to do or how to do it. The inquisitor cleared the room, but when Tamora tried to show him the woman's nethers she was was slapped away by the apothecary, the man invoking the Red Lady and common decency. Tamora bit her tongue and rubbed her hand, trying to not reveal the full extent of her prodigious herbal knowledge. They finally convinced the apothecary to get down and dirty and he admitted that he did smell something odd, but that it could easily be soap or perfume. The inquisitor decided they needed to question Iria but everyone needed to stay put until she could be found. As the games were very close to starting already, Shemaar bribed the inquisitor to allow his slave to be escorted to the Pamesani arena by Kavon and Tamora so he could fight, but promised the slave would come back after the match.

The trio left for the temple and the slave battered his way in after an acolyte stopped them at the temple entrance. They spoke to a priest and showed the slave to a cell to prepare for his match before being escorted to the Agrikan box seat and meeting the high priest of the temple. Missing an eye and with a slashed throat scar, it was soon clear why he wasn't addressing the crowd. Still, Kavon introduced himself and Tamora to the high priest and enjoyed the hospitality (But not the flails) while the games were underway. There were some priestesses from the Order of the Eight Demons in attendance, one very well appointed in silk and sable. Several of the priestesses performed their own ritual self-scourging during a lull in the games, drawing the attention of most everyone in the box.

The games were the usual depravity to be expected, but soon the slave was ready to fight. He was unarmed against a man who appeared to be a convict armed with two daggers. The slave toyed with him, throwing large, wide haymaker punches and suffering slashes and jabs before he quickly disarmed his opponent, gored his eyes out, and snapped his neck. Grandmistress Merele of Kantar, the priestess in silk and sable, offered to take the slave back to Shemaar at the Inn and Kavon was glad for that as it was a perfect chance to extricate himself from the legal matters. After the Grandmistress, her entourage, and victorious slave had left, a male Agrikan acolyte discreetly mentioned that the Grandmistress was a viper and almost always wanted something when she proffered help. Alas, Kavon and Tamora hurried to catch up to them, and tailed them until they actually saw Shemaar's slave enter the Moon & Flagon. Kavon noticed that someone else was tailing the slave and priestesses, but the man ran away when he saw that he'd been made.

The day, warm and breezy, was heading into dusk when Kavon and Tamora arrived at Rylas' house. They were greeted by an apprentice who saw them into the parlor and Rylas soon joined them. She was ecstatic to see her wayward niece and nephew and eagerly treated with them. Kavon asked her who Graenath was sold to when she had found him in chains in the bonding house and Rylas explained what she knew about the slaver that had sold Graenath, a man named Pinel of Dyr.

Kavon broached the idea of having the tinkerer's daughter apprenticed to Rylas while they found her a suitor, and Rylas mentioned she had room for a new apprentice but she had some questions about the girl and her family. She mentioned that the teamster strike had impeded the flow of fine fabrics from Lythia and Melderyn into Shiran and that she'd kill for some Emelreni lace, if Kavon wanted to sweeten the deal. The fee for the girl's apprenticeship would be two pounds for the 2 to 3 years she would learn under Rylas. They talked about Tamora's victory against Jond of Karin and Rylas mentioned a few apothecaries in Shiran she could work for, one of them being the old apothecary Tamora had already met at the inquest, and already despised. Rylas gave directions to his shop to Tamora and then invited the pair to sup and stay the night. Kavon mentioned that people may know he had arrived in town and would prefer an inn, but Rylas mysteriously intimated that she had a solution to that problem.

They had dinner with Rylas and her apprentices and journey-women, during which Kavon noted that the apprentice that was leaving was the girl who had run into the swamp monster when Graenath was taken. They spoke of family while they ate, and after dinner Rylas showed Kavon a secret room accessible through a false back in a wardrobe. Kavon had to wonder why his aunt would have such a thing, but she asked him to let her secrets be hers, giving Kavon something to ponder for later. With two of his self-appointed tasks completed, Kavon only had one last thing to do in Shiran, and that was to find some criminals.

Kavon and Tamora found a dice game and convinced one of the players to give up the name of Sebeth of Talizyn, the man who was running the games in that alehouse and who could usually be found at the Rafters' Inn. They went and spoke to the Rafters' innkeeper who pointed out Sebeth at a table. Kavon approached the man and his compatriots, plying the criminal with a fresh bowl of ale. The man that Kavon had earlier spotted tailing the priestesses was also there at the table.This man looked somewhat skittish before Kavon calmed him and explained that he was a representative of Liakos and the Brotherhood in Coranan. Sebeth asked some questions about Liakos' appearance, mentioning that he had met the man once before, and Kavon confirmed that they spoke of the same man.

Kavon pitched the idea of creating bountiful business relationships between the two cities with the services of each guild available to the other. Sebeth had to wonder why Liakos was making such a claim and Kavon informed them that Liakos now occupied the position once held by Koral, that the tyrant was deposed. The Shirani thieves seemed amenable and Sebeth mentioned he could be found at the Inn often and would be open to profitable exchanges. He had dealt with Dewell and Caldan and wanted to know where they sat on the rivalry between the two men. Kavon was sad to inform him that Caldan had been killed in the takeover. Sebeth grumbled that one of his own crew had lost an asset earlier, Maisey, when she was killed by the slave and Kavon told them what he knew of the slave and the ongoing inquest. In return for the information, Sebeth promised not to mention to Sams the Fletcher, who was doing work for the Shirani thieves, that Kavon was in town.

GM's Note: This session was just Kavon and Tamora, though two of the other players were idly checking in every now and again on IM. When this came up, Kavon's player immediately notified the rest of the party: :siren: Sams the Fletcher is in Shiran! :siren:

Meanwhile, as Kavon chatted up the Shirani Lia Kavair, Tamora picked up some local gossip from the Rafters' innkeeper. She learned about a body found in the river, the victim turning out to be an Agrikan priest. It was also rumored that Mardova of Seris, magistrate-in-absentia of Ramala province, and Quarlid of Jeredosta, marshal of Shiran province, had been arguing over the attentions of a particular courtesan and it had reached near-absurd levels of contention. There was also a recent art heist, a famous painting of Emperor Mindrithar was stolen from the magistrate's palace. After soaking up the man's gossip, Tamora rejoined Kavon and they returned to finally get some sleep at Rylas' home.

The 1st of Savor was rainy, cold and overcast. Kavon walked through the rain to speak to Pinel of Dyr, who, though he normally specialized in pleasure slaves, had sold Graenath as a laborer to the slavers in Stimos. Kavon mentioned he was looking for slaves for a stone cutting operation near Moleryn and that he used to get slaves from Stimos but the market ran dry, leaving him with few other options. Pinel gave Kavon an odd look but didn't react otherwise and Kavon soon extricated himself but promised to come back for a second look.

Meanwhile, Tamora visited Darven of Miln, the apothecary that Rylas mentioned and the one that had botched the examination on poor Maisey. She looked around his shop while he threw barbs at her and then decided to admit defeat to him, asking him to shake her hand if he could accept her apology for her temerity. He was only too happy to hear her kowtow and she was only too happy to let him shake her hand, her glove having been surreptitiously coated with a contact paralytic she brought from Coranan. The man noted that his hand was wet and sticky, sighing at the poor manners of 'common' folk but accepted Tamora's apology anyway. Of course, when he fell to the floor, Tamora closed and latched the door, turned the shingle to 'Closed' and then looted his shop of its choicest items while the apothecary watched, paralyzed and helpless.

She found Kavon back at Rylas' house as he was saying his goodbyes and noted they needed to leave, and quickly. They decided to bribe a barge pilot to roll out the oars and go fast for Peden. They arrived in Peden at a face past and then hired a pinda pilot to take them to Telen through the cold, rainy night. They knocked on Delver's door early in the morning on the 2nd with sniffles and quickly got changed into dry clothing, each enjoying a warm bath drawn for them by Delver's servants. The next day, the 3rd, found them still sickly, but Tamora made a concoction to help them fight off the chill. The 4th was a little rainy but they found a barge with a covered quarterdeck to ride to Coranan. They paid their fare and started sailing. The next day, while still plying the river, they saw a group of highwaymen holding up travelers on the road. The sailors all gathered to watch and Kavon heard and recognized the dulcet tones of Manzenar the True announcing his intentions, exciting the jeweler into a fit.

GM's Note: At this point another IM went out: :siren: Manzenar the True is alive! :siren: This produced an almost instantaneous response of "F#*& that guy!" I'm not sure what it is about this particular NPC (who was introduced into the game as part of a random encounter), but he produces instant, unanimous, hilarious antipathy in the players. They love to hate him. Probably because he once robbed them, and if thieves hate anything it's getting a taste of their own medicine.

The pair arrived in Coranan on the 6th of Savor, glad to be back and away from any potential pursuers. After all, Coranan held more friends than enemies lately.

Visiting Old Acquaintences

Between the 2nd and 6th of Savor (while Kavon and Tamora sailed down the Thard back to Coranan), Kraebor took the time to visit a number of his contacts within the city. His aim was to renew acquaintences, catch up, and hopefully get a few juicy leads or tidbits of gossip. His first visit was to Anders of Colcrake, a fallen Kandian noble that had been in Coranan for some time. Formerly holding a manor in what was now Eidel Province, Anders was something of an oddity in the Thardic political scene, flitting about from entourage to entourage as a hanger-on. Amongst other rumors, Anders had heard that Sen. Demosa of Aquil, the younger brother of another senator from a wealthy Shirani family, was trying to become the next Treasurer of the Republic. The Aquils were very well-connected and the older brother was known as a bulldog in the political arena. Demosa, however, had a reputation as a schemer. He liked to stay informed, and it had been quipped that he could predict who would vote which way in the Senate with uncanny accuracy. Apparently, Demosa of Aquil had set his sights on the Treasurer post currently held by Senator Fandinon of Cadrune. Old and senile, Fandinon's son (also a senator) had become the "acting" treasurer due to his doddering father's growing mental disabilities, but the post was almost certainly up for a vote in the upcoming session. Intriguing!

Kraebor next stopped by the abode of Tilian of Quartos, a mercenary that usually worked on the Salt route. Tilian was between jobs, mentioning that he had done some work for Sarmos of Balastil, a merchant coming into Coranan with the Salt Route. Sarmos (a Kandian merchant) had had his goods seized and stored in the bonding house since the beginning of Halane, apparently due to some sort of tax grievance. He'd not been seen since leaving town, but was probably in Aleath to raise funds to get his goods out of hock. Kraebor asked Tilian to come get him if he saw that merchant again, spinning a yarn that Kraebor might be able to put the merchant in touch with "someone who could help him with the Mangai and his legal woes."

His third visit was to Goris of Quinda, innkeep of the Scroll and Quill. Ever the name-dropper, Goris mentioned that Ezarn of Halan, the legar of Stimos, was currently in Coranan and staying at his inn. Kraebor decided to buy a bottle of wine for the legar, compliments and thanks for letting Liakos out of the caer gaol when the boys went to Stimos to rescue Graenath.

On a chance encounter, Kraebor spotted Solina of Abarl in the street and asked her what was happening with Jond of Karin. Solina was sorry to say that the apothecaries were still in turmoil because of the revelations made. She didn't know if Tamora would be reinstated to the guild or not, though she personally felt that Tamora leaving town could be seen as an admission of guilt. Kraebor argued that it didn't surprise him that someone would leave town when accused of being an accomplice to murder, even when acquitted.

Meanwhile, Bail, Enthor, Liakos, and Tolliver of Wentz all went to the legion fort at Verus to speak to Argon the Shifty, the man having spent over 2 months rotting in jail since his dust-up with Enthor on a lonely country road. Tolliver had once been Argon's man when Koral was in charge, and was brought along as proof of Liakos' good faith and lack of reprisals. They arrived on the morning of the 4th and spread some silver around to bribe their way to the cells. The litigant on duty, charged with being a witness, was much resistant to abdicating his duties, even in the face of ever-increasing bribes. The boys weren't able to buy some time alone, so they simply let him come along as they spoke to Argon.

Argon met the group with vulgarity and spite but conversation was made. He and Liakos talked about loyalty and the role of fate and fortune in their current circumstances. Tolliver even weighed in, with some prodding, mentioning a new guild master had been elected and the pay was much better. Argon got the hints laid for him under the peering eye of the litigant and he saw salvation at hand. When it became apparent that Argon was willing to do business with them and get out of his stinking cell, Enthor officially dropped the charges against Argon and the crew was able to get his person released to them for the price of more silver (plus the forfeiture of Enthor's wager-at-law).

The group traveled to the inn in Verus and purchased Argon food and a bath. Now in some modicum of privacy, he was informed exactly how Koral was killed and how Liakos came into power. Liakos offered Argon the opportunity to be Master of the Kuseme chapter if he could pacify the town. Argon countered that he didn't think small, and wanted all of Eidel Province. Liking the man's moxie, Liakos found that ambitious and agreeable, but warned Argon that he was willing to brush away their past history so long as there were no further problems between them. He asked Argon swear to follow his leadership and in return he would back his interests. Argon asked for a tenday to weigh his options and Liakos assented. They fetched Argon some ladies for the night and got another room where the three spoke about manpower issues plaguing the various crews. They returned to Coranan late on the 5th with a terribly hung over Argon and Tolliver.

Kraebor set his new apprentices on finding the seneschal of Punat of Khonary. They had heard about the senechal's adultery months before but could never capitalize on it as the Koral situation blew up. Now was the tinme for training the lads, and perhaps making some coin off of it as well.

The 6th of Savor dawned hot and foggy, bringing one of Enthor's extortionate plans to fruition. As if on cue, a wagon broke down in front of a spice merchant's house and business. A most unfortunate circumstance, as the wagon was loaded with horse manure. The teamsters decided they couldn't possibly lift the wagon, overloaded with $#@! as it was, so they began unloading it right onto the spice merchant's stoop. Enthor grinned as he watched the work go on, the merchant storming out of his shop and exploding on the teamsters before calling for the guard. Dalid of Kolfax and his hand arrived, and Enthor gave him a knowing nod and a wink. Dalid motioned to the wagon and then nodded in understanding. Dalid played dumb, asking if the merchant wanted to shovel $#@! himself to speed things up, urging the man on to even greater apoplexy. Dalid eventually threatened the spice merchant with jail time to 'keep the peace' before he gave a wicked smile and nod to Enthor as he and his men left.

Enthor went to Ty's, just down the street and mercifully upwind of the broken-down wagon, and asked the barkeep to give Dalid and his men a couple rounds, on him. He and most of the other patrons of Ty's watched the ensuing '$#@! storm' with ale bowls in hand, and more spectators gathered as time went by. Kraebor and Bail eventually showed up to watch, and even Kavon and Tamora heard about the $#@! debacle when they disembarked at the docks. They went to investigate, meeting up with Bail and Enthor, who wove a story of why the $#@! was where it was, nudges and winks aside.

Bail spent time building a carpentry shop in the warehouse where the Anzelorian hardwood was stored, working to create the tools he'd need to begin making furniture out of the precious material. There was a sense of urgency, as any discovery by officials would be disastrous. Tamora and Kavon went to the guildhouse and spoke to Liakos and Kraebor about their trip. Kavon mentioned that there were senators who wanted to build a road through the barbarian wilds to a new port on the south coast, even going so far as to build a bridge across the Thard at Telen, which seemed to be a foolhardy plan. Ezaid of Demoreth was one of the senators backing this plan, the same Ezaid of Demoreth that Senator Tuvoth of Rylen wanted assassinated. Kavon also confirmed that Rylas would take the tinkerer's daughter on as an apprentice for 2 pounds of silver. Liakos informed the Logues of Argon's freedom, and Kavon was happy to recall Tamora's tale of thievery in Shiran.

Liakos wanted Tamora to take over Golin's narcotics business in Coranan and Kraebor pointed out which drugs would probably sell best. Kraebor warned her about Solina's suspicion since she left the city after Jond of Karin's incarceration but advised that she might want to talk to the syndics to clear things up. Tamora was planning on exploring a possible future for herself as a physician instead of an apothecary to help avoid complications with her new intended role as Coranan's drug queen. Kraebor also mentioned the issues that Sarmos of Balastil had with his shipment getting caught in the bonding house, wondering if Kavon could take advantage of that. Kraebor and Kavon decide to talk to Bail about helping to turn whatever the soldier could make from the Anzelorian hardwood into true pieces of art to sell to the city's elite, the two artisans intent on making their dreams of silver into reality.

Good lord. I'm 7 sessions behind. I'll try to post a session log every few days until I catch up.

Preparations and Positions

Kraebor and Kavon spoke to Bail about making small jewelry boxes to show off their craftsmanship and the quality of the Anzelorian hardwood the knight was working. They decided to make up a brand with their own maker's mark, one they could claim was "from Lythia" to stamp onto the products. Kraebor and Kavon considered design details as they left Bail at the workshop in Omagil and headed back into Coranan. Kavon spoke with the locksmith slave at the guildhouse, asking for three jewelers locks with eight identical keys. Liakos and Tamora managed to find a suitable dwelling in western Coranan for her new laboratory, giving her room to manufacture narcotics without too many questions being raised. She began to plot how to start and maintain a Tirageyth supply in the city, setting her sights on the forests to the north.

Kraebor met Leyton of Sosaldas at the Halean temple on the 7th. The Sosaldas family was influential in Gerium Province. Leyton worked as a tax collector and was in Coranan delivering provincial tax revenues. He spoke to Kraebor for a short time, having heard of the painter by reputation and deciding that he would like a portrait of his daughter to show to potential suitors. He was willing to put Kraebor up in his home in Geshtei while he was painting the portrait and offered to pay for traveling expenses as well. Kavon started working on the stamp to complete the forged real estate documents and Bail was quickly getting the tools needed for his carpentry shop.

The 8th of Savor had a series of thunderstorms throughout the morning but Tamora and Liakos went to Omagil to speak to Trallek. He had an apprentice named Pipros of Dever, aka Slippery Pip, who was more than willing to help Tamora find herbs and Tirageyth in the woods. She spent some hours in the wilderness and gathered up Tirageyth and a few other varieties of herbs, successfully concealing the Tirageyth from the guards upon her return to the city.

Enthor rounded up Big Zab and went to see Jaykrim of Feth, the spice merchant. The $#@! fiasco was finally cleared out, though a pile of dung remained at the shop. 'Smells like business is down,' opined Enther as he entered the shop. Jaykrim was unhappy to have to deal with the two thugs but their point had been made and Enthor was able to shake him down for protection money. One of the mercenaries working for the merchant recognized Enthor and filled in Jaykrim about who he was dealing with and so the merchant decided to pay without further resistance.

Enthor decided to speak to Vudrin about how Kotros was going and floated the idea of taking Big Zab's cousin Rodrick on as an apprentice. Vudrin said that Yeremor had been "handled" and would no longer be a problem. His crew would be going to someone else but Vudrin hadn't decided who yet. Perhaps he'd give them to Synainova. He mentioned that Maltus had returned to the city and Mirisna was coming back soon. Enthor wanted Bilkin the Bruiser from Yeremor's crew to join him. Vudrin agreed and it was done.

The crew worked on various projects until the 10th of Savor. Bail finished the shop at the warehouse and then started working on the boxes whilst the thunderstorms rained down until midday on the 9th. Tamora spent the days with Slippery Pip around Kuseme and Omagil collecting more materials, smuggling them into the city. At the Malthaine house on the night of the 10th, someone rapped on the door while the crafters and Enthor were finishing dinner. It was Althea the Silken with an accompanying gentleman, and both were invited in. Her companion was a portly gentleman, well dressed with hair oiled into ringlets, introduced as Nuremor of Podak. Mistress Bunting broke out the fine brandy as they settled around the dining table. Nuremor was a slaver, one who specialized in pleasure slaves, and Althea told Kraebor that he should think of investing in one as befitting his station in the Halean church. Kraebor decided to at least look at the wares, maybe rent one for occasions like high-stakes poker games, but he didn't have the coin to purchase one outright.

The entire group retired to the temple to examine Nuremor's wares, which turned out to be children, all under the age of twelve. (Note, the players skeeve out) Kraebor was told that none of them would go for less than 400 silver and they possessed different skills that they had been trained for already. Some could read and write, some could sing very well, one even played two musical instruments. Kraebor apologized to Nuremor about his lack of funds, making some excuse about the devious tax man devpriving him of liquidity. Bail spoke with Althea about being a Halean and the artfulness inherent in destroying things, the priestess mentioning the cycle of creation and destruction. Meanwhile, Tamora and Kavon dined on chilled strawberries while everyone else was busy.

Tamora continued working on Tirageyth on the 10th and the 12th, making the leaves ready for sale and use. Meanwhile, Liakos had to speak to Fahazer of Bunt about the tax situation and was able to get the man to agree to give him more time in exchange for a favor. The family had done a favor for Fahazer some time ago, getting rid of the corpse of a child, killed by the lecherous man. Liakos asked Enthor and Kraebor to accompany him as he returned to Fahazer of Bunt's home. Enthor brought a basket, assuming the favor would be the same. Indeed, it was, the thugs finding the body of a 4-year-old that's already passed rigor needing to be disposed of, apparently Bunt's latest victim. Between the three of them, with their knowledge of guard procedures, schedules and routes, the thugs were able to bring the corpse back to the house. Much to their surprise and dismay, however, a Hand of Red Guardsman were there talking to Bail in the kitchen about a disturbance at a nearby Inn. They wanted to talk to Enthor about it, to see if he had a hand in starting the fight. Liakos went up the stairs while Enthor opened the shop door on the first floor, letting Kraebor in to throw the tiny body into the rendering vat. Liakos told them Enthor could be at Ti's or the Glaive and Sickle, but a fight at the Roundells didn't seem like him. None the wiser to the grisly business transpiring right below their feet, the Guardsmen left.

Kraebor finished his part in the forged real estate documents on the 11th and then visited Gamin of Samazir, a potter, to do a portrait for him. He had met him the night of the statues unveiling and he was available for sitting immediately. He finished on the 14th, getting paid in silver and new crockery.

Bail went to speak to Trallek of Bolrin on the 13th of Savor but couldn't manage to find him, instead simply getting word to one of the Omagil lackeys that Trallek should stop by the warehouse. Liakos tried to find Uven to craft an alibi for Enthor while Kavon and Tamora continued working at the Malthain house. Kezner's apprentice announced three visitors to Kavon while the two had lunch, priests all in black with masks. Kavon grimaced but went down to invite them in. The Morgathians began asking questions about a previous tenant, citing different names but a proper name, Greznic, and a clan name, Galkris, were both mentioned separately. Kavon disavowed knowing any of the names but offered to put them in touch with the previous landlord of the building. Tamora wisely kept her mouth shut. The Morgathians advised them that they would arrive at noon the next day to meet with Liakos. Kavon saw them off and then sent Kezner's apprentice to bring message to Liakos at the guildhouse at once.

After receiving the apprentice's message, Liakos came to the house and spoke with Kavon about the meetings coming up with the Lia Kavair on the 15th and the Morgathians coming by the next day. Liakos didn't want to reveal anything about Greznic so he planned to give up as a potential patsy the arsonist (alleged arsonist, mind) that had stayed some months back. He would like Kavon to arrange some security at the Apple Inn on the 15th, preferably Enthor and his crew bulking up things downstairs. Liakos ran into Enthor later that day, however, and they spoke to Marwin to make sure Enthor wasn't in any legal troubles before Liakos asked him to be at the Apple Inn. Enthor begrudgingly agreed though it'd cut into his regular post-Pamesani bar brawl time.

Trallek arrived at the warehouse on the morning of the 14th to speak to Bail. Bail relayed the message from Liakos that he would like additional manpower on hand at the Apple Inn meeting on the 15th. Trallek was more than happy to help with payment in ale.

The Morgathians arrived at the house at noon, though Tamora and Kavon remained upstairs and out of sight this time. They asked Liakos about the same trio of names and they discussed various tenants but Liakos maintained that Greznic had never stayed with them. They accepted his side of the story and went on to speaking about Liakos' rise to power in a 'unnamed guild'. The Morgathians offered Liakos and his men work that they would need done but could not accomplish themselves. They also had agreements with Koral that occasionally provided them with 'material sacraments' and they'd like to see those arrangements maintained. Uninjured was best, live was necessary and hale and hearty was preferred. They invited him to the temple on the 17th at sundown to learn more about their faith and Liakos couldn't refuse. The head priest gave Liakos a silver skull as a token of their esteem.

The games of the Pamesani on the 15th were greeted with overcast skies and only an occasional brief misting drizzle. Enthor and Liakos were in a betting mood and were glad to see the highlight of the games being a convict being pitted against a single, drunken bear. The man had been chained to a rock in the middle of the arena and he had to drag his rock and chain to a door before the bear got him, but alas, he wasn't fast enough. Liakos mentioned to Synainova, in between matches, that she could find some bodyguard work protecting Uven. Synaniova opined that protecting people was harder than hurting them.

The Kotros meeting went well, Enthor and Synainova swapping barbs and stories before Vudrin released them. He enlisted Enthor's help in delivering the cash to the Apple Inn. The entire crew, save for Kraebor, were at the Apple Inn as well as the various luminaries from the other chapters and crews. The Snake was the only notable absence, though there was news that one of Trallek's men had been wounded by a Kerabin thug earlier that morning. There was much talk about Kerabin and how to handle them, with strategies of allowing to let them wither on the vine and completely annihilating them being bandied about. Kidnapping Kerabin members was another idea that gained the most support.

Out in the common room, Tamora noticed a man leaning against the wall of the meeting room with one ear, clearly trying to eavesdrop on the gathering. Kavon gave the man a hard, cold stare and the eavesdropper decided it was time to get up and leave. Peyton of Rusk was by the door and Kavon gave him a nod to grab the man. The eavesdropper slipped by however and started running through the streets. Tamora, Kavon, and Peyton, along with three other thugs, chased after him but lost him in the winding alleys of western Coranan. At a loss to find their quarry, they decided to head back to the Apple Inn in case this was all just a distraction.

Back in the meeting, kidnapping and stashing Kerabin members was agreed upon. Thursden of Laing could move them and Argon could 'host' them. Argon and Samnaric got sloppy drunk once business was adjourned and Argon mentioned he had to bust some heads in Kuseme, but that Kaftor the Quick had become an unlikely ally. He was glad to take care of things in Kuseme without dragging Liakos down in the details. Kavon and Peyton filled Liakos in on the runner they had chased, giving he guildmaster cause for concern.

Tamora finished up her last batch of Tirageyth on the 16th, a foggy day that saw Enthor hunting for mugging victims. She spoke to Liakos about beginning the distribution chain and he advised her to employ Kavon to talk to the consumer-level dealers. Kavon was happy to help out his cousin and so he and Big Zab took a sample to Shemlen at Aranoal's Inn and haggled, settling on 5 farthings per dose. They came back with the supply and returned to the Malthaine house with the money some time later.

Aside: Given the description of Tirageyth as a common herb that grows pretty much everywhere, I had a hard time justifying the cost of the drug as listed in "Inns of Harn." In our campaign it retails for between 3 and 5 silver per dose, depending on the quality. End of aside.

With the fog still settled over the city as the sun sank, Enthor managed to find a suitable mugging victim. Hearing an argument in an alleyway, he discovered an inebriated Red Guardsman trying to convince a woman to give him some back-alley favors. She seemed disinclined and making the best of the distraction Enthor snuck up behind the Guardsman and knocked him out with a single swipe of his sap. He convinced the woman to go home before the Guardsman woke up drunk, sore, broke, and angry. She left and Enthor got to looting, finding 26 silver and a silver ring on the man's left thumb. A legion officer! Enthor also unsheathed the man's sword and laid it under boot before bending the blade with a mighty jerk, leaving the now-useless weapon next to the Guard's unconscious form.

Liakos visited the Morgathian temple on the 17th with Kavon tagging along. Kavon waited outside while Liakos went in, invited by a masked acolyte. He saw the Hall of Rituals and big, grotesquely carved poles bearing tortured faces. He was brought to a chamber where he found other priests, unmasked, and finally to a small study. Two of the men that visited the house were there and another, clearly the leader, sat behind the desk. He was the Mohm Padar, the "Wreakers Hand," and it was his job to organize the laity. He explained that members of the church had idle hands that must be motivated in service to the church. They offered to help Liakos deal with the Snake of Kerabin. If Liakos brought some personal item of the Snake's, the 'problem' could be sorted out. In return, they desired an understanding. Agreeing to look into the matter further, Liakos was able to politely defer from sharing repast with the Mohm Padar and took his leave.