DC Modern - Session 9 - 8/3/20

Gotham 1900

EXTRA EXTRA Read all about it!  Bride of the Bat celebrates 10 years as second Urban legend Hero!!

1718 Port of Nassau.  In the Horny Wench Pub

"I tell you this little yellow-skinned girl turned into a monster with cannons for hands and iron for skin!"

Catbites Jan 5, 2007

Rumors abound that America's Premier Super Hero Quantum has lost all his marbles. Maybe they are only gone when we look in the box?

 

Orichalcum and Achilles see Blackbeard’s ship. We notice we don’t have the Spear of Destiny. We attack the ship and easily defeat the pirates. We land, and Blackbeard/Vandal Savage speaks with us to get us to surrender. Pfaw. We attack and battle for a bit, before we defeat Vandal, sending him overboard. The crew brings up two prisoners, one of whom was meant to be sold by Savage to Governor Hastur of a nearby island. The man and red-haired woman are enemies of Savage, and turn out to be incarnations of Hawkman and Hawkgirl.

Quantum wakes up after illness. He researches the Spear of Destiny but finds no evidence it’s real. He researches his own illness, and it seems his tumor comes from the radiation the government used to give him his powers in the first place. Quantum’s doctor recommends he give up heroing. A mysterious figure suddenly materializes in front of him.

Rachael is staying with Madame Xanadu and have become good friends over the last decade that she’s been here. She finally plans to leave, after meeting up with Batman for one final mission. They’ve become known as the Bat and his Bride. She uses the Staff to leave.

Before Achilles can talk to the Hawks, Orichalcum runs the ship aground on a reef. We rescue the crew and take them to the nearby island. Orichalcum and Achilles fly off with the Hawks, who can’t fly since Hath-Set has all the nth metal. We get to Nassau, and send a ship back for the stranded pirates and book us passage to New Orleans to find Madame Xanadu.

Quantum’s intruder kills Ferdinand and threatens him. An older Rachael appears, looking similar to the intruder, and attacks the original intruder, and between the two they defeat her. Out of her armor, she looks like a younger Rachael. They turn the bad Rachael over to the police and the armor to the Seven Soldiers. Rachael has learned how to use the Staff so they plan to go find Achilles or Orichalcum.

Achilles and Orichalcum arrive in New Orleans and find Xanadu, who’s not blind. She knows that we’re lost and looking for our friends. She sends out a magical beacon to help them find us. Rachael and Quantum arrive and we all catch up. Xanadu says she will help us find the Spear, but she says if we take it from before 1946, we’ll have to return it there. Or we could try to take it from right before we disappeared in 1946.

Meanwhile Per Degaton and his robots show up, causing mayhem. Per Degaton knows Rachael as the Bride and has been seeking us. He has brought along the Rainbow Raider(!), who hits Achilles with a fear ray that he shakes off but not so lucky with a rage ray that turns Achilles against Quantum. Orichalcum gets control of the robots but a greed ray makes her try to keep them, and they explode while Degaton and the Rainbow Raider escape. Given that the Raider’s rays were emotional spectrum-based, unlike normal, Degaton might have upgraded him. Orichalcum did capture Degaton’s flying disk with its time tech, which seems to be from the 21^st century. The robots, however, are from centuries later.

Later, Xanadu gives Rachael a charm that with the Staff will take the group to where the Spear went. Quantum puts tracking disks on the time platform, which we take with us when we leave. The Staff takes us to a clearing in a wood next to the Tower of Fate, where technology isn’t working. We find a dent in one of the walls as we’re looking for a magical entrance. Around the other side we find the Legion Academy heroes.

DC Modern - Session 8 - 7/6/20

Gotham Gazette 

EXTRA EXTRA

Read all about it!!

Axis 5th columnist attack local army base!

In a dastardly night raid forces loyal to the defeated Axis Powers, according to local Army officials, attacked our local Army Base. These second-rate sore losers assaulted our brave men shortly after midnight, local time.  These barbarous ne'er-do-wells even used a child in their diabolical scheme.  Though we do not know their true objectives, army commanders believe it was an attempt to discredit our gallant men in uniform.  After a sound and quick thrashing from our courageous GIs, the reprehensible reprobates retreated into the heart of Gotham.  Be vigilant and report any suspicious to the local authorities.  

Grandfather leads us to the JSA brownstone. We mix it up with Wildcat, Flash, Green Lantern, Starman, and Hawkman, getting the better of them until we surrender. Hawkman turns out to have been a Myrmidon that I knew, so we talk. Hippolyte shows up and we explain why we need the Spear. We and the JSA go to the army base to find it under attack by Per Degaton, who recognizes us, and a bunch of robots. Have we encountered him in our future? After destroying many robots, Rachael is taken down. I skewer Degaton with arrows and take him down, but he fades away. Hippolyte convinces the army to give us the Spear in a lead-lined box. We use the Staff of Hermes to depart. It doesn’t go well.

Quantum makes it back to the embassy in the present, but wakes up sick with a non-minotaur Ferdinand caring for him. Except it seems to be a time without the rest of us. Or magic. Or Themyscira. Project Quantum is the lead hero there, along with the other Seven Soldiers of Victory (Shining Knight, Star-Spangled Kid, Bombshell, Ragman, Merlyn, Crimson Avenger). Project Quantum was the first hero, created by the military in the early 2000s, followed by the other Soldiers. Ferdinand says Quantum has delusions that trap him for days at a time thanks to an incurable tumor. Quantum traces a quantum signal to a school for the blind, where one of his colleagues works in her secret identity.

Orichalcum and Achilles wake up on a ship surrounded by pirates. Orichalcum armors up and frightens them into attacking, so she tries to use the Staff again but she doesn’t have it! We take to the air and find a small island. She figures out we’re in 1718 in the Caribbean. The only magician in the era we can think of is Madame Xanadu, but we don’t know where she would be. Meanwhile, Blackbeard’s ship approaches, likely with Vandal Savage on board.

Rachael has the Staff where she is, in a smoggy alley in the Gotham by Gaslight universe, as she discovers when she sees Batman confront the Ripper(?). She scares off the Ripper and talks to Batman, who takes her to his Batcave before they go out fighting crime together. In the morning, he takes her to Madame Xanadu, who recognizes that her friends are lost across space and time.

DC Modern - Session 7 - 6/22/20

I am off this week in Merry old Metropolis with our drawing winner Victor Dupree.  I will be spending New Year's Eve watching the big "L" drop while almost every person that is part of Project Everyman does a flying Parade.  

I leave you dear Gatewayians with our usual Larry, Moe, Curly and Shemp.  

See you in the new year! 

From the Journal of Achilles 

Donna dispatches Ferdinand from another embassy to be our liaison. She will be assuming the role of Wonder Woman since Diana is not likely to return. She provides the equivalent of a “letter of introduction” to get Hippolyta’s help, but just our use of the Staff of Hermes should be enough.

 Ferdinand arrives. He would like to hire a housekeeper and groundskeeper.

The Spear of Destiny was apparently taken by the US government after the war, where it remained hidden until the “Spectre incident” 6 years ago. We still decide to take it from 1946.

Orichalcum takes us to the past with the Staff. We’re still in Gateway City. Spear is at base in Gotham so we teleport there and plan to infiltrate after dark. In the meantime we cash in gold we brought for cash. In Chinatown, Orichalcum buys a watch from a familiar-looking boy. Grandfather? The watch sings, but only so she can hear. It melts into her hand.

At night, we go to the base. Orichalcum pretends to be drunk to distract guards. She see strange lights in the base go up into the sky. See Magic? Rachael and I are flying but our magic items lose power and we crash to the ground as we approach where we think the Spear is. Spear negated our powers! We end up fleeing since all of our powers are gone. Rachael and Quantum are captured, but Achilles escapes and reunites with Orichalcum and Li’l Grandfather in Chinatown. The others escape and eventually join up. We decide to seek out Wonder Woman and the Justice Society.

DC Modern - Session 6 - 5/25/20

 

Hello Gatewayians!  Cat Grant here with this weeks CatBites.  All the news worth knowing in watercooler sized Bites.

1. You ready for the holiday season cause I sure am!  Thanksgiving has come and gone and I am so ready for Christmas.  Heading back to the old home town for tensile and real Superheroes.

2. Looking to get your bestie some really great gifts this year?  Maybe try a copy of Frenemies To Frenemies: My time at the Daily Planet  by yours truly.  If they don't read then Cat Grant cosmetics has a full line of gift ideas including a men line.

3. Most importantly I am running a charity event "A New Year Eves Date w/ Cat Grant." Just donate to one of our approved charities for the season on our website and enter a chance to win a Date with me in Metropolis.  You me and the giant "L" counting down to midnight...maybe with a kiss. 

DC Modern - Session 5 - 3/20/20

 Here are your cat bites so you can have informed water cooler conversations 

1. There have been a lot of anecdotal ninja sights this last few days. Gateway PD has logged more than 200 calls about these sightings. I know we are excited about the Kurosawa film festival but can we not behave like D&D rejects. 

2. It has been 4 months since anyone has seen the “Big Three”. There has also been no talk of reforming the Justice League in their absence. So am I the only one thinking that age of Super Heroes is over?

3. During this period of absence Gotham gets the JSA; Metropolis has heroes fighting over it; and we get Bozo and his three ring circus. Now I am not one to scream sexism but the only city with a female protector gets watched over by a men’s only club save for one woman. I have seen a more convincing Woman at Harry’s on Drag Night. 

And that is all you need to know.

 

DC Modern - Session 4 - 3/2/20

 1. Changeling captures General Immortus after battle in the mountains south of Gateway City.  Some 40 odd sycophants also apprehended, along with stockpiles of illegal weapons.  Looks Like The Titans West Leader is making a big Splash here in town.

 2. Government inquiry launched into Achilles and the Myrmidons  for using "unknown" "Radioactive" substance.  Inside sources confirm that Quantum is a government agent sent to infiltrate the group and discover the new substance.  Will we see a new cancer cluster in Gateway as a result of this substance?

 3. Several confirmed sightings have pinpointed the base of Achilles and the Myrmidons.  Turns out they are squatting inside the old Themyscira embassy.   Well at least all the protestors will know where to go.

 4. Super Crime, after trending downward, seems to be on the rise here in Gateway City.  Since Wonder Woman's disappearance a number of whacko's have started using this city as a cash box.  Maybe Titans West will be able to stem the tide of increased super crime.

 5. Former JLAer Green Arrow now added to list of heroes missing since the "Infinite Crisis".  Star City seems to have lost it's A list guardian adding to a growing number of cities to face this crisis.  Just word of advice for Star City make sure whatever new guys you get can find their spears with both hands.  

DC Modern - Session 3 - 2/17/20

Hello Gateway. I know I am as anxious as you to read today’s cat bites

1. The day before S.T.A.R. Labs big unveiling their super secret energy thing was stolen. The Fearsome Five made off with said device after delivering a humiliating defeat to home town heroes Achilles and the Myrmidons. I have not seen a beating this bad since the last time Prankster showed up in Metropolis. 

2. Mayor’s office questions Commissioner Hall’s decision to deputize local hero team.  Rumors abound that the City is looking for a way to sanction the team. Reports coming in that they are using the former Themyscarian Embassy to hide from legal troubles. 

3. Convicted Slum Lord Frank Smith sues City and police department for ignoring his complaints. Smith claims to be victim of identity theft, saying his credit cards were stolen and used to buy large amounts of Chinese Yuan. Smith quoted as saying, “Just because I am a criminal doesn’t mean I ain’t got no rights.”

4. Weird resurrection cult centered on fallen hero Superboy comes to town.  The cults weird symbol has been spotted all over the warehouse district. Hey maybe they can resurrect Agamemnon, I think the home town might need a better class of Greek warrior. 

5. And finally a bit of news from my old home town. Seems new local Hero Booster Gold has got himself into trouble after it was discovered he had been faking his superhero antics. Who would have thought superheroing brought to you by Big Belly Burger would be such a flop. 

6. Rumors are abound that Changeling has bought property in the Gateway area; which has brought up all sorts of rumors that maybe the former Titan is possible setting up the Teen Titans here.  How bad is it when I am thinking that someone who use to be called Beast Boy would be an upgrade to our local Superhero community?

7. You may have noticed that our Home town hero Achilles is without his trusty spear.  Seems in his recent battle the villain Kestrel absconded with it.  At least when Paris stole Helen from Menelaus he was still able to keep ahold of his shaft.

DC Modern - Session 2 - 1/20/19

 

Hello Gatewayers Cat Grant here with your days Cat-bites.  All the news worth to know in 3 sentences.

 1. Looks like Gateway has a bonafide Super Team, Achilles and the Myrmidons! For those that did not see the horrible Bio pic Troy, the Myrmidons in ancient Greece were Achilles personal troops. Though this group is less golden Adonis and more 90's comic book, minus the pouches.

2.  Science Reporters are very excited as Star Labs reports finding a new type of energy source.  If reports are accurate this clean, unlimited source of power could revolutionize the energy sector.  Now if they could just figure out how to get rid of the cellphone dead zones near my house.

3.  After the Battle of Metropolis the Congress passes Law making super crimes a federal offense.  Plans underway to reopen the Federal Prison on Skull Island.  The Island was named after the infamous Pirate, Captain Skull, who terrorized these shores in the late 1600s.

4. Recent reports have shown a sharp increase in organize crime here in Gateway.  Though police sources have confirmed the increase, they tell me that this is not your usual suit wearing loan shark variety.  Seems like the rumors are true of Intergang moving into town.

5. Former Teen Heartthrob and Titan - Changeling - is here in town on a book tour.  His new best seller  - To all the Girls who love me - is part autobiography, part Hollywood tell all.  Sadly, despite the title there are too few lascivious chapters.

And that is all you need to know.

 Journal of Achilles

Couple of weeks have passed with us stopping various crimes. No sign of Kestrel OR MY SPEAR!!!!!!

Fearsome Five attacking Star Labs—Mammoth, Shimmer, Psimon, Gizmo, Jinx. We lost badly and they escaped with something in a box.

I made the mistake of getting Changeling’s help and he tries to take over the team. I beat him up and he ran off.

They stole an experimental energy source—chunk of mystical rock—that could power the nation. Star Labs had hired expert—Anton DeVere—to check it out to ensure it wasn’t dangerous. It came from Genworld. Star Labs acquired it after it was found in a dig in East Africa by Lawrence Terrance and Phillip McClain. He gave Changeling the same information, because he’s in town working with Raven to investigate the underworld.

We went to Dabblers to shake down mystic wannabees for information. Find out from a guy named John that his boss General Immortus is looking for mystical artifacts. Rachael suggests stone from Gemworld might be connected to the meteor that gave Vandal Savage his immortality.

The archaeologists have been looking for ancient human tribes. In East Africa they have uncovered a lot of ancient tribes. This enforces suspicion Vandal Savage is connected.

Orichalcum has her grandfather fake a magical aura on an artifact. He gives us a fake Eclipso diamond, which we give to John and ask for a meeting with General Immortus. He tells us to come back tomorrow. Quantum put a tracer on the diamond, which we trace to a warehouse on the bay. Changeling is there.

DC Modern - Session 1--12/23/19

 Catching up on Notes from Eric's DC Modern Game!

Hello Gateway City, Cat Grant here.  I am so happy to be a New Resident in this amazing city.  So, since I'm new to the city I figured I need to give back.  So everyday I will be sending you all the news you need to know to sound smart and sophisticated at the water cooler (Do offices even have those anymore) but without all that dull boring long News Stories to read.  Don't get me wrong, I respect my former collogues at the Daily Planet but come on who wants to read through another 10 column inch story by Lane when you could just read my 3 sentence CatNibbles!  Plus you will not have to dictionary.com open to understand the words I am using.  So here is the first post of: 

Everything You Need To Know!

1. After all those Earths disappeared it seems they took the Trinity, ie Superman, Batman, and our Hometown Hero Wonder Woman, with them.  No one has seen or heard from them since the Big Super Battle in Metropolis 1 month ago.  Maybe we are looking at a Menage Trois vacation!

2. Our Pinch Hitter Hero Achilles stopped a robbery attempt at the local Star Labs last night.  Police think it was Intergang, who recently has been making moves outside Metropolis.  I'm hoping that the legends of his voracious sexual appetite for anyone is not Homeric Hyperbole.

3. Magic users, Charlatans, Tarot Readers, and Psyches this week have been screaming about the arrival of the 10th Age of Magic. Supposedly when the hero Known as the Spectre killed a lot of Magic types during the Earths Crisis he was ushering it in.  Here is hoping the that science, not love, will still steer the stars in this new age.

4. New Police Commissioner Arthur Hall started work this week.  Former NYPD Captain got the job after the last Commissioner was arrested on bribery charges.  At least it was not Maggie Sawyer because that woman is so annoying.

5. World renown Metropolis Reporter Cat Grant was recently relocated to Gateway City.  The Daily Planet's Top reporter has started a fabulously amazing Blog getting you the news in small easy bites.  Once again she is turning the world of Journalism on its head.  

And that is what you need to know!

Cat

---

From the Journal of the Hero - Achilles!

Hanging out at local dive Choppers. Being chatted up by 7’ female bouncer Rachael Storm. Bar attacked by Kestrel. Armored robot, Amazon, and I attacked, and he fled. He seemed interested in the armored robot and my sword. Choppers closed down because of the damage, so Rachael and I went drinking elsewhere and then back to her place.

Next day Rachael and I tried to investigate Kestrel. Tarot card reader indicates Kestrel somehow survived 9^th Age of Magic, but is not currently magic. Science-based armor now? Or searching for magic to re-empower himself?

Two people who were at the bar disappeared during melee—small Oriental girl and weird guy playing darts. Go to Chinatown, run into creepy guy who was at bar as well. He is also investigating oriental girl with a bunch of meaningless babble. Oriental girl shows up and denies being there or knowing anything. Her grandfather uses me for promotional purposes to advertise his store. Girl starts to open up but Kestrel attacks again. I impale him with the Spear of Chiron, but he disappears with the spear!

We get taken to see Commissioner Arthur of the Hall to register as a supergroup—Achilles and the New Myrmidons. The robot is called Orichalcum (an oracle?), and the creepy guy is Quantum (though he acts like Thersites). Storm of the Shining Breasts. Quantum puts a tracker on one of my arrows to theoretically use to track Kestrel if we fight him again and he escapes.

One Lord of Order and one Lord of Chaos survived the Spectre’s rampage. If Kestrel is being powered by Chaos, is there a new Order hero around? Helm of Nabu looking for new wearer.

Learned how to use the cell phone Diana left for me. Messages from Donna of the Unfortunate Name. Also call but no message from the Dept. of Metahuman Affairs. But Donna claims that new Lord of Chaos is very jealous with his power and doesn’t share. She also warns me of activities of two cults acting in Gateway City, acquiring magical artifacts. Aha. Kestrel. She also says we can use Themysciran Embassy in Gateway, staffed by a Satyr named Dr. Tripod.

Bantrids - The Eternally Rolling Inhabitants of Hibb

Excerpt from The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy - Starfinder Edition.

If you ever find yourself on the quaint Liavaran moon of Hibb, you'll undoubtedly come across its most peculiar inhabitants: the bantrids. Described as small, clever creatures, eternally rolling atop their organic spheres, they are a sight to behold making them the galaxy's most endearingly mobile residents. Always on the move, bantrids find stillness to be suffocating, and their culture reflects this perpetual motion.

While Hibb was previously thought to be uninhabited, it turns out the bantrids had been in stasis for eons, only re-emerging into the galaxy about five years ago. Unfortunately, due to a classic case of cosmic amnesia, the Gap, and some glitchy data-storage drives, these inquisitive beings have as much clue about their past and the current political landscape as a space cow does about quantum physics.

Bantrids are best recognized by their peculiar anatomy, boasting a dense organic sphere as their lower half that they spin on to move. Their stout, column-like torsos, pancake-like appendages, and snazzy striped coloration make them quite the spectacle. Interestingly, they have no noses and, consequently, no sense of smell - a blessing in disguise when considering Hibb's notoriously pungent aroma.

Ever eager to explore their "new" galaxy, bantrids tend to roll headlong into situations, charming some species with their enthusiasm while others find their appearance off-putting. Nevertheless, bantrids have no time for naysayers and will quickly roll away to embrace new opportunities.

Hibb's bantrid culture orbits around movement - from their spiral tower dwellings to their revolutionary treadmill chairs. Being restrained or immobile causes extreme anxiety and distress for bantrids, often leading to them passing out.

Reproducing via a form of budding, bantrids have no gender and create tiny offspring that require care until their foot orbs develop enough for them to move independently.

So, if you find yourself traversing the galaxy and happen upon the rolling hills of Hibb, keep an open mind and prepare for a dizzying experience with the ever-moving bantrids.

Apologies to the late, great Douglas Adams.

Waking the Worldseed - Press Pile-up to Aerial Showdown

As the Drift Rock Five neared the Command Center Chalet, a flurry of activity greeted their eyes. AbadarCorp personnel hurriedly coordinated relief efforts for those affected by the recent storm. The group watched as large crates of supplies were loaded onto transport ships, while others unloaded fresh medical equipment and relief packages. The sound of chatter and the hum of machinery filled the air as they made their way through the bustling crowd.

Approaching the chalet, the Drift Rock Five were greeted by a shirren with a muted gray carapace and intelligent, multifaceted eyes. "Welcome, we've been expecting you. Need any medical attention?" She reached into her lab coat and pulled out a medical tricorder.

Once their wounds were tended to, Ms. Nott informed the group that a large number of the press had arrived. She requested that the Drift Rock Five simply stand near her for the cameras while she answered questions, promising them 1,000 credits for the use of their image. The entire party, except for Gus, agreed. Gus stood back and watched while the Drift Rock Five greeted the press.

However, the reporters quickly got out of hand and bombarded everyone with questions. Ms. Nott acquiesced, offering each member of the Drift Rock Five a 3,000 credit bonus to speak with the press directly.

The reporters' questions ranged from meaningful and insightful to utterly absurd. The interview was unexpectedly interrupted by two aircraft strafing Snowdrop Village.

Eisyfina Nott urgently asked the Drift Rock Five to board their ship and deal with the enemy aircraft, promising a reward for their assistance. As they prepared to leave, the reporter Lyta Lantrell approached them with an additional request - to mount a camera on their ship, offering 5,000 credits for the task.

Our heroes, feeling a sense of avarice, agreed to both tasks. They hastily boarded their ship, ready to defend the village and capture the dramatic events on camera. As they took to the skies, the weight of their mission settled upon them, and they knew that they would do whatever it took to protect the innocent inhabitants below.

And now, Sports

[Monotone Robotic Voice]

Greetings, human viewers. This is Sportsbot 9000, bringing you today's sports update.

In today's local grav-ball match, both teams arrived punctually at the stadium. The players engaged in routine warm-up exercises, demonstrating adequate flexibility and coordination. Their uniforms were clean and well-fitting, displaying team colors accurately.

As the match commenced, the players adhered to established gameplay rules and maintained a standard level of physical exertion. Spectators consumed a statistically average amount of refreshments, including 3.5 units of water and 2.2 units of various snack items.

During the halftime break, the grounds crew efficiently tended to the field, ensuring optimal playing conditions for the second half. The players took this opportunity to hydrate and review their strategies with their coaches.

Upon the match's conclusion, both teams participated in the customary exchange of sportsmanlike gestures, such as handshakes and verbal acknowledgments of their opponents' efforts.

The final score was 7 to 5. The game duration fell within the average range for grav-ball matches, and no unusual incidents or standout plays were recorded.

This has been your sports update, brought to you by Sportsbot 9000. Stay tuned for additional, equally riveting reports on the world of sports.

The Weather Report

 [Confident, Warrior-like Voice]

Greetings, citizens of the Pact Worlds! This is Wendy Boneshatter, your Vesk meteorological warrior, here to bring you the latest weather updates from across the system!

Today, the weather on Absalom Station is as fierce as the fiercest Vesk warrior! The temperature remains at a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius, perfect for trading blows with your comrades or marching to the market to conquer your grocery list!

On Castrovel, the jungle world, prepare for an intense battle with humidity! A tropical storm is approaching, and the wind speeds will reach up to 90 kilometers per hour! So, buckle up and embrace the elements as only a true warrior can!

Now, to the desert planet of Akiton, where the relentless sun will challenge your endurance! With temperatures soaring to a scorching 48 degrees Celsius during the day, remember to hydrate and replenish your energy reserves, like a true conqueror!

As for the gas giant Bretheda and its moons, we anticipate a magnificent display of electrical storms! Fear not, my fellow warriors, for these storms are a testament to the untamed power of the cosmos!

Lastly, on the icy world of Triaxus, a snowstorm is brewing, which will undoubtedly test the mettle of even the most hardened inhabitants! Face the blizzard head-on, but remember to dress appropriately for your own survival!

That's all for today's weather report, fellow warriors of the Pact Worlds! This is Windy Boneshatter, reminding you that no matter the weather, we stand strong and united!

And now a word from our sponsors!

[Upbeat Background Music]

Voiceover: Welcome to the Absalom News Network – your source for trustworthy, reliable, and up-to-the-minute news coverage in the Pact Worlds!

Meet our dedicated news team, here to bring you the truth, the facts, and the stories that matter.

Introducing our fearless anchorman, Roger "Relentless" Glipglorp! With over 20 years of experience in journalism, Roger's unyielding commitment to reporting the facts ensures you stay informed and engaged.

By his side, our tenacious co-anchor, Lyta "Laser Focus" Lantrell! Her keen eye for detail and compassionate approach to storytelling brings the human touch to every report.

And when it comes to the ever-changing weather, trust none other than our meteorological maestro, Wendy "The Weather Wiz" Boneshatter! She'll keep you prepared with accurate forecasts, so you'll never be caught off-guard by Mother Nature's surprises.

 

Last but not least, our sports aficionado, Sportsbot 9000! From touchdowns to buzzer-beaters, this state-of-the-art sports analysis machine has got you covered on all things sports, making sure you never miss a beat in the world of athletics. 

Together, the Absalom News Network team is your go-to for comprehensive news coverage. Tune in every weekday at   PM and   PM for the latest updates, because when it comes to the news, we're always on the ball!

Absalom News Network – your window to the worlds!

The Life and Times of a Dead Man - Episode 19 - WE ARE LEAVING!

The companions watched as Hendra climbed the ladder into the attic. It was pitch black, so she pulled out her ever-burning torch rock. In the attic, heavy drapes covered a large window, and dust coated the trunks and other items including the toys that covered the floor. As Hendra pushed back the drapes, she heard a voice behind her say, "Hello, want to play?" When she turned around, she saw a small humanoid skeleton dressed in rags.

Hendra asked the skeleton for her name, and the skeleton introduced herself as Naboomi. She didn't know how long she had been there. Hendra ran downstairs to tell the others about the child. The companions suggested that Tweetie Bear investigate the skeletal child, but Dol refused. Sabrina climbed the ladder instead.

Sabrina introduced herself as Allie, and Naboomi said she was up there because her mother had put her there. Naboomi was going to teach Sabrina the rules of the game and indicated that Shadow wasn't good at playing the game and told Sabrina he was behind her. The attic was filled with the sounds of children, and Sabrina felt ill immediately after hearing the children's screams. Naboomi reached out for Sabrina, but Sabrina yelled, "Bad touch. Bad touch."

Tweetie Bear laid Dol on the couch and climbed up the stairs. As he did this, Dol cast an enlarge spell on him. A shadow appeared and stroked Sabrina, causing her to feel weakened. Audrey Rose drank her mutagen and climbed up the stairs. Sabrina yelled that she couldn't hurt them and ran away.

Hendra muttered, "Oh for god's sake," and readied an action. Naboomi tried to bite Tweetie Bear, and Tweetie Bear became fatigued. Zita continued readying an action. Tweetie Bear shrank and disappeared. The shadow attacked Audrey Rose and drew out her strength. Audrey Rose withdrew back downstairs.

Sabrina ran out of the house and lit a torch. Bosley followed Sabrina out of the house. Zita high-tailed it out, and Dol worked with Tweetie Bear to get outside. Audrey Rose followed suit. Hendra guided Sabrina to specific points of the house to light them up, but nothing happened. She tried to light up the couch, but it didn't work, and when she threw a flask of oil, it blew out.

The group had a lengthy conversation on whether to stay or go, and they decided to go back home with the graduate students. The group retraced its steps. It rained that entire night as they made camp, and they stayed under the tree line the next day and avoided most of the rain. During Audrey Rose's watch that night, she saw something flowing on the outskirts of the camp. About twenty small bipedal lizard creatures were running around the camp. The next day it was cloudy with no rain, and they eventually found themselves back on the road between Sharn and Wroat. They eventually flagged down a coach heading back to Sharn,

The adventurers stopped at a House Jurasco clinic to get Hendra restored to full strength. The companions then headed back to the university and tracked down Professor Rightsen. Sabrina explained the situation, but they ended up talking in circles. Professor Rightsen still wanted to know what happened to the professor and was disappointed that the companions didn't know and could only speculate why the professor was selling graduate students.

Afterward, they each went their separate ways to indulge in their various interests. Bosley visited Vlodex, a bugbear bartender, to share the story of the professor selling graduate students. Zita and Audrey Rose went to a luxurious spa to pamper themselves with various treatments, while Dol enjoyed a night out in the theater district.

The vigilante searched for information on Black Sugar, but could not uncover new information.

Later, Sabrina returned to the party's home, where she was greeted by the "new" butler, Barnsworth, who had prepared a delicious breakfast for everyone. The adventurers were pleased with the food.

Dol asked if anyone had any knowledge of the underground theater circuit. Hendra had extensive knowledge of it and shared their experience. Charlie gathered input from everyone on the events at the house of the hag. They all had dinner and got a good night's sleep. However, the next morning, they discovered that Hendra was nowhere to be found.

The Life and Times of a Dead Man - Episode 18 - She was on my side?!?!

Audrey Rose enters the room and sees a fireplace moving toward Sabrina. She throws a shock bomb at it. Zita loads her crossbow. Hendra closes in and slashes her long sword at the fireplace. Tweetie Bear crosses the room and chips away at the fireplace. Sabrina stares intently at the fireplace, and Bosley casts acid splash. The fireplace pursues Sabrina and bites her.

The companions determine that this is a large animated object. Audrey Rose shocks it with a bomb. Zita fires the crossbow and buries a bolt into the wall. Hendra also attempts to hit it but misses. Tweetie Bear scratches it. Dol moves towards Sabrina and heals her with the wand. Sabrina attempts to heal the fireplace and then steps away from it. Bosley casts another acid spell. The fireplace continues pursuing Sabrina and bites her. 

Audrey Rose throws another bomb. Zita rushes to a flank position with the intent of double daggering it, but she misses. Hendra charges in and slashes the construct. Tweetie Bear enlarges; Sabrina goes into full defense mode, and Bosely casts more acid splash. 

Audrey Rose throws bottled lightning and then watches as Zita performs a beautiful double dagger attack that kills the construct. 

Various members of the party notice that a previously closed door is now open. Sabrina goes outside and notices tiny footprints. 

Dol opens one of the inside doors. She finds a simple bedroom with a queen size bed. The party works its way around the house opening doors that lead to bedrooms and bathrooms. Tweetie Bear opens a door that shows endless dark stairs going down. The group lines up and heads downstairs. Sabrina and Dol light up torches, and Hendra pulls out an everlasting stone. Dol warns the group that this area may be shadow planed. She pulls a garter on Tweetie Bear and lights it up with a light cantrip. One of the shadows along the wall slips out of the wall ready to attack. 

Zita neither hears nor sees the shadow. The shadow caresses Dol, and he drops. Tweetie Bear blinks out of existence. Audrey Rose yells, “What the hell just happened?” Sabrina yells, “Run!” A shadow appears next to Hendra and hisses, “We are powerful.” It strokes Hendra, and she suddenly feels weaker. Bosley casts Ray of Frost on the shadow. Audrey Rose throws a bomb at the shadow holding up the line. Zita prepares an attack. The shadow closes in, and she stabs at it. “Ow, that stung,” hisses the shadow. It strokes Zita. The other shadow attempts to stroke Hendra again but misses. Hendra retaliates by slashing at it. Sabrina stares at the creature and attempts to Forbid Action on it but nothing happens. Bosley activates his boots and rolls behind the shadow. He stabs it from behind with Ray of Frost cold damage and disintegrates it. Audrey Rose disintegrates the shadow with an explosion of fire. She grabs Dol’s body and the group retreats. 

Dol awakens on a park bench. Given the colorlessness of the place, she thinks she’s in Dolor, which is where souls go when they die. Tweetie-Bear sits next to her, apologizing over and over again. She suspects that Tweetie-Bear’s connection to Dol is what allowed her to bypass the line. Celestial sigils appear that say, “Relax. The worst has happened.” Dol eventually gets bored and starts singing about bottles of beer on the wall. A voice behind Dol interrupts her. A ten-foot-tall figure dressed in black plate armor with the head of a vulture is standing behind Dol. This is a type of fiend called a Purroloth; a creature associated with violence. He asks if Dol would like to go back. Dol attempts to negotiate. He holds out his hand and shows a collection of very small cubes. "You can go back for a very small favor," it says, pouring the cubes into Dol’s hands. Dol awakens with a scream and is still very weak. Audrey Rose checks her out and determines that they've been drained of strength and need higher levels of healing magic. 

Audrey Rose insists that Dol had no pulse. The group doesn’t believe her. 

Zita proposes the group go to the other shed and knock on the door. They discuss whether to negotiate with her or kill her. 

The adventurers make their way to the chicken house. Zita finds no traps on the door. There are chickens inside. Zita makes her way to the outhouse. The outhouse looks brand new and has the smell of new lumber. Zita opens the door. The bathroom is unoccupied. Zita lifts the seat and there’s no hole. She calls Audrey Rose over to help her investigate. Audrey Rose sees a brass plaque at the top that says Crowner and Company Lab. She thinks it’s a Sharn-based company. She lifts the seat and finds a hole with a ladder. Audrey Rose looks down and sees that the ladder ends at twenty feet. 

Hendra climbs down to investigate. The room is a ten-foot by ten-foot holding cell. There are two humanoids chained to the wall. They are Tamaso and Jardy, the graduate students from Sharn. They came here with the professor who sold them to the witch. Hendra brings them back up. Audrey Rose looks them over; they are malnourished, so she feeds them and provides them with water. They’ve been down there for a bit. They know nothing about the professor and where she’s gone. 

Dol and Sabrina want to set up an ambush for the witch. Zita and Audrey Rose want to take the graduate students back to the school. 

The group decides to camp out near the outhouse. They’re going to leave the students and Dol in the secret room below the "outhouse". 

During Audrey Rose’s watch, everything goes quiet in the forest. She feels like someone is watching her. She gently nudges Hendra awake and tells her that someone is watching her. Hendra comes awake and listens intently. She turns quickly to her right and for a split second, she sees a small figure wearing tattered clothes and with a long grey beard and hair. The rest of the night goes uninterrupted. 

The next morning the group searches the house. They don’t find anything of interest. In the ceiling, there is another trapped door. Bosley shifts the couch over, and Zita climbs up and checks for traps. She opens the door and unfolds a ladder. 

Burma-shave and Cthulu

During a recent Trail of Cthulu game, I asked ChatGPT to write a "Burma-shave style poem about Cthulu" it didn't disappoint!

In the depths of the sea,
Lies a creature so scary,
Cthulhu is his name,
Beneath the waves he does tarry.

His tentacles stretch wide,
With eyes that shine like fire,
A monstrous being indeed,
Whose presence all do admire.

But if you see him rise,
It's best to run and hide,
For madness he'll bring,
And your soul he'll try to pry.

So beware of the call,
From the dark and the deep,
For Cthulhu waits there,
In his eternal sleep.

Burma Shave

The Life and Times of a Dead Man - Episode 17 - Caern wights and fletchlings

As morning arrives, Audrey Rose brews an antitoxin. The companions make their way down the path. At midday, they arrive at an overgrowth.  Three caern wights emerge as they enter the clearing. The head caern wight bangs his shield and yells in goblin, “Halt. Go no further.” The foul undead informs the adventurers that this is the resting place of a hobgoblin warrior and that anyone who approaches will die. 

Sabrina tries to negotiate with the creatures, but lead caern wight responds, “Come any closer and we will attack.” Sabrina tries to negotiate further. 

Hendra takes a step forward and the caern wights move to intercept. Tweetie-Bear flies over the caern wight's head and grabs it. Bosley casts burning hands. Audrey Rose throws a bomb at one, lighting it up. The head caern wight takes a swipe at Hendra. Hendra feels the wound go cold, and everything goes grey as she feels weakened. The next caern wight steps forward and slashes at Bosley; he too weakens. The last caern wight attacks Sabrina and misses. Zita twirls her way through her allies and slashes at the caern wight missing it. Sabrina casts glitterdust upon the undead. Dol casts haste on Tweetie Bear, Zita, Bosely, and Hendra. Bosley slashes at a caern wight. All three caern wight swing and miss. Tweetie-Bear rears up and tears the caern wight apart. Zita flanks Bosley. Sabrina encourages the group, and Hendra closes to attack, slicing the creature through the ribcage to the mouth. Tweetie-Bear slashes at the last caern wight. Bosley slashes and misses. Audrey Rose throws a bomb at it. The angry caern wight attacks Zita, weakening her. Zita screams, “No not again!” and flees. Sabrina forbids her from running, so she stops. Hendra beheads the last caern wight. As calm settles, the companions hear voices in their minds saying, “Thank you.” 

Sabrina walks into the structure. She hears a click but nothing happens. Sabrina and Zita also enter and find an assortment of brassieres, rings, and amulets. They loot the caern wights and get three breastplates of hobgoblin manufacture and three long swords. 

The adventurers continue along the game trail. Ahead they hear something running very quickly to their left. A big black panther lands on the trail and then runs off. The companions continue down the trail. It’s almost sunset when they hear voices coming down the trail. The group comes out in a larger clearing. They see a large stone hut. People are working outside the house. There is a hen house with legs. Sabrina yells, “Hey you. Where’s the hag that runs this house?” The woman in the garden brushes herself off and glares at Sabrina. Sabrina convinces them to lead the adventurers inside. 

The door slams shut, two windows open, and a volley of arrows is fired. Audrey Rose runs towards the door of the house and casts fox’s cunning. Bosley follows after Audrey Rose and casts acid splash, but the man slams the door in his face. Zita rushes forward and loads her crossbow. Dol casts Wind Wall on the windows. Tweetie-Bear runs up to the door. 

Bosley steps up to the door and opens it for the party. He immediately encounters a fletchling Audrey Rose throws a shock bomb at the creature and dazzles her. Zita enters the room and is caught by two other creatures that incapacitate her. Sabrina lights them up with glitterdust. Dol runs forward and heals Zita. Hendra rushes in with her sword drawn and attacks with a brutal slash. Another fletchling enters the room and shoots at Hendra. 

Bosley slashes through the door and badly hurts the creature’s arm. Frozen blood drops sail across the air. Audrey Rose throws a bomb and takes out two of the fletchlings. Zita attempts to do a crutch shot but unfortunately misses. Sabrina casts hideous laughter; the woman falls over laughing. Sabrina starts kicking the downed woman. Tweetie-Bear rushes into the room and attacks. Audrey Rose throws a bomb into the room, but it misses and bounces around. Zita tries to attack but misses. Dol trips the fletchling and Tweetie-Bear closes in and finishes it off. Hendra finishes off the remaining fletchling.

Sabrina starts messing with the rug and the fireplace starts talking. “Who are you? Why are you here?” Sabrina gets smart with the fireplace. “I am the guardian of this place. My mistress will not be disturbed.” Sabrina thinks the voice is coming ten feet from the fireplace. She steps forward and gets hit by fire. Sabrina slashes into the air near the fireplace and misses. The fireplace starts to move toward Sabrina.  

The Life and Times of a Dead Man - Episode 16 - On the Road

Zita sends a note to Ceseli letting her know she will be gone for about two weeks. The adventurers hit the Orien road. After traveling for a while, they arrive at the forest. Hendra takes out the map and leads the group further into the forest. The group travels for hours. They are covered in sweat and bugs.

A monkey steals Hendra’s bag of caltrops, and a foot-long dragonfly alights on Audrey Rose’s head. Sabrina throws a dagger at it. It’s a miserable journey, but the companions plod ahead.

It’s raining the next morning. Audrey Rose sees a branch full of Scarlet Crested Parrots who keep saying hello to her. She’s seriously tempted to bring one home but realizes they would require upkeep while traveling. While she watches one of the parrots suddenly disappears. It’s being reeled in by a large blue and red carapace.

The next day the group moves faster. They manage to put two days of travel into one day. Despite the continued rain, the adventurers find a dry spot to camp. During their nightly watches, the adventurers notice a colony of bats watching. They are Brelish Mobats. The adventurers have their best night of sleep.

The next day there is a close call with a falling tree branch, and Hendra chases off a bunch of monkeys from the packs. The rain finally lets out. Sabrina keeps watch and tries to keep the fire going when she notices a large lizard with great claws and teeth attacking a sleeping Hendra. Sabrina casts glitterdust on it. The lizard glows a bright green and grabs Hendra. Hendra stays asleep during the attack but hollers that she doesn’t want to go to school. Audrey Rose awakens and throws a frost bomb at the creature. Zita hears a loud cracking sound and wakes up. She gets into position to attack the creature. The lizard goes after Sabrina. It attempts to bite her and misses, but it does claw her across the arm.

Hendra draws her sword and attacks the lizard. Audrey Rose throws a shock bomb and dazzles the creature. Sabrina casts glitterdust again, but to no effect. Zita flanks Hendra and double-daggers the lizard. It rears around and attacks Zita upside the head. Dol convinces the wand to let her heal Hendra. Meanwhile, Audrey Rose throws a bomb into the lizard’s mouth, finishing it off. Hendra identifies the nasty, carnivorous creature as a Blade Tooth. Sabrina skins it and takes a tooth. She suspects it is a particularly old specimen. While skinning the lizard, Sabrina sees a shiny metal. When she digs it out, she finds a magical stiletto with conjuration magic. When you say the words “Kibym Kilf” it starts a fire. Sabrina gives the weapon to Zita.

The following day Zita stealthily makes her way through the rainforest when the group hears voices in the distance. The group seems to have come across two arguing red caps. They are three feet tall, have long dirty beards, and carry scythes. One of them steps forward and attacks Hendra, knocking her unconscious. Zita double daggers one of them, and Sabrina steps in front of it and casts glitterdust. Audrey Rose drinks her mutagen. Dol sends in Tweetie-Bear and backs away from the redcaps.

One red cap swings at Sabrina and misses. The other redcap gracefully dances across the greased area and goes to attack Sabrina but also misses. Sabrina casts Hideous Laughter on one of the redcaps. It falls over laughing. Zita double daggers the laughing one. Audrey Rose throws a shock bomb on the one rolling on the ground. Tweetie Bear claws the laughing one through the eyes and kills it. Dol heals Hendra back from unconsciousness.

The other redcap misses Sabrina again. Hendra stands up and downs a healing potion. Sabrina casts Hideous Laughter on the other redcap, but he makes his save. Zita double-daggers the monster. Audrey Rose’s bomb goes slightly off course but still does splash damage to the redcap. Dol increases Tweetie-Bears size. The redcap swings at Sabrina and misses. Hendra beheads the last redcap.

Dol wants to take the heads back to the village. Hendra wants to put the heads on the crosses. Sabrina wants to leave them behind. Since the two can’t agree, Hendra suggests the group vote. The group decides to bury the heads.

As they prepare for sleep that night, they hear a voice holler, “Hello.” A woman dressed in peasant clothes appears near the fire. She is carrying a basket of red and green apples. Sabrina takes one and eats it. The woman introduces herself as Dressela, the wife of the local woodsmen. Dol asks her about the missing people and describes the professor and students. Dressela remembers seeing them a week ago. She offers to play a game with Dol. She’ll tell Dol where the professor has gone if she can solve Dressela’s riddles.

“Before I’m born, I live in the earth, but to be shaped I bathe in flames. When I die, I’m red or sometimes green.” Zita answers, “Iron.”

“Every day you’ll find I’ve grown. And you bite me, clip me, …” Sabrina answers, “Nails.”

“I am a family of sisters. One in the forest. One by the sea. The third is in a mine hidden from the sky, but among us, we have only one eye, what am I?” Dol answers, “A hag coven.”

Dressella did see the professor with two young men making their way through the rainforest, headed to Iron Cavaya’s house. She is a powerful and dangerous witch. Dressella wants us to kill the witch because the witch killed her husband twenty years ago. Dol asks for advice about her. The witch is adept at poisons and narcotics. She also has an entourage and a son. She is known for animating inanimate things.

(Audrey Rose plans to brew some antitoxins before they visit the witch.)

Dressela points to a tree in the distance. She tells them there is a game trail behind the tree. Dressela adds that by following the trail, they will be at Iron Cavaya’s house by sunset the next day.

The Life and Times of a Dead Man - Episode 15 - Back To School

During the downtime, Sabrina goes around to everyone who owes them money to remind them to pay. Dol networks and Bosley does mysterious things. Hendra meets with Sheila Highmark and catches her up on what’s been going on with the agency. She hands Hendra a box with two wands. Sheila tells Hendra, “Consider this an investment. The Society has it in good authority that your agency will be contacted by the University for a job. We want you to take this job. The Society is invested in securing rare artifacts.” One wand is from House Jalisco and is a wand of Cure Light Wounds (50 charges) with the activation word Stayoc. The other, much older wand, is of Cure Moderate Wounds with the holy symbol of Olladra. The activation word is Stethus. Zita picks up her masterwork dagger from the store.

Sabrina and Zita visit Ceseli. Her grandmother’s assets have been unfrozen. She hands over 4000 gold. Each adventurer gets 666 gold, and 4 gold goes into the party treasury. She’s going to sell the house and move. Zita inquiries about Barnsworth as the companions are considering employing him. The city plans to handle the sale of the house. Zita and Ceseli agree that they will catch up again once she relocates.

Audrey Rose sells her masterwork chain shirt to Sabrina at a bargain.

The third day off is the Day of Mourning. A somber mood permeates the city as all remember the destroyed country Cyre. Uncle Jonathan Wadsworth sends Audrey Rose an invitation to her and her colleagues to lunch the next day to discuss a business proposition. They also receive a package from the city paying them back for their work on Cord Feldrum. The party gets 2000 gold pieces.

Sabrina shows up hungover the next day. The adventurers go to the University. The University was founded 260 years ago by Lord Lareth ir'Morgrave to be a "beacon of knowledge shining from the tallest towers of the city, illuminating the forgotten secrets of the past." The current headmaster is Lord Morgrave. The University has spent years studying Xendrik. The University is not the most reputable because they have sold their findings in the past. They’ve made great gains in researching Xendrik. There is an unfriendly rivalry between the University and the Pathway Society.

Audrey Rose leads the group to her uncle’s office. He takes an interest in Zita’s head and decides to run an experiment on her. He connects a suction cup to Zita’s head and proceeds to read her. He then gives Sabrina a wake-up pill to help with her hangover.

The group goes to the faculty commissary for lunch. Uncle Jonathan tells them that he will introduce them to Erics Righten, a professor of practical historical application who is looking for a missing colleague. Bella Senden, professor of history of the arts has been missing for days.

Dol asks for a reference to the astrology department.

Uncle Jonathan leads them to Dr. Rightsen’s office. He’s probably in his early 30s with slicked-back black hair, a mustache, and beard. He leads them to Dr. Senden’s office. She’s been missing for two weeks. She’s been mostly working with historical and practical applications of music in thaumaturgy. Ideally, Dr. Rightsen wants her brought back alive safe, and sound. If she can’t be brought back, they at least want to know where she is and why she left. They discuss the fee of 1000g/per person/per week.

Sabrina remembers the name Bella Senden. The lock to Dr. Senden’s office has not been tampered with. Upon opening the door, a rat and a cat come running out of the office. The cat has auburn fur with a blue stripe. There is a faint thaumaturgical aura with the cat. A loud metallic clang comes from within the room across the hall. There is a roar. Zita opens the door, and they see a jaguar with snakes coming out of its shoulders in the middle of the classroom.

Hendra closes the door. The beast charges the door and rams its claws through the glass.

Bosley casts Ray of Frost on the creature. Dol summons Tweetie-Bear, while Hendra tumbles into the classroom. The creature takes an attack of opportunity against Hendra. Despite being blinded, the beast searches for Hendra and attempts to bite her with its snakeheads; they all miss but it manages to claw her. Zita follows suit by also tumbling into the room. She jabs both her daggers into the creature’s shoulder. It lets out a loud shriek of pain. Bosley rams his rapier through the creature’s jaw. It slumps to the ground.

The rat is shivering by the control panel. Dol approaches it slowly with a lunch roll. He attempts to calm it before taking it. The rat is detecting as magic; it’s transmutation magic. They talk with Dr. Rightsen about the rat; he dispels the magic, and a teenage boy appears in its place. The boy is Cooven. He was trying to learn a spell that lets one teleport a short way, and the spell went awry. Sabrina can tell the boy is lying. Sabrina bluffs that she’s going to cast a truth-telling spell on Cooven and claims that if he lies, his penis will shrink. Cooven backtracks and admits he slipped into the office using a potion of gaseous form. Cooven, as Dr. Senden’s TA, was trying to find out what she was doing. She left abruptly on an expedition with a group of graduate students. During the fight, the cat slinked away.

Hendra searches the office. She finds a world map mounted on the wall. There are several pins stuck at various points in Corder and Zendrek. There’s a pin on the ground. There’s a pinhole in Breland in the King’s Forrest.

Dol went in search of the cat with Tweetie-Bear. In the stairwell, a teenage girl is hugging the cat very protectively. The cat is the girl’s familiar, Bluestreak. Dol brings the girl back to the office. The girl is Levini; she was looking through the familiar’s eyes because she was worried about the professor.

Coven gives them the names of the graduate students who went with the professor. Dol asks for their addresses along with the names of other graduate students with whom the professor worked.

Uncle Jonathan takes the two students away. Before he leaves, he shows them how the control panel operates. They suspect the rat ran across the control panel, opening the cage and releasing the creature. The beast was probably on loan from the zoo.

Zita unlocks the hidden panel on the desk. There is a book and magenta and forest green velvet sacks. The note is for a field trip. The book is a shorthand journal with teaching plans and expedition notes. The last entry just says Iron Cavaya, King’s Forest, and Breland. King’s Forest is a tempered rainforest by Sharn that goes all the way to the gnomish kingdom. There are many tales. One unvetted story is about Iron Cavaya, a witch. She has something to do with illegal drug trades.

The best bet is to take the House Orien road along the coast for forty miles and then head north. Taking a coach is 40 silver per person. They spend four gold from the party treasury to pay for the coach.