Way of the Wicked 17

Last week's session was unfortunately delayed but I think things turned out OK. I found this weeks game immensely enjoyable. Lots of role playing as the PCs wandered the conquered city of Daveryn searching for the missing Duke and any loot they can find.

Trying to locate the Duke, they returned to the Duke's castle and began the search there. While roaming out they found a tower that was surrounded by bugbears and ogres. There was treasure inside so the wizard scouted the tower with magic and determined that it was trapped with some sort of electricity. The halfling and wizard buffed themselves with electricity and went on in. They were blasted constantly with chain lightning but with good saves and electricity resistance no damage was taken. 

Rather than fool with the locking mechanism, the halfling just used his adamantine mace to smash the crystal case and remove treasure within. Curious about the trap, they grabbed the emerald that the chain lightning originated from and dropped it into a bag of holding.

The bugbears outside the tower were not pleased to have the treasure removed under their noses by some "humies" so the PCs paid a visit to Fire-Axe and asked him to buy them off by giving him one third of the treasure (which they would later learn was worth 45000gp). 

At this point the two clerics arrived and the party continued their search. A passage through the wall was found leading from Duward to Smallward, and the wizard managed to luck onto the missing Duke's hiding place.

Knowing he had torture in his future he antagonized the PCs and they murdered him although they would regret it after the fact. The wizard managed to recall a spell that allowed for temporary Resurrection (Raise Dead failed since the Duke refused to return) and that gave them a brief window to learn what they could from the duke. Fire-Axe was very please with the Duke's body and a great feast was had (the Duke being the main course for a select few). Fire-Axe showed his appreciation by giving the PCs 5000gp in loot from the city and their choice of slaves that had been taken after the battle.

So now the PCs had some time to wander the rest of the city without any agenda. The found a defended and unlooted manor house in one of the farming districts outside of town. The ambitious Baroness Vanya Barca took a shining to the elven cleric of Asmodeus (she being a secret worshiper herself). She negotiated safety for herself and her men and the position of Duke of Daveryn in the new order in exchange for assisting the PCs however she can. She is trying to set up a meeting between the PCs and Vastenus Barca (King Marcardian's second in command) which may prove difficult since he is with the king and the army that is slowly approaching the Daveryn.

The PCs also managed to get in touch with what was left of Daveryn's thieve's guild. Anton Brueder promised his support in exchange for food and to be left alone until the bugbear's move on the city returns to normal.

The 9th Knot looted the city's cathedral and located the missing cardinal. They also defeated Polydorus, the city's diviner and his collection of Invisible Stalkers. The PCs now have control of his tower and have started to convert it into a base of operations.

Finally Tiadora returns this time accompanied by 8 of her Erinyes sisters dressed in full battle gear. Tiadora congratulates the PCs on their successes and informs them of their final mission. They are to acquire the assistance of Chargammon the Black, the greatest most fearsome evil dragon in the land. He is to attack the Adarium where Princess Belinda lives. This will cause Belinda's guards to signal the King who will use him magical recall amulet to teleport to his sanctum in the Adarium and try and rescue his daughter. The PCs will be waiting and there they can slay the king who will only have a few of his guards with him and not his entire army. They are also to steal the Liber Varcarian while in the palace which is basically the family tree of the royal family.

I was pleased that the PCs finally balked at a mission. They quickly realized that this is likely a suicide mission. Chargammon the Black hates everyone and everything and will likely kill any intruders that enter his lair. Thorn is offering no support to them this time.They are now worried that they've gown too strong and that Cardinal Thorn now sees them as a threat. They looked over their contract but it seems that it is pretty tight. For now they are going to have to follow orders.

Fortunately the PCs have discovered that Chargammon's son has been captured by the Lord of the Eagles. Perhaps he can be used as a bargaining chip?