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The Doppelganger's Gambit is the second episode of the Trials of the Forgotten Relics campaign. Ambushed by unknown attackers, the party fight their way to prevent Chloe's kidnapping, revealing a doppelganger's infiltration among the mansion's servants. Meanwhile, a new arrival, Sarya, deals with another ambush in the streets of Sagemont.
Synopsis
Recap
In the last session we played, four of our intrepid adventurers found themselves in the majestic city of Sagemont gathering at the opulent Stonehelm Estate for a grand reception concerning the wedding of Philip Stones, the son of a prestigious noble in the city, and Chloe Rowen, a wizard prodigy, and an apprentice to a famous mage in the city.
Two of our adventurers, Ed and Elinor, arrived by means of a caravan, travelling with several companions and acquaintances. After resolving a conflict between two of them, Draella and Gwaindir, which are your kin, Elinor, you proceeded towards the mansion while observing the crowded but lively heart of the city, the Old Town.
Meanwhile the enigmatic but somewhat aloof would-be inventor, you, Wintson, spent the entire day engrossed in deciphering a mysterious tome, seeking to unveil its secrets. After receiving a letter and a small gadget from the library, you found yourself as well invited at the same party.
The last one of our heroes was Dago, who, while receiving a paycheck for his most recent job, was informed by the guild master about the troubles that are currently plaguing the guild house and its agents, as seemingly a new faction was getting involved in the city’s affairs. Afterwards he made his way to the wedding to survey the estate’s grounds for the incoming wedding where it would be acting as the chief guard of the event.
During the party, after mingling with the guests and sharing thoughts with Philip and Chloe, you began to suspect some shady dealings among the mansion’s servants. After investigating one such servant, ending up with Elinor and Ed finding some poison vials in a locked cabinet, and Wintson shooting in the back a fleeing individual, you returned to the party noticing that while you were gone, one of the guests got poisoned and, most importantly, Chloe went missing.
Following the trail of Chloe, you ventured upstairs searching for her, only to be ambushed while opening one of the doors. And that’s where we ended.
Sarya's arrival
But, before we roll initiative and jump into combat, we are going to make a short detour not too far away from this place. Because, while the party at the Stonehelm Estate was in full swing, a lavish coach, adorned with intricate carvings and maroon velvet curtains embroidered with golden thread was entering the eastern gates. The coach itself is an imposing sight, pulled by a team of four magnificent ebony horses, each bearing an ornate saddle embellished with the sigil of a noble house.
After going through the grand city gates, the coach steadily advances on the main thoroughfare, which is the Lavender Street, passes the Grand Park and stops in front of the Golden Gryphon Tavern.
Another guest, Sarya, arrives in Sagemont by the Eastern Gate and her coach stops in front of Griffon Inn Tavern. The coachman tells Sarya that the contact they were expecting is not there, and they start looking for him. When he goes to an alley and asks a group if they saw a dwarf, they start surrounding her asking her questions. The meeting ends in conflict as they try to apprehend Sarya, but captain Grendar Ironkith, who is Sarya’s contact and Chloe’s adoptive father, arrives to even out the odds. The thugs flee.
Sarya finds a strange coin on one of the thugs and because her coachmen ended up dead in the conflict, she changes her dress, picks up her luggage and is ready to leave. Captain Grendar takes Sarya on a different route back to the Stonehelm Estate.
Battle at the estate
At the estate the group battles the disguised servants, but Dago and Philip get paralyzed. Wintson notices Chloe being tied up in one of the rooms, while several servants emerge from side rooms. One of them holding a bird cage with a bird in it tries to flee through the balcony but Wintson shoots him, breaking its concentration. The bird turns into Chloe while the fake Chloe tries to flee. As one of the servants dies, it turns into a doppelganger upon death. All the other servants except one flee, with the remaining one being caught by an enlarged Wintson. He turns out to be a doppelganger too.
Philip’s father, Lord Stonehelm arrives with several guards, and, seeing a paralyzed Philip and Dago, questions the adventurers. With Chloe being present, she confirms what the adventurers tell about the fight with the doppelgangers. The guards apprehend the doppelganger caught by Wintson and take him in custody. Everybody is brought downstairs, and the guards get ready to take Philip and Dago to the temple to get restored.
Featured characters
The adventurers
Other characters
- Chloe Rowen: A young wizard and the future bride.
- Philip Stones: Chloe's fiancée.
- Captain Grendar Ironkith: Chloe's adoptive father.
- Thorian Stonehelm: Owner of Stonehelm Estate and Philip's father.
- Doppelgangers.