Episode V: Pursuit of Elusive Truths
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Pursuit of Elusive Truths is the fifth episode of the Trials of the Forgotten Relics campaign. Escaping the tomb through the sewers, the adventurers find out that Chloe has disappeared and her father, Grendar, asks them again for their help.
Synopsis
Recap
Last we left off you participated in a reception for a wedding unfurled with all the grandeur befitting such an occasion. Invited as guests amidst this celebration, you soon found yourselves in the midst of unexpected turmoil. A sinister plot was unveiled as doppelgängers, disguised as mansion servants, attempted to kidnap Chloe, the bride-to-be. With quick thinking and swift action, you thwarted the abduction, but not without consequence. During the chaos, Philip, the future groom, fell victim to a paralyzing affliction, necessitating his urgent transport to the local temple for aid.
In the wake of this harrowing encounter, Grendar, Chloe's father and a figure of considerable influence, implored you for your continued assistance. While you were at the temple, his plea was echoed by Chloe herself, who, disguised as an old lady, tasked you with a crucial mission: to delve into the enigmatic catacombs beneath the temple. Her concern was palpable; someone was after her, and clues pointed to a connection with these ancient underground passages beneath the temple.
Braving the darkness of the catacombs, you encountered a labyrinth of challenges. You first navigated through a complex puzzle that guarded the deeper recesses of this subterranean maze. Your journey then led them into a confrontation with a group of ominous individuals, commanded by a deep-disturbed red witch. The clash was fierce, but you emerged victorious, meeting afterwards a spectral apparition pressing you onward to face the guardian's trial. This mysterious test of skill and wit was no small feat, yet you prevailed, meeting a very strange and chaotic entity that introduced himself as Strife. Congratulated by the guardian and rewarded with a beautiful sword, you escaped the catacombs with both new insights and lingering questions.
The day's events culminated at a local tavern, known as the Enchanted Chalice, where you found yourselves entranced by the myriad of magical implements and effects that adorned its interior. The whimsical ambiance provided a much-needed respite from the day's events. However, during the night your rest and relaxation was abruptly interrupted by a series of noises at the door. To your surprise, it was Grendar, appearing with a look of grave concern. He hastily explained that a dire situation had unfolded: Chloe was now falsely accused by the local guard of murdering priests at the temple. Urging the party to take immediate action, Grendar implored you search out for Chloe and uncover the truth behind these alarming allegations and kidnappings. You spent the rest of the night without any other disturbances, taking your long rest, now with the story taking a darker turn as you prepare to delve deeper into a conspiracy that was becoming increasingly complex and perilous.
And that’s where we continue our adventure.
The Enchanting Chalice Tavern
The adventurers head to the Enchanted Chalice Tavern where they are mesmerized by the many enchantments and effects of the tavern. Elara, the proprietor, welcomes Dago and his friends and they book two rooms in the tavern.
Wintson, the human ranger, decides to go to the library to seek more information about the symbol they found, as well as about the information in the letter. He spends the whole night there, not getting any rest, but gathering some information about, although nothing relevant. Dago also sends a letter home asking about the strange symbol on the priests’ wrists and the cryptic information in the letter found on the red lady corpse.
Nightly shenanigans
During the night at the tavern, Sarya hears her door being tampered with. She suspects some of the strange cultists try to break in, and as she opens the door, she casts Web to trap them. Hearing the captains Grendar’s voice, she relaxes and calls the others to her room. Grendar tells them that Chloe went missing, either captured or in hiding. He has been followed as well, so he couldn’t meet them at the tavern. Furthermore, Chloe has been falsely accused by the Helmets for killing the priests at the temple, and he suspects found play within the guards. He asks for their help to uncover the truth and as they discuss, they agree that the "Wings of Amber" might be the Golden Gryphon Tavern. Coincidently, Ed’s father, Lelystaad, was also at the same tavern the night he was captured.
The adventurers invite Grendar to stay with them in one of the rooms. They continue the rest, but together they have a shared dream. In the dream they meet again the charismatic small dragon Strife that they met in the tower in the trials. He is surprised to see them, but he likes that he can finally talk to someone. Afterwards the dream ends, and the adventurers wake up.
Featured characters
The adventurers
Other characters
- Madame Elara Mistral: the proprietor of the Enchanted Chalice Tavern.
- Grendar Ironkith: Chloe's adoptive father.
- Strife: The dragon-like individual they met in the trials.