Company+of+the+Phoenix+Session+25

 **7-7-2017** **Rescuing Bogbrook, Returning to Suzail, and Reuniting With Quarrelle**

Not wanting to risk going back into Marsember to board a boat... the companions decided to try to travel over the countryside. They headed northwest with plans to take the bridge at Nesmyth over the river.

Alix scouted the edge of Hermit's Woods to check the smoke rising from Bogbrook. Screaming came from the small town, and the young slayer returned to report to the others, "The city is on fire and the citizens are screaming!" "As noble Cormyrians, we can not allow this to happen," Alaric shook his head. Charlemagne frowned, "But we have more pressing matters... we need to get the king back to Suzail. It's too big of a risk of exposure to take him there just for your dalliances." Alaric turned to Sebathian for support, "Your majesty, I see what you've put up with for all of these years... it says so much for your character. I say we go and rescue your citizens." "Sebathian... it's up to you. What do you want us to do?" Alix asked. "Like the good man said," Sebathian gestured toward Alaric, "Those are my people." "Then we go to Bogbrook," Charlemagne hefted his pack onto his back. Tiri nodded, "I agree, but understand that this could be a trap... I mean I'm certain Releque is trying to lure us out." Nalen stepped forward, "I will stay back with the King and Lady Goldsword." Tiri nodded to him, "Thank you. Please keep them safe."

Using the route that Alix had taken, the companions headed toward Bogbrook outside of the forest.  Black smoke billowed in the wind. Screams were cut short as citizens were cut down in the streets. The group walked with stealth through the forest as they approached the edge of the city... all except for Tiri who didn't seem to notice and walked out with purpose,wielding her shining Oath Keeper blade in her hands.

Buffing up with spells as they moved, Tiri created a sacred bond between the gold bracelets that she and Charlemagne wore and bolstering his strength. Alaric put up his own magic armor and shield. As they rounded the corner, they could see prison guards dressed in black tabards bearing the red sigil of Releque... some were in leather and chain armor while others were in plate. There were a few dressed in stylized black armor with their black tabards. They moved and fought with skill. One, who appeared to be a mage, stood beside one of the guards who put his sword through an elderly man, ending his life without another thought. A few pairs of guards were dragging townsfolk to the center of town. There didn't seem to be any lookouts... they were all concentrating on the townsfolk.

Alix made his way up over buildings to a rooftop position. Charlemagne charged forward to drive his blade through the back shoulder of the first guy dragging one of the townsfolk. The guard fell to a knee in pain, releasing the arm of the citizen. Urd deftly scampered up to a balcony, shooting an arrow through the paired guard beside Charlemagne, forcing him to release the townsfolk as well. Rhain leapt over the broken wall to step behind the guard with an arrow through him as Tiri prayed for the blessing of Corellion over her companions.

A pair of arrows shot down from Alix into the mage at the center, immediately drawing his attention. The mage took several steps back and sent a fireball to the rooftop where Alix stood. The building went up in flames, backlighting the slayer as he quickly escaped to a connecting rooftop with a brilliant display of acrobatics managing to send one more arrow back into the mage!.

Several guards released townsfolk to turn and stride toward the chaos of the companions. As they began to bunch up, Alaric wielded his wand to select around Charlemagne, Rhain, and the townsfolk as his massive fireball washed over the guards! Four of the guards immediately fell to the flames, and several others were seared and blackened. One of the guards, despite his injuries, slashed deeply across Rhain, spraying her blood across Charlemagne! The noble Rallyhorn came to her defense, cutting the guard down with two fatal strikes of his flaming elven blade! Karlissa followed him in, locking her blade with another guard's as Tiri slipped up behind Rhain to mend some of her wounds.

Alaric took a proud step forward, his golden hair billowing in the wind and heat of the burning buildings around him, "Surrender now and we will spare your lives... otherwise you will end up like them." He gestured at the fallen guards burnt to ash as magic clung to his hands ready to be released. One of the lead guards shouted back, "Hereby by the Order of the Crown, stand down. You are all under arrest! All of you! Men, arrest them!" Charlemagne laughed mockingly in response knowing the real Sebathian had sent them to stop these men, waiting safely behind with Nalen.

An armored guard made his way through the building to confront Alix at the top. Coming in to try to arrest Charlemagne, one of the guards reached out only to be met with a quick block of his shield. The muscular warrior returned the attack with two heavy slashes with his fiery sword. Another barely got a nick on Karlissa. As the mage sent in a second fireball, Alaric released his magic to meet the fireball with his own to explode in the air safely above everyone. Tiri wove out her magic in an attempt to hold the mage in place, but he was able to shake off the magic.

Alix took a step back from the confronting guarding and released a double shot of lightning infused arrows! The guard managed to avoid the arrows, and the lightning seemed to absorb into his stylized black armor. Alaric released another powerful fireball, washing several guards in the flames! Another four fell to ash as a couple of others barely managed to stand with severe burns. "That is the true power of fire, hedgewizard," the golden haired sorcerer called out across the battlefield in a taunt to the mage guard.

 Rhain struck one of the guards surrounding Charlemagne with her blade just before Urd loosed an arrow to finish him off. Karlissa finished off a second one on the other side. One of the stylized black armored guards rounded the corner to slam his shield in the ground before striding toward Alaric with purpose while the mage guard turned to run and flee. "Do you see that?" Alaric called out, gesturing at the fleeing mage, "Your commander flees!" "I will report this incident," the mage called back as he ran. After a brief hesitation to chase after him, a wave of warm energy flowed out for Tiri, healing the wounds of all of her companions.

The guard bullrushed Alix on the rooftop, shoving him off! The young slayer fell to the ground, landing on his back to see the guard above him... holding his mace and staring down at him with intent. He made it back to his feet and moved closer to Alaric. The young sorcerer created a sphere of fire over the guard coming toward him, burning him severely! Enraged by the fire, the guard charged forward, slashing easily across Alaric's chest to spray his blood into a mist! Urd sent a double shot of arrows into the guard's back.

A leather armored guard charged in to cut Karlissa between her shoulder armor! Alix took a step back, shooting an arrow into the guard's thigh, but it didn't seem to slow him down as he followed him forward. A cone of fire lit off of Alaric's hands to wash over the guard still coming for him, burning him further! Charlemagne slashed through two more guards, dropping them both in an epic display before Urd followed behind him with a double shot of arrows to finish off another! With only the mage guard escaping, Karlissa and Rhain finished off the last guard standing.

The companions gathered the townsfolk together, Tiri healing their wounds as they asked what happened. "They were looking for prisoners who escaped," one of the citizens answered. Tiri blinked in surprise, "And they burned your town and attacked all of you over it?" "They did not believe us... I have never seen them so hard pressed," he answered, shaking his head. "I am sorry that we didn't make it here sooner," the blue haired elven woman laid a soft hand on his arm. He nodded to her, "I have never seen them come here in such numbers before." "You should hide in the forest," Alaric gestured back toward the woods, "There is an attempt being made for someone to usurp the throne." The citizen gasped, "Are you certain?" The young nobleman nodded, "We are going to make sure the King survives this attempt. You will know it is safe when the purple dragons come. Until then, beware of Releque's wrath and treachery." "Lord Releque is behind the attack on the King?" the townsman looked shocked, "These are bold accusations, m'lord." "It is a dark time, but we must leave before he sends more men back here," Alaric nodded. "Where will you go now?" he asked. "We go to find Releque and the reason for his traitorous actions," the golden haired sorcerer answered. "May the gods go with you. Long live King Azoun!" he answered, "Stay clear of Suzail. There are strange things afoot there. A disturbing fog has settled there. Some say the citadel has been cursed." "Hopefully things will be normal again soon," Tiri tried to assure him. "We thank you for your warning," Alaric nodded. "Long live the Company of the Phoenix," the citizen nodded.

Discovering that the prison guard had ridden in on horses, the company took enough horses to carry them all... leaving the rest of the horses for the grateful villagers. The townsman showed them where their ferry to get across the river was. A large wooden raft that they could draw to one side or another by rope. It took two trips to get them across, but they left during the daylight before any more men arrived.

Taking along a wagon to look more like a traveling caravan, the companions hid Sebathian and Katelyn inside with Nalen looking after them. Tiri and Alaric sat at the front of the wagon directing the horses while Charlemagne, Urd, Alix, and Karlissa rode horses along each of the corners as guards.

 As they grew within a 12 hour ride from Suzail, they could see a dark ominous cloud hanging over the entire city. Alaric pulled the curtain slightly open to speak with the king, "Sebathian, was that like this when you were taken?" "Certainly not," he shook his head, "I... I don't know what's happened." The sorcerer frowned, "We'll find out. Something must've happened to the purple dragons and the battle mages to have let this happen... Do you know of a secret passage into the palace?" "There are two hidden ways in," he nodded, "One of them is through underground tunnels directly into the palace by way of a produce farmer in the market place. There is also a magic gate in Knightswood that leads into the courtyard gardens." "Well... going back to Knightswood is a much longer trip, but the marketplace certainly presents more of a danger of being found," Tiri frowned. "I like the idea of the magic gate... but every minute counts," Alaric frowned, "I don't like giving Releque any more time to build up a defense... and I don't know what he's done with the princesses."

A patrol of 15 - 20 Suzail city guards rode through the area on heavy horses wearing the black tabards of Releque. The companions all looked at one another in shock. "Why would Releque's men be city guard?" Alaric frowned. "I could take them. You guys go on ahead," Charlemagne offered, his hand on the hilt of his blade. "Not yet. Let's just try to bluff our way past," Alaric disagreed.

The guard group rode up to greet them, "Hail. Where are you from?" "We are merchants from Arabel," Alaric spoke with confidence and townsfolk common accent, "We are here to pick up lumber. There was a bit of a problem with a festival and some homes need to be rebuilt." The guard nodded, "Be on your way then, but don't be on the road after dark." Charlemagne shushed his inner voice with a warrior-ish grunt. As they nudged their horses forward, one of the guards eyed the hilt of Charlemagne's blade for a long moment with mild recognition, "Nice sword." Charlemagne simply grunted and nodded, continuing to ride forward with the caravan disguise.

They made their way through the gate of Suzail. A dark misty fog hung in the air from the cloud. The ground was moist, and there were very few people moving in the streets. A heavy military presence was in the city... all were wearing Releque's tabards. Among the noble banners in the city, Releque's was the most prevalent. Looking around, there didn't seem to be any purple dragons in the city. Shops were open for business despite the lack of townsfolk on the roads. "We should stop to see the crazy lady at the magic shop," Alaric looked around. "She wasn't crazy! She was nice. She even painted you and put you on the wall of the shop!" Tiri chided him. "Yes, yes... she was very nice," Alaric conceded with a sigh.

"Boop boop boop boop," Avrae stuck his adorable golden head out of Tiri's pocket. She grinned, petting his head, "You want to go and see Jillian too?" He boopled happily, nodding his head. "Then let's go to her magic shop," the young priestess agreed, handing him a golden coin that he happily tucked away into her pocket with him. Alaric grumbled about the attention she paid to the tiny toy dragon, muttering something about gold coins. Tiri raised an eyebrow at him, "You get your own gold coins. Avrae earns his. He licks me at night." She brushed her cheek with her hand. "Boop boop boop," Avrae nodded his agreement. Alaric stood silent for a moment staring at her, before finally shaking his head, "I'm just going to leave that one alone." He muttered to himself as he directed the horses to a watering lot, "...wouldn't even have to give me gold." Tiri didn't seem to notice as she coddled her toy, giving it a kiss on the nose as she leapt down from the wagon.

Bits and Pieces was unusually quiet... The Rowenmantle products were still on the shelves and available... but there was no music... nothing was flying... nothing was magical about it... it just seemed like an ordinary shop. Jillian still welcomed them in with her normal cheerful demeanor. "Lady Rowenmantle, it's such a pleasure to see you again," Tiri smiled, still in disguise for traveling through town. Jillian squinted at her slightly, finally recognizing the blue eyed woman, "M'lady... Tiri." "You remember me!" the young elven priestess beamed... seeming not to notice that the magic shop owner was able to see through her disguise. "Yes," Jillian smiled, "How is that dragon of yours?" "He's fantastic! Avrae wanted to come back and visit you too," she opened her pocket, pulling the gold dragon free. "Boop boop boop boop!" he greeted the shop owner with glee. Jillian took him into her arms, stroking his head and neck lovingly, "He hasn't been selfish, has he?" "Boop boop boop!" Avrae shook his head. Tiri laughed in agreement, "Not at all. He counts my gold for me and he cuddles with me at night. He chatters with me and earns his keep." "Mmm cuddles too," Alaric grumbled to himself.

Avrae walked along the shelves, nudging the other dragons and toys that weren't moving. Tiri frowned sadly, "What happened here?" "Nothing!" Jillian shook her head quickly, "Nothing is amiss here." "Everything is amiss here," the young priestess disagreed, looking around. "Are you sure about that?" Alix tilted his head at the young noblewoman behind the counter. Jillian said nothing, pressing her lips together tightly. "It makes me very sad," Tiri wilted slightly. "I know," the young shop owner finally broke, "They... they've cracked down on everything..." "I seem to recall liking this place more... it's a shame," Alix shook his head as he looked around. Tiri put a soft hand over the other woman's, "We're here to fix it." "Shhhh!" Jillian quickly looked around as though expecting to hear the stomping march of guards at any moment, and then leaned in whispering quietly, "They take people away for saying such things."

Tiri nodded, "Are the princesses still in the palace?" "I haven't seen them in weeks," Lady Rowenmantle answered nervously. "That's not good news," Alix frowned. Alaric grumbled, "We can't ever leave Cormyr again." "We already have obligations to the Queen," Tiri reminded him. "Who? What queen? The elf queen?" Alaric blinked at her. The young priestess scowled at him, "How dare you!" "We'll get around to it," Alaric shrugged.

"Has there been anything strange going on with the king recently?" Alix asked. "Shhhh!" Jillian peered nervously again at the windows. Charlemagne leaned on the counter, "Spies everywhere?" She nodded to the warrior, leaning closer to whisper, "Something is wrong with the king... He isn't acting like himself." The strong warrior nodded, holding up a note of paper with "We know" written on it. "He isn't himself," Tiri whispered, shaking her head. "Has he been ensorcled? Bewitched?" Jillian asked, looking at each of the companions who shook their heads. "Replaced," Alaric answered. "Nonsense! How could anyone do such a thing?" the young shop owner looked skeptical, "He's the King." "Is he?" Alex raised an eyebrow. "We really have to have a talk with his security people," Alaric agreed. "They... suck!" she shook her head, "How can I help you?" "Well," Tiri paused for a moment, "We need to put the real one back. So..." "I don't have one of those," Jillian shook her head. Tiri replied quickly, "We do." "Really?" she blinked at her. Tiri nodded, "We just need to know what's going on in the palace." "There is foul... evil... magic afoot. Dark," Jillian frowned. "We noticed the cloud coming in," the blue eyed priestess gestured upward, nodding. "I don't know how else to help you," the young shop owner shook her head. "You did your best," Alix encouraged her. Tiri nodded her agreement, "We appreciate your support."

Alaric asked, "When did the mist descend on the city?" "It's actually new... it just started 4 days ago... maybe 5," Jillian answered. "Where are all of the Purple Dragons?" the young sorcerer inquired further. "I think they were disbanded... and replaced with the king's guards. Some of them may be the same men... just in the new uniform," she answered, "Lord Releque became head of the military. He is the master general." "When did this promotion happen?" Alaric asked. "A month ago? At least several weeks," she answered, "It was a new position created. We haven't seen the king since the wedding." "Okay... so where is Nilyniel? Ily'Aleera? Al'Ashay?" Tiri asked. "The last time we seen any of them was when Lord Goldsword's mother was arrested," Jillian gestured at Alaric. "Where were they during that?" the young priestess asked. "Arguing on her behalf," the shop owner answered. "And they just disappeared after that?" Tiri inquired further. Jillian nodded, "Yes. We have not seen any of them." "We should go before we cause any trouble for you," Alaric suggested, gathering the company together. "If something comes to me... this blue dragon," Jillian picked up a blue dragon toy and set him in her front window, "He will be dancing." Tiri nodded, "We'll have someone watching and will come to you as soon as possible." "Thank you," Alix nodded. Jillian nodded, "Thank you." "Is there anything we can do for you?" Tiri asked. "Free the town," the young shop owner nodded, "from this... anchor... that's slowly drowning us." The companions nodded and bid her farewell.

They returned to the wagon to relay information to Sebathian, Urd, and Katelyn who were waiting behind with Nalen and Karlissa. "How do you wish to proceed, my King?" Alaric asked, "We could slip into the palace and kill the imposter... How would you have your humble servants move forward on this?"

 "You have done very well before I came along... I would not want to interfere with your natural planning process," Sebathian nodded. Alaric bowed, "Clearly the shadowvar are involved... It seems they have been planning this for awhile. They used the assassination attempt in addition to the rousing of the orcs as key distractions... to pull the military out of Suzail." "How do we strike back at //them//?" the young adventurer turned king asked. "Well first we'll have to get you back on the throne... which of course involves breaking into the palace and killing the impostor," Alaric answered, "As well as the princesses." "How dangerous are these shadowvar?" Sebathian asked, "What kind of fight can we expect from this impostor?" "Well... we did fight one... He was a pretty powerful sorcerer, but he was alone," the sorcerer answered, "But of course, like anyone else, their power depends on their experience and skill." Sebathian nodded, "Catching him unaware sounds like a good plan." Alaric nodded, "Whomever casted this spell over the city is particularly potent. That I can assure you. Whether that person is here or not, I do not know. Regardless... we still have to rescue the princesses. Nilyniel is the only one that I know who could potentially dispel the cloud hanging over the city... especially if we can get her with the other battle mages. So... let's go see this produce merchant of yours before this gets any worse. The cloud seems to be affecting the minds of the people." "It is depressing," the king agreed.

"I'm going to check in with the King's Blades. See if I can find out what's going on from the inside," Rhain volunteered, "I'll try to get into a position to help you." "Please be careful," Alaric instructed her. Rhain smirked, "That almost sounded like you care." "You're one of my company. We are like family," he answered sincerely, "There is no greater tie that binds."

The group arrived at Jacob the grocer's shop. There were rows of vegetables and fruits in crates. Charlemagne rubbed two melons and winked over at Urd. Playing along, she picked up a cucumber. Alaric shook his head and handed the skilled archer a carrot instead. Charlemagne smirked and picked up an eggplant. Tiri laughed at their banter and continued on to greet Jacob's two young daughters. A group of guards walked by on patrol. "Is your father here?" Alaric asked the girls as he joined the priestess. "Yes, sir," the elder girl answered, escorting the group back to Jacob. "Good evening, sir," Alaric nodded in greeting, "Can you tell me the price of your water?" "Water is a precious commodity now days," the grocer nodded, "How much are you looking for?" Sebathian nodded to him, disguised and unrecognizable, "Service for nine." Jacob nodded, counting the group. He led them to the back where he pulled a rug back to expose a trap door in the floor.

Alix went down first, looking for traps. Charlemagne followed him down, lighting the waiting lantern with his flaming sword. The others moved into a line as they went down through the tunnels. As they moved deeper, a lantern was lit on a far wall and a figure walked toward them silhouetted in the light. Charlemagne doused the lantern, and everyone froze in place. A feminine voice called out, "Who's there?" Tiri recognized the drow accent, "Quarrelle, it's Tiri." "Thank the gods," the young drow replied. Charlemagne re-lit the lantern and held it up as she came closer, revealing that she was missing an eye from a slash across her face! "This will not stand," the warrior furrowed his eyebrows, "What happened?" "I didn't take the Lady Goldsword's arrest very well," Quarrelle explained, nodding in greeting toward Katelyn. Alaric nodded, "Neither did my father so I hear." The drow nodded, "I have your sisters." "Are they safe?" Alix asked. "Yes. They're staying at the Wyvernspur estate," Quarrelle answered, "No one knows that they're there except me."

Quarrelle sighed, shaking her head, "It's not him..." "We know," Charelemagne smiled, gesturing toward Sebathian, "He's right here." "That's a grand disguise," Quarrelle nodded to the king. "My lady, if you don't mind," Alaric turned to her, "When's the last time that I spoke with you and what did I say?" "We spoke in the elven city. I told you of your mother... and then you told me you'd meet me on the road, but you never showed," she answered. Alaric grinned, "I did send a messenger. I apologize. We ran into some trouble, but we managed to free my mother. Perhaps we can send her to the safety of the Wyvernspurs." Nalen nodded, "I would be glad to escort her." Alaric nodded to him with appreciation.

"So the shadowvar have replaced the king... though with what, I am not sure," Alaric nodded to Quarrelle, "but clearly Lord Releque is in on it." "Clearly," the young drow agreed. "Do you know what happened to the princesses?" the golden haired nobleman asked, "I heard they were at my mother's arrest, but haven't been seen since. Were they imprisoned? Sent away?"  "They are... in keeping... he hasn't had the audacity to lock them in the dungeons, but they are locked away," she answered, "Well all except Al'ashay and Nilyniel who made it out... along with an un-numbered group of war mages." "That's good news," Tiri nodded, "Hopefully they may be able to help." "That has been the first line of my prayers," Quarrelle agreed. "Is Ily'Aleera alright?" Alaric asked, "I can't imagine she is very happy to be his fiance. Is she in the palace?" The young drown nodded, "I have seen her there." "We must rescue her right away," the sorcerer nodded, "And burn Releque to a crisp." "The palace has become a very dangerous place," Quarrelle warned. "What about my brother?" Tiri asked, "Is he still the same?" "He was sent away... I don't know where," she answered. A cold steel rage lit in the young priestess's eyes like white fire. Alaric put a hand on her shoulder, "Are you feeling up to burning him down?" Tiri's voice was cold, "He was already responsible for the arrow... Releque doesn't have enough years of his life to pay for what he has done." Charlemagne patted her back, "We'll make a hat rack out of him." Alaric's face grimaced at the thought, but the young elven woman smiled and nodded.

"Do you think you can get us inside?" Alaric turned back to the drow spy. Quarrelle nodded, "I can get you in. Guards patrol regularly." "Not if they're dead, they wont," Charlemagne put a hand on the hilt of his blade. "That's what it will take," she nodded to him. "I'd rather not kill everyone... these are the purple dragons. Hopefully they're still loyal to the king... they just don't know that the one they're serving is false," Alaric frowned. "Perhaps we'll be able to use the real king to turn them around," Charlemagne replied.

Quarrelle nodded, "We should take the time to collect some allies. Perhaps spread out rumors of a false king... gain a rebellion of sorts." Tiri nodded to her, "I like it." Alaric agreed, "Sebathian would know his most loyal retainers. We should approach them first, revealing his identity, and explain what is going on. Even the most unobservant of your friends would surely recognize that the man on the throne is highly different than the man they knew before. Claiming that the man on the throne is an impostor surely wouldn't be a stretch." Quarrelle nodded her agreement.

Tiri frowned, "What happened to Azoun?" "We fear that he is either locked away in the dungeons... or killed," the young drown answered, "but I will contact those whom I know in the shadowsmiths and see if I can find Al'Ashay or Nilyniel." Alix nodded, "In the meantime perhaps we can work to start spreading rumors of the false king." Quarrelle nodded, "Yes, raise the rebellion. If you wish to preserve as many lives as possible... then we shall create doubt." Everyone nodded their agreement.

Alaric turned to Sebathian, "If you could tell Quarrelle who your most trusted of the courts are... then perhaps she could get some of them here. We can reveal you to them and perhaps they could even get messages to the princesses that we're coming... and possibly get messages back to us. We will need to rescue them first when we enter the palace. He would easily use them as hostages, so we need to get them out."

"What are the guard patrols like?" Alix asked. "They run in 3 cycles of 8 hour shifts," Quarrelle answered, "They patrol the hallways of the palace. Nothing too out of the ordinary... but they are well trained." "Some of them have to already realize that something is wrong," Alaric suggested. "They have been murmurs," the young drown agreed. "Then we shall make them louder," Tiri nodded. Quarrelle agreed, "If the King can get me that list... I'll start working on gathering those allies. Let's get out of this tunnel."

"It has been good to see you, Quarrelle," Tiri smiled as they walked back out of the tunnels. "I am overjoyed to see all of you," the young drow nodded. "Keep your eye open," Charlemagne grinned at her. Quarrelle shook her head, "I was waiting for something like that." "You are making all kinds of friends tonight," Alaric clapped his cousin on the back, "I'm sure we can get that healed when this is all over with." The young drow spy nodded, "I rather like the white eye... but the scar... the scar could go. We should be most welcome at the Wyvernspur estate. The Goldsword estate sits empty if you wish to send a small group there." Alaric nodded, "It is not as important as resolving the king problem."