Places of interest

Madam's Murkfish 

Best thing to come out of the Murk

Get your fresh murkfish here, a local delicacy exclusively sold here.

Prices range from common (a few zib) to opulent (a zino), depending on how refined you want your fish.

Primeground's Clothery

To be the best, dress like the best
While Shademurk has other clothing stores, if one wants to look like they know how to dress,
they would be best served paying a visit here.
Prices are moderate to high here, with top-tailored articles going for as much as 20 zino.

Xendros' Pleasantries

Buy a soul from the devil
I might be a tiefling, but my wares are a steal. Whatever you need, we do our utmost to provide it.
Prices are normal, for the items required.

Empty Net 

The best hangover this side of the Rubblebelt.
Not every bar needs to be prim and proper. If you want real ale and hardy folk that can take a punch,
give your new and old pal Kreb a visit.
Prices are low, get it while it is good.

The Snapping Line
Retire from a long day of work in the relaxing atmosphere of this inn.
The best place for out-of-towners and regulars alike, the Line has lodgings and a tavern.
Light lunches and heavier dinners with ingredients procured fresh daily.
Prices are modest, with full board at 1 zino per day. 

Wicker Goat

Bleat with a pair of old soldiers as you warm yourself near our fire.
Run by Mister Kurrid, you know what you are in for at the Goat. Clean fun and good drinks.
Make sure to try 'the Barn', our newest brew!
Prices are low, spirits are high. An average evening sets you back 50 zib.

Copperhead Mining Company Smithy
We will do anything to anything, as long as it is metal.

Manistrad's wonderful craftsfolk are at your service, from heavy duty forging to intricate metalworks,
we have you covered. (Ha! Armour pun!)
Prices are hefty, but so are our skills.

Keledek's Potions and Assorted

It rubs the lotion on its skin, or else it gets the verruca again.
When life has you down, arrows pour into you as though you are a magnet or your leg fell off*,
Keledek has just the pick-me-up you need. Hesitate not and buy some today, for tomorrow might be too late!
We ask the going rate for cures. 
(*we might not be able to restore legs, but we offer a variety of wooden simulacra)

Kester's Leathers
Good leather. Ten zeno. 
Kester leather. Good leather. Buy pelt. You come Kester. Sell pelt. You come Kester.
Good leather. Ten zeno.
Good leather. Ten zeno.

Lady Hammersmith's Tea House
The finest establishment for both early and high tea. 
If you seek to escape the hustle and bustle of your husband's work, or to catch up with the tales of the town, you will find a wide variety of options at Lady Hammersmith's Tea House.  
Prices are high, but justifiably so.

Snacks and Luncheons
Elaborately crafted treats, specifically for the discerning palate.
While we charge dearly for the treats brought forth by our exclusive Azorius-trained chefs, these measures keep out the lower classes and ensure the best service every single time for our esteemed guests. 
Afforably priced culinary adventures.

Le Foque Embercadero
Join us in a Jeux de Boules!
Carefree and stylish mingling, come and throw your worries away. 
And while you are here, try our delicious cocktails! 
Cheaper than you'd think, expensive enough to keep the streets out. 

Shademurk: Crashing the party

Players: Vultha / Rollo / Iskren / Taurion / Sorval / Amyas

Xivaskir 3 -5

I think I can procure some supplies for 2 gold ~ Lisanne

Having been asked to  attend a posting at the Shademurk, Taurion, Amyas and Sorval head out together with recently promoted Lisanne and added escort Thihm. They travel to the 'murk on foot and on the back of Nodorog.

I eat the entire boar ~ Vultha

Meanwhile, the Gruul pair enjoy a flight on the back of a large gargoyle, intend on keeping them aloft until Iskren is debriefed at the Orzhov seat of Pontiff Dzora. After taking in the sights for a while, they arrive at the Dzora Basilica and are treated to a buffet in order to restore their spirits.
Iskren joins up as they are eating, and eventually they head to the gargoyle in order to reach their new destination, which Iskren is "uniquely qualified" to lend assistance to.

Xivaskir 6

Avaras Vac. Sudera Vac. Nuhage Su Rento Gash. ~ Omnious whispers

The Boros troupe arrives, only to see the Orzhovian gargoyle be shot down over the Murk by a mysterious airship. As they rush to the aid of the unfortunate party, Sorval notices his Boros symbol cracking once he enters the swamp.
At the base of an old chapel, the two groups meet up as eerie whispers announce the arrival of a gang of zombies intend on adding them to their number. A single ghost-like entity seems to be commanding the undead.

Heed my will to you I bind ~ Inscription on an old coin

Iskren, undaunted by these creatures, attempts to bring forth the power of the Orzhov to turn them, but fails to do so due to damage to his holy symbol, much like the one held by Sorval.
It does turn out that both clerics carry an item that can be used instead of their Guild-symbols and they soon turn to these for divine aid.
The groups, working in an uneasy tandem, manage to defeat the attackers and seek to explore the chapel before heading to Shademurk.

The Shadow Mage's Bane lies upon you! ~ A curse used by Carthelion's followers

Moderately overconfident, Rollo jumps in through one of the broken chapel windows and is set upon by three shades. The dragonborn falls, but his new-found allies rally around his unconscious form and defeat these enemies as well.
An inspection of the chapel shows it to have been a shrine to the Wanderer, a mysterious entity wielding a single-edged blade. While power remains here still, it would seem the gaze of the deity has left this place, allowing for the shades to lay an ambush for unsuspecting visitors.

If I wanted someone to kiss my ass, I'd hire someone to do it. ~ Eda

Arriving in the town, the party briefs Thihm of the happenings and is sent forth to meet the mayor of Shademurk, a curt lady known as Eda, who seems immune to the charms of Iskren. She speaks of a haunted dwelling west of town and asks the arrivals to look into it.
The party, exhausted from their battles, seeks shelter for the night.

Dramatis Personae [Shademurk]

Eda Oweland

Age: 124          

Race: Human

Allegiance: Golgari

Occupation: Mayor of the Shademurk

Eda has spent most of her life out on the rotfarms, working herself as hard as any of the farmers in order to increase the productivity of the land. Once her hair gained a respectable grey colour and her skin took on the brown/grey hue that one gets from working the rotfarms, she ran for mayor. 

The people love her honesty and direct approach to things, but tend to be wary of her sharp tongue.

Eda has a small group of Kraul mercenaries that assist the Boros in maintaining the peace. 

As a side-venture, Eda also owns the Madam's Murkfish, one of the few places that prepares the local delicacy to high standards. 

She has a friendly rival in Gellan Primeground (Orzhov).

Gellan Primeground

Age: 140

Race: Human

Allegiance: Orzhov

Occupation: Merchant

Gellan is a merchant born and bred, his family's business provides most of the textiles used in and around Shademurk. Many of the locals enjoy his presence not only because of his jovial air and delightful conversation he makes, but also because he throws the most amazing parties. 

He is also the Orzhovian representative when it comes to religious matters, providing funds for the local temple and claiming taxes for the Syndicate.

Gellan has a renowned chef, a beautiful mansion and a lot of friends. He employs both local workers and thrulls.

The main place to buy his wares is Primeground's Clothes, but one can usually find them in stock at other places as well.

Gellan is said to have wanted to become mayor, but decided not to run against Eda Oweland.

Eliander Fireborn

Age: 207

Race: Dragonborn

Allegiance: Boros

Occupation: Captain of the Guard

In the his younger days, Eliander was a front-line combat specialist. Promotion after promotion saw him attain the rank of Commander-General. On his own request, he was posted out in the Rubblebelt to track down dangerous criminals and fight rampaging monsters for over a century, but he eventually was forced to retire from that posting after losing a leg. His reputation being such, he was brought in to Shademurk as captain of the guard and has acquited himself well for over fifty years now. 

He owns a little library that accumulated over the years and spends his time off learning new languages, collecting books and not involving himself with local politics, though he thinks the Mizzium mines are a good way to diversify the income of the town.

Manistrad Copperhead

Age: 45

Race: Goblin

Allegiance: Izzet

Occupation: Senior Mining Researcher, Shademurk Branch

Manistrad used to be a guard at the Laboratory of Plasmo-Dermatology, trained for both combat and research, she proved herself at a young age to be better than her kin and was granted an audience with the Firemind himself after suggesting an improvement to the Nano-grafting procedure. 

Within a few weeks, she found herself assigned to the new Mizzium Mine in the vicinity of Shademurk, where she has been working and gathering raw Mizzium ore for nearly ten years now.

Manistrad is said to be an indiscriminate employer, going so far as to employ faeries. She gets results though, so slowly but surely, she is building a trading company under her own name, including a fleet of cargo airships designed by herself, the Copperhead Bugs.

Thihm 
Age: 34
Race: Minotaur
Allegiance: Boros
Occupation: Barbarian

Not all bull are made the same way, and Thihm has always been eyed a little askew by the others in the herd. He discovered a fondness for the human tradition of inking the skin, so he decided to emulate the others and put a tattoo on his shoulder.

While is eccentricity might be off-putting to those who are new to him, he will try and befriend almost anyone, frequently chipping in to pay for pot and pint at a local alehouse. 
Wields two axes in combat.

Lisanne
Age: 45
Race: Human
Allegiance: Boros
Occupation: Sergeant

Lisanne has been with the legion since she graduated. She has, however, only received dull postings due to some issues her family had with a local captain. Because of this, she turned to drinking whenever she could get away with it. This had a rather bad effect on her coinpurse and led to a career in creative solutions to get the alcohol while still adhering strictly to the letter of the law.

Lisanne's greatest assets are an ability to discover which way the wind of fortune blows and a keen ear in local taverns, which all seem to have a natural fondness of the woman before long.  

Erves Hulgren
Age: 86
Race: Human
Allegiance: Orzhov
Occupation: Butler - Head of staff

Not much is known about Erves currently, other than his penchant for not sleeping enough. He works as a butler at Gellan Primeground's Estate.

Thaya
Age: 21
Race: Human
Allegiance: Orzhov
Occupation: Maid

Thaya was born in the Shademurk proper, a child of two servants, she's had a pretty simple life thus far. She has been working at the estate since she turned 15, her parents did not have enough coin to pay for higher education, but Gellan has found her to be a hard worker. 

Favourite food: crispy bacon    

Anders Solmor
Age: 35
Race: Human
Allegiance: None
Occupation: Landlord

Though rather young, mainly due to his parents having died, Anders owns a lot of property in and around Shademurk, but also a herd of brushstriders. He also runs Solmor's Sausages and Wholefoods, a popular stop for all in need of a decent meal.

Frances Moore

Age: 86

Race: Human, up to at least ten generations

Allegiance: Azorius

Occupation: Historian

Somewhat of a scholar, Frances seeks information about anything and everything, claiming to have known fathers, mothers and other relatives in order to obtain it.

Pharom

Age: 79

Race: Vedalken

Allegiance: Azorius

Occupation: Arrester

Pharom was assigned to oversee the laws being obeyed in Shademurk and has taken to this task with great relish.

Ojay Jay

Age: 25
Race: Goblin
Allegiance: Money
Occupation: Entrepreneur

Ojay, son of Ijay, son of Ejay, is a third generation moneyhunter. He will try his hand at odd jobs just because they might bring in a profit. His goal in life, apart from acquiring as much gold as he can get his hands on, appears to be starting an orange farm, due to his like of citrus fruits. He has also been experimenting with accessories crafted from used products, but thus far has not seen a significant return on that investment. 

Owns his own horse and cart, various costumes and enjoys hanging out in the Wicker Goat.
Ojay is lactose intolerant, but probably unaware of it.

Kreb Schenker
Age: 98
Race: Half-elf
Allegiance: Nominally Orzhov
Occupation: Barkeeper

Mister Schenker runs the Empty Net, a low-repute establishment where beverages are served and needs are serviced. Though he thinks of himself as glib and sly, most of those he would call regulars are well on to his schemes. Still, the beer he serves is good and the rates are low. 
As an added service, Kreb also collects tithes for the local church, though he as oft forgets to donate to the poor as he remembers. 

(Old) Foghorn
Age: 214
Race: Minotaur
Allegiance: Gruul
Occupation: taster of beverages

Last seen under a table in the Empty Net or stumbling through town, depending on the time of day. Few people know where Foghorn gets the money to keep drinking, and it seems that suits him just fine.

Wallflower
Age: 35 (maybe)
Race: Loxodon
Allegiance: Guildless
Occupation: Lady of the Night

Serving a wide variety of clients, Wallflower works at the Empty Net. She has a reputation of being a highly capable illusionist, taking on guises that might please her customers.

Aille d'Ezimas
Age: 54
Race: Human
Allegiance: Selesnyan
Occupation: Priestess to Freyalise

Found in the recesses of a simic hideout, Aille was held captive together with a bard and a red-haired youth. She is related to a friend of Eliander and appears to be a devout follower of her deity.

Firebelly & Ewolk

Age: uncertain
Race: Viashino
Allegiance: Unaligned
Occupation: Ex-diplomats

Trapped as they were sent out by their Queen to foster trade with the people city, Firebelly and Ewolk are certain their death awaits them if they ever return to the Burrows. They have, therefore, chosen to join the crew of the Onyx Fang, though they suspect this leaves them in debt to the masked one.

The Vigilant Flame

Party:
Amyas / Taurion / Sorval

Notes from a bored barmaid

Quaegar 30
Quiet days, quiet nights. The new batch of recruits is coming in tomorrow though. 
It might be a nice change of pace.
Lisanne spent some time here drinking with Zlosky. He picked up her expenses for the evening.
Leaves her down about twenty zib, but she'll be good for it, she says.
Thihm sat on one of the barstools again. Broke it. Again. Charged him.  Again.
I get it, he used to be Gruul before being adopted into our ranks, but still.
Fresh faces cannot come by soon enough.

In what was to be a boring and uneventful first posting at the Vigilant Flame, educational only for the recently graduated, took a turn for the worse as a local crime-boss known as Grabbey Nimblefingers was arrested. The group of new recruits learned the lay-out of the gatehouse and met a couple of its fixtures, stopping to chat with the archer Lisanne and a grumpy goblin cleric going by the name of Gliss. Having been pointed in the direction of the local tavern, the Angel's Hand, they went there to quench their thirst.
While the afternoon gave way to the oncoming night, friends of the prisoner tried to break him out, leading to the new trio being sent out to stop them.

The last words of Hurl Nimblefingers


They was a group. Three. Dangerous. Very dangerous. One with a great axe. Smashing and cleaving. One with fire that burned. One with strange magics. They kill my friends. We was to break free Grabbey, but no. We have no chance. Still, we went so... you pay? You pa-

With the attention of most of the guard focused on the combat outside, a group of Rakdos cultists broke in, killed a few guards and assassinated the prisoner. The party, making its way back to the bar, noticed something was off and caused the cultists to call for aid... which came in the form of a massive demonic being.
Bringing the initial charge to a halt, the party managed to secure valuable time for the guards to regroup and chase off the demon.


Notes from a bored barmaid
  Xivaskir1
Lisanne is up to her old tricks again, sending newlings in to pick up her tab.
Charged them ten zib for the drinks, each. They seemed happy to comply.
Paid in silver, mind you. Where the newlings get such money, I cannot fathom, but still... 
makes for an easy week on my end. 
Lots of ruckus outside come evenfall. I think I saw a demon fly by at some point.

The next day, the young recruits are held a little in shelter, as to not endanger them too much while structural repairs ought to take place. They stay at the Angel's Hand and chat a bit with Thihm, a minotaur barbarian who serves in the Flame as well. A cry of alarm ends this rest and the party rushes out to assist in defending an Azorius envoy from a Rakdos carnival.
In the end, having saved the envoy, Captain Zok gives the party his word he will write a recommendation to Archangel Razia herself, asking for their relocation to a safer post, given all the danger they were put it out here.

Notes from a bored barmaid

Xivaskir 2
They drew the attention of Thihm at some point. Poor souls.
Don't know why one would hang around with ... I mean ... he shaved his shoulder to get it tattooed?
Which self-respecting minotaur would do such a thing?
At least they kept him away from the barstools. 
Might have been the one that was with them. 
Thihm never really got along with the others. 
There was a huge fight out front. 
Turns out there really was a demon, brought an entire rakdos gang to attack some azorius chick.
Looks like the captain wants to be rid of those who bring this much trouble to his quiet place.
Pretty sure I will miss those bringers of silver.


From the office of Captain Avarius Zok

To Lady Razia,
Regarding: new recruits - transfer

An assault was made on the Flame in order to free a prisoner.
This was halted on street level by the new recruits (cadets Amyas, Sorval, Taurion).
Suppressing fire by soldier Lisanne.
Minimal violence resulted in four casualties.
No damage was sustained.

Under the cover of the combat, a group of Rakdos cultists infiltrated the Gatehouse.
The prisoner (number 354165, Grabbey Nimblefingers) was found slain.
Upon discovery, the cultists summoned forth a demon of great stature (currently recorded as number 354702, labeled armed and dangerous), which destroyed one of the gates before being driven off.
Use of force authorized by Sergeant Vaski.
Various casualties, including three of our own (soldiers Hiss, Fiss, officer Darvi).
Costs for the funeral services can be found attached.
Costs for the repairs can be found attached.

The passage of Lady Claudia of the Seven Spires (in function as High Arrester of the Lyev Column) drew back the demon with a small carnival.
Defensive measures were taken as soon as the ambush was noted.
The cadets fought alongside soldiers Thihm and Lisanne.
Medic Gliss was sent out alongside these.
Use of force authorized by both the Azorius representative and myself.
Minimal casualties on our side, opposing force destroyed.
Suspect 354702 fled the scene as his followers were routed.
Costs for repatriations due to fire and structural damage can be found attached.

In order to strengthen our forces, I request the exchange of the cadets for veterans.
The cadets would be well off gaining more experience in the Shademurk.
They are found to be reliable and capable of thought in face of a crisis.
I have high expectations for them.

Avariel Zok
Captain of the Vigilant Flame
The Winding Tunnel