In a special performance , Dyskko added a new installment to his ongoing saga of the Dungeon Divas.  Known for what he calls “‘special effects,” his story-telling incorporates bardic magic to make you feel you are part of the story.

In true Dyskko style, audience members felt the heat of Moltenwing the Dragon.  They cried along with Buzz, as he wondered what to do after the death of his mentor, Indira.  The audience cheered when the Divas freed the Shackled Ones from the Great Tree.

Dyskko says this was a final ending to the Divas saga. “I’m ready for something new now.”  Even though his tales have always been fantastical, they have still been grounded in reality.  “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to travel amongst the stars.  I’ve also wondered what if there were no magic? Yes, I think I’ll turn my tales toward some of these ideas.”

Character Epilogues

After killing the beholder Orbius who had posed as Oskar Vhalantru for the last 15 years, the Divas were at a crossroads.  Are there enough people left in the Org Chart of Evil to fulfill their plans?  Do we stop here, or do we pursue them further?  Or do we need to get back to helping the evacuees from Cauldron rebuild?

The Divas made a final attempt to visit the Fiery Sanctum.  There, they discovered that Rmongor had killed all the Shackled Ones in the Tree and no more energy was being channeled.  Looking at the Org Chart of Evil, they realized all the people left to kill were people they hadn’t met.  Where would they be? The Divas spent time at the Church of Pelor reviewing their notes, organizing their supplies and inventorying their loot.  After a long day of discussion, the decision was clear: Use the loot to invest in the City of Cauldron, help the people rebuild, and stay wary for the Cagewrights should they start on the next phase of their plan.

Myntilly – Hoping to spark some renewed energy into the local economy, Myntilly purchased an abandoned building in the NW Business District of Cauldron.  She refitted the ground floor with her own Tatoo Parlor, and moved into the second floor apartment.  Inspired by her leadership, many young adventurers come to discuss their dreams and plans and ask Myntilly for her wisdom while she inks.  Even Cora Lanthanmire has been spotted getting a tatoo.

Sadi – Was last seen heading out of town.  Her plans are to travel to Sasserine, then spend some quiet time traveling along the coast.  “I hope to purchase a small boat and spend some quiet time in peaceful reflection.”  The year has been hard on Sadi, dying not once, but twice, and reincarnated twice.  It puts a touch of darkness on you.  Then spending so much time either underground or in a big city has been difficult.  “I come from a long line of gypsies.  I need to spend some time roaming.”

Ian and Brus – Returned to Kingfisher Hollow.  This city grew a bit following the evacuation of Cauldron.  Many people moved there, thinking it would be temporary, but fell in love with the Amedio forest on the border.  “Now that the town is a bit bigger, there’s a lot I can do here.  There’s a lot of new construction that I can help with, and we can start a second druid hall on the other end of the town.”  There is still some strange sounds coming from the forest, and rumors of undead, but Ian feels up to the challenge.

Acgar – Has become a new prominent figure in the Cauldron Town Guard.  Acgar has become Lead Trainer for the Magical Threats Agency.  “Quinlan had a good idea with this organization, but they need better discipline if they’re going to respond to threats.  That, and they need some strong analysis tools to investigate evidence left behind.”  Acgar is developing a new field called “forensics.”  It also helps the new recruits pay attention when she mentions that she keeps a killer frog in a box.

Indira – It’s taken some time for her his fellow clerics to get used to the new dwarf body, but Indira continues to work to spread the good word of Pelor.  Kristoff remains as head cleric of the Church, and continuing to lead the young headstrong Indira will be a continuing challenge.  Thankfully, Indira has the goblins and Buzz to keep her busy.

Buzz – Speaking of Buzz, he is working to bridge new ties between the differing churches of Cauldron.  The new head cleric at the Temple of Wee Jas, is rebuilding temple after the construction accident last solstice.  Buzz is working to negotiate a construction plan that will be a tribute to Wee Jas without blocking the Church of Pelor from the rising sun.  He is also working toward more unity between all the worshipping halls (to St. Cuthbert, Kord, Wee Jas, Fharlaghn, Pelor) in preparation for this winter’s Flood Festival.  “Last winter there was rivalry between the worshippers and Cauldron really suffered.  This winter will be different.”  Ah Buzz, remember when we first met him?

Elvis Krylscar- For his leadership and commitment to the City of Cauldron, Elvis was awarded a Key to the City. (Standing next to him are at left, Severen Navalant, Mayor, newly returned to the city and at right Quinlan Ghelve, Captain of the Town Guard).  He continues to grow in his leadership role on the City Council.  Sounds like he’ll run for Mayor again.

It seemed like a good idea. “Let’s go see Dyskko perform at the Brass Trumpet!” Who knew that it would be the death of one of us?

As you can see, it was a setup.

We settled in to our seats. Buzz and I found seats right up front. Acgar was behind us and Various wandered up (invisible) to stand beside Acgar. As you can see in the picture, Ian was on Buzz’s left. Sadi, as usual, hung back by the door. It turns out that was a damned good thing.

I’d like to think that Dyskko had nothing to do with this. We will know more in the morning when we question him and the two surviving assassins. It was an innocent evening out in Cauldron. A spoken word concert at the Brass Trumpet, our old friend Dyskko performing. I asked Buzz to come along. I wanted the Divas to see how far he’d come in his training. I hoped that I could convince Buzz and my friends that we could use a secondary healer.

Dyskko saw us come in. He came running over and gave me a big hug. I introduced him to Buzz. He was drinking one of those god-awful Cauldron Sunrises that he likes so much. Fruity, sugary, non-alcoholic…. why bother? We chatted for a few minutes and then he excused himself to get back to setting up the stage. As he left Buzz leaned over and said “What was that he was drinking?” I nodded. “It’s a Cauldron Sunrise. I know, gross huh? Why bother if there is no alcohol?” Buzz pulled back to look at me. “Um, you didn’t smell his breath? I thought I might get a contact high.”

Before I could explore this mystery, the house lights dimmed. The stage lights glowed and grew bright. Dyskko had learned a few new tricks since I’d seen him last. Suddenly the heavy beat of a drum filled the air. I felt like I was inside a beating heart. I suddenly felt exhausted. My limbs grew heavy and my breastplate felt like a boulder on my chest. I was overcome with a sense of embarrassment. A big bad hero gets overwhelmed by a little music? I tried to inconspicuously remove my breastplate. I thought I would topple over if I tried to stand, so I slumped sideways and undid the clasps. Acgar leaned forward, hand on my shoulder, “What’s wrong?” she yelled in my ear. “Weak.” I managed to say.

Later she told me that she assumed I’d been hit by a ray of enfeeblement. She cast around, sensing evil in several places in the room. The strongest was from the two gentlemen at the table in front of us. That was odd, we mused later, since they did not attack us.

Dyskko was finishing his tale about the sea serpent. I wish Cinder had been there to hear it. The crowd clapped wildly. As the noise died down, I heard Sadi yell from the back “Hydra! Hydra!” Dyskko smiled. “Well, I hadn’t prepared the Hydra story but…..” And he launched into the story of the Hydra. He hadn’t gotten very far when a hail of ice shards rained down on us. It seemed centered on our table. Buzz was knocked down by a few large chunks. I felt blood on the side of my face. Acgar came up beside me. “You’ve been hurt badly. Hold on.” And she laid hands on me. I felt instantly better. “Thank you, my friend.”

The crowd began to move. People were panicked by the ice. Suddenly the house lights came on. Dyskko jumped off the stage and ran to the two men in front of us.

I couldn’t hear him over the noise, but he was shaking his head and waving his arms. I leaned down to Buzz. He was just sitting up. “Here” I said as I healed him. And then I moved towards my old friend Dyskko. I was thankful that I’d shed my breastplate. I could actually move with some speed without the weight of it.

Once I was standing beside Dyskko, looking out at the crowd, I got a new perspective on what was happening. People were running to the exit, jumping out the windows. It was madness. As I watched, I saw that some people were coming into the building. At the time I had no idea if they were friend or foe. Another wave of ice fell from the ceiling. I saw that a group of people off to the right of the stage had all waved their arms in unison as the spell began. A whole group of assassin spell casters? God help us!

Sadi had, as usual, kept a cool head. I could see her outside the building shooting in through the broken window. As her arrows hit the group of spell casters , they popped out of existence. I did not have time to puzzle that out. The ice had hurt me badly. I turned my back on the scene, the better to concentrate. As I healed myself, I prayed, “May I find blessing in your sight, oh Lord.” It felt as through warm water coursed through my body. When I turned back, the scene had changed some. I could not see Buzz. Acgar was dueling — her longspear was a blur.

I took a deep breath and walked to Acgar’s side. She was battling a man in a gray helm. I realized that she was floating in the air. I frowned but reached up and touched her foot to heal her. As I drew my hand away, I felt a blow on my back. I turned to see a man in a horned helm swinging a greatsword at me. I threw my arms up to protect my face. I remember thinking Where is my mace? And the world went black.

To be continued……

Madman Quelled by Security Platoon
Your Taxes at Work

A local mill worker, James Vaine, is accused of illegal enchantments and disturbing the peace. Late last night, he ran around the streets yelling incomprehensible words. Some of the people affected started a brawl, while others ran away in fear. The mayhem was roughly ended by Cauldron’s latest advance, a Security Platoon.

Security Platoons have been sponsored by the recent increase in taxes throughout Cauldron. These Security Platoons are in response to several unusual incidents including the following: strange extra planar creatures in the streets, disturbed individuals in various states of insanity, multiple violent incidents on the roads in and out of Cauldron. These Security Platoons are making Cauldron safe for all citizens.

An interesting though somewhat sinister detail was that James’ left eye was encircled with soot. It is not the first case of madness thus far. Reliable sources confirmed that at least a dozen people have been locked up in prison for similar offenses.

City Council News
Weapons Allowed in Cauldron, Council Meetings Suspended
Two weeks ago, at the last council meeting, Durgeddon the Black convinced the City Council that the weapon laws in place were illegal, and that for the good of everyone in Cauldron, they must be repealed. This came after a long debate. Lord Vhalantru was strongly against what Durgeddon wanted, but both Lord Lanthenmire and Lord Mayor Navalant were the deciding votes for the law to be repealed.The people of Cauldron ran toward the nearest weaponsmith to buy what they could get their hands on. The next day, all was sold.

This was the last meeting held by the City Council, since the Mayor has not been seen since. Lord Vhalantru has generously agreed to take care of the mayor’s responsibilities during his absence. Quinlan Ghelve continues to be in command of the City Watch, and works in tandem with Zarn “Blue Duke” Kyass who remains in command of the half-orc forces.

Stormblades Defeated
Our brave Stormblades have met with some bad luck. While investigating a possible Kua-Toa incursion in the caverns below Cauldron, our brave heroes returned with one less than their starting number. Citizens will recall these heroes, Annah Taskerhill, Cora Lathenmire, Zach Aslaxin II, and Todd Vanderboren, rid these caverns of a large gang of kobolds last fall. Eight months later, these caverns were allegedly re-infested with a new kind of evil resident. Three Stormblades returned from the battle, but Todd Vanderboren lies in state waiting resurrection. Annah, Cora, and Zach declined to comment.

Wee Jas Temple Closed
Parishioners of the Veiled Lady’s temple have good news, bad news, and good news. The good news is that the temple is expanding. The bad news is that the cathedral is closed during construction. The good news is that construction is ahead of schedule. Ike Iverson, acting as head cleric during Embril Aloustani’s absence, promises a grand opening ritual to celebrate the completion of the cathedral.

Rhiavadi expands silk patent
For many decades, House Rhiavadi has owned the monopoly on all silk trading and production in Cauldron. Recently, Lady Rhiavadi stretched out her patent to Redgorge and Kingfisher Hollow. That leaves the half-elves of Hollowsky as the only competitors left.

Cauldron Alive!
Located on Obsidian Avenue, halfway between the North and East Gates, our theater employs several dozen part time actors, musicians and a couple of elderly gnome illusionists, who enhance plays and tours by casting appropriate images and ghost sound spells to enhance the experience. Come join us for a play. One play per week, performed up to 5 times, depending on attendance.

There’s something happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear. It started as a simple demonstration. Citizens proclaiming their right to free assembly and right to free speech. What a field-day for the heat. A thousand people in the street. Young people speaking their minds. Singing songs and carrying signs. Mostly say, hooray for our side.

The high taxes imposed by the mayor upon the citizens of Cauldron created an unstable situation. How many years can some people exist before they’re allowed to be free? The citizens were tired of taxation without seeing results. And Maavu the caravan trader announced corruption in the mayor’s office. How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn’t see? The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. The answer is blowing in the wind.

When Maavu announced Alek’s challenge by the Order of Peers, the people reacted with celebrations. When Maavu announced that the mayor was illegally silencing this news, the people reacted with whistles and scorn. All the world over, so easy to see, people everywhere just wanna be free. Listen, please listen, that’s the way it should be. Deep in the Cauldron, people got to be free.

The angry crowd swarmed the stage where Maavu was standing. What’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down. If you feel so empty, so used, so let down. If you feel so angry, so ripped off, so stepped on. You’re not the only one refusing to back down. You’re not the only one. So get up, Let’s start a riot, a riot. Let’s start a riot. Let’s start a riot, a riot Let’s start a riot.

As the riot stormed the town hall, the Divas went into action. Sadi empowered small weeds in the cobblestones to entangle the crowd. Elvis climbed atop the stage to call the people to him. “One thing I can tell you is you got to be free. Come together right now over me.”

Kiriana on Kimber raced to St. Cuthbert to get support from the clerics. Cinder found a Yin Yang member hidden in the crowd and made short work of him. Myntilly used tanglefoot bags to stop another group who had escaped the entanglement vegetation. Acgar summoned support from the city guard.

Just as the riot was breaking up, “Fire! Fire!” I heard the cry from every breeze that passed us by. All the world was one sad cry of “Pity!” The town guard barracks were on fire. Half-orcs were fighting the flames and fighting for their lives. Strong men in anguish prayed, calling loud to Heaven for aid, while the fire in ruin was laying fair Cauldron, the beautiful city.

As this disaster unfolded, some unsympathetic citizens snickered and sneered.
The barracks, the barracks, the barracks are on fire. We don’t need no water let the motherfucker burn. Burn motherfucker burn.

Elvis was still on the stage, but now he used his speaking position to call the crowd together in a new direction. “C’mon people now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together, try to love one another right now.” The people lined up to form bucket brigades. The flames danced all over the barracks, I fell into a burning ring of fire. I went down, down, down, and the flames went higher. And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire. The ring of fire.

Indira recognized something unnatural about the fire. Using dismissal, she sent these fire elementals back to their native plane.

And now it is quiet in the streets of Cauldron. Where have all the half-orcs gone, long time passing? Where have all the half-orcs gone, long time ago? Where have all the half-orcs gone?
The Blue Duke took them out of town, every one. When will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?

Credits:
Buffalo Springfield – For What it’s Worth
Bob Dylan – Blowin’ in the Wind
Young Rascals – People Got to be Free
Three Days Grace – Riot
The Beatles – Come Together
Traditional- Baltimore Fire
The Roof is on Fire – Bloodhound Gang
Youngbloods – Get Together Written by Dino Valenti
Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire
Pete Seeger – Where Have all the Flowers Gone?

I include here the complete list of events:
1) Met with Mayor for tea and met Divas. Lord Vhalantru took sketches for future statues.
2) Left to meet Captain Quinlan Ghelve at the Slippery Eel, but ran into
a) the Stormblades, and we had to drop off our captive at the Temple of Kord
b) an umberhulk tearing apart buildings, and we stayed to investigate
c) Celeste who invited us to the Cusp of Sunrise for a special mission
3) Arrived at Cusp of Sunrise and met Davked Splintershield who bid us to find his son Zenith
4) Traveled out of Cauldron and
a) met Crazy Jared
b) slew a red dragon
c) discovered the Pit of the Seven Jaws
5) Returned to Cauldron to hire some half-orc mercenaries
6) Returned to the Pit of the Seven Jaws and fought
a) a cryohydra
b) several kuo-toa
c) some poisonous fungus
d) an extra-planar woman figure
7) Found Zenith and convinced him to come to Cauldron with us Camped near Crazy Jared’s former hut and met
a) Jared’s sister
b) a Paladin
9) Returned to Cauldron with Zenith and our new friends.
10) At Cusp of Sunrise, Celeste and Davked were unavailable, so we asked Lord Vhalantru to fetch Davked for us to reunite us with his son. Then we went shopping at Skie’s.
11) Overnight, Zenith disappeared.
12) At Cusp of Sunrise, Lord Vhalantru informed us of Davked’s death.

As I read over the list of events, I am again saddened at the results of our quest. But all adventures have successful endings, so this means the adventure is not yet ended.

And I am now reminded of several questions. I must ask the Divas these questions when we next meet. Perhaps they have answers. Perhaps also they have new questions.

Where’s Celeste? Who’s Celeste?

Did Davked really die? We haven’t seen his body. Where’s his estate?

What can I use cryohydra poop for? Kuo-toa slime? poisonous fungus?

What was Zenith doing with the Kuo-toas? What were all those dead bodies? And it was Zenith’s statue at Kazmojen’s slave bazaar – so are they connected?

Why did the umberhulk attack those warehouses? Who summoned it?

What was that gnomish guy doing at the umberhulk event? Magical Threats Agency = good? bad?

Is there anyone else that has disappeared? Where’s Elvis Krylscar? And the other kidnap victims? Is Gryffin doing okay? The kids that the Divas rescued?

Why did that dragon burn down Jared’s Hut?

How is everything connected? The cage building at Dixie Mattress Company? The Yin Yang Gang? The stolen wands of control water? The missing people?

What is the symbol the Divas found at the Dixie Mattress Company? Have we seen it anywhere else?

It’s time I hung out at the Bard Hall and gathered some information from colleagues.