THE HARVEST’S CLOSE FESTIVAL

On the 3rd day of the month of Fessuran, the day of Harvest’s Close in upon the land! By the time the chilled midday
hits beneath the cloud-covered skies, the streets are filled with all manner of peoples and families walking with
baskets and colored streamers! Small bands of bards and musicians mark nearly every street intersection, filling the
air with music, poems, and cheer. The smells of spice and incense come in waves as you follow the sauntering
crowds inward towards the Pentamarket District of Zadash, until overcome by the strong, delicious scents of cooked
meats pies and roasted vegetables billowing from the food carts lining the street corners. The banners and ribbons
of Reds to Golds that weave overhead flicker and shift in the cold wind, adding a shifting syncopation with the
blending, distant din of drums, ocarinas, and lutes. The laughter of children is ever present, and you see a number of
games of skill and chance being presented by Crownsguard.

 Trebuchet – A long walkway has been cleared where a 1-foot wide, 10 foot long carpet of light brown has been
set to end at an empty basket. You watch as two guards lift a small child (Ona) so she can throw a small beanbag
towards the end, before cheering her on at her near-hit.
o Guards Wesset & Cipes.
o The actual game is done while facing AWAY from the basket and tossing overhead backwards.
 5cp to play for 3 throws. Get a strawberry for each success, and a candied apple for all 3.
 Dexterity Check with Disadvantage (DC 10).
 The King’s Vault – Three silver cups held by a young half-elf with her hair tied back, barking with confidence
(Mila). You place down a silver or gold piece, and she covers it with the cups. Guess right, and you win back your
piece AND an additional! Lose, and it’s gone.
 1sp or 1gp to play, winning 2 successful.
 Perception Check (DC 16), with the chance to guess correctly.
 Titan’s Grasp – Four Soldiers of the Righteous Brand (plate mail of silver and dark crimson design) helm what
looks to be a large, solid stone cube (2 ft x 2 ft) resting on a thick, metal bar with a fulcrum wheel in the center.
If you can hit the other end with a hammer hard enough to cause the stone to shift onto it’s far side, you win!
o Soldiers : Renaldo, Shek, Finn, and Simona.
 5sp for a single swing. The winning slam wins the current pot (currently 43gp)
 Strength Check (DC 20). If repeated without rest, DC increases 1 each attempt.
 Eagleshot – Two Crownsguard man a 3-target archery range, at 3 different distances, built within an open
stable.
o Guards Opal & Trunce
 1 sp per 3 shots. Close bullseye wins a rat from a cage. Middle bullseye wins a wooden sword.
Far bullseye wins a 1 foot, intricate doll of King Bertrand Dwendal.
 Close : AC 14. Middle: AC 16. Far: AC 18
 Soldier’s Spirit – Overseen by Recruiter Leopold Wanstiker - Male Human (top-knotted brown hair and beard,
handsome. Standard American), it’s a central table on a platform for viewing.
o Wanstiker promotes the military: It pays 1g a day, with housing/gear provided. Training is in
Bladegarden. Minimum of 3 years of service. Desertion illegal, brings imprisonment and fines.
 No cost for entry, try to beat their strongest soldier of the Righteous Brand… Gunther Prast. A
MASSIVE behemoth of a man standing at around 7 foot, 350 lbs. First to beat Gunther takes
50gp (and the Recruiter tries to get you to join).
  Strength Check vs Gunther (+5), 5 stages. o-o-O-o-o. Begin in the middle, and each
victory pushes it in your favor.

Darrow – Human Paladin of the Dawnfather (Varion voice) - A very strong-looking human male with ruddy tan skin
and long, dark hair braided in a single, long braid to his waist approaches. He’s dressed in partial scale armor of dull
iron over his chest and shoulders, a heavy waistband of dull grey leather, and a rough-looking warhammer strapped
to his side. He smiles widely.

 Darrow is the leader of his Mercenary company “The Stubborn Stock” out of Gwardan on the Menagerie
Coast.
 His group has been on retainer to the Crown for 7 months now, stationed in Nogvurot. Good wage to mostly
sit around, and occasionally hunt down some criminal or Xhorhasian terror that’s come down from the
mountains. Recommends it.
 They’re here on a brief Holiday for the festival. Rexxentrum is too stuffy/urban for his liking.
 The Stubborn Stock are signed up for the Victory Pit’s “Harvest Tournament”. Winners make a nice pot, and
the title helps increase their rates for hiring.

THE VICTORY PIT. - 20g per person, groups of 5-8 allowed, 3 rounds. Each victory is 200g to the group. WINNERS split
a pot of 2,000g.

You’ve passed this structure before, looking like a forum of some kind, though closed to the public. It is now vibrant and
filled with people beginning to take to the stands. The bustle and laughter paints a picture of a society that has already
moved on from the terrible attack of the week before, now focused on the coming brutality of the pit within. Muscling
through the crowd, you see a central podium with a middle aged barker in red robes shouting in the entry way (Plamen):

 “PLEASE ENTER SLOWLY. THE EVENTS BEGIN AT DUSK, SO NO NEED TO RUSH.”

o “Ohh… entry has already been completed this morning! I… I do not know if they can fit you in. Let… let
me ask.”

A moment later, the man returns and beckons you to enter a chamber behind him. Within, there is a small lounge with
comfortable furniture, fire light, and servants wander in brown silks carrying trays of food. Guests in expensive clothing
dot the distant walls of the chamber, sitting atop cushioned couches, talking in low voices, broken with the occasional
laugh. The barker returns followed by another… a human man in his late 50’s who seems to be fighting his own age and
losing, his combed over, thinning hair and broom-like grey mustache poorly colored with dark wax meeting you from his
hunched, finely-tailored dark blue festival suit.

 Barker Plamen “These were the one’s who-“

 Yadaka Brigman (growly fop) “It’s far too late in the day! We couldn’t muster… emm… *sigh* Very well, I am
Yadaka Brigman, Guildhead of the Filigree House and organizer of this Harvent Tournament. Who are you? Have
you even the coin to enter?”
 “We’ve warriors from around the Marrow Valley come to compete, many who’ve been on the frontlines of the
eastern wastes. Are you still eager to lose your coin, and risk your life?”
 “We’ve procured a number of beasts and terrors, chained via hunt or stopped from terrorizing our fair empire.
Each team faces off with one of these creatures, continuing on if victorious to face another, until the other
teams fall, or you do. Only a brief rest between bouts while the other teams compete. All is displayed before the
Starosta, the appointees of the Crown, and the Elite of the Tri-Spires. Money and glory. Are you in?”
 “What is your name, and where do you all hail?
 o If asked about himself, he’s the Guildhead of the Filigree House, a jeweler’s guild in the city. A retired
merchant himself, he now oversees the house’s business, and helps the Starosta with events.

As they in mid-conversation, a royal page arrives, catching Yadaka’s eye.

 Yadaka “What business have you from the crown?”

 Page “I must speak with the Starosta immediately, under order from King Bertrand Dwendel”.
 Yadaka “…come with me. Excuse me, there are urgent matters to attend. Enjoy some feasting!”

The old man ushers the page over to the far corner of the room, where a small group of figures sit chatting. A Halfling
among them, dressed in vibrant reds and golds, stands. His curling mop-top of hair is greying on the sides.

If they listen in:

 Page “…witch skies now darken Brokenveil. Over a thousand dead, and the Ashguard garrison is taken.”
 Starosta Wyatt (textured southern) “…my god. What has the King’s response been?”
 Page “The Dwendalian Empire has just formally declared war on the Kryn Dynasty and the wastes of Xhorhas.”
 Starosta Wyatt “I… its finally happened. We must notify the Criers, mobilize the Righteous Brand -“
 Yadaka “Starosta, to announce anything now would set panic, and change nothing. We are far enough from the
fight. Give them a day to rejoice. Announce tomorrow.”
 Starosta Wyatt “Perhaps. I’ll send word to General Grinbreaker to begin preparing her legion to move East.
Tomorrow we notify the public. Page, return word to Rexxentrum that Zadash prepares to join the front.”

---HOLDING AREA---

A dark chamber with windowed doors that lead into the Victory Pit’s arena, it is outfitted with simple stools, a few tables
with cornecopia’s of fruit and meats, two stationed healers from the Platinum House of Bahamut (young brother-sister
pair of humans in silver and blue robes: Welkin & Tola).

Within, the other combatants wait patiently (or impatiently) for their chance to participate.

 The Stubborn Stock – Crew of 6 smiling warriors, their scuffed armor of green and brown and weathered skin
show experience. Markings and accessories give you the sense of Inland Menagerie Coast heritage. Lead by
Darrow.
 The Mountain Makers – A well-armed troupe of 5 dwarves and two gnomes wearing blacks and golds, they
avoid social engagement, instead focusing on practice. Lead by a grey-haired dwarven woman wielding two
battle axes named Uthanda.
 The Last Line – A crew of 5 soldiers of the Righteous Brand, wearing battle-scarred uniforms and armor from
fights past. Lead by an elven man with short brown hair and sky-blue piercing eyes who seems to practice his
strikes like a dance. Quidon.

The master of ceremonies for this event steps into the center of the pit, shouting with lungs that reach a distance. The
burly Goliath man stands, arms outstretched and adorned in spike-covered, ornamental armor.

 “Welcome all fair peoples of this great Empire under our King Bertrand Dwendal. May his grace bless this
Harvest’s End and grant us a warm winter!”
 “I am Jermai Kull (cheers)… and while I have left the fight, I now LIVE the fights of others. It is my pleasure to
bring to you this great tournament.”
 “We welcome among us guests of high esteem! Gift your applause to our keeper of freedom and order,
Lawmaster Orentha Stonegrasp!
 o You see her stand and wave, her grey-white hair done up tightly. (perception 16+ - You see Dolan sitting
two seats to her right side!)
 “To her left, we present the Headmaster of our own Zauberspire, shaping the minds of our future’s great mages,
Oremid Hass! (cheers)
o (Perception 16+) – You see next to Oremid… Master Trent Ikithon, his hair longer.
 “And NONE of this would be possible, if not for the love of you and celebration from our esteemed Starosta,
Wyatt Fedar!
o You see the Halfling man stand atop a small platform, seemingly designed to give him some more
height. He smiles and waves warmly, his curled mat of hair punctuated with greying sides of bright
white. His ceremonial armor tailored and rather impressive in its golds and reds.

 Trained in the crucible of Bladegarden, “The Last Line”!

o Banderhobb, 2 Minotaurs ----X
 From --------, “The Mighty Nein!”
o Otyugh, 2 Winter Wolves, Hill Giant
 From the depths of Grimgolir, “The Mountain Makers”!
o Ice Troll, 2 Owlbears ----X
 Out of the Menagerie Coast, “The Stubborn Stock”!
o Giant Crocodile, 2 Displacer Beasts, Wyvern (Clipped)

ENCOUNTER: Otyugh

ENCOUNTER: Winter Wolf x 2

ENCOUNTER: Hill Giant

20g per person, groups of 5-8 allowed, 3 rounds. Each victory is 200g to the group. WINNERS split a pot of 2,000g.

The winners are brought out to the center of the Arena (if they aren’t already, and are met by Jermai Kull, Yadaka, and
the Starosta Wyatt (and some bodyguards) to shakes hands with and present the winnings.

The audience throws flowers and streamers into the Victory Pit.

 “What a MARVELOUS DISPLAY on this Harvest’s Close! Let us CHEER for our victors!!”

The sun sets as the pavilion is cleared, the rest of the denizens of Zadash scattering into the Pentamarket for more
celebration, drinks, and revelry.
 The Knights of Requital – Now on the run, Kara is lost in the wind (readying herself to turn in Dolan and Horris
to protect herself) while Dolan and Horris work to pack what they need and find a means of escaping the city.
o Dolan Thrym – Male Human – Has begun to reach out and converse with the Lawmaster, and is making
a rapid name in the absence of the High Richter.
o Kara Windilon – Female Half-Elf – Works as a social “face” to the Gentleman. Gather of information.
o Horris Thrym – Male Human – Has been smuggled out of the city to Berleben.
 The Evening Nip– A dive bar of dangerous-looking guards and few clientele. Beneath the floor is the REAL bar,
owned and run by the Myriad. Here, gambling is in full swing, debauchery runs free, and the occasional auction
(stolen goods, slaves, etc) punctuate the evening. The password “Many Gifts” will allow entry.
o Clive Binz –Male Dwarf (half of his beard is burned away, perpetual grimace) – The “front” to the bar.
When given the password, he shows you under the dive.
o “The Gentleman” Male Water Genasi (teal skin, black hair, goatee. Oversized blue-black eyes.) –
Criminal leader and master of the Evening Nip, the Gentleman is bouncing between deals and revelry
most waking hours of the day. Known to be deadly with a rapier, his reputation (and ever-present guard)
keep his onlookers in line.
o SorAh – Female Goliath (Mohawk braids tied back, strong and always grinning. Russian) – The main
bodyguard and lover to The Gentleman. She is an intimidating flirt who uses her size to put others off-
guard. Her two long swords are always itching to come out and play.
o Dweez – Male Halfling Sorcerer (kinda Beavis-like, with a curly gold mop for a head of hair. London) –
Not-bright sorcerer thief with the Gentleman, extremely loyal.
o Thed – Male Halfling (short, spiked hair and a goatee, tattoos all across his neck, septum piercing.
Southern). An “Alehand” that is actually a runner for the Myriad and the Gentleman throughout the city.
o Hannah, Therad, Louis – The three who fled the Sunken Lab.
o Kara Windilon – Female Half-Elf – Works with the Gentleman. Was sent to infiltrate the Knights in hopes
of having an ally in higher places, should Dolan succeed. Generally works as a “surface” to his work,
dealing with topside folks in the open.
o Kutha – Male Ogre Guard
o Cree – Female Tabaxi (A muscular panther-like female of dark brown/black fur and yellow eyes. Eastern
European) – An old Order member and follower of the Nonagon when he left for his own means. Blood
Cleric.
 Spellspitter lady – From the Capitol. Took the book.
 Zoran Kluthidol (Ghostslayer Blood Hunter) torturer for the Myriad in Rexxentrum
 Otis Brunkel (Profane Soul Blood Hunter) in Shadycreek Run
 Tyffial Wase (Rogue/Mutant Blood Hunter) in Nugvorot as a bodyguard
 Jurrel is deceased.

o ***If the Gentleman ever feels he is being lied to, it sends him into a furious rage!
o ENCOUNTER: The Gentleman, Sorah, Sorcerer, Thugs x 6
 ***IF DEFEATED – The party awakens in a small prison, chained with manacles to the wall (2’ of
give). The interior of the cells are barely lit by a flickering torch affixed to the stone wall across
from the bars. Once you stir, the same fellow with the neck tattoo you saw in the Evening Nip
tavern stands up from across the bars and immediately leaves the room.
 Cree enters. She quickly whispers to Molly. “Lucian! You really fucked up, friend.”
 “I’m gonna see what I can do. Just don’t ruffle it too badly.”
 o A few moments pass and the Gentleman enters, along with his Goliath companion and the
Halfling creep Dweez. He squats by the bars and looks in:
 “Well now… you’re up. Good! So, you’ve proven to be a risk. You’ve also proven to be
somewhat skilled. This puts me at a curious crossroads. Why should I let you live?”
 “Ah-HA! That is the answer. You are worth money. I’ve a friend out in Felderwin.
Draconian survivor with an anger problem. Likes slaves who can work hard but also can
take a beating. I see both of those traits in you. I’m sure you will make me proud.”
 “Dweez… It’s time our goods took a nap.”
 Dweez chuckles while one by one, the party begins to pass out…
 PASSIVE PERCEPTIONS: You awaken to a loud bump on a cart, stiff and sore, chained in the back
of a cart. The sky is visible from the door out of this tent you appear to be in… above you and
dark, storm clouds occasionally setting free a flash of distant lightning. It isn’t raining NOW, but
the possibility is ever present. You are all sitting in the back of a covered cart. A figure carefully
climbs into the back with you, a curling tail and dark fur visible from under the armor.
 Cree: “Wake up. Let me try and get you out of these.”
o Cree undoes Molly and Nott’s chains, then the others.
 You can see the outer walls of Zadash not but 6 or so miles off, the faint glow over the
city walls visible against the dark night.
 Cree: “There are 5 with the cart. We can try and sneak out the back and into the fields,
but there is NO room for error.”
o If failed: ENCOUNTER: Cutthroats x 4, Dweez x 1
 She urges them to follow her northward to Shadycreek Run, old stomping grounds of
the Tombtakers and get the band back together again. Berleben, Hupperdook,
Nugvorot, Shadycreek Run.
o Tyffial lives in the Nugvorot, and may be able to help get his memory back.

 The King’s Hall – Within the Innerstead Sprawl, the bronze and cobalt coloring that makes up the massive hall
greets you.
o If they inquire, the Hall is filled with chaos, people from all over the city and gala filling the chambers
arguing, seeking answers, making claims, and a few crazies confessing to the crimes.
 If the Gentlemen is turned in, Herald Voloshin takes a moment to question, then calls in the
Lawmaster Orentha Stonegrasp.
 “You are certain this information is correct? We do not take kindly to those who waste
our time.”
 “If you are right, time is of the essence. Would you like to aid us in the operation?
Otherwise, return in a day and we should have your reward.”
 After the Arrests
 “You have done us a great service! On behalf of the great King Bertrand Dwendal, the
city of Zadash, and the station of my office, I thank you.”
 “I recognize you… slew that pale spider beast in the sewers for us not three or more
days ago, right? What was it you called yourselves?”
 “I will report of your doings. You have the favor of the Crown upon you this day. Know
that you have a favor in the Lawmaster.”
 The Herald speaks:
  “There is a standing reward for information that leads to the apprehension of the
Gentleman. Not a paltry sum either. Wait here.”
o Reward: 4,500g
 “Twice now you’ve proven yourselves. Mayhaps when this raid is all booked and
properly filed, I have a proper imperial mission you may be able to help with. Return in a
day or two, when things have calmed down.”

 The Task Board – A heavy wooden board is mounted outside of the King’s Hall that posts sanctioned mercenary
work on the Crown’s payroll. Within, the Herald of the Hall Voloshin (Male Dwarf) is the one to explain jobs and
grant Writs of the Lawmaster Intent.
o “SEEKING AND PAYING FOR ANY INFORMATION ON MYRIAD ACTIVITY WITHIN THE CITY.”
o “REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON REBEL GATHERINGS AND ANTI-CROWN RHETORIC.”
o “LOOKING TO WORK FOR THE GLORY OF OUR KING BERTRAND? GOOD PAY AND ADVENTUROUS LIVING
AS A SOLDIER OF THE RIGHTEOUS BRAND! SEEK LEOPOLD WANSTIKER AT THE MARROW KEEP IN THE
SIGNET WALL.”
o “PROOF OF OTHERS’ WORSHIP OF HERETICAL GODS PAID IN GOLD”

 The Halls of Erudition – Free-standing archways of white alabaster guide the walkways through the grassy
courtyard that leads to the beautiful campus of ivory and marble structures marks this extension of the Soltryce
Academy. The Zauberspire no longer rests at an angle, the flickering arcane force that held it in place now gone
and the tower repaired, standing as tall as the day you arrived with no signs of damage. The main entrance way
at the top of a wide flight of grey stairs is held by two 15 foot tall doors of dark wood and silver frame. Pushing
one open enough to pass within is a bit of a chore, but entering the interior reveals a beautiful foyer of steepled,
colored glass above that refracts the daylight in beams of blue, orange, and white. A wide fountain of trickling
water marks the center, and a heavy-set young woman in tan and gold robes approaches you all. Her curled,
strawberry blonde hair obscures her left eye.
 Tamarah (southern) – “Why hello there. My apologies, but we are mildly under renovations at
the moment due to the disturbance at the Gala. My name is Tamarah, assistant to the Halls.
What might I do for you?”
 “Oh… this, I am not certain if this… please wait here, I’ll summon the Headmaster.” She exits
through a nearby hallway arch.
o About 10 minutes pass before Tamarah enters once more.
 “He should be arriving shortly-“
o The sound of rapid footsteps echo ahead from the hall as two figures in mid-conversation enter through
the same archway.
 You overhear: (german, old) “Lady Vess will not be pleased to hear it taken…” & (Russian, deep)
“Take solace that the other is safe from those devils.” before they both notice the arrivals.
o One is a stocky man of jet-black skin, his short, kinked hair of dark brown color seems to release a soft
plume of dust with each shift of his head. His eyes glitter white like pearls with a single black pin-dot for
a pupil. His robes are dull red with white trim, and his extremities are adorned in numerous rings and
jewelry.
 Headmaster Oremid Hass – Earth Genasi Male – 40s stocky and muscular (deep russian) –
Archmage of Cultivation (School of Evocation) – The current Headmaster of the Hall of Erudition
in Zadash, Oremid is tasked with watching and grooming the next generation of mages and
arcane specialists outside of Rexxentrum.
o The other is an older human, his hair long and white on the sides from atop his bald head. His skin is
somewhat jaundiced with visible liverspots. His thin lips hold a perpetual grin that reads both scheming
and amused. He wears a dark grey cloak hiding robes of white and gold… the flying mage from the Gala
assault. (Master Trent Ikithon)
 Trent: “Regardless, I must be off. Be thankful I was visiting… and hate parties.”
 Oremid: “I understand, and we are thankful for your aid, Master Ikithon. Be safe, and we shall
talk soon.”
 The cloaked mage looks to the party and nods with a wide, somewhat wicked smile,
inspecting each of you like a shopping chef might inspect produce in a stall… before
tracing a glyph in the air and VANISHING in a flash of white, crackling energy.
o If they bring forth the Written Recommendation:
 “Starosta Kosh Clearbarker… I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure. Regardless, I know of him.
Should this document check out, you should indeed be allowed enrollment within the Soltryce
Academy in Rexxentrum. A great honor for one without noble blood, they tell me.”
 “I am Oremid Hass, the Headmaster of these Halls of Erudition, yes. Have been for 21 years.”
 If Frumpkin is around, and the Headmaster sees him…
o “OH MY GOODNESS look at this little fellow! Come here!”
 “I see you bring goblinkin amongst the peoples of Zadash. You call these peoples your
companions, little green one?”
 “This warms me. While sometimes informed by our nature, I strongly believe we are
largely a product of our bonds and our environment. I’ve seen beastmen as far as
Tal’Dorei live among the townships in peace. In time, even giants and snakemen might
aid one another openly.”
o “Besides… the further we can civilize the more volatile races, the less power the
Xhorhasian hoards have.“
 If they present the Beacon.
 “You have recovered the Beacon! My goodness, you are a boon to the Assembly this
day!”
 “The Cerberus Assembly is in your debt. Should you have a favor to ask, I will do my best
to fulfill your request.”
o “Should you seek magical arms or protective trinkets, I have a friend in the
Pentamarket. Enchanter Pumat Sol. I will notify him to allot you a set worth of
objects to choose and take.”