The sun hung low in the sky as the vessel glided into the bustling harbor of Secomber. The scent of salt and sea mingled with the earthy aroma of distant forests, creating a heady blend that whispered of new beginnings. Tall masts and patched sails framed the skyline, while the city’s unique architecture—a haphazard assembly of salvaged ship hulls and ramshackle additions—rose in a chaotic yet charming display.
Bartholemeow stretched languidly on the deck, his feline form silhouetted against the golden light. His whiskers twitched with anticipation as his keen eyes took in the sights. Beside him, Pebblesong leaned against the railing, her youthful dwarven features alight with wonder. The two had shared many adventures, but the promise of Secomber stirred something new within them.
Thalmiir stood nearby, his weathered hands gripping the ship’s rail. The old dwarf’s gaze was critical as he surveyed the city, noting the crowded docks and the layered complexity of the buildings. “Not what I expected,” he grumbled, but a spark of intrigue flickered in his eyes.
Captain Bramblewick approached, his boots thudding softly on the worn planks. “Been a long voyage,” he said, casting a glance at Thalmiir. “Could use a hand unloading, but I won’t hold it against you if you’d rather find a warm bed ashore.”
Thalmiir shook his head. “Appreciate the offer, Captain, but we’ve got our own path to tread.”
The captain nodded, understanding. “Fair winds, then. And watch yourselves. Secomber’s not as it seems.”
As they disembarked, the Iron Vanguard marched past, their armor gleaming but drawing less attention than one might expect. The crowd’s focus shifted instead to Dabshabah as she emerged from the vessel’s hold. The copper dragon’s scales shimmered with a rosy hue in the fading light, her wings tucked gracefully against her sides.
Whispers rippled through the throng. Eyes widened in awe and fear. Bartholemeow sensed the change in the air, a slight tension that prickled at the edges of his awareness. He sidled up to Dabshabah. “Making quite the impression, aren’t we?” he purred.
Dabshabah tilted her head, her eyes reflecting concern. “I was warned that cities can be dangerous for dragons. Do you think it’s wise for me to reveal myself so openly?”
Pebblesong stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. “You’re with friends, Dabshabah. We won’t let any harm come to you.”
Bartholemeow flicked his tail thoughtfully. “Besides, a bit of spectacle never hurt anyone. Perhaps a signature pose to dazzle the crowd?”
A hint of a smile curved the dragon’s lips. “Like this?” She lifted her head high, unfurling her wings in a graceful arc. The sun caught her scales, casting a radiant glow that drew gasps from the onlookers.
Bhakris Edge observed the crowd with a measured gaze. The earth genasi’s stoic expression belied the caution simmering beneath. “They’re more than just curious,” he remarked quietly. “Some of these folks might see opportunity where they shouldn’t.”
Thalmiir grunted in agreement. “Aye. Eyes are on us, and not all with good intentions.”
Bartholemeow leaned closer to Thalmiir. “Noticed the hungry looks, did you? They’re sizing up Dabshabah.”
“They’ll regret it if they try anything,” Thalmiir replied, his tone edged with warning.
Meanwhile, Hat darted between the group and the bustling street, his colorful pointy hat bobbing with each movement. The goblin’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he took in the myriad sights, his inventive mind already whirring with possibilities. Waer’dara lingered at the periphery, her gaze shadowed beneath her hood. She seemed attuned to the undercurrents, fingers subtly tracing patterns in the air.
As they moved away from the docks, the group found themselves navigating the crowded streets. Bhakris spotted two guards stationed outside a warehouse and approached them, hoping to inquire about employment.
“Do you have a token?” one guard demanded before Bhakris could speak further.
Bhakris raised an eyebrow. “No, I wasn’t aware one was needed.”
“Then move along,” the guard replied curtly, dismissing him without another glance.
Bhakris returned to the group, a scowl darkening his features. “Seems this place operates on tokens and secrets,” he muttered.
“Figures,” Thalmiir grumbled. “They direct us where they want, keep us from where they don’t. Let’s not play their game.”
Bartholemeow’s ears perked up as he caught sight of a sign painted in bright letters: “Newcomer Welcomes” with an arrow pointing deeper into town. “Perhaps we should see what the official welcome is all about,” he suggested.
Thalmiir shook his head. “Probably a ploy to part fools from their coin.”
“Or an opportunity,” Pebblesong chimed in. “Can’t hurt to hear what they have to say.”
After a moment’s deliberation, they agreed to follow the sign. The path led them to a lively square where a garishly painted booth stood adorned with banners and streamers. In front stood a halfling man wearing an enormous top hat embroidered with the words “Ask me about the Urn.”
“Greetings, friends!” the halfling called out with a flourish. “Quinlan Trickwillow at your service, official envoy of the Secomber Chamber of Commerce!”
Hat’s eyes widened at the spectacle. “Nice hat,” he commented appreciatively.
Quinlan beamed. “Why, thank you! Now, allow me to offer you a tailored orientation to our fine town. We have a variety of tiers to suit your needs—everything from the basic free package to the Elite Urn Finder tier!”
Thalmiir crossed his arms skeptically. “And I suppose each tier costs more than the last.”
Quinlan nodded unabashedly. “Naturally! Quality information is invaluable. But think of it as an investment in your future success!”
Bartholemeow’s tail swished thoughtfully. “There’s merit in knowing the lay of the land. Perhaps we should consider it.”
Bhakris frowned. “We can start with the free information. No need to rush into spending.”
Quinlan launched into his practiced spiel, providing them with general details about Secomber: the division between the Downlands and Uplands, the notoriously slow public lift, the location of inns and markets.
But Bartholemeow wasn’t satisfied. He sensed there was more beneath the surface, secrets that could give them an edge. “Tell me, Quinlan,” he began smoothly, “what does the Elite Urn Finder tier offer that the others do not?”
Quinlan’s eyes gleamed. “Ah, for those truly seeking the riches of the urn, the Elite tier provides exclusive insights, insider tips, and the coveted urn drops—a wealth of knowledge not available to just anyone.”
Thalmiir exchanged a glance with Bartholemeow. Despite his earlier reluctance, he recognized the value in information. “Fine,” he grunted, reaching into his coin purse. “We’ll take the Elite tier.”
Quinlan’s smile widened as he accepted the payment. “An excellent choice! Now, allow me to enlighten you.”
He spoke of the strained town services, hinting at weaknesses that could be exploited. “The jail’s understaffed,” he mentioned casually. “Not enough guards to keep things running smoothly.”
He detailed the ferry situation, explaining the long waits and the advantage held by those with tokens from the Order of the Jade Diadem or Operation Daybreak. “But for those willing to pay,” he added, “Captain Joran Windmere offers swift passage across the river—for a price.”
Hat tilted his head. “How much of a price?”
“Twenty gold pieces per person,” Quinlan replied. “Steep, but time is money, as they say.”
He provided directions to Hardbark Meadows, a newer campground in need of security personnel. “Brock Hardbark is keen to keep squatters off his land. Might be an opportunity for those with the right skills.”
He spoke of Moonflower Creations, the elusive eatery run by Saffron Moonflower. “Best food in town, but she keeps irregular hours. If you’re nearby, worth checking in.”
“And the blacksmith?” Thalmiir asked. “You mentioned a tinker of renown.”
Quinlan leaned in conspiratorially. “Behind the waterfall at the base of the cliff. Not easy to find, but well worth the effort.”
When the subject of the urn came up, Quinlan’s demeanor shifted subtly. “Both major factions are at a standstill,” he confided. “Rumors of sabotage abound, though none will admit to it openly. An agreement exists to prevent interference, but not all play by the rules.”
Waer’dara’s eyes narrowed. “Information worth knowing.”
As Quinlan concluded his orientation, Bartholemeow observed him closely. Despite the halfling’s polished exterior, there was an undercurrent of tension, as if he was walking a fine line. But the knowledge he’d imparted was valuable, and they now had threads to follow.
“Thank you, Quinlan,” Pebblesong said earnestly. “You’ve been most helpful.”
He tipped his oversized hat. “May fortune favor you all. And remember, the Chamber of Commerce is here to assist in any way we can.”
As they moved away from the booth, the companions gathered to assess their next steps. The streets around them thrummed with energy, the fading light casting long shadows that danced with the bustle of the city. For Bartholemeow, Thalmiir, and their companions, the true journey was only beginning.
Session Notes
- The party arrives at the bustling town of Secomber in the late afternoon.
- Secomber is densely populated, with tall buildings and crowded sidewalks, resembling parts of Waterdeep.
- Many buildings are made from parts of ships, indicating a longstanding tradition of using hulls in construction.
- Some structures are cobbled together, with informal buildings filling the spaces between more established ones.
- Captain Bramblewick offers the party an opportunity to help unload the ship for pay.
- He mentions he’s in a hurry to leave and plans to find a night crew to unload the boat.
- Thalmiir politely declines, stating that the party needs to establish themselves in Secomber and find opportunities.
- The Iron Vanguard, a group of soldiers, forms up and marches down the gangplank into town.
- They march in formation with gleaming armor, drawing some attention but not as much as they might have hoped.
- Bartholemeow provides a drumbeat in 6/8 time to accompany their march, causing a momentary wobble in their formation.
- As the party prepares to disembark, they notice locals looking at them and whispering.
- Bhakris is the first to be ready to leave and notices people pointing and sharing excited conversations while looking in their direction.
- Thalmiir, who exits the ship next, observes that clumps of people are stopping to talk and seem to be paying attention to the party.
- Thalmiir attempts to approach a group of onlookers to see if he recognizes anyone.
- As he approaches, the group disperses casually, possibly pretending their departure is unrelated to his approach.
- Thalmiir tries to memorize the face of a distinctive person wearing a bright blue coat among the crowd.
- He notes the diverse makeup of the crowd, including various races such as elves, dwarves, humans, halflings, and firbolgs.
- Dabshabah, the dragon companion, is perched near the prow of the ship.
- Pebblesong and Bartholemeow notice that people are surprised and possibly afraid to see a dragon on the boat.
- Pebblesong comments that everyone is enjoying Dabshabah’s glory, and Bartholemeow asks if she has a signature pose to make a strong first impression.
- Dabshabah unfurls her wings and throws her head back in a dramatic pose.
- Pebblesong attempts to use thaumaturgy to enhance the effect but realizes it’s not yet nighttime for the desired visual impact.
- The crowd reacts with a mix of awe and fear; some are confused why no one is running or reacting more strongly.
- Bartholemeow suggests to Dabshabah that large population centers can be dangerous due to people wanting to exploit her.
- Dabshabah expresses concern about alchemists who steal parts of baby dragons for potions.
- Bartholemeow assures her they will protect her and advises her to consult with the party before making any decisions if approached by strangers.
- Dabshabah questions whether Bartholemeow is an alchemist due to his interest in her parts.
- Bartholemeow clarifies that he is interested in profit and suggests that if she ever sheds any parts naturally, they might consider selling them.
- Dabshabah firmly states that she will not discuss the taking of her parts and expects the party to prevent any attempts.
- Thalmiir and Bartholemeow discuss the crowd’s attention.
- Bartholemeow notes that people might be looking to exploit Dabshabah.
- Thalmiir admits he hadn’t considered that but agrees to keep an eye out for ne’er-do-wells.
- Thalmiir recalls that in Mithral Hall, there was prized dragon armor, illustrating the value people place on dragon parts.
- Bhakris attempts to approach guards at a warehouse to inquire about employment opportunities.
- The guards ask if he has a token and, upon learning he doesn’t, non-verbally dismiss him.
- Bhakris observes that certain areas or services in the town may require tokens for access.
- The party notices a hand-painted sign that says “Newcomer Welcomes” with an arrow pointing into town.
- Thalmiir is skeptical of following the sign, suspecting a potential scam or trap to fleece newcomers.
- He suggests going in the opposite direction to avoid being taken advantage of.
- Bhakris argues that they need to understand the town’s system, especially regarding tokens, and suggests following the sign.
- After some debate, the party agrees to investigate the sign’s direction to gain more information.
- The party follows the sign to a garishly painted booth with a large banner reading:
- “Newcomer Orientations! Get the inside scoop on the ins and outs of inns and outdoor accommodation!”
- A halfling man named Quinlan Trickwillow, wearing an enormous top hat embroidered with “Ask me about the urn,” greets them enthusiastically.
- Quinlan offers the party a free welcome package on behalf of the Secomber Chamber of Commerce.
- He mentions additional premium information is available at various tiers for a fee:
- Standard Adventurer’s Tier: 1 gold piece.
- Outstanding Treasure-Seeker’s Tier: 5 gold pieces.
- Elite Urn Finder Tier: 10 gold pieces.
- There is also a fee of 1 gold piece per question or interruption during any tier.
- Bartholemeow shows interest in the higher tiers and inquires about subscription models or paying in installments.
- Quinlan confirms that they only accept direct payments in gold, with no bartering or discounts.
- He emphasizes that there are no refunds or exchanges and that all terms are agreed upon through a handshake imbued with magic.
- Hat uses their documancy skills to analyze the contract presented by Quinlan.
- Hat makes an intelligence check and determines that the contract is standard, with some magical enforcement.
- The contract obligates them to pay for any services rendered and imposes a penalty for non-compliance (skin turning green).
- Hat advises the party that while the contract isn’t overly dangerous, they should be cautious about entering into agreements.
- The party debates whether to proceed, with Hat and Pebblesong expressing skepticism.
- Bhakris suggests taking a vote using the voting box, with options to shake or not shake Quinlan’s hand.
- The majority votes to proceed, with Bartholemeow and Thalmiir eager to pay for the elite tier.
- Bartholemeow and Thalmiir pay Quinlan for the Elite Urn Finder Tier, totaling 10 gold pieces each.
- Quinlan provides the free welcome information as part of the package:
- Town Overview: Secomber consists of Downlands and Uplands, connected by a public lift with typically long lines.
- Ferry Information: The ferry to cross the river is a five-minute walk away, operated by the Jade Diadem and Operation Daybreak.
- Accommodations: Inns are available in Downland Square, though availability may be scarce.
- Dining: Quality food is in high demand; many establishments have exclusivity contracts.
- Goods and Services: Shops and reputable businesses are located along Riverman’s Walk past Downland Square.
- Quinlan offers “Urn Drops,” premium information in each category, for an additional fee.
- The party decides to purchase all Urn Drops for an extra 20 gold pieces, taking advantage of a 5 gold piece discount.
- Quinlan provides the Elite Urn Finder Tier information with Urn Drops included:
- Town Overview:
- The public lift often has long lines; locals use personal landmarks to decide if it’s faster to walk the path.
- Private lifts exist but require knowing the right people to access them.
- The Uplands house the seat of government and fancier buildings, but Downlands experiences higher demand due to the urn quest.
- Urn Drop: Town services, including the constabulary and jail, are overwhelmed by the population boom. The jail is understaffed, which could be advantageous information.
- Ferry Information:
- Crossing the river costs 10 gold pieces per person each way, with potentially long wait times unless holding an official token from one of the factions.
- Independent vessel operators offer alternative crossings but can be hazardous due to lack of safety measures.
- Urn Drop: Captain Joran Windmere operates one of the fastest vessels across the river for 20 gold pieces per person, available to select passengers.
- Accommodations:
- Inns in Downland Square have limited availability due to high demand.
- Inns in Uplands are of higher quality with more availability but are farther away.
- Local farmers have converted lands into campgrounds, but no nearby campsites are free.
- Urn Drop: Brock Hardbark operates Hardbark Meadows, a newer campground with more availability. He is seeking security services due to issues with squatters, presenting a potential job opportunity.
- Dining:
- Prices for quality food are elevated, and establishments are often under exclusivity contracts requiring tokens.
- Urn Drop: Moonflower Creations, run by Miss Saffron Moonflower, offers the best food in town at normal prices. However, she operates without a set schedule and often runs out of stock quickly.
- Goods and Services:
- Shops in Uplands may have better stock and are less crowded.
- Savvy buyers can find good deals by being ready to purchase goods as ships unload.
- The blacksmith and tinker shop is renowned but traditionally, its location is kept secret.
- Urn Drop: The shop is located behind the waterfall at the base of the cliff. Adventurers usually find it by checking behind waterfalls.
- Quinlan reminds the party that they can ask him about the urn.
- Bartholemeow and Bhakris prompt him to provide information about the Urn of Chauntea.
- Quinlan explains:
- The town hall and Chamber of Commerce maintain strict neutrality regarding the urn and those seeking it.
- The major factions, the Order of the Jade Diadem and Operation Daybreak, post their labor rates daily on this side of the river.
- Both factions are rumored to be making little progress, facing difficulties with the forest and their individual approaches.
- They have an agreement to avoid direct interference with each other but rumors of sabotage persist.
- Urn Drop: Sabotage between factions is rumored despite the agreement, and some individuals may have been paid well for such activities.
- After concluding the information session, Quinlan thanks the party and remarks on their business acumen.
- Bartholemeow compliments Quinlan on his performance, appreciating his presentation skills.
- The party members express mixed feelings about the value of the information received.
- Hat remains skeptical about the expenditure, feeling that they might have been swindled.
- Pebblesong notes that the person in charge of their money (Thalmiir) is easily swayed, which could be problematic.
- Thalmiir, however, feels confident in their investment, believing that information is priceless and necessary for their success.
- Bhakris reconciles the cost by reasoning that buying information isn’t swindling, especially if it proves useful.
- The party discusses their next steps, considering the opportunities presented by the information.
- Potential jobs include providing security for Brock Hardbark’s campsite or exploring the campsite for accommodation.
- They might seek out Captain Joran Windmere for faster passage across the river.
- Visiting Moonflower Creations for quality food or locating the blacksmith and tinker shop behind the waterfall are also options.
- The session concludes with the party reflecting on their decisions and ready to explore Secomber further.
- There’s a brief out-of-game discussion about character feats and leveling, but the focus remains on in-game events.
- The party is equipped with new information and opportunities as they begin their adventure in Secomber.
