Wreck of the Venerable Drake

In seeking to learn more about those mages capable of becoming liches, the Companions (consisting of Jericho, Nigel, Perrin, and Kimo) return to Luminaux. Such information being both obscure and profane, they realize that Brother Denehan's ability to help is likely very limited. While the local bards may have ballads about such denizens of evil, their tales are known to be embellished and often out-of-date. The best remaining source is Lady Dara Sunglimmer, the principle and matriarch of the merchant House of Sunglimmer. While primarily dealers in luxury goods, the House is quietly known as one of the most well-connected information brokers in all of Crescent.

Introduction to Lady Dara

Upon arrival at the Guildhouse, the Companions were initially rebuffed by the punctilious appointment secretary, named Farsulus Dimberry. Despite the importance of their mission and their ecclesiastic rank, their lack of an appointment seemed an insurmountable obstacle. His frustration piqued, Kimo demonstrated the oft-mentioned unpredictable and unorthodox tendencies of monks-- with a jaunty grin, he spun the appointment book towards himself, snatched the quill from the secretary, and crossed off the next appointment, replacing it with "The Companions." Spinning the book around to face the stunned secretary, he pointed to the still-wet ink and said, "Well look at that! We DO have an appointment!" The flabbergasted secretary rocked back on his heels, babbling "You-- but-- the book-- you can't just, but-- you..." At that point the majordomo arrived, glanced at the book for the next appointment, and arched an eyebrow at the situation. Seeing the rank and demeanor of the Companions, he smoothly invited them back to the inner offices.

Lady Dara expressed both the willingness and ability to provide the Companions with the information they requested... for a price. A valuable shipment from upriver had been attacked and waylaid; the barge "Venerable Drake" was believed to be grounded a few days ride upriver. In exchange for investigating and returning any salvageable goods, the party would receive their information. A small chest was of particular interest and value, and primarily for that reason, Lady Dara insisted upon sending her agent, Trader Regina ip Sunglimmer, with the party.

Retrieving the Goods

The trip upriver was uneventful, and the wrecked barge was quickly located. Grounded on a sand bar a score yards from the bank, the Venerable Drake was seemingly abandoned. The water being only a few feet deep, the party boarded the barge and began their search. Most of the goods were ruined by the water and the below-decks were flooded. Through magic and potions, the party descended into the water to continue their search without fear of drowning. Moments after entering the hold, however, they discovered the barge had not truly been abandoned. A pair of Merfolk warriors confronted the party demanding they leave "this holy place." While Nigel and Kimo parlayed, Regina kept to the shadows and discovered the sought-after chest behind a hidden panel. The Merfolk revealed that they had captured the barge to reclaim an artifact of their deity, Gos, which artifact the party quickly realized was in the chest they were sent to retrieve. A brief underwater melee ensued, with Nigel and Kimo fighting a holding action while the rest of the party climbed onto the main deck.

The situation became grim, as the party was now stranded on the barge well away from the shore. The Merfolk warriors began firing on the party from the river, supported by a powerful shaman. As the Companions considered making a dash to shore, their plans were literally cut off by the summoning of a water elemental to reinforce the Merfolk. Seemingly impervious to the attacks of the party, the elemental began slamming the barge itself, threatening to stave it in and drop the Companions into the river. With a surge of might, the Companions struck at the warriors, and Jericho sent forth the Searing Light of ORB, which racked the elemental, driving in back with a grievous wound. The battle was pitched and the Companions yet at risk of losing the day. Seeing her opening, Regina strode to the fore and boldly thrust the chest above her head, visible to all, and shouted "BEHOLD! Your god has abandoned you! He sees that you are weak and unworthy of him and chooses US in your stead!"

The Merfolk stood stunned, the shaman with his mouth agape. Then his head and shoulders sagged, his spirit broken. One of the warriors, too, dropped his guard, a mask of anguish on his face. The other persisted; "No! It cannot be!" But he was chastened by the shaman-- "They are right. We have proven unworthy of Gos. He has abandoned us. And yet we cannot bar his way..." At that, the shaman led the warriors and elemental away, clearing the path for the Companions to regain the safety of the shore.

Return to Luminaux

The Merfolk, though, proved to not be the only others interested in the chest. That night, camped alongside the river, the Companions were callously assaulted as they prepared to sleep. Assailed from 3 sides, they faced a rain of arrows and the storming of their camp by men with strength and speed unmatched by any but Kimo. These attackers, with the abilities of Fists of Reverence, were clearly not of ORB. Bounding through camp, diving completely over the wagon, and tumbling beneath the legs of a moving horse, they harassed the Companions. Possession of the chest changed hands repeatedly, but the attackers were eventually routed. A few managed to escape into the darkness and underbrush, including an archer of uncanny ability.

Subsequently the party realized that the attack was a coincidental strike by 2 separate groups-- the monks were Blood Fists, and the others (a warrior, the archer, and ??) were a mercenary band called Cabot's Crew and hired by Simone Delcius.

Returning to Lumineaux shortly thereafter, the Companions returned the chest to Lady Dara. She provided them with the information they requested, but also noted that they had coinciding interests and the party might benefit from continued collaboration. As such, Regina became a de facto member of the Companions and traveled with them thereafter. (This last paragraph is a little fuzzy for me; edits encouraged)