As the guards were taking the thugs away, one of the guards reminded them to go and visit with Brian Ward, a trusted captain in the Lantern Watch. The Strangers found him by the Gate of Sorrows, in the area of the Black House by the citadel. He had heard of them and after a good initial introduction, he was willing to talk with them in private about rumors and information from around Cillamar.
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Brian confirmed information that nobles who support Count Ismae aren't bothered by the Lantern Watch, only Lords and Ladies who support the Patriarch or Lady Lewis. He has heard that Lady Woden has met with someone in private, but the person was disguised. The Lady and the other person met in a private room at the Gaol building. While not all of the Lantern Watch will turn a blind eye, there are patrols that are known to be loyal to Lady Woden who patrol the High Quarter and turn a blind eye to what the nobles do. The Lady Belgard is the commander of another patrol on the north side of Cillamar, at the Great Tower and her troops ignore the activities of the True Men. Lady Belgard is a paladin of Irori, and has been heard saying that refugees are ruining the law of Cillamar and someone should do something to return law to the city. It is known that her patrols are in the High quarter to keep peace for the nobles and keep undesirables out of the area.
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After getting this information, Quis'Ari wanted to go and speak with Lady Woden and Lady Belgard about their dereliction in duty for all of Cillamar, not just the nobles of the city. However, after discussion, it was decided that now was not the time to pursue a more active method of change in the city, at least until the election had occurred. The group also found out the size of the Lantern Watch, 50 guards, who patrolled in groups of 4-6 in the Warrens. The force had been smaller, but had grown as the turmoil in Cillamar increased.
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The group stopped next at the Slumbering Drake to see if she had any information. She greeted the group warmly and spoke with them for a few moments. She had heard rumors of some kind of camp in the north in Ashwood Forest, who was recruiting mercenaries for some reason. She was a little surprised at this, it was known that Blackthorn Druids protected the forest and valued the forest life above others. She thought that a map was being circulated for the location, but was not sure of this information.
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The group left the Slumbering Drake and went home to the Keep to rest up and prepare for the Burning Blades festival the next day. The next day, on their way to the common area, they were jumped by rogues who took them by surprise. Aramil was gravely wounded and used magic to get out quickly. Kaylord and Coravel swung in while Quis'Ari helped in the battle. Once the party was engaged, the battle went quickly and decisively for the group.
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Guards pushed through the crowd which had gathered around the fight. The commoners backed up the story about the attack, so the guards took the bodies and prisoners back to the Gaol. Before they gathered them together, Coravel searched and found a map on one of them, with a mention of Ashwood forest. He palmed the map as the guards took the body away. The group then went back to the festival. Quis'Ari joined with the other members of the Temple of Sarenrae and danced with the mock swords made just for the festival. Kaylord joined her and as they danced, their blades lit up. The crowds stopped and pointed at the blades, the only ones lit by the power of the goddess for the festival. Kaylord and Quis'Ari jumped on a table, praising Sarenrae for warning them of the immediate threat. They also thanked her for saving them from the ambush and warning of the True Men who employ assassins to attack people like them.
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During the speech, Aramil was observing to see if any of the Lantern Watch guard reacted. One did react, Aramil went and asked his name, but nothing more, just to let him know they were watching. The group went to the Slumbering Drake and the Lady shared with them another map, similar to the one they had found. They decided to travel and find the camp the next day. They got an early start and marched up to the forest, following the guides of the map. The way through the forest was difficult, only partial light and thick growth. After several hours, at dusk, they found the area the map had indicated. As they entered a clearing, crossbow bolt shot out at them. Coravel rushed and was attacked by 2 red caps and a shadowy figure. He returned to the group after taking damage and losing strength. The group fought together, although Quis'Ari was also touched by the red capped beings and felt weaker. Kaylord waded in and slowly took down the red caps and their dwarven like companion. The small beings seem to have some natural protection and healing that made them harder to battle. Eventually, several small bodies and one dwarven like body were laid out around them. On a closer look, they realized the larger humanoid was a duergar, like the ones they had seen in the Castle Whiterock ruins.
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Here the session ended.
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