The session started with the group healing from their battle with the red caps and the duergar. They explored the area, looking for evidence of a recruiting camp, but did not find anything. The remembered previous encounters with duergar in the dungeons below Castle Whiterock. THey also remembered that the duergar might be working with Oro Loroth, the evil dwarven king of the Halls of the Mountain King to the south and east of Morraine. Oro Loroth is an exile of the Holdfast of the Steel Lord, which is in the mountains of Ul Dominor, the home of Kaylord's people. Five years after his exile, he returned at the head of an army of orc and human mercenaries and overwhelmed the hold of Clan Dronil. He took control of the mines and expanded his kingdom and armies, 110 years later hse is stronger than ever. He keeps his armies strong by attacks on the lands to the west of him, the Warlands. His battles have resulted in chaos and is part of the reason there are so many refugees fleeing north to Morrain and the city of Cillamar.
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After their discussion, the group decided to make camp and spend the night. The group was careful and avoided the use of fire with a campfire bead. The group did not want to attract the attention of the Blackthorn Druids, protector of the forest. They are known as a dangerous order that will do whatever it takes to protect the forest from destruction. The night watches went quietly until just before dawn. Kaylord investigated and saw giant spiders laying in wait for something. They did not detect him, so he went back to the group and they decided to wait until dawn when all could see without having a light.
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At dawn the Strangers went to investigate and saw five spiders, some in the large trees, around a large web between two trees. The group attacked, with Aramil drawing the attention of three of the spiders while Kaylord, Coravel and Quis'Ari attacked the other two. The spiders attacked, but had problems getting through the Strangers strong defense. After a few swift strokes from Kaylord and Coravel and magic from Aramil, the spiders were quickly taken down. The group explored for treasure but it appeared the spiders had just setup in this location and there were no remains from other adventurers or travelers. The Strangers then packed up and headed back to Cillamar.
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As they entered the city, a messenger ran up and said they were in time for the council meeting announcing the Patriarch's retirement. The group cleaned up some and went to the Lord's Citadel and the council chamber for the meeting. The Patriarch announced his retirement and recommends the Lady Lewis for the next Lord Mayor. The lady accepts the nomination and say if chosen she will work to protect the city while improving life for everyone. She also states that she would be firm in support of the rule of law for Cillamar.
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The Patriarch asks if anyone else would dispute the Lady Lewis or if another Lord or Lady would better serve the interests of Cillamar. Count Ismae stands and speaks that he is saddened by the loss of the Patriarch and recognizes the wisdom of the Lady Lewis. However, due to her lack of experience with war and battle, he feels he would be better as Lord Mayor during these troubled times and offers up his nomination.
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The Patriarch and the council accept his nomination and the Patriarch asks for any more nominations. After a long pause, Lord Merrick stands up and states that he feels he would act best as Lord Mayor because of his experience with battle and with commerce. He feels that not enough attention is being given to trade and he wishes to expand the wealth of Cillamar and it's citizens.
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The Patriarch asks if anyone else wishes to be Lord Mayor, there are no other nominations. He closes the meeting and leaves to applause from the chamber. The Lords and Ladies file out while the Strangers go back and join the Patriarch. He and the Lady Lewis say they expected the Count to nominate himself but were surprised at Lord Merrick's nomination. They are concerned that Lord Merrick could split the vote so that Count Ismae would win instead of Lady Lewis.After some discussion and a request for help from the Lady, The Strangers agree to visit some of the council lords who might be swayed to vote for Lady Lewis instead of the Count. Over the next few days, they visit various Lords and Ladies to see if they can change votes.
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They first call on Lord Merrick in an attempt to find out why he is running. While on the way over, they remember that Lord Merrick has some losses with his crops and attacks on his trade caravans and suffered financial losses. Somehow he overcame that but no one knows how he did so.
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The group met with Lord Merrick and asked him and were gradually able to get him to be friendly. They did find out that he had received a loan to cover his losses but Lord Merrick refused to talk more about it. They gently ask if perhaps he is being blackmailed and there is a slight nod but they are asked to leave after this.
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Next The Strangers visit Lord Dawson who is reluctant to speak with them. After talking with them, they gradually work out that someone is also blackmailing him, however, he agrees to vote for Lady Lewis in spite of the threat. The group thanks him for his help and prepares for their next visit with Lord Nigel the bald.
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The Lord Nigel is first and foremost a merchant so the group discusses with him the better possibility of trade opportunities if the Lady Lewis is elected. They also discuss the fact that chaos is more likely if Count Ismae is in charge, based on his recent actions and grief for his last living heir, Sophia, who has left the area. The Strangers are convincing enough that Lord Nigel sees the trade benefits and agrees to vote for Lady Lewis. On the way out of his house, part of the group overhears servants whispering something. As they casually slow down, two of the group heard “Count Ismae will win big on this contract and gold with Nigel, especially after the True Men act on Erastus 1”
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After leaving the house, they hear an alarm and see Lantern Watch guards running for the High Quarter. They hear that some beast has escaped from Lord Mallac's house and the guard are going to help capture it. The Strangers follow the guards and see two commoners down on the ground and a giant centipede moving in the street. As they approach, guards approach the street from the other side while Lord Mallac is shouting “Don't hurt it, I want it back alive.” The centipede makes a sudden move and goes into an opening on the street into the sewers. There is a manhole cover by the group, they lift off the cover and go down to chase after the centipede. Aramil spies a glimpse of it as it rounds a corner. Kaylord, Coravel and Quis'Ari join him as they try to track the centipede. They go in two different directions and Quis'Ari finds it, while Aramil and Kaylord come around the other direction. Aramil fires off a sleep spell and is fortunate enough that the centipede will be overcome for a short time. They quickly get help from Lord Mallac's people and the Lantern Watch to carry it back to the Lord's mansion. Quis'Ari helps the commoners who are down on the ground and Lord Mallac thanks them for their help.
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The Strangers ask if Lord Mallac would consider voting for Lady Lewis for Lord Mayor who they support. He says he probably will, although Count Ismae has some good qualities that could help Cillamar. A servant comes up behind the Lord to report to him about the centiped and that is safely in a cage now. The Strangers ask the Lord again if he will vote for Lady Lewis considering how they have helped him. They look to the servant for help, who shrugs and indicates he will do his best to remind Lord Mallac of what happened when the vote comes up.
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The Strangers had done all they could to change votes for Lady Lewis in time for the vote the next day. The session ended here.
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