Return to Sosonopa, a journal entry by Rilya, Windling Weaponsmith and Nethermancer
While wandering around the Great Bazaar of Throal I found a notice, from one Gordad Treasureborn of the Curbews Trading Alliance, seeking adventurers willing to travel to Sosonopa to claim a recipe book from his grandmother's tomb, located in the catacombs beneath the city. She had been buried in a rather nice tomb. He did make a big deal about Fortune Field's not getting it first. I was joined by Grom (Ork Skyraider), Ceadda (Human Warrior), Varis (Dwarf Elementalist), and Prthrytholilanista (Elven Nethermancer). Grom asked for one of my swords, and I gladly let him borrow the broadsword I had at the forge. With those preparations taken care of, we set out. Along the way, I informed them of the goings on the last time I was in Sosonopa (
Ghoulish Rescue), so they would not be surprised by anything that happened to us.
While out, we saw another group that seemed to be trailing us. For the moment, we let them continue without approaching them, but not without some debate. We saw them a couple more times as we continued on the trip, over the days, always on the horizon, and trying to keep out of our sight. When we were close to Sosonopa, we decided to see if they were indeed following us, and moved off the trail. They saw us, but continued heading on to the village. So, we left our lookout point and continued as well, and heard from them no more.
As night drew close, we were not within sight, so we settled down to rest, and finish the journey in the morning. That night, I had the strangest dream, regarding a visit from some of my nieces. I don't remember the details, but it seemed especially realistic, enough so, that when I was woken up by Varis, with no explanation, I could still hear their voices, whispering in my ear, and proving quite distracting. I missed some of it, but the next thing I know, Varis was attacking Pethrytholilanista, saying she was a Doppler. And she began attacking back. When the creature was dead, Varis showed us some tracks where it looked like someone was dragged from camp towards Sosonopa, and we proceeded with all due haste. The voices were louder than ever, but I followed as best I could.
Upon arriving at the gate, Ivon was there, and immediately commanded the guards to arrest me. My companions, not having any of that, came to my defense, and battle ensued. During the conflict, Ivon escaped into a nearby hut, soon followed by a bat leaving and flying off into the night. Pity, I would have liked to have ended his threat, but seems we shall have to find him once again. We did find Pethrytholilanista, as she fought free of her captivity and rejoined us. We caused a few to flee, seeking aid from further guards, who all appeared to be normal. Retreating with our companion, we made our way into the swamp to find an entrance to the catacombs that Ceadda knew about.
Making out way down below the surface, we explored first a small waterway, that soon had a breach into the walls leading into the catacombs themselves. Continuing deeper, we came across some natural hazards, but the catacombs themselves seemed devoid of life. Varis knew the crest we were looking for, and with some poking, we found a door that matched the symbol. Opening it up, we discovered a few items of interest, the books that Gordad was seeking among them. As well, a few items laid to rest with her. We gathered them all up and brought them back to him. He was pleased with the books that we claimed, and allowed us to keep the other items to distribute amongst ourselves. I myself took a beautiful set of earrings carved into the shape of lightning bolts.