The Mission
The Protectors were summoned by High Marshal Bostoro to a secret meeting place beneath the old cathedral. They were tasked with investigating the theft of valuable artifacts—the Crown of Queen Sabbath and the Star Diamond—purchased by House Luxsor. The items were lost during their transport, along with high-level wizards who were supposed to teleport them to the Luxsor vault.
Investigations and Clues
The Docks Investigation: The Protectors visited the docks where the ships "The Eye of Europa" and "Aladriel" had arrived. Perdita detected a strange odor near the ships, specifically the smell of babies, powder, and milk. Alacian analyzed residual magical energies. They followed the traces to an orphanage.
Orphanage Inquiry: At the orphanage, they met Sister Daucua and Sister Capsica. They noticed Capsica's defensiveness but were assured the donations came from an anonymous benefactor.
Combat and Curses
Dream Attack: That night, the Protectors experienced a shared dream where a scary flying woman wearing a mask with a skull face and tears coming from the eye sockets warned them to abandon their pursuit. She introduced herself as Lacrimosa and threatened them with eternal sleep. Alacian and Rojan could not wake up, falling under a curse that Zeera attempted to lift multiple times.
Ambush by Shadows: While investigating coming back from the library, Rojan and Perdita were ambushed by shadow constructs resembling Rojan’s old party members—Albica the witch, Vernon the construct fighter, and Azure the conjurer teleporter. The Protectors defeated these constructs, confirming Lacrimosa's involvement.
Retrieving the Crown
Infiltrating the Pirate Ship: The Protectors learned that the Crown of Queen Sabbath was in the possession of a pirate named Victor C, whose ship was disguised as a Fish Oil cargo ship. They infiltrated the ship, successfully disarming traps and retrieving the Crown from the captain's quarters. However, they were discovered by Captain Victor C, leading to a fierce battle.
Escape and Confrontation: The Protectors fought their way out, defeating the thugs but facing a skilled Captain Victor C. They managed to escape on a rowboat, with the captain yelling threats of revenge.
Unveiling Lacrimosa
Confronting Sister Capsica: Upon returning, High Marshal Bostoro revealed that Sister Capsica was an illegitimate member of the Luxsor house. This information added context to her actions and resentment towards the Luxsors. During this confrontation, they recognized phrases similar to those used by the entity Lacrimosa in their dreams, raising their suspicions further. The Protectors confronted Capsica, who revealed herself to be Lacrimosa. She justified her actions as necessary for the orphanage's survival.
Negotiation with Lacrimosa: Lacrimosa offered to return the Star Diamond and the wizards if the Protectors kept her identity secret. She argued that her thefts were for a noble cause, helping the orphanage and its 95 children. The Protectors agreed to her terms, prioritizing the well-being of the children and a peaceful resolution.
Resolution and Rewards
Returning the Artifacts: The Protectors returned the Star Diamond and the wizards to House Luxsor, receiving a reward of 3000 gp. High Marshal Bostoro congratulated them, and the Luxsors publicly thanked the Protectors. Newspapers praised their heroic deeds, with headlines celebrating the recovery of the stolen artifacts and the safe return of the wizards.
Lucia’s Favor: Lucia Many Eyes, the information broker, called in her favor, asking for a date with Alacian. This request caused a bit of fraternal jealousy in Perdita, but the group supported Alacian.
Reflection and Rest
- Reflecting on the Events: The Protectors gathered at their base, reflecting on the moral complexities of their mission. They discussed the importance of balancing justice with compassion and prepared for future challenges.
Key Characters:
- Rojan: A female human rogue, skilled in stealth and combat.
- Perdita: A female gnoll ranger devoted to Miliki, keen senses and tracking abilities.
- Alacian Loc: A drow wizard, recently resurrected and recovering from a curse.
- Zeera Ibanez: A female cleric of Ternusla, determined and compassionate.
- High Marshal Bostoro: The chief of the city guard, tasked with maintaining order.
- Sister Capsica (Lacrimosa): An illegitimate member of the Luxsor house, using her powers to support the orphanage.
- Sister Daucua: An elderly dwarf nun, overseeing the orphanage.
- Captain Victor C: A pirate involved in the theft of the Crown, later encountered by the Protectors.
- Lucia Many Eyes: A halfling rogue and information broker, who later asked for a date with Alacian.
Key Locations:
- The Docks: Where the ships arrived and where the Protectors first investigated the theft.
- The Orphanage: The central location tied to Lacrimosa’s actions and motivations.
- Secret Meeting Place: Beneath the old cathedral, where the Protectors received their missions and debriefed.