Group 2 Session 2: Bats all the way down

 Party: Claudia De La Quinne, The Captain, Vholanthus Sumquaes, Daisy Dandeigh Deveraux

Shocked at the revelations of an upcoming Darktide (and some members of the party wondering what exactly that might be), the party decides to send Wenceslas to the Great Library in order to find out more.
As Wenceslas heads off, the corpse of the dryad is investigated and a small stone shard etched with an elven rune is found. When Vholanthus is asked about it, he explains how two millennia ago a powerful mage was defeated at the site of present-day Vertange by the druids after a titanic struggle. This mage used the power of an Ancestral Elven Runestone to drain the life of his surroundings and shape the husks that remained into his servants, thereby blighting the land in a way that lingers to this day. 
Vholanthus has done what he can to realign the geomantic energies ever since he learned of this.

Claudia uses her power to ask questions of those who departed to gain more knowledge about the situation, but only discovers that the creatures twisted by the dark energies of the Runestone follow the Hunger.  
The Captain tries to flick the shard of runestone embedded in the dead dryad with his blade, but Emiel absorbs the thing and gains a spectral runic inscription reading:
"Pierce with me the Veil of Night
Draw ever more to my side."
The inscription glows shortly and then fades from sight, unless one very closely examines the blade.

Keying off of the concept of hunger and considering the changes Vholanthus noted in the wildlife, the group starts thinking about mysterious disappearances around town. Claudia and Daisy note that they caught Sandre Benotti slipping 'something' to an orphan boy, and that this boy seemed dazed but glad to have been saved by their arrival as Sandre ran off when they showed up. Ever since, rumours have started that several other orphans had disappeared and children have started avoiding the candy shops that are run by Sandre.
The Captain wants to confront Sandre without delay, but Roberto Sumquaes arrives on the scene to proffer his assistance to his uncle, having heard that strange wildlife may endanger the man who graciously saved him from an ignoble canal-side death at the hands of some cutpurse.
Vholanthus and friends seem less than warm to the idea and suggest that Roberto stays behind and watches the area for further disturbances. 

Daisy takes the time to query the local nightlife (in this case, a large bat) upon the situation, leading to a long chat where the bat reveals that one of his brood has been acting strange since finding an odd stone.
As Daisy is startled by this revelation, the bat also understands it has said too much and wings it.
Cornpone (Daisy's excellently trained animal companion) gives chase and comes back to report having found the bat's lair.
The party goes there (gently shoeing off two guardsmen who were sent to accompany 'Uncle Vholanthus') and get into a fight with the denizens of the Bat Building, a place dripping in guano. A large mutated bat arrives on the scene and causes havoc, so the party heads off after picking up a small black stone from the ground as the building catches fire.

They all get away safely, though Vholanthus (in owl form) still has a brief encounter with the large bat as it flees from the flames.

Group 2 Session 1: Downtime and Dryadic Dangers

Party: Claudia De La Quinne, The Captain, Wenceslas, Vholanthus Sumquaes, Daisy Dandeigh Deveraux

During the period of time after the group managed to save Jim of the House of the Three Beams from certain judicial disaster at the hands of an impulsive young lawyer, the adventurers spent some time discovering the city and its surroundings, each to their own ability.

Claudia started digging around with her connections, seeing which nobles would find her return to the position she once held to be an affront for the higher society and which would actively join up to disrupt the current landscape.

Vholanthus starts deep investigations into strange on-goings with the wildlife, as he stumbles upon various sites where the local fauna has gone rogue, with sometimes the flora also following suit. Puzzling together what information he can find, he deduces there are six active locations that twist the animals and plants in their vicinity to a dark parody of their normal state.

Wenceslas takes a liking to the tidal fortresses outside of the city. As only three are in current use, two in renovation and three others fully abandoned to all but the Sea's grace, they provide a great point of relaxation for the elf, beyond the busy lives of the mortals that dwell in the city proper.
He does face off against an unusual creature, a fanged albatross. Both survive the encounter.

The Captain finds that, with a bandit lord rallying to himself a small army, the peasants outside and commoners in the city are having a hard time for it. Raids on the farmlands have decreased the output of food from what is traditionally the bread-basket for the Crescent Coast. 
Life is getting more expensive, and so the farmers that can pool together their resources and hire mercenary aides to defend their farmsteads and hovels. The Captain spends a goodly amount of time in assisting these efforts, if and when he is not helping his friends inside of the city walls.

Miss Daisy makes the most of the recent popularity increase of Perlis, as she becomes a highlight on most social gatherings, a well-loved face at tea parties and a wellspring of information on the fashions in the Sultanate. Under the auspices of Lady Julia De La Quinne, she even gets a 'small pied-a-terre' in the form of a coach-house near the Plaza Equorum. 

The group meets up at regular intervals, at whichever location is most convenient, and one such meetings happens in the new dwelling of miss Daisy. After Vholanthus elfs at the Captain for a while and Wencelas provides a visual account of his encounter with the Albatross (through his innate magical prowess), the group decides to check out some concerning rumours in line with the information Vholanthus has been able to gleam from his research.

Heading down to Claudia's friend Doxie (Eudoxius), the group learns of the current location of some unusual animals and heads down to take care of them.
As they descend into the sewers, they are met with stiff resistance in the form of a Dryad and her pack of twisted rats and vine-people. The group finishes this resistance off, but one of the creatures manages to scurry off as the fighting dies down. 
They do their best to interrogate the last surviving foe on the scene, but little of value is noted, beyond the stark realisation that there might be up to six Elfhames underneath Vertange... and a Darktide is coming.

Vertangian Society: Fleurs Nobles

 

Les Fleurs Nobles de Vertange.

Imperiali - Supporters of the Emperor, country over family

The Imperiali are staunchly in favour of centralised power, as it leads to quick and decisive choices for the betterment of the nation. They view the senate with some distrust, as some families have chosen to use the positions of power for their own betterment rather than that of the city in the past and would likely do so again if they got the chance.

Benotti - Imperial guard and confection [Orderborn]

The Benotti feature some of the most renown duelists and have a long tradition of being champions for the Emperor in physical disputes. Due to their arduous training in the ways of marksmanship and swordplay, they have refined highly tuned senses that are put to work when they create the trademark 'Benotti Bonbons', caramelized sugary treats and other confections. They have been allotted a free rein over the import and distribution of sweets.

Avantarei - Matters magical and astrological [Loreborn]

The Avantarei can usually be found in Stargazer Towers or in the vast libraries that their family maintains for the greater good of Vertange-born intellectuals. They have been blessed with a deep understanding of the arcane and the workings of fate.

L'Equichant - Royal stables and hunting [Highborn]

The family descending from Franca L'Equichant has always had a knack with animals. Coming fully into their own during times of conflict, the masters of the Imperial Stables are always ready to prove themselves superior horsemen. During more peaceful times, they organise grand hunts, set up breeding programs for the livestock around the city or (together with the Durée) create elaborate horseraces to entertain the people.

Durée - Public works and festivals [Highborn]

If any family is antonymous with 'Without money, you cannot have fun', it would be the family Durée. They provide not only essential repairs to infrastructures throughout Vertange, but they also set up lavish festivals for the Vulgari with great care. Their income is partially a stipend from the Emperor and partially from the other Fleurs Nobles, who want to be seen as kind and benevolent. That is not to say that they are without skill at arms, for some of the greatest generals Vertange has known, were from this house.

Nocti - Supporters of a more democratic rule, family over country

In times of weak emperors, the Nocti strive to enlarge the power of the families through a governing body known as a senate. Under the current emperor, this has fallen in standing, though some laws are still passed through their efforts.

De Bouchee - Bankers and moneylenders [Highborn]

The familie De Bouchee came into money early and never let it go. They have been blessed by the Lady of the Scales herself in order to keep the money safe, the aspirations of the skilled unhampered by the lack of coin they may be in temporarily and the city itself prosperous. Should they fail at this, the Lady of Scales will appear and appoint a more capable leader for the family's efforts. This has happened twice in the existence of the city.

De La Quinne - Balls and socialites [Loreborn]

The family De La Quinne are known followers of the Night Queen. They spend a lot of time on ensuring the other Fleurs Nobles get along, instigating balls, matchmaking for weddings and promoting culture through musical or poetic recitals. Some say they are also involved in assassinations and poisoning comes naturally to them, but few do so loudly.

Du Trêve - Taxmen, soldiers and lawyers [Slyborn]

In a city where the laws are rather loose, the enforcement is about as important as the interpretation of any incidents. The family Du Trêve has made their name in being the foremost experts in understanding the spirit of the law. It should come as no surprise that this eye for detail also enabled them to not only claim the lucrative post of tax collectors for themselves, but they also protect and staff the Tidal Fortress "Castello di Punta Verta", allowing them to exact the tolls for entering the port proper.

Sombri - Funerals and maintaining gravesites [Orderborn]

Where many people are born, many people also see their lives end. In order to avoid the dead littering the streets, the pale carts of the Sombri circulate throughout Vertange. The men and women from this family take the burden of entombing those who have passed and safeguarding the gravesites from time and criminals. The need to keep the gravesites as peaceful as possible has led to many of this family investing time and coin into studying medicine and the healing arts.

Parlementari - Neutral Lawmen, law over feelings
Where Imperiali and Nocti oft try to overrule the law with their own preferences, the Parlementari keepeverything functioning as it should. While not as exciting as the others, the political prowess is not to be underestimated, as even the powerful Priati are members of this faction. The Parlementari are invariably some of the richest families in Vertange, leading to their vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

Priati - Clergy and religion [Orderborn]

Any sentient being needs things to believe in, and the Priati are uniquely focussed on keeping the spiritual side of Vertange aligned to avoid damage to its people. As the caretakers of the most active deity in Gaevel (the Lady of the Scales), their word carries great weight in any discussion they want to enter.

Sumquaes - Judges and education [Loreborn]

Before their position as chief legal family was usurped by the Du Trêve, the Sumquaes were the judge, jury and proverbial headsman for most of the city. With the Du Trêve taking over the interpretation of the law, the Emperor Doré Argontize decreed the letter of the law is still best left to the ancient Sumquaes family, so from their line are drawn the Judges. In addition to this, the Grand University is also run by them.

Tesodi - Clothing and trade [Highborn]

A cultured city needs to have a diverse and lively outlook, or so the Tesodi family says as they reveal the season's new fashion trends to the baffled onlookers. With either daring modern designs or modest classical garbs, the tradesmaster of the Tesodi dictates what one should wear to the next ball, gathering or audience with other Fleurs Nobles.

Du Calle - Public order and detention [Orderborn]

The nature of those who dwell in such a prideful and rich city as Vertange means that some will try to take shortcuts to success. The family Du Calle regretfully makes sure that getting caught and tried by the appropriate level of justice is not without repercussions. On street-level this is reflected by armed patrols. Once it has been established that someone broke a law, the punishment is meted out accordingly, from physical harm to detention in awaiting a sentence, the Du Calle have facilities that serve these purposes.
Executions are usually not for the public to see, but should such things arise, the Du Calle let the Durée take over. The family motto is "Do what must be done".

Vertange Society: Common folk

The common folks of Vertange, divided as seen by the masses.

Vulgari

Patricians - Vertange-born merchants

Adsidui - Vertange-born commoners (mainly craftsmen)

Proletarii - Vertange-born workers (porters and such)

Peregrini (Probatory citizens)

Equites - Levies and mercenaries (civil soldiers)

Foreigners

Plebis - Newcomers, not born in Vertange

Big families in the Vulgari

The commoners amongst the Vertanger, those that keep the city afloat through their hard work, are no less vital to the city's wellbeing than the Fleurs Nobles. While the highborn sit in their villas behind elaborate facades, both physical and proverbial, the Vulgari are the lifeblood that make from Vertange not just a poet's city, but also one of the big three trade hubs on the coastline.

Among commoners and Fleurs Nobles, there is a distinction between those newly come to the city (the so-called Peregrini) and the proper Vulgari that were born in the city. This distinction also extends to rights and applicable laws.

One of the Vulgari would count themselves lucky to belong to one of the major tradesfamilies.

This layer of society specifically is known as the Patricians, those closest to the Fleurs Nobles as common blood can get, and they can get invited to many (but not all) balls.
When someone from noble blood feels the need to allow fresh cash to flow into their coffers, sometimes they will marry with one of the children from such Patrician houses.

Patricians

De'Campi - Large shops containing various foodstuffs [Wanderborn]

The De'Campi have connections all over the coastline of the Sea of Ends, importing and reselling exotic dishes from Perlis, hard drinks from Varstein or the smoked meats from Freicöve. Their caravans coming in are always a sign that the food prices in the lower city will be lower for a while, and the next festival will dazzle the mind and the mouth alike.

Ostari - Restaurants and taverns [Seaborn]

The Ostari run most of the quality establishments for commoners. It is frequently said that for every tapped barrel of wine or ale, at least three Ostari have gotten paid. More so than most, the Ostari have a finger on the pulse of the city, leading to many adventurers looking

for information in their establishments before turning to more official channels.

Adsidui

Guanti - Clothes [Wanderborn]

Resourceful and thrifty, the Guanti family can make almost anything into wearable items.
They clothe most of the civilians in Vertange, keeping costs low to ensure both a good turnover of their stylings (based on last season's highlights) and to keep competition out.

Edaeci - Architectural work [Underborn]

The beautification of the city can only be done by craftsmen who understand the true heart of the sandstone and marbles they are working with, and the Edaeci have this understanding in spades. From daring escapades on scaffolding to detailed chiseling while hanging from a spire, the Edaeci are the masters of the rooftops in the Lower City.

Proletarii

Camminari - Carriers around town, most gondelièri [Seaborn]

[World] The Races of Gaeval

Main races of Gaeval (as seen through Daggerheart's options)

Common races

Dwarf - Mercantile and mountains. (Nomadic, Tomeadic and Settled)

Elf - Fine arts and the forests (Sun, Wood and Dark)

Goblin - Tinkering and the sea (Red, Green and Feral)

Human - Populous and agriculture (Perlisian, Vertanger, Freicövei)

Uncommon races (live secluded, outside of main civilisation or are very few in number)

Infernis - Seen as a bad omen, this race is unlikely to receive a warm welcome.

Drakona - Also known as Kobolds. Hold strong family ties but seen as close to monsters by most.

Halfling - Travel in Family Trains, said to bring good luck and steal small items, in equal measure.

Beastkin - Come in various forms, usually live in the Wild Lands beyond the ruins of Altharion.

Extremely rare

Dryad (Fungril) - Natural spirits in mortal form, may live in a city park but prefer the wilds.

Faerie - Branch of the elves, they live away from the Cities in mystical homes known as Elfhames.

Orc - Spirits bound in mortal form, seen as violent demons.

Vertange: NPCs

The names of those the party has interacted with or heard of.
Not all these are friends, nor are all allies.
List is not comprehensive and other names can be added if missed.

Area Vulgaris:

A summary of the Common Folk

*The folks over at the Rusted Cartwheel

*The Abbot at the Temple of the Order of the Scorched Oath

*Gerard Gustafson
Human knight of the Order of the Scorched Oath, always up for a spot of righteousness.

*Conto Abbeva di Porta Valletta
Human. Owner of the Abbeverato, known to work as a liaison between the rich and the deniable assets they require.

*Rusko Rohtzhane
Human from Freicove with a bad temper, membership of the Varangian Guard
and connections within the regular guardsmen.

*Aemilia
A young elven barmaid that works in the Jardin's Verdant Grove Wine Bar, but lives in the Area Vulgaris.

*Aetius
A halfling that can usually be found in the Area Vulgaris whenever a scrap is going down. Loved to interject himself into an argument, play both sides up for violence, brawl a bit and then sneak off with a purse or two.

*Appius
Dwarven tour guide, always up to assist for a fee, to help escort newcomers to friendly merchants and inns.

*Blandus
Human guard at the Theatre Rouge Dramatique. Strong and capable, Blandus can also be found at the local wrestling pits in the Area Vulgaris.

*Caecilia
Human fortune teller, wizened beyond recognition. Caecilia has a gift for seeing things that aren't there. Sometimes these things are true, at other times they are not. She sells her services to common and noble alike.

*Caeso
Human drunkard. Seems to make a living being the butt of every joke.

*Calpar
Dwarven wine merchant, came down from near Altharion to make his fortune, currently sitting in the middle of the pack, not earning the best coin, but able to spend a good amount without falling short of cash.

*Davos
A human captain who runs the 'Cyclopean Vulture', a beautiful two-masted schooner, up and down from Freicove. Main wares are furs.

*Drusus
A Goblin metalworker. Not a smith, but one of those that reinforces structures by adding metal to the buildings. Also constructs scaffolding.

*Eudoxius 
Goblin Sewer Cleaner. A common sight around town, has a snarky mouth and a mean streak reserved for those that give her and hers a rough time.

*Nicomedes
Retired human gambler, always seems to have the better odds. Lives above the Abeverrato of Conto Abbeva.

*Wallflower 
Halfling/Catfolk prostitute. Wallflower sees a lot of folk and hears many things. Someone tried to silence her to keep an affaire quiet, but Wallflower knows how to use a blade. 

Le Jardin du Fleurs Nobles:

A summary of les Fleurs Nobles

The House Benotti

*Beiro Benotti
Human, leader of the Imperial Duelists and court darling. Rose to prominence during his temps du Galetto as a competent and realistic leader. Has many friends in high places, but also a number of folks that would see him brought low for their own gain.

*Sandre Benotti
Half human, half elf, the Lady Sandre is a recognizable individual throughout Vertange, as she runs the Dulce Frustum, a successful chain of specialized candy stores, catering to the rich and extravagant.

The House Avantarei

*Thomasso Avantarei
This goblin tinkerer has married into the Avantarei family not just on the merit of making hand-over-fist money with his beautiful music boxes, but also because his genius is not limited to toycraft. It is said the youth has upgraded the defenses of many a noble estate over the past five years and making the vaults of the Avantarei the most guarded places in Vertange.

*Ilfana Avantarei
The Mistress of Books, this elven lady has long since held court in the Reposito Arcanum. She is said to know the exact location of each book within the space and rarely leaves the grounds, preferring the company of the bound ones over that of the living. 

The House L'Equichant

*Marcel L'Equichant
Human, the dour huntsmaster for the House, Marcel is known for his rigorous training regimen and his skill at arms. When he is not tending to the Emperor's Hounds or the stables, he can usually be found assisting the City Watch in their training.

*Tangui L'Equichant
Dwarf, keeper of the Kennel, the best breeder of his generation. Tangui has an eye for the best characteristics of all manner of animals, which has made him one of the wealthiest individuals in the City. After all, a good watchdog may alert a family of intruders, but the best will bring down the intruders without much trouble. 

The House Duree

*Abdelaide Duree (ou Adele)
Human debutante from the hours Duree. She made quite a splash on the social scene and was very much en vogue until her engagement was announced to a foreign noble. All seem to hold her in high esteem.

*Salvadore Duree
Human, usually called upon to organize the Moon Revels, a set of soirees that link into the Moon's aspects. From full mystery at a Maschera at the start to the opulent banquet at the end, Salvadore has everything working like clockwork, which has led to the Galettos practically worshipping the ground he walks on.

*Hermant Duree
Human, a man of great resource, Hermant has made his fortune through shipping. Now, nearing his fiftieth year, he seeks to find a suitable heir for the naval fleet (12 ships and 2 more to be finished) he has built up.

The House De Bouchee

*Jean-Claude De Bouchee
Goblin overcompensator, also a Captain that patrols the central Mint near the Great Temple of the Lady of Scales.

*Marco De Bouchee
One of the most known moneylenders in town, Marco is known to cancel debts for those that can beat him in a game of chance, but he is also known to not lose that much...

The House De La Quinne

*Julia De La Quinne
Human. The left hand of the Matriarch of the De La Quinne family, Julia wields considerable influence and has both the connections and the funds to make the life of those that would oppose the goals of the family, yet she seems to have a soft spot for the impoverished commoners in the Area Vulgaris, making regular charity trips there.

*Augustus De La Quinne
Human. Augustus has been said to be the star prospect from the family, beloved by most of the ladies of the Balls this season. His mother has opened a small (and successful) boutique selling portraits and signed articles of clothing.

The House Du Treve

*Francois Du Treve
Human, said to be the future for house Du Treve when it comes to the courtly matters. Graduated summa cum laude at the Grand University. In spite of this, he is extremely biased in favour of humans and elves, considering most other races to be lesser in both body and mind.

*Theodore Du Treve
Elf. When things turn dire, the Du Treve send in Theodore. A procurement specialist, who for a small fee (and providing it does not go against the interests of the House) will gladly offer his services.

*Luna Du Treve
Halfling. Luna is a diligent lawyer, though when there are no cases, she will restlessly examine the bottoms of her glass in the Absconding Dawn.

The House Sombri

*Claudius Sombri
Elf. Caretaker of the Mausolé d'Or et Argent. Claudius has worked the Mausolé for over a century, rising from lowly guard to chief caretaker.

*Robrigo Sombri
Human. Master of the Arx Infractorum, one of the eight Tidal Fortresses that form the outer defenses of Vertange from the sea. 

The House Priati

*Eugene Priati
Elf. A man of the cloth, can usually be found leading the Temple of the Lady of the Scales at the Plaza Equines, where the stables for the city guard are also located. Eugene has a reputation for being addled, yet exceedingly kind. 

*Pierre Priati
Human. Commadore of the Guardians of the First Coin, a knightly order devoted to the Lady of Scales. Known for holding grudges and leading his squad of ten to safeguard the temples around the Jardin. 

The House Sumquaes

*Robert Sumquaes
Human, Robert's a frequent traveler to both the upscale salons of the Jardin and the dives in the Area Vulgaris. He is known to be happy to throw his inheritance around, both in coin and more physical endeavors, and his indiscretions have caused his father Iulius Sumquaes many a headache. 
Having reached the ripe age of 45, all hope Robert will find someone that may settle his whims.

*Iulius Sumquaes
Human, old, Iulius has been in the position of Primo Giudice at the Court of the Lady of Scales for over a decade and is showing no signs of flagging. He works hard and is seen as one of the more objective judges one can have.   

*Appollodorus Sumquaes
Dwarf. About as wide as he is tall, the master of the Grand University of Vertange has spent the last decades pouring over tomes to enlarge an already rich mind. He allows non-students entry (under supervision) if they offer him a suitable gift to enlarge his collection.

*Trebatius Sumquaes
Human. Trebatius is one of the names that strike terror in the hearts of those who commit crimes. He is the chief prosecutor of Vertange and has long since vowed not to rest until all crime is eradicated from the Area Vulgaris.

The House Tesodi

*Lucius Tesodi
Elf. Lucius is almost a synonym for fashion within the higher circles of society. Where he leads, the others follow. Season in, season out, Lucius creates such masterpieces out of fabric that all stand in awe.

*Manius Tesodi
Goblin. Manius is your man if you need scaffolding projects. He brings in capable and skilled workers to tackle most of the building and renovation in the Jardin, and he does so at a surprisingly low cost.

The House Du Calle

*Durant Du Calle
Lord Marshall at the Imperial Court. A dwarf boasting impressive might and a beautifully worked beard, this once socialite sensation left his youthful ways behind him by joining a mercenary group after his temps du Galetto. From there, Durant made such a name for himself as a tactical mastermind and skilled fighter, he was permitted to join the City Guard and eventually even the late Emperor Argentice took note and promoted him to chief defender of the City, the post of Lord Marshall.

*Honora Du Calle
Dwarf. The Lady Honora has been in charge of the main prison of Vertange (Saxum Catenatum) for two years and seems to be getting used to the role as director. She needs more allies in order to push through reforms in the Catenatum, but according to her that is only a matter of time.  

*Brescia Du Calle
Human. Brescia is a known exposition fighter. She works the guard by day but has been seen in both duels and pit-fights. She is well liked, and can show up any day with numerous bruises, a black eye and a big smile.

Lesser Houses

*Louix du Pleur de Nicheries
Human, member of one of the lesser families that attaches itself to the Imperial Court. Close friend to Beiro Benotti and owner of a quality vineyard just outside of the city walls.
Was privy to an audience Beiro had with the Empress and had assassins trying to kill him before passing this information to the Court in order to clear Beiro's name. 
Was saved by a group of adventurers.

*Gaultier Sans-Culottes
Halfing, keeper of the records at the Court of Scales. Very well-read, though seen as a touch uncivilised by most that visit.

Foreigners

*Jim of the House of the Three Beams
Dwarven noble and merchant from Perlis. Used to make calls at the Palace of the Sultan.
Known for his generous demeanor and gentle nature, he courted lady Abdelaide Duree with great success.
They are now engaged to be married after a spot of political rivalry.