Prelude: The Empress of the Damned. Session 5 of Dreams of Darkness. Conan 2D20

Its a gray and overcast sky over Messanita, the storm had subsided for some time, but some clouds still lingered, as the gleaming marble pillars and spires of this great and majestic city beckoned to a new day .  The effects of the storm was not going to stop this cosmopolitan from doing what it does best, business. Even before the slaves were in the streets cleaning up the detritus, the merchants were already getting their wares ready for sale. Shudders were being opened, and objects for sale were being stacked meticulously on displays.

This was the first day of the new month , the start of 'Summer' which meant the market was going to be full.. On the docks, the traditions of celebrating the bounty of the sea was starting to ramp up in full effect. With many of the people, who were born on the sea, were making small shrines to the gods of the sea. Even if the local temples of Mitra forbade the open worship of these house gods, they did at times turn a blind eye on this particular event. Sailors were a superstitious lot, why make waves.

People from all over Hyborea were arriving in great sailing ships, with tall masts and bellowing sails arrived daily and at all hours they will sail into the bay in search of trade and fortune with their fine cargos of silks, spice and the more lucrative lotus from as far away as the black coast. (Game effect: due to the arrival of the trade fleets, all lotus availability is lowered by 1)

One of the most notable visitors are the Shemetic Slave Galleys full with chattel that bring these slavers great money and wealth. And the first day of summer has always proved to be the best day. The Nobles were always looking for fresh people to do their bidding, and had purses that were swollen of coin which needed to be spent hence, local thieves may steel it. The fleet, sometimes called the Black Ships of Shem were now just starting to anchor up at the Low Docks and have started to bring their living cargo to the market square.




Maybe due to the traffic and people flooding this great city from around the known world or maybe its due to the increased amount of open worship of the gods of the great sea, but what ever the reason is, the city guard with their great round shields, plumed helmets, and bronzed tipped spears are patrolling the city streets in greater numbers. But for the most case, if not up to no good, you were left alone to do your business in peace. (Game Effect, the GM can spend 3 doom to have a squad of 4, +1 squad leader to arrive on scene)

But most importantly, one the first day of summer, a Royal demonstration has been announced and will  be held in the Square of Anu. A message from the kings voice, this has drawn a lot of attention and will no doubt draw a lot of business to the square.

The Setting;

This bustling setting is where our brave group of adventures will be starting off.

Nevans, who was the leader of the group has gone silent and missing, as he was last seen investigating in the area of the low docks trying to track down the lead on the missing staff of Mitra, stolen from the great temple of Mitra in Tarantia, the capital of Aquilonia. With rumors that Stygian sorcerers are gathering such relics for nefarious rituals.

Alric, has just been released from the stockades after a slight miscommunication with the a local magistrate and his recent behaviors at local brothel.

Regan, new to the group has made friends and enemies in this great city in her short time here. Its been a few days since the altercation with Gunnbjorn, a notorious sell sword from Nordheim, but rumor has it he is out looking to even the score and repair his pride that she so easily stripped away from him.

Gaius, the priest of Mitra who has been the groups moral support and backbone is still spreading his message, helping those he meets, healing their wounds, both mental and physical. But with good intentions comes unwanted attention at times. Unwanted attention one of the local city fools, and despite his forward and direct conversations with the man, Gaius has been unable to persuade this man to keep away.

Septimus, has been struggling as of late with accepting his new role in the partnership of running his past patrons business. After spending several nights trying to find his fortune in the gambling halls, has decided to look for a new employer. He was last seen frequenting the many local establishments and has not been seen since last night.


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