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Backstory
Sylkran Kuldrexel was born on the 7th of Alturiak, 1374 DR, as the youngest of five and the only son. Not a likely heir the drow noble house and its land. Wars of the Underdark are common, and House Kuldrexel found itself in the intrigue against House Ssossz for land and territory. Sylkran was a teenager when the houses clashed. His last wish by Mother Sinay was to survive and to rebuild. The family blade was pressed into his hands and his escape was made. No one else of House Kuldrexel survived.
A noble might be hunted, but a mercenary wouldn't be. The sword Sylkran was given held the original matriarch of House Kuldrexel and had turned vengeful. Matriarch Akordil Kuldrexel vowed to train the young man, and a pact was made. Through Akordil, "Sylk Teke'zynge" was trained in the depths of the Northdark to become just as fierce as his family before him.
Sylk's journeys as a mercenary led him to the surface on occasion, though he worked out of Gracklstugh. For a decade, he has practiced odd jobs and mercenary work, and for a decade, Akordil has plotted her revenge. Sylk isn't too sure he cares to earn the Kuldrexel title back, but his grandmother is his only family left, so what's he to do?
Recently, he's heard of work available through a guild on the surface. Perhaps this Glassfang Syndicate could use one adept at the dark and through combat to aid them...
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Trivia
GM: TrueThe Cloak Tower Breach
11 Elieint, 1502 DR
I was late to our mission and missed the majority of information. Thankfully the others described the situation regarding the Aegis Core. A powerful artifact being used to manipulate space, with Aderyn Kest leading the chaos. I, along with Bri, Salviron, Shev, and Yashir, investigated the Cloak Tower to stop too much danger from happening.
The tower was dusty but recently disturbed. Various space disruptions shunted us about and hurt. We traversed until spying the Aegis Core itself, flanked by a pink-hued hulking beast, an ugly man, and Aderyn Kest himself. He taunted us, and combat began. Shev used his magic to toss the hulk off the ledge. Bri, Yashir, and I flanked the two mages who tried to teleport around. And it was Salviron's forceful hand that knocked Aderyn into unconsciousness. The fight was tricky when the Aegis Core sent a shockwave of energy and nearly launched Bri to her death. But we controlled the fight.
At the end, the representatives of the Lords' Alliance met with us and showered us in rewards, including gyrocopters, plenty of gold, and items we can enjoy in the distant future. We've also successfully opened up the way to teleport to Neverwinter!
I don't fully understand what was happening. But I'm happy to have been of help. -Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
The State of the Syndicate
24 Flamerule - 30 Eleasis, 1502 DR
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I speak from personal experience that this month has been much more active than the last. Not in the way of adventures and chaos, but in personal stressors. Though I suppose this is par for the course of a mercenary who has lived the life I have.
A brief summary of the last month's Syndicate-specific events.
This is only a brief summary of the events of the last month. Troubling news has crossed my path, though I am thankful for the friendships I've made to help rectify the dangers that may befall me in the coming months. To all my friends, my home will always have its doors open to you. To those who are not friends yet, I provide a discount on tailored goods to fellow Syndicate members.
-Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
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another month has passed yay!! but like its been a weird one? because cyrus got curious about my brain and then salviron did some brain magic and now theres another person in my head :( feels like a headache that wont go away even though errokkadaen is really nice and trying not to take over my brain by accident. trying to live every moment i can but hey what are you gonna do haha
stuff happened this month!
weird times!! errokkadaen and i are working on a more permanent method to get her separated from me so she doesnt overwrite my consciousness and i cease to exist so if anyones got advice on that lemme know please thank you <3
-R\&W
GM: Cleb|Surx¹⁵Underdark Expedition
23-24 Eleasis, 1502 DR
Our team followed up with our contacts of Jacob and Venel from Silverymoon, after the discovery of a portal to the Underdark. Alvis, Azrael, Ssrin, Wuyon'e, and I (Sylk) set out with the task to ensure the cavern was clear of dangers, for the city's sake.
The mission was as standard as they come. Between Azrael's familiar and Ssrin's stealth, we scouted ahead to try and take safer paths. A variety of horrible things attacked us though none of us were harmed too badly- babau, vargouilles, maw demons, and draegloths. Shortly after, we were accosted by a wave of undead, the threat cut down significantly thanks to Wuyon'e's prayers. After I spied distant phase spiders and a drider, we all returned to the cavern entrance to rest.
Then came the spiders. Given the drow-like party, we used this to our advantage and somehow convinced the drider to leave. Much credit goes to Alvis' choice disguise. We determined the caverns were free of threats and returned to Silverymoon to report our success.
I would be happy to never disguise myself as a moon elf again. -Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
GM: Cleb|Surx¹⁵The Mushroom Plague
15-16 Eleasis, 1502 DR
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A druid in Silverymoon by the name of Jacob summoned help from the Glassfang Syndicate. His partner, a drow man named Venel, confirmed the sudden growth of mushrooms in the area to be from the Underdark. Lately a different drow, a wizard, had caused issues including corrupting Shiitake the Dryad in the Evermoors. Our team of Lief, Snap, Tova, Wuyon'e, and myself (Sylk) set out to explore the source. Teleported into an area with controlled burnings, the druids cast a circle spell to ensure our safety from poisons. Then, we marched.
Early on we discovered the bodies of drow soldiers, perhaps a hint of what was to come. Upon investigation the soldiers animated, spores frothing from every orifice, but their souls clinging on. Despite some initial trouble, we cut them down and moved forward. Then by a shack, a field of mushrooms greeted us. Lief leaped into action, and plants attacked, but Tova's fire ignited the shrooms and timmask spores (which cause poison and confusion). Most of the plants went up in the fireball. The others attacked and attempted to absorb myself. But thanks to everyone's efforts, I was not made into fertilizer. We rested then pressed on.
In the depths of the woods, shambling plants lured us in. An ambush, as a massive plant creature attacked and swallowed Snap. But our beloved friend fought from within. We dealt with the other plants and pressed in on the large foe until it toppled, revealing the source of everything. A cave, filled with magical spores, and a breeze suggesting a further distance beyond.
I dispelled the magic, then we returned with news that the job was complete.
-Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
GM: koodaInfernal Pursuit
14 Eleasis, 1502 DR
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Duke Ulder Ravengard of Baldur's Gate invited a party to the Kismet Derby. To participate, to guard, it is still unclear. Aber, Alvis, Ivor, Snap, and myself were all thrown into Avernus by surprise cultists. Let me be the first to say that the hells are unpleasant. Someone I believe was a rakshasha named Mahati summoned us. A rival of Mad Maggie, the denizen of Avernus had many soul coins of his stolen. He provided the means to build an infernal vehicle and sent us off. If we retrieved at least seven coins, we would be permitted to leave. I was not a fan of this deal.
Our different vehicles pursued different camps of Mad Maggie's people. While Snap was turned invisible to swipe coins, Alvis disguised himself as one of the rec caps swooning over a medusa. Somehow they succeeded and found five coins... Snap didn't want to risk further.
Then, we approached a caravan of Mad Maggie's, and decided to choose the attack. It went alright, but chaotically. Our vehicle was quickly damaged to nearly beyond repair, but once we split and began damaging the drivers of the attackers, the tides turned. At some point I recall a slaad. Regardless we saved the creatures inside, who offered to fix our vehicle army as thanks. We looted thirteen coins then rested before Mahati's next orders came through, and we were released through a portal back to Baldur's Gate.
On the other side, Mad Maggie was, well, mad. A Roc and some Meregons attacked, grabbing innocents and using them to feed their infernal machines. We ran forward and did what we could to strike down the fiends, though at a point Mad Maggie grew bored. She said she would remember this, then called her minions back. Mahati paid us for our time and amusing effort and left us be.
I have decided I do not like Baldur's Gate. -Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
The State of the Syndicate
17 Kythorn - 23 Flamerule, 1502 DR
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What else can I say regarding my time in the Syndicate? It is chaotic. It is stressful. It has brought me to the brink of death more times than I can count. And yet I have no regrets joining its ranks.
The following has transpired since my last entry a month ago:
In this time, I have gained items and experiences far beyond what one would assume. The most notable in my mind and heart is forming a relationship with Tova. A spitfire of a woman, true to herself and what's right, and fearless. She's been by my side through my dealings with my patron, and forming a plan to fulfill my pact. And I am quite fond of her. A month has felt like years of perfection.
Snap and I have also become close to one another. We decided to become roommates, in the home I have purchased for myself in Loudwater. This should be a wonderful alliance, and especially reassuring I will have someone to water my plants while I am away. Regardless I value Snap's advice and comradery, and look forward to the future.
A handful of other Syndicate members have caught my attention for one reason or another. Alvis, Arlis, Fenris, Jax, Mimsy, Orri, Salviron, Tealight, Temoren, and Theoden have all caught my attention and respect, and I look forward to working with everyone in the near future. This has been a legendary experience, working with all of you. And as I move into my own tailor's shop soon, I will be sure to stop by often to share drinks and stories.
-Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
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i cant believe its been like over a month since i joined! thats crazy!!! its been a weird time gotta say but since getting here me and wilson have grown A LOT. got up to so many shenanigans.
ive had fun! so has wilson. :D looking foward to more!!!! -rokka
GM: 𝔍𝔞𝔡𝔢|Vincel¹⁷|Bisky⁸|Lief¹⁰Negotiations Continue
31 Flamerule, 1502 DR
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Our party was summoned by Lady Yalah Gralhund of Waterdeep to assist in political affairs and the betrothal of her son, Zartan Grulhund. The son was meek and weary from the prospect of being married to Charrin Tesper, the sole heir of the Tesper family and Lord Armult Tesper's niece.**** We were asked to ensure the first date went smoothly. And to our credit, it did. Aber, Alvis, Azrael, Mimsy, and I (Sylk) should start a business in date planning. Though for now we will settle for establishing a teleportation circle on behalf of the Syndicate within Waterdeep.
We escorted Zartan from his home and down to the markets to prepare for a legendary date while learning about the timid soul. He admitted to loving to read about history, of the Mulharundi ruins, the Spell Plague, and the Cataclysm. He had a paramour at the Midnight Remedies shop that sold him narcotics. He couldn't handle whiskey. A young man, weighed down by the responsibilities of nobility. I can relate, and I do hope he is able to either embrace his role with a genuine smile, or find an opportunity to escape. All I could do was sew the seeds of his future.
With a carriage ride, perfume, honey, and liquid courage, Alvis and I watched over Zartan and Charrin's meeting, and brought the two to Waterdeep's City of the Dead. Aber and Mimsy prepared a beautiful date spot for the two in a private garden. And Azrael, to my knowledge, did nothing illegal. The date was perfect, and Zartan asked to see Charrin home by himself. We should not have said yes, as Lady Yalah was furious her son hadn't returned home with us. Sending spells on him didn't work, and Charrin did report he bid her farewell. Our best suspicion was the Midnight Remedies with his paramour.
Ravora Darksbane was less of the charmer and more of the enchantress. When arriving, we realized the magic at play and her vampiric status immediately. A fight ensued. Rats nibbled our ankles and vampire spawns attempted to thwart us. No casualties on our part were had, and only one spawn escaped into the night. But a shellshocked Zartan survived. We promised not to tell his mother anything and patched him up. Then looted the now abandoned apothecary. Lady Yalah paid us for our services, and we returned to the Syndicate.
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Notable figures:
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Loot
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I am exhausted. -Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
GM: Ezra || Solia 12 || Dahlia 5Within the Prison Walls
30 Flamerule, 1502 DR
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Warden Kaelen summoned us again, after our failed mission to recapture Vesperleaf, the previous warden. We came prepared with many more questions this time, such as why Vesperleaf had been captured in the first place, or why she was placed in a prison she created. Kaelen proves herself to be terrible at her job time and time again, it seems. She hired Arlis, Mimsy, Salviron, Surx, and me (Sylk) to go within the prison and investigate.
An autumnal glade greeted us, and rather immediately, we realized the entire demiplane was enchanted to where the ability to cast spells could easily be forgotten. An issue for the entire adventure. We investigate some oddities such as a blooming tree and a fawn- spring-themed of nature. During investigation and as I asked Kaelen to confirm she had the ability to let us leave the demiplane prison, some diplomats and guards arrived. They seemed programmed, instructing Lady Vesperleaf to go with them to the palace. We resisted given we were not Vesperleaf, so the fae attacked. They were quicklings and shadows in disguise, but were bested despite a scare for Mimsy's life. Kaelen couldn't cast the spell to leave and said we should investigate this palace the guards spoke of. I do not know why I signed up for this job.
The palace, which was strangely ramen-themed, held two royals- the High Lord and Lady of the Amber Court- accusing "Naivara" of treason. But Kaelen reported this wasn't how it happened, that it was public knowledge Vesperleaf was caught sleeping with the wrong person and accused of treason that way. Admittedly I have not fully followed this story and most likely have details incorrect. Because we resisted, a golem attacked us as the Lord and Lady escaped. Its poison breath nearly toppled us in one go. Despite the lack of magic, we bested it, nearly losing Arlis in the process.
Kaelen summoned her companion, Aster, a strange antlered beast monster tucked within an amulet. Aster would be our best bet in communicating with Vesperleaf. We'd need to find a way to speak with the better warden to piece together more of the puzzle. Kaelen found a tear in the demiplane and was able to escort us out with our payment.
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Loot
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The above is unfortunately written in truthfulness and to the best of my ability. -Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
GM: TorgnarlyAttack on the Syndicate (Wave 2)
17 Flamerule, 1502 DR
I should forewarn that to this day I still am unclear regarding who Orlak is. I know he is a goblin mage who has angered the veteran members of the Syndicate. And now I am aware of what forces he can summon. This is a dangerous character, and an enemy to us all. Regardless, I will recount my time defending my home.
The day started like any other, chatting with folks in the feast hall. Then drums and horns sounded in the valley. We took up arms and rushed out, finding an attack on the eastern and western fronts. My group in the east defended marvelously.
With Vincel and Bri on the frontlines, Orri and Tealight manning the balistae, and a mix of Jax, Tova, Aber, Theoden, and myself, we held the bridge. Bugbears, imps, and spined and bearded devils battered us. No one collapsed, and especially no one died.
I hear the western front struggled. A lack of chemistry and communication it seems. Multiple folks fell, brought back from the brink thanks to our healers. But when the eastern front retreated, so had the west. Only the various kobolds who serve our Syndicate were not so lucky- many perished due to flying devils that escaped our attention.
Days later, we still recover. But we persist. The Glassfang Syndicate is both resilient and stubborn.
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Loot
- A lot.
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Rest in peace, my kobold friends. -Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
GM: TorgnarlyAttack on the Syndicate
17 Flamerule, 1502 DR
I should forewarn that to this day I still am unclear regarding who Orlak is. I know he is a goblin mage who has angered the veteran members of the Syndicate. And now I am aware of what forces he can summon. This is a dangerous character, and an enemy to us all. Regardless, I will recount my time defending my home.
The day started like any other, chatting with folks in the feast hall. Then drums and horns sounded in the valley. We took up arms and rushed out, finding an attack on the eastern and western fronts. My group in the east defended marvelously. With Vincel and Bri on the frontlines, Orri and Tealight manning the balistae, and a mix of Jax, Tova, Aber, Theoden, and myself, we held the bridge. Bugbears, imps, and spined and bearded devils battered us. No one collapsed, and especially no one died.
I hear the western front struggled. A lack of chemistry and communication it seems. Multiple folks fell, brought back from the brink thanks to our healers. But when the eastern front retreated, so had the west. Only the various kobolds who serve our Syndicate were not so lucky- many perished due to flying devils that escaped our attention.
Days later, we still recover. But we persist. The Glassfang Syndicate is both resilient and stubborn.
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Loot
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Rest in peace, my kobold friends. -Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
GM: Ezra || Solia 12 || Dahlia 5The Relic
13-14 Flamerule, 1502 DR
Caelen of the Amber Bough sent out for us to recover an escaped prisoner. Recently, Lady Naivara Vesperleaf had escaped the Autumn Gate, a prison of her own design that the Autumn Court threw her in due to treachery. Caelen, as the Gate's new keeper, begged us to capture Vesperleaf with discretion. Alvis, Arlis, Mimsy, Snap, and I (Sylk) pursued the road to the fort where Vesperleaf had hidden herself.
From the balcony, the archfey in question mocked us, saying she had no quarrel with us and only wanted her freedom. We pursued, and quickly discovered a special ward on the bridge in the moat that teleported folks to the side. After some experimentation, Snap found the right place to enter from, and we followed. A musical trap stopped Mimsy and Arlis in their tracks, forcing them to dance to a flutist's tune. Alvis and I played our respective instruments in a song with the spirit, and when the harmony ended, so did the trap. We found a couple poison traps, enchanted food, and a sleeping trap much to Alvis and Snap's dismay, but made it relatively unscathed to the top floor.
Vesperleaf stated once again she would rather not fight us. She summoned draconic-like beings, and the fight began. Her moves were impossible to pin down, her dragons, lethal. It took all of our force and more to defeat one of the dragons, after we all decided we'd rather survive the job than get paid. So Lady Vesperleaf escaped on the back of the other dragon. We failed.
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Loot (to be finalized by DM)
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I hope Caelen is fired. -Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
GM: TrueSweet Dreams are Made of Geese
6 Flamerule, 1502 DR
Waterdeep's Fellowship of Bowyers and Fletchers summed a party from the Glassfang Syndicate to investigate the quiet from their best fletching farm, Seelie Goose Farm. Its owner, Ryenne Gosling, had recently passed ownership to her nephew, Liam Geeson. This shouldn't have resulted in any issue for the Fellowship, but now Seelie Goose Farm has ceased contact. Without the largest supply of feathers possibly, the Fellowship is running low on their arrows and bolts. They requested we go investigate the farm and renegotiate trade. Aber, Dahlia, Forvist, Snap, and Sylk (myself) headed out to Undercliff to search.
As we walked by fields, we heard a distressed call for help from a goose being attacked by another goose. A mix of us dispatched of the offender, but before we could check on the Common-speaking goose, there was a bright flash of blue light. All of us, regrettably, turned to geese. We retained some of our own abilities, but our gear had vanished, leaving us in a weakened state. The goose we saved, named Geesus, pleaded for our help. He was responsible for a failed casting of Geas ("Geese"), turning all in the area to geese until Ryenne Gosling had the deed to her property back. Evidently she was tricked by Liam. I will admit, I had not caught the full story, being too bothered about becoming a goose. But the task was clear, so we all continued to the farm.
Chaos arrived quickly. When the alarm honk sounded, Liam sprang into action to take care of us. However, we already knew he preferred his space more tidy. We ruined the garden, tracked mud, stole boots, and of course, killed his henchgeese. Despite all of our efforts, it was truly Dahlia's assistance that saved the day, finding both the deed and Ryenne trapped in the cellar.
After taking down Liam, we returned to Geesus, whose Geas finally dispelled when seeing Ryenne with her deed. We turned back into ourselves, received gold, and returned with good news to the Fellowship of Bowyers and Fletchers.
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Loot (to be finalized later, estimates taken during game)
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It was a lovely morning in Waterdeep. And we were horrible geese. -Sylkran "Sylk" Teke'zynge
