Session 1: Make contact with Bhjurba's Den

Because you were sent by the other guard, the two at the front let you in with no hassle. Although, they do exchange a look when they see the amount of weapons Yrsa and Leilara are carrying. They direct you to Tarl, but remain at their posts.

The inside of the building is warm with body heat, and there is a general air of urgency. The former slaves all seem to be doing their part in the revolt, even the children helping move supplies. A large half-orc is in the center of what used to a meat packaging counter, listening to the report of a slender looking slave. It's safe to assume this is Tarl, and you catch the end of the conversation as you approach him.

"-- digging tunnels, but I don't know how long it'll take."

The conversation abruptly halts as you approach, both of the former slaves eyeing you warily.

"This is unexpected, who sent you? Why have you come to me?"

Tarl looks like a well-built half-orc who has seen more than his fair share of hard labor. He has many scars on his hands and back, and his left wrist is still bound by a manacle. Most of the other slaves removed theirs, but maybe Tarl has been so busy leading the revolt he hasn't found the time to remove his own yet.

Tarl takes the letter, opens it, and scans its contents. He quickly drops the letter onto the table.

"I can't read. If you want to support us, bring me Bhjurba's. Preferably alive. That fat dwarf is still hiding in his tower, and he still holds about fifty brothers and sisters in his dungeons, including my older sister. If you do this for us, we will owe Tsira a very large favor."

The slaves in the room move with a sense of urgency and panic, but you can tell that they are excited for the future. The slave that was giving a report to Tarl seems weary from battle, but very determined. Yrsa can tell that Tarl is being earnest, and that he probably cares about saving as many former slaves as he can.

"I would kill him outright, but if he fears for his life me might order his mercenaries to do something drastic. I was a child during the last revolt. Bhjurba was cornered in his tower, like he is now, but he also held all of the slave children in his dungeons. He began to throw us off the tower one by one, in order to end the revolt. The siege was lifted at the same time his mercenaries arrived from outside the city. Let the gods decide what happens to his soul once we end him."

Tarl handles the spears and ponders the deal.

"..."

After a short time of though, Tarl agrees to refill the party's water supply - enough to last for the trip back to the keep.

"Alright, deal. We'll give you water for your troubles. The immediate release of my people is a more important matter at the moment."

He turns to yell a command in orcish, and a little bit later jugs of water are brought out for the party to use.

"What's your plan, then? I can bring you to the tower entry, but it's not a good place to be at the moment. Lots of oil and arrows flying everywhere."

"I know they've got a lot of armed guards on the inside. You look strong, but fighting them all is suicide. Making your way through the deserted homes and buildings is the best way to make it to the tower without being caught. Know Bhjurba, he probably still has loyal slaves working inside the tower. Yes, there are some well treated slaves who act as spies."