Among the Reeds: Episode 03

### Reddit Thread

***Among the Reeds* Episode 3** was streamed on Arcadum's Twitch channel on June 30, 2021, and premiered on Arcadum's YouTube channel on July 5, 2021.
Heading to the daimyo's stronghold, the party grapples with the aftermath of the killing in the bar. They learn of a scheme to capture the daimyo's son, and the party decides to look for an opportunity to interfere and perhaps gain the son's favor.

## Summary

*Originally written by u/Lrret1064*

As the party heads towards the Daimyo's land to find the kidnapped daughter, they come across a Tearn merchant called Moti. However before they were able to purchase anything, Dik Cok mentions that they just killed someone, causing Machio to scare her away before he has to kill her for knowing too much. In frustration, Machio destroys the cart Moti left behind, breaking all the potions. Rattacus decides to lick the mixed puddle of potions off the ground, not wanting to waste anything. After consuming the mixture, he gains an irrational fear of pants, his fur changes to white, and he suddenly becomes gelatinous, though he keeps his original shape. Using his new form, he uses Disguise Self to make himself look like the kidnapped daughter.

They arrive at the Daimyo’s land, which acts as a sort of stronghold. As the party makes plans that are more and more evil, Macio accepts that there is no going back for him and fully commits to being evil. They settle on a plan to have Rattacus wander around and look helpless in order to lure out the kidnappers, while the rest of the party gathers information from the locals. From various rumors and gossip, the party learns that the Daimyo's wife hasn't been seen in a few months. His son also hasn't been seen in some time, however it is suspected that he is studying abroad. They also learn that the people are concerned that there is not enough harvest to maintain the stronghold, and that at night a wailing sound can be heard, like someone is trapped inside the well outside of the Daimyo's palace. However, their investigation into these rumors reveals nothing.

Eventually, Rattacus attracts someone who tries to solicit him for sexual acts. Rattacus moves him to a secluded location while signaling the party to follow. The party jumps the man, thinking he is part of the kidnappers. However, he reveals himself to be a Black Silver Syndicate member who is trying to stop the kidnapping too. The Syndicate member explains the situation with the Daimyo's son and says he and his group plan to follow the son to investigate his involvement with the kidnappings. He asks the party to sneak into the Daimyo's palace to steal a ledger, as one of the Daimyo’s carts is moving around the country instead of trading with Bal'Lok like the others. He explains the ledger might have evidence of that cart being used to traffic women. The party agrees to his plan, and he leaves to meet up with his group. After he walks away, the party discusses what their plan really should be, deeming him untrustworthy. Machio suggests they should still follow the plan given to them, but Rattacus says they should follow the Black Syndicate member to the son’s location to see if he’s going to do what he promised.

## Featured Characters

### Main Characters

* Dik Cok
* Eli Bloodbane
* Kaju Magi
* Machio Manis
* Rattacus

## References

1. ↑ Date is shown on YouTube VOD
2. ↑ Verum Weekly: Summaries of Streamed Games of the Week (July 1st, 2021)