Block

Art by @Aresvalto

**Block** is the bartender of Dozo's Drinks in Dozo. Block is first encountered in *Among the Reeds* campaign as the first NPC the adventurers encounter.

## Description

### Appearance

Block appears as a large male Ho'ask with brown skin and hair. He is dressed in a white furred coat with purple tunic and pants.

## History

### Call for Adventurers

In a simple village along this path called Dozo. Word has been sent out for adventurers who wish to travel to the east to meet a caravan that will be stopping at Dozo for resupplies to join and protect it during travels. Various adventurers including Rattacus, Eli Bloodbane, Machio Manis, Dik Cok, and Kaju Magi gather at Block's bar. As everyone is gathered, the barkeeper Block announces that he has been waiting for them as the caravan master has instructed him to look out for the new guards and hands out their advance payment.

After further discussions, someone comes running into the tavern. It is a tiny fox-like creature wrapped in robes carrying a huge backpack, and it shouts asking for Block in a panicked voice. Block calms it down, and the creature explains that the caravan has been attacked.All he saw is blood everywhere with the travelers missing. Block carries the group outside and explains that the creature, Scorp, is easily excitable so the situation may not be as it seems. He says they should inform the headsman regardless and leads them away from the tavern. Block walks up to a large house asking for Headman Dozo and his daughter Dozo Koi Fo lets them in after eyeing down Kaju a bit due to an earlier encounter. Block explains the situation to Dozo who asks the group to investigate the caravan, and Dozo offers to double their payment as his other daughters are part of the caravan and the group heads out.

### Death

The adventurers later return to the tavern to discuss their next move. They learn from Block that the headman's daughter is not the only one to go missing, so they formulate a plan to disguise Rattacus as a woman to lure out the kidnappers, and find out their plan and base. While this discussion is happening, Kaju buys Black Silver from Scorp and shares it with Rattacus and Eli. The party eventually disucsses stealing from the headman's house and how they could trick him rather then doing the quest. Block witnesses all of this and Kaju tries to cast Suggestion on him to forget, but it doesn't work. Everyone heads outside to discuss what to do with Block as he quietly sneaks away to inform the guards. They notice him and Machio launches Dik at him to stop him, and Rattacus casts Suggestion on him return to the bar and hear them out. It works. Combat ends and Block takes his place behind the bar while the group discusses what to do with him. Rattacus wants to offer Block the deed to the lord's house. Kaju wants to tie him up or kill him. Discussing their plans in front of Block is awkward, so most of the group steps outside to argue amongst themselves while Machio is left alone inside the bar with Block. Machio walks over to a window and smashes it, urging block to flee. Perhaps still under the effects of Suggestion, Block stays in place. The group rushes back in and overwhelms Machio with conflicting demands. Machio raises his sword, saying "I'm sorry." Rattacus says, "Machio, no," but Machio paints the ceiling with Block's blood.

After Machio chops Block’s head off, the group notices some guards approaching, as they most likely saw the commotion outside. Thinking quickly on his feet, Rattacus disguises himself as Block, and convinces the guards that everything is fine. Machio begins to freak out after realising what he has done, and Rattacus tries to calm him down. While this is happening, Eli begins a ritual to Crowley at the site of a fresh murder, and convinces the rest of party to join in saying it will help. After the ritual is complete, Block’s body begins to turn to dust and flows into Eli’s eye along with all the blood. Crowly then begins to speak to the party saying a Crimson Ediction has begun, marking the village for slaughter and with every innocent killed, Eli will grow in power. After contemplating what they have done, the party quickly leaves to find the missing daughter.

## References

1. ↑ Among the Reeds: Episode 01
2. ↑ https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1068802759?collection=xX3ZjHDziRZsTw&t=2h1m37s
3. ↑ Among the Reeds: Episode 02