Session 42

Enemies in the Dark

As the party settled down for the night, they were once again disturbed by the Skullmasters. Though they had not yet found the exact whereabouts of their camp, they hovered around its general area until Cerrule attempted to mislead them with a Thaumaturgy spell. A few of the Skullmasters fell for it, though Frederique and some henchmen remained. It did not take long for him to find out where the party was hiding, and with Prestidigitation he summoned a visage through which he spoke with them. With no apparent haste, he taunted them, attempting to lure them outside, though he would wait if he needed to.
With Detect Thoughts, he eventually managed to penetrate Cynic’s mind. He found that the party was on their way to Elderwalk, and threateningly proposed that they accompany them to ‘save’ the citizens through death.

This threat proved to be too much for Delbellis, and she quickly prompted those who were awake to join the fight with the Skullmasters. After some quick strategising, Delbellis, Cynic and Cerrule made their way up on the cliff to face them.

It appeared that every time one of the Skullmasters died, the shadow that accompanied them violently took their souls. This seemed to elate Frederique, as he congratulated his fallen allies on their perceived ascension.

When Aragir, too, was eventually pulled out of trance due to he commotion, he quickly woke up Undu and told him to join the fight whilst he himself maintained the Tiny Hut. With Aragir’s longbow in hand, the dragonborn quickly made his way up to assist the others. The Skullmasters quickly surrounded him, however, and as Frederique dealt the killing blow he cheered whilst the shadow behind him took Undu’s soul.

Though it took longer than they had hoped, the Four Feathers were eventually able to defeat the group of Skullmasters. While the others were seeing what valuables these necromancers had, Aragir stood with Undu, and after some hesitation cast Gentle Repose on him after the group had decided that they would bring his body to the Outpost they were planning to visit along their way to Elderwalk. They did not yet know of a way to save the dragonborn’s soul from the Skullmasters’ dark magic, though perhaps they could find a lead in Diremound.
Among the items that they managed to find to be in Frederique’s possession, was a small booklet with a familiar symbol. A sign of the Church of Talon.

Exhausted, the party then returned to the cave to find some much needed rest.

The next morning, the group received a letter from Cassius, in name of the Fold;

Feathers,

I hope this letter finds you well as I bring news. I am currently residing in Abador after a brief visit in Whitepost down south. I am not quite back for duty though my connection with you keeps me alerted still.

The Fold has dispatched an operative ahead of you who's assigned role is to observe - watch and report. If and when they reveal themselves is beyond my knowledge at this time, as their mission has long begun already. Should they reveal, cooperation is appreciated as the Fold sees value in Oblimora and sees value in the continued shared goals with you going forward. The Board has great interest in your progress and your journey as ambassadors of the Dominion. And as an ally, as a friend, I am ever pleased to see you're thriving and getting the respect you deserve.

But be wary, my friends, as I have witnessed the desolation Oblimora faced in its early stages. I cannot begin to imagine its troubled state now, months later. Be careful on your travels ahead, there is great darkness at work.

Sincerely,

Cassius Ashglade

Fold Recon Specialist

They went on to have some breakfast and after making preparations they continued their way to the Outpost.
There, they found a familiar face; The half-elf who had formerly introduced himself as Hachi Borosu, one of the Fold superiors.

Eager to hear what news they would bring from the North, he offered them a seat…

September 17th, 2023

⟵ Previous | Next ⟶