Session 48

Northward

Now that matters were settled in Elderwalk, it was time to make haste for the North. Accompanied by the newly acquainted Soul Damakos, the group stood by the gate as they made ready to leave.

Still unsure of how to perceive Damakos, Aragir refreshed his memory with Cassius’ letter, and then used sending to ask Kaimos whether the Fold could be trusted. Though seemingly distracted, the other scholar responded that he didn’t think they were too trustworthy, save for Cassius. Though he asserted that they had their own agenda, and if it did not align with them, they had to make sure to always follow their movement, know what they were saying, and see where they were going. The connection was cut short soon after.

Before leaving with their horses, with a psychic message Cynic quickly convinced the stable boy – a pigeon-looking aarakocra named Dio -- that the famous Four Feathers would have need of someone like him in Brassdorf. Now convinced of Cynic’s sanctity and the significance of this message, the young aarakocra promptly left his post and made way for the big city.

With the horses and Loxen’s zhapin in tow, the group then finally set forth toward the Outpost.

On the way they found that the road was blocked by several fighters, donning what looked like Brassdorf armor. Before they would let the Feathers proceed, they demanded papers, though Cynic quickly discerned that they were fraudulent. With help of Loxen’s Zone of Truth and intimidation skills, the group managed to turn things around and convinced the fighters to return the gold to their victims and let them through.

After about a 3-hour long travel, they finally arrived at the Outpost. While Aragir and Cynic were loathe to report to Hachi as they were eager to proceed to Diremound instead, Loxen confidently approached the Fold leader’s tent, only to be halted by two of its guards. Soul swiftly followed, and was promptly let through instead.

Inside, she managed to get a glimpse of the letter Hachi was writing; It was addressed to Cassius, though she could not discern its contents. After briefing Hachi on the developments of the Four Feathers, telling him of the members lost and gained and their intentions for the North, he bade her join them and report to him along the way. In return she asked him for provisions to share as an act of good faith and to gain trust with the party. While he could not share much in way of materials, he did share with her new information; More Rattler’s Revenge had congregated in Diremound, as well as some members of the Scarlet Academy. He also pointed out that members of the Conquest Chamber were present. All in all, he pressed that she would have to be careful.

Before she left he showed her a letter from Garr Hylthe, signed by the Scarlet Academy. It described that there had been a raid at the Academy Vault, and that ex-member Kaimos Velt is under suspicion of being the perpetrator. It was Soul’s job to extract information on his whereabouts from the remaining Feathers, who were known to be his allies. He gave her a small note that would help her gain some provisions from Fold allies and sent her on her way.

The tree that was formed in honour of Cerrule had grown significantly. It radiated a soothing and divine aura, with its leaves now a vibrant light-green and the surrounding soil now covered by a blanket of blue-purple flowers; night orchids. Aragir took one of the leaves and flowers each, and pressed them in a book before admiring the tree some more with Loxen.

In the meantime, Cynic had sought out the training grounds again, and spoke with the tutor he had previously offended. While the tutor was reluctant to interact with him, he soon found he was forced to engage when Cynic proclaimed that he would now be a new tutor to the students. After hyping up the students some more, he walked off before the guards could confront him.

Soul, Cynic and Loxen then found each other again at the local blacksmith. While Soul was allowed to take a greatsword (Note: can ward off death for one person per day) from its arsenal, Cynic was able to win the disgruntled smith’s trust with some flattery so he could be instructed on how to sharpen his scythe-staff. When they finished, he promised to show him more the next day.

When Loxen suggested to sharpen Tempus as well, it told her that there was a great source of power nearby, and that they should investigate soon. When she looked around for clues, in her vision, a large figure formed a magic path from the weapon all the way to the North.

When Soul had obtained a Talisman as well, the group once again proceeded towards the North.

They had traveled for about half a day more when they arrived at the lighthouse. While its steward was not particularly happy to see them back, he reluctantly let them stay for the night.

After the group had settled in and shared a meal, Aragir once again used Scrying to check on his brothers in Diremound. What he saw was a ruined city. His elder brother Druindar was looking beat up, his leather armor visibly damaged. He sat sheltered with their younger brother Erevan and two other members of the Conquest Chamber. In the distance the sounds of strife could still be heard.

They discussed the status of Diremound’s library, and decided to move swiftly in their effort to save it. Druindar cautioned the others that they were being watched. They ran through the remains of the stone buildings, and hid behind a wall. There, one of the Conquest members shared with the others a couple of rings, which caused them to disappear from Aragir’s view once they put them on.

A peculiar memory came to Aragir that night; He was sat with his mentor Alduin again, many years ago, when they were studying some crystals. Alduin pointed out that by peering into these crystals it was as if one could see the night sky itself. He mused on the possibility that there could be other spaces than those they could observe. Aragir asked whether these places could be those inhabited by the Gods, and Alduin entertained this idea. Though the younger mage suggested that they should eliminate the possibility that it could be an aberration before proceeding with their hypothesis. Alduin finally asked whether there existed a place for the soul as well, though before he could continue the scenery suddenly changed. Aragir then found himself outside on the Academy grounds, walking with both his mentor and headmaster Garr. Garr praised the two for working well together, and before he left the two he asked Alduin to stop by his office later. Alduin then turned to Aragir again, and asked that they resume their research on the crystals. Something seemed to be missing in between their first look upon them and here, and the trance left the elf with an eerie feeling.

The party was woken early by the aarakocran lighthouse keeper, and reminded that they should leave soon. It would take another two days and nights before they would finally arrive at Diremound…

May 18th, 2024

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