The Bloodmoot - Part 7 - The Golden Chalice Report

General Summary

The Bear-Downers, seeing the Firenewts readying for an attack, make a mad dash to what they believe is the exit. Zath Sev is the first to "exit" through the southern doorway. As he stepped thru small finger length black tentacles can be seen around the door frame. Once Zath Sev passed through the small tentacles disappeared. On the other side Zath Sev enters a "space" which is neither hot nor cold. Sounds of distant battle can be heard but only if one listens closely. As Zath Sev looks around he sees an old campfire with a pile of wood close by. When he turns to look back at the door, expecting the rest of The Bear-Downers to be coming through as well he sees what, at first glance, appears to be an image of the lava temple with his brothers running towards him. The strange part is that The Bear-Downers who were left on the other side of the door are moving incredibly slow. In fact Zath Sev has to stare at the scene for 10min or so just to notice that they are indeed moving. Baelok is the closest to the door now but at this speed it might be hours before he makes it through so Zath Sev decides to make a fire and wait. A few hours later Baelok makes it through to find Zath Sev napping by the fire. Then a few more hours pass and Skar arrives. Ralornan and Bronan the Wildbearian are the last two. As they all look back the scene of the lava temple changes from a scene off falling rocks and debris crashing into the lava to one of 5 dwarves, the Red Shield Company . 3 of them are guarding their 2 fallen allies while protecting, what appears to be, a golden chalice against the forces of the Firenewts .

Before Bronan the Wildbearian ran for the door he grabbed a scimitar from the table next to the Golden Forge. Much like his maul it was hot to the touch but through great fortitude and mighty thews he was able to carry it into the void. Once there he dropped it on the ground before preparing to go into the lava temple and help the struggling dwarves. Skar attempted to pick it up but the heat emanating from the weapon was too much. Baelok then attempted to grasp the sword. He fought through the pain and was able to wield the blade. An icy cold sensation ran down his forearm and he felt a cold burning sensation on his wrist. When he looked down and saw the same symbol, glowing, under his skin... a tree with two suspended hammers.   After a brief discussion Bronan the Wildbearian decided he had to help the dwarves of the Red Shield Company . They were not enemies and in fact were helping The Bear-Downers by agreeing to fight in the final ceremony of the Trial by Combat. Bronan the Wildbearian was through the door and attacking the Firenewts in the blink of an eye. Both the dwarves and the Firenewts were surprised but once the dwarves saw the battle turning in their favor they fought with a renewed vigor. Both Baelok and Bronan the Wildbearian fought using their new found weapons as they attempted to carve a bloody path to the Firenewts boss... a fire sorcerer. Ralornan tore enemies apart as Skar waded into combat. Zath Sev performed his usual Hide-Shoot-Hide which racked up a couple of kills. When the combat ended the biggest concern was a smoldering Bronan the Wildbearian laying unconscious on the ground. At that moment the cavern began to rumble and shake. Rocks fell from the ceiling crashing down to shatter the lava temple. The huge golden forge began to melt sending rivulets of gold flowing down into the pools of lava. The Bear-Downers , know what was coming, called out to the dwarves and everyone ran for the southern doorway and into the darkness.
  The Bear-Downers and the Red Shield Company dwarves opened their eyes to see the floor of the fighting pit inside the House of the Fallen Star. Ralornan healed Bronan the Wildbearian and the dwarves revived their two downed team mates. When everyone started looking around they could see the spectators in the House of the Fallen Star climbing to their feet in confusion. Bronan the Wildbearian took the opportunity to ask the dwarves if they yield. They answered quickly and bowed in response, then they made haste in covering up the Golden Chalice and climbed out of the pit. Baelok raised his hands in victory and the spectators caught on and started cheering for The Bear-Downers .
  Once out of the pit The Bear-Downers made their way to Setesh Uttikal who looked confused but he raised their hands in victory. Skar took the lead and asked to speak to Setesh Uttikal in private, along with Galith Stoneholm who was the dwarves recount a similar experience. Since the contract for The Bear-Downers to fight the Red Shield Company in the final battle had concluded, Setesh Uttikal turned over the weapon pieces to Galith Stoneholm .
  Skar then questioned Galith Stoneholm about the Golden Chalice who appeared noticeably uncomfortable speaking on the subject would only say that it was a "dangerous object" which could be "World Ending" if it ever fell into the wrong hands. And something about Lorthnu'un, one of The Great Old Ones. As such the entire Red Shield Company stationed in Quodeth was being mustered to begin the trek to Kal-Zinan so that the chalice could be secured. Galith Stoneholm also noticed the weapons which both Baelok and Bronan the Wildbearian were carrying. With a keen eye he noticed the tree with two hammers symbol was somehow different from the current iteration. This is not uncommon as the sigil has new branches added to the tree for every new ruler of Kal-Zinan . But, with a puzzled look, he told The Bear-Downers that the sigil was different because it does not yet exist. The current ruler of Kal-Zinan, High Master Bhul Drez-Kath, has no children, yet the symbol both Bronan the Wildbearian and Baelok wear would be from his unborn son. Bronan the Wildbearian understood that this is very strange but Baelok did not take it as well. He ran out of the office in fear and was not seen for the next hour.
  Setesh Uttikal , appearing tired, stated that they should all rest. After all the strange events of this BloodMoot a vote would be held to determine if the ritual should continue or if The Bear-Downers would be declared the victors.