Session 4: Return to Ghethemas Report

The party marched for several weeks, returning to Gottholm. Below, in the fields beneath the city, the host of Corgastor is gathering in large number. Some knights of the Iron Circle made it back to the main host. Other levy men have returned as well.   A number of Elivas are in the camp as well. The majority of them are casters. Meliyeus speaks to them and identifies himself as the son of Korbo'bontho Xin'thelia. They say they come from the command of Yithmenal Lod, lord of Lodon.   Dieter Wolf takes the opportunity to bless the troops, who now come forth to receive the Eshara of Corgastor in greater numbers than before.   The entirety of the New City is buzzing with activity. Almost every shop is bursting with soldiers, all trying to gather items before the army marched. The guards between the Old and New city has been tripled, and members of the Holy Sons, Inquisition, and Marshal's Legion are all present.   There was apparently a riot in the New City, causing significant damage. A number of those who caused it were killed in battle or executed. Tristifer and Dieter speak with a guard, who told them that story and the other tribulations of the city.   Within the Lord Inquisitor's office is a large squish of Inquisitorial parties, other forces, and Ser Luther Fergen himself of the Holy Sons. When the door opens, Fergen forces himself into the room, brushing aside all other parties. The room empties with that, by almost a third. The remaining people are on edge and agitated. Eventually, Luther Fergen leaves the room with his group, more angry than before. Tristifer tells Lord Inquisitor Emmerich about the story in Drakar, from start to finish, ending with an invitation to visit the Fringe. Emmerich gives news that Inquisitor Davworth and almost all the surviving people in the city of Drakar are now dead. A rebellion apparently happened shortly afterward. Duchess Ezra Gower, as well as other members of the hierarchy were purged.   While the party is in the chamber, a scribe walks into the room. He apologizes for the interruption, but is himself interrupted as an Elivas ambassador bursts into the room. The party returns to the headquarters of the Keepers of Lornesse in the Trident. There is a guard posted outside, but is however a very young boy. They speak a short time, in which the boy shows how nervous he is to meet the Inquisition. Inside, they meet with the new secretary, named Tarren. Inquisitor Paryn tells him to search for the name Shrik in the Trident archives. He and Dieter play a board game. A messenger arrived and gave a letter to Inquisitor Paryn, two parts: First part was a note to go to his office and gather additional resources. Second was a shorthand message that more is at hand in this situation.   He arrives at Lord Emmerich's office. In the room with him is two other individuals. The first is Dio Brightflame, who is a veteran of numerous Corgastorian conflicts. The second is a man named Cinder, who is a member of the Order of Nelsor, for those who remain of it.   Meliyeus goes to the Trident archives. He searches the section regarding the more rogue aspects of Vojûn in search of news on Shrik. He reads some bits on Drakar, and how controlling the minds and bodies of others was used as a form of punishment. This was used just before the end of the Great Conflict by King Vulred's realm of Jequa. He also finds a footnote regarding a text he's never heard of in a language he can scantly read. He does make out the title: The Changes on the Younger Continent. The "younger continent" is in reference to Everos. It seemed to be from the same era. He brings this information to Thad, who is startled by his arrival. He asks Thad about the book. Thad replies that the book is probably held by the Inquisition or Temple in some capacity, but is probably censored.   Cinder and Dio Brightflame are introduced to the party.   Dieter and Tristifer go back to Emmerich to inquire about the letter. The man seems very worn out, and talks about the burden of duty and the lightness of death. He tells them that something incredible is wrong, that nobody quite knows. He cannot say what it is, but to be careful. Tristifer nods, and walks over to the flames, gives thanks, then tosses the letter in the flame. He opens up a secret compartment in his desk, and gets a medallion. He hands Tristifer a medallion, and says "The Light of Corgastor shines on the Faithful." This episode shows off the sad fact that Emmerich is old. Tristifer looks at the medallion as they leave. It has a likeness of Corgastor, just like the statue they passed. It's surprisingly heavy. The closer he looks, the more details he can discern. It's as if he can see the individuals rings of chain, the workmanship of the weapons, and the pupils of his eyes.   As they are walking back, he encounters Edsel Paryn. They embrace, talk a short bit. He leads Tristifer and himself back up the stairs toward Emmerich's office. He leads them back to his old office. The key doesn't work, and he shoulders his way inside. Dieter heads back to the rest of the party. He tells Tristifer that something is wrong, not just in Everos, but across Qadal. That is the source of these riots, to a degree. The Karthuulites are at war with themselves, the Brorgal, and Empire of Corgastor. He tells Tristifer that the High Speaker has called in EVERYONE, that means every possible agent not embroiled elsewhere is coming to Gottholm. The entire Corgastorian hierarchy is scared. They embrace once more, and they depart from one another.   He arrived back at the office, and spoke with Meliyeus. The Elivas tells the Inquisitor about the book he is searching for in the library. Tristifer agrees to assist Meliyeus with the search.   Dieter is pointed southeast by an image of Corgastor when he prays.   Cinder attempts to connect with some of his contacts, but the heat of the situation in Gottholm rendered them mute.   In the morning, a package arrives. Dieter gathers it, then brings it to Tristifer. Inside the chest is over 500 coins, a large war chest for the expedition. Cinder, Barbozar, and others come to the doorway. They decide to get rations and do other things over the course of the day. Inquisitor Tristifer orders the book, and it arrives at the office. Meliyeus reads it. In it there is a passage. A note from a scholar is inside: No further knowledge of this topic is written elsewhere, probably folklore nonsense. The passage itself talks about how the Kingdom of Sutan and Bal'gorod wished to resurrect Atûn and call forth dread beasts from the past to do the task.   A few hours later a messenger arrives with the scholar's work on Shrik. First page is from religious scholar, who in verbose terms says that neither the Alor'eshan and Ebal'eshan know of a Shrik. Second page is a historian's note, who says he can only find small fragments from the era of the Great Conflict. The transcriptions says things similar to statue: Shrik, Lord of Pain; We brought it, we brought it; It brought us, it brought us; Fie, fie, hubris is nigh. Third page is a piece of correspondence. Scholars notes that it is between one of the 100 companions of Vulred to his family: The Lord of Pain is a threat to us all, the orb must be destroyed. May the shade of Atûn protect us all.   Meliyeus, Dieter, Dio, Cinder, and Barbozar all move to gather supplies from the market. Tristifer remains behind and will deal with expenses at a later date. They banter about their experiences. Barbozar exclaims that he is a man and struck an Etalian, while the others had not.   Meliyeus organizes a fight between Bazbozar and either Dio or Cinder. It goes well for Dio and poorly for Barbozar. The Flame of Justice tosses him over his shoulder, crunching him against the cobble flag stones of the courtyard.   The party leaves the next day, gathering up in the carriage and leaving to the southeast. The army had moved out, marching south to deal with the threats in Sovarrot and Grathem.