Esterson Session 8
General Summary
Roden have always unnerved me. That is why it makes it all the more easier for me to say this that they have been a problem within the town of Dusterson. It is a valley town within the Province of Kalgarim with many farmers. Typically the Civil Guard can handle the situation but they have been dealing with more roden than they would like.
It is suspected that a den could be involved. Dealing with their pack leader should cause the cowardly creatures to scatter. Though, the first step is to even find such a thing in the first place. I’d be more worried if the leader is found outside of it.
Before the Adventure
During the Night
During the night, Skelk, a quasit adopted by Altor, gave in to his Infernal tendencies and tried agitating Anthell into becoming more powerful than sulking around. He agreed to spar his sister, Antharine, as a show of his prowess and ability in the morning.
Remus also managed to find and wrangle the haunter that was undoubtedly going after Sen and Anthell. The party rushed in and destroyed the Fell creature.
Morning in the Hall
The party heads into the hall for briefing and breakfast. Antharine got up earlier in order to work with Festus on cooking a special mini chocolate cake for Maedhros.
After being briefed about the upcoming quest, Anthell finally challenges his sister to a spar. The outcome results in him getting brutally beaten by his sister, sliding against the equipment shack even. Frustrated, he stormed off. The party tried talking with the rest of them, easing their nerves. They decide to bring Anthell along this quest to help ease his nerves.
Adventure into Dusterson
Along the way to Dusterson, Inquisitor Arnsley Dorian joins up with them as he too has a quest there that involves strange creatures of the night going after the civilians there.
Past the natural rocky gateway takes our adventurers into a land down between two mountains. The rivers and streams here intertwine seamlessly through the region to feed into many farms and orchards. The clouds stay parted so that the sun may shine down its warm blessings.
It’s here that many humble folk tend to the fields from sunrise till sundown. Though small in stature they may be, it’s about the heart and harvest that makes up for it. To say love could not be the secret in what they do best is to admit you don’t know the stouts in the slightest. Perhaps, there has to be some truth to what they say.
Why, the cows in the field swing their tails contently, the ponies trot with pep in their step, and the kids play with merry smiles. So maybe to say love is their secret in what they do best is as honest as the work they toil.
Heading on down to Dusterson Town, it’s just as true as it is for the rest of the valley…
On arrival to the town, the party coordinates with Mayor Sunbury on tackling the roden problem. It’s a known thing that when roden nests get too big, major problems tend to happen. Finding a means to the den and killing their pack leader is the key to easing the town’s burdens.
Looking for a means of finding the hideout, they stumble upon Skrolk, a roden found thieving for food to feed a different den. He tells them that they are looking for the Skeething Pack. The party also brings Inquisitor Dorian along, suspecting that vicians could be at play.
The party journeys to find the den. Along the way, a roden horde stops them, demanding that their “lesser boss” has foresaw their coming and wishes to see them. Curious, they follow the roden and meet with a vician named Gavaln. This mystic vician with a skeleton head and horns loves his practice but hates his master, Setesk, for his goals. He agrees to coordinate with the party in thwarting his goals so long as they allow him to practice a reading on them.
Altor's Reading. The Guild Member. I see one who sought to befriend many and could very well befriend more. Not very keen on a violent approach. I can tell I am in safe hands with you. Should I watch myself, of course. Regardless, I see you happy and content with those you mingle with should you both agree, of course.
Darwin's Reading. The Soldier. I see a man who has endured hardship not just for himself but of others. One who seeks to strike Alkaran's truth's denied. But with every soldier there is a war to be waged and I foresee a coming struggle that will test your compatriots. I hope they ready well.
Johan's Reading. The Ghost. I see a troubled past with this one. One that is unresolved and requires care in due time. And yet, it feels so close. It will all make sense in due time when the fog dissipates.
Maedhros's Reading. The Innocent. I see purity between you and another. But that which is pure is happy and happy draws the coveting and envy of those that are foul. I see it as shadows reaching for their throat not only to enjoy their suffering but of yours as you watch. Be careful, aetheriin. Keep her close by.
Anthell’s Reading. The Shepherd. I see you suffocate under the weight of a great burden. Leave it behind, and you shall perish. Confront it, and you shall flourish. Should this prove effective, I can foresee a great leader otherwise, I see a whimpering coward.
He then offers the following advice:
There are things my master, Setesk, has set in motion. I cannot explain everything in great detail lest he truly suspect I have betrayed him outright. I can tell you where you can start your journey into finding his schemes. Look to the night sky when the stars blink out. Stay indoors for that is their favorite prey. They are silent as they fly but their fury made up for it. If you allow them, they can show you the way. Just do not let them take you underground...
