Session 26: Confrontation in the Zjol’kel Report

Party takes time in the morning to clean their clothes of the swamp muck. Kronlim goes hunting with his steel rod, and smashes the brains of a squirrel. Brutal.

Party moves north and arrives at the Rotting Hall, which is a massive bridge of solid wood that once connected the Great Forest and Vestidia. Much of its structure has been worn away by time, sending planks collapsing inward and outward in disarray. They see some figures on the other side of the bridge, and call out to them. The men on the other side of the bridge are a collection of five who have dedicated themselves to protecting the bridge. It is a cultural icon, as well as the greatest crossing in the area. Octavius attempts to cross the bridge, but his foot smashes through the boards. This awakens the vines that grow around the walls and ceiling spine of the structure. The party decides not to get involved in the fight and depart, leaving the men to hold on their own.

Party spends that night divided into slinter factions. Octavius and Leowulf feud over whose fault it was that the bridge foray went poorly, while Flynt departed camp to meditate once more. Octavius and Roy speak about a plot in which Roy can speak privately with Naiara.

Lord Inquisitor Hadrianus entices Kronlim into spying on Flynt for payments, as his random forays at night have begun to alarm him.

By the morning, Leowulf and Kronlim have completed the shield for Roy. They present it to him. He gives them hugs and is very joyous.

Party forges across a branch of the Ellenon, during which Marcarius tumbles in the current and his rations get destroyed.

Marcarius and Roy sneak forward and see Flynt laying on his back in the morass on the far side of the river. On the front of his armor is a large, red splotch that seemed to have gone molten and dried. He slowly got to his feet as those around him rose up, ignoring those around him and preparing to move forward. The others were questioning, but he denied everything.

They reach the Zjol'kel and descend. No illusions. Roy walks off on his own and calls for Naiara. He runs into Yohn in the mist.

Massive battle between members of the party. Ends when Flynt threatened to supernova and destroy all of them in one fell swoop. He drew out the fragment of his soul by using that remnant Áckesh was within him as Judge of Ácolitus, and held it forth, as it stuck tethered to his chest by a thin wisp of energy. It sat in his mailed hand like a glowing heart, the one occupant of a vessel long passed. Naiara was dissuaded from attacking because she didn't want the soul of Edmus, the only remaining part, to be destroyed. She agreed to Flynt's terms that he would allow their souls to be reunited once it had all passed.

Once they arrive on the far side of the Zjol'kel, they have a heart to heart talk about the nature of their mission. They clear the air and discuss things after that horror. Flynt admits there was no artifact in Worthend at all. The power of Vanarion was actually within the remaining soul fragment itself. Flynt explains that he, in essence, is the sword of Typhon is Flynt and it is he.

Leowulf and Marcarius go and speak with Roy. They do their best to reassure Roy that he is a valuable member of the party. Roy had said he "is not fit for this", to which the others laughed and admitted that they all felt the same. Roy decides that he doesn't want to continue forward. Leowulf and him embrace as he prepares to depart. Roy gives his journal to Leowulf. He decided he wanted to go back to Lodon and rejoin the Elivas in peace. He had seen enough of adventure and Othos for a lifetime.

"If you're still in Gallows Rock when we return I'll have to get you those drinks. Hell, if I make it back I'll buy you the whole tavern." said Leowulf with a laugh.