Session 11: The Zjol'kel Report

Party members: Edwyn, Xavroar, Yohn, Torvald, Kromm, Marcarius, Blade Soren, Kronlim

It has been three days since the brutal Battle of the Dyke and the imprisonment of Ansor. Some members of the party are at a large funeral observance down on the field below Gallows Rock. Koldo of Liera gives a speech, and during it Torvald, who was presumed death, begins to rupture the ground and emerge from his alleged grave. Koldo, the party members present, and some of the other people who intend to sign no contract with Lord Folkmer go to his chambers.

Party goes north after a day of rest. The party go into a fight with a caravan heading to Gallows Rock during the night. Turns out they were moving food to Gallows Rock.

The party heads north toward the Zjol'kel. Blade Soren attempts to lead his horse into misty area below but fails miserably and critically injures himself and kills the horse. The party begins to lose its composure after this incident. Torvald and Edwyn argue fiercely over each other's conduct, they throw some punches, and Edwyn storms off. While he's gone the rest of the party makes a decision about what to do with Blade Soren, and they opted to put him out of his misery. Marcarius drew his knife and plunged it just beneath Soren's arm. It wasn't long before the deed was done. Edwyn, while gone, was approached by Naiara, the spirit of the Zjol'kel and previous lover of Typhon. He denied her advances but was kissed upon the wrist.

Party continues into the mist of the Zjol'kel.

After a short while, they encounter a massive gatehouse that held an oak and gilt gate over 30 feet tall, towering far off into the mist. It was flanked by stone walls, over 20 feet tall and built of smooth stone. It was a strange sight on the best of days, but was made only more bizarre by the fact that the Zjol'kel seemed scarcely large enough to contain a fortification of this size. They lingered in front of the gate and gawked at it for a few moments before Kromm stepped forward and pushed it open. Inside was a scene they certainly had not expected. There were buildings, and entire city's worth of them, and throngs of people standing in the streets. Guards in golden plate mail stood along the street at 10 foot intervals to hold back the cheering crowds. The whole group was in awe. Their awe was joined by confusion as they became to take in what was being cheered. All of these people, possibly thousands, were all cheering the same thing: Edwyn, long live King Edwyn.

Following the fervent cheers of the crowds came a column of soldiers in golden plate mail, adorned in silver capes and bearing gem encrusted swords. They marched down the main boulevard in practiced step, and slowly approached the gate. In that time the party scrambled to think of how to respond. Marcarius suggested escaping while they had the chance, Kromm offered to take at least five of them himself, while Edwyn himself wished to stay to see what would happen. Torn on a decision, they decided to stay and hope for the best. Edwyn stood foremost among them, arms crossed and with a raised eyebrow. The soldiers came closer and stopped just beneath the gatehouse. From their ranks came a soldier without a helmet, preferring to keep it tucked beneath his arm. The man was fair of features and had brown hair that came down to the shoulders. He welcomed the party and informed Edwyn that the people have been waiting for his arrival. Edwyn was, for good reason, suspicious of this welcoming, and asked the knight about the meaning. The man smiled and told him that today was a day of celebration, for it was to be King Edwyn's coronation.

Party goes through the city and arrives at the palace, where the woman Edwyn met in the Zjol'kel stood next to a throne of gold and red velvet. She bid he sit on the throne and told him of how she had missed him dearly. Next came sword and crown, and the judgement. Edwyn decides to punish Kronlim for beginning the fight with the caravan men. He was dressed like a jester and made to dance by the guards and by the crack of the whip.

After escaping the realm of the Zjol'kel, the party reaches the other side, only to realize they are low on supplies and food. They return to Gallows Rock and the spirit allows them to pass unopposed, this time.