Session 27: The Third Son Report

Blackwolf, Ballisar, and Calista speak about the prisoner, sparing or killing him, and their plans forward. They talk about where to bring the army within Vallisia. Ballisar suggests marching north and taking another of the border viods. They also discuss control of the military between Xhaldarius, Lytheron/Astoria, and the Vallisians. Blackwolf is uncertain about killing the prisoner, believing that he’s just another fellow trying to survive hard times.

Calista and Blackwolf speak in private while they search for Cravin. She offers Blackwolf help through her connections with the Abat Saghet. They have good relations with the Demhezzar, and could help broker peace between the Corgastorians and Demhezzar.

Calista and Blackwolf eventually encounter Cravinyol amidst the turmoil of the camp.

Xhaldarius returns after four days of pursuit and return. He informs that the scouts did escape, and Syrgus will most likely arrive after them soon.

Syrgus arrives outside Viod Amerus with 100 guards. The host marches toward the viod, but makes no aggressive motion. No further enemy forces materialize in the distant mists. The party is astounded by the brashness of this strategy and take counsel. They decide to speak with Syrgus and hear what he desires in such strange circumstances. They emerge with 150 soldiers. Ballisar and Blackwolf remain back. Xhaldarius, Calista, Orin, and Cravinyol approach to speak with the Tressonar. They gather in a copse of trees not too distant from the viod and speak at length. They share introductions, then Syrgus cuts to the point and asks why the party is here and what it would take them to leave. They each explain their peace. Xhaldarius notes that he has no quarrel with Syrgus, only with the Nith’eshan. Syrgus makes an interesting concession. He will allow all the party, barring Ballisar, to travel to Illidost to deal with the matter. They request time to deliberate, and Syrgus agrees. He returns to his troops while the party returns to the viod and those waiting thereabouts.

The party returns and explains the situation to Ballisar and Blackwolf. Ballisar is rather upset by the developments and suspects a trap. However, the others are too interested in the invitation to simply reject it without investigation.

Blackwolf and Orin speak in private. She explains her concern regarding their following of Ácolitus rather than Ballisar or Astoria’s ends. Neither of them appreciate Ácolitus, nor love him. It was the creator who destroyed Corgastor’s realm and ruined the tranquility of the world. Xhaldarius himself might therefore be a threat himself. They share a final embrace.

Blackwolf and Calista speak. They talk about their options and opinions on the new situation. Calista tells Blackwolf about her position among the Abat Artayin and possible promotion to Mother Earth within their ranks.

Calista and Ballisar speak with Cravinyol. They discuss matters of the prisoner Merrisar, and that he was willing to negotiate for his safety in exchange for favors.

Ballisar and Xhaldarius speak. Ballisar thanks him for his assistance against Syrgus and bringing the remnant soldiers together. Xhaldarius tells Ballisar that he’ll inform Syrgus about what Ballisar is willing to give up to secure Cesstecia.

Xhaldarius and Calista speaks. She explains that she won’t be travelling with him. Xhaldarius affirms that he’ll continue to deliver the letters to the Atamani. They say final goodbyes.

Ballisar gathers together a meeting of Astorian officers to discuss planning, etc. Xhaldarius, Blackwolf, and Calista are also there. Xhaldarius explains that the men have the option to leave. He leaves thereafter. Baltheris Sythar is a pentast among the officers who took a particular interest in Ballisar and Calista. He explains that the soldiers are prepared to march.

Blackwolf speaks with Xhaldarius. Xhaldarius writes a short missive for Blackwolf to be delivered to the Sekras’kolura in Sohenas. When given, they will assist and provide support for the Corgastorians trapped in the mire of the Golbesh. They make some sort of deal wherein Xhaldarius will help settle the Corgastorians upon ancestral lands.

Blackwolf returns to the Viod and informs Ballisar/Calista that she will be travelling with Xhaldarius and Syrgus. Calista requests that Blackwolf assist her with one final thing. She wants Blackwolf to tell Syrgus that she departed to Anomyr instead of leaving with Ballisar. Calista wishes to visit Anomyr, Ballisar allows her to depart and sends two Dramana with her.