Session 45: The Golden Hand Arrives Report

Cravin comes to the door in the morning and apologizes to Orin for spying on the conversation yesterday. It was rude and inconsiderate of him.

Blackolf and Orin speak about their mutually difficult situation. The Everosi are coming, but the situation is complicated and dangerous. Blackwolf is unsure whether Xhaldarius will uphold his end of the bargain. However, working with the Acolitus followers seems to be the best option. Next, what about the other Lothlanders in the Golbesh?

Calista reaches out to Zelai, Acolitus, and Artem/Marasi. The messages come as these words.

Artem and Marasi Beloved Eshanic child, speak and dabble, but our siblings are possessed by their own machinations. You have acted with strength, but beware what shall come to Othos. Ebal’eshan, revealed, come west, and Acolitus will fight them, so will the imposter! We may grant Eshara unto you, but no strength of ours might overcome all comers in direct conflict. You must be wise and align yourself to the greatest end of our people.

Acolitus My children are insolent beasts, driven to destroy and maim now as for centuries. They come now because Corgastor and Aebaster are dead, this I know since it was wrought by my own hand. It does not defy Kovûnkal, and their weakness is my strength. My agents are rife in Othos, Xhaldarius most trusted of all, and shall slaughter the Nith’eshan who defy Eshanic order. With their death, I shall assert the reign of my creation which I have required since the First Feud. The Ebal’eshan will compete, as will other mortals, but now I shall prevail over them in their new weakness.

Zelai Eshanic child, you are bold to reach into the Void and speak to entities unknown to you. I shall speak this to you so that you might communicate it to others who seek to stand against me. Ruination is not the intention of my children nor myself. The Eshan cringe and buckle at wanton destruction. I desire freedom and life for my children, hunted and despised by the cruel grasp of Acolitus. They are owed this kindness in payment of their wretched lives. This is the perfect era beyond all prior eras. The ancient Eshanic masters of Qadal are dead, and those from beyond it come. I shall come, since if I do not then others will come.

The four members of the party meet in the dining room. They have a heated debate about what they ought to do next. The prospect is a three-front war between the Ebal’eshan, Zelai, and Acolitus. Should they warn Syrgus about the coming tide? Who are their real allies? They speak at length about the information and the nature of the coming war. She asks why those speaking in the ears of the Eshan aren’t attempting to broker some manner of peace. They decide that they want to sail from Varikon to Amastris and hopefully figure what to do next.

Eddenvas servants are sent to the port and acquire a ship with a 10 doln per person sailing rate. Orin tells Gerogest to take down the Lornish banners from the house.

Cravin speaks to Calista on the boat. He asks her about what she knows about the Creator. She knows a few things, but not an extensive history. Cravin explains how he chose a side- Acolitus. It was the wisest decision to take in such a dire situation. Calista doesn’t judge it too much.

Blackwolf uses Vojun upon the ship to create a warping or distorting or energy which blinds the perceptions of Eshanic beings for locating them specifically.

Calista apologizes to Blackwolf about questioning the validity of Corgastor.

Orin speaks to the Lothlanders.

A few days later, the party arrives near the shore of Amastris. Orin sees two things. Out to see, there is a massive fleet of ships with red sails and golden, open hands. Inland is a hideous mar of blackened smoke.