Session 2: Drifters in the Night Report

The party departed for Gython Mitras’ home with Ballisar at their head. Fine houses of Gondamon stone lined the streets along the cobble stone flagged route, each adorned with roof shingles of faded Astorian purple. It was a tense journey, and every member kept their eyes wary for further insurrection or conflicts between the Atamani and Astorians. Thankfully, the trip was peaceful.

Shortly thereafter, the oaken doors of Gython’s manor stood before them, etched with the designs of magnificent vines and ancient prayers. It was a sizable estate, settled within the heart of the city. Around the manner was a garden of vibrant green, populated by benches and paths of white marble. The house itself consisted of many rooms, each handcrafted decades prior. The house and grounds were guarded by a low stone wall, which itself was beneath a long length of master-crafted iron work meant to appear as a metal forest with trees, birds, and all. They knocked upon the door, and were greeted by a servant wearing a large purple tunic with the flame of the Taras Astoria emblazoned upon it. He allowed them inside, and were amazed by the beauty of the interior. Gython Mitras soon met them in the atrium, and they spoke of business and the recent conspiracy. He invited them to the dinner area to rest and eat.

They settle for food as the slaves remove old dishes and replace them with freshly prepared meats, vegetables, and desserts. Around this feast, Ballisar explained to Gython the horror of the morning. Azidael also mentioned his encounter with the strange women with black hair and eyes. The others threw in comments and additions when proper. They agreed that some conspiracy was at work, whether from the hated Vallisians or some other source. Gython tells them about a renowned author named Suvar Mostis who lives in Pyrgoros. His family’s roots are western Astorian, but before the split between the Astorias occurred. He is thus suspect. However, he is a well-known figure in Astoria. His writing are praised and loved across Othos. One such story is of a fiction character named Lyndos Baltheris, who was commander of Astorian forces. All his life he chased greatness and worshipped glory like a god. He finally achieved a great victory against his enemies, and committed suicide that very night to secure his legacy of greatness- preserving it from the taint of future failures. It is called ‘Lavun Lypon’ or ‘Glory’s Disciple’.

Party travels to his manor. Azidael and Ballisar speak with him. Others wait outside. The pair attempt to gather information from him, and potentially gain his trust. This works with mixed results. Outside, Auron sees two slaves leaving the premises. He ambushes them- killing one, and the other screams about assassins. Five slave soldiers of Suvar emerge and attack him. Battle breaks out. Aragos wounded. Party outside escapes with whatever folio the slaves were carrying.

During return, Azidael is ambushed and knocked unconscious. Ballisar and Auron search for him, and eventually find him splayed out in some dark crate not terribly far from Gython’s manor. It was a close call, and perhaps more of a warning than anything. Azidael was found and returned to the manor in the arms of his saviors, barely alive as they passed through the door.

Upon arrival, the house came to life with slaves and a concerned Gython Mitras, who was horrified to see Azidael in such terrible condition for a second time. He accompanied Azidael and company to a guest chamber, and then had slaves spent the night tending to his wounds. In was in this context of injury and danger that the party prepared for the coronation the next day.