Session 36: Farewell Illidost Report

Xhaldarius and Blackwolf have a conversation about a killing and death. She explains that she can’t get the faces of the killed out of her head! Xhaldarius knows with a certain, eons old knowing. He tells her to think about those you’re fighting for instead of the death themselves. Moreover, he gives Blackwolf a gift; three crossbow bolts crafted from Eshorite, which looked quite a bit like amber. It holds Eshanic and Vojûnic power with incredible efficiency compared to other materials. 

Cravin and Xhaldarius speak. He asks Xhaldarius about the things he has given up becoming the Judge of Acolitus, and the Eldest no less. Xhaldarius lists off quite a ponderous number. Cravin looks rather disturbed, and notes that he’s like a walking husk of himself. They talk about maintaining strong faith. After, Cravin asks about how many judges will come to Othos. Xhaldarius notes that there are over 20 of them, and each will come with their followers, anywhere between three to 300 individuals therein.

Orin and Blackwolf speak. They talk about helping her people. They confirm that Blackwolf wants to reclaim their homeland from the Demhezzar.

Orin speaks to Xhaldarius. The diplomat tells him about the Eshanic energy the sisters were being granted on the icy lake. Xhaldarius acknowledges this, and explains that this is not unknown. That simply means that the amount is particularly significant so that it becomes physically manifested in some manner. On the other hand, Xhaldarius receives energy at all times in lower doses, so it does not manifest. They talk about other things. Xhaldarius recalls the battle against Nezar over 2,000 years ago in Vestidia. Orin is rather awe-struck by the story and thus impressed by the exploits of those ancient heroes. Xhaldarius tells Orin about the personalities of Hadrianus and Marcarius Vex. At length, he continues to explain the full story of their tribulations in early Othos, reminiscing with something close to a fondness. Restating of fact, he tells Orin the full story and it takes great swathes of the night. After that, they talk about the last known information about Ballisar and Calista.

Finally, after some hours of travel and conversation, the party returned once more within the aged curtain walls of Illidost, bearing a heavy apprehension which reigned unspoken. They moved directly toward the inner viod, seeking out Syrgus and some recourse. They found him easily amidst the people there. Each member of the party spoke their peace in turn, recounting the horror of the battle and decimation of the village thereabouts. Syrgus offered solemn nods but few words. He bid the wounded seek aid and the healthy rest themselves in their recently departed quarters. They all departed. When they did, Syrgus sought out Helmenal and bid he rally together a score of Tarphry for when the sisters arrived again. How was he sure they would return? Where else would they go, then? Helmenal accepted and gathered together the required troops while the party rested.

Around half an hour passed before the sisters and their retinue arrived. Syrgus allowed them to march directly toward the viod and spoke with them. Syrgus allowed them to pursue Xhaldarius and kill him if they pleased, but he would have no part in it.

Xhaldarius and Blackwolf escape from the viod under sharp assault by the sisters. They turn toward the frozen lake and bolt for it. The horse cannot bear the weigh and crashes through the ice. Xhaldarius and Blackwolf continue on foot, being chased all the way by Tarphry and the sisters. When the sisters get close, they exchange some blows, but the retreating party members plunged into a tight copse of morass alongside the frozen lake.

Ultimately, the pair retreat. The sisters swiftly return to the viod and share heated words with Syrgus. Eryssis finds Syrgus in the mess hall sipping at wine. With a hidden grimace, she inquires if reclining and drinking was the wisest thing for the Son of Lysander and Tressonar of Astoria, who was also beset by enemies, to be doing. He coolly replied that matters were dealt with for the moment, so time was perfect.

He snarls that they will be traveling south, then orders them to depart from his sight.

Divided, the remnants of the party spent three days searching for one another before encountering some place quite distant to the north of Illidost. Reunited, they spoke and decide on a direction. They chose to move toward Amastris, where Ballisar and Calista were believed to remain.