Session 34: The Battle Close to Home Report

Blackwolf and Orin seek out Syrgus to speak. They travel out upon the frozen lake to remain isolated in discussion. They talk about Syrgus’ next plans, their departure with the Judge of Acolitus, and some future diplomatic options for Othos that might be achieved in later months.

Cravin speaks with Syrgus. The Tressonar asks Cravin what inspires him to continue on this adventure. The Odyrzid responds that he wants to bring peace to this continent, which would alleviate the suffering of this people. He wanted to establish some order or lawmaking body for that purpose. Syrgus agreed to the notion in principle, though admitted it might be difficult to achieve. Cravin also requests Odryzid access to ancient ruins of their people in Astoria. Syrgus accepts this as well.

The party, including Xhaldarius, Xhaley, Nenas, Orin, Cravin, Blackwolf, and the six Acolitus servants began their trek eastward after the daughters. They marched about two miles through snow and mud before something interesting happened. Xhaldarius caught the sensation of Eshanic energy, the same which granted him power through Ácolitus. Eager to finish off the enemy, Xhaldarius bid they plunge into the village. Xhaley and Nenas were sent first, while the remainder of the party followed at a slower, more careful pace. Blackwolf dismounted her horse and stepped into one of the nearby hovels. She peeked inside, but was stunned to quickly notice people hiding within. A swift cut was directed toward her neck, but she stumbled back in time to protect herself. It was an ambush, clear and dangerous.

As soon as the first signs of battle resonated through the hamlet, further Tarphry burst from their places of hiding. At first there were five, then ten, then 15, 30 after, and onward to 40 souls. They were prepared. Xhaley and Nenas were immediately surrounded, but fought valiantly to withstand the end. The rest of the party, caught in the southern reaches of the village, established an ad-hoc defensive line for themselves. Cravin was severely wounded and barely survived the first onslaught. Orin withdrew on horseback. Blackwolf hopped along with Xhaldarius and began to engage with her crossbow. It was a fierce fight with heavy wounds inflicted on both sides. However, it became much worse when the Nith’eshan exposed their position. They emerged from the tower and entered the combat, immediately attacking the judges already engaged in sharp battle. This was when the fight took a decisive downturn.

Xhaley and Nenas did not survive long thereafter. The wounds they received and the Eshanic power of their enemies proved too much to resist. Once they died, the remaining Tarphry rushed down the muddy streets toward the party, sisters in tow. Now the party began to retreat. The six servants of Acolitus were left behind to cover the retreat, and were slaughtered where they stood by the overwhelming enemy. The survivors of the party managed to escape, and rode in silence the journey to Illidost.