Session 25: The Decisions Hard Made Report

Once the party was sufficiently settled, the time arrived to depart once more. The road was difficult and harsh, food supplies were low, and the bitterness of an Othosar winter was felt. They traversed the distance between Vezehen and Lesven, which was originally two days but lasted four. Exhausted, they trudged into the city and purchased further rations with the last of their nerhen and dolns. They slept outside the walls, or attempted to before being herded inside by the Demhez guards. On account of the recent wars, Hesed Ghemet did not wish for outsiders to dwell along the walls.

The next morning, the party departed on the next leg of their journey. This took them to the shores of the river Anon, separating Vallisian Astorian and the Demhezzar territories. Precious few bridges have survived the decades of conflict, primarily those around Anomyr and in the distant western reaches of the river’s length. The others remain moldering ruins. Along that shoreline, Calista witnessed a party of 14 Vallisian scouts riding in solemn procession. Their route was counter to the party and across the river, but the sighting was concerning nonetheless.

Hours later, the party spied something that appeared to be a massive, bare tree trunk. It stood out from the rest of the copse and was devoid of all branches. Ship scene happens wherein party discovers crashed vessel of Cesstecia. Cravin and Ballisar search, find numerous Astorian bodies, many of which were looted. Vallisian riders come patrolling back, since it has been some hours. They catch Carvin, but not Ballisar. They believe he is a looter, and tell Cravin to dump his pack. Turns out Cravin did take something. They brought him inside to ‘return’ the goods and uncover any other looter allies. They lead him right next to Ballisar, who is now feigning death on the ground, then beat Cravin. They are not allowed to kill him, however. Thereafter, the party departs the scene with a measure of fear.

Party arrives outside of Anomyr, and has protracted debate regarding their next move.