Session 57: A Distant Journey Report
General Summary
The damage wrought by the Dracolich was minimal, tho the casualties were nothing to be laughed at. Defenses were heightened in response and the scales set about to figuring out how to solve their many draconic related problems. A'lar would bring a proposal to the group, "I believe there are two places we could venture to try and get further information, but it will be quite a distance...Loristia." Loristia is a feudal realm that has been ravaged by Orcish Clans as well as the Dragon armies of Tarsus, it is said many did not return to Ioban when the Dragons slumbered and instead set up their own warbands to ravage the country side and take whoever remote areas that the Lords of Atlyiras, the primary kingdom of the continent could not defend. A'lar proposed a monastery of the Fate Scribes and its extensive library, as well as potentially the elves of the Wild Wood who worship Ilmaren still could hold answers for their situation.
The Scales would set their Lieutenants to researching within Amarnthine on these topics, as well as trying to thwart the efforts of the Holy Empire upon Ioban while they were away. A'lar would procure scrolls of teleport in hopes of returning home more quickly and the scales would then set about to Teleporting to Tal'Thril, the Mithril halls of the Duronar. Having to arrive in two groups, A'lar, Sildenaer, Ismaril, and Longwei would be the first group, arriving clearly off target in what seemed like a fairly seedy part of the city. Sildenaer would procure directions and the group would set out to reach the great path of Ancestors at the city center. Along the way they would very obviously draw the attention of a criminal element, A'lar however greeted the quiet stalkers warmly, which was sufficient to deter further problem. Ayrien, Adalon, Indalell, would arrive on target, looking around the great central hub of the Dwarven city in awe. Finding their companions not here, they decided to take a seat near a great fountain and wait taking in the sights. It was not long before two fully armored dwarves would approach, "How did you get here, and what is your business?" one would ask gruffly from behind his mithril face mask. Adalon would clear his throat, "Ah we just arrived from Ioban and we are awaiting our friends, we are passing thru to Atlyrias." One of the dwarves would grunt and open up a small not bad, taking out an oversized charcoal writing implement, given his armored hands, "Your names and that of your friends?" Adalon would provide the names of their company co-operating with the dwarves. "See that you are on your way within a week...enjoy your stay," the dwarf would tear out a paper handing it to Adalon, a type of pass for a week, and then the dwarves would depart. It was several hours before the party arrived in the city center. They would spend the night and then depart by dwarven steam rail to the west. Questioned as they departed into untamed woods of the west, they were not impeded. Ayrien was able to navigate the unfamiliar woods, and soon the Scales would arrive at an ancient monastery, in a glen that was eerily silent.
The doors would be barred to A'lars surprise. He would first call out for entry then offer prayers and explanation for his comrades, after some time a small hatch would open as eyes would peer out. They would be greeted by the reluctant Gate of the Epochs, another fate scribe like A'lar. They were escorted into the modest monastery, when passing thru the threshold each of the scales would experience flashes and de ja vu like moments. Some seeing scenes of their past, others, moment of their ancestors trials, some perhaps even a future that could be. They were invited to await in a study area as the Gate of the Epochs brought their request to the other scribes. It was determined that upon A'lars honor and reputation as a scribe, the Scales could use their library for study. A'lar would offer for them to also undertake the trials of Times Fate, but none of the scales seemed eager to partake in rituals of the Fate Scrive, to A'lars disappointment. It would be explained that the monastery of Fates End was buoyed in time, and it would sometimes drift forward and back, giving those who remained within glimpses of what was, what could be, and what may yet be. Several weeks of study would give A'lar a good ground works for the mechanics of a ritual that could alter the notion of dragons, though he was still at a loss for what would be actually required. The others would investigate the histories of Saellryth and clan Dark Grove. While there were not many, they were lead to a very interesting account in the Age of Wonder which had Saellryth as one of the first council representatives for her clan, and her interest in the faith of Vaes Kadara. During these weeks each of the Scales would face strange and compelling visions unstuck in time, some that may have even altered their perceptions of their current situation. Lastly before departing, A'lar would ask the Epoch of the Gates if he would read a harrow for the Scales of Fate, to which he agreed.