Session 62: Hard Decisions
General Summary
Eban having noticed the mental intrusion consulted with Euphrasia and discovered the time gap in their memories, though he kept it to himself to contemplate upon. As they returned the others carried on with their day. Nawa soon approached the Wildcards and informed them the loot from the raid a couple days ago was going to be distributed and we were invited to claim our share. The group was awarded a number of purses and various gems. In additional, because such items were ill favored by the Ynidu, the group was also awarded the statuette Skulk had previously taken an interest in. Later in private Euphrasia would identify it as a Jewel of Elemental Summoning (Air) After another day of rest, the next morning saw the caravan making ready and beginning the journey for the next stretch. Several days passed uneventfully before the caravan’s path crossed with another larger groups. The Wildcards were summoned up to speak with Eshika Tehmina. We arrived to find her and the other Eshika’s in discussions with a Zesh Man Skulk recognized as dressing very familiar to Haman Kost he had met years ago investigating a ruin near Phandalin. There was much heated discussion among the Ynidu and it was clear the caravan was divided on how to deal with these travellers from Zesh. Their column, comprised of very many combat capable undead was much larger than the Ynidu’s. At the same time, the two groups had a long and heated rivalry dating back into antiquity and many clamored for battle. Tehmina turned to the Wildcards and requested we seek out the other Eshika’s and persuade them to accept her only option, to let their rivals pass to save what seemed the likely destruction to a more powerful force. Skulk & Euphrasia set about meeting the other Eshika’s while the others provided assistance in their own ways, with some magical spells to aid their efforts. Euphrasia believed we should first speak with Eshika Yazidi of the Synova, a faction of warriors who lusted for battle. Gemris soothed their minds with Calm Emotions while we spoke. While these Ynidu had no fear of dying to a superior force, Skulk questioned the wisdom of fighting in a battle where their bodies would not be consecrated and their numbers added to strengthen that of their enemy. Next we spoke with Eshika Asif, a young man enraged by the sight of the Zeshites. He was at odds with his own faction who concelled restraint when face with a much larger force arrayed against them. Asif would storm off after speaking with the Wildcards, who turned their attentions to his people. The third faction was led by Eshika Ridah who represented the affluent merchants within the caravan. They had no desire to die a pointless death here and intended to continue their journey if a fight broke out. It was Ridah who informed us that Asif had gained his unusual place of authority through marriage to a betrothed that had died at the end sof the Zesh. A death whose body was unsanctified. Euphrasia left immediately to speak with Asif, who had gone to speak with Yazidi of the Synova. Skulk remained with Ridah long enough to be asked to call her daughter back from the Synova before catching Euphrasia up. Making an attempt to soften Asif’s rage, Euphrasia offered him the same gift she had granted Tehmina, a keepsake of the one he had lost, but Asif kicked the gift away. Skulk went with a different tactic, that Euphrasia was not pleased by. Skulk confronted Asif, daring to question his actions and challenging him to take a different approach to honor the fallen. Asif would walk way from the wild cards once more, though this time more sad than angry. With our time up, we returned to Tehmina to hear the verdict. Tehmina called the other Eshika’s to hear their votes on the situation at hand, the Zesh mage was also present as were the Wildcards. Ridah voted first, believing the battle could no be won and thus they should grant the Zesh’s requests. Asif spoke next, and clearly expressed his rage against these invaders from Zesh. But, whether by our discourse or those of his groups he passed his vote to Yazidi to cast. Yazidi held the attention of all for a moment, before casting her vote to protect her people, and permit the Zesh to pass. With the final vote cast Tehmina warned the Zesh mage the eyes of the Ynidu would be watching them. Pleased by what he called a sensible decision, returned to the palanquin in his caravan and the Zesh army shambled away, leaving the scent of carrion in their wake. As they leave Skulk is perturbed by what he feels has been another intrusion into his mind. They he’s not sure what happened he does experience a fleeting memory of the snow, and lightning in the sky.
Report Date
09 Sep 2021
Primary Location
