Session 20230330 Fallen Lapis

General Summary

Bertrum's Journal

Dear journal, Today, I, Bertrum Blumenthall, have come up with a plan that will aid the starving people of Ardeleth. It was no easy feat, but my mind is alight with ideas that are sure to make a difference. I shall lead a party to Kajeth to procure food and craft it into highly nutritious rations that will keep for a long time, ensuring that the people of Ardeleth will not go hungry. Blood on the Snow and Fruitful Scrupulence have agreed to the plan, but they believe it requires significant funds. However, I shall not let this setback discourage me. Blood on the Snow had another mission for us as well, Lyris, Nightshade, and me. We were to venture to Fallen Lapis, the former capital of Ardeleth that was wiped out in the previous war. There was wealth there for the taking, as few people dared to go there. The next day, I set my young apprentice Yamak up with a portable forge to make the tools and nails needed to rebuild the town. I also designed a lumber mill that would be driven by a person-driven treadwheel. Later that day, I was approached by four Ice Walker traders who wished for me to return to their capital to create larger versions of the survival flasks I had sold to them. Though hesitant, I promised them that I would consider their proposal. However, during the night, they attempted to kidnap me! Nightshade fought them off while I called for help using my loud hailer. We managed to capture three of them and convinced the villagers to let them go as long as they left Ardeleth permanently and paid a sufficient “weregeld.”
The next day, a magical boat arrived, piloted by a young man who may be a lunar exalted. It belonged to Blood on the Snow and could travel through earth and stone as if it were water. We embarked on our journey to Fallen Lapis, a distance of 400 miles. Upon arriving, we found the city locked, but we managed to find a way in and headed towards the palace, where we believed most of the wealth was kept. On the way there, we encountered a patrol of armed men who took me to their leader, the High Lord of Talinin and Regent of Ardeleth. The High Lord was not dressed lavishly, but he spoke like a noble. I explained our mission and asked if he would provide funds for us to begin feeding the people of Ardeleth. He said that if the people of Ardeleth came to Fallen Lapis and swore fealty to him again, he would assist. However, I found his motives suspect, as he seemed more concerned with securing his power than helping the people of Ardeleth. We then turned our attention to the merchant guild hall, which was untouched. We gained entry to the strong room and procured a significant amount of silver and jade, enough to begin operations to aid the people of Ardeleth.
Upon our return to eastern Ardeleth, we reported to Blood on the Snow, who was intrigued by the High Lord's motives and the source of the food in the silo. We also began work on the lumber mill while we waited for the caravan to arrive with food from Halta. My mind is racing with ideas, and I am excited to see the difference we can make. I will continue to work tirelessly to aid the people of Ardeleth. Yours truly, Bertrum Blumenthall