Into the Woods

Diplomatic action

The group heads for a meetup with the Iron Matron to make a deal.

Escaping the town and local guards on the hunt for the party, our group leaves the other survivors behind while they venture to the Ironweld Forest, home of the Iron Matron. With the help of Ina'vi they managed to dodge many of the threats lurking within the wood eventually coming to the edge of what could only be assumed to be Agnes' home marked by marionettes hanging from the trees, swinging freely in the wind.   After a short time, while waiting for Agnes to appear, the group caught sight of a large man heading into the wood carrying a sack over his shoulder and accompanied by a brother and sister, who the group assumed to be Markus' eldest children. Leaving the trio to their own business as they entered the marionetted wood the group continued their vigil for the Iron Matron with Agnes appearing a time later.   Once she made it to the group a short standoff was held caused by the distrust of Ina'vi on the situation while the group was told that doll held the spirit of a departed sister and was stolen by Markus' great-great-grandparents along with the gemstone. Uncomfortable with the situation as well as Agnes revealing herself to be a ancient hag of the forest the group managed to come to an arrangement with her exchanging the gemstone, doll, and a piece of Aegis' self for information and a few new magic items. Allowing them to sleep safely at the edge of her domain, the next morning they were given their new items and Aegis was told the man they had seen the night before had led the attack on his monastery and was a member of the Cult of Silent Shadows. When asking if this man, Martuun Ilboras, was also involved with Belomar's problems as well Agnes opted to neither confirm nor deny as no deal had been made for that information.   Gathering up their things the group left with a sense of disquiet and discomfort regarding the situation, if a bit heavier in information and magic now. Making a pit stop at the edge of Lillyhall the group snuck back into town, considering their now wanted status, and warned their former compatriots to leave quickly as this town was more dangerous than they are led to believe before turning back to the road and heading onwards deeper into the Empire toward the town of Trentenkirk.