AoA.1.1 Reunions & Revelations

Session Preface:

Staring at the nondescript ceiling, fragments of your dreams still waft through your mind projected onto the stone above you.
A looming fog pouring over the Moon Pass valley, clinging to the streets of Avraathe, only the Temple of Bahamut's spires rising through the mists.
"Return."
A crackling storm of lightning and thunder roaring over head with black clouds swirling and shrouding the reflective light from the city below.
"Protect."
A furious dragon of resplendent platinum scales warring against an unseen foe, clawing and biting and breathing lightning and frost in a righteous rage against the ancient darkness.
"Avenge."
Wiping these thoughts from your mind, you stand to see the sun already peeking through the eastern forest and over the Starmetal hills beyond the walls of Durindale. Your dreams have once again kept you in bed longer than you anticipated. The guards will already have begun running through their training exercises without your guidance. The recent letter from your father sits still folded on the table next to your bed.

---

Leaves rustle as the wind picks up for a moment, your boots silencing your steps through the riverbed grove. The nocked arrow rests effortlessly against the string between your fingers, the string taut as you lead the target ever so slightly. Then, the satisfying twang of the bowstring as your arrow finds its target, this time a healthy and plump hare.
As you instinctively move towards the target, your thoughts shift to other considerations. This new role has served you well. Your Harps are established and collecting valuable perspectives on your new home. This life of hunting provides peaceful opportunities to consider all the observations you take in around you. A chance to clear your head and center yourself for the work ahead.
Collecting your mark from the clearing ahead, your routine is disrupted by a sudden movement in the trees just within your peripheral. Perhaps it was your imagination, but you could have sworn a humanoid figure in dark red robes stood watching you just beyond the tree line, but now there is no one or any sign of a presence beyond you and the cawing crows overhead.

---

The sun peaks in through the windows, scattering beams of light caught in the air by motes of dust dancing in the air. Stacks of tomes and scattered manuscripts clutter the long wooden table surrounded by shelves of even more books and writings. A familiar three hard knocks at the door stirs you from a dreamless void of sleep. Opening your eyes, you notice a bit of drool seeping into the pages where exhaustion overtook you the evening before. Wiping the liquid away with your robe before it can harm the page or blot the ink, the three knocks come again.
Parathrax pushes the door open with his boot and takes a single step into the library, holding a folded piece of paper in his grip.

Session Summary:

Parathrax and Vorothruun make preparations to return to Avraathe from Durindale after three months of relative peace. Parathrax leaves Greycastle in charge of training the guards and Vorothruun leaves instructions for Caltha upon her return. In the meantime, Endriel meets with Durth to learn of rising tensions within the various pockets of the mining community.
In meditation, Parathrax sees a small dragonborn girl surrounded in mist who says "Justice without mercy it's own enemies makes" while Vorothruun's focus on Ragnalla echoes her command to "Tear Away the Lesser Truth."
The dragonborn brothers soon find themselves just outside Avraathe and enter in through the Merchant's Ward to find exuberant decor in celebration of the upcoming Season of Mercy. On Parathrax's gut, they try Thendrul's Taps for tracking down Endriel and are correct in their assumption. After meeting with Durth and learning of the divisions within the miners union - those who don't work for Underfury, those who work for him in his circle of trust, and everyone else - as well as their developing plans to take action against the Overseer of Justice and the Platinum Keep, the three companions are reunited and walk together towards Parathraaj's home.
After an initial uncomfortable welcome, Parathraaj updates the party on most of the recent events. Following the defeat of the Platinum Order and subsequently the Talons of Justice in Sundabar, the Platinum Scalers were installed as the Justice's police force to ensure the safety of the city. Beyond the walls, the remaining Talons continue fighting off external threats such as the looming danger of increased orc activity. The Augery was stolen the day the party arrived in Avraathe, but there are no leads as to its whereabouts or how it was even stolen in the first place. Economically, the city is healthier than it has been in years thanks to increased taxes and tariffs put in place by the Councilors.
The four of them then make their way to the Temple for the Ritual of Revelation.

The Ritual of Revelation

A final toll of the large platinum bell rings out across the city as citizens shuffle into the temple. An electric energy of anticipation buzzes through the room. Whispers from all around the pews jumble together into waves of indecipherable noise reverberated through the massive chamber.
The door from the left of the altar opens and the room falls reverently silent. One by one the seven High Priests enter, bow to the altar, dip their hands in the sanctified pool, drawing the outline of a shield on their forehead before sitting in one of the high backed wooden chairs behind the altar as music begins to play softly.
First to enter is Councilor Helna Summerdrake, an autumn-haired human female of middling age. As she sits in her chair she overlooks the filled pews and standing attendees with maternal fondness.
She is followed by Councilor Rethdar of Clan Dradke, a thin and aged white dragonborn male whose entire life seemed a fast track to where he know serves as a High Priest. Of course, his life's plan did not include the premature loss of his son. Looking around the room, his eyes lock on you, Parathrax, and his stare is unwavering.
As Rethdar takes his seat, Councilor Ozen of the notable mining clan Brezzok, a blue dragonborn wearing a pair of spectacles, enters with a slight limp. A beloved Temple Keeper of the last twenty years who served in many Rites of Rebirth, Ozen's calming smile exudes from his person even in such a crowded room.
Following Ozen is Tedrog, a Red Dragonborn male and the third of his Clan Othrumi to serve as High Priest. Even as he completes the ritual and takes his place, it is no secret Tedrog's Temper is not only the name of a secret order at the Library of Libations, but a present reality as well. A sour grimace streaks across his face as he looks down the row of the other High Priests and then towards the door for the remaining Councilors.
High Priestess Zagtra of Clan Menonsae, a young blue dragonborn enters next. She is the most recent member to ascend to the pinnacle role of service in the city, with whispers of her family's generous contributions clearing the path for her. Even so, there are many in the city who are glad she is there, for her staunchly progressive views have in part led to the current success Avraathe enjoys.
Councilor Ebrus Bronzeroar, a human male with broad shoulders and one arm severed from the elbow down, follows next. A small applause for the Talons of Justice breaks out for a moment before a superior silences the enthusiasm. Having grown up with the intent to serve in the Platinum Order before losing his arm to a rusty orcish blade, Ebrus' life pivoted to one of devout faith and piety, which has brought him to this position of prominence.
The final High Priestess enters, Councilor Celu, a Blue Dragonborn of Clan Thenolgruh, walks in slowly with the aid of her carved walking stick. The longest tenured member of the council, she is rightly revered for a life of steadfastness and service to the Temple. Ebrus stands once more to help Celu up the three steps to her chair, using his good arm to support her as she climbs and then they both sit together.

With the seven Councilors seated, two Temple Keepers then make their way through the back of the Temple holding the waving blue and silver banners of Bahamut. They are reverently placed on either side of the altar. Temple Keeper Porath approaches the lectern, overlooks those in attendance and then speaks decisively.
"We gather today for an occasion more than a century in anticipation. Since the Sixth Prophecy which preserved Avraathe from the tumultuous times of the Spellplague, we have wondered when the Seventh Prophecy might grace us with the insight necessary to continue the Platinum Dragon's will. Many seasons of change and events have occurred in those hundred years. And it seems a season of change, as well as a Season of Mercy, is upon us now. For as we look back on the previous prophecies, they have served as wise warnings, benevolent discoveries, as well as tidings of war.
But before this new revelation is revealed, we begin with the commencement of a Season of Mercy. For we believe if we are to hear these words and live our lives in accordance with them, Avraathe as a whole must be prepared and purified to do so. For we are only united when we are free of the guilt and shame which separates us from the resplendent light of the Platinum Dragon's radiance.
"Now, if you find yourself in wrong standing with the justice of Bahamut, guilty of crimes or injustice against the city of Avraathe or its members, I encourage, nay plead you to stand and to receive this Season of Mercy's atonement and absolution of your wrongdoing. Stand, and allow these words to redeem you from your erring ways. Please rise. You will find the prayerful responses for you to recite included in the pamphlet in front of you.
Throughout the room, individuals begin to stand, heads down, as those sitting in pews or kneeling in the aisles look on with a mix of curiosity or knowing nods.
"Let all those who wish to hear the words of the Prophecy be purified in the platinum light."
"We are made new only in his resplendent mercy." the audience replies in unison.
"Let all those found guilty and deserving just punishment be freed from their bonds through the mercy of the God of Dragons."
"We are made new only by his merciful justice" the audience replies in unison.
"Let all those unworthy of mercy find justice to be mercy in action, waiting for their repentance"
"For justice is mercy in action, and in our repentance we accept mercy undeserved." the audience replies in unison.
"Let all those with repentant hearts carry guilt no longer, let them be freed of chains that bind them to shame, and let them hear the words of the prophecy which we are all called to obey and oblige."
"For the wisdom of the Platinum Dragon shall save us from injustice and wickedness." the audience replies in unison.
"Platinum Dragon guide you"
"Platinum Dragon guide you" the audience replies in unison.
"Now all please rise for the revelation of the Seventh Prophecy."
Keeper Porath stands aside while an individual on the front row pew stands, unfolds a piece of paper and approaches the lectern. As he turns, Professor Balasar's features come into focus.
"Good morning to all, may the Platinum Dragon's light shine on us all this day. As the Sixth Prophet, I have the rarified honor of introducing you to the next in a line of humble servants of Bahamut. In the days since her eyes changed hue and it became clear a prophecy rested in her spirit, I have had the opportunity to speak with this individual on several occasions. I am honored to say her simple, devout faith can be an example to us all and her devotion to mercy is inspiring. Please welcome the Seventh Prophet."
As Balasar stands aside, the room goes silent as everyone turns and looks waiting for someone to stand and approach the altar. The moment seems to hang in the air for minutes as the anticipation of the identity of the awaited Seventh Prophet swells. Then, a quiet mouselike shuffling reverberates from the back of the temple. Slowly, a small blue dragonborn girl, probably not older than five years, makes her way to the altar. As she passes by, even with her head down, you see a radiant blue shining from her eyes like they were sapphires infused with phosphorescent light.
When she arrives at the altar, Balasar reaches out his hand and the young girls wraps her hand around several of his fingers. She turns, facing those in attendance and inhales deeply. The deep blue light shining from her eyes pulses and brightens continuously until the first several rows are painted in blue light. She opens her mouth and the prophecy spills out like a stifled song. As she speaks, several voices sound in unison - her own, the voice of a child, uncertain, but brave. A growl, animalistic, an undertone of fury. A whisper, gentle, calming. A booming command, reverent, and expectant.
The Heathen shall come with the burden of purpose,
Found among the faithful but distant in heart.
Blood-soaked hands unwashed in remorse
With visions of beyond, the future carried in part.

The Outsider shall come, seeking truth underneath
yet finding only deceit and privilege abused.
Blood-soaked hands grasp beyond their reach,
and with visions of power, the future consume.

The Chosen shall come guided by their source,
Born with the faithful but soon set apart.
Blood-soaked hands from blood's loyal course
With visions from beyond, the future waiting to start.

The young girl closes her mouth abruptly and the cacophony of voices fades as the blue light from the little girl's eyes dims. Silence falls over the temple and lingers as the words wash over the congregation. Balasar smiles to the Seventh Prophet, taking her hand once more and leading her back to her seat. As they descend the steps, the High Priest Dradke stands and approaches the lectern.
"What a radiant day we have been given by the Platinum Dragon and how lucky are we gathered to be alive and present for the Seventh Prophecy. Of course, as with any prophetic messages, we must carefully consider its implications and hidden meanings. We of the High Council, your elected leaders, will do just that and we shall report our considerations at another time. In the meantime, the Ritual of Revelation is now complete. The Feast of Fortune will begin promptly at sundown. Go in mercy and enjoy the Season of Mercy."
A moment passes as the congregation, many still taken aback, begin to stir and rise and funnel out of the temple in solemn rows.

After the Ritual

As the congregation clears out, the party remains long enough to watch the High Council and Temple Keepers interact with the Seventh Prophet and see Professor Balasar care for her paternally. A short and terse exchange with Keeper Porath implies there may be some at the Feast of Fortune who would inquire about the services of those such as Parathrax and Vorothruun now that they are back in good standing with the city law.
The party then rides on horseback to Endriel's homestead beyond the city where he invites them into the basement meeting space for the Harpers, introducing Parathrax and Vorothruun to Durth, Madlyn the Shield, and Count Jermyn. In turn, each Harp updates Endriel on their recent observations. Count Jerym goes first, sharing that the Augery essentially disappeared and that while there are many opinions as to who stole it and why, none are substantial. He also details the growing orc concerns beyond the wall and that merchants carts have gone missing, but only those carrying food and supplies. Madlyn goes next, sharing her experience training the new Talons of Justice and observing the Platinum Scalers who travel in twos with little to no oversight or accountability. Finally, Durth explains that a growing yet still unnamed movement continues to escalate conversations to seek retribution against the Office of Finance, which they feel is limiting their livlihood.
As a result of these revelations, those at the meeting agree it best for Durth to try and persuade some of the able bodied miners to join the Talons of Justice, improving their station, calming the tensions brewing in the mines, and also bolster the army for the potential of another orc incursion where they would be trained by Madlyn. Jermyn will continue to hold his post in the Garden Ward and observe any more possible details about the Augery and missing merchant carts or any other news.
From there, the party returns for the Feast of Fortune, a massive circular festival of food presented by citizens, taverns, and other companies as a way to share and celebrate with the community. The light and merry festivities are interrupted by a disconcerting announcement from Temple Keeper Porath who shares the Seventh Prophet has been apparently kidnapped and reads the message left by the presumed captors:
We are the Seekers and we come bearing truth
Avraathe is sick with a virus and this prophecy is proof
We are the Seekers and we are the eldritch cure
You will hear from us again, of that you can be sure

We are the devout of the Heathen and he hath returned
Beg for forgiveness from the Seeker of the Skies you have scorned