Session Preface
Afternoon light beams through the windows of the Library of Libations. Behind the bar, Beldan prepares a lunch of a rich stew, the herbal and savory scents filling the room. Keeper Porath lifts his cup, finishes the last foamy sip of his dark ale, and stands.
"Assuming the bell tolls are of significance to Telzuun, you'll have a little less than 10 hours to make your preparations. I am on my way to the Platinum Keep now to have as many of my belongings as possible transferred elsewhere so the vault will be available to you. Recall, should he manage to planar shift into the vault, you'll have only moments before he can planar shift Parathraaj away. But if you can deter him, you'll have him cornered and vulnerable. It's not a perfect defense, but it's better than nothing. I'll have an aide of mine authorized to open the vault so they can help you from the inside if necessary.
Keeper Porath steps towards the door, turning the deadbolt to unlock it once again, "Oh, and one more thing. neither I nor the Platinum Keep will accept any responsibility or blame should something not go according to plan. No disrespect to the value of your life, Parathraaj, you understand. Platinum Dragon guide you all." Light fills the room as the door opens, briefly letting in the sound of students walking and chattering in the courtyard beyond. Porath exits and the quiet of the otherwise empty tavern settles in once more.
Session Summary:
Each member of the part goes their own way to gather allies and aid to protect Parathraaj from the looming threat. Endriel sends a request for reinforcements to Madlyn the Shield. Vorothruun tracks down Thava in the library, who agrees to assist with her unique abilities to counteract magic effects. Parathrax visits the Talon's Barracks for the first time since his return, meeting briefly with Captain & Interim Battalion Leader Zolenez of Clan Teidrath before finding Colonel Vyodaar of Clan Othrumi in his office and request his help.
With these additional allies, the party gathers in the vault shortly before the strike of the 11th hour. Keeper Porath offers the presence of his personal aid, Strazra of Clan Mordrend. Wary of an unfamiliar face, Parathrax resists this addition until it becomes clear his presence would allow for their exit from the vault. With the group entering the vault decided, Keeper Porath closes the massive platinum doors and the long wait for the tolling bell commences.
Inside the Vault
As you wait in the dimly lit vault, surrounded by platinum and stone and allies, the emptiness seems to wrap itself around you. The vault is quiet, save for the reverberations of restless activity. A stray cough, a clanging of armor, a tapping foot. After several moments, Beldan begins absentmindedly humming a familiar melody to himself. The tension of waiting for that which feels inevitable drags on for what feels like hours but may as well be only moments. After the initial anxiousness and nervous energy wears off, the room grows almost peaceful, tranquil, reflective. In the darkness, you are alone with your thoughts. The recent events wash over you in waves as you gaze into the stillness surrounding you and the companions who have joined you.
In this momentary respite, a shadowy visage appears against the far wall. Then another across from it. As you turn your head, translucent humanoid shapes encircle you. As their form becomes increasingly corporeal their red robes draw into focus. Four of them draw empty hilts which then spark to life with infernal flames and shadow. The remaining four then draw rods covered in glowing red infernal scripts as they all in stride move towards you and your allies.
As the minions of Telzuun appear within the vault, a chaotic battle breaks out. Surrounded by flames and toxic gas, the party and their allies initially find themselves outnumbered and at a clear disadvantage. Another caster banishes Parathrax while others nearly knock out other allies within the opening moments of the struggle. After the initial overwhelming force, the party and their allies compose themselves and quickly begin whittling down the opposition. Though Vyodaar and Thava fall unconscious and several others find themselves near unconsciousness, the heroes manage to clear the room and end the encounter before any further losses mount.
Throughout the battle, Telzuun's thaumaturgic voice boomed over the clashing of blades and casting of spells, warning Parathraaj of the consequences of his decision. “Brother, you wrap yourself in the strength of others to hide from your own weakness and failure. Why not come forth into the light and let your Platinum Dragon’s justice have its way with you? Parathraaj, you have been many things in your life. A warmonger. A traitor. A liar. I did not know you to be a coward also... Your offering was to be a personal and symbolic one, Parathraaj. I will complete my task whether I take you or another of your ilk to the top of the tower. It makes no difference to me... Very well, Parathraaj. My followers have served their purpose, even if it has not delivered you. I will send Eso and Maldur your regards. Consider them collateral damage for your own cowardice.” As the encounter draws to a close, the sound of a screaming woman's voice rings out across the city.
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