Session Preface:
Your horses slow to a trot as you approach Endriel's simple and unassuming homestead, just a few miles outside of Avraathe. As the sun descends towards the western horizon, even from this distance, the temple spires seems to cast an array of shadows over the city, covering the Barracks and Temple Districts in darkness. In the sparse trees still bare from winter's frost around you, birds softly call to one another and flutter from one empty branch to another, as if uneasy and on edge. Clouds overhead loom with hues of grey and gold swirled together, weighed down with forewarnings of a heavy snowfall.
Two days have passed since burning Telzuun's tower to ashes and ruin. No sign of the Augery or details of its whereabouts, no indication of who provided Telzuun's payment for his crimes within the city walls, and no certainty as to how Avraathe will have changed even in your brief absence. These matters and others move on your minds as the familiarity of travel allows you to consider the convoluted path before you.
As you dismount, Endriel's moves decisively towards a tree stump just beyond the clearing near his abode. Bending down, Endriel draws a knife and wedges it into the edge of the tree stump, popping loose the top and reaching into the hollowed out trunk. He stands with four documents in his hand and you watch as he examines each one quickly in turn, his eyes darting from line to line and his mouth moving as he mutters to himself.
"You will want to read these," Endriel says as he walks towards you and extends three of the documents towards you. "Seems those in power have been busy in our absence."
Session Summary:
After reading and discussing the contents of Endriel's reports, Endriel remains at his homestead to take care of personal and business matters while the dragonborns return to Avraathe to resolve the Telzuun situation and learn of the other changes which have taken place in their brief time away from the city. Along the way, Vorothruun and Parathrax discuss their recent reliance on Endriel and the necessity of seeking out additional means to gather power such as artifacts or relics to more adequately face the forthcoming threats.
Following a brief questioning by an obviously recent member of the Platinum Scalers, the brothers bring Telzuun's remains to the Temple of Bahamut just in time to catch the crowds departing from the evening service.
Returning to the Temple of Bahamut
The faithful of Avraathe file out of the Temple of Bahamut, shaking hands and smiling to each of the three High Priests bidding their flock farewell as bells toll overhead. In the midday brightness, the white robes of the High Priests seem to glow, absorbing and refracting the reflections cast by the magnificent platinum cathedral they stand before. The first of the High Priests in line, Dradke exchanges pleasantries with the congregants, though you notice his attention seems distant and his focus on other matters. Next to him stands the High Priest and now Justiciar Bronzeroar whose smile radiates like the temple itself as he discusses something in depth with a small cluster of the community. On the Justiciar's left, High Priest Porath seems almost overly eager to acknowledge the members of the community, shaking their hands, hugging those he knows best, and laughing perhaps a bit too vigorously at comments shared with him. Drawing closer to the lingering crowd, you notice High Priest Porath recognize your approach in his periphereal vision.
"Beloved of Bahamut, make way for these heroes of Avraathe! We, your humble servants, hand picked and contracted this elite strike force to seek out the required recompense for the recent tragedies which befell our community. Alas, Bahamut's justice has been served! As promised, Avraathe will forever stand as a beacon of Justice and with our Three Pillars more aligned than ever, our brightest days are still before us.
"This eve, we will continue the Season of Mercy with the Dinner of Deliverance. In addition, we will hold a special celebration for the four heroes standing before us. Now walk in peace of mind and spirit, knowing Avraathe is safe from this madman's transgressions once and for all all thanks to Bahamut's guidance and mercy. Platinum Dragon guide you. "
Speaking with Porath
Once the crowds have dispersed, Porath invites the two dragonborn into his office where they discuss the events which transpired in Telzuun's tower, the recent changes in Avraathe, and Porath's role in the shift of power. During the conversation, the High Priest compensates the brothers 500g for their efforts. Porath also discloses his knowledge of Harper agents within the city, positing their potential involvement in the missing Augery given their mission and values. In passing, Porath also mentions the remaining vacancies within the Platinum Order to Parathrax before bidding them farewell until the Council has any further request for their aid.
Speaking with Beldan
Then brothers then return to the Library of Libations which is closed for business though the door is unlocked and Beldan welcomes them in nonetheless. The three share a recent import of Beldan's which is a sweet elvish wine simply called "Prophecy" which claims to provide vivid dreams to whosoever finishes the bottle. Beldan cannot speak to the validity of these claims, but simply collects the beautiful tarrot-card style labels of each bottle. The three discuss the Harp's reports, Porath's insights, and Beldan points the others towards Doomspire, either of the orcish encampments, or the Tombs of Deckon Thar in their quest for artifacts of power.
Beldan also shares a note left for Vorothruun by Thava which confirms the seventh prophet's wellbeing in Waterdeep as she has been scryed on and seen playing with a small red haired human child in a storefront.
Vorothruun,
Beldan tells me you've gone off after Telzuun. While you've been gone, I've been trying to locate the missing prophet and I've finally found a clue as to her location. Over the last two days, I've seen her in a bustling coastal city - perhaps Neverwinter or Waterdeep? Hopefully she has not been taken to Baldur's Gate from the legends I've heard of that hellhole.
Regardless, I most recently observed a moment in which she was in a storefront full of vials and scrolls playing with an autumn-haired human child. She seemed... happy. I wanted to bring this to your attention since you are one of the few individuals in the city who has traveled as far West as the Sea of Swords. I'm not sure what there is to be done, but at least we can rest a bit easier knowing she is safe. I'll try to keep an eye on her when I am not otherwise engaged.
Be safe on your journey. This city has had enough funerals lately.— Thava
Speaking with Parathraaj
Before retiring for the evening, the brothers spend an hour speaking with their father, sharing with them what they learned of his half-brother and his ultimate demise. As the three try to piece together the seemingly disparate events of the city, Parathraaj challenges Parathrax to think critically of the game they are now all playing to consider not only the pieces moving but the players and their motivations as well. In doing so, he references the many tactical games they used to play in which Parathraaj could catch Parathrax off-guard by feigning efforts in one area of the board which were ultimately disparate from his true tactics.
As Parathrax prepares for rest, he discovers a note tucked into his armor telling of Orin Underfury's request to meet with the party.
Word has spread of your impressive initiative in trying to track down the missing prophet and hunting down our illusive murderous sorcerer, not to mention you notable resumé from beyond the walls of Avraathe. Come say hello when you a moment. I believe I have an enticing proposition for you given your skillset and accomplishments.— Orin Underfury
Once alone, Vorothruun and his father share a moment of rare understanding in which Parathraaj admits seeing traces of Telzuun within his son, but his pride in that which separates Vorothruun from his half-uncle - his loyalty and love towards Parathrax. As the awkward exchange concludes, Vorothruun departs into the evening to explore the Workman's Ward to see firsthand the revelry and optimism within the ward given the announcements and investments promised.
Upon returning, Vorothruun immediately falls into a deep sleep, experiencing a vision (
AoA.Lore Praetura Wine Visions).
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