Session 49 – I Am Shrouding Them in the Darkness of Safety

Written by KoshcheiBessmertnyi

General Summary

Glitterstem sends several animal messengers to Balint in Claymore, informing him that Predicant Lorenz has learned of the existence of the horse-pelican’s Gift, and urging him to take it from the basement of the apothecary’s shop and flee. He further informs him that the rest of the group is heading to the Underdark, and that if possible, he should meet them at the old Dire Wolf encampment. Unlike Theobald, the gnome feels that their druid companion should easily be able to flee – he told them he could turn into a bird.
The following day, along with Brandon, they head toward the encampment. The half-elf is supposed to be heading to the coast to procure weapons for the Dire Wolves, but he sticks the rest of the group instead. On the way, Theobald questions him about his past, his entry into the priesthood of Sune, and asks who killed his family. Brandon replies that he never saw who it was, but remembers the voice like it was yesterday. Theobald creates an illusory voice of Lhingril, but Brandon says he has conversed with the man, and that it definitely was not him.
After arriving at the encampment, the group hears the sounds of axes. Glitterstem changes into a rodent, and sees the orcs demolishing the camp. After a consultation, he and Theobald walk out to parlay with them. The orcs, led by their old companion Sharru, inform them that they are demolishing the camp because the Dire Wolves harbor Miletus, who has escaped from the main base at Mt. Hotenow, and murdered one of the orc guards. Sharru also tells them that Adrie, too, is part of the plot against the Brotherhood along with the new rulers of Claymore, but she has been dealt with. Theobald attempts to conceal that the companions have seen Miletus, and assert that they have been negotiating with the Dire Wolves this whole time. They are not party to any betrayal of the Brotherhood, and are not cooperating with the Harpers in Claymore. Sharru responds that the Brotherhood is on the move: it has burnt the village of Triboar, and now, it demands that the Dire Wolves pledge themselves to the alliance, and that they deliver up Miletus, if they want to avoid destruction. Glitterstem suggests that the Brotherhood may catch more flies with honey, but Sharru claims that that time is past – there are only two sides, and the goblins must decide.
The trio returns to Toothymaw to consult with chief D’kuger. Theobald suggests that the Dire Wolves should make common cause with the Colony, because the greatest danger now comes from the Brotherhood, and the ingoeth, which is taking over the woods. The chief angrily shouts down the nobleman, and says that he seeks advice from his shaman. Glitterstem suggests an alliance with the Owlbears, but D’kuger responds that the two tribes have been in conflict for a long time, and that the distrust would take too long to overcome. He is aware of the dangers presented by others, and that the Brotherhood is likely to use the Dire Wolf braves as arrow fodder, but asks that given the orcs’ ultimatum, what should the tribe to in real time, considering pledges made under duress can always be reversed. Glitterstem responds that given the situation, a pledge to the Brotherhood is the only choice in the short term. Meanwhile, he will work on breaking down the distrust between the Dire Wolves and the Owlbears, and will deal with secreting Miletus, whom he brought to Toothymaw, and who now constitutes a clear and present danger to the tribe.
Back in the village, the group attempts to solve the problem of Lorenz’s spying. Glitterstem detects magic on Miletus, and finds an item radiating divinatory magic around his neck. Though it had been detected before, nothing was done about it. Miletus pulls out the necklace – a lion’s head superimposed on the sun disk – a symbol of the Pelor cult, likely associated with the Harpers. Miletus attempts to remove the item, and it begins to constrict him. The group discusses whether they should try to remove the dweomer, or to keep the item on the elf, while he apparently receives remote communication. Ultimately, Glitterstem attempts to disenchant it, thinks he succeeds in removing the divination effect. The necklace continues to constrict Miletus when he tries to remove, however.
The order of business now is to secrete the elf away from the Brotherhood, to protect both him and the tribe from the orcs. D’kuger’s people reveal that there are many entrances to the Underdark, though most have been closed off. The Company decides to try one of these access points, rather than using the entrance by Arame pond, or going through the mushroom circle. The following day, a hunting party leads them to a cave about an hour away from the village. Badger Glitterstem tunnels past the rubble, and the group enters into a long passageway…

Report Date

30 Jun 2018