Episode 16 - Acts of Repentance

General Summary

The camps of Khinar Antyre's forces are filled with the cries of the injured and dying as the phsyicians tally the terrible cost of their failed assault on McCloughhaven's Reach and try to stem the loss of life. Amidst this grim setting, Liaseppa Ventro helps out as best she can, bringing water and bandages to those who need them. She's been at the side of Emelyn Tahn Echen ever since they left Wave Rider Caverns, and the months since their harrowing escape from the Church of the Six Saints were relatively peaceful until Emelyn was called to fight alongside Khinar Antyre. When the moment came to commit their warriors to battle, however, Emelyn chose to hold them back, honouring their agreement with House Ildrafn instead of their oath to House Antyre. Their withdrawal from the field of battle may well have cost Khinar control of the Reach for now, and his fury at Emelyn is now well-known around the camp. While Emelyn contends with the fallout of their decision, Liaseppa has an unexpected meeting amongst the tents full of wounded soldiers when she brings bandages to Hennan Antyre, the Wolf of Farlany. Unbeknownst to her, Hennan crossed blades with her father Ruskin Ventro at the battle for the Reach, and while her physical injuries will heal with time, her desire for vengeance upon the Ildrafn knight only continues to fester. In Emelyn's command tent, others are seeking answers about their decision to pull back from the battle, chief among them their brother Malnek Echen. Despite his raised concerns about the danger they have placed their family in by disobeying a direct order from their liege lord, Emelyn manages to calm him mind, if only temporarily. The peace only lasts until the messenger arrives in their tent; Emelyn has been summoned to appear before Kormac Antyre at Castle Marchel to answer for their insubordination. On the shores of Lake March, Ulfvyr Tahn Eskir dines with a representative from the city's criminal underworld, getting the lay of the land and determining whom he should seek out next as an ally. The contact points him in the direction of Ástríðr Tórkyl, a former Champion of Clan Ohmbrail who has since set aside their blade to work the steading they earned from their victories with their son and cousin. Ulfvyr is still determined to gather more warriors under his banner to lead the Antari people to independence, and bringing members of the devout Clan Ohmbrail onside could help further his cause. Ástríðr, waking from their slumber in their well-appointed steading, emerges into the summer sun and watches their son and cousin wrangling an unpleasant goat in the yard. Their days of bloody skirmishes are long behind them, but their instinctual wariness still rises when there comes a call from the gate; a traveller has arrived, invoking the Rites of Hospitality, seeking bread and a roof over their head. Ástríðr allows Ulfvyr entry into their steading, despite recognizing him and the inherent risks his presence poses here. That night, the family sups together with Ulfvyr, who quietly reveals his intentions to Ástríðr; he is building support for an independent north, and has sought her out to recruit her to the cause. Ástríðr, however, remains non-committal. She has served her people well over the years, earning every scar she now bears, and has now eased into the quiet life of a farmer. He can remain as her guest, but she has yet to decide if she will join his cause. The following morning, a column of travellers are spotted on the road from the south headed towards Lake March , bearing the banners of Loyal Clan Echen . Emelyn has travelled here with Liaseppa at her side to answer their lieges demands, and as their entourage enters the city marketplace, Emelyn seeks out a token from the woodcarvers to present to Kormac Antyre as a gesture of goodwill. They know the audience with the Duke will be a fraught and difficult one, and so they seek a traditional gift to present as an act of contrition. While they move through the marketplace, however, they are being watched by Ulfvyr, who has come to market with Ástríðr to help his host bring back supplies to their steading. Recognizing Emelyn as the child of Arran Tan Echen, Ulfvyr makes a bold move and quietly joins them at a woodcarver's market stall, examining the driftwood charms and totems on offer. When both recognize the other, the tension between them is immediate, but Ulfvyr offers to meet Emelyn in a more secluded space so they can speak plainly, as one druid to another. Emelyn could have their guards arrest Ulfvyr on the spot... but they opt instead to heed Ulfvyr's request.

Campaign

The Burning Isle

Protagonists