Episode L016: Groundhog day

General Summary

Hasdraek is being interrogated by an illithid. It asks many questions, specifically about the Lorella Canyon. At a point in the questioning, the Archfey that Hasdraek is bound to – and which happens to be the Spirit of the Lorella – speaks to him, emploring him not to divulge any secrets. Hasdraek complies and the illithid appears satisfied with his explanations.
Hasdraek is left on the interrogation bench overnight. He bursts his bonds and escapes the interrogation room, killing two monk thralls who are standing guard. He makes it to a chamber where he sees pods made of some glass-like material, with creatures in them. He is unable to ascertain what lies within, and at this moment, an illithid appears and they do battle. Hasdraek is subdued.
Hasdraek awakens in a cell. It looks like the living quarters of the monks. He hears, in the silence, some breathing and movement coming from the back wall, but he does not investigate it. He is more interested in breaking out. He kicks open the door and looks out into an empty hallway. Suddenly from beyond the torchlight, the sound of growling can be heard. He steps out to investigate and is confronted by two quaggoths. He does battle, killing one of them before tow illithids arrive on the scene. Hasdraek kills one illithid before the other subdues him. Hasdraek awakens on the interrogation table again. The illithid tells him he has the good fortune of becoming a thrall for the mighty colony of Uhxibriex, and begins the process of enthrallment.
In the landscape of his mind, Hasdraek feels his memories dissipating, but he fights hard to maintain them. The landscape suddenly changes, and he finds himself in a clearing in the woods. The grass is red and the surrounding birch trees also have red leaves. In the center of the clearing is a mound, and upon it stands a figure, tall, dignified and powerful. “Blood Hunter, attend” it says, and Hasdraek recognizes the voice of Lorella, his otherworldly patron.
“Difficult times, blood hunter, difficult times,” it says. “When you made your pact with me, you knew you would be called upon to serve. This is just such a moment. I call upon you to serve me and destroy this threat to my domain. Will you answer the call?” Actors: Hasdraek Deepbrand, Duurth, Lorella, Estival.
“I will, master” responds Hasdraek.
A rustling of leaves is heard from beyond the clearing, as five winged shapes glide into the clearing. They perch on branches at the edge of the clearing. Hasdraek recognizes the five faerie dragons whom he rescued from the spider shepherd, in what seems like an age ago. They chirp excitedly at him, bowing and waving their hands.
One of their number, swoops down to the foot of the Archfey and bows reverently.
The Archfey continues, “friend Estival, it is time to repay a debt.”
“I do so willingly, Lord” replies the faerie dragon in a cheerful tone.
The Archfey withdraws a vial from the folds of his robe and hands it to Estival, who, taking it, turns to Hasdraek and says, “I’ll see you soon young blood hunter.”
The faerie dragon and his brood take flight, circling higher and higher above the clearing, as Hasdraek’s mind begins to cloud. As he transitions back to the present moment, Hasdraek hears the voice of the Lorella telling him the illithid will arrogantly assume he has been enthralled.
Hasdraek regains consciousness. He stares at the illithid as it speaks into his mind, telling him he is dismissed until further notice.
Hasdraek departs the interrogation room and makes his way to the cells where he encounters a Githzerai monk, imprisoned in a cell. He frees the monk, and together they escape the temple. They exit the temple from the back door into a raging blizzard.

Report Date

19 Sep 2019