Athinar
Alchemist Athinar
Intro:
A High Elf Sorcerer and Alchemist who, prior to meeting the party, had been travelling through Gothia with his companion Edward Thorne.
Chapter 4:
Since leaving Draguilforte, the party have travelling north on the road towards Liris. After a couple days of travel, the party began to see the first signs of a settlement, as their wagon crested the hill before them they could see the farming village of Alendar before them. Alongside the road leading up to the village, they found a broken down wagon, upon approaching the wagon they found two men, an elderly elf and a young human, arguing over whose fault it was that the wagon was so heavy. Zeph approached the two men and asked if they could help. The two groups introduce themselves, the elder elf is Athinar, a sorcerer and alchemist, and the young man is Edward, a ranger and leatherworker, the pair are both merchants travelling across Gothia selling their wares. The two accept Zeph's offer of help.
Zeph observes the wagon, finding the rear wheels axel to have snapped under the weight of the wagon. After coming up with the a plan to make a temporary repair, Thurdon, Bazz and Vesta work together to lift the wagon, meanwhile, using materials he found in the wagon, Zeph managed to makeshift repair to the axel, he states that the repair won't be enough to get them to Draguilforte. The party offer to move some of the wares to their own wagon so that the pair can find somewhere in the nearby village to make proper repairs.
Whilst the party is in the process of moving the wares, Zeph hears screams and shouts in the distance. From the sky, a large winged creatures swoops down and kills a farmer in one of the fields, after making this attack, the beast takes fight again and makes towards the party. Dank, Vesta and Thurdon attempted to take cover in a nearby storage shed. Dank tripped and just about made it into the shed, Vesta stumbled and fell outside of the shed and Thurdon tripped over Dank and collided with the wall inside of the shed.
Athinar conjured an illusion of a man to distract the winged beast. Zeph hid under the wagon and conjured grass around him to hide. Bazz, Emyr and Yanna prepared themselves to fight the beast. As the beast, now determined to be a wyvern, swooped down to attack Athinar's illusion, Bazz attacked with his axe. Recovering from their stumbles and moments of cowardice, the rest of the party begin to attack the wyvern. Surrounded by enemies, the wyvern escapes into the sky, flying towards the mountains to the east.
After the fight, the party are approached by a young farmer who thanks them for their help fighting the wyvern, he tells them that the village has been targetted by the wyvern for a few weeks but they have yet to receive help from the Duchess of Liris. The young man suggests that the party speak with the Alderman if they want to know more or wish to help.
After finishing moving the rest of the wares into their wagon, the party head into the village. Edward decides to take the wagons to be stored away and find someone to make the necessary repairs, Bazz and Orca head to the inn. The rest of the party make their way towards the Alderman's Hall. The doors to the hall are guarded by a pair of children, dressed in pots and pans resembling armor. They stop the party before they can enter. Zeph tries to convince the children to allow them to enter, but they seem unconvinced. After this Thurdon steps in, he threatens to hit one of the children if they don't allow them to enter, the child begins to cry. Thurdon attempts to console the child but is unsuccessful and the children run away. Emyr questions Thurdon's methods, suggesting that the children were just playing.
The party enter the hall finding that the Alderman's Hall is humble compared to the manors and palaces they have visited on their journey thus far. Two long tables span near the full length of the hall separated by a long fire pit, at the far end of the hall is a separate smaller table, at the centre of which sits a young man on a chair more elaborate than the rest, beside him an older man, the two are pouring over a stack of papers and books. The young man notices the party enter and beckons them over. The young man introduces himself to the party as Kalen, the Alderman of Alendar, and welcomes them to his hall. The older man introduces himself as Osbern, the uncle and advisor of the Alderman.
The party explain what happened on their way to the village and Zeph suggests that they can help with the village's problem with the wyvern for a reward. Kalen is receptive to his offer and asks how much it would cost. After some back and forth negotiating the price, the two parties agree to 160gp. Kalen explains that the wyvern has been seen flying towards the mountains to the east, the villagers believe that the beast takes refuge in a ancient temple that has been built into the mountain.
After departing the Alderman's Hall, the party split up to explore the village. Zeph heads to a local woodworker and pays to have his staff adjusted. Dank and Yanna head to the blacksmith and pay to have their weapons repaired after their fight with the ooze in the sewers of Draguilforte.
The party gather at the inn and spend the night there. After reaquiring their weapons and making preparations, the party set out for the temple. Athinar and Thurdon spot trails of fight on the ground, likely from the wyvern, which they follow to the temple.
After some walking, the party arrive at the temple built into the base of the mountain. A group of goblinoids have set up camp outside of the temple's entrance. The party spread out into the trees surrounding the goblinoid camp. Zeph attempted to sneak into the camp but was spotted by a hobgoblin, after an argument that led the hobgoblin into experiencing an existencial crisis, Zeph casted 'Burning Hands' on the hobgoblins face and a battle started. Bazz had an intense one on one fight with a bugbear leading to both being badly injured before the bugbear was finished off by Athinar. Thurdon was peppered with arrows by a hobgoblin who he managed to kill by crushing his throat and impaling with his sword.
After taking some time to loot the defeated goblinoids, Zeph began to observe the entrance to the temple. He determined that the temple was very old, likely older than some of the oldest building in the Aldrestian Capital, he was determined that the pair of statues flanking the doors to the temple likely depicted a god that has long since been forgotten. The party searched around the entrance for a way to open the doors, but decided that they needed to be forced open. As a group, the party pushed the great doors open, revealing a long dark tunnel leading into the mountain.
Athinar casted 'Light' on some coins and Zeph used 'Mage Hand' to transport the coins into the tunnel, lighting the way ahead. The party carefully made their way through the tunnel, eventually arriving at an entry hall. Vesta opted to step inside to survey the room for danger. She found the room filled with signs of battle and a dying Orc lay against one of the pillars. Zeph approached the dying Orc and attempted to learn more about what had happened, but all he received was a foreboding warning "They're still here... lying still... waiting... don't let them wake", before the Orc died.
As the party turned to return to the tunnel to plan what to do next, Bazz knocked over a barricade, the dead began to rise from the ground and a fight began. During the fight, Emyr cast 'Turned Undead' causing some of the dead to flee the room. After the undead had been defeated, the party searched the room. On one of the bookshelf, Zeph found the remains of a book that was still legible. Although hard to read, he was able to determined that the temple was dedicated to a god known as 'Valir', purported to be a god of libertation, Zeph decided to keep the book.
Having searched everything of worth, the party climb the stairs up to the next floor. Zeph led the way, using his magic earring to listen for noise but he could only hear the sounds of water. Zeph took the lead and looked into the room but found nothing of concern. Dank decided to head inside, keeping close to the wall. Vesta and Thurdon followed, however, Vesta decided to approach the pool of green liquid at the centre of the room. Upon touching it, a mass of liquid rose from the pool and enveloped her.
Bazz managed to pull Vesta out of the Water Elemental's body but is soon engulfed himself, Vesta managed to flee. During the fighting, Bazz is pulled free from the water by Yanna. Athinar manages to kill the elemental with a shock of lightning. In her struggle to free Bazz, Yanna was badly injured by the Water Elemental, Zeph kindly shared one of his healing potions with her.
The party climbed up the next set of stairs, Thurdon led the way this time. At the summit they found a large nave, with rows of benches on either side, divided by a carpetted walkway. Skeleton remains were seated upon the benches. Thurdon casted 'Detect Good and Evil' and determined that the dead in the room would reanimate if disturbed. The party decide to stealthily approach the undead and dispatch them before they can reanimate. Zeph, Dank, Thurdon, Vesta and Athinar get into their position and managed to destroyed the undead. The final enemy in the room, a Wight, is easily dispatched by Thurdon.
With the room clear of threats, Zeph decided to investigate the locked door in the nave. Both Zeph and Thurdon attempted to force the door open but were unsuccessful, Vesta attempted to pick the lock, but found some magical force would push the picks out of the lock. Whilst the others were checking the door, Athinar decided to investigate the altar, he found the ruined remains of various parchments but wasn't able to learn much.
Having decided that the locked door wasn't an option at that time, Vesta decided to investigate the room on the left side of the nave where she found what remained of a living quarters. Dank decided to lay down in what remained of one of the beds. Zeph investigated a statue located at the far end of the room, the statue was identical to the others they had seen throughout the temple, however, this statue was situated on a pedestal with an inscription carved into it. The inscription was written in an ancient language, Zeph spent some time translating the text, detemining that the writing took the form of a riddle:
“I live with one, as servant or guest,
Nothing holds me when I am at rest.
Often five control me at my worst or best;
I oft’ face my kind in a final test.”
After sharing his findings with the others, the party spent some time attempting to solve the riddle. Various possible answers were given but Zeph was the one to find the correct answer as 'A Sword'. Upon touching the statue's sword, Zeph determined that the sword could be rotated, together the paty worked to twist the sword which caused the statue to shift back into the wall revealing a ladder leading upwards. After their prior fights, Emyr suggested it may be a good idea to rest for a while before progressing further. The party rest in the beds after Zeph used his magic to make them more comfortable.
Once the party had rested, Dank decided to take the lead and climbed up the ladder first. At the top he found a large cave, located at the centre of the cave was a podium surrounded by candles, floating above the platform was a glowing red orb. Dank also noticed the remains of many skeletons, both old and relatively fresh.
The rest of the party climbed up after Dank, they all began to examine the floating orb, on closer inspection they found that the orb was encasing a broken black sword. Thurdon and Dank decided to throw objects at the orb; a rock and grappling hook, respectively, but found that they just bounced off. Zeph attempted to touch the orb with 'Mage Hand' but magic disipated upto touching the orb.
Athinar decided to investigate the rest of the cave. He went to check a collection of parchments placed on a large rock where he found the body of a man lay against it, when he attempted to check the man's pockets, the man awoke and Athithar stepped away. Dank approached the man, who seemed to be badly injured. The man introduced himself as Steven, a local farmhand who had been grabbed by the wyvern and brought here. As Dank attempted to provide medical attention to the injured man, he felt a sharp pain in his side where Steven had plunged a dagger.
The party drew their weapons as the disguise fell away and "Steven" was revealed to be a Deathlock. As the party prepare to attack, they hear a noise from a cave opening above as the wyvern perched above them. Vesta casted "True Strike" and prepared to attack the Deathlock. Zeph began to speak Draconic in an attempt to communicate with the wyvern and pursued it to help the party, followed by him attacking the Deathlock. The wyvern flew down from it's perch, it responded to Zeph's request by telling him that the Deathlock was its master, the wyvern proceeded to attack Athinar and Vesta.
Conflicted on where his help was needed most, Thurdon decided to come to the aid of Athinar and Vesta, he attacked the wyvern. The Deathlock focused his attention on the already injured Dank. Yanna joined Thurdon in attacking the wyvern, her attacks redirected the wyvern's fury and she was injured by the wyvern's stinger. Zeph managed to kill the Deathlock with a blast of 'Burning Hands', reducing the Deathlock to a pile of dust. Thurdon climbed onto the wyvern and managed to behead it.
With the enemies defeated, Athinar searched through the notes he had seen previously, from them he learnt of the Deathlock's identity as a former Warlock in service to an entity refered to as 'The Dark One' who has sent the Deathlock here to retrieve a powerul relic. He also found an elaborate key.
The party return their attention to the orb. Zeph attempted to summon a 'Mage Hand' inside of the orb but was unable to do so. Finding no immediate solution, the party headed back down the ladder and investigated the locked door. Zeph quickly checked the kitchen again and found a decorated cauldron.
Athinar used the key he found on the door and they were able to enter. Athinar found a seemingly simple looking staff, which he felt give off magical energy. Thurdon found a cap which when worn would change the wearers clothing. They also found gold and silver.
Returning to the orb, Zeph began testing other theories on how to deal with the orb. He cut his hand and allowed blood to drip on the orb, this had no effect, Emyr stepped in to tend to the cut, telling Zeph it was a good idea. Deciding they had no other options, Zeph decided to touch the orb. As his skin touched the surface of the orb he was physically repelled. Thurdon decided to try his luck. For a second, Thurdon disappeared from sight, then he suddenly reappeared holding the broken black blade in his hand. Thurdon explained what had happened and described the man he had met, the party pondered whether the grey man could have been Valir himself.
The man walked over to Thurdon and began inspecting him. The man commented to Thurdon's physical prowess and decided he would be suitable. He asked Thurdon for his name, his opinion on tyrants and his goals. Thurdon introduced himself, stating that he is opposed to tyrants and that his goals are to find his family and enact vengeance upon their abductors. The grey man was satisfied with Thurdon's answer, stating it had been centuries since someone worthwhile he stood before him. Thurdon was returned to the cave, in his hand was the broken black sword that had been contained within the orb.
Having explored everything they could, the party decided to leave. Using his grappling hook, Thurdon made his way up to the cave that the wyvern had entered through and assisted the others in climbing up. After some walking the party reached an opening that led outside. Carefully, the party descended down the mountain and made their way back to the village.
When the party had arrived back in Alendar, the sun had began to set. The party made their way to the Alderman's Hall, the same children were at the doors as they had been a few days prior, upon seeing Thurdon, however, they ran away. The party made their way inside and Thurdon threw the wyvern's head towards Kalen. The party received their reward, Kalen allowed Thurdon to keep the skull. Kalen offered the party a drink to celebrate. The party spent the evening in at the village inn, Thurdon paraded the wyvern skull around the bar, as a result several of the villagers bought him drinks as thanks.
The following morning, the party were greeted by the Alderman Kalen, he thanked the party again for their help, he also stated that he had agreed to a race with Thurdon and asks the party to follow him outside. The villagers had set up a circuit in the fields for the pair to race on and a large group of villagers had gathered to watch. Before the race began, Emyr approached Thurdon and casted 'Guidance' upon him, a boon that would grant Thurdon a small advantage. The pair mounted up and the race began, although the race was close Thurdon managed to claim victory over the Alderman. Kalen congratulated Thurdon on his win and the pair shook hands.
After the race had finished, Vesta was approached by a pair of young girl, the elder of the two cautiously tugged on the sleeve of her coat to draw her attention. Vesta turned and knelt down to speak with the girls. In a small voice, the older girl asked Vesta if she could help find their mother. Upon seeing the girls speaking with Vesta, Kalen approached and helped to girls to explain their situation. The mother of the two girls, Casta, works as a mercenary, she often leaves the village in search of work, she is usually only gone for a week, two at most. Kalen informs the party that Casta has been away for over a month now, he offers to party a reward for any information they can find about her, he tells them that the Adventurer's Guild in Liris would be the best place to start. Vesta informs Kalen and the girls that she will do what she can.
With their business in the village concluded, the party say their farewells and set off north again, Athinar agreed to join the party on their journey. As they travel along the road, the weather began to change, the clear skies of the morning were replaced by dark rain clouds. A heavy downpour began to set in as the party approached a bridge crossing a fast flowing river. With the adverse weather setting in, the party were eager to cross and find some shelter from the rain, however, as they approached the bridge they were interupted by a pair of trolls crawling out from beneath.
The trolls insist upon the party paying a toll to cross over the bridge. Zeph took the initiative and attempted to persuade them to allow the party to cross for free, the trolls weren't dissuaded, however, and began to demand payment. With diplomacy off the table, Thurdon threatened to cut of the heads of the trolls if they refused to allow them passage, Thurdon was then attacked by an enraged troll. A fight ensued where Thurdon made good on his promise, taking the head of one of the trolls while Bazz took the head of the other. With the trolls dead, Athinar decided to loot the troll's belongings and collected a few coins, which he shared with the party.
The heavy rain had turned into a storm that whirled around the party making travel much more difficult. In the distance they could make out a faint light through the storm. As they got closer they discovered the light to be a small farmstead, Zeph decided to knock on the door. The door was opened by an elderly man who greeted Zeph warmly, Zeph explained their predicament to the man, who welcomed them into his home and offered them use of his barn for Brutus. While Thurdon took Brutus into the barn, the rest of the party entered the house.
The house is small but the benches around the fire at the centre of the room are large enough to accomodate everyone, the man tells the party to take a seat around the fire while he finds some blankets. Vesta is suspicious of a large pot balanced over the fire but find only water inside. The man returns with a bundle of blankets which the party share around. With the water boiling on the fire, the old man brews some hot beverages for the party, while serveral party members are skeptical, Zeph decides to trust the old man, finding the drink to be very rejuvenating, the rest of the party follow Zeph's lead.
The old man introduces himself as Beren, the party follow suit and introduce themselves. Zeph questions the man about his profession, Beren tells him to he works as a farmer and herder although he sold off a large part of his land as he is now unable to work as much as he used to. He tells the party that before he worked as a farmer he served in the military under the Grand Duke. When questioned further, Beren stated that he had served as one of the Grand Duke's commanders during the Invasion of Hyberia. After hearing this, Thurdon asked if Beren had known his father, however, Beren stated he had not met him. Beren informed them that he had served as the Sea Lord of Seapoint for a number of years, as such he had little involved in the fighting itself. The party asked him for advice on routes to Hyberia, Beren suggested that they seek out an experienced captain in Malroux as they would need to chart a safe route as they seas around Hyberia are treacherous.
After the party had finished with their questions, Beren took to his bed and the party followed suit, Thurdon and Dank decided to sleep in the barn. The next morning, the party awakened to find that the storm had calmed although the rain had not stopped entirely. The party said their farewells to Beren who wished them well on their journey and asked that they visit him on their return journey.
On the road, the party were halted by the sounds of shouting and the flapping of wings. An Aarakocra messenger descended from the sky towards the party landing on the back of their wagon. The messenger introduced himself as Beaker and asked if they were the group known as "The Obsidian Fellowship". Beaker handed a sealed letter to Dank before flying away. Dank opened the letter finding that it contained an invitation and directions to a party being hosted by Magister Aleron Veserick. The party decided to attend. On their way towards the location described in the letter, the party noticed a carriage approaching them. The carriage was driven by a man with one eye who introduces himself as Paul. A voice from inside calls out to the party and a well-dressed man steps out and greets the party, he introduces himself as Lord Frederick Ludmar of Eisenwald, he tells the party that he and his wife have received invitations to a party nearby but they now seem to be lost. The party inform him that they will also be attending the party and they agree to accompany Lord Frederick to the party.
On their way towards the party, Lord Frederick tells the party that Magister Aleron hosts a gathering of notable people throughout the continent every year, it is at this point that Zeph realised that he recognised the Magister's name, he tells the party that Magister Aleron was a renowned researcher and lecturer at the Academy of Arcane Excellence for many years before he became an advisor to the Duke of Liris.
After following a path deep into the forest, the party reach a large manor house surrounded by a stone wall. A set of iron gates bar the way into the courtyard. The gates feature a depiction of a pair of lillies. As the party approach the gates, a telepathic voice enters their heads, the voice offers greetings to the party, welcoming them to the estate, as the gates open, allowing the party to enter the large courtyard. As Thurdon and Paul park up their wagons, the group are approached by a butler. The butler welcomes the group to the Court of Lillies, he informs the party of the dresscode, instructing them to change into formal attire and points towards a building by the stables where they change in privacy, he then instructs Lord and Lady Ludmar to follow him inside. Once the party are all changed, they made their way inside.
As they entered the main hallway of the manor, a servant directed them towards a parlor room to the right.
Finally, the host of the party entered the room. The Magister, Aleron Veserick, greeted his guests and thanked them for attending.
The guests were informed that dinner was ready to be served and they proceeded to follow the servants through to the dining room. The party took their seats amongst the other guests. The first course is served; a carrot and leek soup served with rye bread and a glass of Wild Orchid Wine. Zeph, who was seated next to the Magister, discuss life on the road and Zeph shares some of the events they had experience thus far. A second course is served; roasted stag in game sauce with a serving of Tangerine Whiskey.
The Magister rose from his seat and the guests turned to listen to him. He raised his glass in a toast and thanked his guests for attending, he then began to speak about the research he had been conducting. In his desire to learn more about the history of the world he had been delving into the Underdark, into places far deeper than the Mountain Dwarves would tread. He stated that he had found something which he believed was the key to unlocking far greater possibilities than are currently available. From his pocket, the Magister produced a glass jar containing a wormlike-creature swimming in yellow-green fluid. He stated that this creature contained the prospect of powers far greater than those available to mortal creatures and that he wanted to share this gift with those gathered.
The party watched as the Magister's body began to contort, his hands grew larger with long sharp talons protruding from the ends of his fingers. The skin on his face began to peel back and his jaw split open revealing dry grey flesh and a mass of long tendrils. A pair of dark, ominious eyes glared at those gathered. Treasurer Nefrar, Lord Frederick and Martin expressed their horror at what they were witnessing and rose to leave. The Magister stated his disappointment at their decision, but informed them that they could not leave. A ray of green energy burst from the Magisters hand, Treasurer Nefrar had no chance to speak before he was turned to ash.
The Magister stated that Martin would serve no threat and that his corpse would feed the wolves for weeks, he turned to Susannah and asked that she finish off Lord Frederick, refering to her as 'my love', as he cast Control Person on her. Susannah grabbed a knife from the table and plunged it into the throat of her husband. Gripping at his throat and through gurgles and splutters he begged Thurdon for help as he collapsed to the floor. Martin turned to the party members and begged for them to save him. The Magister offered them a choice, eternal life or dying in this hall. The party chose to fight. The Magister grabbed and hold of Susannah as he levitated up to the first floor, he directed the other guests to finish off the party.
A fight breaks out as the other guests turn on the party, each of the guests grabs a knife from the table to use as an improvised weapon. The party emerge victorious, dispacting the other guests, as well as, the Magister's servants whose heads had been infested with intellect devourers, although Zeph and Athinar were badly injured during the fighting, Emyr was able to stablise their injuries and he and Thurdon provided healing. The party took a moment to loot the partygoers, whilst Zeph checked in on Martin who seemed shaken by the events.
The party headed out to the courtyard to collect their weapons ready for a fight with the Magister. Paul, the wagon driver who had brought Lord and Lady Ludmar to the party, was sat by the wagons smoking a pipe. Bazz and Thurdon began to violentlly interrogate him about his involvement, however, he seemed to be oblivious to everyting that had occured during the party. The party took a moment to rest and recover before confronting the Magister.
The party headed back inside and searched room on the first floor. Athinar found the Magister's study where he found Susannah lay out, unconcious, on a table, he went to check on her condition. As he did so, he noticed the Magister standing over a desk on the other side of the room. The Magister acknowledged the party's survival, he expressed regret at losing his supporters, feeling he may have underestimated the party, however he stated that he would find more who would be sympathic to his cause.
Zeph attempted to reason with Aleron, the Magister remarked that Zeph would have made a wonderful pupil. Aleron stated that Susannah's transformation had begun. Vesta fired a bolt from her crossbow towards the Magister but missed, the rest of the party drew their weapons. Thurdon, Yanna, Zeph, Dank and Emyr went to attack the Magister, whereas Athinar, Vesta and Bazz attempted to remove the tadpole from Susannah's head. Athinar attempted to perform surgery to remove the tadpole through her eyesocket, however, he managed to cause injury to her brain whilst attempting to remove her eye. Bazz made a heavy handed attempt to remove the tadpole which failed. Vesta attempted a more careful approach, but she managed to worsen the injury that Athinar caused, killing Susannah. With Susannah dead, the Magister became enraged and the party set about finishing him off.
Thurdon and Yanna dealt massive blows, whilst Dank and Zeph hit him with flames. The Magister cast a lightning bolt, Emyr managed to avoid the attack, whilst Zeph cast a shield upon himself, however, Bazz received the full force of the lightning which instantly downed him, Zeph attempts to stablise him failed, Emyr managed to prevent the barbarian from dying. In retaliation, Yanna cast Divine Smite and dealt a heavy blow to the Magister's neck, decapitating him. Emyr set about healing Bazz.
Zeph searched the magisters desk, finding papers detailing his explorations of the underdark, how he found the ruins of a mindflayer colony and was accidently infected by a tadpole. He describes his transition and the changes in his personality. Zeph also found a dragon claw pendant in the desk draw. Vesta examined another desk, finding more details about his research, the entrance to the underdark is located in Wuulfengart. She also found some books on Local History, Arcane Academy and History Wuulfengart. On Susannah's body she found a locket which contained pictures of younger versions of herself and the magister. Athinar search the alchemy station, finding two potions, one he determined to be a potion of truth, the other may be a potion of aging or anti-aging.
The party searched the rest of the building, finding a temple to Ides, the servant quarter covered in blood, various bedrooms, a kitchen where Zeph found three bottles of Verulamian wine and a library where the party collected various books of interest. Zeph and Thurdon looked for a book on cursed rings, they found a oddities book which contain information on the Rings of Draconis. Vesta searched for information about the Black Hand, but found nothing, she also searched for information about Hyberia, finding information on the discovery of the island 24 years ago by fishermen and that the world tree is located at the centre of the island, surrounded by the ruins of an ancient city. Athinar found a book on arcana.
With their searches finished, the party decided to spend the night in the manor. The following morning, the party awakened in their chosen rooms at the 'Court of Lillies'. When the group had gathered, Zeph explained what he experienced. Thurdon asked if his curse may have some effect on the amulet, Zeph handed it to him, Thurdon, however, felt nothing when he put the amulet on.
Thurdon raided the pantry for food and prepared a bacon sandwiches for breakfast. Having explored the manor fully, the party decided it was time to leave. In the courtyard they found a collection of recently excavated and filled graves, Emyr told the party that he had buried some of the attendants during the night. Thurdon considered burning down the manor, however, Zeph objected, stating they may need to report this incident when they arrived at Liris. The party loaded and hitched their wagon to Brutus, they found that Paul, the driver of Lord and Lady Ludmar, was gone, along with his wagon and horses. Following the path they had taken the day before, the party arrived back at the main road. Once there, Yanna stopped the party. She told them that she had enjoyed the short time that they had spent together but it was time for her to part ways. Dank protested, but relented when Yanna told him that she wanted to return to their village and begin her own investigation. Martin told the party that he would travel with Yanna back to Draguilforte. Dank and Yanna shared a big hug before saying their farewells and parting ways, the party travelling north and Yanna and Martin heading south.
Their journey north was beset by a light rain that continued throughout the hours they spent travelling. Finally, as they began to crest over one final hill, they spotted signs of the city in the distance. Evening had began to draw closer as they approached the gates to the city. As they passed through a small hamlet situated on their approached, they paid to have Brutus and their wagon stored for a week.
Thurdon noticed that the southern gate seemed lightly manned. A pair of guards were stationed at the gate finding cover from the rain beneath the walkway that bridged the two gatehouses flanking the gate itself. The guards greeted the party as they approached, enquiring about what brought them to the city. Zeph stated that they were adventurers here on business. One of the guards remarked that he was an adventurer once. The guards inform the party that the city is ungoing preparations for the 10th birthday of Tristan Duval, the Duke-in-waiting. Zeph offers to his assistance, but the guards tell him that he would need to speak with the Duchess, although the chances of speaking with her are small, as she is preoccupied with her own preparations.
The guards also inform them about a contingent of the city guard being sent north to deal with a group of bandits that have been causing trouble around the town of Woolhope. The party enquire about these bandits, but the guards say they would need to speak with the Guard Commander. At that moment, a man adorned in an impressive set of armor approaches the group, the guards at the gate turn to salute. The man, revealed to be the Guard Commander, questions the party about their identities. Vesta tells him they are 'The Obsidian Fellowship', but the title is unknown to the Guard Commander. Thurdon asks about the bandit problem in the north, but the Commander tells him he has sent men to deal with it. Thurdon tells him about their experiences with the bandit attacks around the village of Rhone and suggests they could provide help. The Commander rebuffs Thurdon's offer, stating his soldiers are perfectly capable of maintaining order in the Duchy. He warns the party to keep their noses clean in his city. Dank tells him they will.
After the Commander had left, one of the guards tells the party that man was Symon Duval, Commander of the Liris' Army and the brother of the former Duke and uncle of Tristan Duval. He tells the party about the rumours about Symon's plans to depose his nephew. The other guard interjects, stating that the Commander is a good man who is looking out for the wellbeing of the Duchy. The party pay the toll to enter the city and the guards wish them well.
After a short discussion, the party decide to head to the market to see if they can gather information and browse the wares available. Upon arriving at the market, they found that many of the stalls had closed for the evening, but some were still open. Dank spoke with a passerby and asked about the fesival, the stranger told him that preparations are still underway and it is expected to start in a few days, he says that a tourney will take place on the final day. After spending time looking around, Dank, Thurdon, Zeph and Emyr decided to buy pies from a pie maker.
Thurdon suggested they head to the Mage's Guild wanted to enquire about the creation of magical item. Inside the guild, they find that place filled with shelves and pedastals displaying magical artifacts, stood at a counter at the centre of the room is a bored-looking young man. Thurdon asks if there are any mages around, the young man tells him that his collegues have left to go out drinking, he asks if there was something he could help with. Thurdon describes an item he wants to be crafted; a magical whistle that would allow him to summon his Ox, Brutus. The young mage ponders the request for a moment and tells Thurdon they could do that, he would require a deposit of ten gold and they could have the order sorted in a week. Thurdon tried to haggle but was unsuccessful. Thurdon asks the mage about the amulet they found, however, after observing the amulet for a moment, he tells Thurdon he doesn't know anything. He tells him that he should come back tomorrow when his associates are around, or they could head to the Adventurer's Guild where they would probably be drinking.
The party leave the Mage's Guild and make their way through the city streets towards the Adventurer's Guild where they find a man throwing up outside. Zeph checks on the man, who through wretches, tells him not to drink the Goldman Cider. The party find the guild to be poorly kept, with broken glass and uncleaned spills on the floor. Vesta spotted a Dwarven man sat alone at a table near the entrance, upon approaching him he informed her that "Everything is gone". The Dwarf is heavily intoxicated with several empty mugs around him. Vesta asks him what he is gone and he tells her everything. Vesta asks him if he has lost two children, to which he responds that he hasn't. He tells her that his caravan was robbed, he managed to make it back to the city but now he isn't able to arrange an escort back to Thil Baduhr. Vesta offers her help for five gold to which the Dwarf eagerly accepts.
Thurdon ordered himself a mead from the bartender and approaches a group of men who he assumes to be the mages from the guild. The men happily offer him a seat. Thurdon enquires about the order he placed earlier, which they tell him they can fulfill. He then asked about the amulet that had found. The mage observes the amulet for a moment with a shocked look on his face, he informs Thurdon that they had found a Time Dragon claw. On hearing this, Zeph approached and listened in on the conversation. Thurdon asked what the amulet does, but the mage seems unsure, he tells him many theories have been suggested but few people are in possession of such artifacts and fewer have had success studying them. Zeph recalls his knowledge of Time Dragons, however he learned little about them during his studies as they were long considered to be mythical creatures, until artifacts were discovered. The mage asks if they would be willing to sell the claw, but Thurdon declines.
Thurdon then showed his cursed hand to the mages, revealing that a third finger had now been affected. The mages are disturbed by Thurdon's affliction, they suggest he speak with someone skills in healing magics if he wishes to cure or prevent the futher spread, they tell him such people could be found in Gran Rydrius or Mysenia.
Zeph bought a Goldman Cider from the bartender, who suggested that he shouldn't. Zeph had two sips, which made him feel unwell. Vesta asked the mages if they knew a woman called Casta, they told her to speak with the bartender. The bartender informed Vesta that Casta visits regularily looking for work, he tells her she was headed to Thil Baduhr when he last saw her, he recommends he speak with the Dwarf in the corner.
A young man with short spikey white hair emerged from a hallway, on his way through the bar he accidently bumped into another of the patrons, causing him to spill his drink over himself. An altercation begins between the young man and the men at the table. Zeph stepped in to resolve the conflict, but when of the men at the table called Zeph "knife ears", which prompted the party to prepare to defend their companion. Thurdon pressed one of his claws to the throat of one of the men. Sufficiently intimidated, the men backed down and a fight was avoided.
The young man thanked Zeph for stepping in and introduced himself as Rainer. Zeph introduced himself and his companions as 'The Obsidian Fellowship', although Rainer hadn't heard of them. Rainer stated that he was a bard who had travelled to Liris to preform during the festival, he demonstrated his sword juggling techniques. Zeph asked if Rainer had heard of the bard, Ricardo the Fantastical, but he hadn't.
Vesta went to speak with the Dwarf again and asked him about Casta. He told her that he knew of her as she would often work as a guard for Dwarven caravans, he suggested Vesta may be able to find her or learn more of her whereabouts at Thil Baduhr.
Zeph spoke with another of the patrons, they discussed the upcoming festival and the imprisonment of Prince Ceolmund in Draguilforte.
The party left the Adventurer's Guild and headed to an inn called 'The Broken Wheel' where they booked rooms for the night.
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