Session 72: Zandi's Rath for the injustice done to the Socrates Forest
General Summary
The companions of Shining Eclipse fought off a bunch of strange undead creatures, known by the Mariners of the Soteropolis region as the Drowned. If the legends are true these undead creatures were once mariners themselves who died at sea and the entity known as Davey Jones gave them a choice to serve him or take your chances in the underworld. Now as I said these are just legends, but the Shining Eclipse fought some type of undead creature who came from the waters of the Socrates River. These creatures seemed to be on a mission, as if sent by somebody with the intent to kill the party members out of revenge. One note of interest coming from Captain: Kallias "Ironwave" Marinos of the river boat Silver Current that these creatures have never been seen in the rivers. They are well known by the mariners on the Sea of Azure, but not on the rivers. The Deck hand a dwarf by the name of Thrix Ironspine says its just another bad omen that has happened on this trip ever sense they left Babylon. The 30 passengers who paid to hopefully see the legendary elves of the Socrates Forest got more than they bargained for on this trip. First a city and part of the Socrates forest logged out. A village wiped out by some unknow group of murders. They have seen unicorns and other fey creatures of the forest as they travel up river. They witness an event where the legendary magic of the forest seemed to take control of the elves of the Socrates Forest with some of the most powerful, memorizing, and peaceful music they have ever heard led by Zandi Ottore the newest member of Shining Eclipse.
The next two days was uneventful as they Silver Current traveled two more days up the Socrates river arriving at Kriton Lake on the evening of the 29th of Ares. As usual no one travels the at night on the Lake for unknown reasons. 11 river boats are set up in a defensive position with a rather long boat in the middle with tarps covering its cargo. Captain will warn the passengers of river pirates who like to attack the river boats on this lake. The elves will help if there is a patrol nearby but will not give up the locations of any villages so the unit has to be on the ground to assist. Many river boat crews have lost men to these pirates. The crescent moon hung low in the midnight sky, its pale light bathing the tranquil waters of Lake Kriton. A stillness had settled over the anchored riverboats, which formed a protective perimeter around the long, tarped vessel at the center. Lanterns burned low, casting soft halos of light, while shadows danced across the decks. From the west, three shapes emerged, silhouetted against the moonlight. As they drew closer, their forms became clear: Pegasus—majestic, winged horses with flowing manes and sleek, muscular bodies. Their wings, powerful yet graceful, shimmered faintly as they reflected the silvery light of the crescent moon. Their movements were fluid and mesmerizing, but their direct flight toward the long, tarped boat brought a wave of unease. Zandi suspecting the long river boat that is in the center of the defensive position is indeed the very pirates that attacked the village that the crew had ran into.
Crews on the surrounding boats sprang into action. Sailors and passengers alike manned defensive positions, weapons at the ready. Crossbows were aimed skyward, and whispers of strategy passed among those standing guard. Thrix Ironspine, ever vigilant, took his place on the Silver Current, gripping his axe with an expression of grim determination. Just as the tension reached its peak, a familiar sound floated across the lake—the ethereal music of the Socrates Forest. The haunting melody rose like a gentle tide, carrying with it a magic that calmed the heart and mind. The Pegasus faltered mid-flight, their wings beating slower, as if the music touched them in a way words could not. Onboard the Silver Current, Zandi moved with purpose, her bow slung across her back as she climbed to the top of the pilot house. The crescent moon framed her form, her silhouette striking against the night sky. And then, she began to sing.
It was the Dovahkiin prophecy. Her voice was pure and resonant, weaving the ancient tale of the dragon riders and their role in the balance of the world. The melody was both haunting and uplifting, and each word seemed infused with the power of the forest itself. Her voice carried across the water, mesmerizing all who heard it. The crew and passengers, once tense and ready for battle, lowered their weapons as they became enraptured by her song. The Pegasus, too, seemed captivated. They slowed their approach, hovering gracefully in the moonlit air. Their majestic wings moved with a rhythmic beat, as though they were swaying to the music. The magic in Zandi’s voice was undeniable, reaching even these magical creatures. Their earlier urgency was replaced by a calm curiosity, their intelligent eyes scanning the scene below.
The crescent moon glimmered over the still waters of Lake Kriton, its serene light in stark contrast to the chaos unfolding. The haunting melody of the Dovahkiin prophecy filled the night air, carried by Zandi's powerful, enchanting voice as she sang from atop the pilot house of the Silver Current. On the surrounding boats, the crews were enraptured, their expressions serene and touched with awe. The magic of the song filled them with peace, as though the very soul of the Socrates Forest had reached out to soothe their spirits. But aboard the long riverboat at the center of the formation, the scene was starkly different. Screams of agony erupted from its crew as they clutched their ears, their faces twisted in pain. Their cries echoed across the lake, shattering the harmony of the moment. The song, beautiful and harmonious to others, seemed to pierce them like daggers. Some stumbled to the deck, writhing, while others struggled to shield themselves from an invisible force. The contrast left the other crews in stunned silence, their expressions shifting to confusion and unease. What had caused such a reaction on the long boat? And why were they, aboard their own vessels, unaffected by the song's magic?
Then, from the sky, the Pegasus swooped low. Their wings beat with power and grace as they descended toward the long riverboat. Their movements were deliberate, purposeful, as though they had been called for a mission. Each one bore a rider: Karrin, Dagon, and Jasmal, their forms silhouetted against the crescent moonlight. Their presence carried an air of intent that sent a ripple of unease through the onlookers. The Pegasus reached the long boat, their landing precise and swift. In a flurry of motion, Karrin, Dagon, and Jasmal leapt from their mounts, their figures moving with practiced urgency toward the tarped cargo.
From the pilot house of the Silver Current, Zandi’s song stopped abruptly. Her voice, now filled with wrath, echoed across the lake in a thunderous shout, each word in Elvish dripping with righteous fury. "Death to those who dare harm the Socrates Forest and murder its inhabitants!". Her voice carried an eerie, supernatural resonance, as though the forest itself was speaking through her. The words caused a chill to ripple through the crews of the other boats, their peaceful trance breaking into unease as they watched in tense anticipation. Zandi, her face alight with determination and her eyes blazing with an unnatural glow, drew her bow. The weapon itself seemed to shimmer with magic as she nocked an arrow and took aim at the intruders on the long riverboat. She loosed the arrow with a shout, the projectile streaking through the night like a comet. It struck with devastating precision, a burst of silvery light illuminating the deck of the long boat as it landed. The explosion of magical energy sent a wave of force across the lake, rippling the water and sending a shudder through the anchored vessels. The Pegasus reared back, their wings flaring as their riders turned to face the source of the attack. The conflict teetered on the brink of escalation as Zandi stood atop the pilot house, her bow at the ready, her presence radiating an almost divine power. The Socrates Forest itself seemed to respond. The luminous lights along the lake's shores brightened, casting a radiant glow that illuminated the water and the boats. The music from the forest swelled again, a rising tide of power that underscored the weight of Zandi’s actions and the looming confrontation. All eyes were on the long boat and the Silver Current as the night hung in a tense balance, the calm of Lake Kriton shattered by magic, wrath, and the silent promise of battle.
The Companions of Franchise K went into actions as the three Pegasus went back to the Silver current picking up companions and bring them to the battle. The crew and passengers of the Silver Current stunned and some in fear as they watch this spectacle unfold. They along with the crews of the other 11 boats watched as the battle took place on the long boat. Arceven set him self up as was attacking with his new magical long bow. Zandi firing arrow after Arrow along with Dagon and Conan until they also were flown across to the river boat. One by one the crew of the long boat was taken down with the exception of one crew member who was to be saved for interrogation. Under the tarp were the women and female children of the village that was taken. The lumber of the trees that were taken from the village . The crew members of the 11 boats and the passengers of the Silver current stunned at the sight of the female elves in slave collars. What an evening to behold the tales and stories that will transpire from this evenings event.
Rewards Granted
Socrates Assassins' encounter: 660 EXP Points Awarded to everyone.
Socrates Pirate Boat Encounter: 1180 EXP Points awarded to everyone.
Holiday Bonus: 800 EXP awarded to everyone. Due to the strange magical healing effect of the forest and having a Native of the Socrates Forest everyone gets a long rest.
Dagon Innsmouth
R̶e̶d̶a̶c̶t̶e̶d̶ 7
7
16
16
13
18
14
Conan Enamed
Raz'Thrak Bloodhoof
Dagwyn Oakencrown
Rogue 5
Ranger 2
13
18
15
10
15
13
Snoopy Baron
Dimmir “Brightlight”
Barbarian 7
15
20
15
12
13
17
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