Session 44: Mercy & Massacre

General Summary

Everyone was overjoyed to see Micah when he awoke. They cautioned him to take things easy, but were glad that their friend had made it through the ritual with no ill effects. Their fears alleviated, the rest of the group set about taking care of business. Sir Bartleby went to check up on their allies, to both thank them for their service as well as keep them abreast of the latest developments. Kamin was glad to hear that the Dragon Punchers had made it through relatively unscathed. The Kordites, too, had passed through the battle with minimal losses. However, while they would not withdraw their support, Kamin expressed concern that working with the party was dangerous for her people.   Chari met with Esper Sherman to discuss the terms which the monk had extended the cultists during the battle. The leader of the guard made it clear she was not particularly pleased to be granting amnesty to anyone, and ensured Chari understood her responsibility for their actions while under her rehabilitation plan.   In the market square, in the center of the Harvest Festival, Irador's head lay on display for all to see. Many of the Dragon Punchers allies were gathered amongst the common people to view the event about to unfold. Jinn, however, was nowhere to be seen. Unfortunately, Chari and Bart were unable to move the crowd with their speeches. Things appeared to be going south until Esper Sherman stepped in. She assured the agitated masses that the heroes in front of them spoke the truth. A few cultists stepped forward to seek amnesty—including a cleverly disguised Jinn. Chari escorted them to Alderth Hold to begin the rehabilitation process. As the crowd dispersed Bart met up with Mani and the two enjoyed some time together at the festival.   The next day Micah was anxious to leave Jarrow for the next leg of adventure. Sir Bartleby, however, explained that the Dragon Punchers still had quite a bit of business to take care of before they could leave. Satisfied his friend would listen to reason, Bart went to check up on Zerin Landri. The wizard was spending a quiet afternoon reading in an inn. Bart inquired about his well-being after having died in the fight. Zerin assured the Knight of Cups that he’d had his fill of adventuring and did not need recognition. He did, however, agree to help the party a bit more in their efforts to cross continents.   Unwilling to listen to Bart’s advice to take it easy, Micah went to the Eastern Cross to recruit members of the local chapter of the Steel Fist. The situation escalated quickly. Bart received a missive at the Wilmont-Burke estate summoning him to Alderth Hold. There Esper explained that Micah had killed six people down at the docks and was currently being held in the cells below. Shocked and confused, the paladin made his way down to join Chari and Jinn (still disguised as a cultist in the cell). As the party tried to understand Micah’s actions it became apparent that something was wrong with their friend. Or, more accurately, it seemed they weren’t speaking with Micah at all.   The horrifying truth revealed, the Dragon Punchers realized that they needed to move their friend to a more secure location for the safety of all. Cordyceps was vicious. Its accusations dug deep as party struggled to subdue and shackle their friend’s body. Quietly, painfully, they emerged from the solitary cells of Alderth Hold without him.