Session 125: Illumining Information

General Summary

30th Brussendar 836PD   As the final convulsions abate in the dead Dragon’s body, and Simeon kneels up from his answered divine intervention, the Unbroken and Nodrog have time for proper introductions.   Whilst Nodrog is initially guarded, he does build some trust to share with the party that his village on one of the islands of the Hespet Archipelago was destroyed by Zolar. He was the only survivor and he woke up captured in the cell here a couple of days ago.   Orlando recognises the hand-axes and bracers Nodrog is wielding, as those belonging to a fallen member of their group, Quill the dwarven barbarian who fell into the depths of the Underdark. When Nodrog hears the description of Quill, he reveals that a body matching Quill’s description washed up on the shores of his island. His people buried Quill as a warrior, and Nodrog took on his armaments to defend his village. The draws of destiny make for a very small world indeed.   Nodrog thanks the party for their aid, but is impatient to seek his vengeance against Zolar. Raphael persuades the hulking Orc to bid his time and join forces with the Unbroken as they have a common target. Nodrog offers to watch in case of any further bandits return whilst the group investigate the fort. Raven and Enessa also begin to harvest the dead dragon for magical material, they score a bountiful collection:

• 2 wings, which could be fashioned into cloaks that could give ability to fly and resist lightning.
• Whole tail, which can make a lightning whip or be ground down into potions of lightning immunity.
• 12 Claws, which can make lightning infused daggers or combined together to make a greater weapon.
• 17 fangs, which can be used as lightning shortswords.
• 2 strips of hide, use for armour that can protect against lightning and burrow through soft earth.
• 16 scales, which can be made into a +1 shield with lightning protection.

  During the fort investigation, Arthur finds a note on the War Chief’s person, a list of targets to be captured for Zolar. Nodrog and the Sapphire of the Sands are included, as well as Isolde Glorybuff and the Silken Voice. Simeon recognises the Silken Voice, as Kilmul Forgemaul, a famed dwarven storyteller. They are due to be collected by Zolar on the 4th Syndestar, this gives the party a clear time and place for intercepting Zolar and possibly tracking him back to his lair. Nodrog happily volunteers to be ‘bait’.   Noting the eclectic mix of names, crossover of Latara’s mind wiping and abduction of Sabali, Simeon reaches out to his lady, the Moonweaver again to Commune on what are the links between these threads.   He asks if Latara and Zolar are working together, but receives a response of 'no'. However, on the second question of “Will we find Sabali and J’mon Sa Ord at Zolar’s lair?”, the Moon shines bright in an affirmative ‘yes’. Fearing a wider play being made, Simeon asks if “Latara has found the Kord Shackle?”, and receives a grave response of ‘yes’.   With answers posing more questions, the party decide to rest and return to Ank’Harel in the morning to seek whatever aid that can be spared. Arthur offers a little frivolity, as well as dimensional safety, to his fellow travellers as he casts in Arthur’s Anachronistic Abode.   A portal is conjured and he invites them inside, revealing a grand Clocktower with clockwork servants and comfortable, noble quality furnishings. Despite all the arcane grandeur though, the more insightful members pick up that this is house not a home.   In the morning, after the rejuvenating long rest of the full Moon, the party head back to the city. Raven clears the worst of the signs of battle, to avoid drawing any unwanted attention to the fort. Arthur summons several Phantom Steeds to help drag the harvested Dragon materials.   When they reach Ank’Harel they are able to get an audience with Captain Rawson, and Major de Moubray of the Eyes and Hands of Ord respectively. Under the protective magic of Captain Rawson, the parties are able to securely debrief each other.   The Unbroken update on the fort and the scheduled collection of Zolar’s wish list for the 4th. Rawson confirms that Isolde Glorybuff is a young half elf prodigy chef, renown across the city. Major de Moubray shares that J’mon Sa Ord was betrayed by a recent new advisor, "Rytalia", presumed as Latara the Enchantress in one of her many disguises. They believe that there is some form of interference that is stopping the magical divining and communicating with them, potentially the use of Kabalach (cobalt).   Whilst the Guards of Ank’Harel are able to exchange information, they are stretched thin trying to protect the city without the help of their protector, J’mon. With the limited resources of the Hand of Ord, Zeni sends to Captain Kalcyra of their skyship the Storm’s Call, and confirm they are able to recruit and arrive in Ank’Harel by the evening of the 3rd Syndestar to help with following Zolar when he comes to collect on the 4th.   The group start to discuss their plans and preparations, whilst Arthur scries on the Sapphire to see if can find anymore details of Zolar’s lair. He sees her comforting a young girl that Zeni recognises as Eva, the divination touched child they saved when they went to Whitestone!