Session 9 - Farewells to Friends & Cities - End Chapter 1

The embers of The Book still floating across the square amid the tumult of the groups bold action, the hero’s ran from the scene, headed for the wharf and their waiting ship. As they made their way through the city a furious image appeared in the sky of Vizier Valkas, accusing the group of being baby killers and offering a reward to any soldier or guardsman who took the life of any member of the group. To compound things he cast a glow upon each of them, making it impossible to blend in with Manshaka’s teeming crowds.
The group soon found themselves running a deadly gauntlet, harassed by Valka’s fearsome seeming illusions, Palace Guards, Imperial Legionnaires, and City Watch. Each member of the team pushed themselves to the limit.
Garrak, his healing exhausted, beaten and battered, set fire to a wooden watch tower, causing it’s tiled roof to collapse onto a group of pursuers and finally made it to the waiting ship.
Akir through misdirection and diving through the window a large inn managed to throw off a group of 5 pursuers, leaving them hopelessly behind before he rejoined his comrades for a final battle and push to reach the ship.
Roggo and Mo both nearly fell to their foes, battling fiercely as they drew pursuers away from Garrak, Mo ferociously spilling their enemies blood across the streets. Completely exhausted, barely able to walk, Garrak stumbed onto the docks and was pulled aboard the waiting ship by Big Cal.
At one point the group was even assisted by Hands, exclaiming that he was to be married as his fiancé pulled him away from the chaos and towards the safety of Diamond Heights.
And finally, Mythdanor. His was the most harrowing tale of the group’s deeds. Stalwart thief, scout and sneak for the team. The dark and brooding Elf often was out of place in the society in which he found himself. Desiring naught but riches and personal gain, he nevertheless found himself thrust into the role of hero. He battled his way through the city along with his compatriots. His short sword cutting through their foes, he was assailed on all sides before a crossbow bolt felled him just short of the waterfront markets. Before his companions could reach him to provide aid a Legionnaire made a fateful and base decision. A cold glint in his eye, thinking of naught but the reward for death promised by the Vizier he thrust his spear into the helpless Rogue, killing Mythdanor on the spot.
The only mitigation for this horrible deed came when Akir shortly thereafter separated the villains head from his shoulders.
Exhausted, beaten and mourning the loss of their comrade, the group nevertheless felt a sense of relief as their new ship slip it’s berth and sailed away from Manshaka. Smoke rising from the city in multiple places as the full ramifications of their action, their destruction of the heart of the slave system, took it’s toll. A privateer that could be a potential threat had been delayed at the direction of Old Getty, who saw to the sabotage of it’s water and rum stores.
Rounding the bluffs outside the city walls, a hunched figure in a black cloak stood alone, seemingly unconcerned with events in the city, staring out at the ship moving into the distance.
As the group recovered Garrak suggested that the ship be named The Mythdanor in honor of their friend, and by unanimous acclimation Akir was appointed Captain.
And so, they sailed onward, the rough and tumble city of Manshaka growing smaller and smaller behind them and the blue horizon stretching before them.