Chapter 5 The Cursed Diamond

Upon returning to Westruun, the Shadow Hunters had a meeting with the Thaumaturge, the leaders of the League of Miracles currently overseeing the city in the Lord Mayor's absence. The Shadow Hunters laid out the urgent situation regarding Jorren village, stressing the need for swift action to prevent them from regaining strength. Garrick and Hygar presented a compelling argument that swayed the court, and they found common ground. The League of Miracles acknowledged the gravity of the situation and agreed with the group's assessment. They decided to mobilize multiple units of the Shields of the Plain to move towards Jorren village, aiming to reclaim it for the republic. The Shadow Hunters were not only welcomed but encouraged to join forces in this critical endeavor. The alliance was forged, and preparations for the impending mission began. Following the strategic meeting with the League of Miracles, the group dispersed for individual pursuits. Dark Shadow and Light Shadow ventured into the city to locate Spiraling Evelyn. After some searching, they found her and successfully retrieved the Viper's Sting Ring. Plans were made for a rendezvous in the tranquil Butterfly Garden scheduled for the following morning at 11. Later, the group reconvened at the Sunkissed Tavern, sharing the details of their individual endeavors and purchases made with the newfound gold. Garrick was then approached by an older gentleman who mentioned being a member of the Cobalt soul. “Good evening, Garrick. May I join you for a moment?” “I couldn't help but overhear some intriguing tales circulating about your recent exploits, particularly in Jorenn village. Silore of the Cobalt Soul, by the way. We have a keen interest in knowledge and the pursuit of truth.” “The Cobalt Soul holds the pursuit of knowledge above all else. Rumors spread like wildfire, and we seek to understand the truth behind them. Word has it you encountered trouble in Jorenn village, and we've heard whispers of a connection with The Clasp. Is there any truth to these rumors?” Garrick humored Archivist Silore and answered his many questions. After the interview was over Garrick noticed a pretty blonde high elven woman sitting across The Sunkissed Tavern reading a book. Garrick slowly made his way there with his hooves click clocking the whole way. Hygar walked over with him hoping to be Garricks wing-man but Garrick was confident that he could do well by himself and shooed him off. Garrick being quite the smooth talker was able to catch her fancy. He soon learned that her name was Circi Evershine and she worked in the records department at a storage facility. After a few drinks together the group headed to bed.
As Hygar fell asleep in his bead he began to dream "The Iron Maiden," the ship he once captained with pride. The wooden deck creaks beneath his boots as he surveys his crew, their faces filled with determination, yet tinged with fear. They're about to face a dire threat, but they're ready to follow their captain into the unknown. The Iron Maiden being part of the bastions Navy (the military of great city of Vasselheim) The air is thick with tension, and the salty sea breeze fills his senses. The ship's sails billow as they catch the wind, propelling them forward through the endless expanse of the sea. It's a scene that once brought him joy and exhilaration. But this time, a sense of foreboding hangs heavy in the air. Suddenly, ominous mist gathered on the horizon, casting a dark shadow over the ship. Thunder rumbled as a warning, and lightning streaks across the sky like jagged, white scars. The enemy ship emerges from the fog, its dark sails unfurled and a grotesque figurehead in the shape of a leviathan at the bow. They're armed to the teeth, cannons ready, and dark intent in their eyes. Hygar orders his crew into action, but it becomes clear that the enemy was prepared for this battle. Cannonballs slam into The Iron Maiden, ripping through the wooden hull. The deafening thunder of the cannons and the screams of his crewmates fill the air as chaos reigns. Desperately, Hygar fights alongside his crew, trying to protect his people, but the enemy's relentless assault is overwhelming. Smoke and fire envelop the ship, casting eerie, flickering shadows across the deck. Despite their valor, The Iron Maiden is gradually torn apart by the unrelenting enemy. Hygar watches in despair as his ship, once a symbol of strength and courage, splinters and sinks into the abyss, taking Hygar and his beloved crew down with it. As the ship is swallowed by the unforgiving sea, Hygar awakens, his heart pounding, drenched in sweat.
Morning broke, and some ran errands before the decision to hunt an Owlbear in the Bramblewoods just beyond Westruun. Their hunt proved successful, though not without cost—Hygar bore the brunt of the creature's fury. Returning to Westruun, they rendezvoused with Spiraling Evelyn in the serene Butterfly Garden. However, the tranquility shattered when they spotted their ally, The Diamond Curse, seemingly in distress. Horren, instinctively wary, started charging, but Light Shadow urged caution. Just as tension peaked, a rapier blade pierced Light Shadow, and the illusion of The Diamond Curse wavered. The true figure, cloaked in white, emerged as The Cursed Diamond. Demanding their magic items or their lives, she demonstrated her ruthlessness by piercing Light Shadow. Hygar grappled her, attempting reason, while the rest of the group launched an assault. As The Cursed Diamond conjured a radiant beam, Garrick summoned bears to carry Light Shadow to safety, and Spiraling Evelyn stabilized her. The battle raged until The Cursed Diamond was subdued, and they transported her to Gilmore's Glorious Goods. Onora, sympathetic to their predicament, granted them access to the back room. Inside, Hygar and Light Shadow delved into the suitcase realm. Amidst attempts to lift the curse, The Cursed Diamond lay unconscious in a cell. Horren stood guard, busy crafting a new item, while Garrick conversed with Onora.
The Cursed Diamond remained unconscious. Dark Shadow entrusted her necklace to Garrick for attunement, aiming to complicate The Cursed Diamond's potential escape. However, during the rest period, The Cursed Diamond managed to deceive the guards and Light Shadow. She absorbed the magic from her cell's ceiling, facilitating her escape to the first floor. Light Shadow, now accompanied by 20 guards under The Cursed Diamond's influence, pursued her. Garrick abandoned his attunement, transforming into a cheetah to chase after them. Meanwhile, Hygar, after his stretching routine, joined the pursuit. The Cursed Diamond, displaying agility, deftly navigated the maze, prompting Light Shadow to mimic Garrick's speed by transforming into a cheetah. Although Hygar followed suit, The Cursed Diamond successfully reached the exit and infiltrated Gilmore's office. She hurled the suitcase at Horren, positioned near the exit, but he withstood the impact. As she attempted to pass, Horren swiftly struck his ghostly blade through her torso, rendering her unconscious. Garrick, Dark Shadow, and the others emerged shortly afterward. Using a stabilizing spell, Garrick ensured The Cursed Diamond's unconscious state. The group deliberated on their next steps, with Horren breaking one of her legs to prevent further escape attempts. Additionally, some members engaged in transactions with Gilmore for various items.
The group then with Gilmores council brought The Diamond Curse to the Emon Prison where Light Shadow made sure the guards knew that no magic items should be near or on TDC. The guards nodded as they brought her into the prison. the party rendezvoused with Selvador Silver of the League of Miracles, who teleported them outside of Jorren village. Utilizing her recently attuned dragon eye ring, Daebanise spied on The Cursed Diamond and witnessed her berating the prison guards. The group then approached Jorren village and encountered a new face, Brick, a human hailing from the city of Whitestone. Claiming affiliation with an organization gathering intelligence on the Shadewatch, Brick found himself encircled by the Shadow Hunters. Despite initial disagreements, the group, intrigued by Brick's potential, opted to collaborate with him and even accepted his challenge to a duel. Although Hygar Steelhelm was eager, Brick chose to face Garrick. The duel unfolded within the arena concealed within Dark and Light Shadow's suitcase. Brick demonstrated considerable skill, but ultimately succumbed to Garrick's prowess and cunning.