Session 36 - House of the Setting Sunshadow

General Summary

8 Erastus (July), 4725 It was late in the evening. Cal had just returned to the Silver Siren and found Dunner and Tike Myson listening to a sales pitch from Kalding Cogsworth, nephew of Valeria Cogsworth (of Cogsworth Labyrinth fame.) Kalding had brought along Metomar, a mechanical construct invented by his aunt. Cal paid Kalding a 100gp finder’s fee for this construct. As Tarquin Shortstone closed the tavern for the evening, he noticed a glow from the Obsidian Lantern hanging on Cal's waist. Suddenly, a flash of light enveloped Cal, Dunner, Tike, and Metomar, transporting them to another realm. The heroes found themselves in an eerie, ethereal realm, surrounded by swirling nebulae and floating stone paths lit by cold embers. Following the fractured walkway, they were ambushed by three Tainted Ember Shadows, spectral figures that twisted in the dim light, exuding an aura of malice. During the intense skirmish, one of the shadows latched onto Tike, dangerously sapping his strength, but the heroes eventually overcame their attackers and continued forward. The path led to a circular platform with a large pit at its center and a massive gateway inscribed with arcane symbols. Moving onward, they found themselves in a grand, dimly lit hall lined with stained glass windows, casting fractured patterns across the room. As they took in their surroundings, three Sayf al-Sahir Bladesingers emerged from the shadows, ready to attack. At the far end of the hall, the drow Vaelin Sunshadow revealed himself, addressing Cal with disdain, referring to their shared bloodline and Cal's burden. Vaelin demanded that Cal hand over the Starborn Key —associated with Cal’s whip—claiming it was crucial to finding the Codex of Shadows and saving their people. However, Cal refused. Following the refusal, the Bladesingers attacked. Once the Bladesingers were defeated, Vaelin entered the fray, teleporting across the battlefield and delivering powerful strikes. At a critical moment, he hesitated, seeing his sister's likeness in Cal’s eyes. Overcome with frustration, Vaelin warned that this would be the last time he spared Cal’s life and then vanished. As the great hall began to dissolve, Tike, enlarged, lifted Metomar, while Dunner dragged a Bladesinger’s body through the portal. Cal, left alone briefly, allowed himself a moment of vulnerability before regaining his composure and stepping through. Back in the Silver Siren, Tarquin was startled by the heroes’ sudden reappearance. The Obsidian Lantern, now spent, fell to the floor and shattered.