Session 224 - Fire Storm

General Summary

2^nd to 15^th Halane (Second month of Autumn) 724TR

The story so far

The heroes have saved the life of Sir Beroldus Himaldy, the Lord of Derula Manor, and returned to him a priceless relic belonging to his distant ancestors.

The noble has asked the characters what he can do to repay their bravery, and Odin says he would like to become a knight.

This is the continuation of Session 221 - The Missing Knight.

Location - Derula Manor and Castle Sarkum, in the Kingdom of Kanday.

Part 1 - A Knight

Sir Beroldus, art by Artbreeder

Odin's request for knighthood stuns Sir Beroldus Himaldy. After careful consideration, he may be willing to help, as it is not unknown for common soldiers of the Order of the Checkered Shield to be raised to knighthood, specifically to the rank of Knight Bachelor. However, he sets the following conditions.

Sir Beroldus, must have the permission of his liege lord Earl Ranald Milaka or his heir Prince Anaflas Milaka.
Odin must get permission from Sir Syman Tolfane, the Commander of Odin's Military Order.
If those requirements are met, Sir Beroldus will take Odin into his service and train him in knightly virtues. He will confer knighthood when he is satisfied that he has achieved an acceptable standard of piety, honor, and virtue.

Ranald, art by Artbreeder

Sir Beroldus and Odin travel to Castle Sarkum to meet with Earl Ranald Milaka. The Earl, who has recently spoken with his son Analfas, is aware of Odin's involvement in putting an end to a potential royal spy ring. He also appreciates Odin's help dealing with a range of threats in his Earldom and his colony on Anfla Island.

He approves Odin's request and will not object if he is to be made a knight. He even hints that there may be lands for new lords available on Anfla Island or after a future war with the kingdom's more aggressive neighbors. The Earl fears war is inevitable.

Location - On the road between Castle Heroth and Castle Quivum in the Kingdom of Kanday.

Part 2 - Lepers on Fire

Odin and his friends decide to travel north to Castle Menekod to ask for its commander's permission to be knighted. On their way, they spot trouble.

by Lorine Shambtel, art by Artbreeder

The kingdom's forests are parched, the Autumn rains are late, so it is no surprise to the characters that they see smoke in the distance. A forest fire is moving in their direction, but should be easy to avoid. However, on closer inspection people, appear trapped within the smoke and flames. A priestess of Peoni dressed in burnt, yellow robes runs towards the heroes. "Please help. Pilgrims are trapped in the fires." They rush toward the smoke to assist.

It becomes immediately evident the "pilgrims" are around a dozen lepers being escorted by five priestesses and acolytes of Peoni. Pelnala (Abbess) Lorine Shambrel leads them; unfortunately, she is trapped far back in the conflagration after refusing to abandon her charges. The heroes spring into action, avoid falling flaming trees, random explosions, burning grass, and risking smoke inhalation.

Odin creates fire breaks preventing the fire from cutting off the victim's escape and clearing pathways free of combustible materials. Abaddon races in, leading overwhelmed pilgrims and priestesses to safety. He also guides several draft horses through the flames. Meanwhile, Remy uses his sorcery to save the trapped people with his transportation spells (Dimension Door and Thunder Step). The characters save all but two of the lepers and one priestess.

The survivors are escorted to the nearest settlement for care. Abbess Lorine is thankful for the character's help and but has nothing to offer but her blessing. They learn that her abbey plans to start a small leper colony as there are few such facilities in the western kingdoms. Apparently, in the Kingdom of Rethem, the Church of Morgath operates a charity to care for lepers on an isolated island near the City of Golotha. Very few who visit this island are ever seen again.

Location - Castle Menekod in the Kingdom of Kanday.

Part 3 - A Meeting with the Knight Commander

Grandmaster Syman, art by Artbreeder

Odin returns to the Checkered Shield's fortress of Menekod, catches up with old friends in the order, and then meets with the Chabla (Grandmaster), Sir Syman Tolfane. Sir Syman is impressed with Odin's achievements and recommendations, so he will not stand in the way if Sir Beroldus deems him worthy of knighthood. A small number of Checkered Knights have been raised from common soldiers; this is something the Chabla approves of. Exceptional, battle-proven warriors should be given the opportunity to advance to a higher station in life.

However, Sir Syman has a situation Odin's talents may be perfect for. The Earl of Selvos has a problem that may cause significant "diplomatic" issues with the unstable Kingdom of Rethem if not dealt with quickly.

The Company of the Copper Hook and the Order of the Fuming Gate constantly cause problems; apart from vicious raids, they sometimes use dark rituals to drive their older or sick wardogs berserk. These rabid hounds are sent across the border to cause considerable havoc. An exceptionally skilled priest of the Fuming Gate can sometimes imbue the beasts with demonic spirits creating what is referred to as Hell Hounds. Several of these fiends have been attacking villages and the mines to the north of Castle Selvos. The Earl believes that a group of Agrikian priests creating these beasts is based somewhere in Altona Forest. He would like the Checkered Shield to them deal with it. Otherwise, he will send a military force across the borders to stop the mischief himself.

Location - Altona Forest, between Selvos and Henwe, in the Kingdom of Rethem.

Part 4 - Fiery Dogs of War

At night the heroes stealthfully cross the border into Altona Forest. After midnight they spot movement, a small band of half a dozen Woodsmen are patrolling. The heroes quickly ambush and kill them. One of the men attempts to send out a flaming arrow as a signal but is cut down before he gets the chance. Nevertheless, they prepare another ambush and fire a flaming arrow themselves to attract the attention of their enemies.

Their ploy works. Minutes later, they see two hideous dogs approach, large flaming brutes. The characters quickly kill the Hell Hounds but see no sign of any priests of the Fuming Gate or Copper Hook warriors.

To be continued.