Session 307 - The Pontiff's Emissary
General Summary
14th to 24th of Agrazhar 726TR
The Story So Far
Rycon has participated in the Soylana Assembly, a conference held to discuss the infamous Solora Crusade that may determine the future of the Order of the Lady of Paladins and the Church of Larani in the Kingdom of Kaldor.
He has been sent to locate the Pontiff's emissary, who should be at this meeting, but has not arrived as planned.
This is the continuation of Session 306 - The Assembly of Knights.
Location - Along Genin's Trial between in the Kingdoms of Kaldor and Chybisa.
Part 1 - Rusty Scarabs
The heroes continue following the tracks of the Larani Pontiff's emissary and bodyguards through the dangerous Setha Heath.
Soon, they spot a suspicious collection of skulls arranged in a circular pattern. Closer examination reveals although the skulls are old, they have been placed there recently, likely not long after the emissary passed by. Valeria detects dark magic, and the party concludes that this is a magical trap, likely positioned to catch the emissary's party when they return from whatever they are doing. Fortunately for the emissary, the heroes get too close and inadvertently spring the fiendish magical trap.
Concealed in the nearby shallow and stagnant pools are rusty scraps of metal. Malevolent elemental forces possess these, twisting the metal, forming scarab-like creatures with a rusty carapace and a human-shaped skull for a head. Emerging from the pools, they attack the heroes but prove surprisingly fragile. When damaged, their carapace cracks and emits a cloud of rust, concealing the elementals. However, the Rust Scarabs are eventually shattered; unfortunately, some of the characters may have developed a nasty case of tetanus.
Part 2 – The Emissary
Four knights in elaborate suits of armor with red and white surcoats protect a middle-aged priest who is studying a large stone statue shaped vaguely like a winged lion. The figure bears a superficial resemblance to the Laranian demigod Mendiz.
After the heroes are questioned and not deemed a threat, the priest introduces himself, Sir Thorweald Alhburg, agent of the Ethelanca (Larani church's Holy Office) and personal representative of the Sebrath (the Laranian Pontiff).
Rycon discretely asks what he is doing here since he is needed at the Soylana Assembly, which is currently underway. The foreign priest is shocked. The Bishop of Chybisa told him that the assembly had been delayed by a week and was only examining this possible holy site because he thought he had plenty of time to spare. He immediately abandons his investigation and makes for the assembly as fast as possible.
During the two-day trip to the City of Tashal, Rycon is questioned by Sir Thorweald about his experience during the Solora Crusade. In return, Rycon learns that the Pontiff is dissatisfied with Hârn's Primate, Kerthede Talvail, handling the situation. He says she is a frail, elderly, good, and well-meaning woman but easily bullied by the Grandmaster of the Order of the Lady of Paladins. He will be recommending changes.
Sir Thorweald is also a great admirer of Kaldor's King Minigath; he has ruled justly and peacefully, and his record of bringing prosperity to his people is unmatched. The elderly king will be missed when he passes on to the afterlife.
Location - City of Tashal the Kingdoms of Kaldor.
Part 3 – A Fateful Decision
The heroes and Sir Thorweald arrive at the Basilica of King Aidrik IV where the assembly is still meeting. The Pontiff's Emissary, theoretically a neutral observer, is greeted with due ceremony. The meeting concludes two days later.
Rycon judges that the chamber favors condemning the Solora Crusade and is sympathetic to founding a new Fighting Order. Still, any guidance from the Pontiff or Sir Thorweald and even better tacit approval would be needed to inspire any meaningful change. He provides it with a brief statement. "The Pontiff will not be disappointed by a decision made to the goddess Larani's principles of justice and honor." The chamber assumes that the Pontiff is in agreement and decides to leave the Order of the Lady of Paladins and create a new independent Fighting Order.
Over the next few weeks or months, they will sort out the details and consult with their sponsoring Clerical Order, the Order of the Spear of Shattered Sorrow who will likely be driven to form a new Clerical Order as well. The Hârnic Lirrath (Larani Primate) and the Lady of Paladin's Chabla (Grandmaster), Sir Enyel Trenoul, will be advised of their decision and the fact they will not be sending any aid to the Solora Crusade. Furthermore, they will officially condemn it.
Part 4 – A Duel of Honor
The men face off outside the temple entrance, flanked by dozens of knights, priests, and various notables. Unfortunately, it is an anticlimactic affair; although Rycon receives a few bruises, he soundly trounces Sir Armant.
At least the defeated knight shows good grace after his defeat.
Part 5 - The Fire Wizard
A decade ago, Argent Order brothers Halidon and Carvil uncovered a coven of fire-worshipping Agrik fanatics in a small settlement near Claydon Manor. They were dealt with; however, the events are murky. It appears the coven's leader burnt himself and everyone in his homestead alive rather than face justice. The locals at Claydon village avoid the charred ruins, believing it to be haunted. Khâl thinks they may be correct. Nevertheless, the villagers have occasionally spotted what he thinks is a remarkable fire elemental summoned by the cultists. A giant flaming scorpion-like monstrosity, its magical venom could enhance the heroes' equipment if the characters retrieve its stinger. Karl gives each character a Potion of Fire Resistance and warns them that they will probably need it.
Part 6 - Acolyte Goat
Location - Claydon Manor in the Kingdom of Kaldor.
Part 7 - Ghost of Sulfur
The party makes it to Claydon Manor without incident and is warned away from the burnt-out buildings half a mile from the village. The locals claim fire ghosts haunt it.
That appears true as they approach the charred remains of a small farmstead; a whirlwind of phantom flames appears, and four skeletons, wreathed in fire, rise from the ashes. The Combusted are destroyed. Among the wrecked building, they note the distinctive odor of brimstone, a smell commonly associated with the god Agrik, and two more corpses covered with smoldering sulfur emerge from the rubble. The Sulphur Zombie's touch causes scalding injuries, and the undead explodes in a choking cloud of brimstone and flame when eliminated.
Before the injured, and in some cases still smoldering, characters have a moment to rest, a much more dangerous terror emerges. Crawling out of the ground is a huge insect-like creature with two large serrated pincers, a hard rocky body that is glowing orange hot, and its venom-dripping stinger is aflame.
To be continued.
NPC Interactions
Sir Thorweald Alhburg, agent of the Ethelanca.
Sir Armant Hodshon.
Khâl.
Acolyte Goat - Priest of Ilvir and Alchemist.
Challenges
5 x Rust Scarabs.
4 x Combusted.
2 x Sulphur Zombies.
Rewards
Nothing this week
Created Content
Related Reports
Order of the Lady of Paladins.
Temple of Larani - Basilica of King Aidrik IV.
Order of the Lady of Paladins.
Player Characters
Valeria - Human Magical Experiment - L7 Shadow Sorcerer - Beastmaster.
Rycon - Human Rebel Knight - L7 Fighter - Liberator Champion.
Dryueh - 1/2 Elf Scout - L7 Thief Rogue - Vigilante/Medic.
Next Session
Solora Crusade
A genocidal Crusade currently being prosecuted by the Order of the Lady of Paladins, under the direction of Grandmaster Enyel Trenoul, against the primitive Solori Barbarians.
This vicious campaign has disenchanted many in the church. Some even consider it dishonorable and heretical.
Rycon
Dryueh
Valeria
Order of the Lady of Paladins
Order of the White Hand
Order of the Yellow Hand
Esoterical Order of Lothrim
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