Goodberries For Days
As they left the dungeon of graves, it had been a perfect night for stargazing; no snow and a clear sky. The morning of the 22nd of Zhira, brings frost but a hint of warmer weather. The Shrike’s chosen talk about heading back to New Czira for supplies or heading back into the dungeon. They decided to make the journey south, the need for stronger equipment outweighing the dangers of letting the dungeon sit without them. The weather continued to warm as they were nearing the final travel for the day, crossing the bridge over the Wild Edge River, they noticed a Gylidder made boat traveling rather quickly down the river. Some wish to just continue on with their journey but a couple others, Vai’len in particular, thought it would be great to do something nice with all the death and malice they have dealt with.
They were going to make camp near the river, well across the area from where Lothar, Kaertas and the fallen Tumeti had encountered Vampire Simrath, and thought that a couple of them could try to make contact with the boat. The two sneaky individuals, Mogg and Vai’len, head out to at least keep an eye out for the boat as they could be hostile. Mogg and Vai’len practically disappeared into the trees while the others set camp. The boat was being rapidly rowed by four aethrin, two humans and two half-orcs, with shields and weapons at their sides, but they could see an older woman lying on her back in the boat. Her chestnut hair had been tied back, showing tan skin that had lightened during the winter and visible signs of aging softened by makeup. The woman’s hand looked weak, gripping the weapon across her chest.
The two two observers discussed if they should stop the boat, they seemed to be moving at a clip so they needed to decide quickly. Vai’len points out that if they know about the vampire or not, they could gain some favor. Mogg called out to the boat as friendly as they could. The woman in the boat read his genuine attitude and told the rowers to pull to the side. They quickly move the boat upon the bank, taking armed positions around the older woman. Meregen Pye and her crew were bringing supplies from
W'harra Temal Demar to Zelkor’s Ferry. They had been doing this since the Brume had receded about a couple months ago. Meregen ran Zelkor’s Ferry’s general store with her husband. Even with the limited window she had to make it past the vampire, she wished to meet with Mogg’s travel companions. Heading back, Vai'len, who had been hiding the entire time, makes sure the group back at camp is aware of the guests.
At camp, they both discuss what they were doing in the area. Mogg being a bit more deceptive as to not share their task with Ms. Pye. They share the map of the general area, noting the potential of trade with a group of representatives from Kor at the bee cave but avoiding Rappan Athuk or mention of New Czira. Meregen and the two mercenaries that accompanied her returned to their boat as it was getting late. Another clear and cold night. The last infusion of Xantrix’s faded, as Nam created a cart to pull the contents of the bag.
Over the next few days nothing assaults the group as they travel the same path some of them had traveled before on multiple occasions. Crossing the Droellog river on the 25th of Zhira, Sinestra shares where they hail from. The druid had traveled from Rilumir, tasked by their patron Rathas. She shares that the untouched forests and land of this area have been nice and that they love the hunt. Unfortunately, in the dungeon they have been the prey. Before they head off for rest, Lothar cures Kaertas of his curse. Each of them had gotten stronger and Lothar was now able to help their companion. In the dwindling clouds, the pillars of Brume off into the distance move and swirl as if responding to Lothar’s prayer to Vrokíva. Something in Kaertas responded, as fur immediately sprouted across his body then as quickly as it appeared it fell out, leaving him itchy.
The last day of travel was also uneventful, the entire trip seemed almost idyllic. As they traversed across the hills that dotted the area around New Czira, they noticed the constant patrols of Wights. Climbing the last hill, they could see that winter crops were being planted in fresh farmlands near the newly reinforced walls of the town. The guards let the group in and as they entered, Inako was standing in her doorway, the billowing steam still behind her. She was dressed rather impressively in a deep purple and black outfit. As Kaertas starts to talk, Mogg slightly pushes him forward, causing the wizard to trip. It was plain to see, even for the less observant, that Kaertas rather liked the Prime Thrall.
They all discussed what they had found, but before all of this Inako asked about the Architect but they have not found their quarry yet. When the note and gemstone intended for the Oracle was brought out, Inako and Bago discuss if it could be the same Oracle from Tsar. Even by Tsar’s standards they were an ancient undead. They had sacrificed their life for knowledge to the Master and had been so important to Tsar that they kept them a secret behind closed doors and Inako stressed that if we were to stumble upon them then they should make sure to ask them questions.
Mogg asked about Sarack and Inako warned that they were known to be both strong physically and magically. They all take note. Moving on, Inako is shown the broom and after a quick demonstration she purchased the magical broom out of her own gold. Bago informs them all that their stores will have a fresh shipment of goods in about a month and that they will finally have more items that could rival larger cities. The new teleportation circle was shared and they discussed how it would be a great tool to send reinforcements and to survive the travels across the area.
After they had settled their affairs most of the adventurers headed to place the Shrike’s people had prepared for them. Kaertas had other ideas. He approached Bago wanting to know if they could purchase some spells and Bago laughed and explained that Inako would be the one to offer those items. As Bago was explaining that Inako was a Grand Master Necromancer, Kaertas could only stare at the visage of Inako at her cabin. The wizard asks about clothing and Bago outfits him with fancy clothing in the same style that is worn in Kaedo. The quartermaster also shares that Kaertas shouldn’t dither. It is obvious to him that Inako is looking for friends and that she hates the undead.
With this new found wisdom, Kaertas heads to Inako’s cabin. It is awkward and rather cute but Kaertas asks for specific spells and as a skilled wizard, Inako has them all. He then asks her for dinner and she agrees. That evening, Mogg hunts, Sinestra prepares and Dr. Carric flavors a pretty amazing meal for the two of them. Inako opens up, sharing that they are from Kaedo and that they all have something in common, being victims of the Shrike.
Meanwhile, Lothar’s brother steps off Falcon’s Fury and heads to him. Hogar looks to be in good health but doesn’t see much sunlight. Lothar’s brother smells like death and it makes sense; he is tasked with sorting out the bodies in the boughs of the ship to create the undead army. Hogar leaves the bodies for the Shrike to raise and the Shrike does it with merely a thought. Out of the corner of his eye, Hogar, has glimpsed the birdlike form-more bone than flesh, a creature not of the natural world. Back at the boat, the freshly raised Madman climbs out onto the dock, Hogar's notes the summons and leaves Lothar but not before imparting “Our house is as strong as we are, we must make something here, we will meet again.”
The next morning, they discuss taking Fredd, they plan on teleporting directly to the dungeon via the star shaped room’s teleportation circle and thought it would be more of a hassle and danger for them to take the donkey. Leaving their companion for New Czira to care for, they step upon the circle in Inako’s cabin. Instantly they are surrounded with more ghasts and ghouls.
