Following Threads

Gathering / Conference

The party follows the clues found in The Black Spider's journal south to Asteros.

• As the party travels back to Everfield, end destination being Rivercairn to report in with Theodoric, the party encounters one of the Empire's Kingsglaive known as "Black Wolf" due to his armor and he is accompanied by a small group of soldiers. This initial meeting is cold, the Kingsglaive brushing off any pleasantries but ordering his men to stand down when they try to apprehend Otto.
• That night the Black Wolf appears at the party's campsite and has a much more cordial conversation - revealing he knew the rumors about them, the "Heroes of Rivercairn" and asks for any information they have about the group that attacked the three capital cities; he then departs after letting Otto know his family had survived the attack.
• Party passes through Everfield, collects belongings they left for safe-keeping. Midna says her goodbyes and accompanies the party to Rivercairn.
• After arriving in Rivercairn the party goes to meet with Theodoric while Midna goes to visit her mother.
• Party reports events to Theodoric, including how to access Wave Echo Cave. Reviewing the journal with Theodoric the party learns of the Order of the End - one of multiple cults that worship a deity with an unknown name but many titles. Plan is made for the party to head south to Asteros to investigate, Theodoric sends letter of introduction ahead to the Archbishop.
• Over dinner the party asks Midna if she'd like to go with them, but she declines stating she'll remain in Rivercairn to help take care of her mother.
• The party's journey to the capital of Asteros, Heavensreach, takes a few days going at a fast pace. Along the way they pass people who are fleeing rumors of a mysterious fog that came out from the Forest of Whispers.
• Arriving in Heavensreach they are escorted to the Grand Cathedral to meet with the Archbishop - having to sit through a long morning mass before meeting with him. During the meeting the Archbishop welcomes their assistance, and gives them some information on the history of the Forest of Whispers.
• On their way out of the city the party is taught a cautionary poem called "Beware the Forest Folk" by one of the gate guards.
• The party makes their way to one of the camps monitoring the fog wall - which has expanded from the forest in all directions out to 10 miles - they learn that anything that goes in hasn't come out. After a few minor tests, the party bravely(?) enters the fog - and finds themselves in a forest bathed in twilight.