Chapter 17: The Hammerhead Shark

General Summary

The gang returned to the Royal Manor to discuss the details learned so far and reflect on their counterparts findings as well.
The royals were unable to gain entry to the Seat of the Empire, but learnt it was mostly empty, with a large detachment having moved over North, presumably to guard the newly activated Gate. Rei has assigned himself to keep an eye on all of the Empire's activities, while looking for a former convict.
Luanshi disclosed what happened to the convict after his delivery, the murder of the imperial assassin at the hands of the recipient of the package. The Royals disclosed additional details on the former convict, seemingly blamed for the Emperor's death after it occurred in a sparring match.  Neither Rei nor Jill believe matters to be so simple, or at least consider the crime to have been punished sufficiently by now.
The choice remained to head North, investigating the Empire's presence around the Gate, possible find the convict and meet up with the Flower Spirit. The alternative was to pursue Caerean, meeting up with a former imperial engineer along the way, and investigate the site where The Wolf's conquest was ended a few years back.
After much deliberating, the party chose to head North and pursue matters there first. Rei would join them for recon, while Faerus would tag along for the ride.
The party departed first thing in the morning. Just as they discussed how safe the roads had gotten recently, luck would have them attacked by an old acquaintance. This bandit, dubbed a Shark by Faerus, had attempted to rob Luanshi before, but was deterred by himself and Hana at the time.
The Hammerhead Shark was a tough nut to crack, bringing impactful strikes and tough defenses to the field, deterring most attacks until being overwhelmed by the sheer number of them. At the end of the day, the party sent the Shark packing and flying off into the distant star.
Rei returned to the gang, finding the devastation left by the fight. He lead the party to a vantage point, where they could witness the occupation of the Gate by the 'Empire'. After completing their survey, and concluding the Northern Frontier is now inaccessible. The party would venture to the Great Wood, so that they might visit the Flower Spirit and acquire a means to survey the Receptacle. Rei would remain behind to infiltrate the Empire.
As the party left the area, an old friend arrived to the Gate Camp. Da Vihd has come to challenge the Guardian.

Report Date

02 Apr 2022