Session 18
Grim Tidings
Grim Tidings
Meeting up with Mirrus and his family outside the marekt they attempt to leave the city in secret. Unfortunately they were unable to completely avoid detection and ended up getting in a slight scuffle with a scout patrol outside. They also failed to prepare properly for the chill of higher elevation, where their destination was located.
After a tiring and treacherous journey they found themselves in a volcanic area. Avoiding traps and natural hazards they were soon surprised by a tall beast-man. With the body of a man and the head of a bull, the mythical minotaur.
Introducing himself as Kalkorin, a lietenant in Sortar's army, he asks them to leave their weapons and equipment before he takes them to their camp. He also explains that he must blindfold them to keep the location a secret.
The group agrees, leaving Rexar's companion behind to watch their things. They are led in circles, disorienting them, for about two hours before having their blindfolds removed. They are at the edge of a solidifying volcanic river that surrounds an island, with their camp on it. It holds hundreds of people.
Sortar is thankful for their freing of Mirrus and his family but is not yet ready to trust them. He asks them to free a slave girl from a noble who is headed north, at the request of Mirrus' daughter.
after agreeing to the deed, their equipment is returned to them and they are given directions to a secret route that will lead them to their quarry.
Morhen quickly takes out the two scouts meant to screen off any attackers. They maneuver themselves upwind so as not to startle the animals and then attack. Two half-giants and a few elven peddlers confront them. They waded into battle not thinking they would be much of a challenge but quickly found out otherwise.
The half-giants were twirling dealers of death with their dragonfists. The peddlers used their trikal effectively and when the scribe came out slinging his psychic templar effects they found themselves in a tough position.
At one point Zyel attempted to threaten the rest by pulling out the Praetor and threatening his life. It did not work. So Zyel knocked him unconscious.
They were, however, able to overcome in the end by the skin of their teeth. Inside the tent is the girl they were looking for. After rousing the Praetor he begged for his life. Some were concerned with him getting revenge so they murdered him to keep him silent.
While recovering in Sortar's camp, in his personal tent, they are invited to join him. He explains that he wants their help for his greatest endeavor. He then points to Altaruk on a map.
The group tries to persuade him to reconsider. He tells them that a dwarf, in touch with the elements has convinced them, and others, to carry out this attack so that they may free all the salves, as was done in Tyr.
Using logic and empathy, the group, finally made some headway in dissuading him from this plan. He agreed to not participate in the attacks, but neither would he help the city.
They rushed back to Altaruk to warn Mahlanda.