Session 5 - The Plot Thickens (Everyone)

For untold eras the heav'nly host on mortals
Withheld their dread power with watchful eyes
Abriell called to council, the champions nine
With pitying eyes, the wasting host of Tal'dorei
The dragon, in her majesty, thus began.

SESSION INSPIRATION AWARDS: Everyone earns Inspiration

After driving off Scurris and Darkfury and returning to the Rusty Slot, the group ponders their next move.  They spend an enjoyable night with the locals and retire for the evening.

While the group rests, mysterious notes are delivered.

First, a letter is delivered by the Rusty Slot staff to Aemeyt, containing the tight, precise script of his aide, Lenshal Highmoon.  Amongst other things, Syngorn High Command is expecting an update.  To Daang, a mysterious letter from her supposedly dead mother ... she's resettled in Byroden and is experiencing problems with hobgoblins associated with something called the "Mailed Fist." And finally, Syndi drafts a letter to her mother about her half-brother Wulkax.  A fiery response comes back immediately, burning into the parchment in the hand of her own mother.  She doesn't know too much about Wulkax, but the news about Lorkax's possible abduction causes great concern for her.

After the party reveals what they have learned, they decide to return to the tower in the Turst Fields, as Abriell asked.  Boarding the Black Manta, Ixta instructs her crew to head back home.

When they arrive, Khor Oreheart greets them at the drawbridge.  He is unusually serious.

"She's expecting you.  All of you."

After heading through the tower to the main chamber, a huge, golden portal opens; the pathway to Abriell's domain is open.  They step through.  Abriell awaits the heroes in her demesne, where she greets them warmly.  She speaks.

Abriell, in her full glory, awaits the party.

"Greetings, heroes.  I am pleased to see you returned, whole and healthy.  Usiris tells me of your exploits often.  He is very fond of you.  He has told me also what transpired in Kymal, under the city.  You all did well to hold off Scurris and Darkfury; they are formidable.  One of you fell, though returned by my champion's hand.  My dear Krak, I am sorry for what happened.  I mean not your death ... " 

Grandfather Krak looks to Abriell in surprise. 

"I had guessed that the dragon's agents would apprehend you.  The formula you carried was false.  It should set them back, at least for a time.  Faithful Krak, please forgive my deception ... they had to believe you.  I withdrew my grace in order to further sell the ruse.  You are not abandoned, dear Krak.  Welcome home." 

Krak looks confused, but relieved.  He falls to his knees, and professes his undying love for Abriell. 

"I believe it is time, heroes, for you to know the forces arrayed against us.  Some time ago, a dragon from the Far Realm found its way to our world.  This 'void dragon' is a threat to all life.  He seeks one thing: to rebalance this world and reshape it in his own twisted image. 

"To achieve this, I believe this void dragon intends to break open the Divine Gate separating the mortal races from the Gods.  But not the Gods of Good. 

"No, he plans to unleash the Betrayer Gods.  Doing so would unleash hordes of demons upon this world.  This horde would overrun all defenses and savage every kingdom.  All mortal life would perish. 

"In its wake, the demons would hold total sway over this realm.  This would provoke a response from the Devils of the multiverse; hellfire would rain upon this world and, if the void dragon is right, reset the scales.  He would be the most powerful being on the planet, and creation would be his alone. 

"To break the Divine Gate requires immense resources, though.  He already has a few of the items he needs: The Well of Many Worlds, The Book of Vile Darkness, and The Talisman of Ultimate Evil. 

"But he does not have everything he requires.  We still have time.  We must find out what he lacks and get to it first. 

"We know he needs a powerful Ethereal Salve, but we have planted a fake for him.  The real salve was stolen by the villain Ozrick Dunn, who gave it to his infernal master, Lord Dispater, who rules the second layer of Hell. 

"I fear we are in dire peril.  If the void dragon succeeds, all life will end.  Time is of the essence.  We need to gather our allies and discover what else he requires to complete his profane rite.  We can still stop him, heroes.  Will you help me?"

Abriell's plea with the heroes complete, she offers them her most powerful gifts.

For Ixta, a psychic rapier and a cat's grace.
For Allen, unerring accuracy with his baleful firearms.
For Daang, unrivaled strength.
For Guy, a ring to protect himself and a silver tongue.
For Herbie, a magical stone that absorbs and converts magical energy.
For Aemeyt, the wisdom of centuries.
For Syndi, a wicked black scepter and arcane knowledge.
For Daltonya, wrappings of power and a seer's insight.
And for Usiris, her most faithful servant, her heavenly warmth and ownership of the Tower.

After Abriell bestows her gifts, the party departs for Syngorn to look for lost information and also so Aemeyt can report to his superiors in Elven Intelligence.  Before they depart, Dreg, First Claw of the Akmul pulls Ixta aside.  He has dire warnings of a mutiny led by another officer, Air Pirate Lamella, a tabaxi that has flown with Ixta for quite some time.  Ixta calls Lamella into her cabin and intimidates her easily.  Lamella, cocky at first, backs down and offers her service for her life.  Ixta accepts, and the crew takes off for the elven fortress of Syngorn located far to the south.

The beauty of Syngorn is hard to deny.

Upon arriving in Syngorn, the ship is allowed to dock and carriages take the party through the winding streets of the elven capital.  It is a wonder to behold.

"Welcome home, my lord."

They are met by Aemeyt's assistant, a pretty elf named Lenshal Highmoon.  She escorts them through the Gwelunir estate; a modest estate by elven standards, but palatial to the party.  A fine dinner is had, and Lenshal arranges transport to the Sea Elf's Shanty near the docks, where the party, minus Aemeyt, will rest.  Aemeyt bids them all adieu and the carriages take them to the rowdy dock district and retires for the evening with Lenshal.  The Sea Elf's Shanty is a sturdy, if run-down, establishment owned by Aemeyt's father.  After some disconcerting conversation with his father (who apparently doesn't have a high opinion of his own son), the party is left to their own devices.  Some go pub crawling, others rest.  Guy attempts to infiltrate the high-security elven ward where Aemeyt's estate is, but fails spectacularly.  He is escorted out by guards in a friendly but firm manner.

In the morning, the party reconvenes and heads into the military district.  It's an imposing place, with sweeping architecture and heavily armed guards.  They head into the largest building are taken upstairs to meet with Aemeyt's superior.  The Inspector General Volandris, resplendent in golden armor, is friendly with Aemeyt and quizzes the group on what's been going on.  The party fills him in on what they've seen.

"Good to see you, Aemeyt.  Tell me what's been happening."

The Inspector General suggests they spend some time in library.  If they can find something useful, they can try to beat the void dragon with it!  But alas, the party finds nothing.

After the group returns, the Inspector General mentions that a tome was lost and another cube found.  This has just been reported by another agent ... one Aemeyt may know well.  Inquisitor Veld has returned and is now tasked with guiding the party to the ruins where the cube ... and the tome, hopefully, lie.  Veld hates Aemeyt, which isn't helpful.  The party resolves to head to the ruins.

Inquisitor Veld, a drow, is a rare sight in Syngorn.