Posted: 19 December 2021 (reading time: 5 minutes; 897 words)
Recap by Arash Shahangian and Joel Hermann
Asgarday∂a stays at The Drowning Serpent. The group sleeps well that night, nourished in dreams by visitations. Nadira shows herself to Belnirith, saying “They’re coming.” Moradin reveals himself to Laguza. Thor visits Vyshka. They all express their approval for Asgarday∂a’s efforts. But upon awakening, Burly, the tallish dwarf proprietor of The Drowning Serpent, informs them that the city of Vogsal is on edge.
In the aftermath of the Battle for Vogsal, the citizens are frightened and unsettled, caught between an assault from monstrous, otherworldly Horrors and an invasion from frost giants; the battle between Edgar’s forces and Vali’s army. Some of Edgar’s troops remain loyal to the deceased Harold the Bloody. Vali’s troops are disturbed by the arrival of the horrors summoned by Lüngr during the battle. Frost giants are far preferable to those monstrosities!
Asgarday∂a begin a whisper campaign to counter the discontent among Edgar’s remaining men. Belnirith and Vyshka begin at the temple where Vali is convening with Edgar’s/Harold’s lieutenants. With the help of thaumaturgy and prestidigitation, Belnirith begins a rhythmic chant/ritual of Ceremony and delivers a rousing speech rallying support for Vali and his cause and warning against aligning with those (Harold and Lüngr) who would bring such Horrors to achieve their ends. In a dramatic flourish, Belnirith slashes her hand, smears it on her face, and offers her blood to Odin. Those who were witness to this were moved by her words and fervor.
Laguza spends time among the people. She confronts those who malign the frost giants, pointing out the far greater danger posed by the beasts (the Gugs), summoned by Lüngr from beyond. Bersi takes Greunthrn to a hut for ceremony with three scouts under his command. Greunthrn is inducted as a scout in Vali’s army. He is given a capability that Bersi asks Greunthrn to keep secret, Bersi’s Shield.
Towards evening, Vyshka asks Belnirith for Viggo to spend more time with him, as she misses being with the creatures of the forest. Belnirith gladly agrees, having also noticed Viggo’s growing trust and loyalty to Vyshka. And, though Belnirith wouldn’t openly admit it, she feels some relief. Viggo’s a lot… Meanwhile, Vyshka delights in playing with the young dire wolf in the nearby forest.
In the distance, the frost giants toss Laguza around like one of the massive dice she made for them. A high-pitched “Weeeee!” can be heard from far away.
Greunthrn and Belnirith hang out in a tavern, hearing the grumblings of the locals. Drunk, Belnirith calls them all cowards, which falls on deaf, drunk, terrified ears. Greunthrn employs much greater tact and convinces them that our combined forces will have the power to face the Horrors from beyond. This has an empowering and calming effect on the crowd.
Later that evening, a war council is held in the temple and Vali asks Asgarday∂a in a tongue-in-cheek manner about their willingness to “rob graves”, to help pay for the immense cost of sustaining a growing army. Osk explains: Yri, a great warlock pledged to the Evil beyond, died long ago, though his great hall in the Shadowlow Mountains remains. He was rumored to have amassed great wealth. Every year, adventurers go there to plunder it. None have returned. Osk, however, believes Asgarday∂a could do it successfully. It pains Vali to ask this of the group but acknowledges the need for funding for the military campaign to continue. The treasure would be of great help in persuading the remaining men in Edgar’s army to join the cause.
All but Laguza have heard of Yri as a great and evil warlock. Greunthrn had heard rumors of apparitions and strange creatures protecting his home and that he might still be there.
So Asgarday∂a, always up for a challenge (and reward) set off in the morning for the Shadowlow Mountains just north of Vogsal. The first day is cold, but uneventful. They follow the path well. The weather worsens on the next day, windier, making it difficult finding the path, but they manage successfully keep on track. The following day, also cold and windy, finds the group followed by the copper warbler again. Belnirith sends Asja to deliver it a written note of greeting.
Later that day, they arrive at a large, one-story mansion in ruin. Belnirith sends Asja to hover around the perimeter and warn them of pending danger from outside. Asgarday∂a then step foot into the ruined mansion. In the first room, 3 apparitions appear from the floor and loudly moan “Come join our collection of bones.” As the battle ensues, a banshee enters the room but is destroyed before she ever had the chance to inflict her wail upon the group. After defeating their foes, they find 5 skeletons from 60-600 years old, 800gp, 3 diamonds worth 100gp each, and a Ring of Feather Falling. The ring is given to Greunthrn, being the party scout. In the neighboring room, presumably the banshee’s, Belnirith finds a pouch/purse approx. 400-500 years old containing 100gp, and a ruby necklace worth 25gp.
In the next room, Asgarday∂a encounter a carrion crawler and 3 larvae (carrion stalkers). While the others deal with the carrion stalkers, Laguza single-handedly defeats the crawler, eventually cleaving it in two but not without sustaining significant damage from the stalker that was attached to her. The embattled group then decide to take a short rest.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Filed under