Author: Dennis

Previously, the heroes returned to the Careless Wanderer after discovering the Book of Woe in the library of the Newport Vault. It did not take long before Epidemius found them in their dreams while in the disguise of father Devon, as he had done before. He made another attempt to convince the heroes to return the book to him.

Seventh Day, Second Ride, Autumn Twilight, 1262

(Silvermoon is waning, Bloodmoon is in low sanction, Darkmoon is waxing)

It was just after eleventh bell when the heroes gathered in Emrys’ luxurious room to discuss their second visitation from Epidemius. In contrast to the snow that was falling on Emrys’ balcony, the room itself was warm and comfortable.

Having come up with an idea of trapping Epidemius in his own Book of Woe, Chakuq asked Luca whether Blackstar was forced into the staff. Luca checked in with Blackstar, who said he went “Willingly, gladly. It was an hour.” It quickly became clear that the knowledge of how to achieve that was known by only a precious few. Blackstar shared that the dwarves of Ard Thoradun were able to transfer a soul into an object, and Luca suggested visiting Dagran Forgewright, the unofficial ambassador to the dwarven thanedom in Kingsport.

An inspection of Maltorius’ spell book gave the heroes the insight that it was filled with variations on one particular necromantic spell. Quentin mused that it may be a spell which is tailored to different subjects, while Luca wondered whether it was not an evolution of the same spell.

The conversation became quite steeped in magical theory and Neamhan started to disassociate from it and decided she wanted to visit Lady Commander Miranda and her griffon Frostfeather. Luca seemed to disapprove of Neamhan’s lack of focus on Epidemius and flippantly pointed to the balcony and suggested she fly out to find Frostfeather. Neamhan did not feel confident enough to ask the Lady Commander for permission, and Astrid took her by the arm and marched her out the door, determined to support Neamhan’s endeavour by taking her to see Lady Commander Miranda.

While Astrid and Neamhan went to the Crownsguard garrison, Emrys, Luca, and Chakuq went to the Circle of Magi, hoping to speak to Réonan about the possibility of trapping Epidemius, and the process that the Senhandrim used to transfer their souls to objects and arms. Chakuq mentioned that the College of Bards might also be a useful source of lore, but decided to wait until later to revisit. In the meantime, Falka would use her connections at the Library of Ioun to see if she could research the rituals used by the Senhadrim from a historical perspective. And lastly, Quentin would make his way to Dr. Arkenward’s to seek guidance.

When Astrid and Neamhan arrived at the garrison they were given quick access to the inner courtyard where Lady Commander Miranda was overseeing the grooming of Frostfeather by the griffon handlers. While Astrid was talking to the commander about the state of the kingdom, Neamhan was observing Frostfeather until her attention was drawn by a woman carrying a baby. She was wearing a dark, cowled robe and sandals, had a slender face and a sickly pale complexion. The woman walked into a guard room and Neamhan followed. The child she held in filthy hands was equally sickly, with a swollen belly and strange black hair growing on the rough skin of its shoulders.

The mother rejected Neamhan’s offer of spare clothing to help keep her and the baby warm. Speaking in an archaic form of High Lyrian, she introduced herself as Virulencia and it became clear that she was the sister of Epidemius. She tried to convince Neamhan to give her the Book of Woe. She would take it away, and she would “take [her] plaguemaidens away.” Virulencia tried to appeal to Neamhan’s sense of motherhood, hugging her own, deformed child closely, suggesting that working with her would save the lives of many of Kingsport’s children. Neamhan was confused and said she had no children, which Virulencia dismissed in a way that left Neamhan somewhat shaken. Virulencia, scorned, quietly retreated and disappeared.

Once Frostfeather was fed Neamhan worked up the courage to ask whether she could hunt with him and the commander consented. Neamhan found a quiet place to transfigure into the wild shape of a peregrine falcon, and the two of them took off. They zoomed across the skies above Kingsport, chasing each other, as well as bullying some of the crownsguard griffon riders.

Luca, Emrys, and Chakuq first made their way to the Correntine ward, where they found the College of Bards. The amphitheatre in front of the large building of the college was empty, which was unusual. Even in the winter students could often be found studying and practicing there, but the weather was simply too cold and bleak for anyone to leave the comfort of the warm halls inside.

The heroes walked the halls of the college and came across students composing, practicing, and debating. When the found Lord Andrew’s luxurious chambers, they found them a mess, with a servant by the name of Mathilde, a stern, older lady who tended to Andrew, tidying up while they spoke with Andrew as he was getting ready to start his day.

Chakuq put the horse-hide book he had retrieved from the Newport library in front of Andrew, who studied it briefly before concluding that the book was written in the ancient language of celestials. The book described how all of creation was a composition of songs, each of which was either in harmony or discord with the rest, and together it made up a symphony. Andrew and Chakuq made a bargain; Andrew would be allowed to study the book, in return for organising an audience with Le Papillon, the infamous headmaster of the college. The heroes hoped that he would be able to shed more light on some of the legends of the Senhadrim.

When Quentin arrived at the Arkenward manse in Old Town, the door was opened by Darla, the curly-haired halfling servant that ran the household. Quentin was welcomed in and was greeted by Vydia in the kitchen of the manse. Vydia could explained that Dr. Arkenward had not been doing well with his recovery due to the curse that Epidemius placed on the city. Despite this, Quentin saw and spoke with Dr. Arkenward about the possibility of Epidemius being bound to an object in order to trap him, or bound to this plane in order to defeat him.

Previously, the heroes discovered that Falka had found the Book of Woe in the library of the Newport vault. While searching for the books Neamhan found an interesting text burnt on a piece of bark, Chakuq found a compelling book made of horse hide, and Luca discovered the spellbook of Maltorius, Blackstar’s archnemesis who the staff wanted to vanquish in return for his obedience. When the heroes returned to the Careless Wanderer they found that Ser Croy was waiting for them bearing an invitation, and they were visited by Epidemius, in the disguise of father Devon, once again.

Seventh Day, Second Ride, Autumn Twilight, 1262

(Silvermoon is waning, Bloodmoon is in low sanction, Darkmoon is waxing)

Epidemius sat at the same table as the heroes, cloaked in the disguise of father Devon, as he had done before. It was clear that he was aware the heroes had found and retrieved the Book of Woe, and he was willing to trade with them in order to reacquire it. It did not take long for Quentin to realise that he was dreaming, and soon after the other heroes realised the same; he was once again utilising Pazuzu’s dreamweb to visit them.

Epidemius promised the heroes many things in return for the book; one boon, one question, a promise to not influence the material plane, and to not use the Book of Woe on any mortal. He repeatedly mentioned that the only thing that mattered was “the great desolation” in which everything was consumed, and that demons were his “only adversary.” Luca entertained the idea of striking a deal, emboldened by his recent success in outwitting a minor fiend, but Quentin and Neamhan opposed that musing immediately.

Frustrated, Epidemius stated that waiting for his return on Second Day, Third Ride, Autumn Twilight, 1262 would only bring about hundreds of deaths and ultimately accomplish nothing. Chakuq suppressed his very real fear and walked Epidemius to the door, saw him out, and closed the door behind him.

Once Epidemius had left, Quentin immediately challenged Luca about his willingness to negotiate with the fiend, but the young warlock claimed only to want to keep Epidemius talking in order to gain more information. Chakuq shared a saying from his people that roughly translated to Epidemius being the equivalent of spoiled food; his words were corrupted and offered nothing.

Venting her frustration, Neamhan questioned why the gods would ignore the prayers of their followers and not interfere. Quentin claimed that the gods did intervene in mortal matters, and that his being in Kingsport was a sign of their intervention. Quentin claimed that a small part of the gods could be found in everyone, and they exercised their will through them. Neamhan rejected that idea, and asserted that her magic was her own and not fuelled by the divine.

Neamhan was the first to awaken and found that Ser Croy was asleep in a big chair close to one of the hearths. Epidemius’ dream had already taken them when Quentin had sent the old knight upstairs to sleep in his room it seemed. Lauryn was already awake and preparing the tavern for the day, and Neamhan decided to help out.

Around dawn, all except Emrys woke up. Astrid strolled in, covered in snow, fresh from a trip up the river, ready for breakfast. The banquet that was being organised in Quentin’s honour came up, as did Dame Pauline’s investigations into Quentin’s background. When Quentin suggested that Dame Pauline might only be loyal to his lord father rather than to him, Astrid tried to divorce him of that notion.

“I hope Heimdall graced you with a big cock, Quentin, because he certainly was not generous when he gave you brains.”
– Astrid Sigurðardóttir

By the time that Emrys finally awoke at ninth bell, everyone joined him in his room to discuss the plan to deal with Epidemius. Falka joined for that conversation. Neamhan explained to the others that she was possibly able to bind Epidemius to the mortal plane. Luca suggested that her attempt could be boosted by using one of the lyrium crystals that the heroes still had. Neamhan picked a blue crystal, which would help abjuration magic, and she was keen to grab a dark violet one.

The topic of names came up when Luca suggested knowing Epidemius’ true name would give the heroes power over him. The heroes had learned that Epidemius used to go by the name Epidemiel, before he fell from grace, but they were sceptical that it might actually be his true name. Luca stated that a true name was bestowed upon a being upon drawing its first breath, and that it could not be changed once given. Without that name it was beyond the abilities of the heroes to summon Epidemius.

Previously, the heroes searched through the library of the Newport vault looking for the Book of Woe, convinced Garven and Brandomiir to build them some compartments to store Muirgheal and Lash, and Neamhan made some friends among the plants growing around the painting frames in the gallery. Falka revealed that she had located the Book of Woe, but had a hard time admitting to it because she no longer trusted Luca like she once did.

Sixth Day, Second Ride, Autumn Twilight, 1262

(Silvermoon is waning, Bloodmoon is in low sanction, Darkmoon is waxing)

After Falka revealed that she was in the possession of the Book of Woe and the heroes learned that the black, leather spell book belonged to Blackstar’s rival, a Senhadrim wizard by the name of Maltorius, Luca decided to engage the staff about its insistence that the heroes pursue the spell book. It was as if Luca had finally made the breakthrough in his communication with Blackstar that he was searching for and the staff quickly revealed that he would submit himself to the young warlock if his goal vanquishing his rival would be addressed. Moreover, Blackstar alluded that the scarlet rain the heroes had heard rumours about, which was falling from the skies in Silesia, had something to do with Maltorius. In pledging himself to the staff’s cause, Luca felt the tension between them, which had been steadily increasing for many months, drop and be replaced with a tentative peace.

Chakuq had gone back to the entrance to the vault and retrieved a burlap sack from among the provisions that Garven and Brandomiir had brought down, emptied it of turnips, and used it to collect the Book of Woe from Falka, making sure not to physically touch the book.

Now that the Book of Woe had been secured, it seemed like the perfect time to depart the vault and leave Garven and Brandomiir to finish their renovations and add the two vaults for Muirgheal and Lash. Falka decided to join the heroes on their return journey, using the ropes to climb back up to the entrance with practiced precision. Emrys offered to use his sorcery to make everyone fly, but Falka declined and continued to climb, and was quickly followed by Chakuq.

As all of them ascended, the heroes were all given a glimpse of one of Falka’s memories. Falka was a young girl, fishing the waters between Dunagore and the Jagged Shore, close to the causeway, as a storm rolled in. Falka fell overboard and was taken by the waves, and the dark depths swallowed her. The pressure of the depths reminded the heroes of the feeling of descending into the vault.

With Falka’s help the heroes found a keyhole that fitted a lyrium crystal, which opened up the portal to the landing in the ancient waterways where she left her little rowboat. Emrys went last and collapsed the portal behind him. Chakuq and Falka took the boat, while the rest remained in flight on their way back to the Silver Cross. Once there, they ascended the ladder back into the basement of the establishment, and Chakuq changed back from the old boots he had found into his own, having successfully avoided getting his boots dirty with muck.

When they entered the common room of the Silver Cross they saw a quiet group of the people working at the Silver Cross sitting at a bar, winding down after a long day of providing companionship. Besides the courtesans, the people at the bar were Samuel, the stout and swarthy Càrcerian doorman, and a elegant and flamboyantly dressed Madame Brécourt, the owner. Samuel warned the heroes to be careful on the streets, as it was well past curfew. The heroes heard the cathedral strike first bell when they departed the Silver Cross.

Neamhan decided to evade detection by turning into a barn owl and fly to the Careless Wanderer, while Emrys used his sorcery to obfuscate their journey with fog. As his magic was unleashed he felt his control slip and something happening that he did not intend, though it did not immediately become clear what that was.

At the Careless Wanderer a sleep Durham opened the door for the heroes, and they found that Ser Croy was asleep at one of the tables. It struck Quentin that he had asked the old knight to come and find him that evening, and that he had completely lost track of time in the Newport Vault. Ser Croy delivered a letter, bound in a ring of iron, engraved with the Fleur de Lys, and it read:

Ser Quentin, Lord and Heir of House Morvrayne, Comte de Monts d’Arée

A feast has been organised in your honour, to take place at sundown on the First Day, Third Ride, Autumn Twilight, 1262 at the Black Alder Farm. From sunrise to sundown, we will gather, hold games, and raise our cups in honour of you and your successes. After the banquet, we will proceed in concluding your quest for marriage and arrange a date for our houses to be joined in oath and blood.

Sincerely,

Highlord Gauthier, Lord of House Lys, [followed by a string of titles]

Ser Croy could tell Quentin and the heroes of Lord Gauthier’s injuries, and the way Lord Dorian had been thrust into a position that he may not have been ready for, leading to the other lords circling Lord Dorian in jealousy. Quentin believed that his father was out of his depth and was in danger of being manipulated and used.

Quentin was also the talk of the camp at Black Alder Farm, according to Ser Croy, and it had not gone unnoticed that he and his betrothed had given each other a wide berth during his visit to the camp. Ser Croy also hesitated to tell Quentin that Dame Pauline had been asking questions about him; in particular about Quentin’s exploits, and trying to get more information in order to validate some of the claims that were made about the Heroes of the White Eye.

The old knight also believed that the Blood of Alban was something to be cherished and nurtured, rather than dismissed, like Lord Dorian dismissed it. Neamhan got very excited about that, and joined her voice to Ser Croy’s in claiming that Quentin’s bloodline was special.

Suddenly there came a rapping…

When the door to the Careless Wanderer was opened, Father Devon stood there, bare foot, clad in a simple robe, in the deep of night, frost covering his balding head. It was Epidemius in disguise. Once inside they sat down at the table and spoke about the Book of Woe.

Epidemius was still adamant the Book of Woe be returned to him now that the heroes had discovered it. He said that he felt he had few opportunities left to him to use Pazuzu’s dreamweb to come and visit the heroes so they could work out a deal. If a deal could not be struck, Epidemius would have no other option than to continue to intensify his siege of Kingsport.

He was prepared to come back to Kingsport and keep tightening the thumbscrews until his book was returned. Epidemius had found a way to get across the veil, and the sacrifices he had to make to do so were worth it. As a warning, a threat, and possibly an enticement, he mentioned that Emrys’ mentor could be found beyond that veil, Chakuq’s song could be found beyond that veil, and the source of Neamhan’s magic could be found beyond that veil.