The party are led out of Anlyth and into the jungles to the north, escorted by High Guards of Lunas Orberus. A procession of the cities residents forms behind the party as a flag is held marking the occasion that is about to unfold. They find themselves at one end of a great valley, palisade structures are built throughout it, and the canopy above hosts many a rope bridge for onlookers. An arena of sorts, with several divided sections, walled off from the visibility of participants, but on full display for the audience.
The party meet Alloria Mialeth, a trained beast master who is integral to the trials operation. Mornington notices she has a stark resemblance to Artax Raelson, and once mentioned, the party believe they may have found their lost companions mother. The one he wished to find one day, after setting sail to this continent, 50 long long days ago. She briefs the party on the trials, there will be three, each more difficult than the last. They must figure out what is required to get through to the next area, and they must do it fast. Once they are primed and waiting in front of a door within the first palisade wall, Mornington asks Alloria simply, "Is Artax your son?". A long pause, a furrowed brow, "That is a name i have not heard in quite some time."
Ulahice and The Tide are seated upon a stage built into a tree that overlooks the valley. Within another tree, in full view of the arena and audience, is a giant water timer. A glass walled vessel with a stoppered spout, and markings painted on to its side. A timer, and a limited amount, for the party to complete all three trials.
Ulahice announces the terms of the Trials of Halamar, and adds that should they fail, Edward Fogbluff will be exiled to the Emerald Peaks for consorting with Devils. Shocked voices are heard echoing from the crowd. He is here to prove his control and earn the trust of the Elves. This twist on the terms that were discussed in Lunas Orberus shows that the Ulahice wishes to punish the heresy that was so willing admitted, caring not for Edwards predicament.
Begin!
The trial commences as the doors are flung open. The party rush in and see four harpies hovering, each chained to an obelisk with enough slack to reach the majority of their surroundings.
The harpies each have a key attached to their chained collars. The Party start slaying and notice large hourglasses set within alcoves in the valley walls, a chain and lock wrapped around each.
With Crom and Amarion upfront attacking the Unknown, Mornington and Edward are behind relying on their ranged weaponry.
It is revealed that between the four harpies, two have keys that unlock the hourglasses and the other two have half a key each, which must be combined to unlock the door on the far side of the arena.
The ground rumbles and the earth is disturbed as a line draws up toward Mornington. An Unknown bursts from beneath the soil, attempting to grapple the bard with its large pincer claws.
An easily handled combat results in the party slaying three of the Harpies and the Ankeg, but Crom accidentally breaks the chain of the last harpy, which still has half of the key needed for the end door. Luckily they tear it apart before it can fly away and they make it through the first trial in record time.
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