Edward Fogbluff stands at the table, the enchanter tasked with questioning him lays the magical haversack upon the table between them. Crom can see them talking from across the room, but can't make out the words. He sees the wizard pull a knife from his robes so immediately gets to his feet moving for the table. The blade's not pointed at Edward, rather it looms threateningly over the haversack. Crom intervenes, putting his hand on the haversack, inserting himself into the conversation. The wizard explains it's the last opportunity to come clean and remove any remaining items from the haversack before he tears it, rendering it useless, sending any remaining contents into the Astral Plane. The pair argue that it's not fair, that's their item and he has no right to destroy it. The enchanter deems this necessary as proof that they are being honest to the Servants of the Weave, the haversack will be replaced in due course. Edward comes clean and says there is one thing left that he didn't mention. The wizard allows him the bag and Edward carefully takes out the metallic head of Gantrovius, although the light in the being's eyes has gone, much to Edward's concern.
Why did he lie? Both the wizard and Crom are shocked to see this item, the wizard asks if this is one of The Tarnished he's heard about from the attack? Edward confirms and manages to convince the enchanter that it's a trophy from their encounters with the fallen Dargean. His lie gone undetected, Crom backs him up, confirming how they like to take trophies, it helps them know their enemies better, prove to naysayers that such creatures exist, and of course, the honour rights of their victory. The wizard accepts this and asks if there is anything else? Edward shakes his head. The wizard confirms he will destroy the item now and the two are thrown back into arguing over why that needs to be done, he says it proves there is nothing more to hide, and this arguing just doubles his suspicions. Edward argues that the item has sentimental value to them, they don't want it replaced with another. The wizard looks like he is contemplating their plea, then plunges the dagger into the item, ripping a hole right through. There is a gasp as the aura of magic slips from the item. Crom threatens that he is done with these fucking wizards and will take his sword back, interrupting the ritual of identification taking place. The enchanter apologises to them, saying its the only way, and they are understandably annoyed asking for him to replace it immediately. He turns to leave the room, but a figure looms in the door's threshold.
Deep blue robes adorned with swirling patterns shroud the hunched wizard that approaches them, he is clearly one of the Grand Masters based on his age, presence of being, and the reaction by others in the room. Grand Master Enchanter Risga enters the conversation, the lowly enchanter that had been dealing with them clearly nervous now that the leader of his order is present. Introductions are made and there is posturing from both sides before some kind of understanding and respect is given. Risga too apologises for the destruction of their item and promises to replace it with an improved Bag of Holding, that can hold at least double what the Haversack could hold. Crom agrees that they can finish the ritual but then they'll leave. Risga agrees, perfectly acceptable, he says. They have learnt a sufficient amount to ease their worries, he only wishes that next time they can meet on more favourable terms.
Amarion and Mornington Lormanston leave the Gura Palace, they had been given the suggestion to visit Admiral Lemuel Fulton to discuss foreign aid, and perhaps to visit their Anlyth allies. But neither of them want to do that, not yet anyway, as they don't know what has befallen their fellow adventurers back at the The Woven Pillars. They rush back to the interconnected wizard towers and by sheer chance are reunited just as Crom and Edward leave, the two finally returning to ground level. They fill each other in on what has just happened and Mornington informs the others that the King offered a temporary residence for them. They can either stay in the Lord's Place district, an area of noble houses and great manors, or in Wanderers Rest, a district of mercantile interest and of travellers with lined pockets. They opt for Wanderer's Rest, and at the mere mentioning of the comforts on offer, they all feel the fatigue of their travels set in. They leave for the residence immediately, and for the first time in well over a week, they enjoy the comforts of an actual bed. A luxurious one at that.
Edward dreams of a landscape before him, where great pointed teeth rise before him to form a mountain range, hot fire swelling behind them. He wonders if Xarturas is reaching out to him, but he wakes from the dream sweating without so much as a whispered voice from his patron. Mornington, already caught up in the excitement of the plan forming in his head, takes ink and quill to parchment, and drafts out a great tale of their travels, of their victories. He later wakes in the fourposter bed of his lodgings, papers scattered around him. Crom holds his sending shell as he turns it over in his hand, wishing it's magic would return so that he can once again find out what has happened to his long lost tribe. Amarion looks out the window, towards the docks, towards the sea. He knows the Lanalith is here, and knows that he must reconvene with his people that have dedicated themselves to their cause. He then thinks of The Tide, and his promise to bring balance back to Demoras. Is it possible? Are things now in motion that cannot be undone? So much to consider, and it feels like time is running out, like sand slipping through the cracks of his fingers.
The next day the party wake and get to task. They have many things they want to achieve, and one such task is to reflect on their adventures, channel their experiences, and realise their new found abilities. Then, once their business in Spearpoint concludes, they will move on to the next chapter of their grand adventures.
Crom partakes in training, getting to grips with the Sword of Baphomet. After concerning locals by hacking down a tree in one of the city's green spaces, he is taken to a barracks to finish his drills in their training yard, out of the public eye. Amarion seeks the worst affected areas from the dragon attack and helps in the rebuilding efforts, putting his strength and will to do good to great effect. Mornington seeks a playwright, and does so in the affluent areas in and around the district of their lodgings, before long he is pointed in the direction of one of Spearpoint's prestigious playwrights, Winifer Waggledagger , and strikes a deal. Edward decides to commune with his patron, to see where he stands, and possibly get a read on any plots he is developing. Xarturas praises the young Warlock, letting him know that he has done well in bringing the great Karna-Kar to his final resting place. He informs Edward that he is exactly where he needs to be, and that he will be called to action when the time is right. Edward finds himself confused, and a little concerned, not getting a good grip on the fiend's ambitions.
Mornington and Amarion attend the first of the daily council meetings that the party have been asked to attend. The King's privy council, The Spear's Head Council, tell them that the unrest in the city has caused disturbances, theft has risen considerably! Many businesses in the Labourer's District have been robbed and they want boots on the ground to find out what's happening, and to deter further theft. Amarion volunteers himself and is given city guard to attend him in patrols. That day, despite his efforts, he finds no further disturbances or evidence to link anyone to the larger thefts that have occurred. He does however hear about a chandler who's shop was ransacked, very odd to be stealing candles in such trying times, but perhaps it has value to some.
Training, theft, investigation, Folas package, Edward Commune, playwrightIchris scrying attempts, performance arrest gone wrong, policing Crom scary, repairs and clearing of destruction, holy healing, council meetings, budget of the king, spymaster insights, magic in the city, gather actors, training, riot gone wrong, more failed scrying, Edward undercover, the generous masked one, the ritual, its not Brogmim.
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