Idris, standing guard, was confronted with another spectral figure. The ever gregarious Paladin approached with little fear. Agatha, the ghost that was said to haunt this area turned to look at his and disappeared. She then appeared but an inch from his face demanding his name. Teetering between terror and whimsy the creature conversed with him, implying that she had grown tired of everyone leaving and dying as the centuries passed and she remained. Idris said he could come back after Cryovain was slain but she laughed, seemingly thinking that the young man would not survive that and that she would prefer a memory as that would be more lasting. Inspired in the moment, Idris gave her a shattered sword he had on his person. He explained that it had belonged to a dear friend of his who had fallen in battle and that it meant much to him. The ghost, satisfied, asked Idris what his darkest wish was. Not happy when Idris hoped for world peace between all the races she prodded him for something selfish. After some thought the Paladin nodded. "To be a real hero, that is my wish." Smiling mischievously, Agatha disappeared in the ether, her final words saying that might come true.
Dawn broke but it was hardly visible as it seemed the whole world was under a storm. Pushing through was difficult and there were times party members seemed ready to keel over in exhaustion but they were able to persevere through a combination of hardiness born from constant adventuring and Idris's comforting presence. Pine was able to keep the p[arty on track while Siax and Falcon scouted ahead. At some point, while following a small path they were confronted by a group of orcs. It seemed intended to be an ambush but with the extreme conditions the two groups simply ran into one another. Yargath was there with four orcs that seemed altered. They foamed at the mouth and seemed swollen with muscles. The party was told to turn back and if they did they would not be hunted but ofcourse our heroes did not surrender. The four berserkers rushed forward, landing axe blow after axe blow. Yargath observed and when a few decisive blow were landed he uttered a few arcane words, transforming himself into a smaller version of the thunder boar they had fought earlier. Before he could charge towards Zenari, who was concentrating into making the berserkers attacks miss, Pine was able to reach out and banish him from this plane entirely. Without their leader the crazed orcs were quickly slain. Pine explained that he could not hold Yargath banished for long and though the party prepared to strike as one, the willy thunder Shepard weathered their blows and teleported away. Most likely awaiting them at the Circle of Thunder.
The storm now seemed to cover miles around them and thunderbolts would often stream down and destroy nearby trees. If it wasn't for the pouring rain the forest would have been ablaze a thousand times over. Pushing ever forward the party eventually made it to the Circle of Thunder, seeing several of the Anchorites chanting atop the hill, summoning and strengthening the storm. However they had not been seen so they were able to sneak quite close before they were spotted. Idris drew the attention of the cultists allowing Pine to run in and grab the amulet of storms that was positioned in the middle of their circle, apparently acting as a focus for their spell, before dashing away in a nearby thicket. The ritual did not seem to be disrupted but without the focus the energies flared and were visible from a distance. In his soul Pine felt Cryovain change course and start heading directly towards them. It seemed the Dragon wished to feast upon the energies of the ritual once again, just as he had done when he first arrived in the Sword Coast.
Enraged the cultists summoned living lighting bolts, creatures made of pure energy that could strike one dead by simply touching them, and send them chasing after the party. The ritual was coming to an end and the weather turned properly nasty. Hail the size of a huma head fell down from the sky, hitting our heroes. The rain turned to acid, the trees around them melting under the vileness that dropped from the sky. Thankfully the ritual was slowed a bit as Zenari teleported anchorites away from the circle. Siax and Falcon fired from the bushes to the west, scoring hits even though the powerful winds made ranged attacks extremely difficult. Idris ran through another anchorite with his sword. As the wind picked up even more Falcon ran forward, blades in hand.
Zenari let everyone know that the Dragon was heading their way and that they should scatter, her power allowing her to speak directly in their minds. Pine and Zenari dispatched the living lighting bolts but not before they knocked Pine out. Idris barely made it, the acid rain having eaten away at the Paladin. Falcon, took a good look, spotting Cryovain now approaching and started running south. Not back to where Siax still lay, deafened by the thunder earlier but instead down and away. An intentional choice or panic taking over? We do not know.
The party hid in the cave, the sounds of fierce combat continuing for minutes. After some time of silence the party emerged to find every single Ancorite including Yargath slain, the magic of the ritual absorbed and stolen by the mighty white death. Searching the caves they uncovered a carved map of the Sword Coast that detailed numerous locations of the Cult of Talos. They seemed to be positioned everywhere; could it be what they had defeated was but a single sect?
Zenari focusing her psychic energy was able to located Siax, still disoriented and deafened. However try as she might she could not detect Falcon. Pine used his clerical powers and located Falcon's sword. It was covered in blood and there was no sign of anything else. Siax investigated the area and with a dreadful feeling uncovered a massive draconic footprint but a few feet away from where they had found the sword. What had happened was uncertain but none of it looked good. Oddly one of the location did not name the naming scheme of the others but instead had a name on it. "Gadrille the Reef Reaver"
While scouting the area, flying on angelic wings Idris spotted a nearby war camp. Approaching cautiously, as the party was in dire straits they discovered that this encampment was abandoned, most things of value having been taken. This was defintely the main base of the orcs used by the cult but with the casualties they had taken over the months it seemed they had disbanded. Blessedly among the remains were enough cold weather clothing to outfit the whole party twice over.
While trying to figure out their next move and aware that Siax would wish go after Cryovain they contacted Factoré who was still at Axeholm. She informed them that the stronghold was running out of food and that they should all meet up. For once the young Gnome was able to finish her message without running out of words.
Idris message: We just defeated a bunch of orcs. Quite a lot. Now making our way to icespire peak. How are the citizens doing? Any problems so far?
Factoré message: Things have gone well here. But the food situation is dire. It would be great for us to meet up. Where could we meet. Factoré.
Pine knew he could create enough food to help but it would take a full five days to get there. Thankfully Idris summoned Barolt and instructed the spectral horse to bring Pine to Axeholm in all haste while the rest of the party made their way towards Mountain's Toe Gold Mine where their half ogre companion might still await them. It was time to ascend the mountain.