Paladirzt 9th, 951
- Phaelnah lost another battle against the Nightblight, pushing her condition to critical levels
Paladirzt 10th, 951
- Journey spoke with Valx briefly, learning that Karcius was planning on heading south to the Nightspell Moors in order to slay Zahast the Vilespawn in the Nightspell Marches.
- In the vision the brothers received from Ferazir, they were told to claim power from another dragon, which they interpreted to be Zahast from the phenomenon they experienced previously.
- Valx expressed doubts about his brothers cause, stating that many in their village seemed happier after the changes in management, but also warned that he was somewhat powerless to stop Karcius, warning that he would likely return.
- He urged Journey to make a decision quickly
- The group headed out to meet up with Thefess, who led them to the edge of the Lower Ring, and started a climb up the steep mountain connected to the Upper Ring.
- Journey, Murica and Wander entered the Roomy Chest in order to avoid the climb, but were rattled around a bit by Tyerjon’s rough ascent.
- The group opted to enter Razodon’s cellar, but did not encounter the entrepreneur during their stay
- Phaelnah, Leadbelly and Tyerjon followed Thefess up the mountain, stopping intermittently to catch a breather
- Phaelnah lost her grip at one point, but was caught by Tyerjon
- The group eventually made it to a tunnel in the side of the cliff face, as the others emerged from the chest
- The group entered the hideout of the mercenary group the Broken Band, uncomfortably waiting around as Thefess sought out his contact
- After receiving some stink-eye from a group of dwarves, the group was led to the office of Bulendrar, who began to set up their paperwork for officially entering the Inner Ring
- After mentioning Phaelnah’s nobility, Bulendrar was able to expedite the process, and told the group to wait a while as he prepared all the necessary documentation
- The group returned to the main room of the hideout and were called over by Thefess to a table with Elwick, Whisper, and Revarta.
- The party learned of how Karcius and Valx chased Whisper across Sanaris believing she was Journey, eventually through Taerin Ucarin and into the Shiloae, nearly all the way to Duenmis.
- Whisper recounted how their chase ended up attracting the attention of the Divine Branch, who attacked them in defense of the forest.
- After Karcius dispatched a number of the zealots, Whisper recalled how a hooded figure holding a sword in one hand and a staff in the other emerged from the forest with a large number of others, shining a great light towards them and chasing them out of the woods
- Karcius hired the mercenaries to help them track Journey
- The group purchased some rations from the hideout store
- Eventually, Bulendrar came out with the paperwork, and the group set off on the journey to the Inner Ring, made much faster by Tyerjon’s perks.
Paladirzt 11th, 951
- After staying a night at an inn, the party headed down the promenade leading to the gates of the Inner Ring, meeting up with a contact of nobility, Syna, who pretended as if she and Phaelnah were pen pals
- Bulendrar and Thefess bid the party farewell, receiving some gold for their work
- At the gates, the keeper seemed wise to Syna’s games, but stated that Phaelnah’s claims to nobility had been affirmed by someone high up in the Inner Ring, and granted them access
- Her thunder stolen, Syna left, a bit deflated
- Waiting at the other side of a gate was a large, silver dragonborn, heavily scarred with grand silver and darksteel armor
- Identifying the party as the Peas, the dragonborn led the group through the streets of the Inner Ring, eventually to a government office of information and administration
- Told to wait outside an office, the group were called in after a time and met with a high ranking dignitary, Eilon Terix, who was flanked by two large silver dragonborn on his right and left.
- Eilon flaunted how much he knew of the party, listing their numerous accomplishments
- Armed with knowledge about Tyerjon’s past, Eilon offered a trade; he would tell the dragonborn what he knew in exchange for retrieving a particular artifact from an elven tomb deep within the Bitterwood, Shiloae.
- Tyerjon signed a contract for this agreement, asking about the dragonborn guards
- Eilon stated that they were named Righty and Lefty, and that they did not speak unless directed to by him, even intercepting Tyerjon’s attempt to communicate in Draconic
- Incensed by the treatment of his potential siblings, Tyerjon left in a huff
- Journey sent a Message to Righty, asking about their real names, but they only responded that they were named Righty and Lefty, and that they did not speak unless instructed to.
- The party then headed to a grand temple of Fectovarano, after receiving directions from a noble that treated Leadbelly like a dog
- Phaelnah learned that Father Jyle was a high ranking priest in the temple, and his time was not easy to get, but he was to give a sermon soon
- The group killed time in the temple waiting for Jyle’s sermon, and Wander spent a bit investigating the various statues of the demigods under Fectovarano
- Jyle emerged from a back room after about an hour, and began a sermon in a terribly quiet voice, which went on for about another hour
- Phaelnah managed to catch Jyle after his presentation, but the old man seemed to be completely senile
- After stating their problem, the group was led to a backroom by Jyle’s attendant, who sat the priest on the bed with a hot cup of tea
- Though he first attempted to help the group with the demon, he quickly realized that the issue was beyond his capabilities, and temporarily restored Jyle’s mind with a bizarre paste
- With his senses returned, Jyle told the group that a demon of this caliber would need to be smitten by a great power, or else the threat of it returning and exercising its power over the corrupted individuals would always loom
- Jyle inspected Phaelnah, Seamus and Leadbelly, discerning that the corrupted threads of magic had been woven into their very souls
- He suggested that the group visit Godsreach on the top of Mount Sanar, where the veil between worlds is thinnest and the power of the gods are at their peak, and requesting the power of a god to eradicate the demon from existence
- Father Jyle soon began to lose his senses and Pearcey put him to bed, with the party leaving soon after
- Their business finished for now, the group headed out of the Inner Ring, seeking a forge for Leadbelly
Paladirzt 13th, 951
- After two days of travel, the group made it to the Greyspires, a district of industry
- Leadbelly found a Fuselian Forge in a smithing museum
- After failing to get the attention of the elf in the museum working at another forge, Journey cast Thaumaturgy and startled the elf, who then introduced himself as Ilesura
- Though he was out of materials to run the Fuselian Forge himself, he gleefully accepted Leadbelly’s request to work the forge with his own materials
- Leadbelly used the silver powder he collected from Lake Faelance to heat the stone to a ridiculous level, making the surrounding area oppressively hot
- Leadbelly began to rework his halberd into the metal he received from the Champion Valka, folding the metals into each other and hammering their forms into the head of a greataxe
- With the divine power of the King of Storms, Leadbelly fashioned his masterpiece, lightning striking his hammer with every beat
- With a final, powerful stroke, Leadbelly beat the lightning into the axe, splitting the large stone forge in two, causing Ilesura to stare on in disbelief
- Leadbelly gave the elf two vials of the silver powder as an apology
- With the group agreeing their next order of business was to take care of the demon, they began their journey to the top of Mount Sanar
Paladirzt 14th, 951
- Phaelnah lost against the Nightblight yet again, gaining futher power but losing crucial elements of herself to the entity
Paladirzt 15th, 951
- The party began their perilous climb up the mountain, with the thin air sapping their strength
- The environment appeared to fluctuate wildly, from hot to cold, strong winds to eerie quiet
- Phaelnah heard a group of griffons up ahead on the road, and party prepared for battle
- Phaelnah directly engaged the griffons, tearing at the beasts with her massive talons
- Seamus, Tyerjon and Leadbelly followed, engaging the foes head on as Wander took on the beasts with his arrows and Journey with her ice
- Seamus took some hit from the griffons swooping down at him, but the party was able to dispatch the threat without too much trouble
- Securing the final kill with a poisoned bite, Phaelnah gorged herself on one of the griffons
- Tyerjon harvested parts of the beasts, saving some talons and beaks as Wander began to render their fat in order to make some delicious fried griffon
- After a short rest and a meal, the group continued up the mountain
- As the path to winded up a precarious rocky face, the ground began to shake and a booming voice cried out at the party in primordial
- Journey, suspecting that this may be the work of an elemental, convinced the group to run through the area and attempt to pass the range it could affect
- The group dodged through boulders, kept their footing through quakes, kept each other from falling down through crevices in the cliff path, ran through rocky spikes, and got slapped back by a giant hand of stone, but eventually they made it to a shining rock embedded in the cliff face
- As Wander and Journey inspected the stone, Tyerjon, Leadbelly and Phaelnah protected them from the rocks falling from above
- With a display from strength, Seamus, Tyerjon and Leadbelly removed the stone from the rock face, and suddenly, the rumbling and chaos ceased
- Wander pocketed the rock, which Leadbelly identified as a type of quartz
- Climbing further, the group heard the somewhat pained, shrill cries of a bird
- Soon, the group happened upon a Sanarian phoenix, much to Seamus’ dismay
- The Sanarian phoenix is considered a pest in Sanaris, resembling scrawny, large-winged chickens. As they always return to life, it can be difficult to remove them from a community, often requiring a town to all pitch in to summon a priest or wizard to banish the creature
- Wander attempted to throw some of the griffon meat away from the party in order to distract the bird, but the meat didn’t go far before the massive bird gobbled it up in a single bite, and turned its cock-eyed gaze to the party as its hungry friends crested over the rock behind it
- While the group took a few hits, they managed to dispatch the birds without too much trouble, despite Journey hurting herself with a botched Crystal Evocation and the final phoenix self-destructing in a fit of radiant and fire damage
- After the battle, Seamus began kicking the ash of the birds all over the place, telling the group to do the same, as was customary back home
- Soon, the group happened upon a Sanarian phoenix, much to Seamus’ dismay
- Continuing up the road, the group briefly discussed stopping early in order to start fresh the next morning, but decided against it, choosing instead to make it to Godsreach by midnight
- Finally approaching the precipice of the mountain, the party made it to the temple, which glowed slightly
- Wander studied the runes on the outside door, identifying that they were religious symbols of an ancient language
- Entering the temple, the group found a large circular room with a number of statues placed around the inside, resembling different gods
- Journey and Tyerjon began to study some of the statues in the room, and with Wander’s Comprehend Languages, were able to find one for the progenitor of dragons, Xac’hurana.
- In the center of the room, an armored figure encased in ice stood silently. Once Leadbelly approached its vicinity, it animated and challenged him to a duel, one on one.
- Leadbelly exchanged blows with the Champion Zeranza after the being conjured an arena of ice to enclose the two of them
- The Champion struck at Leadbelly with a giant maul of ice, conjuring exploding motes of ice and attempting to freeze the dwarf with a frigid mist attack
- Leadbelly responded with the power of his storms, striking at the champion with his newly reforged Onyr’s Tongue, and calling down a massive stream of lightning to attack the knight of ice
- The barbarian downed a potion to stay in the fight, and ended the battle with a powerful evisceration that shattered his foe into glittering shards
- As the wall of ice exploded, all that was left was a block of ice encasing some sort of object, but not cool to the touch.
- With a chilling breeze, an old, hooded woman appeared in front of Leadbelly, commending his power and instructing him to seek out Mardyth, who was recuperating after his recent defeat.
- After the woman disappeared into a pile of snow, Leadbelly took her worn, frostbitten cloak.
- The group continued to study the statues for a time, learning a bit about each.
- Inner Circle – these statues seem quite old.
- Aeltra, Mother of Suphestis (Feywild), Progenitor of Elves, Soul of the Forests, the Old Spirit
- A beautiful, matronly figure formed from the trunk and branches of a tree. Her hair crests into a halo of branches, her iconic ring of trees.
- Inwael, Leader of the Aisesh (Heavenly Planes), Progenitor of Aasimar, Enlightener, the Blessed Giant
- An androgynous humanoid with a kind face. The legs and arms are thick and muscular, and the tunic of the being is wreathed in vines. Small clouds are gathered at the feet of the figure, and large wings are folded behind its back.
- Kalar, Crafter of Nolcrenta (Shadowfell), Progenitor of the Shadefolk, Foe of the Final Dark, the Buried Shadow
- Appears as a simple cloak with shadow obscuring the interior. Small figures are depicted running out of the cloak at its base, but the forms are too small to depict any more detail.
- Moldrollath, King of the Invakest (Hellish Planes), Progenitor of Devils, the Keeper of the Nine
- A beautiful androgynous figure with long, straight hair and a massive set of horns sitting on a throne in a relaxed position with a sly smile on their face. Their outerwear is very revealing.
- Baragasha, Maker of the Grudesh (Demonic Planes), Queen of Demons, Chaos Pulled from Law
- The statue is broken in many places, but it seems to depict a somewhat grotesque woman with a long, forked tongue.
- Tiharen, Architect of Yeszket (Material Plane), Progenitor of the Archons and Hosts, Father of the Material Races, Peacekeeper, the King Above the Stars
- A large humanoid, with many races of the Material Plane standing at his feet. His body is peppered in scars, and large chunks of the body seem to have been deliberately removed by the sculptor. A halo of stars circles around his head, obscuring his eyes.
- Xac’huranac, Master of the Xarashe (Tearing Planes), Progenitor of Dragons, Unmaker, Father of the Locus, the Everbeast
- A beast-like humanoid. The torso is humanlike, but covered in scales with four large, muscled arms with sharp claws emerging from the sides. The legs appear to be that of a dragons, sitting in a squat. The head is that of a dragon’s, looking straight up as a crown of splaying tendrils emerges from the back.
- The final statue is torn to pieces, only the base hold a small pair of feminine feet remain. The only legible text on the plaque reads: “…Slient…Solace…Rest…”
- Aeltra, Mother of Suphestis (Feywild), Progenitor of Elves, Soul of the Forests, the Old Spirit
- Outer Circle – a mix of new and old statues.
- Fectovarano, the Deep Moon, Collector, Planesbinder, Justice Bringer, the Allriver (The Allriver appears to have been added at a later date, over something else that has been scratched out.)
- A tall standing man covered in intricate armor, holding an oversized sword. His hair appears to flow like water. Real water forms at the base of the statue, filtering down into the ground and disappearing.
- Unavaranu, the Balancing Moon, Thinker, Planesbinder, Undoer of the Vestra, Child of the Sun
- A woman with arms held to her sides, palms upward with perfect symmetry. Her hair flies backwards into lightning. Her eyes are closed. Small, real sprouts with two leaves grow out of the stone base, and whispers can be heard when nearing the statue.
- Elevarani, the Shallow Moon, Breaker, Planesbinder, Destroyer of Mirrors, the Fire of Chaos, Child of the Sun
- A strong-looking woman clad in tattered robes and a flaming mass of hair of great length flowing behind her. Her ears are long and pointed, and her musculature is toned. The pose of the statue exudes an indignant energy. It is hot to the touch.
- The right arm of the statue has been broken off, and lays on the ground.
- Batrax, the Crimson Moon, Twister, Planesbinder, the Eye of the Long Road, Child of - BLOOD GOD (BLOOD GOD is crudely scratched over the rest of the plaque)
- A cloaked figure holding out a single eye in front of him. Those nearby the statue get the feeling of being watched.
- Durzick, the Ever-Obscured, the Lying One, Ascender
- A man that with many arms, all participating in different tasks. The man’s head is a plume of billowing smoke.
- Hatach, Earthspeaker, Borne of the Thread, the Great Defier, the Steady Earth
- A somewhat crudely chiseled statue that vaguely resembles a humanoid form. Fine dust rests around the base of the statue.
- Irashi, Maker of the Wheel, Worldbreaker, The Red Dominator, the Ever-Turning
- A tall woman with extravagant robes in a large throne with a large wheel affixed to her back. The wheel slowly turns. The woman’s face is obscured by a hood.
- Jylurm, the Scream of the Sea, Willbreaker, the Puzzle of Depths, the Twisted Sea
- A small, semi-round spheroid. Close proximity makes the stone change appearance to a creature of the same race of the witness, with amiable features and a kind smile. A broken hook will be embedded into the chest of the figure.
- Merrav, Lord of the Beasts, Treesinger, Huntsmaster, Healer, the Wild God
- A vaguely humanoid tree figure with great branching horns. A small elk stands at the foot of the tree. Distant cries of animals can be heard when close to the statue.
- Onyr, Heartspawn, Stoker of the Raging Flames, Protector of the Veil, King of Storms
- A large, dwarf-like figure clad in intricate armor. The body breaks apart into clouds and lightning at points. The statue holds a large Warhammer. The air in the vicinity of the statue is humid and full of static.
- Tyrix, Heartspawn, Calming Voice of the Heavens, Protector of the Veil, Skyringer
- A large, dwarf-like figure clad in very thick intricate armor with strange holes, pockets, and textures. A large helmet obscures her face. The figure wields a massive shield. Those who near the statue will feel their bodies vibrate, but the sensation is strangely peaceful.
- Veratash, the Self-Binder, the Seal of the Saint of Death, the Chained Suffering, the Many Horned
- A nondescript humanoid body with multiple heads facing different directions, all wearing pained expressions. The head facing forward is a sharp-toothed skull. All the heads have four horns. Multiple other heads with broken necks lay around the statue, but the statue itself has no breakage points.
- Xawelyn, the Seizer of Minds, the Endless Dark, the Devourer, Child of the End, the Broken Dream, the Caged
- A feminine hooded figure in thin robes stepping towards the viewer. Multiple arms reach upwards from the base of the statue, holding various objects that change based on who is viewing them. An uneasy feeling will wash over those close by. A large amount of broken stone is scattered around the base of the statue, but there appears to be no damage to the figure itself. The figure is smiling.
- Zadara, the Betrayed Child, Artificer of Poisons, the Seer of Shades, the Waiting Eye
- A robed woman with empty eye sockets. Blood appears to flow out of the sockets, as well as drip off the eyes the woman is holding in either hand. Those close to the statue will feel numb.
- Ragil, the Inspirer, Crimson Masterpiece, the Painted One
- A stone base with nothing on it. The base seems somewhat less degraded than some of the older statues.
- Gulchax, the Answer of Hiserin, the Decaying, One of Filth
- A humanoid figure covered in what appears to be thick sludge, approximated in the stonework. One of the arms of the figure is outstretched, but the other arm has been broken off, laying in pieces on the ground. Regardless, the statue appears newer than some of the others. Those close to the statue will experience a strange aroma.
- Patalir, the Frozen Prisoner, Leader of the Lost, the Chrysalis
- A small, frail woman with frayed, messy hair and modest robes, clasping her hands together. The air around the statue is cold, but oddly comforting. Small amounts of frost are visible across the statue, which seems newer than many of the others.
- Yerakessh, Breaker of Wheels, One that Seizes the Heavens, the Eternal Blade
- A large, muscular man covered in heavy chains and numerous scars. Multiple different weapons are embedded in the figure’s body. In his hand, he holds a large sword by its blade. Compared to the others, the statue appears to have been carved recently.
- Ruyebef, Recusant of the Sun, Protector of the Risen, the Resting One
- A somewhat androgynous figure in large robes laying upon a slanted rock, apparently sleeping. The feet and legs of the statue seem to degrade into ash, which slowly blows off the statue and disappears into the air. The statue appears to have been carved recently.
- One statue seems to just been a pair of legs, with the plaque smashed to bits, and the top of the figure completely missing. The legs appear similar to that of an orc’s.
- Another statue of nothing but a completely clean and bare base surrounded by a pile of rubble extending radially outwards from it. The plaque seems to have been replaced by a slab of stone that has the word “PUNISHED” crudely carved into it in Primordial
- Fectovarano, the Deep Moon, Collector, Planesbinder, Justice Bringer, the Allriver (The Allriver appears to have been added at a later date, over something else that has been scratched out.)
- Inner Circle – these statues seem quite old.
- While the party was studying the statues into the night, Phaelnah heard a horse galloping towards the temple and soon the front door burst open to reveal the ghostly figure of a Collector Knight atop their shadow steed
- The knight pointed a finger at Seamus, and informed him that it was time to pay what was due