Loose Threads: Introduction to the Republic, Mesper Imprisoned, Undead continue to swarm the Whistle-Crags from Unekawa’s reach, Unekawa’s reach remains a source of Undead
Participants: Zinlynndise Imare, Diane Firalel, Delin Andar, Mesper Sorgowin
Locations: Continent, Roanokae Camp, Whistle-Crags, Unekawa's Reach, Javervale, the Steel Front
Full report:
Zinlynndise here! Uh, well, suffice to say not every adventure is going to end well. But at least this one didn’t end badly! Anyhow, I heard from some friend at the Fighter's Guild that the Continent is in a lot of trouble due to this Unknown problem caused by an evil Lich named Merry who got woken up by another adventure. So I decided maybe I can lend a hand! Me and Diane Firale, Mesper Sorgowin, Delin Andar went over there to do just that!
Now, at first none of us really did our research? So we kinda wandered around with the intention of tracking the Zombies to their evil lair. We fought some big Zombies no problem and settled down for the night. Then we were ambushed by these foul mean Skeletons. Two Skeletons with bat-like wings but no flesh! And one whose very bones were oozing blood! It was gross and scary and none of us had armor on so we got pummeled into the dirt. We skedaddled with our Recallers back home to First Landing.
I spent the day resting up and asking Cornix the Beaker, a Pharasmite in our town, about what's special about these Skeletons or how to deal with this problem. Also we did some research on where we needed to go. Skeletons are bony and don’t have flesh, so they’re pretty resistant to piercing and slashing attacks. Here’s some bullet points on what’s been going on in Unekawa Reach however:
A party involving Damin Saltric, Taro, Tarah Nirimaya, Trimling Hillsong, Astrid Firespark ventured out to deliver supplies to the refugee camp of Roanokae. During their stay, a hunter Oukra went missing and the party decided to investigate at the big towering hand. They fought off the Undead just barely, and a single Undead fled shouting in the Unknown tongue that his mistress would have revenge.
The Ashen Hawk led an adventure to seek the power of soulforging with Anath, Larian Vincke, Jean Berée, Zinthu Jadegazer. Their quest led to Unekawa's Reach, a temple that delved in soul magic which centuries ago was sealed after the central nexus unleashed a flood of Undead creatures. The temple was trapped, haunted, and cursed; not to mention guarded by Undead that would continuously reanimate every dawn. There is a statue of a Halfling woman with her arm outstretched to the sky akin to the shape of the temple itself. In the ritual chamber was the nexus. The Halfling woman appeared with two Ice Golems proclaiming victory over Pharasma, announcing that she has been released after centuries. The party was forced to recall with Merry the Halfling Lich released.
From this I can figure that we needed to get to Unekawa's Reach. It took some digging to get into, but the entrance should be unsealed. Remove curse, calm emotions, restore senses, and positive energy spells may be essential to dealing with the traps and threats within, as well as resist energy to potential acid and cold damage. The nexus might alter or damage your souls, whatever that means. The ice Golems are vulnerable to fire and lightning, and probably are still there!
Soooo…we figured we were way in over our heads with this temple business so we decided to help clear out the country side of the Undead menace. After all, the scouts and foragers in the refugee camp were getting harassed and hurt by them! And then I saw that Javervale was a town on the river that no one from the Guild had visited before! Why not offer diplomacy as well as a helping hand right?
So we went back to Roanokae Camp, then made our way along the road to Javervale, following the water's edge. Then surprise of surprise, while I was scouting I encountered those nasty three Skeletons again! I just had time to get back to my allies and warn them when they came upon us. The fight that ensued was a horrid repeat of last time - and we even had our armor!
Then Mesper Sorgowin fell in the fight to that giant Skeleton brute. Diane Firalel and Delin Andar recalled, which I suppose was the smart thing to do. But I was frustrated. I was mad that we were so helpless twice in a row! Aaaannnnnndddd I may have had all my buff spells casted. So I challenged the Harpies head on, and somehow, SOMEHOW I WON! Gosh my heart is beating so quickly writing about it. It was by the skin of my teeth trying to outpace each Harpy before running in with Disrupt Undead to get them!
I then returned to the scene of the fight to see that Mesper Sorgowin’s body was missing, but his sword and shield were left behind. Which meant he was still alive, otherwise his recaller would still be active. I quickly gave chase after the giant Skeleton, tracking as best I could before flying up high with the fury of a tempest. And mind you I was alone, so this was super dangerous. But I wasn't going to let Mesper be taken to be eaten, or worse.
Well, then I heard gunfire and found the Republic had taken care of the giant Skeleton problem for me! They were treating Mesper when I approached them - still flying with magic. I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, so I tried all the languages I knew. I don’t think they liked that, since they pointed their guns at me and demanded I leave. Like, couldn’t they see Mesper Sorgowin was my friend? They acted like they were saving him from me! The ignorance against magic and Druids!
I tracked them from a safe distance after catching my breath and camped out for the night. Delin Andar and Diane Firalel caught up - apparently they made a full sprint after me as well! Aw, thanks guys! I heard the word Javervale among the Bugbears as they were taking Mesper Sorgowin so I got the gist to head in that direction, and we arrived there by nightfall.
Using Comprehend Languages, I spoke with the guards about Mesper. And they were like ‘there’s no secrets in Javervale huhu’. Such arrogance, like they really didn’t notice a Unknown coming in in a town with zero Humans? The town is ruled by House Astrodius, but they wouldn’t bother waking anyone with authority to entreat with us. They even said we were not really a delegation! The nerve. I got the sense that the guard was really really shifty.
Anyhow, I figured this is something for the Order of the Lily to tackle. I know Mesper is in Javervale, held against his will. We need people to mount a rescue effort for our fellow guildsman! He’d do it for us!