Everyone: You begin the half-day return journey to Findric, heading northeast through the southern end of Wyrwood. After several hours of cold and darkness, you see the first hint of dawn to the east; shortly thereafter, you see the western gate of Findric in the distance. Your long, circuitous journey has come to a close, and you are now beginning your eighth day on the island of Syndaris. If Bharash's letter is accurate, then he and Sariel will meet you tomorrow at The Mug and Platter. You realize that you have a great deal to tell the Windhovers about all that you've seen and done since you parted ways with them in Talisten a few days ago.
As you enter town, you see farmer Bly's cart precisely where you left it yesterday; no one seems to have bothered it.
Let me know if there's anything you wish to do before tomorrow's meeting with Bharash.
Frandal says “Let’s go to the Signing Fire to rest and we’ll be at the Mug and the Platter for our meeting with the rest. Xellos, what does our needle says?more unexpected turns or it points to the direction it should? “
If no need for him or nothing happens he will be resting at the Singing Fire until next day.
Yes, you're able to locate and purchase those items in Findric.
Frandal:
The Singing Fire is located in Talisten. :D (Don't feel bad; this campaign has been filled with so many names and places; it's very easy to lose track of names and locations).
Everyone: The compass needle points south, which seems like a good sign because Bharash wrote that he would be coming from Talisten.
Yes, you're able to locate and purchase those items in Findric.
Frandal:
The Singing Fire is located in Talisten. :D (Don't feel bad; this campaign has been filled with so many names and places; it's very easy to lose track of names and locations).
Everyone: The compass needle points south, which seems like a good sign because Bharash wrote that he would be coming from Talisten.
/Facepalm That's true!! Sorry, let's go to the inn we should be waiting for Bharash and call it a night ;)
"That needle has been very useful. I am glad you have it, Xellos."
Arissa would like to relax before the meeting.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1) DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
Everyone:You awake the next day, wondering if Bharash and Sariel will be able to keep their intended meeting with you in Findric. The five of you have seen, done, and learned many things since you departed Talisten five days ago. Ro Venna has been murdered and the magical stone attached to her sword has been taken; skeletons and wights have appeared in multiple places; a former Windhover (Arconius) appears to have become an agent of evil; certain Windhover items have been removed from the display in The Keep; a former Windhover (Oda Waywocket) has fended off an attack by some undead creatures and has found a shadow crossing on the island of Grimshard; ancient ruins on the southern edge of Wyrwood are haunted by Will-o'-Wisps and, furthermore, those ruins are home to yet another shadow crossing.
In the message you received a few days ago, Bharash stated he was headed to Talisten to warn Kempis of the potential dangers that all current and former Windhovers faced. Sariel was journeying to Everal to warn Tobi Trailfinder (another former Windhover) of the same danger. You wonder if Bharash and Sariel were successful and if they have learned any additional information about what is threatening the realm of Syndaris.
Around midday on your ninth day in Syndaris, you find yourselves sitting around a table with Bharash and Sariel. They have indeed made their way to Findric to keep their appointed meeting with you. You can sense the gravity of the situation as you look in their eyes. The two of them are tired and concerned. You are in a private room in the Mug and Platter; there is soup, bread, wine, and ale on the table. A few hours may be needed for all of you to explain what has transpired over the course of the past five days.
We're at a milestone in the adventure. The five of you have gone through a lot over that past five days. Do you want to roleplay the conversation you will have with Bharash and Sariel as you inform them of your side of the adventure? Or do you want to speed things up and play things through as if you've already told the Windhovers everything you have seen and done since you last saw them in Talisten? Whichever you choose, I will be sure to lay out what Bharash and Sariel have witnessed and accomplished since you last saw them.
Bharash and Sariel listen intently as the five of you take turns revealing the experiences of the past five days. Their grief over Ro Venna's death is acute; but in light of what has happened to Thoradin Brokenhammer and Sindrith Grey, they are not entirely shocked to learn that another Windhover has been attacked and killed. They are relieved to know that Oda is still alive, but the presence of two shadow crossings is deeply troubling and, at this point, wholly without an explanation. Specific responses to what you have told Bharash and Sariel are as follows:
Regarding what you encountered at The Keep,
Sariel says, "That Arconius would seek some sort of revenge on the Windhovers does not surprise me. That he would defile who he is and all he once held dear, however, by pursuing lichdom is unthinkable. I am without words. How soon until he troubles us again, I wonder?"
Bharash asks you to repeat your deduction of which Windhover items were missing from the wall. He then says one word and pauses for a while, "Kubrithani." After the pause, he continues, "The missing items belonged to Kubrithani. His sword and his shield." He shakes his head, mystified. "Why would someone take those?"
Bharash and Sariel agree that you are free to keep the items you removed from The Keep.
Regarding your interaction with Oda
Bharash says, "Oda is powerful and knows no fear. She will be a valuable help in these times, but we must determine if she should be left alone with a shadow crossing so near to her."
Regarding what you encountered at the ruins near the old Wyrwood Vineyard
Sariel remarks, "I'm sure the fiend and undead that attacked Thoradin entered Syndaris through that shadow crossing. They would have been just a day's journey from where Thoradin was attacked."
Bharash compliments you on determining what things will pass through the shadow crossing. He then comments, "That magical wine of yours may play an important role in the days to come."
In my next post I'll cover all the things that Bharash and Sariel experienced while they traveled to their respective locations.
Ozum stares off into the distance a bit, trying to wrap his head around how much has changed so quickly. "Kubrithani? The Windhover who wielded Ro Venna's fragment? Weren't they a Windhover for a day? What happened to them? ... Sorry about all the questions. These are interesting times. Harrowing, but interesting. What should we do next? Oda told us that Haradal the Hardy and Umari Eldenfrost were the only others unaccounted for although she said they would hard to find or far away. Would it he better to try to warn them or try to close these portals?"
Everyone: A summary of what happened to Sariel and Bharash during the past five days:
First, Bharash and Sariel departed Talisten and traveled to Greyloft, where they would check on the condition of Thoradin Brokenhammer and hopefully learn who or what attacked him. They arrived in Greyloft safely and spoke with the severely wounded Thoradin, from whom they learned the following:
Thoradin had been ambushed in Wyrwood, approximately halfway between Findric and Greyloft.
Although sorely wounded and terribly upset and animated, Thoradin was able to explain that the ambushing party consisted of skeletons and some sort of fiend. The fragments of Aeris emit a faint blue glow when a fiend is nearby; so, that is how Thoradin knew of its presence. When pressed to describe the fiend, Thoradin explained that the fiend was likely invisible the bulk of the time, for he could not see it.
Thoradin’s weapon—Talisten’s mace—was nowhere to be found after the melee. It seems the ambushing party had a two-fold purpose: (1) kill Thoradin, and (2) seize Talisten’s mace.
Next,Bharash and Sariel made the one-hour trek to Sindrith Grey’s home (slightly north of Greyloft). They found the former Windhover dead, with evidence of slashing wounds and necrotic damage; oddly, however, his body was lying in perfect repose, with his hands folded across his chest. Someone or something had clearly positioned Sindrith in this way. After discovering Sindrith’s murder, Bharash and Sariel determined that all current and former Windhovers were in danger. So, they sent a messenger to Findric to inform you of the danger and ask that you check on Oda Waywocket in Ansora.
Sariel traveled directly to Everal, in hopes of finding Tobi Trailfinder, the halfling who wielded Talisten's mace prior to Thoradin. Tobi had suffered the same fate as Sindrith and Ro Venna. In the apple orchard behind Tobi's home, Sariel found the old halfling lying peacefully on his back with his arms folded neatly across his chest. Yet another Windhover had been murdered.
Bharash traveled to Talisten to speak with Kempis and warn him of the danger to all Windhovers. Kempis was unharmed and had seen nothing amiss in Talisten; so Bharash spent the remainder of his time in the city, magically concealing his identity and hoping to stumble upon some sort of clue about the source of Syndaris' new enemy. His search was useless; he learned nothing.
Frandal:Bharash confirms that the bone staff does indeed belong to Arconius. Sariel smiles weakly after your comment about Oda. "By Solinari's goodness, we have someone fierce and fearless watching Syndaris in the east. I pray Oda does not fail."
Ozum: Bharash speaks up to answer your question about Kubrithani. "The first person to wield Everal's sword was not Everal, Ozum. It was Kubrithani. All the stories about the first four Windhovers suggest that the most powerful of all of them was the paladin, Kubrithani the Mighty. But after defeating Rahzzur and being granted the privilege of wielding a fragment of Aeris, Kubrithani mysteriously surrendered his position of Windhover. He chose a young warrior named Everal to be his replacement. He did this after being a Windhover for just one day. Many weeks later, however, Kubrithani approached Everal and demanded that Everal give up his position of Windhover and return the fragment of Aeris to the rightful and original possessor: Kubrithani himself. A verbal disagreement turned into a battle of swords, and Everal nearly lost his life. He was wounded so badly that he could not continue to fulfill his role as a Windhover. Kubrithani could have killed Everal that day, but he relented. Seeing his young friend Everal lying on the ground, bleeding and near death, Kubrithani dropped his sword and shield and silently walked away. He was never seen again. A few legends have sprung up to explain what ultimately happened to the once mighty paladin, but no one knows anything for certain."
Frandal and Arissa:
You are familiar already with the story of Kubrithani because you read about it in the book that you took from The Keep. Here's the section about Kubrithani (if you want to read over it again):
THE FRAGMENTS of AERIS
The band of warriors returned to their camp by Feldpool that night; joyfully they ate, drank, talked, and laughed. The paladin, however, celebrated little. He was quiet and consumed with thought and care.
As commanded in their previous night’s dream, Talisten had placed Aeris in the fire. The stone glowed brightly as the men nodded off to sleep a few hours before dawn. And once again, the voice in the fire spoke to the four heroes in their dreams.
A portion of Aeris’s magic each of you may wield,
If with purity of heart you swear this land to shield.
Within the fire’s ashes lie five fragments of the stone,
Four shall be for heroes, the fifth shall be for none.
Five fragments and four heroes, three promises so deep,
Ere you wield this bit of magic commit these vows to keep.
Wield only the one you are given; content with that you must be.
For the power of one is sufficient; seek not to be one above three.
Wield it as fair champions of Syndarian life and land,
Never for gold or glory or another’s heart to command.
Passing the stone to another is a choice that must come to all.
Vow only to someone faithful, who’ll swear to the Windhover call.
Any fragment of Aeris gained by force or deceit
Will assuredly cause death and its bearer to meet.
To rejoin what’s been shattered is to all men forbidden;
This fire and last fragment will to all men’s eyes stay hidden.
Now from the fire’s ashes, take up your fragment of stone.
Four shall be for Windhovers, the fifth shall be for none.
In the morning, the heroes discovered, once again, their dreams to be the same as well as true. Five fragments of Aeris could be seen among the ashes. Each hero, understanding the vows and duties that would be upon him, picked up a piece of the magical stone. The first wielders of the fragments of Aeris were established, and the names of those four heroes stand atop the history of Windhovers that exist to this day, over two hundred years later.
Unexpected to all, however, was how soon one of those four would surrender his title of Windhover to another. Just a few hours later, as the party was traveling south to Cawdor, Kubrithani abruptly called for a break in their journey. He wished to say something important to his friends who had fought so valiantly at his side. “Earlier today I took up a fragment of Aeris and thereby took up the responsibility of being an overseer and protector of Syndaris. How great is that honor! How great is that honor!”
Echoes of agreement could be heard from the men who had fought alongside the paladin. Kubrithani was silent for a bit. He looked at the men and women gathered round him and in their eyes saw the respect and admiration they held for him.
“That honor, however, cannot be mine. It must pass on to another. I pray that all of you understand that I must surrender this fragment of Aeris. I am certain my duty lies elsewhere. The one I serve has chosen another path for me.”
Findric spoke. “Kubrithani, you are certain? Please stay and prevent our grief.”
“Impossible, Findric. I know what I must do. And, if I understand the vow that is upon me, I must merely give this piece of stone to someone worthy, someone faithful, someone who will be a champion for this realm.”
“True,” replied Talisten.
Kubrithani spoke. “Everal, you are that one. Will you accept, young one?”
Amid laughter and congratulations, Everal was jostled toward the paladin. Shy and at a loss for words, Everal stood before the warrior he so loved and sought to emulate.
“Here, lad. Take this. You will do great things!” Kubrithani said.
Everal smiled. “I fear my greatness is but half of yours…but I accept.”
Kubrithani then said his farewells and spurred his horse to the north. His destination was his alone, and he told no one what it might be.
Kubrithani, although thankful for the victory he and his friends had won, was stung by the
manner in which divine aid had been given. For it seemed to the paladin that Talisten had been the one to find favor. It was the cleric’s prayer, not the paladin’s, that had secured Aeris. Kubrithani wondered if his devotion to his god had been inadequate. He was vexed by the notion that he had fallen short, that his fealty to a life of righteousness was in some way flawed. His pride blinded him from seeing that an answer to Talisten’s prayer might also be an answer to his own prayer. To wield a fragment of Aeris, thought Kubrithani, would be to remind himself constantly that on the eve of the most significant battle of his life, when the fate of so many were at stake, his surrender to the divine will of his god was insufficiently sincere. And so, Kubrithani, hiding doubt and jealousy in his heart, refused to wield the fragment of Aeris.
Young Everal, therefore, became the next Windhover. After fastening the magical piece of stone to the pommel of his sword, he joined the other Windhovers in hunting down the scattered remnants of Rahzzur’s army. Armed with the fragments of Aeris and the conviction of their newly-taken oath, the Windhovers led the work of restoring the former peace and prosperity of the land. A new age had dawned in Syndaris.
KUBRITHANI’S FALL
Kubrithani was mired in his regret immediately. In his prideful haste, he had forsaken a profound opportunity to fulfill his role as paladin. With the power of a fragment of Aeris, he could have done tremendous good in the name of his god. He reasoned that any good he might seek to do now would be less, in measure, than the good he might have done as a Windhover. Furthermore, he had spoken false words to his friends that day. His god had revealed no other path for him. Rather than bearing a fragment of Aeris, the paladin now bore shame and pangs of regret. To what end could he commit his days now?
For many weeks he could conceive no answer to that question. Then, suddenly, he shook off his solitude and gloom, for an idea had taken form in his mind. The idea was straightforward and simple and, in Kubrithani’s estimation, it would allow him to correct his grievous mistake. He would confess in earnest his errors and make his appeal to Everal. Surely, Everal would look upon him with empathy, forgive him of his folly, and willingly give the fragment of Aeris. Everal would remember that the original intent of the voice in the fire was to make the paladin a Windhover.
Hearing that Everal was in the east, Kubrithani set out to find him. A fortnight later in the Nilling Hills, the mighty paladin humbled himself before the young Windhover. Kubrithani kept nothing secret—he laid bare his jealousy, his pride, and his dishonesty. Wielding the fragment of Aeris, he explained, would allow him to bury his mistakes and pursue his intended good.
Everal listened to Kubrithani’s plea with compassion. “Kubrithani, you ask a hard thing,” said Everal. “Allow me to discuss this with the other Windhovers. It would be wise for me to know their thoughts.”
“Everal, the fragment is yours to give as you will. No counsel from the others is required.” Kubrithani spoke with urgency.
“Required, no. Desired, yes. Kubrithani, you must understand that I seek to do only what is best. If all agree, then I will surrender the fragment of Aeris to you. Grant me time to seek out the others. That is all I ask.”
“What is best? Is it not best to give the fragment of Aeris to the one to whom it was first intended? Do you not see that it should be mine? Yes, I squandered it. And I am sorry. Are you too unkind to help me in undoing my mistake?”
In these words, Everal sensed a slight change in the direction of their discourse. “I have forgotten nothing, Kubrithani. I recall distinctly what I heard that day: That honor, however, cannot be mine. It must pass on to another. Those were your words, were they not?”
Kubrithani’s anger awakened, but he held his tongue.
Everal continued. “You must be patient, Kubrithani. I will meet with Talisten and the others. Then I will come to you and tell you of our decision.”
Kubrithani’s anger deepened. Why did Everal highlight the name of Talisten? He could have chosen to say I will meet with the others. He chose, however, to say I will meet with Talisten and the others. Talisten! The one who was granted the privilege of wielding Aeris in its full power. And now, from the mouth of Everal, more proof of the cleric’s favor.
“Do the Windhovers answer to Talisten then?”
Everal ignored the question. “This fragment of Aeris was surrendered in haste once, Kubrithani. We must be sure never to do so again.”
“You mock me, boy.” Kubrithani’s anger erupted, and the sharp clash of swords rang out through the hills. The paladin was reckless in his rage. He had no intent of being merciful or sparing life. A few minutes later the paladin’s fury subsided, and he looked upon Everal who was now kneeling weaponless before him and gasping for breath. He bled severely from a frightening gash over his eye, and his sword arm hung limp at his side. “Remarkable fool, take it by force and you gain only your death,” said Everal. “You know as well as I do how the voice in the fire warned against taking the fragment by force.”
Kubrithani looked upon the bit of stone on the pommel of Everal’s sword. It glinted faintly in the day’s waning light. He smiled at the irony that now encompassed him. Just a few feet away lay the thing that was simultaneously his greatest desire and his greatest regret. Seizing it would neither fulfill the former nor appease the latter. “I am lost,” lamented Kubrithani.
Kubrithani realized at that moment precisely what his errant pursuit of a lesser thing had done. Not only had that pursuit prevented him from gaining hold of the lesser thing, it caused him to lose his grasp on a greater thing. Not only was Kubrithani no longer a Windhover, he was no longer a paladin. Hopelessness and meaninglessness simultaneously overwhelmed Kubrithani. He dropped his sword and shield at his feet and walked away.
"Where does that leave us? Any locations we might search for this lich?". Kurt starts to get animated, " I feel this is a turning point, to keep the light flowing or have the land plunge into darkness. What Can I do to help?"
Just a reminder that Xellos did not read the book found at the Keep so my responses are left fairly vague (and slightly ignorant) regarding Kubrithani on purpose :)
Xellos says, "I would not worry much about Oda. She seemed resourceful and powerful, plus I gave her a serving of the magical wine in case she gets in a bind in the Shadowfell and needs to teleport out..."
His tone shifts to a more serious note after a brief moment and continues, his suspicions running wild in his mind, "However, all of this information regarding this Kubrithani fellow and Arconius seems quite off. What I mean is there any way that Arconius could be working with him or using his arcane power to make an undead version of Kubrithani...or could Arconius be a mere pawn and working for him? I realize those may sound a little paranoid, far-fetched, or even downright impossible, but I don't think Arconius would go through all of the trouble just to destroy the items wielded by former Windhovers...there must be a greater need driving him. What kind of legends or rumors speak of the former paladin?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
After Apocalypse - Liavyre WithrethinElf Ranger
Dragon of Autumn - Geoff Krowly Human Cleric
Princes of the Apocalypse -Leofir SylvaranthElf Rogue
The Windhovers' Call -Xellos Mazoku Tiefling Sorcerer
Sariel looks at Bharash and says, "I will tell them of the dream." Bharash nods in reply.
Sariel continues, "It seems you are familiar with the story of how the original Windhovers received the magical fragments of Aeris that imbued their weapons with such great power. In their dreams before fighting Rahzzur, each of the Windhovers heard a mysterious female voice speaking from the flames of their fire. She spoke in a poem, and whatever she said turned out to be true the next day."
"Correct," adds Bharash. "Their first dream told them of Aeris, the one stone that Talisten would wield to aid them in defeating Rahzzur. Their second dream told them that Aeris would be broken into five fragments. Each of the four WIndhovers would receive one fragment. The fifth fragment would remain hidden, and they were never to search for it."
Sariel then reveals that she, along with Bharash and Thoradin, had a similar sort of dream a few weeks ago. "Not long ago I dreamed of sitting before a campfire in the woods and a noble female face appeared within the flames and said these words:
Shattered was Aeris, o’er two hundred years past,
And four fragments were given, all but the last.
Alas, has been found the fifth and forbidden
By one who from death has successfully hidden.
Bharash then says, "Sariel spoke with me about this several days later. I too had the same dream. When in Greyloft, we confirmed that Thoradin did as well. We can assume that Ro Venna would have received the same omen."
"It seems, then, that our enemy has now succeeded in taking possession of three fragments of Aeris. The one from Everal's sword, the one from Talisten's mace, and, inexplicably, the fifth and forbidden one," says Sariel. "I wield Azalor's wand, and Bharash has Findric's staff. No doubt our lives and our weapons are being sought."
"Kurt and Ozum, you ask what ought to be done now. Close the portals? Warn Haradal and Umari?" says Bharash. "Additionally, we must ask how we retrieve the stolen fragments while simultaneously ensuring Azalor's wand and Findric's staff do not fall into our enemies' hands. If someone now truly possesses three fragments of Aeris, then that creature could be dreadfully powerful. Xellos, is it possible that Kubrithani has returned in some form to haunt Syndaris? Such an idea would have seemed absurd a few months ago, but, today, I cannot rule it out."
Sariel says, "Kubrithani's fall would be far worse than we ever imagined then. Once a mighty, righteous paladin? But now, two centuries later, some sort of evil horror?"
"The stories of Kubrithani's disappearance are rather simple ones, Xellos. He drowned himself in a nearby lake. Or he abandoned a life of adventure altogether and joined a monastery. Or, lastly, that he started life anew somewhere far away from Syndaris," explains Bharash.
Xellos says, "I think it would be best, Bharash, if you kept the stone for the compass for the time being. No doubt Arconius will move against Sariel and yourself at some point, as you said. I've been checking it regularly over the past few days to make sure it worked and that you were in the correct direction. Unfortunately, it does not work within the Shadowfell, but if you agree then I think it should remain with either you or Sariel. Just as an added precaution, would you both care to take a serving of the magic wine as well, just in case you're caught in the Shadowfell? There is enough.
It seems like there are some difficult choices to make and which are of greater priority. Warning Haradal and Umari are important, but ultimately, I think if we're able to retrieve at least *one* fragment then we should pursue it. If not that, then at least see if there's a way to close off some, if not all, the portals. Both will buy time and hinder Arconius or whomever else is at the source of this corruption. If we're able to make our enemy move in the way we dictate, even if they are stronger, then we have the advantage."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
After Apocalypse - Liavyre WithrethinElf Ranger
Dragon of Autumn - Geoff Krowly Human Cleric
Princes of the Apocalypse -Leofir SylvaranthElf Rogue
The Windhovers' Call -Xellos Mazoku Tiefling Sorcerer
High Times at Low Tides -DM
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Everyone: You begin the half-day return journey to Findric, heading northeast through the southern end of Wyrwood. After several hours of cold and darkness, you see the first hint of dawn to the east; shortly thereafter, you see the western gate of Findric in the distance. Your long, circuitous journey has come to a close, and you are now beginning your eighth day on the island of Syndaris. If Bharash's letter is accurate, then he and Sariel will meet you tomorrow at The Mug and Platter. You realize that you have a great deal to tell the Windhovers about all that you've seen and done since you parted ways with them in Talisten a few days ago.
As you enter town, you see farmer Bly's cart precisely where you left it yesterday; no one seems to have bothered it.
Let me know if there's anything you wish to do before tomorrow's meeting with Bharash.
DM:
If it is possible in Findric, I would like to buy a set of Tinker's Tools and 30gp worth of material. Total of 80gp.
Frandal says “Let’s go to the Signing Fire to rest and we’ll be at the Mug and the Platter for our meeting with the rest. Xellos, what does our needle says?more unexpected turns or it points to the direction it should? “
If no need for him or nothing happens he will be resting at the Singing Fire until next day.
PbP Character: A few ;)
"I agree we shouldn't press out luck further. Better to be early. As for the needle, let's see..."
He holds out the needle to see what it reads so everyone can see it.
After Apocalypse - Liavyre Withrethin Elf Ranger
Dragon of Autumn - Geoff Krowly Human Cleric
Princes of the Apocalypse - Leofir Sylvaranth Elf Rogue
The Windhovers' Call - Xellos Mazoku Tiefling Sorcerer
High Times at Low Tides - DM
Ozum:
Yes, you're able to locate and purchase those items in Findric.
Frandal:
The Singing Fire is located in Talisten. :D (Don't feel bad; this campaign has been filled with so many names and places; it's very easy to lose track of names and locations).
Everyone: The compass needle points south, which seems like a good sign because Bharash wrote that he would be coming from Talisten.
/Facepalm That's true!! Sorry, let's go to the inn we should be waiting for Bharash and call it a night ;)
PbP Character: A few ;)
"That needle has been very useful. I am glad you have it, Xellos."
Arissa would like to relax before the meeting.
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1)
DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
"Yes let us call it a night and hopefully have better news in the morning."
Kurt Stoneseeker
Ragmin Graybeard
Everyone:
The adventure will resume in a few days (check your private messages).
DAY NINE
Everyone: You awake the next day, wondering if Bharash and Sariel will be able to keep their intended meeting with you in Findric. The five of you have seen, done, and learned many things since you departed Talisten five days ago. Ro Venna has been murdered and the magical stone attached to her sword has been taken; skeletons and wights have appeared in multiple places; a former Windhover (Arconius) appears to have become an agent of evil; certain Windhover items have been removed from the display in The Keep; a former Windhover (Oda Waywocket) has fended off an attack by some undead creatures and has found a shadow crossing on the island of Grimshard; ancient ruins on the southern edge of Wyrwood are haunted by Will-o'-Wisps and, furthermore, those ruins are home to yet another shadow crossing.
In the message you received a few days ago, Bharash stated he was headed to Talisten to warn Kempis of the potential dangers that all current and former Windhovers faced. Sariel was journeying to Everal to warn Tobi Trailfinder (another former Windhover) of the same danger. You wonder if Bharash and Sariel were successful and if they have learned any additional information about what is threatening the realm of Syndaris.
Around midday on your ninth day in Syndaris, you find yourselves sitting around a table with Bharash and Sariel. They have indeed made their way to Findric to keep their appointed meeting with you. You can sense the gravity of the situation as you look in their eyes. The two of them are tired and concerned. You are in a private room in the Mug and Platter; there is soup, bread, wine, and ale on the table. A few hours may be needed for all of you to explain what has transpired over the course of the past five days.
We're at a milestone in the adventure. The five of you have gone through a lot over that past five days. Do you want to roleplay the conversation you will have with Bharash and Sariel as you inform them of your side of the adventure? Or do you want to speed things up and play things through as if you've already told the Windhovers everything you have seen and done since you last saw them in Talisten? Whichever you choose, I will be sure to lay out what Bharash and Sariel have witnessed and accomplished since you last saw them.
Bharash and Sariel listen intently as the five of you take turns revealing the experiences of the past five days. Their grief over Ro Venna's death is acute; but in light of what has happened to Thoradin Brokenhammer and Sindrith Grey, they are not entirely shocked to learn that another Windhover has been attacked and killed. They are relieved to know that Oda is still alive, but the presence of two shadow crossings is deeply troubling and, at this point, wholly without an explanation. Specific responses to what you have told Bharash and Sariel are as follows:
In my next post I'll cover all the things that Bharash and Sariel experienced while they traveled to their respective locations.
- Keep of Ro Venna:
" We also recovered this " Frandal says and hands them the bone staff of Arconius.
- Oda:
" She seemed determined to watch over the Crossing she discovered. "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Ozum stares off into the distance a bit, trying to wrap his head around how much has changed so quickly. "Kubrithani? The Windhover who wielded Ro Venna's fragment? Weren't they a Windhover for a day? What happened to them? ... Sorry about all the questions. These are interesting times. Harrowing, but interesting. What should we do next? Oda told us that Haradal the Hardy and Umari Eldenfrost were the only others unaccounted for although she said they would hard to find or far away. Would it he better to try to warn them or try to close these portals?"
Everyone: A summary of what happened to Sariel and Bharash during the past five days:
First, Bharash and Sariel departed Talisten and traveled to Greyloft, where they would check on the condition of Thoradin Brokenhammer and hopefully learn who or what attacked him. They arrived in Greyloft safely and spoke with the severely wounded Thoradin, from whom they learned the following:
Next, Bharash and Sariel made the one-hour trek to Sindrith Grey’s home (slightly north of Greyloft). They found the former Windhover dead, with evidence of slashing wounds and necrotic damage; oddly, however, his body was lying in perfect repose, with his hands folded across his chest. Someone or something had clearly positioned Sindrith in this way. After discovering Sindrith’s murder, Bharash and Sariel determined that all current and former Windhovers were in danger. So, they sent a messenger to Findric to inform you of the danger and ask that you check on Oda Waywocket in Ansora.
Sariel traveled directly to Everal, in hopes of finding Tobi Trailfinder, the halfling who wielded Talisten's mace prior to Thoradin. Tobi had suffered the same fate as Sindrith and Ro Venna. In the apple orchard behind Tobi's home, Sariel found the old halfling lying peacefully on his back with his arms folded neatly across his chest. Yet another Windhover had been murdered.
Bharash traveled to Talisten to speak with Kempis and warn him of the danger to all Windhovers. Kempis was unharmed and had seen nothing amiss in Talisten; so Bharash spent the remainder of his time in the city, magically concealing his identity and hoping to stumble upon some sort of clue about the source of Syndaris' new enemy. His search was useless; he learned nothing.
Frandal: Bharash confirms that the bone staff does indeed belong to Arconius. Sariel smiles weakly after your comment about Oda. "By Solinari's goodness, we have someone fierce and fearless watching Syndaris in the east. I pray Oda does not fail."
Ozum: Bharash speaks up to answer your question about Kubrithani. "The first person to wield Everal's sword was not Everal, Ozum. It was Kubrithani. All the stories about the first four Windhovers suggest that the most powerful of all of them was the paladin, Kubrithani the Mighty. But after defeating Rahzzur and being granted the privilege of wielding a fragment of Aeris, Kubrithani mysteriously surrendered his position of Windhover. He chose a young warrior named Everal to be his replacement. He did this after being a Windhover for just one day. Many weeks later, however, Kubrithani approached Everal and demanded that Everal give up his position of Windhover and return the fragment of Aeris to the rightful and original possessor: Kubrithani himself. A verbal disagreement turned into a battle of swords, and Everal nearly lost his life. He was wounded so badly that he could not continue to fulfill his role as a Windhover. Kubrithani could have killed Everal that day, but he relented. Seeing his young friend Everal lying on the ground, bleeding and near death, Kubrithani dropped his sword and shield and silently walked away. He was never seen again. A few legends have sprung up to explain what ultimately happened to the once mighty paladin, but no one knows anything for certain."
Frandal and Arissa:
You are familiar already with the story of Kubrithani because you read about it in the book that you took from The Keep. Here's the section about Kubrithani (if you want to read over it again):
THE FRAGMENTS of AERIS
The band of warriors returned to their camp by Feldpool that night; joyfully they ate, drank, talked, and laughed. The paladin, however, celebrated little. He was quiet and consumed with thought and care.
As commanded in their previous night’s dream, Talisten had placed Aeris in the fire. The stone glowed brightly as the men nodded off to sleep a few hours before dawn. And once again, the voice in the fire spoke to the four heroes in their dreams.
A portion of Aeris’s magic each of you may wield,
If with purity of heart you swear this land to shield.
Within the fire’s ashes lie five fragments of the stone,
Four shall be for heroes, the fifth shall be for none.
Five fragments and four heroes, three promises so deep,
Ere you wield this bit of magic commit these vows to keep.
Wield only the one you are given; content with that you must be.
For the power of one is sufficient; seek not to be one above three.
Wield it as fair champions of Syndarian life and land,
Never for gold or glory or another’s heart to command.
Passing the stone to another is a choice that must come to all.
Vow only to someone faithful, who’ll swear to the Windhover call.
Any fragment of Aeris gained by force or deceit
Will assuredly cause death and its bearer to meet.
To rejoin what’s been shattered is to all men forbidden;
This fire and last fragment will to all men’s eyes stay hidden.
Now from the fire’s ashes, take up your fragment of stone.
Four shall be for Windhovers, the fifth shall be for none.
In the morning, the heroes discovered, once again, their dreams to be the same as well as true. Five fragments of Aeris could be seen among the ashes. Each hero, understanding the vows and duties that would be upon him, picked up a piece of the magical stone. The first wielders of the fragments of Aeris were established, and the names of those four heroes stand atop the history of Windhovers that exist to this day, over two hundred years later.
Unexpected to all, however, was how soon one of those four would surrender his title of Windhover to another. Just a few hours later, as the party was traveling south to Cawdor, Kubrithani abruptly called for a break in their journey. He wished to say something important to his friends who had fought so valiantly at his side. “Earlier today I took up a fragment of Aeris and thereby took up the responsibility of being an overseer and protector of Syndaris. How great is that honor! How great is that honor!”
Echoes of agreement could be heard from the men who had fought alongside the paladin. Kubrithani was silent for a bit. He looked at the men and women gathered round him and in their eyes saw the respect and admiration they held for him.
“That honor, however, cannot be mine. It must pass on to another. I pray that all of you understand that I must surrender this fragment of Aeris. I am certain my duty lies elsewhere. The one I serve has chosen another path for me.”
Findric spoke. “Kubrithani, you are certain? Please stay and prevent our grief.”
“Impossible, Findric. I know what I must do. And, if I understand the vow that is upon me, I must merely give this piece of stone to someone worthy, someone faithful, someone who will be a champion for this realm.”
“True,” replied Talisten.
Kubrithani spoke. “Everal, you are that one. Will you accept, young one?”
Amid laughter and congratulations, Everal was jostled toward the paladin. Shy and at a loss for words, Everal stood before the warrior he so loved and sought to emulate.
“Here, lad. Take this. You will do great things!” Kubrithani said.
Everal smiled. “I fear my greatness is but half of yours…but I accept.”
Kubrithani then said his farewells and spurred his horse to the north. His destination was his alone, and he told no one what it might be.
Kubrithani, although thankful for the victory he and his friends had won, was stung by the
manner in which divine aid had been given. For it seemed to the paladin that Talisten had been the one to find favor. It was the cleric’s prayer, not the paladin’s, that had secured Aeris. Kubrithani wondered if his devotion to his god had been inadequate. He was vexed by the notion that he had fallen short, that his fealty to a life of righteousness was in some way flawed. His pride blinded him from seeing that an answer to Talisten’s prayer might also be an answer to his own prayer. To wield a fragment of Aeris, thought Kubrithani, would be to remind himself constantly that on the eve of the most significant battle of his life, when the fate of so many were at stake, his surrender to the divine will of his god was insufficiently sincere. And so, Kubrithani, hiding doubt and jealousy in his heart, refused to wield the fragment of Aeris.
Young Everal, therefore, became the next Windhover. After fastening the magical piece of stone to the pommel of his sword, he joined the other Windhovers in hunting down the scattered remnants of Rahzzur’s army. Armed with the fragments of Aeris and the conviction of their newly-taken oath, the Windhovers led the work of restoring the former peace and prosperity of the land. A new age had dawned in Syndaris.
KUBRITHANI’S FALL
Kubrithani was mired in his regret immediately. In his prideful haste, he had forsaken a profound opportunity to fulfill his role as paladin. With the power of a fragment of Aeris, he could have done tremendous good in the name of his god. He reasoned that any good he might seek to do now would be less, in measure, than the good he might have done as a Windhover. Furthermore, he had spoken false words to his friends that day. His god had revealed no other path for him. Rather than bearing a fragment of Aeris, the paladin now bore shame and pangs of regret. To what end could he commit his days now?
For many weeks he could conceive no answer to that question. Then, suddenly, he shook off his solitude and gloom, for an idea had taken form in his mind. The idea was straightforward and simple and, in Kubrithani’s estimation, it would allow him to correct his grievous mistake. He would confess in earnest his errors and make his appeal to Everal. Surely, Everal would look upon him with empathy, forgive him of his folly, and willingly give the fragment of Aeris. Everal would remember that the original intent of the voice in the fire was to make the paladin a Windhover.
Hearing that Everal was in the east, Kubrithani set out to find him. A fortnight later in the Nilling Hills, the mighty paladin humbled himself before the young Windhover. Kubrithani kept nothing secret—he laid bare his jealousy, his pride, and his dishonesty. Wielding the fragment of Aeris, he explained, would allow him to bury his mistakes and pursue his intended good.
Everal listened to Kubrithani’s plea with compassion. “Kubrithani, you ask a hard thing,” said Everal. “Allow me to discuss this with the other Windhovers. It would be wise for me to know their thoughts.”
“Everal, the fragment is yours to give as you will. No counsel from the others is required.” Kubrithani spoke with urgency.
“Required, no. Desired, yes. Kubrithani, you must understand that I seek to do only what is best. If all agree, then I will surrender the fragment of Aeris to you. Grant me time to seek out the others. That is all I ask.”
“What is best? Is it not best to give the fragment of Aeris to the one to whom it was first intended? Do you not see that it should be mine? Yes, I squandered it. And I am sorry. Are you too unkind to help me in undoing my mistake?”
In these words, Everal sensed a slight change in the direction of their discourse. “I have forgotten nothing, Kubrithani. I recall distinctly what I heard that day: That honor, however, cannot be mine. It must pass on to another. Those were your words, were they not?”
Kubrithani’s anger awakened, but he held his tongue.
Everal continued. “You must be patient, Kubrithani. I will meet with Talisten and the others. Then I will come to you and tell you of our decision.”
Kubrithani’s anger deepened. Why did Everal highlight the name of Talisten? He could have chosen to say I will meet with the others. He chose, however, to say I will meet with Talisten and the others. Talisten! The one who was granted the privilege of wielding Aeris in its full power. And now, from the mouth of Everal, more proof of the cleric’s favor.
“Do the Windhovers answer to Talisten then?”
Everal ignored the question. “This fragment of Aeris was surrendered in haste once, Kubrithani. We must be sure never to do so again.”
“You mock me, boy.” Kubrithani’s anger erupted, and the sharp clash of swords rang out through the hills. The paladin was reckless in his rage. He had no intent of being merciful or sparing life. A few minutes later the paladin’s fury subsided, and he looked upon Everal who was now kneeling weaponless before him and gasping for breath. He bled severely from a frightening gash over his eye, and his sword arm hung limp at his side. “Remarkable fool, take it by force and you gain only your death,” said Everal. “You know as well as I do how the voice in the fire warned against taking the fragment by force.”
Kubrithani looked upon the bit of stone on the pommel of Everal’s sword. It glinted faintly in the day’s waning light. He smiled at the irony that now encompassed him. Just a few feet away lay the thing that was simultaneously his greatest desire and his greatest regret. Seizing it would neither fulfill the former nor appease the latter. “I am lost,” lamented Kubrithani.
Kubrithani realized at that moment precisely what his errant pursuit of a lesser thing had done. Not only had that pursuit prevented him from gaining hold of the lesser thing, it caused him to lose his grasp on a greater thing. Not only was Kubrithani no longer a Windhover, he was no longer a paladin. Hopelessness and meaninglessness simultaneously overwhelmed Kubrithani. He dropped his sword and shield at his feet and walked away.
"And why should Arconius would destroy the objects that belonged to Kubrithany? Destroy or... taken? "
A shiver crossed Frandal's spine.
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Where does that leave us? Any locations we might search for this lich?". Kurt starts to get animated, " I feel this is a turning point, to keep the light flowing or have the land plunge into darkness. What Can I do to help?"
Kurt Stoneseeker
Ragmin Graybeard
Just a reminder that Xellos did not read the book found at the Keep so my responses are left fairly vague (and slightly ignorant) regarding Kubrithani on purpose :)
Xellos says, "I would not worry much about Oda. She seemed resourceful and powerful, plus I gave her a serving of the magical wine in case she gets in a bind in the Shadowfell and needs to teleport out..."
His tone shifts to a more serious note after a brief moment and continues, his suspicions running wild in his mind, "However, all of this information regarding this Kubrithani fellow and Arconius seems quite off. What I mean is there any way that Arconius could be working with him or using his arcane power to make an undead version of Kubrithani...or could Arconius be a mere pawn and working for him? I realize those may sound a little paranoid, far-fetched, or even downright impossible, but I don't think Arconius would go through all of the trouble just to destroy the items wielded by former Windhovers...there must be a greater need driving him. What kind of legends or rumors speak of the former paladin?"
After Apocalypse - Liavyre Withrethin Elf Ranger
Dragon of Autumn - Geoff Krowly Human Cleric
Princes of the Apocalypse - Leofir Sylvaranth Elf Rogue
The Windhovers' Call - Xellos Mazoku Tiefling Sorcerer
High Times at Low Tides - DM
Sariel looks at Bharash and says, "I will tell them of the dream." Bharash nods in reply.
Sariel continues, "It seems you are familiar with the story of how the original Windhovers received the magical fragments of Aeris that imbued their weapons with such great power. In their dreams before fighting Rahzzur, each of the Windhovers heard a mysterious female voice speaking from the flames of their fire. She spoke in a poem, and whatever she said turned out to be true the next day."
"Correct," adds Bharash. "Their first dream told them of Aeris, the one stone that Talisten would wield to aid them in defeating Rahzzur. Their second dream told them that Aeris would be broken into five fragments. Each of the four WIndhovers would receive one fragment. The fifth fragment would remain hidden, and they were never to search for it."
Sariel then reveals that she, along with Bharash and Thoradin, had a similar sort of dream a few weeks ago. "Not long ago I dreamed of sitting before a campfire in the woods and a noble female face appeared within the flames and said these words:
Shattered was Aeris, o’er two hundred years past,
And four fragments were given, all but the last.
Alas, has been found the fifth and forbidden
By one who from death has successfully hidden.
Bharash then says, "Sariel spoke with me about this several days later. I too had the same dream. When in Greyloft, we confirmed that Thoradin did as well. We can assume that Ro Venna would have received the same omen."
"It seems, then, that our enemy has now succeeded in taking possession of three fragments of Aeris. The one from Everal's sword, the one from Talisten's mace, and, inexplicably, the fifth and forbidden one," says Sariel. "I wield Azalor's wand, and Bharash has Findric's staff. No doubt our lives and our weapons are being sought."
"Kurt and Ozum, you ask what ought to be done now. Close the portals? Warn Haradal and Umari?" says Bharash. "Additionally, we must ask how we retrieve the stolen fragments while simultaneously ensuring Azalor's wand and Findric's staff do not fall into our enemies' hands. If someone now truly possesses three fragments of Aeris, then that creature could be dreadfully powerful. Xellos, is it possible that Kubrithani has returned in some form to haunt Syndaris? Such an idea would have seemed absurd a few months ago, but, today, I cannot rule it out."
Sariel says, "Kubrithani's fall would be far worse than we ever imagined then. Once a mighty, righteous paladin? But now, two centuries later, some sort of evil horror?"
"The stories of Kubrithani's disappearance are rather simple ones, Xellos. He drowned himself in a nearby lake. Or he abandoned a life of adventure altogether and joined a monastery. Or, lastly, that he started life anew somewhere far away from Syndaris," explains Bharash.
Xellos says, "I think it would be best, Bharash, if you kept the stone for the compass for the time being. No doubt Arconius will move against Sariel and yourself at some point, as you said. I've been checking it regularly over the past few days to make sure it worked and that you were in the correct direction. Unfortunately, it does not work within the Shadowfell, but if you agree then I think it should remain with either you or Sariel. Just as an added precaution, would you both care to take a serving of the magic wine as well, just in case you're caught in the Shadowfell? There is enough.
It seems like there are some difficult choices to make and which are of greater priority. Warning Haradal and Umari are important, but ultimately, I think if we're able to retrieve at least *one* fragment then we should pursue it. If not that, then at least see if there's a way to close off some, if not all, the portals. Both will buy time and hinder Arconius or whomever else is at the source of this corruption. If we're able to make our enemy move in the way we dictate, even if they are stronger, then we have the advantage."
After Apocalypse - Liavyre Withrethin Elf Ranger
Dragon of Autumn - Geoff Krowly Human Cleric
Princes of the Apocalypse - Leofir Sylvaranth Elf Rogue
The Windhovers' Call - Xellos Mazoku Tiefling Sorcerer
High Times at Low Tides - DM