back to If Hate Be Perfect

13 Zar, 621 NA

As the night fell, Our Heroes ate a rude meal among the Yrmanians. After falling asleep (on watch, ahem), Vidan had a dream or vision of a "tree-man", in a strange ruin. The vision or dream told Vidan that the tree-man could be found in the Venomwood, an hour or so north-east of the Tirshata's camp; and that answers could be provided.

In the morning, Kija and Puliko took part in a Za blood-drinking ritual, the Zavas. Vidan and Aldak were forced to become guards for Raaryx, a Stryx necromancer! Asphyxx, Kija, and Puliko were soon added to Raaryx's retinue. Raaryx was in fact part of the Tirshata's war council, and was seen meeting with Desmane and Ormyrion (a pair of what seemed to be Dhuna, though with oddly-tanned skin) to discuss an upcoming ritual. The Stryx and the witches discussed their plans in Elder Tongue, which Kija understood fortunately; and afterwards had Our Heroes load a wagon with 30 heavy sacks of various-colored pebbles.

Thus, when Raaryx and the witches travelled to a mesa, an hour away from the camp (and only ten minutes from the Venom Grove!), Our Heroes went along as guards and wagon-drivers. The witches took half-a-dozen Mondre Khan, as well -- having no great trust for the necromancer or her Za guards!

From mid-day until sunset, Our Heroes labored with the sacks of pebbles, laying our a large symbol composed on interlocking symbols under the direction of the witches.

After dark, Aldak and Vidan slipped off to visit the Venomwood; two of the Mondre Khan guards followed them, but came to bad ends in the malicious forest. The Tree-man was found, and gave instructions on how to open the portal to where the answers lay hid. He also said that the symbol being constructed by the witches was part of a great Summoning. After some fiddling around and going to and fro, all five of Our Heroes descended via the mystic stairs at the heart of the Venomwood, to a place of darkness. Within the darkness were five seats, facing a mirror -- a mirror of knowledge -- which could display knowledge gathered by the Chroniclers of Xanadas. With meditation and concentration, Our Heroes learned:

Vidan: "What is the Tirshata's greatest weakness?"

A vision of Desmane and Ormyrion, having unearthed and opened a case; the female holds a chain with a black diamond suspended from it. The witches have white skin and white hair; several Yrmanians stand nearby. The chain is (or resembles) that worn by the Tirshata.

Aldak: "Who is the most important person helping the Tirshata"

Within a Subman's tent sits a Za, unknown to us; not a particularly powerful looking fellow. "Come on Zairat, let's go," says a voice.

Asphyxx: "Where is the nearest pile of treasure that I can get at safely?"

The walls of houses and shops stand bare at the edge of a dead city, their roofs long lost to age, weather, and neglect. A large band of Beastmen is walking away from the ruins, led by none other than Foamspitter (the Tirshata's captain in charge of all Beastmen and the Nagra). Several of the Beastmen carry swords that gleam blue in the noon sunslight. The band wanders off into the plains with many a reluctant look backwards among them. An old Beastwoman watches from a high window, deeper in the city. She turns back into her room, strewn with crystals and gold, bright silks and partially gnawed bones and scraps of many meals. Her gaze catches a mirror, sees the age and worry. With a snarl, she punches her fist into the mirror and makes a bloody ruin of it and her fist.

Puliko: "What is the purpose of the design on the mesa, and how does it fit into the Tirshata's plan?"

Within the Tirshata's tent, a council meeting is taking place -- the Tirshata and his staff are looking at a map of Talislanta. He indicates points on the map -- the current camp, a watchtower to the north, a point in Zandu, a point in northern Vardune, a place in Rajan, and one of the Crescent Isles. He says, "We will take these locations, to weaken their abilities to withstand us." The witch, Desmane, seems to sense the scrying, and casts a spell to end it.

Keja: "How can the Seven Kingdoms defeat the Tirshata and his army?"

The Venomwood at night, no moons are in the sky (probably the 6th of Zar). The Tree-man comes to the edge of the grove, and receives from Ceriefseran some bundles of equipment, plus most of the items of "the Set" (all but the necklace).

 

Our Heroes spoke with the Tree-man about this vision, and he admitted to receiving the items from Ceriefseran, to hold for us. He also says that a great Beast will come soon, plant its Seed in the earth, and depart --- this is a BAD THING. We probably cannot harm or hinder the Beast, but perhaps we can prevent the Seed from ... uh ... hatching.

The adventurers cached their equipment near the fountain, returned up the mystic stairs to the Venomwood, hid the colored stones which open the stairs, and returned to the nearby camp.

Upon the morning of 15 Zar, Our Heroes continued and completed making the large magical circles on the mesa. A person, disguised as a Harakin, arrived aboard a draktyl, and spoke with Desmane and Ormyrion (using the Elder Tongue); he warned them that they will be hunted for six days after the Summoning, and gives them a bracelet to help during that period. He then flies away again, aboard the draktyl, towards the Tirshata's camp.

The witches, Raaryx, Mondre Khan guards, and Our Heroes all rode back to the camp, also; the Tirshata had another council meeting that day. Rumors are passing in the camp about a civil war among the Chana; and of a rebellious set of Kang, holed up in the Volcanic Hills.

The witches are going to perform their summoning at the mesa on the 19th; we plan to sneak out there ahead of time, to upset their plans! For the next two days, Our Heroes scout around the Tirshata's camp, learning about the hordes, spying on Desmane and Ormyrion, doing Rarryx's chores, etc.

Experience Points: 15

on to Egg Beating