Session 40

Setting: Brightforge - South of Spearman's Wharf

The morning after the battle in the sea between Xardith, Mordeus and Rehles, the Order takes time to decompress. Captain Keddes is devastated over the destruction of the Silverwing, He vows to walk to Spearman's Wharf, contact his Triton people, and find a new ship.

A Dwarf named Salty introduces himself as a Scout for the Order of Valor in Brightforge. His mission is to escort them to Hendolin Stronghold, the capitol of the country. It's there that Vaklan is being held by the rulers of the world. He tells them they would normally take the Embergate through the mountains, but there's a fear of people watching them. Instead, he will lead them through a secret smuggler's path. But first, they must deal with Lo'Kag, who's been spotted south in Summerfell. They travel by horse to the farming community, where they find the Goliath huddled in an alley. He looks disheveled, and is missing his left arm. Durzo notices he's thumbing a shiny new Battleaxe at his side.

Durzo casts Hold Person while Steam begins casting Detect Magic. Rhaine uses his spear to knock the axe out of his hand as Steam's spell inadvertently goes off faster than expected. He shouts out to not let him touch it as he realizes it's cursed. Edge kicks the axe farther away from him and stuffs it in the Bag of Holding. Durzo casts Greater Restoration on Lo'kag, which removes the curse but leaves him unconscious. Salty brings reinforcements to cart Lo'Kag over to the Stronghold.

Setting: Mountain Pass

Salty expertly leads the team through the smuggler's pass. On the other side, it opens up to a wide wheat field. On the horizon, they see Hendolin Stronghold, with a small villa wrapped around it. Halfway to town, Salty signals for a halt. He draws out a dagger and tells everyone to prepare themselves. The wheat field freezes over as many monsters made of ice come stampeding from the north. The team fights off the ones nearest to them, but the creatures melt away after the first wave.

They enter the villa quickly, and head directly to the Dirty Cantrip. On the way, they send a message to Rene that they're on the way. Inside the shop, they're greeted by a woman in her 50's. The shop is run down and dusty. They give the proper password, and are ushered to a backroom. In the room, Rene and Click Teleport to them. They all catch up on the news, and agree that the next step is to talk to Vaklan. Rene shows Steam how to Teleport in to the Stronghold without using a circle. They're now inside Hendolin Stronghold.