Adventure #63 - To see the Obelisk of Thenial

[X-Mieres & SAS/AV (Mark)]

The Governor is insistent that the party head north despite the dangers. 

The assassin is the only link viable link that he has to who is behind what has been occurring in Serien and he doesn't believe he or the Baron can afford to lose this link. 

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

wallac:
"Strange thing he went away from us since he must know he is in great danger alone from being in the Shadow World. Even more so that he went north. I am prepared to go after him double speed"

[DM B]

Tracking a lone assassin would be impossible with such a large party of yours. He even has a head start. A small group of foresters and such COULD have a chance of catching him.

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

"Though some may be inclined to split up sending a small party after him I think that would be a mistake. While we may move a little slower we could send scouts ahead and move at slow trod. My men are up to it. We can use the energy for moving the larger group and the scouts taking turns when they get tired"

[X-Mieres & SAS/AV (Mark)]

The Governor hears the Pontiff's words, but he is somewhat furious and clearly not accustomed to losing, or at least losing well.

The instructs Oeberon to gather his best trackers and prepare to set out immediately.  He would prefer some mystical assistance, however if his companions are not prepared for such light and fast travel he requests that they follow as best they can.

He is not only concerned with losing the assassin's trail, but of something else finding the assassin first.  He indicates if the larger group follows the advance group can fall back to the main group if they run into much trouble.

[DM B]

The sidhe join the group of trackers as they race ahead...leaving the rest of you to plod along as best you can.

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

"Governor you must do as you find best. Me and my men cannot willingly be part of such rash action here in the Shadow World. The assassin may even have problems finding his way - problems that we are far better suited to deal with. We will travel as I said in a light trod trying to keep up with you. with scouts out ahead. I hope we dont get too far seperated. Those you or any of the other regents present want to leave behind with us are welcome"

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

Wallac issues a few select command and his men are ready to set out.

The Justicars of Haelyn all clad in field plate start forcemarching with a rhythmic stride and in step with each other. Surprisingly for a man his age Wallac keeps up with them not breaking a sweat

They try their best to keep up with the advance group

[DM B]

Two days later (and many miles) Oeberon reports that they have found the assassin...it is not a pretty sight. The shot version is that the assassin has been taken by something, hung by the feet from a big tree and then dissected. The butchery must have taken hours...all the while the assassin was alive and conscious.

Lannelah is concerned - the torture was clearly designed to be used as some sort of summoning focus. He fears there may be sword-spirits nearby. If so you are all in mortal jeopardy.

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

Wallac:
"Used as summoning focus or not - blood spilled attracts the creatures of the Shadow all by itself. We are in danger should we chose to linger much longer"

[DM B]

Lannelah sticks close to the Pontiff after that. Probably not a good sign.

The first attack comes three hours (you think, time is hard to tell) later, in a dark patch of the forest, where there is almost no starlight under a heavy canopy of black leaves....

...then suddenly there are muffled screams from around the perimeter. You are under attack by something unseen...men become enveloped in even deeper darkness, and then there will be screams...before the darkness lifts and the man is all the remains...a dead man with vicious many-pronged wounds in the vitals and sometimes hideous acid burns covering his skin.

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

Divinely inspired Wallac sense the sword-spirits before they reveal themselves. Though if it is sword-spirits no-one can really tell yet.

”We lingered too long. The dark creatures of the Shadow will be upon us any minute now. Justicar’s form the square. Remember one weak stone in a wall is enough to bring the whole structure crashing down. Lads give me your best and make me proud!”

The Justicar’s have drilled this time and again. Swiftly they form a solid square of steel around the Governor, Oberon, Lachlan, Wallac and most of Oberon’s men; only the perimeter sentries are not protected within.

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

"Haelyn aid your servant in this the darkest hour for our need is great and the enemies seems to be the Shadow incarnated in vile spiririt forms. Bring us your light"

The Shadow World is however NOT the domain of Haelyn and much as Wallac would liked to see daylight radiating from his holy symbol it happens not. A tiny vibration in the symbol does occur though and it seems to be increasing albeit not too fast

[X-ETN/Maire Cwyllmie (Libor)]

OOC: Im somewhat confused now. How many groups are there? And who is where? Anyway Maire and her people prefer to be with the largest group and desirably stay near the village waiting for others to return if that is an option.

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

Suddenly Wallacs holy symbol stop vibrating and as if directed by some outside force Wallac, his hand moving by itself, point it an area darker than anything he has seen before.

"I SMITE YOU WITH THE HOLY POWER OF HAELYN! BEGONE VILE CREATURES OF THE SHADOW"