Lanal 19-26, 652 DR: The company crosses paths with three wizards in their continued search for Dammon and Jak. Kaithah studies and finally perfects Ōbèryl’s masterpiece.

Continued from Demon Storm.

Wōdìndor, 19 Lanal 652

After passing through unfamiliar courtyards where withered gardens stood in leafless brown, Alcèrra was led to a heavy round tower which was finely furnished. The second-story door opened into an office where a dark haired man with a wisp of gray hair stood waiting. The ensuing conversation was both friendly and informative with the two remembering a past encounter at the Northwall Inn. Talk soon advanced to the present matters of finding Dammon, Jak, and the mysterious Ændroth of Oð, Dammon’s “master”. Foulstern gave the priestess what information he could, but seemed more interested at the prospect of the magic Black Tome and the people released from its prison at Kry Ōddon. Alcèrra also learned that the man she described that was given the book at Ōddon, was probably an Eldran named Dwurn Nildroon, a member of a closely guarded Circle of wizards within the City.

Later that morning, a carriage was prepared for Alcèrra and Mishara so that they could deliver a note to a place Ændroth frequented and visit the Circle of Eldra at Clocktower Square. Alcèrra slipped a note under a nearby door to watch it be consumed with flame before passing completely underneath. Having been warned about the wards of this place she returned to the carriage and began to compose another. While gathering her writing materials, the carriage was surrounded by men in gray clothes who invited the group into the building to speak of the requested matters. After some debate, all that were invited in, agreed to enter the building. Those who refused the provided silver charms (i.e., the Lords’ Men) were seized with a uncanny stasis upon entering the Hall.

A meeting was granted in a large chamber with the thin bald man (i.e., Dwurn who had greeted the group at Kry Ōddon. Their talk was long and detailed, with both sides learning a great deal from the other. Their host explained that Shroudson and his accomplice had left the Hall days before and that their current location was not known. In the end, “confidences” were exchanged and the group was permitted to leave.

Leaving, the Lords’ Men became disoriented and could not recall any events of the past hours. The group returned to Kryr Shùrulm to find Kaithah studying her music, and making some progress with the difficult piece.

Iyldor, 20 Lanal 652

The next morning, Mishara sent a message to Kry Ōddon, inviting Idus to Kryr Shùrulm. Alcèrra and Mishara later rode to the Kreyard where they met with Laris, the Guildmaster of Mourners for that ward. When asked about the merchant Ōlànda Ældar, the Guildmaster assured them that he would have known had an Ældar died in his ward, and that she had not. The two, satisfied with this answer, returned to the Keep.

Irídor, 21 Lanal 652

On the next day, Kaithah mastered the third page of the piece and a strange wind filled both her room and the halls of the wing. She tried to play on but her discordant efforts sent her listeners away.

Roydor, 22 Lanal 652

On the next morning, a shaken messenger was sent to Alcèrra’s room explaining that someone had arrived by her bidding. All three followed the man to the courtyard where a black coated figure with a tall hat, and prominent nose stood waiting. The surrounding walls were filled with crossbowmen, trained on the figure. Ændroth’s arrival has caused a disturbance among the soldiery. The group spoke with the reluctant wizard for some time, exchanging views and ideas about where Dammon might have gone. Ændroth could offer little that the group did not already know, but suggested they speak with the Northwood Coven, a renegade circle of magicians that might be able and willing to help the group with their chosen quest. Ændroth offered the group two names: Imp the Mad, and Aanna of the Seven. One, he believed to be a member of the Coven, while the other he thought to have been denied membership. As the wizard left in the circling winds that bore him to Kryr Shùrulm, a rattled crossbowman fired at the departing magician. To the warrior’s dismay the bolt circled his ascending shape and flew back at the bowman, burying itself deeply into the sniper’s chest. No others saw fit to fire.

Sūdìdor, 23 Lanal 652

Many days followed in the Keep, with Kaithah working feverishly on the magical piece.

Talídor, 24 Lanal 652

Resting at Kryr Shùrulm.

Padídor, 25 Lanal 652

Resting at Kryr Shùrulm.

Bærídor, 26 Lanal 652

On the fourth day following Ændroth’s visit, the notes began to make sense. As the bardess played, the rooms of the building were filled with the beautiful sounds of disembodied singing voices, dazzling motes of colored light, and chilling winds from seasons Ages old. All of this was interrupted by Kaithah’s scream, that some claimed could be heard throughout the courtyards of Kryr Shùrulm.

Continued in The Winter Song.

Characters

• Alcèrra Nàdrelan
• Kaithah Argentale
• Mishara Mythdaras
• Aanna
• Lady Allisis Gadth
• Ændroth of Oð
• Ogimir Foulstern
• Ōlànda Ældar
• Idus
• Imp the Mad
• Laris
• Ōbèryl: dead

Played: 14 Feb 1998