Shademurk: All that remains

 Party: Iskren / Sorval / Taurio / Zantaroth / Vultha

Griev 9th

As the party split up, we find certain things happening in unison, and certain following a logical progression.

After repairing some gear and contemplating the two Planeswalkers he served, Sorval finds himself ... beset by Wallflower, who manages to get the great hero to blush and take chances with being caught by bounty hunters rather than stay and explore her varied charms. Using his wings, he heads straight to the Wicker Goat, to find Taurio and Zantaroth.

Vultha scans the area where he was instructed to wait, keeping out of sight and doing his best to not alert suspicious guards.

Iskren, finding themselves surrounded by the debt-bound ghosts in a grey phantasmal realm. Chains are dangling from each of the spirits, a sign of their debt.. Worse though, Iskren finds a chain running from Little-T to them, but also from themselves to a point beyond his reach.
A gentle voice calls out to Iskren: "Sister, you here?", a child stands nearby, holding the chain that came from Iskren. Ten years, maybe. Elven features. A mask adorns its face. It is highly understanding of Iskren's plight and tells his sister that the Ghost Council itself visited him to explain his situation and pass a chain to him. He speaks of potentially inhabiting the soulless babe in Iskren's womb. Iskren is not opposed to this. As she says so, the boy says he will consider her motivations and tells her to move on, as another is waiting for her.
The other eventually is encountered, a lady elf, with four horns on her head, speaking in repetitions. The horned elf seems confused, as she was there to meet Ishtra, not Iskren. Her bodyguard stands by without saying a word. Iskren makes their stand and tells the lady that they will take control of the Shademurk's Orzhov chapter. The lady suggests that defiling a specific altar downtown would be a tradeable asset for the favours, one of which is turned down - slaying the remaining ghost of Ishtra.
Two small horns push through Iskren's skull, as they leave the lady and hurry to the Old Temple, where Vultha awaits. 
 

Zantaroth reminds Taurio of the mission set by Iskren before Sorval arrives, wings out. Sorval focusses on getting beer and then seeks out his friends. Sorval treats the bar to a round in order to get back in the good graces of the crowd, before the trio rouses a rabble through the offer of alcohol and takes it to the temple. The strength in numbers makes for an uneventful journey for the party, though various lizard invaders meet their end.

Iskren checks with Zantaroth for coordination, before speaking to the oldest guardian of the Temple. Being informed that a sacrifice is required to gain the power of this place, the guardian brings forth a weapon to slice off Iskren's hand. They lose their hand, thereby enabling them to take the Bright Hand from Wellgar. Taking a little time to recover, Iskren manifests in the Ravnican plane again.

The immediate reaction is one of shock and violence, as a massive dinosaur and rider appear in the middle of the Temple. Iskren shouts at Wellgar that he is relieved of his duties, and that the truth and justice will return to the Shademurk as power is granted to them.
Expressing his disappointment, Wellgar casts ray of sickness at Iskren, kicking off a battle that can only have one certain conclusion.
At the end, the party reunites, Zantaroth running through Wellgar with his blade, Vultha claiming the priest's soul while a heavily damaged Iskren takes control of the Bright Hand, allowing the oldest temple guardian to disappear. The Boros crew call off the aggression, though a single Orzhovian guard still casts a ball of fire at Iskren. As Sorval's death ward triggers and keeps Iskren safe, the guard seems satisfied and does not take further action, proclaiming himself to be Tehn.

An old acquaintance, Megaera, had joined the fray, and the reunion with Sorval is a happy one. 
The Irone Brotherhood become the de-facto guardians as the current Orzhov guards are somewhat damaged. Iskren takes a moment to declare an alliance between the forces of Boros and Orzhov in Shademurk, aligning their goals and ambitions for the time being.

A lady of undeterminable age steps up and talks a little with Iskren, asking to collaborate on certain matters, with her being a paladin of Serra. Sorval asks her to join him in liberating Shademurk, to which she replies there's the matter of the Fragment of Eternity running rampant still. She does point the party to a cultist hole, previously a shrine to Arcades Sabboth. Upon his request, she also tells Taurio the minotaurs seem to have arrived in Sunhome.
Iskren gives cleaning orders as Evril makes her way out.

Vultha asks if he can inspect the inventory of the Temple, for items the party can use. Taurio checks in with Zantaroth for his future plans. Zantaroth wants to reduce the followers of Arcades to cease to exist after giving him more information on a shard of the Destroyer on this plane. He seems distracted.
Megaera is offered a chance to join Iskren's side, but she prefers to go to her own dwelling for the evening. Iskren sends a message to Athra, mentioning their plans for tomorrow. After that, Iskren drinks a glass of wine and has Thaya draw a bath.

Taurio and Sorval head back to the Fogger and the Wicker Goat, with some drinking and plans to rendez-vous with Iskren at the Temple the next day. Taurio also organised a small patrol to keep an eye out for Iskren's safety. At the end of the evening, Sorval writes a letter to his grandfather.

Zantaroth goes on a scouting mission, steering clear of danger and scaring off non-danger. His mark flares up for a short while as he strays near the shrine of Sabboth.

Vultha heads for the Grove of Freyalise, finding the caretaker gone and a feral feel taken over the paths. Setting himself down, Vultha attempts to commune with the goddess, but cannot find the meditative trance to connect correctly, spending too much time noticing the damages done to the grove rather than feeling one with nature. He starts mending the damaged parts of the grove, slowly taking on the role of caretaker without noticing it, restoring paths and returning a sense of wholeness to the grove.
Zantaroth eventually joins up with his friend. He also tries to meditate, but finds himself distracted by the gardening efforts. Zantaroth gives up on trying to find his deity, rather joining into the restorative effort with Vultha. 
As they round off their evening's work, Vultha and Zantaroth summon forth, through ritual magic, a large black and white bear. It urges to dispatch of the Nephilim, as that corrupts the land around to an extend none of the human or planeswalker influences have.
Vultha puts down an idol of Autumn Willow in the Poppy Field, building a small shrine and begging her protection down on the area.  

And thus ends the evening of an excessively busy day.

 

Shademurk: Mile High Club

 Party: Iskren / Taurio / Sorval / Amyas / Vultha / Zantaroth

Griev 9th

Amyas seeks to head out and inform his men of what is happening, thus guiding the party to the Fogger (the current Boros HQ).

On board of the Fang, the group quickly returns to their old ways, friends chatting with friends, some of the crew, rescued from the fighting in Shademurk, being glad to see more familiar faces.
-Firebelly and Flaxen Braid see Zantaroth as a powerful warrior and requests his aid in keeping their tribe safe, swearing to guide the barbarian to their Queen, in order for an alliance to be forged between Clan Slitz and the Burrows they came from.
-Taruviel Primeground (daughter of Gellan) is sought out by Iskren before long and the two have a pleasant chat about the disappearance of Gellan proper. Iskren learns Wellgar still holds the temple. While she is aware of the betrayal by Iskren, but seems more intrigued than repulsed.
-Krovek, on board, hears that Iskren has gained new abilities and interjects, expounding on the virtues of traveling alongside the great Sorval, going so far as to offer for free his gospel of Sorval to Iskren, to help their quest of understanding order. Sorval, in turn, interrupts his prophet and drags him away to save Iskren blunt force facepalm trauma. Sorval learns that the stories are close to what happened, with a plot where he ripped open the fabric of reality to save his allies from a collapsing mine and did not desert at all, before defeating an ancient vampire bladelord who now has to dedicate his service to bettering the realms. Sorval mentions Jared Carthelion and Serra, even going so far as to make mention of his new magical blade. Beyond that, there's a bit where Captain Ruddiger Absindek (who is said to be the cause of the wanted posted that makes life bad for Sorval) is brought up and verbally put down.
-Meanwhile, Taurio refuels his stock of Kefir and Vultha crafts a medallion for Taurio.

Taking Iskren apart for a second, Amyas discusses plans for the party's inconspicuous arrival in town, as wanted folk are at risk of arrest at the best of times. Thihm speaks to Amyas as he leaves the vessel, mentioning that he smells Taurio on the Fang, and asking permission to go claim the bounty he placed on Taurio's head.
Amyas runs back onto the ship, telling the group the mercenaries of the Irone Brotherhood have arrived at the Wicker Goat. Taurio and Zantaroth are then informed by Iskren that a group of warriors outside of the old temple would be nice for ... reasons. Vultha is asked to infiltrate in the same temple in order to help negotiations.
Vultha and Sorval also have a small conversation, where Sorval asks Vultha if he knows any Golgari assassins, Vultha responding that he may be able to get rid of the target in exchange for a favour.
Vultha and Zantaroth then have a talk, where Z wants to know Vultha's mind and plans, which seem to be heading into naturalism. 

Before departing the airship, Iskren consecrates a room to Sengir, who then communicates with the cleric, telling her to be proud and hold her head up high, not to back down and to claim what is rightfully hers.
Afterwards, Iskren preps Vultha by casting a scrying spell to show him where Wellgar is. Sorval still walks up to the cleric, pats them and casts Death Ward, earning a measure of respect from the stoic cleric.

Taurio, Zantaroth and Amyas head to the Wicker Goat, getting in touch with the mercenary group, while Amyas pulls down the wanted posters. Finding Irone, the group gets introduced to the Brotherhood's translator Sharuu, as the mercenaries speak Ulgrothan and not Ravnican. 

Sorval works on some armour projects while staying on board.

Vultha and Iskren make their separate ways to the Temple. Vultha enters, pretending to be a petitioner, eventually finding a spot in a votive box-chapel, with sights on Wellgar.
Iskren, however, enters the ethereal plain, together with little T, finding themselves surrounded by the forlorn souls of the debtbound... 

 

Shademurk: Lizards and cows and masks, oh my

 Party: Amyas / Sorval / Iskren / Vultha / Zantaroth / Taurio

Griev 9th

The group stands around the corpse of the fallen Giant, Zantaroth using his eldritch power to snatch the head of the fallen foe from the group and impale it on his old sword, creating a singular trophy rack.

The shaman, trying to salvage things, asks help to push things along after questioning Vultha about the Boros presence. The entire group, apart from a confused Sorval, attempts to give the credit to big Z, but then a Boros patrol arrives.
The leader of the patrol, distrustful of the actions of two wanted figures amongst the Gruul, wants to take Sorval and Iskren in for questioning, but is interrupted by Vultha discovering a glowing Simic signet inside the regenerating corpse of Ubrogren, while Zantaroth asserts his dominance by claiming clan leadership.
As Vultha holds up the symbol, Zantaroth smacks it with his blade, causing it to shatter and bloom into a tentacled monstrosity, followed by the shaman announcing the sudden arrival of two more tentacled mutants.

The group fights off the attacking beings, while they recognise the captain of the Boros patrol to be Amyas, their old friend. They manage to fuck the mutants up, while sustaining wounds, but not fatalities.
Amyas gets the party on board of the Onyx Fang, preparing for a long and needed catching up on both sides, where some old acquaintances appear to have taken up posts. 
A lot of catching up is to be done, to be certain...

Ulgrotha: Finishing Up

 Party: Sorval / Zantaroth / Iskren / Taurio / Vultha

Xivaskir 29th through to Griev 5th

Having departed the Dark Barony, the party heads for the Great Wood, eventually getting in touch with a Daughter of Autumn Willow and being granted access to the Labyrinth of Fog, where they discover and overcome challenges set by Autumn Willow herself, earning them the right to summon one of her fine servants, Little T, into combat if need arises. Throughout their journey in the Wood, they had shown themselves to be forthright, honest and martially capable allies, so Autumn Willow spoke to both Vultha and Zantaroth, taking the time to answer their questions, granting them direction and purpose.

To Vultha, she recommended the lizard to seek out Freyalise, elven goddess and defender of the wilds. To Zantaroth, she told a tale of a mighty dragon whose very essence was shattered and spread across the multiverse to prevent his return. She hinted at a place where a magical blade could be found, to which Vultha produced a treasure map once acquired from an old rogue, and the party plotted and planned.

Sorval sought to head to Strongrock, to find the allies that he and Taurio had persuaded to join the Boros cause, capable warriors who would be able to help Shademurk if the dark visions of destruction were true. The rest of the party would travel to the location of the treasure, seeking more power to take on the forces that would undoubtably oppose them.

The group faced a steep climb, up on the very foundation of an ancient civilisation fallen to ruin they trod, defeating winged beasts, ancient elemental guardians, parlaying with an angelic guardian, walking through a wall of spinning blades and eventually even defeating the dangerous entity known as Dakkon Blackblade. The blade, torn from the grasp of their defeated foe, was given to Taurio, who reluctantly took it upon himself to wield it, while a shard of raw energy pulsed into Zantaroth's very being, engraving him with the Mark of the Destroyer, making him a Champion of Vae Victis Asmadi.

Meanwhile, Sorval speaks to the allies, provides them with a general lay-out of the Shademurk and meets a tiefling on the run from vile entities seeking her death. The horned lady introduces herself as Mafara, a spellcaster of some ability, and expresses her thanks to the Boros hero.

The vampire formerly known as Baron Sengir made an appearance and helped the party to a final stop, reuniting them with Sorval and sending them hurtling through the Blind Eternities, where they came face to faces with a celestial serpent, that tested their alliances and their willingness to sacrifice things they held dear in order to reach their destination... 

Griev 6th

Our friends, their loads lightened in various ways, from coin to drinks to the bones of a defeated dragon, manage to pass by the serpent, finding the lands of Serra stretching out before them. They set out, except for Vultha who indulges in some crafting and improving his rapier, to carve a trail of carnage through things that oppose them. 
They learn of a race of trolls that follows "The Shard of Eternity" Brokkos, a massive mountain of a beast that trundles along the peaceful meadows of Serra, destroying everything in its path. While the angels devoted to the Radiant Lady have successfully held it back and even slain it on occassion, the being keeps returning to wreck more havoc.
Considering it not their priority, the group moves ahead to find a shrine to the Lady, which exerts an unnatural pull on her paladin, Sorval. 

Entering the shrine, the group discovers more trolls trying to gain entrance, but also a wicked ploy of the Orzhovian emissary, causing a delegation of Ravnican angels to be trapped in the shrine. Athra, an old ally of the party, tells Iskren in vague terms of upcoming trouble, which is reiterated by the Orzhov leader of the ploy, an unusual man known as Mikhael, during his fight with the party.
As the group faces off with him (after receiving the blessing of the guardian of the temple), they are hurled through space and time and find themselves not across from a mere mortal, but a crowned specter, who proclaims his place as the rightful heir and king of Ravnica.
Not deterred by this, Taurio causes great havoc and ends the future reign of this being before it can commence. In the commotion, Sorval snaps the crown in half and shoves part of it in his pocket.
Iskren, worried, slowly takes in the situation, as Vultha notices the spires of the Ravnican society around the graveyard the party seems to be standing in.

Griev 9th

The party quickly tries to find their bearings, discovering themselves in the lands of the Gruul clan known as Smash Smash, though it appears to have been taken over (after some careful thinking) by the Clan Slitz. 
The party meets up with Eyjafjallajökull who brings them to Ubrogren. Zantaroth puts his own plans in motion and takes Taurio up to the giant while bellowing a challenge. A fierce battle later, Sorval lops the head off of the Giant.
Now standing over the corpse of the Clan leader, the group eyes their winged friend with a mixture of awe and worry, for according to clan traditions...
this would make Sorval, paragon of Serra and member of the Boros Legion, the new leader of clan Slitz, the sneakiest reptilian gits...   

Ulgrotha: Sengir's Castle

Party: Sorval / Taurio / Vultha / Iskren / Zantaroth

Xivaskir 29

After a fitful night full of visitations by allies, the group (minus Sorval, who has been sent out by Serra on a mission of his own, discovering a group of cyclopean lizards encroaching on a portal, a fight with a cambion and a limited time of return leading to a strategical retreat) gathers again, with various of the members of the party passing on the information they got. They proceed to figure out their next goal should be gaining more allies and forces, with Ravnica and Serra's Realm as main points.

Big Z speaks about Elder Dragons for a bit, as he has been marked by one (Vae Victis Asmadi), implying a potential future quest, while Vultha wants to seek out Freyalise. Iskren had little activity to mention.

Grandmother Sengir appears with foods and a general scary vibe. She shows the group to the Baron's throne room before leaving them. The Baron himself speaks with the group and Iskren specifically, striking a bargain for the return of his coin (in exchange for an heir, a corpse, aid and support). He provides some added intel, noting Dihada as a main problem, Freyalise as a powerful ally. 

As Iskren negotiates the terms in person, Taurio and Vultha look at a pair of feathers and seek how they can make items from them. After the deed is done and the Baron ascends to his planeswalkerhood, unleashing a wave of dark energy from the coin before returning it to Iskren.

The energy, as Taurio/Vultha/Zantaroth move towards the library, seems to enhance the castle, making it more of a macabre place, with semblances of human remains brought to the fore rather than blending in. 

The library itself is populated with hooded figures, servant spirits, which allow the party access to books upon demand. Information on the Elder Dragons seems rare, but Zantaroth is brought to some volumes (which mention Vae Victis having been broken down into shards), while Taurio studies mass battles and Vultha passes his book to a servant and retrieves is again, learning more of Lorwyn. 

Eventually Iskren rejoins the group, finding Zantaroth first and looking into the Elder Dragon War with him. Once Vultha joins up, a small spark of inspiration strikes the group, and he links the stories in the book to a small dragon they found in the Shademurk. At that time, Sorval rejoins the group. 

The discussion goes on towards the being known as Har-to Pro'nouns, with Serra and others being named as potential allies. While listening to Vultha, the group meets a trio of elves, two of them horned, the main conversation centers upon Oona, the violet queen, who might be an ally if the party gets to Lorwyn. They seek the book Vultha carries, but the party is unwilling to relinquish it, so both sides decide to remain neutral and a token is given by Elda Goldenmanes (captain of the guard) to Iskren to allow the party access to the Gilt-leaf Courts. 

In the end, the party decides the priority should be Serra's Realm.

The group eventually leaves the castle and retrieves the corpse of Ishan, travel towards the Great Forest and Autumn Willow. They rest at a bridge, ignoring the dangers the night may bring, Zantaroth meeting up with Sandruu and by the morning, the party seems to be aiming to pass the corpse on to Autumn Willow and maybe tracking down a shard of Vae Victis that was forged into a sword...

 

Ulgrotha: Into the Dark Barony

 Another two-for-one~ 

Party: Sorval / Iskren / Taurio / Zantaroth / Vultha

Xivaskir 27

The party decides not to arrive at the Baron's abode empty-handed and follow tracks to a manticore lair.

They, however, discover the lair is also home to a large dragon, much bigger than the one they fought in the pass. After a heavy battle, they do emerge victorious and add a lot of treasure and coin to their hoard.

They agree to retire outside and rest up, Taurio attunes to a magical ring, the group reconsider their resting spot, head back in and spend the night in a protective circle of Feryja's making, replenishing their vitality for the upcoming trials and tribulations.

Xivaskir 28

Fully rested, moving and feeling good about their chances, more so after some bonding over Zantaroth's delicious foods, the party encounters a fleeing group of villagers, heading towards the Baron's castle, as Leshrac's raiders are testing the defenses of the Barony. Bringing down the attackers, the group sets out to follow the fleeing villagers, before encountering a familiar figure all dressed in black robes and wreathed in flames. The Walker of Night, his remaining Balor, a Fear Smith and some goons have come for them! 

Using their wits and acquired knowledge, the party manages to turn a balor into their ally, who promptly strikes out at the Fear Smith. The pair fights in the background while the group batters Leshrac's force.

As the Walker is forced to spend a lot of attention on the party, he lowers his defenses for a convenient intervention by Jared Carthalion. As the Shadow Mage strikes out for the Walker of Night, Leshrac flees. The other foes mopped up, the Balor agrees to assist them in future endeavors after answering some questions. A praying Sorval gets a communication from Jared, telling him to go about his business and declaring Ulgrotha safe... for now.  

They head forth, arriving at Castle Sengir after passing by the Rows of Punished. They are greeted by a group of servants, and led to the salon. Vultha remains behind for a bit before being warned that Grandmother might take an interest in travelers that stay behind. The salon is occupied by a female dwarven vampire who introduces herself rudely as Irene Sengir. A brief back and forth later, the Baron arrives and sends Irene off. He shows himself a gracious host and allows the party to take a rest and refresh. The Boros decide they want to check out the library while the others will seek audience with the Baron. 

Before parting ways, Iskren also tells Sorval they might have to do unusual things, but that Iskren will NOT cause the party harm through deeds or words.  

Koshun Pass: Two for the price of one

 Xivaskir 26

Party: Sorval / Zantaroth / Taurio / Iskren / Vultha

The group converses with a Balor and moves on after securing its alliance in their fight against Leshrac. 

They head deeper into the dungeon, fighting off a manifestation of (what they previously encountered as) Zantaroth's Wild Side, bound by a magical circle. 

They discover a shaft at the back of the room, so they follow it to the library. Vultha spies a goblin laying prone. Shoots it. Shoots it again. And again. Before Zantaroth discovers the goblin has died. A while ago. And there is an acidic smell in the air, implying poison. The group then investigates the room, where books are strewn on the floor, torn from the shelves. Learning a little of the history of the Castle of the Dawn, the Rise of the Barony (written by Xolkur Thruda) and the dwarven authors that used to write them. Also erotic dwarven fiction (about a fiery redhead named Serra, not related to the planeswalker) with pictures. And Vultha finds a book on 'the Violet Queen', a fey being that can grant wishes.

They then walk through the corridor adjacent to the library, split up a little and discover a shrine and a spider-guarded prisoner respectively. 

The spider sinks its fangs into Taurio, but Vultha takes it out before it can do anything else. Sorval calls upon the powers of Serra and removes the poison from the prisoner's system before Big Z calls him to the shrine. The remaining members of the party examine her and find her to be a non-combatant by her gear, judging her to be more of a scholar. The damage done by her captivity involves her missing two fingers and having bite-marks all over her body due to the spider. Being healed by Iskren, she comes to and explains she is a researcher interested in the dwarven culture. The name she gives is Feryja, from the Hidden School. 

The shrine, guarded by a strange being that attempts to strangle Sorval as he examines the altar. However, the radiant frost attack from Sorval is more than a match for the creature's body. The pair then cleans out the shrine with Z grabbing a bunch of 'magma shrooms', which he thinks will be delicious when roasted over lava.

Afterwards, the party talks about the destruction of the Anvil, mentions chatting with the Balor (which upsets and intrigues the lady), being sent by Sandruu. She exchanges for this knowledge her own about Seraphim and Leshrac. Sorval then spends the rest of their time together chatting about himself and the Legion. The group eventually invites Feryja to join them to Sengir's place.

Walking for a longer period of time, the group comes across a camp led by someone who calls himself Ezauchton, a Sengir Autocrat, and two peasant servants, Wilhelm and Maurice. The group then makes dinner for everyone. The peasants seem happy enough with their life here, explaining leaving the barony could see their families killed, while Sorval speaks of dragonslaying.

As night falls, the group sets up watches. Zantaroth keeps first watch, while Vultha dreams of ghosts. The first ghost was a farmer, but it provides little intelligence. A second one is an Orzhovian, who divulges a lot of intel to Vultha on Iskren, such as the optional death being a benefit to the guild or their presence on Ulgrotha being a boon.

The second watch falls under Sorval's care. A purple-haired being approaches Sorval, a large being, clad in flowery chainmail, introducing herself as the Queen of the Evendusk, Who Brings The Aurora. She doesn't appear to have a weapon on her, asks about the party's dragon-friend and requests Sorval to find a book about the Purple Queen and cast dispel on it, for she is bound to it by magic.

The third watch belongs to Taurio, who scares off a group of shadow fey. 

Xivaskir 27

In the morning, the group chats about what happened, with Sorval querying Feryja for the Purple Queen. Vultha mentions the ghost council visit to Iskren, who is thankful for the info.