05: The Road to Beliard

   

Having filled their wagon with wine, the four adventurers set off from Red Larch, which soon faded into a distant speck in the wild expanse of the Sumber Hills. This varied landscape of rolling hills, plateaus, dense woodlands, streams, and lakes stretched as far as the eye could see.

Just a few miles out, they spotted five Feathergale Knights riding high above on their Giant Vultures. The knights shadowed the group and their wagon for nearly an hour before veering off to find something more compelling.

Rounding a sharp bend, they were met with a grim sight: the shattered remains of a wagon, a dead horse, and its riders being scavenged by wild dogs. The dogs, sensing fresh meat, immediately turned their attention to the adventurers, but the skirmish was swift, with the two surviving hounds fleeing into the hills, regretting their bold choice.

Rowan's sharp eyes caught the flicker of torchlight from a nearby cave opening. After examining the victims, noting a strange scent of ozone and magical scars, the group cautiously approached the cave. Using their driftglobe to pierce the darkness, they discovered it was a long-abandoned mine.

Map of the Abandoned Mine

As they navigated the main tunnel, Rowan detected rumbling beneath the ground, a sound the others soon noticed. At the corridor's end, the earth erupted, and a large Ankheg burst forth, spraying acid. Bessok and Rowan flanked the beast, and Gark, in bear form, charged in, tearing the creature apart.

An Ankheg

Flickering torchlight at the western end of the corridor suggested a path, but the group first explored their immediate surroundings. To the east, a collapsed section of tunnel formed a huge pile of rubble, with a small gap offering a glimpse into another room beyond.

With only one clear path, they headed west, finding another cave to the south with a large burrowed hole and several smaller ones. Bessok bravely ventured inside, discovering two more Ankhegs curled up. Another battle ensued, with one Ankheg tearing into Rowan's arm with acid-laced claws. He quickly consumed a healing potion and retreated, joining Joe as they unleashed a volley of arrows, felling both creatures with precise shots.

Continuing north, they found another collapsed section at the end of a corridor, leading east into a large cavern. Activating the driftglobe's special feature, the entire area filled with light. In the next cavern, they spotted two more Ankhegs guarding a clutch of large eggs, accompanied by two hovering balls of light that Gark immediately recognized as Wisps.

A Willowisp

As combat began, the two Wisps vanished. One Ankheg stayed back to protect the eggs, while the other charged Bessok. Arrows rained down on the Ankheg guarding the eggs, forcing it to burrow underground. Gark, still in bear form, smelled the growing ozone from the west as the invisible, dangerous Wisps drew nearer. After the Ankhegs were defeated, the Wisps reappeared, unleashing shocks of lightning at Gark and Bessok. Though some strikes landed, they weren't enough. Rowan pulled out the magical dagger from Red Larch, its energy cutting through a Wisp's protections and destroying it. Joe followed suit, using the magical black arrow he'd taken from Bessok, a perfect shot snuffing out the second Wisp's light, bringing silence to the cavern.

Before leaving, the group found a powerful shield and, in an adjoining room, a magical Battleaxe on the body of a long-dead Dwarf miner. Back in the fresh air, they resumed their journey.

After checking the broken wagon and finding a collection of fine silks, the group continued northwards, undisturbed for several hours. Then, high on a wood-lined hilltop to the east, three large Orcs watched their passage. Over a mile away, engaging them would be a time-consuming detour, so the adventurers simply watched them in return until the Orcs turned and vanished into the trees.

More cautious now, the group made camp for the night, setting watches to prevent any surprise attacks. The night passed peacefully, and after breakfast, they were back on the road. As they left the northern edge of the Sumber Hills, the massive Stone Bridge came into view. Two miles long, it spanned the River Dessarin, curving down to the other side. Despite its lack of barriers and narrow walkway, the wind was in their favor, and they crossed without incident.

Map of Beliard

A few more miles brought Beliard into sight—an idyllic tableau of cattle farms, orchards, a serene lake, abundant sunlight, and cheerful faces. It was even home to long-retired adventurers, a beautiful place for rest.

In town, they first consulted a well-to-do local before heading to The Watchful Knight Inn. The owner, Neshor Fleurdin, was eager to purchase their wine. He was also happy to help with their inquiries about the missing Delegation, inviting others to join him for a more complete account, as most of Beliard had seen the Delegation pass through.

Neshor confirmed the Delegation had indeed stayed overnight at his inn. Senya, a young serving girl, recalled seeing a strange monk with a golden mask tucked away in a corner, intently watching the Delegation. The monk had left early, before the Delegation awoke, and hadn't been seen since. Eann, a local cattle drover, claimed to have seen them a few miles south of Beliard, and also mentioned a group of five men flying overhead on Giant Vultures, seemingly following the Delegation south.

Deciding to stay for a couple more days, the group questioned locals, particularly the retired adventurers. One adventurer confirmed that the description of the golden-masked monk sounded like one from the Sacred Stone Monastery and even provided its location.

With a wealth of new information, it was time to set off again in search of the missing Delegation.