After the recent ambush, Gark, still in Dire Wolf form, tracked the fleeing bandit chief to a concealed camp. There, they found four more guards, who were quickly dispatched. Inside the camp, they discovered a large haul of hoarded goods and treasure, a good reward for their efforts.
Returning to the caravan train, they assessed the damage: two caravans were wounded, one beyond saving, and some guards had suffered burns from the flaming arrows. The rest of the night passed uneventfully. In the morning, they continued their journey to Westbridge, a small town on the Long Road known for its brewery and two inns. The town seemed run down, with a lack of trade, unrepaired equipment, and untended farms.
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| Map of Westbridge |
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| Herivin Dardragon |
When the caravans were ready, the group returned to find six additional caravans had joined the train. They also filled their own wagon with Westbridge Ale from the brewery to sell in Triboar.
The rest of the day's journey was quiet, with a large forest and high mountains offering a relaxing view to the west. As the sun set, they crossed the infamous Ilikur's Bridge, known for its magical history. Thankfully, nothing unusual occurred save for a whispering voice telling them, "Be changed, for there are always too few to do the great deeds that are needful." The three-hundred-foot bridge spanned the Black Maw Bog, a known ambush site for bugbears, but they crossed in peace.
After another hour, they made camp. Watches were set, and the night was uneventful until just before sunrise. Gark, on watch, saw a whisper of movement, then a huge, translucent, charcoal-scaled dragon with opalescent grey eyes. This spectral creature swooped down, snatched a horse, and drifted away, leaving Gark with a minor heart attack. He alerted the others, but unable to articulate what he'd seen, the exasperated Commander decided it was time to move on to Triboar.
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| Map of Triboar |
Triboar, one of the larger towns in the Dessarin Valley with a population of over two thousand, was a bustling trade hub. Darathra Shendrel, a retired adventurer, ran the town from the Tower of the Lord Protector, capable of raising a militia of three hundred. Consequently, the cults hadn't bothered Triboar directly, and most locals were unaware of them, though trade disruptions from the south were a curious topic.
Bessok, familiar with Triboar, led them to the Triboar Arms, where Nemyth, a Tiefling owner, happily purchased their Westbridge Ale, even advertising its return. The Talking Troll was a rougher establishment, but suitable for adventurers. Triboar, particularly its eastern side with Everwyvern House and the Pleasing Platter, catered to those with coin.
Having been paid by the caravan commander, the group began investigating. Joe watched suspicious characters, tracking one to Northshield House. With Rowan's help, they broke into the individual's room and found a diary or letter, embossed with golden "K S" script. It detailed attempts to disrupt Triboar's trade and activities, aiming to destabilize the town. Bessok vaguely recalled seeing the "K S" emblem on a currency exchange business in Yartar, a potential lead for later investigation.
After a night in Triboar, the group decided to use Triboar Travellers, a coach company, to return to Red Larch to then head east to Feathergale Spire. The magical horseshoes on the coach provided record speed, covering two-and-a-half days' caravan travel in one.
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| Feathergale Spire |
Not stopping in Red Larch, they headed east, noting that refugees had reopened some closed stores, offering their skills. A short distance away, they encountered a glowing suit of armor with a ghostly figure inside. It advanced on Rowan, shrugging off Bessok's attempt to stop it. It then knelt before Rowan, bowed its head, and rose to stand aside. Confused, Rowan questioned it, and it responded, becoming his Helmed Horror protector. Not everything strange was dangerous, they learned.
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| Map of Feathergale Spire |
Arriving late at Feathergale Spire, they noted little activity outside, save for a single Knight on a Vulture occasionally patrolling. Deciding to use their flying abilities, the group ascended high above the spire, then descended, using Bessok's silence magic for cover. Joe swiftly took out the first Knight and its vulture. What followed was less a battle and more a slaughter. They moved silently, killing sleeping Knights and those defending the Spire, clearing every room from the Knights' quarters (S9/S10) down to the stables (S1), where the final Knight was found tending to the remaining mounts. Only the flying mounts survived, and the group had barely a scratch.
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| Map of the Sighing Valley |
After resting, they explored the spire's top, using a spyglass to scan the Sighing Valley below. They spotted the same monks they'd fought previously, guarding a concealed doorway, as well as patrolling gnolls. They descended into the valley.
Near the spire, a vulture finished feeding on humanoid remains, and blood hawks offered no resistance. Shattered bones hinted at many more victims thrown from the tower. They reached the concealed doorway. The monks rushed forward, unleashing three thunderous waves of magic. The fight was over quickly as daggers, swords, a summoned Sabretooth Tiger, and Bessok's ghostly dwarven spirits finished off the three assailants before they could attack a second time.
Now free to explore, they opened the concealed door to an enormous cavern. A crude, narrow stairway hugged the chasm side, twisting in hairpin turns. A dropped torch disappeared into the darkness, but undeterred, the group continued down the dangerous, miles-long stairway.
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