Rise of Drekis: Chapter 5 Episode 02

__NOTOC__
==Synopsis==
Vincent departs from Outlast with his companion Vordren, heading towards the south side of Embershore, where they are greeted by a wary village matriarch and escorted to Valuton. Along the way, they avoid a giant beetle and are later provided lodging by the locals. Investigating the docks, Vincent learns about the island's spice trade and the followers of Eid-Ryeah from Zen, the dock master. Failing to gain entry to the tunnels beneath the volcano, Vincent hypnotizes the guard to conceal his presence. Returning to Valuton, he discovers more about Eid-Ryeah's magical abilities and witnesses a parade celebrating a ritual at the volcano. The next day, Vincent and Vordren use invisibility to bypass guards and explore the tunnels, encountering a chapel and detecting significant magical presence. Suspecting Brimstone's presence, Vincent communicates with the dragon, revealing his mission to bring the Spice Islands under Drekisian control. Brimstone instructs Vincent to uncover Eid-Ryeah's origins and warns him to avoid Mistrya, emphasizing the importance of Vincent's role in the unfolding plot.
==Recap==
=== Arriving on Embershore ===
December 11, 1521. Vincent departs from Outlast and heads towards the south side of Embershore, arriving near a small village. Upon landing, Vincent and his companion Vordren are greeted by the village matriarch. Behind her, the villagers are armed with torches and improvised weapons, ready to burn their spices if threatened. Vincent requests an audience with Eid-Ryeah, to which the matriarch agrees. She instructs her grandchildren to escort Vincent and Vordren through the woods to the town of Valuton.
During their journey to Valuton, Vincent and Vordren encounter a giant beetle laying eggs. They manage to navigate around the creature without incident. By the next day, Vincent and Vordren reach Valuton, where the locals provide them with a house to stay in.
=== Investigating Valuton ===
December 13, 1521. Vincent investigates a building filled with crates of spices located next to the docks. He is soon interrupted by Zen, the man in charge of the docks. Vincent explains that he is a friend of Eid-Ryeah and is visiting him. Zen is surprised by this and inquires if Vincent is a servant of Brimstone. Vincent denies this but expresses interest in possibly becoming one. During their conversation, Vincent learns that followers of Eid-Ryeah receive a tattoo of a red dragon scale on their forearm.
The conversation shifts towards trading and spices. Vincent learns that the island conducts all its spice trading with a single merchant named Hamza, who collects the merchandise once every season. Vincent and Zen discuss the potential for trading with each other and agree on possible prices.
Later that day, Vincent searches for the tunnels beneath the volcano where Eid-Ryeah resides. After some time, he finds the entrance, guarded by a soldier in chainmail armed with a steel-tipped spear. Vincent approaches the guard, claiming to be a friend of Eid-Ryeah in an attempt to gain entry. However, the guard is not convinced and refuses him entry. As Vincent begins to leave, he notices the guard heading into the tunnel. To prevent the guard from informing Eid-Ryeah about his presence, Vincent casts on the soldier, convincing him not to mention Vincent.
Vincent returns to Valuton and observes that the townspeople appear to be well off. Through conversations with locals, he learns about Eid-Ryeah's various magical abilities, such as levitating people and throwing balls of fire at enemies. Later in the evening, Vincent witnesses a parade of people celebrating their return from the volcano, where a ritual had taken place.
=== Exploring the Tunnels and Speaking With Brimstone ===
December 15, 1521. Vincent heads back up the trail leading to the entrance of the tunnel. On the way, he hears footsteps and hides in the woods with Vordren. They observe an old man, matching the description of Eid-Ryeah, accompanied by two guards walking down the path. Once they are out of sight, Vincent continues towards the tunnel and casts on himself and Vordren. Using their invisibility, they bypass the two soldiers guarding the entrance.
Deeper into the tunnel, Vincent and Vordren come across a large chamber resembling a chapel. Inside, they find pages of prayers describing the use of fire for cleansing and protection. Continuing on, they reach a room with a 15-foot-long crack in the middle, emitting hot fumes and the smell of sulfur. Vincent takes a different path, leading to a bedroom with two chests. Using , he senses 3 magical items inside the chests, one with evocation magic and another with enchantment magic. He also detects a magical presence throughout the entire tunnel system. Returning to the room with the crack, Vincent detects a moderate level of magic emanating from it.
Suspecting Brimstone's presence, Vincent calls out to the dragon. The ground shakes slightly in response. Vincent sticks his head into the crack and attempts to speak with Brimstone again, hearing a voice this time. Vincent introduces himself and asks if there is anything he can do for the dragon. When asked if he wishes to see Drekis rise or fall, Vincent expresses his desire to see the rise of Drekis. Brimstone questions why Vincent would want to aid a Red Dragon in conflict with The Empire. Vincent suggests that their cooperation could be mutually beneficial. Brimstone inquires about Vincent's purpose on the island, and Vincent reveals his mission to bring the Spice Islands back under the control of the Drekisian Empire. Brimstone then instructs Vincent on his next steps:
“You must find Eid-Ryeah’s origins. You must find who Eid-Ryeah is. You must reveal their truths and send them back to your master. Do not kill him. Capture. Reveal. Discover. There is a plot afoot. Your role in this is necessary.”
Brimstone further advises Vincent to return to Akuba to uncover the secrets of Eid-Ryeah and warns him against stepping foot in Mistrya.
== Experience==
No experience given this episode.
Category:Rise of Drekis Episodes
Category:Rise of Drekis