Rise of Drekis: Chapter 5 Episode 03

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==Synopsis==
Vincent explores the tunnels beneath a volcano, but the intense heat forces him to retreat. On his way back to Valuton, he overhears Eid-Ryeah planning to capture him. After a brief return to Valuton, where he finds a magical briefcase, Vincent and his companion Vordren are ambushed by giant spiders, resulting in Vincent's incapacitation. Captured and tied up, Vincent tries to convince Eid-Ryeah of his loyalty to Brimstone, but Eid-Ryeah remains skeptical and orders Vordren's execution by boiling. After witnessing Vordren's death, Vincent seeks guidance from Brimstone, who warns of significant consequences in the coming weeks. Mourning his friend, Vincent returns to Drekis, where he updates Richard Marshal on his mission. Summoned to report to Empress Vuularia Wikk, Vincent emphasizes the threat of Brimstone's possible escape. In response, the Empress orders a halt on any expeditions to the Spice Islands and seeks Vincent's advice on how to proceed.
==Recap==
===Finding the Magic Boat===
December 15, 1521. Vincent continues to explore the tunnels beneath the volcano, eventually reaching a large chamber containing a massive pool of lava. He attempts to approach the pool, but the intense heat prevents him from getting too close. Deciding to abandon the exploration, Vincent exits the tunnels and begins his journey back to Valuton.
While returning, Vincent, still invisible, along with Vordren, observes Eid-Ryeah and several soldiers making their way back to the volcano. They follow Eid-Ryeah to the entrance of the tunnel and overhear him instructing his soldiers to search for Vincent, whom he describes as a Drkisian spy and a wizard. After giving these orders, Eid-Ryeah re-enters the volcano, while his soldiers disperse to find Vincent.
Vincent and Vordren successfully return to Valuton and slip into the warehouse by the dock unnoticed. Inside, Vincent searches for documents but finds none. Instead, he discovers an unmarked box lined with silver containing a briefcase. Vincent recognizes this briefcase as the magical item that transforms into the boat known as the Riftdancer. He leaves the briefcase in the box and quietly exits the warehouse.
Vincent then breaks his invisibility to write a note to Eid-Ryeah, requesting a meeting at Mt. Gull to discuss the island's future. He gives the note to Vordren, who delivers it to one of the guards. After the letter is delivered, Vincent and Vordren begin their hike to Mt. Gull.
===Giant Spider Ambush===
During their journey through the jungle, Vincent and Vordren are ambushed by giant spiders.
====Combat Begins====
====Round 1====
Three giant spiders emerge from the forest canopy, with two of them leaping at Vincent. One spider successfully bites Vincent, interrupting his spellcasting.
====Round 2====
Vincent is bitten again by a spider, this time feeling poison being injected into his bloodstream. Vordren moves into a better position, while the other two spiders miss their attacks.
====Round 3====
Vordren attempts to strike a spider but misses and is bitten in return. The other two spiders retreat into the woods, waiting for the poison to incapacitate their prey.
====Round 4====
Vordren is bitten once more by the last remaining spider, which then immediately flees into the woods after the successful attack.
====Combat Ends====
A few minutes later, the poison takes effect, and Vincent falls unconscious. The spiders return, but Vordren manages to fend them off and carries Vincent's limp body back to Valuton.
===Conversation with Eid-Ryeah===
December 19, 1521. Vincent awakens in a small hut, bound by a rope tied to the structure. A guard stationed at the door notices his movement and leaves to fetch Eid-Ryeah. After approximately twenty minutes, Eid-Ryeah arrives and greets Vincent, addressing him as a spy. Vincent denies being a spy, claiming instead that he is a follower of Brimstone, drawn to serve much like Eid-Ryeah himself. Eid-Ryeah remains skeptical, pointing out Vincent's association with Richard Marshal, the left hand of the Empress. While Vincent does not deny working for Richard, he insists that his true loyalty lies with the red dragon. He expresses his desire to forge an alliance between Brimstone, Drekis, The Spice Islands, and Akuba, aiming to resolve their differences peacefully. Vincent further explains that Brimstone instructed him to learn more about Eid-Ryeah.
In response, Eid-Ryeah cuts the ropes binding Vincent and informs him that the best way to serve Brimstone is to ensure that the mainlanders understand the threat they pose. He warns that if the mainlanders approach the island, he will complete the ritual to summon Brimstone from beneath the sea. Eid-Ryeah emphasizes that it is fear that will bring about Brimstone's goals. He then informs Vincent that to instill fear, he plans to boil Vordren alive. Despite Vincent's pleas for Vordren's life, Eid-Ryeah remains unmoved and orders his minions to prepare the cauldron.
Over the next few hours, the cauldron is filled with water and heated to a boil. During this time, Vincent waits anxiously, trying to convince himself that this is merely a cruel test and that Vordren will not actually be boiled alive. However, his worst fears are realized as he witnesses Vordren being slowly cooked to death before his eyes.
===Final Discussion with Brimstone===
December 20, 1521. The following day, Vincent pleads with Eid-Ryeah for one last opportunity to speak with Brimstone before returning to Drekis. Eid-Ryeah agrees, and they travel through the tunnels to the crevice. Vincent leans into the crevice and asks Brimstone for guidance on his next steps. Brimstone warns that Vincent's actions in the coming weeks will have significant consequences, with thousands of lives hanging in the balance. He advises Vincent to speak truthfully and reminds him that their fates are intertwined. When Vincent expresses doubt about the dragon's ability to achieve his goals, Brimstone asserts that his influence extends far beyond this small island and cautions Vincent not to underestimate him. Before Vincent departs, Brimstone offers one final piece of advice: "Speak the truths as you know them, and the ritual shall be complete."
Vincent, accompanied by a group of escorts, returns to the southern side of the island, where his boat awaits. During the journey, he breaks down in tears, mourning the loss of his closest friend, Vordren.
===Returning to Drekis===
Several days later, Vincent arrives in Wikkthronrarenta, the capital of Drekis, where he meets with Richard Marshal. During their meeting, Vincent shares details of his mission, including the location of the magical boat, Vordren's death, and the looming threat of Brimstone. He also informs Richard that he successfully acquired the goods Richard requested and found a marble supplier in Akuba. Pleased with this news, Richard offers to provide Vincent with a new bodyguard to replace Vordren and to pay off any debts Vincent’s family may have. Vincent agrees to these terms.
Three days later, Vincent is summoned to the throne room of Empress Vuularia Wikk, alongside Richard Marshal, to report on the situation in the Spice Islands and the threat posed by Brimstone. The throne room is filled with the empire’s great knights, lords, wizards, and clerics. Among the attendees, Vincent recognizes Lady Cora Pentalin, her granddaughter Elaine Pentalin, the gold dragon Shine (who is in human form), and Imrik McGary, the king of Mistrya.
Before delivering his report, Vincent expresses a desire to share his findings with the empress in a more private setting. Empress Wikk responds by reassuring him that the people present are trustworthy and that trust and unity are essential for the Empire's success. Convinced, Vincent agrees and proceeds to give his report to the assembled crowd. He emphasizes the danger of Brimstone being freed from captivity and voices his concern that he was left alive as part of a ploy to assist the dragon in escaping. Vincent admits that he doesn’t know how, but he believes the information he shares in this throne room today will somehow play into Brimstone’s overall plan.
In response to Vincent’s report, Empress Wikk declares that no one shall set foot on the Spice Islands for the time being, as time is on their side and more information must be gathered. She then asks Vincent to provide his advice on how the Empire should approach this issue going forward.
==Experience==
No experience given this episode.
Category:Rise of Drekis Episodes
Category:Rise of Drekis