Rise of Drekis: Chapter 2 Episode 05

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==Synopsis==
The party arrives at Lake Casitas, anticipating negotiations with the Voraci detachment. Eventually the orcs arrive led by Maahk-Terrahk, who proposes an agreement involving tribute and land. Elaine insists on negotiating with Jeraldine Silverworth present. The orcs agrees to a future meeting. Returning to Santa Barbara, the party informs Lord Campbell and expresses interest in exploring magical phenomena. Intrigued by the mention of a pass through the mountains, they head to Gaviota Pass, where Elaine faces magical resistance. Crumpet successfully navigates the pass, revealing a realm made for fey folk by the Gods. Meeting Nereid Skilee, the party learns about Ethos, a new homeland for elves and fey. Elaine grapples with her purpose there, and the party decides to explore ley lines in the jungle with Skilee's guidance.
==Recap==
=== Negotiation Preparation: July 10, 1517 ===
The party arrives at Lake Casitas in the evening and engages in discussions regarding the potential outcomes of the upcoming negotiation. While awaiting representatives from the Voraci detachment for negotiations, members of the party scout around the lake. Notable observations include evidence of elementals, with Vincent drawing a comparison between the flow of water and calligraphy brush strokes. However, they find nothing else that is noteworthy.
=== Negotiation with Maahk-Terrahk: July 13th, 1517 ===
After a few days of camping on the lake, the party notices an orc scout. A few hours later, a group comprising four ordinary orcs and a half-orc, seemingly the leader named Maahk-Terrahk, approaches. Discussions between Maahk-Terrahk, Elaine, and the party revolve around potential agreements. The half-orc leader proposes that the party can stay in Santa Barbara if they pay tribute. She describes how the Voraci army has conquered the Dardens and will soon conquer the rest of the Arcadian Isles. Elaine, in turn, expresses willingness to negotiate land disputes, but insists that Jeraldine Silverworth must be present. Maahk-Terrahk suggests taking the goblin with her to Fort Kachuma, and when Silverworth returns, she will send the goblin with details on when and where to meet. Elaine agrees and hands over the goblin.
=== Return to Santa Barbara: July 15th, 1517 ===
After a day and a half of travel, the party returns to Santa Barbara. They meet with Lord Campbell to discuss recent events and plans for the immediate future. The party conveys their intention to explore the island for magic and gather information on the ley lines sought by Silverworth. When magic is brought up, Lord Campbell mentions the pass through the mountains, called Gaviota Pass, west of Santa Barbara, where magical winds intensify as someone approaches it as if to keep out intruders. Intrigued, the party prepares to explore the pass.
=== Mysteries Unveiled Beyond Gaviota Pass: July 16th, 1517 to July 17th, 1517 ===
The following day, the party heads toward Gaviota Pass. After two days of travel, they arrive late in the day. Elaine attempts to walk through the pass, but the rising water level and strong winds impede her progress. Crumpet successfully climbs along the cliffside, and after reaching the other side, the magical effects dissipate. The rest of the party can then walk through unimpeded, and they make camp for the night.
While at camp, a woman emerges from the creek accompanied by a giant otter. The woman who greets the party tells them that she has been waiting for them. She introduces herself as a Nereid named Skilee and explains that the island of Ethos was made for Elaine and other fey folk. She describes how the elves and other fey creatures have had their land and forests burned and the Gods deemed it necessary to create a new homeland for them. This new homeland is Ethos. Skilee is one of many nereids throughout the forest, each one a guardian of their own body of water. After hearing all of this, Elaine has a minor existential crisis, as the party makes camp for the night.
=== Exploring the Jungle of Death: July 18th, 1517 ===
In the morning, Skilee returns and inquires about the arrival of more of Elaine's kind to the island. Elaine confesses that she is not in fact here to return to her home land, but a soldier of a human empire here to claim this land for Drekis. Skilee responds with an alternative perspective, suggesting that Elaine's presence may be predestined—a guardian meant to shield the elven haven from the encroachment of humans and orcs. Intrigued and contemplative, Elaine engages Skilee with numerous questions, seeking clarity on her role in this newfound land.
As the Nereid returns to the creek, Elaine and the party grapple with the profound implications of their journey. Undeterred, they convene to discuss their next steps, ultimately deciding to embark on a mission to explore the ley lines hidden within the lush depths of the jungle. Summoning Skilee once more, the Nereid agrees to guide them to the source of her creek. The party traverses through the vibrant jungle, encountering diverse flora and fauna, including elven cats and majestic stags. Upon reaching the origin of Skilee's creek, the Nereid imparts that it resides between two ley lines, but has no other information to give the party. 
==Experience==
No Experience given this episode.
Category:Rise of Drekis Episodes
Category:Rise of Drekis