Session 9

Setting: Headquarters

PCs: Durzo, Lo’Kag, Mykiela, Rhaine

NPCs: Commander Warren, Finn

The Order of Valor meet in the morning, and Finn let's everyone know that community leaders have asked him to start preparations to declare The Forsaken Expanse as its own country. They wish to start the process once the rulers of the other nations leave. Commander Warren suggests they all leave for the Thunder Dome for the Semi-Finals match.

Setting: Thunder Dome

PCs: Durzo, Lo’Kag, Mykiela, Rhaine

NPCs: Tilo

Tilo changes the arena to two cliffs connected by a narrow rope bridge. A 100ft drop leads to a body of water and jagged rocks. Lo'Kag and Durzo square off against each other while trying to keep their footing on a bridge that is constantly swaying in the breeze. Using evasive tactics and the Hold Person spell, Durzo is able to best Lo'Kag in the fight, giving him the ability to meet Grimmdur in the Championship round. As the fight ends, Tilo lets everyone in the crowd know that the Empress of Gale's ship has been spotted on the horizon. The entire community heads to the docks to see the ship.

Setting: Headquarters

PCs: Durzo, Lo’Kag, Mykiela, Rhaine

NPCs: Commander Warren, Finn, Syleese, Bharrus, Council of Elders of Errista

The representatives of Gale form a parade route from the docks that end at the Order of Valor headquarters. The Empress travels in a horse-drawn carriage, with Lizzy following along as her personal attendant. Her soldiers are more like thugs than an organized army. Once she arrives at the headquarters, the negotiations begin with all of the rulers.

Lorali begins by explaining the history of the region. The original site of the Tower Eternal was in this area, which was the ultimate seat of magical power in the world, and the location of the ending of the Mage War. When it exploded, it caused the Fracturing of the world. Her "Residual Theory" is that all of the magical artifacts, wards, spells, etc. that were destroyed at the time are causing all of the problems in the Whispering Woods. She shows the group a drawing in a notebook from one of the mages that used to live in the Tower. It shows the Wayfarer Courtyard, a circle of archways that people used to teleport to and from the Tower. Some were also used to travel to different planes of existence for various reasons. She believes the Archway in question is one of those that survived the Fracturing.

The Rulers argue over why to enter the archway, and why they shouldn't. It is finally agreed upon that the Order, along with Lizzy Quickfoot and Willyam Thane will explore the Archway, and eliminate any threat. Thereafter, the rulers will allow other expeditions in to gather information. The party will set out first thing in the morning.

While having cocktails later, the members of the Order warn their respective rulers about the dangers of remaining on the island. The King of Brightforge will leave the following day, leaving Berrack to make decisions in his stead. The Queen of Falador will also be leaving, and appoints no representative for the further negotiations. She warns everyone to leave well enough alone. Lorali will enter the Whispering Woods on a personal mission, but Click and Vaklan will leave for Errista once they agree on a representative for Errista. The Empress of Gale stays at the hotel, so Azoth observes from above. He sees her guards spread out throughout the town and blend in to the crowd.