The Council of the Coming War

Fownai explains The Cave of Mortund

The Council of the Coming War is the fourteenth session of Campaign 1. In the session, Arine of Riveryew, Lord Darcy Hall, and Orion Brightward learn of The Cave of Mortund and hold meetings with their 'war council.'

The following contains spoilers for the Tale of Locksmith's Bane.

## Plot

Gold Day 20 Chauntoro 1021 TE

Down in the well room, deep in the basement of The Mansion of the Silver Knight, Locksmith's Bane, joined by Miriam and Yremi, listen to the tale of Fownai called “The Cave of Mortund.” The librarian explains: the story describes a man who lived in pure darkness. However, each night in his dreams, he keeps seeing his own reflection, only understanding the difference of his dreams from reality this way. In these dreams, he would cry out his own name, “Mortund”, and the reflection would turn back to him. Following this reflection, he would find himself down in the dark chasms of the cave, where he would ultimately be separated from his reflection. The man would cry “Mortund” in his cave often, but his reflection would not return. One night, the man found a space illuminated through a small crack in the ceiling by moonlight. Beneath it a puddle. Looking into the puddle, the man discovers that he does not resemble his previous reflection. He would spend the rest of his days alone in his cave, unsure of his own name, calling out for a another named Mortund.

Arine, Darcy, and Orion discuss their plan of leaving Pontoporea and heading to Tyr's Pass, suggested as the home of Mortund by Sir Edwin before fleeing. They conclude that they must speak with everyone currently residing in the mansion, and hold a war council. Orion asks Fownai if they have a war room, to which Yremi leads Fownai and Miriam to the dinning room. Arine goes to her room, collecting the worried Stefan, Helena, and Céline, explaining the situation on the way downstairs. Meanwhile, Orion goes to his room to collect the hungover Elvina the Unnatural and Turatyl, whilst Darcy convinces Sandra that he hadn't heard her declaration of love a few minute ago. He also sends a telepathic message to Harry, still collapsed in the Theatre, warning him that if he doesn't come downstairs he will die.

All the guests, other than Harry, reconvene in the dinning room, as Yremi brings them tea. Darcy asks the butler to fetch him some whiskey, with a lack of surprise from the group, and ten bottles of the cheapest wine they can find (from Euteria) to be sent to his room. To a gasp, Arine cheerfully asks for some mead. With the group served, the council meeting begins. Locksmith's Bane leave a space at the end of the table in honour of Cygnus, and begin their discussion. To gasps from their audience, Orion mentions the good news: that they know what is happening with the Gargoyles, the bad news is that The Larsinian Empire has been using The Dark Stone to control them for their army; more good news is that they know where The Dark Stone is; the bad news is that it's in the hands of The Flaming Hand; the good news is that they know the Hand is run by Mortund; the bad news is that he is fictional...

The trio tell the group that they plan to go to Tyr's Pass to find Mortund, retrieve the stone, and hopefully put an end to the army. In the discussion, the boys voices talk over each other, as Arine is left to their side once again. Darcy states that it is just the three of them, weak children, who couldn't possibly end this war. With a slam of her great-axe upon the from, Miriam stands up before the would-be council. She assures Darcy that they are not weak children, they are strong. They have faced many foes, they have travelled great distances, and they are on a far grander quest to the West. Sandra follows up the groups monlogue clarifying their goals and making sure they have enough time before the battle in Pontoporea to return. Helena pipes up from across the room with Céline, asking them how they plan to leave the city, no-one gets in or out. The group decide that they must speak with Mayor Humble about leaving. Furthermore, the Fiends agree to join, on the condition that songs will be written about them, and that they will be paid for their service by the Mayor.

With that, the meeting ends. Orion quickly pops outside, hearing the sound of the angered crowd outside, as he finds a Halfling guard, Kristopher. The guard is anxious, running around Silverhall in a panic. The paladin requests information on the whereabouts of the Mayor, which the guard does not know, calling over his comrade, Charlie, a lanky elf. Charlie informs Orion that the Mayor is in Pontoporea City Hall, and agrees to fetch him. Kristopher runs off into Silverhall Castle.

For the majority of the day, the group and their guests rest, preparing themselves to travel at night. Orion is particularly worn out after their fight with Sir Edwin earlier in the day, and retreats to his bedroom. Miriam and Stefan play with Céline in Arine's room. Darcy, interested in his deal with Lillith for new powers, obtains the ten bottles of wine, with Sandra, and heads to the bathing room. Excited, Sandra questions what Darcy is planning to do with the wine, as he begins to pour it into an empty bath. He informs her that he needs her to cut his hand to have enough blood to draw a pentagram and Lillith's name. She is hesitant to help him, describing the relationship between him and his patron as toxic, but Darcy assures her its fine, and that he just needs her help because her can't do it himself. He states that she doesn't have to if she doesn't wish to, but she remains indecisive. The warlock hands his lover a razor and his open palm, which she placed back unopened. Darcy snaps, blasphemising the gods and Sandra's indecisiveness. She apologises for not being able to, to which Darcy states is okay, and she leaves.

In search of another assistant, Darcy heads straight to Orion's room with his razor, to ask the hulking gentleman to cut him. Inside, Darcy witnesses a shirtless Orion, and cannot help but stare at his body. When asked, Orion is quick to cut open the hand of his party member, only then asking why. His blood dripping upon the wooden floor, Darcy thanks Orion for his help, but it would be too long to explain. On his way out, leading a red trail behind him, Darcy takes a final glance at his housemate's chest.

Meanwhile, Arine, interested in checking out the Knight's Study in the library, is helped by Yremi to open the room. Inside, the wizard discovers many books on magical creatures, from dragons to basilisks, hydras to gargoyles, as well as tomes dealing with the properties of magical artifacts, particularly cursed artifacts, and stories of paladins of old fighting creatures like dragons. Moreover, upon the desk, sits a small notebook, filled with quotes from the contents of the books. From the collection, Arine is able to verify Sir Edwin's statements in the zone of truth earlier in the day.

During the wizard's readings, she is visited by Helena, asking her about her relationship with 'the boys'. Arine, confused, asks her what she wishes to know, and she replies that she's not sure, just that she was wondering how they acted with and around her. Arine remains confused, stating that they're annoying, but they treat her well. Helena is surprised and brings up her relationship thus far with Orion. She describes the past few days from her perspective. She cares for Orion, and wants to make sure that he's okay, but he treated her as if she is someone who needs his protection. She worries that he sees her as unable to defend herself or her child, needing his protection to leave the city, when she, herself, believes that her daughter would be safer in the secure confines of the city, rather than in the open countryside in Hazelstump, should Western Thorn fall. Furthermore, she is a strong woman and mother, able to look after her child, as she has done so for many years in this harsh world. Arine informs her travel companion that the boys don't seem to find her weak, and value her as a member of the team. Moving on, Helena asks Arine to tell Darcy that his relationship with Céline has been wonderful, and to thank him for it. Before leaving, however, she mentions Orion's name once final time, stating that she misses him. She leaves Arine with her books.

After many hours and the setting sun, the group are interupted in their downtime by Yremi's ringing bell, and the entrance of the Mayor, surrounded by all of the guests. Mayor Humble agrees to meet with Locksmith's Bane and the Fiends in the parlour room for a meeting on the war, and Yremi fetches them all more beverages. Orion details their findings and their mission, hoping to be allowed out of the city, to eventually return before the war. Intrigued and delighted by the group's decision to go to Tyr's Pass, fight Mortund, and return the Dark Stone, Mayor Humble agrees to the groups adventure, but only after taking a special interest in their mention of gargoyles. The Mayor explains that he had heard some gossip about gargoyles from a few weeks prior, to the old lord of Northolde, Lord Pelt (or 'Pelvis' as he mistakenly calls him). The Mayor recounts the known murders of Pelt, his butler, and Inspector Norman Bluegem, but gives more information, stating that the Northolde Guard had found a note under Bluegem's body, announcing that Lord Emerson Sackville had been there, and discovered that it was the new butler, craig. But, the most interesting piece of information is that his father, Lord Fitzwilliam Sackville, had also been spotted in Pontoporea recently. When Orion questions where, Mayor Humble does not know, however, he summises that these Sackvilles are up to something, and might be involved in the Flaming Hand.

Darcy soon puts the Mayor back on track, to the matter at hand, Tyr's Pass. This causes Elvina to ask about a possible payment. With Locksmith's Bane agreeing to the quest without need of any such payment, Humble denies their request and the Fiends leave, uninterested. Darcy is quick to then ask the Mayor if he has any extra tools to aid them in their adventure, such as healing potions or magical weapons. Humble informs them that whilst they can spare a few healing potions, they will need most for the coming battle. Moreover, he doesn't think Lord Rosen would wish to part with some of his own magical weapons, worrying about what they might do in the wrong hands. Orion informs him that the most powerful weapon, the Dark Stone, is already in the wrong hands, and they must put a stop to it. However, he agrees to try and speak with Lord Rosen this evening before they leave, but cannot make any promises. Although Mayor Humble floats the idea of the group triumphantly leading their way through the crowd, to win back their praise in the city on their quest for Mortund, Locksmith's Bane decide they need to be more discreet, and will leave at midnight. Kristopher and Charlie will be waiting for them outside. Before the mayor leaves the group, he informs them that their will be many positions in the battle to come, offering Arine a place beside Archmage Grennis at Riverstream College, and mentioning various unconfirmed positions of groups across Pontoporea. Darcy ends the conversation implying that Harry might be able to join them in Tyr's Pass using bardic magic.

Before relaying their information to the rest of their council, Locksmith's Bane decide to disguise themselves, ready to make their way through Wolbeth. Surmising that Sir Edwin would have left some clothes in his room, Darcy and Orion choose to break in. Arine forgets that Yremi has the keys and would likely help. Orion, with his might, attempts to kick open the door. He fails to do so, merely causing a small splinter around its lock. With a thunderous kick, Darcy manages to complete the task, much to Orion's dismay. Entering, Orion and Arine find some disguises in hooded cloaks, hats, and dark clothing, as Darcy takes an interest in the Knight's former desk drawers. Orion tries to assist Darcy, yet again failing to open the locked compartment. Darcy opens it with ease, failing to mention the assistance that Orion's strong pull must have had on the drawer.

Inside the desk, Darcy discovers many journal entries on pieces of paper, placed messily:

> **Pray Day 11 Helmori 1021 TE**
>
>

> “My sister seems worse than usual, her illness drives her to madness, the last we spoke she held a knife to my throat, stating that she would never leave the tower. The Dark Stone is corrupting her I fear, and father does nothing to stop it. I have seen inside her room, the creatures she keeps. How she may tame them I know not.”
>
>

> **Pray Day 16 Chauntoro 1021 TE**
>
>

> “My father arrived earlier this day with news of sweet Tasha’s passing. The audacity of the man to come himself, knowing full well that I never wished to see him again. I feel an emptiness I have never felt before. My soul, for the first time, is sole. I pray to Sune that she guides my sister well to the outer planes, to Mount Celestia with the other heroes of virtue (for within I know she had strength and goodness), rather than the Abyss of demons which ailed her. Thorn shall never see such joy again.”
>
>

> **Feast Day 17 Chauntoro 1021 TE**
>
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> “After some unpleasantries with the ever-pleasant Lord Jimothy Strayth, I found myself wandering to Ferripont, where news of the Flaming Hand’s presence had reached me. Members of Tasha’s crew of bandits were around, but they all kept their distance. I am certain that this operation is sending creatures to Mortund. My father had spoken to me of this gentleman and his recruiting of Tasha. From what I had heard in Ferripont, he must hide away somewhere in the hills of Tyr’s Pass.”
>
>

Despite recieving this information from Sir Edwin prior to the discovery, the knight's notes confirm his statements from the zone of truth. With theeir new attire, Locksmith's Bane order their guests to join them in the dinning room for their second council meeting. Everyone is in attendance, with even Harry showing up, confused about their plan, with alcohol remaining in his system. Orion, Darcy, and Arine occupy the head of the table, replacing the mansion's master. As Yremi suggests that he would likely stay in the servitude of the Lords and Ladys within Silverhall, alongside the housing of the children of the city (as mentioned by Humble previously), Sandra states that as she doesn't know how to fight, she feels that she would be better off in the castle grounds with the children, causing Darcy to make a note of her and her family members, to ensure that they are safe within the castle walls. Miriam is ready to fight, as are the Fiends, but Stefan remains hesitant (again with little experience). Helena does not say much, but is ready to do what she must. Asking Harry if he wishes to help them in their quest, the bard declines nervously, semi-denying any magical ablities with his lute, and seeming ashamed.

As midnight draws near, and the guests return to bed, Locksmith's Bane say their goodbyes. Darcy asks Helena if he may see Céline, who they briefly wake-up. Céline reaches for the warlock's hand, in which he has casted a minor illusion of a dragon, before reutrning to her slumber. To Sandra, Darcy apologises for snapping, and she wishes him luck. As Orion says goodbye to his drinking buddies, Elvina and Turatyl, Arine has an awkward farewell to Fownai.

Pray Day 21 Chauntoro 1021 TE

With their equipment in tow, the adventurers join Kristopher and Charlie outside, with their carriage and three potions of healing. Leaving the safety of the mansion and silverhall behind, the carriage of Locksmith's Bane passes through the Castle's Keep and Brannagh's Town, filled with drunkards, trying to forget their war troubles, and finally make it to Brannagh's Bridge. Between the spires on either end of the mile-long district, the bridge is home to many shops, houses, and The Troll's Tankard (Inn) still busy at this time of the morning on a pray day. Past the bridge, the trio arrive in Ferripont and into the contient of Tyrnia for the first time. Leaving their guards by the main road, the adventurers walk up the riverside district, past many closing shops and numerous rats, to the prominent horse-market in Ferripont's center. The trio attempt to listen inside, as voice can be heard. Arine discovers that the voices come from a horse-seller and another merchant, named Claire, who is asking her to join her in their business with the Hand. The horse-seller refuses, turning to leave the market. Quickly, and miraculously quietly, the adventurers manage to hide down a side alley, as the halfling horse-seller rides out on her pony.

As their suspect trots away, the trio panic, with Darcy taking a stab in the dark, picking up Arine, and calling for the well-dressed pony-rider to the come to their aid, for they seek assistance from the Flaming Hand. She turns to the group, announcing that she cannot help, and that neither can the Hand, for their own sakes, they should all walk away. Before she can get much further, Orion decides to throw a stone at the poor merchant. Almost falling from her steed, she calls for the band to leave her at peace, that if they truly seek the aid of the Flaming Hand, that they should enter the market through the now-open door. She gallops away in fear.

With the trio outside the marketplace, Darcy gets the idea to disguise himself as the horse-seller, enter, and speak with claire to get some information. Arine readies her spells should Darcy need assistance, and Orion picks up some more stones. Disguised, Darcy enters. The market is dark, with some dimly-lit candles illuminating Claire, a tanned human, at the center of the room. Along the outside are many horses, and beneath the noble's feet, many moving creatures. Claire asks Eliza why she has returned, to which Darcy replies that he would like to go back on his previous answer and join the hand. Claire does not see through the disguise, but is alarmed by Darcy's choice of words when describing what is expected of Eliza. Soon, the moving creatures on the floor are reveal from the hay to be large rats, at least eight surrounding the warlock, before transforming into the familiar sight of Were-Rat hybrids. With Darcy trapped, and Claire giggling, stroking her pets, the session ends there.