Episode 90

The party takes some time getting ready for the battle with Brarro. Potions are taken and passed around, poisons are prepared; it seems that the party is ready for an intense fight. After entering the blindingly bright tunnel, the party finds themselves in a large cavern. Bones litter the floor.

The first thing they see is Brarro himself. He is held to the floor by familiar black chains and his breath is heavy with pain. His wings are colored a stunningly pure white, save for two that are long faded grey. They are shredded with bone peeking out in some spots. Radiant light bursts out through cracks in his skin, similar to when Anthos releases his grace. He looks at the party with anger and pain; recognition flashes on his face as he notices Anthos.

He shouts “die” at Anthos before disappearing in the blink of an eye. The party struggles to find Brarro. The task is made much more difficult with the addition of multiple images of him appearing around the cavern. Lily is able to deal the first blow after Marisol points out the real one. He appears next to Anthos and hits him hard before getting surrounded by other party members. He makes an attack, slowing K, and makes odd gestures in the air with his blades.

Once again Brarro disappears within a cluster of replicas. Anthos is hit soon after with many unseen flying swords. He is soon spotted and moves to attack K, Anthos, and Lily. Anthos and K are both slowed and he slips back into the blur of replicas. The party spends some time attacking the images before Seipora notices the real one. Ingred finally manages to stick him with Celestial bane. He shakes off the effects but appears worse off than he was previously.

Lily is struck with some unseen sword attacks and goes down. Brarro moves out of the corner and attacks Anthos again, after which he goes after Ingred, Marisol, and Lily’s unmoving body. Lily manages to get back to her feet after receiving some healing from Marisol. K inches towards Brarro but gets slapped by another unseen sword attack.

Brarro takes down Ingred and Marisol, but the cleric pops right back up thanks to an earlier Death Ward spell. Seipora heals Ingred to bring her back up and after the lava tiger gets a hit on Brarro, Ingred finishes him off with a point blank Celestial bane dart. Brarro appears relieved and acknowledges Anthos with an “it’s great to see you again” before dissipating into light; the chains that had been wearing him down connect to Anthos’ chest briefly before shattering. “It’s nice to see you too, brother,” he responds “I hope you can finally rest”. The light penetrates back into Anthos and he is left to space out for a bit as the party gathers themselves.

Everyone takes some time healing up and Marisol mentions looting the place, which they absolutely do. She finds a pristine-looking shield. It’s a kite shaped shield that appears to be made of a cold grey metal. Knot-work runes litter the front of it and glow a faint blue. Anthos checks it out along with the bones of his old friends and his shells. He touches the shield and goes into another trance. Ingred and Marisol both make fun of him about the circlet before the party is teleported back to Gaoli.

Anthos doesn’t get sick: a surprise for everyone. Despite everyone looking rather beat up, Marisol shyly invites the party to go out for a drink. Anthos retires for the night but thanks them all over the stones. Lily says she needs to check in on the Eagles, so she doesn’t join them either. K compliments Marisol for having the courage to interact with the party and she leads K and Ingred to the closest bar while blushing intensely.

K drinks water and acts as the “designated driver” for the girls. A very drunk Marisol shows the two her burns, of which are spread all across her body. It appears that her ears weren’t the only parts that were burnt. K ushers Marisol back home and Ingred stays behind to indulge herself a bit more. Meanwhile, Lily speaks to an Eagle. They share that they have spotted more watchful eyes and three hellhounds while she’s been away. Lily updates Press on the news and of their recent endeavors.

The party is teleported to their charity job, which they finish quickly and get a loaf of bread as thanks. They approach Caamir to apprehend the Ebony Wings. The journey is rainy and muddy, but the party manages to stay clean thanks to the magic carpet. The town is dreary. They see some wanted posters in town, although there are none of Ingred, mostly horse thieves and petty criminals. The party keeps an eye out and heads towards a tavern called “The Drunken Duck”.