Worries of the Coming War

Lillith appearing to Darcy as a Snake

Worries of the Coming War is the eleventh session of Campaign 1. In the session, Arine of Riveryew, Lord Darcy Hall, and Orion Brightward react to the news of Lord Rosen, question their participation in the upcoming war, and visit the Riverstream Library.

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

## Plot

Moon Day 18 Chauntoro 1021 TE

After the second round of The Tournament of the Silver Knight and their talk with Lord Rosen, Locksmith's Bane reconvene in The Windy Way (Inn), for some soup and some talks...

"So, the war..." begins each sentence as the adventurers continue to struggle with their place in this fight. Cygnus accepts that he had dragged the group of adventurers into this mess, and that they are all free to leave the city before the fight. This is what is agreed. The adventurers will continue their own quest to open Tzermir's Tome, with eager hope that this may stop the the war. Orion notes that whether they are in Pontoporea, or not, either way there is going to be death. For the sake of the greater quest, they mustn't sacrifice their own lives.

Quickly, Arine declares a familiar statement: "I need to go to the library". Darcy and Orion agree to take Arine to the library at some point during the day, but the conversation soon turns to tomorrow's tournament. If the group wish to skip the war, they agree to forfeit the glorious title of The Silver Knight. Cygnus agrees, stating that he has no plans for the glory. Orion and Darcy, however, discuss the idea that if their competitors for the final round of the tournament are good, decent people, that they might make the best new Silver Knight, and satisfy the wishes of Lord Rosen to remove the title from Sir Edwin Dennison. Esrafin's name is also added to the list of contenders, with Darcy enjoying the idea of the kid getting the title. Ultimately, however, the adventurers decide on their competitors as the best solution. To find the other group, Orion goes to the kitchens to speak with Esrafin.

Inside, Esrafin is simultaneously cooking a steak and making his fine soup. As Orion mentions the tournament, the chef drops his spoon and frying pan and listens intensely. The paladin asks him who their competitors might be in the final round, to which Esrafin answers The Fiends: a dragon-born rogue named Turatyl, and a tiefling warlock who goes by Elvina the Unnatural. The cook tells him that it is likely that the group are staying around Brannagh's Town, probably in a tavern, just like Locksmith's Bane. Orion thanks Esrafin for his information, and asks if he still wishes to be a part of the tournament. Esrafin says that he's always ready with his knife and frying pan, before returning to his burnt steak and submerged wooden spoon.

Returning to the booth triumphant, Orion scoots past Arine and informs Locksmith's Bane of his information, getting the idea that Harry the Bard would likely have information on the location, seeing as he had been to every pub this side of Brannagh's Bridge. Looking around the room, Orion is unable to see passed the booth, with Arine in the way. The wood-elf then takes a gander, spotting a gentleman with long, blonde hair passed out across the bar. Darcy gets up, getting a pale ale from Wolandar, and heading over to the bard. He knocks the beer on the table, and, like magic, the entertainer's eyes open. A hungover Harry is confused at the sight of the Lord, but quickly sobers up enough for conversation. In exchange for the beer, Harry tells Darcy that he remember a dragon-born and tiefling standing out in the crowd in a tavern in Upper Porea, named The Blended Goose (Inn). Darcy thanks the flirty creature, scraping its claws off his fine linen shirt, before returning to Locksmith's Bane with the lead. As Cygnus had been staying in the very same inn, the group question how he had no idea, however Cygnus had not been there since the start of the tournament.

Cygnus leaves the others, keen on speaking with The Mayor of Pontoporea about delaying his leave to the neighbouring towns, agreeing to meet with the group back in the Windy Way this evening. He finishes his soup quickly and exits. However, the worries of the coming war play with his paladin comrade's belly, who is unable to finish his lunch. The trio decide to go straight to the Blended Goose. Before heading up to Upper Porea, in the market square the group head to Stefan's pumpkin stall, and Orion takes him aside. Offering the group pumpkins, Stefan is aware of the war that they have been speaking of for many weeks, knowing that there are still twelve days before the attack. He wishes to stay in Pontoporea and finish selling his pumpkins beforehand. Darcy tells Stefan that he should really go home as the war is almost afoot, but the pumpkin farmer says he wishes to stay in Pontoporea and finish selling his pumpkins beforehand. He also notes that it will certainly be difficult to convince Miriam not to fight in the battle for the city, but jokes that she still cannot without her axe. Orion is determined, however, to get the villagers out of the city before it's too late, reminding the dwarf of Helena and Céline. Stefan admits that they will need to be taken back to Hazelstump for safety, even if they have to take Clop and the carriage alone. Orion finishes his plea by telling Stefan to sell his pumpkins to Esrafin and just go. Stefan agrees with the idea, but will not yet say his goodbyes to the group.

After their troubling conversation, the heroes head north to the Blended Goose. There, they see a three-road crossing, with the tavern, a guardstation, a church, which Orion and Arine identify as belonging to Azuth, the god of wizards. Darcy pops a hand and foot inside, interested to see if he will burn...

Surprisingly, he doesn't.

Arine watches Darcy in the church, confused. The warlock soon follows his companions into the Blended Goose, under a comical sign of a goose stuck in a whirlpool. Inside the two-floored bar, the adventurers are unable to locate any trace of the Fiends, just robed-mage-students having drinks after class. Instead, they head to the bar, to speak with the middle-aged bartender. He, like many, gives some flirty eyes to Darcy, before the noble rejects his stare in favour of words. The bartender reveals that he cannot say who his guests are. But as Darcy knows they are there, he pushes, spotting the drawings of the tournament heroes behind the barman, and informing him that the trio are, in fact, the legendary Locksmith's Bane. The bartender, amazed and declaring Darcy to be far more handsome in real life, agrees to tell them the location of the Fiends, for an autograph from the contestants. Although Orion is shocked to see that this particularly drawing does not sport a fine mustache, the three sign the pictures. The bartender then informs them that the duo are just upstairs, impossible to miss.

Upstairs, the adventurers immediately spot the outliers of the wizard's tavern and join them in their booth, ready with a 'jungle' cocktail and whiskey to pay their rival party. Turatyl is immediately accepting of their kind offer, and the group quickly sit with the pair. After a few moments of talking, the adventurers see that the two are trustworthy, if a little snarky. Ready to ask of Elvina's unnatural patron, Darcy asks if he can request some personal information. Elvina does the same, asking if Darcy curls his hair. He informs her that they are naturally curly, seeming to gain some respect. Elvina does not endulge in Darcy's query, refusing to share her patron's name, unless he himself is willing to share his. However, she does speak of her's having a soothing, masculine voice and blue tentacles appearing in her dreams. Darcy hears his own as feminine and therefore concludes their patrons are very different.

Asking more probing questions as the moral alignment of these two, the adventurers ask who would be the one of their pair to fight the silver knight for the title. Elvina nominates herself as the more powerful of the duo, however Turatyl laughs back stating her prowess as a rogue. Darcy asks where the two met, Turatyl warmly responds that she was robbing Elvina. The noble warlock, unable to hold in his shock laughs in the dragon-born's face. Fortunately, the rogue is not offended and the conversation remains jovial. Finally, to Elvina, the group ask what she wishes to do as the Silver Knight. Acknowledging the superficiality of the title, Elvina wishes both to enjoy her mansion and be a symbol for the tieflings and other misunderstood peoples in the city. She might piss off some of the human inhabitants, but ultimately feels her knighthood would be good for the city, as opposed to the three white men who would likely be stepping up instead of Arine. Their meeting ends with Locksmith's Bane awkwardly saying goodbye, ready to continue their existential dread outside the inn, determining that Elvina would make a good silver knight.

To speak privately, and away from the guards, the group head into the church. The space is small and practically empty, other than one member of the public sitting in a front pew, in prayer. The group discuss their plans to throw the tournament, let Elvina win, and finally go to the library to learn more about Tzermir and their greater quest. Arine is pleased. The group's discussion of war and tournaments does not go unnoticed as they see the thin, praying woman turn to face their direction. The adventurers quickly finish their conversation and leave.

They agree to head to the city hall, to see if Cygnus can stay, heading back south to The Castle's Keep and Pontoporea City Hall. to see Cygnus. In the district, Darcy splits from the group, heading to the amphitheatre. In an alleyway, the warlock shifts into a strong Northolde Guard, dressed in finery as opposed to guardwear, and greets the artist who had drawn their image. Stating himself as the lawyer of Lord Darcy Hall, the disguised gentleman threatens the artist with copyright law, warning him of the fine of 20 platinum pieces and up to six months emprisonment for the uncertified reproduction of a noble's image. Intimidated, the artist begins to sweat, hiding his stock, and stating that he knew the law, and had only been selling the other members of Locksmith's Bane. Darcy's large lawyer thanks him for his understanding, hoping not to cross paths again.

Meanwhile, Arine and Orion enter the impressive Pontoporea City Hall, lined in white stone and red accents in the name of House Rosen. A gnome receptionist argues with a human citizen over the times of the next meeting for the public tomorrow afternoon, declaring in contempt that Moon Day and Sun Day are different. The gnome then kindly informs the recognisable pair that their companion has spent most of the day patiently waiting for Mayor Humble and is currently meeting with him now. The two wait in the waiting room, attempting to listen in, to little success. Cygnus and Humble soon exit to laughter, thankful to see the adventurers outside. Humble has agreed to let Cygnus stay until tomorrow, so as to not warn the public of the coming war before his announcement, and to continue with the tournament as planned. In questioning passes for the Riverstream Library, Arine is given green lanyards by the mayor, allowing the adventurers access to the library for their own quest.

Darcy joins Orion, Arine, and Cygnus outside and Locksmith's Bane return north in search of answers. The heroic band make their way to Riverstream College, walking against the current of exiting students. Arine sees a sign for the library and rushes towards the knowledge. However, the receptionist asks to see their passes first, informing them that the library is open 24/5 and that if they have any questions in the night, they need only ask the half-orc night-watchman. They can access the whole library, however, they may only entire Archmage Grennis' private collection if they have recieved the password from the wizard.

The group head down the hallway and into the large, open-plan, towering library. Arine's eyes glow with excitement at the boundless wisdom with these texts. The tower has what appears to be six mezzanine floors going up, with countless bookcases. Arine asks the guard of Tzermir, to which he recalls the name, and searches through the library's catalogue. There are many texts on Tzermir, most of which, Arine has already read, by other historians and wizards, however, on the third floor, there is a shelf filled with copies of the wizard's own ten texts. Arine rushes up, with Orion and Cygnus, to read them all. Darcy asks the guard if there is anything on diseases, and is informed of the medical section on the fourth floor.

Arine sees the extensive list of Tzermir's writings:

1. *On Foresight*
2. *On Death*
3. *On the Voice of Wrens*
4. *On the Flow of Time*
5. *On the Natural Laws*
6. *On Family and Values*
7. *On the Magic of Kings*
8. *On the Magic of Peasants*
9. *On the Ancient World*
10. *On the Magic of Chaos*

(See The Bibliography of Tzermir for more information).

First skimming through *On Death*, Arine finds that the books are filled with numerous spells that she does not have the time to copy into her spell book. However, there are many references to the wizard's personal journal in his writings, and it is found that his book contains accounts from his earlier work after The Battle of Northolde to his final quest in Tyrnia. Meanwhile, Orion and Cygnus speak of the war, with Orion's continous worries filling the room with tension. The final text, *On the Magic of Chaos*, is mostly incomprehensible nonsense on life itself as magic, but ends with Tzermir writing that he will leave on his final quest.

A floor above, Darcy investigates the medical section for anything on 'dark diseases', their he finds a book, *Dark Diseases and Curses*. In the text, the difference between diseases and curses is shown to be difficult to identify, however, they are separate in that a very specific cure is needed for a curse to be lifted. The rest of the text informs Darcy of the many diseases which have plagued the elvish and gnomish lands in Alkénir for centuries, including one a couple of decades ago which managed to be stopped in The Grey Forest before reaching The Kingdom of Thorn.

Stressed and frustrated, the group have found little information regarded their journeys. Darcy continues his wandering, findin the doorway to the Archmage's private collection at the top of the stairs. The door hugs a wall, with its own staircase accented with a dark-wooden bannister and a divination orb at its end. Darcy approaches the orb to see its blue mist transfigure into a scarlet snake, swirling around, with a red rectangle in the orb's center. The serpent quickly bites towards Darcy and he jumps back in shock.

With a message, the warlock brings his companions upstairs, to each have a look in the orb, staring with Orion. Orion, inside, sees nothing but the sea, swirling like the blue mist before returning to it. Arine however, sees a woman in a pointed hat, reading from a book. The words of the text fly towards Arine's sight "Emily Opphas". For Cygnus, there is simply Goose, coughing, unlike a healthy horse. Darcy makes his way up to the door, findin it locked. Ancient runes surround the passage, however there is a elvish phrase upon the door, in Typhrenian is translates: "A human woman read in the library, there are no lights around her. How does she read?"

Darcy relays the riddle to his comrades and they all ponder. Arine and Orion think to darkvision, but the human would not have it. Darcy pipes up, suggesting braille as an answer. After a moment's silence, a clack is heard and the door slowly creaks open to Darcy's amazement. He didn't have to break down the door. He had discovered the password.

Inside, the private collection is filled with tall windows with red curtains, higher walls, and cramped spaces between the bookshelves. Cygnus guards the entrance, not feeling too comfortable breaking in. Searching through the dusty shelves, walking passed large maps and jars of small skulls and glowing liquids, Orion finds an old trading map of the Stormy Seas and Arine finds a condensed atlas of both Tyrnia and Alkénir. Darcy, however, amongst many banned books, finds his red rectangle: a book titled *The Red Book of Emily Opphas*. Inside, Darcy is able to see that this book is all that remains of the works of historian Emily Opphas, who wrote in the 6th Century about the events around 27 TE. The Red Book is comprised of love letters between Emily and a female lover. At the sound of the name, Arine snatches the book from out of the noble's fine fingers and takes a gander with him.

In the book, they find some passages relating to Tzermir: Emily's lover "My Dearest" had been asking of Tzermir's final quest. Unfortunately she does not know much more than others, as such information has been lost to time. However, in the next letter, Emily writes:

> “My Dearest,
>
>

> You have asked me of my notes of Ira Carkin, to which I have informed you of all the information you ask. At the risk of repetition, I have found one last letter to Siobhan of a friend leaving:
>
>

> “Dear Siobhan,
>
>

> I write to thou of our beloved professor. It seems that, at his age, his brain has led him to believe that he can conquer the monsters of other realms, and has taken a trip to Typhrus to meet with the eternal darkness. In fear, I know I must follow him, to leave our beloved Duirith behind.
>
>

> Keep thine self safe,
>
>

> Ira Carkin.”
>
>

> For now I bid you farewell, my own monster,
>
>

> Yours sincerely and trustedly,
>
>

> Emily Xx”
>
>

Orion joins the group to hear of Typhrus, the famous, ancient city of the Typhrenian Peoples. Showing her map, Arine knows the exact location of the city, North of Olcos and South of Ailmirna, besides The Tyrnian Sea. Orion shows his own map, keen on taking a boat from Pontoporea to Toridia, a city within The Larsinian Empire. However, he realises that the trade routes are from 947 TE, and therefore unlikely to exist currently with the blockade between the Empire and Thorn. Thus, the only solution Orion can think of is if the city gets ready for a seige, to hold down the outer walls for enough time for the adventurers to get to Typhus.

Exhausted from their long day and scouring of the library long into the night, the adventurers take Cygnus back to the Windy Way. Before they leave, Arine pockets the world map and the red book, and Orion asks Darcy to steal the trade map, feeling too uncomfortable to do so himself. The group immediately go to bed.

Sun Day 19 Chauntoro 1021 TE

During the night, Darcy dreams of The Amphitheatre of Pontoporea. Soon, the floor turns red, and from it rises a red snake. Darcy stands upon a rock as the red floor turns to molten lava beneath him and the snake rests upon another jagged stone, to stare at the warlock. The creature slithers through the air towards Darcy, wrapping itself around him. The voice of Lillith hisses through its teeth, chanting Darcy's name and asking what he is playing at. Wars, quests, they are not what he asked for, yet he rushes and dawdles through the world instead of saving his brother. She asks if the boy is taking things seriously, to which he replies with a hissing "yessss". She then mentions Darcy's relationship with woman, treating them less than satisfactorily. The demon states that she could teach him a thing or two. She moves on to the pact, closing tightly around the noble's chest, asking if he truly knows what she wants from him. He responds, breathless from the snake's strength, with an anxious "actually... no". The snake leaps towards the gentleman as he awakens to the light of a Will O' Wisp above him, before it quickly flies outside, into the darkness. Darcy heads to the window as the others sleep, seeing the light fade along the city rooftops. He returns to his bed in a cold sweat, only to hear the words of Lillith in his dreams: "I have many souls".

Early in the morning, Arine copies her spells. Orion and Darcy awaken in synchronisation to find Arine reading the Red Book. The trio decide to buy horses to have their own means of travel once they venture further west. They head down to the bar, where Darcy asks Wolandar where they might be able to find horses. Wolandar informs him that their best bet is in Ferripont where there is a lot of animal trade. She also speaks of the noises being made by Goose and Clop in the stables, to which the trio discuss their dragon eggs in front of the bar owner, wondering if they should throw them at the enemies...

As Cygnus joins them, the group split up. Darcy gives 150gp to Arine to go to Ferripont and secure two horses. The rest will go their respective ways: Darcy to Sandra to pick up his coat, Cygnus and Orion to the city hall to explain their plan to the mayor. As Arine makes it to the impressive sight of Brannagh's Bridge, Darcy enters the tailor's, and Cygnus and Orion cross the gates into the Castle's Keep. The session ends there.