Moonlore

You search for Lucius and there is absolutely no sign.

## Plot:

For the next few hours beside the strange stone pillar, beneath the village of Alberlet, and the Huntsman’s Lodge to the West, the party frantically attempts to contact Lucius, and to discover the danger, or source, of the magic of the place. Gwendolyn finds with her clairvoyance that Lucius is not dead, but is unable to make contact with him as she would normally. This then prompts the party to investigate the flower, this ancient, iridescent, static, and powerful source within the center of the cavern room. While within the space, Realta senses that they are not alone, and the whole of the party grows increasingly aware that the dark spirit of Alberlet has not yet been dealt with. Seeing the fungus-like, dark, and tar covered roots, strewn about the cavern room as a threat, and one seemingly encroaching on the flower, Gwendolyn harnesses sapping magical rot to wither the roots. The grasping tendrils of the root network begin to fade, and like dust, they disappear into the earth. It is then that Realta and Doc notice that the Spirit of Alberlet has made itself known within the cavern halls behind them, and several, some dozen, other spirits have appeared around the flower.

The party attempts to discourage the approach of the spirits, with threats bandied about, yet the spirits advanced, and encircled the flower. It was then that Haze noted the spirits seemed, in those moments, less aggressive, and were attempting to communicate. Virakai surveyed the symbols with Gwendolyn upon the pedestal, and all together then began the rigorous process of translating the words of these dark, and demonic forces. It becomes clear to the party that these demons are from some forgotten age, and that they were once like people, at least by their own description. In their time, the gods had been that of Selene, Konsu, Apophis, and others, with only passing connections to this current world. According to the demons, “We fought, we all fought, everyone, even the gods.” It becomes clear to Virakai that the flower is in stasis, like a rose in a snowglobe, and seems to be all that remains of the demon’s forgotten world.

Virakai explains that, in the old ways of Synjalo, Selene is seen as The Traveler, the spirit, and goddess of Change, and of Vibrancy in forging one’s own destiny. Konsu is symbolic of, and worshiped as the one who guides fate, purpose, and prophecy. With difficulty understanding the implications for the town, the Dreamers have a discussion on the ramifications of destroying the flower, or attempting to fight off the demons. For now, the party decides to strike a “bargain” if such a bargain can be made, with the spirits, begging that they not attack the people of the town. Cold air fills the room, and the demons assert that they will not strike out against the villagers, unless they come and intrude upon the places these spirits call home. Haze expresses concern that the demons are here setting the terms for what they “consider” to be “their home”.

Nonetheless the party decided that their best course of action would be to head to Craic Tur, the Shorewatch Bastion, both to secure their position Northeast, and to cure Saoirse, and the town of their respective curses. It is hoped that this will also give them an advantage on finding the place where Mordred, or at least the Elemental Druid cults, are assembling their forces. Gathering Saoirse back from the town, they communicate their intent to Sir John, and Mance, and Mimby, and prepare to set out down the river the next day, leaving the dark, strange spiritual forces of Alberlet behind them. That night, Virakai takes the brazier of Aerdollan, and attunes to its magic. He discovers that it amplifies his inner flames, and with it visions of the moon Konsu appear before him. A half moon. His journey takes him towards his fate, and towards peril.

That night, in the restless quiet that followed the haunting of the last two days, the Spirit of Alberlet chooses to visit the Dreamer’s one last time. Binding them together, using the strange connection they all share as an anchor, the spirit gives them visions of some strange, dark battles in days to come. In this conflict they spie the forces of giants, fey, and mankind, gathered together with every imaginable ally, or past foes, against a great and gathering darkness. Nothing can be discerned of the darkness itself, except its immeasurable scope and terrible might. Behind them, the adventurers turn and spie what appears to be Four figures, which they guess to be Mordred’s Four Horsemen. With that though there is, within their minds, a flash, like lightning, and the visage, of Mordred himself, is revealed from within the line of the four figures. In the sky above, once more, the slithering form of Apophis winds through the minds of the dreamers.