After defeating the dragon, our heroes return victoriously to Grimmlock’s camp. But their joy was short lived as they noticed the tragedy that had occurred during their absence. Yuki, a manifestation of Sapphire’s soul that our heroes had discovered previously, had massacred a large contingent of the party’s personal forces. Clayton Rose, Luna’s first prisoner on this plane, was among the casualties.
On the back of this tragedy, the party decided to take some time off from their mercenary life. Spending their time relaxing, crafting and shopping, the party had a golden opportunity to get to know the populace of their new home. The ever-impatient Luna had other plans, however. She approached the party with a favour in mind: she asked them to join her on a personal quest to the City of Hope, a famous gambler’s town. Whether from a sense of loyalty, or a lust for adventure, our protagonists collectively decided to travel with Luna on her mission. Meanwhile, the newest addition to the team, Veressa, decided to pay a number of bards to spread the story of how she and her party-members slayed the dragon.
“The City of Hope.” A name dripping with sarcasm. Upon entering the city, our heroes quickly discovered it’s true nature. A place where the people trade in debt that constantly increases, it was clear that it was not the intention for the citizens to ever leave it’s walls. The inhabitants were trapped here. In a rush to find her target, Luna led the party on a search throughout the city streets that lasted for several hours. Their collective debt increasing with every step, the party grew hurried before they finally found what they came for. A legendary blacksmith, one who possesses the skill to craft virtually any piece of armor or weaponry. Towards the end of their journey, the party was left with a dilemma. How would they get rid of their debt, so that they may leave the city? With a heavy heart, the immortal Lich Chris Morrith volunteered to be left behind with the entire party debt. The party left with Elezal, the once-god and fellow planesman of Chris, swearing to raze the City of Hope to the ground.
As they returned from the City of Hope, they were met with a very annoyed Enia. Enia, being one of the daughters of Grimmlock himself, carries both authority and responsibility in the camp. She saw fit to explain the current political landscape to our heroes, and how they had received a rather… poor reputation. The people believed they were agents of Alter Zet, posing as mercenaries of Grimmlock. In order to start repairing their damaged renown, Enia gave them a personal mission of her own: to escort the young girl they had saved during their first encounter with the dark mist back home. The party took only a short amount of time to prepare before heading out. At the same time, a particular tale was spreading in the local taverns and hangouts. “The Tale of the Dragon Slayers.”
The journey to the city of Longlheín was largely uneventful, and no real surprises were had before the very end. Upon arriving at the city, the party was greeted by the city’s mayor: Bryston Rose, brother to Clayton Rose. It was now revealed that the young girl was Clayton Rose’s niece. Bryston was left blissfully unaware of our heroes involvement in his brother’s death, and invited the party to join the festival. Reluctantly, the heroes joined the festivities inside the city walls. There, they discovered that this particular festival was being held in their honour. The inhabitants here are the displaced citizens of the city that was attacked by the black mist. Though they were somewhat reluctant, the party eventually began to enjoy the festivities. Each member went to enjoy whichever activity suited them the most. Arvo in particular joined a brawling tournament, Upon entering, he was immediately faced against the champion, who he defeated with ease. But little rest was afforded the dwarven demigod, for just after his brawl a local woman attempted to assassinate Arvo through a magical disease. But, Arvo was saved by a counter spell from Lotus. Before any questions could be asked, the woman claimed her own life. The last words she ever uttered were “the World sends his regards”. The Mayor ended the festival early after this incident out of fear for his people and their safety.
On the way back, Arvo was approached by a shadowy figure. A servant of Hecate. Though initially hostile, the demigod was persuaded to listen when the figure promised no harm. He came with a deal. By placing a necklace on the torso of the body of sapphire or Aganda, Arvo could trade either of them for the kidnapped Cecelia. He chose Sapphire. Shortly afterwards, Lotus returned to participate in the arena of the Drunken Dragon. Shortly after that, she was killed by one Zilinos the Butcher, who claimed he/she wanted to face the renowned dragon slayers in combat. But before the party could even begin to mourn, Lotus reappeared before them less than a day later. No one knew why, including, apparently, the pixie dragon herself.
Finally, the party decided it was time to once again take on a mission. They chose a mission from Gusa Ite, the primary opponent of Alter Zet: “track, follow and protect a caravan from raiders”. Sparing only enough time to prepare their equipment , they headed out for another adventure.
Stay tuned…