Session 28 - The Lonely

Day 5 (late)

Following the earlier trials of the swamp, the party find themselves in need of rest. The rain pours down and their clothes become infused with freezing water as the temperature continues to fall. They can press on, weathering the elements and risking travelling the swamp in the dark but sleeping more safely or find somewhere nearby that will help them get warm and rested but leave them exposed to any further perils the swamp may have. They find somewhere nearby and camp. Their night is interrupted by three 'Dath' (giant crocodiles). Ruric Ironfoot is the first to be attacked and is rendered unconscious. Briath and Elnorin save him from being dragged off as a meal. At the same time Heskan and Namias engage the other two. Both are eventually knocked out but the rest of the party are saved the rest of the group after they drive off the first Dath. The party earn their sleep.

Day 6

The group reach Largashbur and are met by a patrol led by Korumun, the local warleader. Bankanir refuses to approach closer, due to his status as an exile, so remains camped off the road. They are taken before the Council of Sages where they converse with Fentanas. He is reluctant to help them but bids they stay whilst he consults with his council as they may be willing to trade information. During this time Arinet is left to watch them, casting tongues to listen in. Ruric notices this. Eventually the truth comes out and she converses with the group. She mentions that a Sorrowsworn, a dark spirit, has infested their sacred space. The party offer aid but she must speak with Fentanas.

Following discussion, Fentanas agrees to let them help though forbids them from entering the sacred space. They venture into the caves beneath the town. After a short trip through they are attacked by a Sorrowsworn. It drags Braith and Heskan off into the darkness, unconscious, before being slain on the shore of an underground lake. Ruric spies what seems to be a planar anomaly, likely a portal, beneath the lake. This information matches Arinet's claim that the Gate to Heaven resides beneath the lake. It winks out briefly as they observe. Battered, the party return to the surface.