Session 79 - Secrets of the Moot

24/08/300 (late evening)

Braith speaks with Amergin White Knees about the gravity of the situation and that everyone needs to join to defeat the cult of Asmodea. They begin to help build a pyre and to strip the bodies of valuables (including the corrupted dragonborn's hell-forged blade, the queen's armour, circlet and sword. Elnorin spies three Regni servants (an oddity in Vannin culture) leaving towards their hall after witnessing the death of their Banrion. Heskan mounted Namhias, chasing them down and cutting them off. Heskan spoke to them, assuring them that they were not at risk if they weren't dangerous and that he 'is the consequences' of evil-doing. The rest caught up and an extended conversation commenced with the head servant (a pseudo cultist and, by way of Heskan's ability to sense otherworldly beings, a tiefling in disguise). The servant repeatedly said they would not turn from their path and needed to tell Odhran (who he called 'Ard Ri' and High King proclaiming a status above Queen Caitriona Ingen Ailis). The group try and fail to deter them but opt to let the non-combatants leave. The group tell the servants that they 'have choices' but, unfortunately, it falls on deaf ears.

They managed to find out that there were still cultists in Isurium. The group discuss the sense of heading to the Witan, which they learned would be in around three weeks at the settlement of Stowtor. It was also noted that the favoured choice of those not loyal to the king was a warrior named Swain.

The group return and speak with Be Chuille Blackstaff about the remaining cult, who she says that she will deal with. Taliesin asks the group to join him in his hut. Inside they find a teaching area and three curtained off areas. To the left they see Lir (the troubled oracle) in an uneasy state but, more pressingly, Taliesin says that they will meet Gol. Entering the left-hand chamber they find the grizzled and dying Gol Mac Morna, the former (and presumed dead) champion of the Regni. It becomes apparent that Gol was betrayed at the siege of Dunregni by Ban Lior who sacrificed him in the final moments with the flint dagger (binding Gol's soul to the dagger as a source of power). Gol was saved by an unknown Regni warrior (Taliesin only describes her presence as being 'like Heskan's') Gol shows heavy regret for what he did but only a desire to die slowly for his crimes. Braith is angry at the presence of someone who had slain so many Morini but with no desire to do right. Taliesin explains that fragments of the blade are still in the wound but unable to be removed. His essence is being permanently eaten by the enchantment but this would speed up dramatically if Gol were to be active. Gol pleads with the group to save the Regni from themselves.

Outside the room Taliesin asks a favour of the party, saying he wishes to see Gol pass in peace. He asks for the party to bring the components for an onyx amulet, with the stoned having been purified in sea water, to be brought. He believes that this will protect Gol's soul at the time of passing. Ruric wishes to go back in to speak with Gol again. Ruric speaks with him of his state as half living and urges Gol to rally his spirit. Gol is left with much to think on. Meanwhile the others speak with Lir, whom Heskan in particular had questions. The somewhat frail oracle sits up in bed and sees visions in the auras of the party. Around Heskan he sees three talons of silver and asks why he only keeps one. Around Elnorin he sees something of his 'former masters' not being done with him. He sees Braith as a fulcrum on which many things balance. They speak at length of Heskan's visions and Lir, who has seen similar things, believes that all in all it means that Heskan is not alone and other holy warriors seek to aid the world. He speaks of things left by the benevolent higher powers to help mortals fight the darkness, if they choose. He sees a bright light in a putrid cave, wrapped in darkness. He sees the Regni gathering strength for another mass sacrifice. Taliesin names Lir as a 'changeling' a half-fae and able to see parts of other worlds. 

The group regather outside. Braith gently scolds Taliesin for the secret keeping which he admits is against Brigantes traditions but explains it was at Gol's behest. Taliesin heads in to speak with Gol, to see if he is well. Whilst the others recount the visions, the scop-supreme returns with a heavy short sword....The Blade of the Regni Champion.  It is passed to Braith for safe keeping, Gol hoping that it will help them in their quest. Braith takes the opportunity to speak alone with Gol. She appeals to him for action but he still seems reticent. He passes her his boar-tusk talisman as proof of his blessing. She informs Gol that Damanta Lior is alive, having survived the attempted sacrifice by her father. Gol speaks of his daughter Briana mac Morna who is likely at the Witan due to her status as a legacy of the past champion. He asked that she was seen to be safe.

The group headed to sleep.

25/08/300

Plans are made for the coming time. The group decide to spend some time preparing before heading into Regni lands. The area is relatively safe so they decide that Elnorin can use his ability to shift form to fly across the land rapidly and find a tree to bring the party there when they are close to where Heskan's visions show.

25/08/300-04/09/300

Heskan starts to learn to shape his breath weapon.

Elnorin speaks with White Knees about crafting magical arrows using druidic runes. He learns of the rune of yew, that brings death to enemies. He spent the rest of the time working with the local druids and smiths to create a new Ice Maccan. An animal messenger is sent to Mina, Nervein and Sethrakar

Ruric learns some basic sympathy before putting work in at the forge in a very basic apprenticeship.

Braith reflects on the Champion's Blade, the shadow and hope within it. She speaks with the other tribes and builds bonds between them.

04/09/300

Elnorin sets off

05/09/300-07/09/300

Elnorin's journey continues at pace before returning to the Moot in the evening

08/09/300

The group leave via teleportation to Regni lands.