Session 182 – Because it’s there!

Session 182 – Because it’s there!

Morning of 7th On’Relden     00.00.03.08

After the battle. We prepare for our trek up Grey Beard. We open thes guts of the bird – find nothing.

As we climb – we find an offering totem, more recent. Totem seem to be dedicated to a Native deity not familiar to Kauri. It’s rather common to find them in around the jungle – Oskar and Kauri just don’t know or what who the deity is.

Going is relatively easy – but windy and rainy as we stop for the night. We set up between large stones for cover.

During the night Rallion and the others (non-spell casters of the party) encounter a shiny Eagle (gold colour) – it seems intelligent and want us to follow it.  

They decide to wake the rest of the party and follow. Kauri doesn’t see any evidence of transpatial energy, yet it emanates light.

Sarathos is woken and he sees the bird and confirms that it’s real, but admits he’s never seen anything like it and suggests that Nash moves closer – rather easily. About halfway there (130 yards) – 90 yards away it (the bird) jumps behind a rock – the glow is still visible.

We approach while Bavmorda goes around, stealthily and sees only a glowing feather, illuminating a staircase heading up the mountain.

Fortuitous!

Rallion picks up the feather – still no sign of transpatial energy (like his mask).

We go back to rest.

Next morning we inspect the stairs and after some deliberation we decide to climb the stairs and see where it leads. The rain continues – and we find another totem offering. We leaving an offering (from Oskar) – Kauri says a few words.

Rallion manages to see evidence that someone has been down and up recently – likely for the offering.

We continue to follow the stairs up.

A few hours before sun-down we look up using the spy glass – looks like we’re heading towards an opening – a large one – near a waterfall. Directly north we see evidence of fire – towards the ship wreckage. We should get there in an hour.

Either side of the stairs is very rough terrain – difficult without climbing gear. Bavmorda decides to climb in that rough terrain – just to keep an eye on our flank (to the right). She disappears into the rain.

We figure we’re close to where we saw the roc fly to.  

We continue.

We find an opening with a waterfall to either side, split by a carving of an eagle, wings guiding the water into pools on either side of the opening. Wind chimes shimmer nearby.

Lights from the cavern – crackle of fire and a low humming (voice) – repetative as if chanting. The waterfalls are reflective and our reflects seem that they are not the same between them – but we can’t tell unless we’re closer.   

We see a lot of traffic evidence from the right pool.

Sarathos says the voice is speaking in ancient common – a prayer to the “4 Matriarchs”. Mentions that nash was doing something “weird” last night when we were checking the “bird”

We reach between the pools – opening goes 20 ft into a large cave with buildings (not in good shape) – damage can be seen, couple of dozen bodies. There’s a large totem, and one guy sitting cross-legged facing the totem, chanting, with his back towards us.

We see another person (almost don’t notice) looking down at the totem from top of one of the buildings. Dressed in islander garb.

Rallion approaches and greets them – person above raises a bow (no arrow) – Rallion continues, she whistles getting the old man’s attention.

Old man get off the ground and walks over to us (slowly), Bavmorda stays hidden.

Speaks to us regular common. Tells us earthquakes hit – Taimo and Azra are survivors. We tell them about how we found the stairs. Nervous about us hunting the Roc, but warms up suddenly when we mention the feather. Apparently the bird was a messenger of the 4 Matriarch.  He invites us to the fire to warm up and get comfortable. Oskar offers to make tea.

Bavmorda doesn’t notice anyone else.

Kauri asks what is this place? Caverns of the Dead – resting place of the 4 Matriarchs – they’re former explorers who heard rumours of treasures, and found this place. They decided to retire here.

Back wall collapsed – uncovering something. Tell us about a door – we’re on a quest to save the word. They roll their eyes –  it’s a nice place, even after the earthquake.

We go take a look. Kauri uses his lamp.

Eastern wall has collapsed – exposing finished walls – and a door. 20×20 space. Very solid looking doors with inscriptions:

Those who Pass Beyond these Doors

Shall Face Tests to Prove whether they are Worthy

To Enter the Presence of those Matriarchs

Who Stood Against the Outsiders

Cerida, with Logic as Cold as the Northern Ice

Vigorous as the Dawn’s Symphony of Bird-calls

Feldma, Protector of Wisdom’s Dying Light

Oswitha, Warm Bloom of Southern Isles’ Compassion

When Those from Beyond Threaten the World

The Way shall be Revealed in Cataclysm

Guardians of our Inheritance and Home

To Claim the Shard of the Mother from its Resting Place

We return to feed and discuss our next moves.

We offer to help them bury their dead and they offer to help train the others.

Speak with Dead – to Elder Agas –

Q: 1.) What is the Shard of the Mother?

    A weapon to use against those not of this world, breaks their power, destroying them.

    2.) Tell us all you know about the tests to get the shard?

    I’ve heard there were test  -the test the virtues of the hero’s, puzzles, traps

    3.) Who are the outsiders?

    Never seen one – told that they are those to come from beyond Meadia (the world) – from faraway. They don’t belong here.

    4.) What is the significance of the the golden feather left by the eagle messenger of the 4 matriarch?

    To receive the feather, means that we were chosen to seek the shard.

We talk with the Prix-Copy – she remembers 4 warrior queens who fought against them for some time – they disappeared and the dragons took over. They’ve been called “outsiders” before.  

Kauri studies Edan’s notes during that time.

Training Starts on the 10th and end on the 24th –