Setting: Eben’s Manor
Cast: Tark, Marcus, Martos, Daffyd, Elora, Elle, The Party
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The following morning the party is expected at Eben’s Manor. The day is cold and wet, as the storm has yet to abate. The occasional crack of thunder breaks the howl of the wind, and sheets of rain continue to fall throughout the day. People keep to their homes, though the militia is garrisoning the wall with it’s full force.
When the PCs arrive breakfast has already been prepared. It consists of fried trout and small salty potatoes. Food is growing scarce, so Marcus has imposed food rationing.
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Events
- The PCs see the council assembled around the table. Everyone looks haggard and unkempt, particularly Elora, who is wearing a neat bandage on her left wrist. All are seated at the table, but Marcus rises to greet the PCs. He gestures to chairs at the far end of the table.
- Marcus explains that Elora arrived a few bells ago and was just about to give her report. She rises and tells the tale of following the orokh shamblers and the prisoners. They are heading southeast, and she believes their destination to be the Skull of Xalegos. She also spotted Egren, who appears to be working directly with Nebiat. She believes they will reach the Skull within ten days, possibly sooner if they can get the refugees to move faster.
- As soon as she is finished Marcus rises and addresses the group. He explains the problem simply. They must save the refugees for two reasons. First, they are their friends and family. Second, if they do not the dreadlord will almost certainly use them to create an army of shamblers. However, if the council leaves the town the orokh camped outside will overwhelm the militia.
- After stating the problem Marcus asks for ideas. The council looks askance of each other, but no one immediately volunteers an idea. This will give the party a chance to speak. If they do not then Martos will speak up regarding his plan to send the PCs and himself. This will prompt an argument about how they will stop the dreadlord, as the PCs lack the experience to battle her.
- Martos will counter that if they use the amulet they can break Nebiat’s control over her minions and free the civilians. This will require someone with spirit magic to use the amulet, so Martos will counter that if they can sneak to the skull either Terwynn or Victor could learn spirit magic and use the amulet.
- Daffyd considers the plan madness. If the PCs are taken not only will they be killed or enslaved, but they could deliver the amulet right into the dreadlord’s hands. This is almost certainly what she was planning from the beginning. Marcus answers by asking what other choice they have. He also suggests that if Martos accompanies the party it will greatly increase their chances, while not weakening the defense of Eben’s Spur too much.
- Marcus turns to the party and asks them how they feel about the plan. Elle will support it if no one else does. Martos will also say that he is willing to go with the PCs.
- In the end I expect the PCs will agree and the party will head out to reach the skull of Xalegos. Marcus will suggest they leave under the cover of darkness, which will give them the day to relax and prepare.
