The following morning after the battle with the Orcs, Finrod is greeted by a druid and a Priest of Darkenday. Rast Darkenday is an Elf known as a Favored soul of the Druidic god Due Darkenday. Jorn Boengthor is a human shape shifter of the Druidic order of Darkenday. Both state that they were sent by their order to help the young priests on their quest to find the severed hand of Curolus the Brave.
Finrod welcomes the help. Duncan & "Trench" awake from their slumber and the entire group shares a few stories to get to know one another. After a quick breaking of their fast, the group starts investigating the ruins of Utoopa in search of clues of the last known whereabouts of this sacred/cursed hand.
They find some questionable footprints (months old, but quite distinct in the dried mud). After a full search, they uncover a rock which when pried open reveals a shaft below. Before they enter the shaft, Rast uses some detect magic and finds some glowing symbols surrounding the shaft. Symbols of Time, Teleportation, and Warding are present. After using a read magic spell, the symbols begin to glow. As soon as the first person drops down the shaft, they quickly disappear. After the last adventurer follows, they appear to have all been transported back in time to when Utoopa Sikanthas was a bustling city.
After several portal jumps through different time streams they seem to be hot on the trail of what they assume are some type of time magicians. Eventually they get back to their current time and space. Duncan believes that maybe these time mages are deliberately trying to correct actions that the adventurers might have somehow set in motion. Unable to tell, the group scrounges for additional clues at the ruins. Duncan then prays to Koanatee and is given a pretty "major sign from god". It leads him to the base of the mountains where they find a fresh (within the last 4 months) grave site. There is a suit of fancy armor on top of a pile of rocks bearing the symbols of the Lionheart monarch. Duncan exhumes the body. The human remains have been half mummified due to the dry air conditions of the mountain surroundings. His left hand has been severed. Also found was his hand which is further along in decomposition than the rest of the body. But a note worthy clue is found in that the body's stump has pieces of stitching still intact where the group believes that maybe the severed hand they are searching for might have been attached. Needless to say the cause of death to this Lionheart knight appears to be a dagger wound in each eye and the one through the mouth. Duncan says last rites and puts his only 2 coins over the dead. After he re-buries the body, Duncan places the armor back on the pile of rocks and 2 hidden coins fall out of a secret compartment. he pockets them to use on the next poor soul he needs to deliver to heaven. The group agrees to head towards Lionheart in search of more clues.
By the grace of Koanatee, I have been united with this interesting group to faithful men, to take up the cause and defend Ion as once the brave Curolus had. I feel honored my high priest has chosen me for this task.
ReplyDeleteMy companions are varied as they come for people of faith which should forge the strength necessary to succeed at our mission. Although a bit oppulent for my taste, Finrod has already proven his goodness in aiding me when taken down by the orc's foul weapon, I respect his god as a child of Koanatee and see him as a new friend and companion, however a man has his limits, if he calls me beggar once more I'll shove his jewel encrusted weapon up his arse... oh wait he might enjoy that.
Trench is an odd one but has proven mighty in battle and I also see him as a new friend and faithful ally. He seems more isolated than me and for a kid who grew up in a church I did not think it possible. Well at least I am not the only one seeing the world for the first time. Exciting times await!
Rast is an interesting warrior priest, although we differ in our beliefs, I feel there is mutual respect between us. At first I called him out on the leadership role, seeming following blindly into portals affecting our place in time. It seemed to me to be a bold step and not one that necessarily was the path we needed to follow, but he made me understand that the unknown can bestow fruitful results. His guidance in this mission thus far has yeilded much information. We have different thoughts, but my experiences with him this far show me he is willing to listen and hash out plans together.
As for Jorn, he seems a bit of an introvert, a trait that seems to befit his druidic beliefs as with forces of nature a gentle breeze can also turn to that of a hurricane. I know not much of him thus far as he has been a bit reserved, but I am sure he has potential yet unseen and is waiting to show his abilities when needed.