Chapter 3 / Episode 69 - The Feast of Edoira
Players
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Dog, Ranger of the Gnarley Forest
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Irving, the Reluctant, Paladin of St. Cuthbert
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Slash the Bard
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Oleg, Half-Elven Cleric/Magic-User/Thief of St. Cuthbert
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Tiger Wong, Kung-Fu Monk of the Eastern Lands
Date: Coldeven 25 576 CY - Growfest 4
Territory of Narwell
Leaving Narwell behind, the company turned their eyes east. Maps were unrolled, coin purses counted, and supplies taken stock of as the road stretched before them. The journey would carry them through Zulern and Blue Bay before finally reaching Dame Gold’s summons in Safeton.
Coldeven 25 – The adventurers reached Zulern by nightfall and lodged there, taking rest from the road.
Journey to Blue Bay by Horse
The question arose of whether to take the river barge eastward or continue overland. The cost and dangers of the river swayed them to remain on horseback. Dog offered to cover the expenses for others, and with determination they rode hard across the plains.
By the end of the day the salt air reached their nostrils as they approached the small fishing town of Blue Bay.
Blue Bay Arrival and Rest
The town, walled and modest, bore a cheerfulness despite its vigilance.
With the toll paid, they entered, lodging at the Fish and Chips Inn. The long ride weighed heavily on Tiger Wong, who found little ease in his rest, but morning promised better fortune. By noon the next day, the adventurers made ready for Safeton.
Arrival at Safeton’s Walled City
Coldeven 27
At the gates, the company was greeted with the sight of a sign:
“Use No Magic Here!”
The fortress city of Safeton loomed before them, its battlements scarred from the long war against the orcish hordes of the Pomarj.
Guards inspected the group, collecting a silver tax for entry. A grizzled watchman studied them carefully, offering his warning:
“There be law in this town—good law made by good folk. Profit by my words, or ye’ll find thyself in a cold, wet gaol. These whelps look troublesome to mine eyes…”
Amid some confusion as to their purpose, they recalled the summons from Dame Gold, an invitation extended from the Church. Slash considered turning charm to advantage, and the guards relented, granting them entry.
Dame Gold at Windy Crag
Their path led them to the manor of Dame Gold, known as Windy Crag. Servants met them at the entrance, taking their horses with care. And then she appeared herself: a tall woman of middling age, finely dressed, with a natural grace that commanded attention.
“Why, greetings, wayfarers! Welcome to my hearth and home. Most guests will not arrive until tomorrow, but some have come before you. I am Dame Gold, and I welcome you warmly to Windy Crag. Would you be weary of road and riding, and wish a hot bath? Of course!”
Clapping her hands, she summoned attendants to guide the company to their quarters.
“You heroes have two rooms among you—Windy Crag will be crowded this week. Be well!”
With that, she bustled away, overseeing the preparations for the feast to come.
The Feast of Edoira
Growfest 4
The festival began in splendor. The halls of Windy Crag filled with the nobility of Safeton, priests of St. Cuthbert, and guests from afar. Tables bent beneath the weight of roasted goose, baked hare, and fine wines of the domain. Revelry and good-natured banter filled the festive hall, but not all were a part of these celebrations.
Yet amid the celebration, Dame Gold drew the adventurers aside. In her private chamber, she revealed the truth of her summons. Pacing the floor, her voice was heavy with concern: her brother had been captured by slavers and taken to Highport—a city fallen to orcs, ruled by cruelty and peril.
The governor of Safeton entrusted the party with diplomatic immunity badges of Safeton, though with a stern warning:
“Keep them hidden. In Highport, they would be a death sentence as swiftly as a blessing.”
Her plea was clear: infiltrate Highport in disguise as slavers, locate her brother, and bring him back alive.
Highport Rescue Mission Planning
The company agreed to the task, though the dangers were plain. They spoke of disguises, of charting a ship, and of gathering supplies for the journey. The governor of Safeton pledged aid—maps, herbs, and even a rumored ring of regeneration—to aid their quest.
The path ahead was grim, but the mission was set. Highport awaited.
Absence
Terry Or shuddered. The mental blackouts were still anomalous, but they were becoming more severe. Nearly a week had passed and yet he had but little recollection of any activity during that interval. It was as though his brain had simply shut itself down to shield him from a power, perhaps an evil, he did not yet feel ready to face. The unfortunate result was that he had missed the entire celebration of St. Cuthbert at Windy Hall, and the meeting with its rather important hostess, Dame Gold. He was certain that neither were impressed by his notable mental absence.
Terry could only thank Cuthbert for the stout companionship of good and worthy friends. Dog, Irving, Tiger, Oleg and Slash, by now used to his occasional bouts of catatonia, had cared for him admirably during this last lapse. Their kindness and protection knew few limitations, and Terry knew he would need to find some method of repaying them to balance the scales of justice. Unfortunately for now, meaningful recompense to friends and colleagues would have to be postponed.
As hinted at by her letter, Dame Gold had an ulterior motive in inviting their adventuring party to the festival at Windy Hall. While her other guests had exchanged stories, insights and japes, she had asked them to accompany her to a private room where their conversation would be safe from prying eyes. She had painstakingly described a heart-rending scenario and her need for help. None of this managed to find lodging in Terry’s memory. Once again, his friends rescued him from his obscurity.
When Terry emerged from his stupor, Dog and Irving explained, in detail, the topic of their meeting with Dame Gold. They had received a righteous mission from her, and lives were at stake. Shame and atonement would have to wait.
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