Characters: Julian, Balin, Grim, Anthony, Tulgar, Samael, Randal.
NPCs: Baron Thomdor: Warden of the Eastern Army, 4 Royal Guards, First Reader Norillmir of Oghma: the Keeper of the Tomes (Candlekeep), 2 Redguards of Immersea, Herald Geldroon (Immersea), Herald of Suzail, Mendryll Belarod, Awakened Grove of Plants (Aleron I Tomb), Awakened Ironvine, Kynwras Firsul: Watcher of Suzail, Alusair Obarskyr: Steel Regent, Lord James Cormaeril, Lord Szwebtil Illeon, Felicia Illance, Kynston Illance, Undecided Cormyrian Lords.
M 13 Mirtul 1374 - E 14 Mirtul 1374
6075 XP
The party stood amongst the ruins of Arabel’s northern gate planning their next move. A regal horn burst interrupted their conversation; a group of 4 knightly horsemen and a Warrior-Noble approached. Anthony identified the heraldry upon the noble’s purple tabard to be that of Baron Thomdor, Warden of the Eastern Marches of Cormyr and first cousin of Azoun IV. He greeted the adventurers heartily and thanked them deeply for their bravery. The party described the details of the battle along Arabel’s northern wall to Baron Thomdor. They also told of the actions of the Parliamentarian force led by Flankmaster Fiache; however Baron Thomdor insisted that the party would have won the day regardless. Thomdor asked the party that they speak on behalf of Royalist Arabel in the upcoming council. While party was honored by his request, they also expressed concern that the city would be left defenseless with their leaving. Thomdor told them that he had summoned one of Arabel’s oldest and wisest resident, Sage Mellomir. Grim knew the name as the wizard whom foretold the fall of Bhall and Myrkul, survived several kidnappings, and single-handedly destroyed an entire Westgate family after it tried to assassinate him. Satisfied that Arabel was in good hands at least for the time being, the party agreed; Thomdor and his men rode back into the heart of Arabel.
While they would need to be present in Suzail’s gardens by sundown, the party was unsure what to do with the day’s remaining time. Julian sat quietly during the conversation, staring at the rubble of a former guard tower. In an instant he knew what must be done and ran towards the ruin, rescuing a great flag of Arabel. Brushing the stone dust carefully off the tattered flag, Julian saw that its purple and white lion was stained red with blood. Julian told the party that he must now ride down the southern trade road through Calantar Keep, Immersea, and into Suzail, and all the small farm towns along the way. He would exclaim the Battle of Arabel as a great Royalist victory, lift the moral of the people of Cormyr, and strengthen their belief in the young King. Julian summoned a great ghostly stag, and raised the flag of Arabel high. The rest of the party joined their flamboyant friend and rode along his side.With the speed of the wind the party reached the first stop just south of Arabel at the Starwater River, Audsworth Keep. Julian gave a rousing speech, telling the tale of the Battle of Arabel to the ranks of Purple Dragon Knights. The soldier’s spirits were uplifted, messengers were sent from the tower to relay the tale to the neighboring towns to the east and west. Julian and the party rode again through the skies until they reached the small town of Brasewarren. Julian re-told the tale again, and succeeded in diminishing the town’s concerns about the rebellion. During their stops Anthony and Randal would gather those among the town whom followed the faiths of the Triad giving them blessings, brief sermons, and good news concerning their gods. The party rode fast through the Cormyrian sky into Jonasshine, Byham, and finally Stratpoint.
During their ride it became quite obvious to the party that as they rode further south toward Immersea the towns became increasingly more doubtful of the Royalists, and much more accepting of the rebellion. In addition, the towns of Byham and Stratpoint were almost completely devoid of their standing militias. The townsfolk said that the militias had been recalled to Immersea and that the Herald Geldroon told them if the town were in actual harm would, he would whisk them into the safety of the Immersea’s walls immediately. A plan which did greatly worry them, but which they did not question. Despite their sway toward the Parliamentarian rebellion, Julian’s tale brought back their true patriotism. Byham and Stratpoint raised their old purple flags.
Soon after, the party reached the walls of a completely loyal Parliamentarian city. Immersea sat upon a bend in the Starwater River in pleasant shade from the great trees of the adjacent King’s forest; small towers of the city’s old and arrogant nobles peered out towards the party from just above its stone walls. Standing atop these walls were knights of Cormyr, their newly painted red armor shining in the sun. Upon seeing the great purple flag of Arabel they threatened the party and told them to leave at once. Julian refused and simply Blinked through the wooden gate, the party followed in suit. Though the guards were still shouting, Julian’s voice echoed over theirs as he began to attract Immersea’s citizens to the gate, telling the tale of the Battle of Arabel. Herald Geldroon interrupted midway through Julian’s story, flying over the crowd in his magical red robes and engaging the party face to face. Within minutes, Geldroon had re-captivated the hearts and minds of Immersea’s people and mocked Julian with a foolish illusion. Grim quietly took control of Geldroon’s illusion, turning it to instead counter his speech. Julian began to gain ground stating at how Geldroon had left the towns of Byham and Stratpoint defenseless in this time of uncertainty. Geldroon attempted to regain control once more floating above the party, but Julian activated his Antimagic Torc and sent the Herald crashing to the ground in a final act of superiority. Although the party was unable to turn Immersea purple, the militia guardsmen rode out of Immersea back toward their homes and families.
After Immersea the party rode to Jutesburgh, Bishop's Strattol, Kedalbee, and Windyhill spreading the same message patriotic message of hope they had given to the northern towns. In Windyhill Julian became overconfident and spoke too boldly, losing their support. Nonetheless, Julian and the party had made the ride a great victory for the Royalists. In Suzail the party announced their presence to the Herald of Suzail, Mendryll Belarod. Since it was still early afternoon Balin and Grim Teleported to Candlekeep to learn of their recent progress in deciphering the historical references found in Wellstar’s poem. The two great spellcasters were once again welcomed into Candlekeep and met with the First Reader. Norillmir entered the room in deep concentration holding an open book. His eyes stared blankly away from the pages as a magical ink pen wrote elegantly into the pages. During their conversation Balin and Grim told Norillmir of the recent events in Arabel, Norillmir told them of what they had learned so far.
Aleron’s Ivy: Aleron was the first Obarskyr in recorded history. According to legend, Aleron Obarskyr discovered a massive patch of unique magical ivy (Ironvine or “Angalass” in elvish) literally holding together a heavy crumbled castle ruin in what is now the King’s Forest. He found the sight so beautiful that he ordered that all Cormyrian buildings must have a patch of it. In addition to its beauty, Aleron and his party noticed that the vine was so strong it could be used to reinforce the interior walls of their early fortresses. The plant would gain its true name however when later in his reign, Aleron was garroted by an insane traitor who used the incredibly strong vine rather than wire. Indeed Aleron’s Ivy is a plant whose reputation is both beautiful and tragic. Typically, Aleron’s Ivy is spelled with a lowercase “i”. The uppercase one may indicate that it refers to the actual ivy which still grows on the old king’s tomb. Aleron’s tomb is located in the sprawling royal gardens of Suzail and is guarded by powerful magic and Purple Dragon Warwizards. The simple stone sarcophagus can barely be seen behind the thick Aleron’s Ivy even in the winter months as Ironvine can withstand icy temperatures. No one for any reason is allowed to touch Aleron’s Tomb for it is considered disgraceful against his noble line.The Grey Knight’s Lance: The second passage stirs images of a fully mounted Cormyrian knight with a mythological lance. The heavily wounded knight makes a roundabout in combat before he rides into the enemy on his final charge. During the Crown Prince Azoun I’s 376 DR campaign a mysterious cavalier of great valor joined his army. He was armed with grey full-plate and a fearsome lance. The Grey Knight always kept his anonymity, never lifting his helm or removing his armor. His incredible fighting skills led to key Cormyrian victories as the Azoun I’s army drove Shoon forces back through Amn, Tethyr, and Valashar. In the last battle of the Azoun’s 376 campaign during the sacking of Ithmong, the tide of battle darkly swayed against Cormyr. Crown Prince Azoun I had made a critical tactical error allowing his rear guard to face an impending cavalry charge. According to legend, the Grey Knight made his famous “roundabout” by perfectly executing a quick turn of most of Azoun I’s cavalry. Charging into the much larger Ithmong force, the Grey Knight let out an epic roar as the rest of Cormyr’s army repositioned itself. Though the Grey Knight had decimated the larger Ithmong force, he was killed in the charge. However, his sacrifice was noted as the turning point in the critical Battle of Ithmong and had saved the rest of the Crown Prince’s army. After the battle, Azoun I carried his body back to Suzail without as much removing a single piece of armor. The Grey Knight’s wish to remain anonymous was the least the Crown Prince could do for his bravery. Hearing the resounding call during the Grey Knight’s charge inspired future wielders to name the magical weapon Last Cry. This powerful lance has been passed down for over 1000 years and is currently used by Baron Thomdor, Commander of the Army of the East.
The Myth of the Elk Father: The poem’s last passage concerns an Elk and a wrong doing. Long ago in Cormyr’s history, hunting legends tell tales of the amazing Dire Elks which roamed through the wide forest. In the midst of many of these legends there is a tale that on every full moon a Great Stag called Yimluth whom would appear and hunt down terrible beasts of evil that had encroached on the forest. Many scholars believe that these tales are personifications of the King’s Forest itself. For example, the Great Stag may be its consciousness. The tales of the Great Stag end around 532 DR. Some scholars believe that the Stag died or was slain by a ferocious aberration. Other scholars think that somewhere within the King’s Forest there is an earth mound where the Stag still slumbers, waiting for some unknown reason to awaken.
Armed with this new knowledge Balin and Grim knew the must immediately Teleport back to the party in Suzail and continue to investigate the myths. They thanked Norillmir whom insisted he would continue to study these myths further. Back in Suzail Grim and Balin informed the rest of the party and it was decided to visit the Tomb of Aleron Obarskyr I since it was located in the very same gardens they stood. After a bit of asking around, the party finally found an overgrown grove of trees and vines. Balin led the way as the dense vines and underbrush began to move aside with his presence. The rest of the party hurried behind the druid as the overgrown garden slowly closed in again. Within the clearing was an ivy covered stone tomb resting atop an earth mound. Balin heard the wild plans whisper to each other in many voices. He spoke with the plans there and eventually convinced the ivy covering Aleron’s tomb that he was on an extremely important mission to protect the royal crown. The ivy answered back in the voice of an Old King and told Balin that just last night a rogue slipped into the grove and cut a piece of the ivy before an alarm could be raised. In addition, the Iron Vine told Balin the location of the original patch which still grew upon the elven castle ruin of Timpelanta in the King’s Forest. Balin thanked the wise plants and the party left immediately from Suzail toward the King’s Forest.
With great speed, good advice given by the Iron Vine, and a few conversations with some local trees, it was not long before the party had found what they were searching for, the awe striking sight of Timpelanta. It was just as Norillmir had described, 4 towering trees surrounding the elevated ruins of an elven castle; and of course a massive patch of flourishing Iron Vine covering it all. Most incredible however, was that the vines were actually holding the load of the castle in midair since its former foundation had been shattered thousands of years prior. Julian, Balin, and Grim moved closer to investigate. Balin found that these Iron Vines were much wilder than their offspring in the Gardens of Suzail. Grim shouted to Julian, stopping him from using his magical abilities and equipment to enter the ruin. The Weave in this area was a tangled web of Wild Magic, it would mean almost certain death if Julian had entered. Grim saw this sight as an abomination of his goddess’ body and cast a Wish that it be restored to its original order. With the Weave now repaired, Julian entered safely finding no further evidence of others having been here. During the party’s investigation they determined that there was at one time a duel between two elven sorceresses, resulting in the destruction of a minor artifact. The massive release of magical energy that occurred next would awaken the great ivy surrounding the keep and also nearly destroy it. Though complete, the party’s investigation turned up no new information. It seemed as though the poem’s reference to Iron Vine did not mean here.
So the party returned to Suzail, and just in time to find Baron Thomdor checking in before the council proceedings began. They asked Thomdor about the myth of Last Cry and the Grey Knight of Cormyr. Thomdor gave them honest responses, even allowing them to examine the battle hardened lance. He simply could not explain why the writer of the poem would reference his weapon. Thomdor explained that he received Last Cry as a gift from his cousin Azoun IV after Cormyr’s greatest cavalryman was killed in battle. Thomdor spoke of Last Cry in a respectful manner not unlike how one would speak about a dead loved one. Last Cry’s morbid tradition would live on, and Thomdor knew he would die the grey lance in his hands. That he knew for certain. Thomdor then asked the party if they would present him with the flag of Arabel at the opportune time during his upcoming speech, they respectfully agreed.The Council proceedings began just as the sun was setting over the picturesque palaces of Suzail’s gardens. Kynwras Firsul, the Watcher of Suzail began the proceedings, Azoun V at his side, stating the Council rules in a firm authoritarian voice. Royalists and Parliamentarians would alternate speakers; each would be given 5 minutes and no more. Undecided votes within the council waited anxiously as the preying eyes of royalists and parliamentarians fell upon them. Alusair Obarskyr was the first to speak, demanding respect from the Parliamentarians and that the nonsense of this political coup be done with. James Cormaeril responded with an intellectual tone, stating that the royalists had underestimated the previous orc infestation, the small tribes were now uniting all around them. Then Baron Thomdor approached the floor, and in a regal gesture Anthony Manton and the party presented to him the Battle Flag of Arabel. The council erupted in cheers after the ceremonious display and Thomdor’s emotional speech that followed returned the floor to neutrality once more.
Despite the Royalists’ best efforts it seemed that as time worn on and the specific details of each issue were discussed, the council began to side more and more with the Parliamentarian ideas. Late into the night after all the nobles had spoken, each of the members of Pinehill’s adventurers gave rousing speeches of their experiences and the some of the mysterious knowledge they had been investigating. Their testimony brought into question for many in the council whether there was more to this situation than simply government. Great cheers rang out from the council chamber as the party stepped off the speaking floor. Then an unexpected individual began to speak from the council’s surround seating, none other than Lord Szwebtil Illeon. Although a young man of considerable wealth, his black attire, lack of courtly manners, and ruthless business demeanor made him an unsightly spot within the Council chamber. Grinning though his worn down teeth, Szwebtil announced that he was to be married to the Court’s shining jewel Miss Felicia Illance, daughter of the Royalist Lord Kynston Illance. The council groaned in disgust, both royalist and parliamentarian alike. Kynston and Felicia sat quietly in acknowledgement of this announcement on the opposite side of the chamber.Arguments within the court ran out of steam as the dawn sun began to rise and Kynwras Firsul solemnly adjourned the meeting. Just as Firsul’s gavel hit the stand, Szwebtil and his personal guards had swept Felicia and her father Lord Illance away. They traveled out of the great hall and into two black carriages; Szwebtil rode alone in the second. The party made an effort to pursue the shady lord however; their celebrity betrayed them as many undecided votes in the council began to flood down to the council floor to speak personally with them about the recent events in Cormyr. Julian recognized this as a critical time to sway the votes in favor of the Royalists and so the party stayed into the early morning hours indulging the curiosity and intellect of some of the undecided lords.
