Return to Winter Bay (Part 1) – Primisti Campaign

Although it had required multiple teleportation spells to accomplish, the party was able to escape from Winters Bay. The adventurers had stumbled into an invading army of the Church of the Benevolents on the very shores of Tal’Mytherasil herself, something that was supposed to be impossible. Whatever magical effects the Church had implemented in Winter Bay, one of them stopped teleportation spells at the edge of the effect. They had to hike out of the area of effect before Samnymian was able to invoke a second spell and whisk them to the safety of the House Lanthaneth manor.

Lady Rowathela and her daughter Janielae were waiting for them when they arrived. Her sons told their mother and sister what they had discovered in Winter Bay. She informed them that based on the brief information they passed on to their father by Sending spell, he had already rushed to the Bastion to spread the word and speak before the Summer Court. They were taking the presense of Arcanist Shunt energies on Tal’Mytherasil soil very seriously.

They were ushered into the inner chamber of the Bastion of Stars, a room that bore a striking resemblance to a counterpart in the lost city of Laerenth’Verael. This version of the chamber was less opulent than the abandoned city’s, but it had a vitality to it the other lacked. The chamber was crowded with the Elves of Laerenth’Nurae, including the entirety of the Summer Court, Elven military leaders, and Lord Kaedhrol Lanthaneth.

Lord Exarch Namaril, leader of the Summer Court bid them speak, tell all gathered there what they had seen and heard in Winter’s Bay, and any conclusions they had come to. Samnymian and Ved’rail spoke at first, but soon other members of the group added their own experiences. Their earlier acceptance by the Eldrasil must have carried much weight within the chamber, for even the non-elves were given equal consideration. Ragnork lent his insight into human military tactics and Gretel her view of the divine energies in the region.

Some heated debate followed, not about the truth of their words, but as to the best course to take for the defense and counter attack. All agreed that a swift and definitive response was needed, but as Alluvian noted, this assault on Winter Bay could be a ruse to draw defenders away from some other location. There were invaders on Tal’Mytherasil soil, none of the assumptions about their defenses could be assumed true.

The Lord Exarch proclaimed the Summer Court’s decision; General Myriani would lead the Dragonriders on an aerial based assault on the enemy in Winter Bay while General Sundamar would coordinate the infantry and cavalry units already converging on city of Royril for the march to Winter Bay. Therr were already ships on the way to the entrance of Winter Bay to prevent the enemy’s retreat. All knew that the energies from the Arcanist Shunts would greatly hinder the Elves, so they would need to respond in great numbers.

Most of the elves departed to see to their assigned duties or assist in the organization of the defense. The Elves of the Summer Court asked the adventurers to remain behind to discuss their role in the upcoming conflict. They were welcome to join the army, the dragonriders or the ships if they desired, but the Court had a special mission in mind if they were willing.

Lady Aerteliel Norovaul, member of the Court and High Priestess of Sehanine Moonbow, had a personal spell that behaved much like True Sight, but brought clarity to limit of one’s vision, rather than sixty feet, the divine spell lasts for a full twenty four hours. Lord Exarch Namaril explained that they need a better idea of the forces arrayed in Winter Bay. He asked them to act as scouts, to discover the enemy’s strengths and if possible their true purpose. As Alluvian and Ragnork discussed earlier, this assault did not appear tactically sound, even with the energies of the Arcanist Shunts.

Ved’rail, Gretal, Samnymian, Alluvian, Ragnork and Phandria all readily agreed.

Lord Thodoren Cudireil, another member of the Summer Court, offered several magical items to assists in their mission: A Rod of Cancellation to try against the Shunts themselves. Several dimension anchoring arrows for Alluvian to experiment with. A handful of crystals that, when broken, would produce a powerful Magical Disjunction effect, they were intended to be dropped on targets, so he warned them to throw them far if they didn’t want to be caught in the effect. They were also each provided an item of magical flight aid in swift scouting of the area.

Because the earlier conflict with the Church had depleted many of their spells, they decided on a quick rest before departing. Lord Hirolë Bireth, also of the Court, would be opening a teleportaion circle to a watch tower along the southern cliffs of Winter Bay.

to be continued…