Keep on the Borderlands - The Path of Evil - Session 47

SESSION 47: DAY 21 – BURG LEICHENSTEIN – THE COLD HART TAVERN

As Sildar begins his story most of the patrons gather around. 

“When we left,” he begins, “there were 20 Brothers in Training, two Corporals and a Sergeant.”

Half closing his eyes Sildar remembers some of the details, “It was a cold morning and we were told to pack provisions for seven days. The sergeant, Knight Bannruod, told us that it would take us about three days to get to Bymbir’s lair, a day to clear it and three days to get back. But we never got there.”

“Bymbir’s lair, as it turns out, is almost due west of Burg Liechenstein, upon the top of one of the highest peaks in the Menador Mountains.”

The brothers story is interrupted by an “Ohhh” that emits from the crowd.

 

Un-phased he continues, “We trekked up the main northwest trade route towards Cettigne and then we turned off the path and started to head due west. We camped for the first night with no events or surprises. We were confident. 23 men armed with swords, spears, bows and crossbow and lead by three of the best Knight in the Burg. The next morning, when we awoke, we noticed an un-godly stench. As we travelled down an ever narrowing path we were attacked. Javelins were hurled at us from un-seen positions and then a giant lizard ran at us from some scrub. It bit down on one of the men hard and started to pull him away. We attacked and put down the beast with many bolts and spear thrusts but it was too late and Brother in Training Boell had been poisoned. It took a long time for him to die. We carried his body for days and he continued to just get worse until finally he was no more.”

Wiping his brow, Sildar looks around the room to see that everyone can still hear as he lowers his voice even further, “But he wasn’t the first nor the last to die. As we got closer to the mountain it started to get colder and we we’re attacked by all manner of creatures. After we lost Knight Bannruod and about a quarter of our number we turned around and started to come back. But the attacks kept coming. One afternoon we were attacked by troglodytes who threw vipers into our midst first and then followed up with an attack. But we beat them off and we captured one of them.”

Stamping his hand on the bar, Sildar emphasises the victory of capturing the troglodyte. He points back over his shoulder to the Inner Gate House, “We’re keeping him in the dungeon. Knight Valdemar, our Curate and holy leader, is interrogating him, using all types of magic to speak its foul language.”

Sildar scrunches up his nose as he remembers the foul stench of the troglodytes, but he continues his tale, “He has found out that there is a break away tribe of troglodytes and they have housed themselves in the Caves of Chaos. They are building their strength. There is some type of civil war and they are looking to enslave Bymbir and use him to take over the area.”

Lucien wishes to know everything possible about the dragon, but in Lucien's estimation, the Caves and the upcoming rescue should be the focus. He is open and willing to try and work a deal with the hobgoblins, and smiles inwardly at the potential for treachery. Asmodeus' himself committed the first act of treachery, killing his brother with a spear - making that the TRUE weapon of infernal worship in Lucien's eyes, not the heavy mace. Only he can hear his own inner maniacal laugh. 

Then, before Lucien can ask a clarifying question, the door to the Tavern is shoved open and a veritable small army of Toragian clerics and warriors march in. “Who here knows the fait of Adalgar and Brunhild?” they demand (see Session 22-23).

 

DEW