Session 9-14-07

                Upon the companions’ return to the orc camp at the bottom of the quarry, they are asked to join the Valthirok and the two brothers in Valthirok’s tent.  With the help of Vashnak and Uld, they report their findings and the results of the battles within the quarry tunnels.  As he details of Omaagho’s transformation and probably infestation by the minions of Chal-Naathra, the previously skeptical Cho’do Bloodflayer gains a new respect for Nathaniel, Zara and their companions.   He orders his hookah be brought out and a bottle of Moridarian whiskey opened and shared while Nathaniel recounts the party’s deeds.  Valthirok and Bo’boka listen carefully as well, their faces growing more grim and troubled all the time.

                At the end of the tale, Cho’do surprises the party by quietly announcing: “I am convinced of the truth of your words.  I wish to return at once and inform King Thaggha of this situation.”  Valthirok and Bo’boka agree, and the camp is broken down quickly by the assembled orcs.  By an hour past nightfall the convoy is on the road south back towards Thran-Gaar.

                8-30-22CR: Shortly before dawn, the five heroes return to the north gates of Thran-Gaar with the orcs, Brother John Randall, and seven other recovered prisoners.  Gatewarden Sadha lets them pass quickly, and Valthirok departs immediately for the Thaggha’s castle, suggesting the companions meet her there once they have slept. After returning Brother Randall to the shrine of Jenoic, where they witness a tearful reunion between the young cleric and his mentor Brother Verkis, they part ways with the orcs and sleep quite soundly upon their return to the Fanged Spear Inn.

                By the time they all wake in the late afternoon, the annual Feast of All Divine is well underway and the streets of Thran-Gaar are filled with high-energy drum rhythms and intoxicated revelers; the orcs are of course in the majority, but all the common races are well-represented.  Vendors and water sellers move through the teeming crowds, yelling out their products for sale.  The heady scent of green buds fills the air and plenty of ale and beer is liberally spilled in the streets.  Despite the festival, the companions have pressing business in the castle and they pick their way through the masses to the city’s south end.  The drumbeats from at least a dozen separate fire circles follow the friends through the streets, and Tel is caught grooving to the beat more than once.

                Once arriving at the castle, the party is ushered into the second floor of the Royal Library, where they glimpse the most accessible of Thaggha’s private collection (the public library is on the first floor).  Before Nathaniel can get too absorbed in the rare books, Valthirok appears at the library door and beams a smile at the group before announcing her King.  With a calm and graceful step, Thaggha Wraithscorch strides in, greeting the five friends with a sincere smile.  His glowing blade is strapped to his back as always.  The orc king immediately settles down at a round table and listens to the full tale of the party’s investigation to this point, including the destruction of the harrowing infestation at the To’jarak quarry.

                Upon hearing of the shapechanging abilities of these infested Bloodflayer cultists of Ethoar, the king’s lips draw tight and he fingers his greatsword.  “The threats we now face are more serious than you know, despite all you have learned.  If these shapechangers and illusion-weavers have infested my city, they must be found out and purged quickly.  For the young Prince Royce Ralaevar of Moridar is due to arrive here in five days.  They may try to sow the seeds of war by attempting to assassinate the prince.”

                Thaggha pauses and looks each of the companions in the eyes.  “I have always envisioned our nation as a wheel supported by eight spokes.  Your careful handling of the Bloodflayer tribe’s infiltration has helped that vision to remain true.  May I count on your support in the coming days as I attempt to purge my city of this evil corruption?”  Each of them looks back and nods solemnly, as Nathaniel and Zara vocally pledge their support to the king.

                “Then we must set to work.  Valthirok, you will see that my libraries are turned open for them.  I must return to the festival, lest my long absence draw the interest of our foes.”  With that, the king departs and Valthirok leads the party to the upper levels of Thaggha’s private library.

Falling Stars, Rising Hope