Session 85

Ember sees Tess trying to get the painted journal; she tells Aydriann, and Aydriann shoos her away from trying to retrieve the painted journal.
Dax inquires about a large vat containing a creature. Maeryn explains it’s a dead Eydrn. The group negotiates a deal: if they retrieve the codex, Maeryn will allow them to take the Eydrn.
Additionally, Maeryn agrees to grant the group safe passage back to Fornova if they secure the codex. When the group presses for more details, Maeryn explains that the codex is a book of certain histories, including his own.
Maeryn says he and several creatures are cursed to stay in the Dark World forever. Knowing the past of his mortal self can potentially break the curse.
Maeryn is unsure of this as it would lead Umbrathorne into chaos, as his twin brother, Lyza, would surely bring it to chaos.
The sword, Nightfang, is successfully exchanged, with Muvara remarking that the past and future do not define them.
Maeryn introduces the group to Xalphor, his velkrin companion. He informs them that Xalphor will accompany them on their journey to the Dark Spire in Kalucifite.
Maeryn talks about Velmorith, says he hoards treasures, and he has taken many from many unfortunate.
Maeryn talks about the Lute and Bag Telemente, Ghardu, Funetti, and Haslen.
The contract is signed for the safe return of the adventurers, the dead Edrym, as long as the codex is given to Maeryn.
The group asks Maeryn for a place to rest. Maeryn agrees but clarifies that Ashenfang Hold lacks bedrooms, as he does not sleep.
Aydriann breaks away to a meditation chamber that Maeryn shows him. He speaks to Tess about staying out of trouble, then brings up Venoxyin. Tess believes Aydriann hates her, but Aydriann explains he’s only upset because she isn’t taking care of herself. Tess sees a similar struggle in Aydriann, but he insists he’s capable, unlike Venoxyin.
Kai and Orianna have a heartfelt reunion.
The group makes a lute for Dax.

Torches were lit along pillars of the large hall. Their flames flickering in slow rhythm against the ancient stone. The chamber was vast, swallowing the light in gulps, forcing the shadows to retreat only so far. Every corner of the room whispered of strange craft and older things better left forgotten. Oddities stood silent as ghosts…some strange, some sacred, all unsettling.

Dominating the space like a slumbering god was a vat, large as any holdfast tower, fashioned of metal worked in strange patterns that pulsed faintly with an inner glow. Inside floated a creature that should not have been. Its skin was the color of pitch, smooth and wet like something just born. Tendrils coiled about its head like a crown, thick as serpents, their ends anchored to the base of its skull as if to hold its very thoughts in place. It did not move. It did not need to.

The chamber was no mere vault…it was a reliquary of war and remembrance. Along the walls, blades and shields hung like the bones of fallen champions. Armor stood on pedestals, their empty helms turned toward the group, as though the dead within still bore witness.

The air was thick with silence, heavy and watchful. Yet something stirred.

Ember would see it first…a glimmer near Aydriann’s side. A light, blue as glacial ice. It hovered in the air, delicate and alive. Within its soft glow, she glimpsed a shape…..a tiny female, or the shade of one, her figure slender and graceful. She moved with purpose, slipping in and out of sight, and though she made no sound, her intent was clear. She was peering into Aydriann’s bag.

Another presence entered the chamber.

Twin points of light floated in the far dark…yellow, unblinking. They moved slowly, steadily, until a shape emerged from the gloom: a beast on four limbs, each step measured, each movement smooth. It stalked like a hunter, and bore the trappings of nightmare.

Wings lay furled upon its back, leathery and veined, while curling horns framed its head like a crown of ruin. Its tail lashed behind it, and beneath its black fur, muscle rippled with silent strength. A great cat, perhaps, but not of any known breed…this one was forged of shadow.