The return trip to Kaer Uqbar was pleasantly uneventful. Once we arrived at the kaer, the doors opened almost immediately. It appeared that Group 3 had returned from their mission just prior to our arrival. They were in the midst of performing the Greeting Ritual when the doors were opened to allow us to enter.
Only Couyoumjian, Greifif and Aklampa Tendjedj were present from Group 3. Aklampa was apparently having difficulty performing his artisan skill under pressure. Mir Bandahur and Tiska, Cetharel and Melancha all stepped forward to examine Aklampa with astral sight. This unfortunately revealed that there was a horror-tainted being within our midst. What was formerly Aklampa swung its sword at an unsuspecting crossbowman, decapitating him.
I quickly joined Melancha to fend off the threat, stepping in front of Cetharel and Mir Bandahur. Unfortunately it attacked Mir first. The wizard took a savage hit and was knocked to the ground. Cetharel pulled him back a safe distance. Ermin enhanced by Oren and Quinn and Couyoumjian both joined us in the physical assault. I managed a few strong blows with my axe and took an impressive, bone-jarring strike myself in return. It was very well struck and knocked me to the ground. Eventually K’Leen joined the fight attempting to grapple the possessed troll. The combined assault of weapons and spells soon reduced the monster to a bloody corpse.
After the fight, Melancha summoned the Heresiarch. He arrived quickly.
As the Heresiarch approached it, Aklampa’s corpse animated and spoke in a horrific, other-worldly voice. It addressed the Heresiarch. They appeared to be familiar with each other. The Horror threatened the Heresiarch and the kaer and commented upon his sword. Could this be the same Horror that had breached the kaer before? The Heresiarch did not let the foul thing speak for long. He quickly severed the corpse’s head and bisected the skull for good measure.
The body was quickly embalmed and burnt. Everyone present had to undergo the Greeting Ritual and scrutiny through astral sight. The process took days but eventually we were allowed to re-enter the kaer.
We gave our report and heard those of the survivors from Groups 3 and 4. For our part, we told the story of locating the survivors of Group 4, the battle and the information gained from conversation with Gvint the Obsidiman Purifier from the village of Trosk. We had heard the tale of Group 4 previously from Monsanto. The mended Anneal added many clarifying and minute details.
The report from Group 3 was the most disturbing. No signs of Group 2 had been found and both Urmann Bey and Guarani vanished during the night. I fear that Aklampa’s fate may have been the worst, being forced to perpetuate an honor-less attack against heart and home. I hope for a better fate for the missing but suspect that something just a foul may have happened to them.
Later after resting, eating and cleaning up, we again told our exploits to the gathered kaer. Groups 3 and 4 also did the same. I joined in Oren’s dramatic re-enactment of portions of the battle. I also make hemp versions of the honor-less troll for the children.
The next day, training began. Increasing one’s inner magic requires much discipline and study. Tamesna is a diligent teacher. She drilled me for 5 days straight. Academically, she covered the value and practice of tactics. Physically, she drilled me on keeping my feet, avoiding attacks and a healthy dose of sparing and punishment. Apparently, increased magic is purchased with blood, sweat and aching muscles.
Only Couyoumjian, Greifif and Aklampa Tendjedj were present from Group 3. Aklampa was apparently having difficulty performing his artisan skill under pressure. Mir Bandahur and Tiska, Cetharel and Melancha all stepped forward to examine Aklampa with astral sight. This unfortunately revealed that there was a horror-tainted being within our midst. What was formerly Aklampa swung its sword at an unsuspecting crossbowman, decapitating him.
I quickly joined Melancha to fend off the threat, stepping in front of Cetharel and Mir Bandahur. Unfortunately it attacked Mir first. The wizard took a savage hit and was knocked to the ground. Cetharel pulled him back a safe distance. Ermin enhanced by Oren and Quinn and Couyoumjian both joined us in the physical assault. I managed a few strong blows with my axe and took an impressive, bone-jarring strike myself in return. It was very well struck and knocked me to the ground. Eventually K’Leen joined the fight attempting to grapple the possessed troll. The combined assault of weapons and spells soon reduced the monster to a bloody corpse.
After the fight, Melancha summoned the Heresiarch. He arrived quickly.
As the Heresiarch approached it, Aklampa’s corpse animated and spoke in a horrific, other-worldly voice. It addressed the Heresiarch. They appeared to be familiar with each other. The Horror threatened the Heresiarch and the kaer and commented upon his sword. Could this be the same Horror that had breached the kaer before? The Heresiarch did not let the foul thing speak for long. He quickly severed the corpse’s head and bisected the skull for good measure.
The body was quickly embalmed and burnt. Everyone present had to undergo the Greeting Ritual and scrutiny through astral sight. The process took days but eventually we were allowed to re-enter the kaer.
We gave our report and heard those of the survivors from Groups 3 and 4. For our part, we told the story of locating the survivors of Group 4, the battle and the information gained from conversation with Gvint the Obsidiman Purifier from the village of Trosk. We had heard the tale of Group 4 previously from Monsanto. The mended Anneal added many clarifying and minute details.
The report from Group 3 was the most disturbing. No signs of Group 2 had been found and both Urmann Bey and Guarani vanished during the night. I fear that Aklampa’s fate may have been the worst, being forced to perpetuate an honor-less attack against heart and home. I hope for a better fate for the missing but suspect that something just a foul may have happened to them.
Later after resting, eating and cleaning up, we again told our exploits to the gathered kaer. Groups 3 and 4 also did the same. I joined in Oren’s dramatic re-enactment of portions of the battle. I also make hemp versions of the honor-less troll for the children.
The next day, training began. Increasing one’s inner magic requires much discipline and study. Tamesna is a diligent teacher. She drilled me for 5 days straight. Academically, she covered the value and practice of tactics. Physically, she drilled me on keeping my feet, avoiding attacks and a healthy dose of sparing and punishment. Apparently, increased magic is purchased with blood, sweat and aching muscles.
