Journal of Arcadius

A Return

After destroying the Aboleth and its constructs, we explored its former headquarters, and found that much had already been occupied by the Yuan-Ti. We also found the Seneschal in discussion with them, now free of mind control and clearly thankful to be such. After some sharing of useful information, we passed through the gate to the very island in the far north previously visited by Azan and Nigori.

This island was said to be prowled by dragons, and so it was. We met a Prismatic Dragon, a mighty being of uncertain goals, but a clear foe of the Aboleth. It asked us many questions, but came away with the right understanding that we too are fighting the Aboleth. We passed on and found a former camp of the dark-haired Northerners, but all destroyed by dragon fire.

It seemed unwise to linger, so Ragnarr called upon Lord Pelor to teleport us to a place of familiarity, his home town, site of the orphanage where he was raised. This town is a remote, but goodly place in the far northern regions near Stonekeep. The orphanage is maintained by a small temple of Lord Pelor, and there of course Ragnarr and I helped as we could. It was good to see him smiling again, the sun on his face. He spent much time playing with the children and brightening their days.

For my part, I also advised Crunch,the mechanical man, to separate out the holy symbols he had unwisely welded together. I, the priest of Pelor, and Ragnarr aided in this task so that it was done respectfully and correctly. I advised Crunch to give the symbol of Lord Herakles to Tupper, his chosen champion.

After some days passed peacefully in this town, Ragnarr again called upon Pelor and sent us striding forth upon the wind to Umea. It was bitter cold among the clouds in winter, and I was glad we had magic to shield us from the worst of it.

In Umea, trade had much improved, but in other ways all was worse - the place was clearly under the control of the minions of the Aboleth, and many wore crystals openly. We found our horses and Hrogar's cart in good care at least. I visited my horses, Alabaster and Onyx, who have grown a bit fat and lazy with month's of inactivity. Still, they seem happy and healthy, and that is good in these dark times. I gave the innkeeper a considerable amount of gold to care for them for the coming year, and to exercise them more frequently.

There are much larger dangers growing. The Kingdom of Izmir is now clearly ruled by those in thrall to the Aboleth, and it is preparing for war against Point of Origin. We cannot help, not yet at least, for the path of our duty leads us elsewhere, right to the heart of the evil that set all of this in motion.

Lest I forget, I should mention that Walter-Tupper is being called home to Point of Origin by the Sable Lions, for some worthy purpose of their own. Perhaps he answers the call of Lord Herakles at last! Truly, the wisdom and guidance of the gods may be seen in this matter.

We now know that the Aboleth known as the Telepath is based on an island far to the south, several hundred miles west of my homeland. A few days windwalking should take us there, but dangers may lie on the route in between.

Ah, my homeland! So long I have been away! How I would like to see my home as Ragnarr has seen his. Ah, but duty must be done... and that duty must be done swiftly if any of us are to have homes left to see.

Praise be to Lord Pelor!
Praise be to the gods who defend us and guide us.
Let us not falter now.

*A*