Cults of the North

In the summer of AeP 441, several wanderers found themselves in the middle of a war between two cults. In a remote region on the eastern shore of Carufell, the Silver Circle and the Order of the Burning Palm were fighting for control. The travellers first found the town of Srensgard, where the Silver Circle reigned. To try and soothe suspicions they joined the Circle. They were sent to try and enter an old Burning Palm vault, since the Circle could spare no other soldiers. There they found a ritual to turn people into living weapons. They altered the scroll and gave it back to the Circle. They then went to investigate missing children. Their search led them North where they witnessed a battle at a river between the two cults that the Palm won. On the other side they found another Palm citadel, this one not abandoned. They also found a young girl named Ingrid who glowed and claimed to have escaped from the Palm. Later they helped free Thèandìl, the Circle’s leader. She took them to the Palm controlled town of Agnoor, where her people the Nurmendemar lived. They started a rebellion and took the fight to the Palm’s citadel. There the travellers and the Nurmendemar defeated the Palm and freed several other children that they had been trying to enchant.

Player Characters

 * Buck: A hunter from Toalla who disappeared after making landfall.
 * Ellenora Pimm: A musician from Spring Dale, looking for stories to tell back home.
 * Kayn: An old warrior from the Wildlands, searching for a new home for his people.
 * Tal Silverstep: A young con man and friend of Ellenora.
 * Tlaloc: A teenager from the Wildlands seeking a mythical glade in Carufell.

NPCs

 * Caid: The chief captain of the Order of the Burning Palm, and a capable sorcerer.
 * Ingrid: A young girl enchanted by the Palm to possess innate day magic.
 * Morgar: The shaman and lore keeper of the Nurmendemar.
 * Strongarm: A massive man with a stone axe and the principle enforcer of the Palm.
 * Thèandìl: The Exalted of the Silver Circle and ruler by birth of the Nurmendemar.
 * Warren Kassett: An exiled Roadani officer and General of the Burning Palm

Introduction
In the most northern reaches of Carufell, there are times when the Sun never sets. Times close to the Summer Solstice, are a period of apprehension for the people of Var’Tareen. During this time in the year 441 AeP, a Mordish passenger ship by the name of The Hearth was sailing north from Port Thresthelm to the small town of Agnoor on the eastern shore of Carufell. It was not so far north, for the Moon still rose and shadows lay on the ground. Most aboard the ship were migrants on their way to a new life in Carufell. Rumors spoke of the new frontier of humanity. The pines of the new country held stories of new opportunities for trade, forests unexplored since before The War of Ascendance and mysterious magic.

Session One: To Start Again
On one of the cold short nights a week into the trip, The Hearth was navigating a narrow path through jagged rocks. Outside the ship the winds whipped and storms threatened the sky. Several of the passengers gathered inside the galley to pass the night. Soon the boat began to rock a little more. The wind pushed the boat a little harder. Then shouts were heard outside. The Hearth veered hard to port, crashing against a stone and ripping open the side of the ship.

As panic swept through the galley, several people kept a cool head. Four rushed to the door to try to leave. They were Ellenora Pimm, Tal Silverstep, Buck, and Tlaloc. Forcing the door open they saw a scene of chaos. Unnatural shadows covered the deck and the crew scrambled trying to save the ship. In the dark, cloaked figures attacked the crew. As the four rushed to help, the mast fell knocking them down into the cold waters of the ocean. One person didn’t rush to the door. Kaynwent out the hole and attempted to climb the ship. Despite his great strength it was a hopeless task. The ship tilted to its side, dropping him into the waters. The cold waters were too much for many of the passengers. As they swam towards the rocks, the last thing they saw before passing out was a new ship heading towards them.

Those who made it onto the new ship saw an unsettling sight. The ship was under control of the Order of the Burning Palm, a group of cultists devoted to the sun god Yaerrin. They wore orange robes and leather armor, carried spears, wore bronze amulets, and all had burns on their right hand. The commander of the ship was a man named Caid. He was tall, slim, and handsome. His robe was red and he wore golden jewelry. But the most interesting thing about him was the ink on his hands and face. Tattoos of sorcery, which held great magic power. With Caid was a huge man with close cut black hair. He wore plate armor and carried a giant stone axe. The man was introduced as Strongarm.

Caid told the survivors how they were rescued but was clearly hiding something. After some pushing he revealed that he thought The Hearth had been attacked by the enemies of the Palm. A group called The Silver Circle who worshipped Selviir. They had attacked to stop supplies and people from reaching Burning Palm territory. He then offered the survivors a choice. He saw in them the same wanderlust he once felt. Any who wanted, could stay on the boat and speak to his boss. Caid promised they would find their purpose in Carufell. Most survivors chose to stay. But Buck, Tlaloc, Ellenora, Kayn, and Tal all decided to leave. With an hour before the boat docked, they had to find ways to pass the time. Ellenora learned the hymns of the cult. Kayn observed Strongarm, preparing to fight him. Tal made friends. Buck and Tlaloc slipped below decks. They unlocked the door to the storage deck and took a quick look. They found a barrel full of black cloaks. Odd dress for worshippers of the Sun.

Following the directions given to them by Caid, the five travellers moved west to the road after they made landfall. As they were discussing their situation, a low growl was heard. Out of the forest came three wolves ready to attack. Though Ellenora and Tal showed trepidation at fighting, the others jumped right in. None more so than Kayn. With his axe he did the brunt of the damage, leading the way to the road for the other four. The fight was quickly ended and in the aftermath Tlaloc found a small smooth stone in the ground. It was an earthen godstone. After a quick rest the group set off on their way.

Several miles down the thin dirt road was the town of Srensgard. Immediately they noticed the dim atmosphere of the town. Many grey cloaked guards walked about keeping a close eye on the people. The townsfolk kept their heads down and walked quickly. There was no enjoyment in being outside, only a destination and a goal. The town itself was built from dark wood and surrounded by a log wall. The only building of stone was the great chapel in Srensgard’s center. Outside was a man chained in the stockade. Weak and thin he looked as if he had been there for days. The group settled in. Each went off to run errands. Tal and Tlaloc went to the church to learn more of the cult and there they attempted to enlist in the Silver Circle. Afterwards, the five outsiders met in the tavern. Inside they met Ellis, the barkeeper and member of the Silver Circle. He regaled the group with the joy of the cult, though the mood of everyone else was damp. Many farmers sat untalking and nervous at their tables. To lighten the mood Ellenora began to sing a folk song. Just as the people in the tavern were getting into it, the door slammed open. In walked the man from the stockade. He claimed the Silver Circle kidnapped his son and begged the foreigners to help him before being dragged away. The five were warned to never speak to that man again.

Session Two: A House of Criminals
Having spoken to Srensgard’s priest Father Markus the previous night about working for the Silver Circle, Tal and Tlaloc brought Kayn and Ellenora to the church that morning. Buck had disappeared in the night. The middle aged priest had promised a test before they were allowed to join. Markus explained to the four outsiders the errand they needed to run. To the northeast of the town, members of the Circle had found an abandoned underground fortress that once belonged to the Burning Palm. Due to time limitations they were not able to search it. Father Markus wanted the four newcomers to enter the citadel and retrieve a large scroll, warning them to read it under no circumstances.

As the group was about to leave through the gate, a column of soldiers came forth. Forty or so hooded soldiers in dark grey robes, with longbows and silver arrows, were marching into the town. In the center of their ranks was a woman with long silver hair, a stern face, and a high collared fur coat. From atop her black horse, she had an aura of command that would put her at home in any noble court. The townsfolk whispered, it was Thèandìl, Exalted of the Silver Circle, commander of the cult. As the newcomers left they caught a glimpse of Markus approaching her with a look of fear on his face.

After hours of travel, the four arrived at the citadel. Outside they found four Circle guards watching the entrance. They had not been able to pass the shining barrier in front of the door. These four guards did not seem to be the same as the ones in Srensgard. They were more jovial. As the conversation commenced on how to best pass the door, Kayn decided he was fed up with it. Though the shining wall of gold burned him, he pushed through it with incredible resilience. Tlaloc decided to use sorcery to open the way. Targeting one of the stone pillars which the light was stretched between, he used earthen magic to pull the pillar to the ground. Too late, he realized he hadn’t hidden his use of non-night magic. Despite this the four guards didn’t seem to mind. They were happy that he opened the way. Though this did not fully disperse the light, it did cause it to flicker. Before entering, Ellenora asked for one of the soldiers to join them. The guards drew straws. The loser was a man named Garrick. He reluctantly joined them in the entrance.

A beautiful antichamber awaited them. As the huge stone door ground open, they beheld a circular room with walls of orange stone and a dirt floor. Despite the ceiling being made of earth it was transparent and light shone down from above illuminating the two hulking beats sitting on the floor, white boars much larger than they should have been with glowing tusks. They were not natural creatures.Whether they were placed in the antichamber or they found their way later, none could say. They were monsters of the Old Gods. They existed to fight humans. The group scrambled to survive. Kayn brandished his axe and charged. Garrick leveled his spear and waited to be attacked. Tal moved forward with his dagger. Tlaloc readied his magic. Ellenora produced her banjo. Kayn sunk his blade into the flesh of the beasts and the others went to support him. Ellenora played an encouraging song. Garrick showed the rest why he had been brought, injuring a boar as it charged him. As the fight wrapped up both Garrick and Tal suffered injuries. Tal had been gutted by the tusks of a boar. Fortunately for him, Ellenora had procured healing herbs in Srensgard.

Then began the exploration of the citadel. Unique was the sunroom, for only it had a clear ceiling. All else was covered in stone and painted red or orange. Though the fortress seemed as if it was in pristine condition, all rooms had signs of being abandoned quickly. In the common room games laid on table half finished. In the hall of prayer, scrolls lay open. Items of value lay about. A side room of the prayer hall held a priest's chambers. It was decorated with wooden panelling and silk sheets. Behind one of these panels Ellenora found a handwritten note with the words

The first, a beast that shares our love,

Second, it takes mankind above

The Third our enemy brings to war

Then three right choices open the door

The meaning was not immediately apparent. The only other room of note was the centerpiece of the citadel. A grand room also with a glass ceiling, it contained a marble statue of Yaerrin larger than life which stood amidst a pool of cold water. The walls were draped in tapestry. There were four ways out of this room, two of which were guarded by magical traps hastily assembled upon leaving. A small crystal in the door frame covered the entrance in a sheen which caused stress to all who passed though. Unfortunately for Tal he did just that. He was able to warn his friends and disable both traps before they continued. After the group took a moment to look over the room some drank from the fountain. It was found to heal them somewhat of wounds both mental and physical. However this was not enough as Tal and Garrick still suffered from deep wounds inflicted by the boars. So the five left the citadel to rest outside.

Session Three: A Most Dangerous Discovery
After a full night's sleep they were ready to reenter the citadel. Returning to the shrine, they walked down one of the two passageways not yet explored. It led to a large dark storage room. Barrels and boxes filled the space and dust covered the stone floor. That was not all they found in that room. Three giant spiders had taken refuge in the crates. Their bites were venomous and several people got caught in their thick webs. Fortunately, the people less accustomed to fighting had picked up new tricks in their last skirmish and they were able to defeat the spiders by blade and magic.

With the storage space clear of foes, the five were able to take stock of the room. It had been half emptied but many things still remained. Besides food and weapons, there were two sets of Burning Palm robes and white porcelain masks left untouched. In the back of a room was a door locked behind three lines of symbols. Using the priest's note they were able to decipher the code. Inside was a giant scroll capped in two golden seals. Having sent Garrick away because he had suffered another injury, the group had a debate on whether or not to defy the instructions of Father Markus. In the end they agreed to look at the scroll. What they found was something that shouldn’t exist. Inside were detailed instructions on how to create magic soldiers, similar to the Poi’Mareath of the old gods. Though not complete, it was mostly done. In the wrong hands this would have been a weapon most powerful. The four decided to change the scroll before bringing it to Markus. Tal and Tlaloc began to modify it in a way that would nullify the ritual, yet was subtle enough that Markus wouldn’t see the changes. Using Tlaloc’s skill with script and Tal’s knowledge of forgey the two were able to alter the scroll.

While this happened Elenora and Kayn explored the rest of the citadel. They found the barracks, the mess hall, and officers quarters. In the first two they found nothing of note. Once again signs pointed to a quick exit. Beds were left unmade and food was left on tables. In the officer’s rooms they found something interesting. The last and biggest room seemed to belong to the commander of the fortress. In his room framed on the wall was a scroll proclaiming the banishment of one Warren Kassett from Roadon. A low ranking officer, he had been found guilty of extorting money from enlisted soldiers. The scroll proclaimed that he was forbidden from ever entering the empire again. Curious as to why it had been framed, Ellenora grabbed the scroll and took it with her.

Once the forgey was complete the four travellers left the citadel. The guards outside requested that they hand over the scroll but remembering the instructions of Father Markus, the scroll stayed with Tal. The four began the arduous journey to Srensgard. When they returned they found the soldiers who arrived yesterday gone. In fact there were less soldiers here than before the army had arrived. Three of the travellers headed into the church to collect their reward but Kayn remained outside still wary of the cult. Father Markus praised the other three for their hard work and success and offered each a place in the Silver Circle. They agreed and were each rewarded with a pendant, a night stone, and a long sermon on the graces of Selviir. Afterward they were given the task of investigating Wyatt’s missing son. Wyatt being the man they met in the stockade. The current investigation had yielded no results and Father Markus was clearly confused as to where the child was. The group determined that he was innocent in this matter. Currently leading the investigation was a guard named Dellin. The group decided to speak to him in the morning.

While this was happening Kayn wandered the town. Turning into an alleyway he found a drunk one-eyed beggar almost passed out. Kayn woke up the man forcefully, punching him in the face. He demanded the man tell him about the Silver Circle. The beggar was quite afraid and offered up what he could. He claimed the Circle was cruel and vicious. They brought order through fear and force. To punish him, and induct his brother into their ranks, they made his brother take this man’s eye. It was why the beggar now wore an eyepatch. Shaking in fear at the crazed man in animal skins above him and the thought of the Silver Circle, the man could offer no more. Kayn tossed him a silver regent and joined his companions at the inn.

Session Four: The Battle at the River
At dawn the four began their new job. They found Dellin and asked him about the investigation. All that was found in the weeks since Wyatt’s son Morgun went missing, was a small scrap of black cloth. Not the same cloth used by the Silver Circle, but close. It was the same color as the robes Buck found on the Burning Palm’s ship. Next they went to Wyatt’s house. It was a small place just outside Srensgard with a shed in the back for tanning with a cow in it, and a small garden in the front. Wyatt's greeting was hostile. He eyed their new amulets but invited them to look around, offering tea. Ellenora accepted his offer while the other search outside Wyatt mentioned that his wife had died a few years back. Now the only thing he looked forward to was caring for his son. He also said that the night Morgun disappeared he had been knocked out by two men in dark robes. This led him to suspect the Silver Circle. Finally Wyatt cautioned Ellenora against the Silver Circle. Outside the three had luck. Tlaloc found faint footprints, weeks old. Two sets came in and two left more burdened than before. The four travellers left Wyatt’s home to follow the steps. As they left Wyatt returned to his shed. To Eleanora's distress the cow was silenced.

Led by Tlaloc, the group followed the footsteps through the hills and pine forests. For several hours they walked before the tracks led up a hill and seemingly into the rocks. The group deduced that it must be a cave. Kayn forced the entrance clear. Inside they found what seemed to be a hideout. There was a long tunnel with another exit out the back. Evidence of recent campers was on the floor, soot from a fire, straw from a bed roll, scraps of food from a meal, and footprints in the dust. Two more items were on the ground, a wooden chest emblazoned with a red sun, and a stuffed wolf hidden away that looked as if it had been there for months. In the chest they found survival supplies including a hunting knife. They left out the back which Kayn once more opened. It led to an exit atop the hill from which they saw forest for miles. In the north, at the end of their sight a river flowed east towards the sea.

And so they continued the march north, following the tracks for several more hours before hearing someone in the distance. Approaching from the north was the sound of armed men and a horse. Though they tried to hide they were quickly spotted by the new party. The four travellers beheld a beautiful woman in elegant travel dress on a horse. She was surrounded by ten well armed mercenaries, each with a different weapon. They did not bear the symbol of the burning palm but Tal decided to play it safe. He burst forth from the brush pretending to be lost and demanding to know whose territory he was in. The lady replied “The Baron of Kerriisk.” It turned out she was a member of neither order but instead a tax collector for her uncle the Baron of this province. She had no interest in interfering with their war. She provided them with the location of the town she had just come from. Hundred’s Keep was its name. It was the capital of the Burning Palm and a mere day's walk away. She rode off and the four travellers continued to follow the tracks. By evening it had led them to the river with a shallow pass that they could wade across. They decided to make camp several hundred feet west where the water was deeper but they were less likely to run into cultists.

The four travellers settled in for the night. The first couple hours passed uneventfully until suddenly as Ellenora watched, a ball of flame came from the northern bank of the pass. It exploded above the waters, casting light as bright as day over the pass. Pouring out of the trees, led by Strongarm himself,  ran dozens of orange clad soldiers armed with spears. From the south bank silver arrows flew out of the trees taking a few Palm soldiers down. As the wave of soldiers crashed into the south bank screams were heard as the battle commenced. It was a quick fight. After only a few minutes it seemed to end. Towards the end a group of people fleeing the battle, passed the four wanderers. The group hid themselves, moving even farther from the bank. They decided to investigate in the morning.

Careful to avoid detection they crept as close as they dared in the morning. Tal wanted to find a corpse and extract a mind stone. He and Kayn crept closer to the site of the battle. They found the Burning Palm clearing the area by dragging all the corpses into one central spot. Caid was directing the efforts. Strongarm stood nearby. Ignoring the leaders, Kayn and Tal looked about and found an isolated Circle corpse not yet touched. As Kayn stood watch, Tal tried to extract the man's head and take it away. However a lone Burning Palm soldier spotted Tal. Before he could make a sound Kayn ran forth burying his axe in the man's face. Fortunately for Kayn, Ellenora and Tlaloc had come closer. Young Tlaloc cast a spell of silence at the last moment. No one heard the man's scream as he died. They grabbed both skulls and rushed from the area. Both Tal and Kayn accused the other of almost messing up the plan, almost drawing arms. Ellenora was clearly shook by the events. It was the first time she had watched someone die. Tal extracted the mind stones before they moved farther west to cross the river.

Fording the river was no easy feat. First Kayn crossed, bringing a rope with him that was tied to a tree on the south bank. He then tied it to a tree on the North bank. Using the rope as a guide the other three waded through the river. Heading northeast they walked to where they expected the tracks to be but far enough from the river to avoid the Palm. Through hard work and luck Tlaloc refound the tracks. They lead north past a road, deep into the forest, all the way to a door guarded by the Burning Palm exactly like the door to the citadel they had just left. Here was a new stronghold, likely the place Morgun was taken to. As the four discussed what to do in whispers a branch cracked behind them. Kayn whipped around charging towards the bush where the sound originated. In a flash of yellow, he was blinded and pushed back by a blast of force. The other three saw a surprising sight. Standing before them was a frightened young girl about eight years old. She had messy short blonde hair, brown eyes, torn clothes that indicated she had been out here for weeks, and softly glowing skin. She looked ready to attack again but was calmed down by Ellenora’s words and the gift of the stuffed wolf. Her name was Ingrid. She was the result of the ritual they had found on the scroll. She explained that there were more kids like her inside. As they spoke to Ingrid they soon found the child much endeared to them. She had no home, no friends, and was only able to survive out on her own due to the powerful magic the Burning Palm had embedded in her. The travellers promised to look after her and that they would help rescue the children from the citadel. Before that, they needed supplies from Hundred’s Keep. Knowing Ingrid’s glowing skin would cause unwanted attention they left her under the supervision of Kayn and the other three headed for town. Kayn amused Ingrid by teaching her how to fight dirty. He gave her the knife they found in the cave with the instructions “go for the ankles.” They had fun waiting for the others to return.

Meanwhile Ellenora, Tal, and Tlaloc made their way to the new town. Hundred’s Keep was different than Srensgard. The soldiers at the gate were friendly, the town bustling. Smiles and songs filled the air. Several people from aboard The Hearth were now living here. The three went on errands. Ellenora bought bright clothes to hide Ingrid's glow. Outside, Tlaloc hunted down a deer and sold to make extra money. Tal went to a blacksmith to commision some tools of a clandestine nature. They all found the store owners to be welcoming. Sending Tlaloc back with the clothes for Ingrid, the other two amused themselves in the town. Ellenora took out her banjo and began to play the hymn she learned aboard the Palm’s ship. It was a beautiful rendition. One that drew a large crowd. One of the listeners was none other than Warren Kassett, leader of the Palm. He complimented her and tossed a piece of silver in her banjo case. Though his calm demeanor was unsettling, Ellenora accepted his offer of tea and conversation. They headed into the library where Warren asked about her purpose here and her life story. Ellenora was happy to oblige. She spent hours talking about her past. They finally parted after Warren asked to speak to her companions as well.

Meanwhile Tlaloc returned to the woods to find Kayn and Ingrid. The girl changed into the clothes he brought. The three of them began to walk towards the town. However Ingrid was hesitant to enter Hundred’s Keep. Tlaloc had to lie to her about the destination. When she found out she was upset but was comforted by Ellenora. The travellers reserved rooms at the inn. Ellenora and Ingrid went to play. Tal and Tlaloc went to the tavern so Tal could try and con drinks to pay the blacksmith. Inside they met Arkin Devers. Kayn waited outside in case things went wrong, promising to rush in at the sound of shattering glass. But all went well and they eventually returned to the Inn. Ellenora stayed up all night watching Ingrid. Tal fell asleep outside her door making sure no one got it. In the morning all were awoken by a commotion at the gate to the town. Soldiers of the Burning Palm were returning with prisoners from the Silver Circle. Among them was Thèandìl.

Session Five: An Alliance of Thieves
Striding into Hundred’s Keep were Caid and Strongarm. They marched to the library where Warren Kassett waited. Caid turned to him and declared victory over the Silver Circle. The Circle had been routed and their leader captured. Kassett was pleased. He directed the prisoners to be put into the guard outpost. The four wanderers watched the events from their window. As they were discussing what to do, a knock came on their door. They quickly hid Ingrid. Tal cautiously answered the door. Outside was a lanky man with a sly grin. He introduced himself as Luka, opening his hand to show Tal a Silver Circle amulet. The con man stepped outside and pulled Luka into his room down the hall. Tlaloc went to join them. Kayn ran out to try and overhear the conversation, leaving Ellenora alone with Ingrid. As Kayn climbed a tree to watch from the outside, Luka convinced the others to help him rescue Thèandìl. He promised them money and a better axe for Kayn. Tal also asked him for the Circle’s help breaching the Citadel. Though Luka couldn’t commit to anything, he thought Thèandìl would help, given that it was in their mutual interest. As the four men went back to Ellenora’s room she quickly hid Ingrid in the closet and made her promise to stay quiet.

And so they  began to plan the breakout. The two story stone guard building stood in the town square, in plain view of everyone. It was constantly guarded. They planned for hours before Tal excused himself to go speak with Kassett as he promised to do yesterday. The conversation was similar to the one Ellenora had. Kassett seemed to watch him, thinking over every word that was said. Tal left feeling uneasy.

After hours of deliberation the group finally decided on a plan. Tlaloc and Tal would wear the captured Burning Palm robes and pretend to bring Kayn in as a prisoner. Ellenora would be the lookout and distract onlookers. Luka would climb up the wall. Without telling Luka the four also agreed to let Ingrid help. She would cast a light barrier on Kayn to protect him. When night fell they set the plan into action. The effort of casting such a powerful spell was tiring for the girl, but she could sustain the barrier. She would stay alone in Ellenora’s room and focus on the spell. They didn’t want to leave her alone, but they had no choice. Tlaloc used a night sorcery to disguise the right hands of him and Tal to look burned.

At first the plan worked perfectly. Ellenora took up a spot in the square outside the barracks and began to play her banjo. She gained the attention of the guards. Disguised as soldiers, Tal and Tlaloc escorted Kayn to the door. They convinced the real guards to let them in and began to walk upstairs, led by a cleric. They came to a row of cells, many full of Circle members. Then Tal sprung into action attempting to stab the cleric in the back. But his blade deflected off hidden armor. Kayn went berserk, tearing through the common soldiers, his axe flying everywhere slicing bodies in half. Tlaloc ran to the back to fight the guards there while Tal took on the cleric. The cleric began to channel a spell, but Kayn ran forward and saved Tal by rushing the cleric and causing him to miss. Outside, Luka was using a grappling hook to attempt to ascend the building. Suddenly the guards at the door began to patrol around, heading right for Luka. So Ellenora began to truly perform and captured the attention of the patrolling guards. This gave Luka just enough time to enter the window.

Inside, Tal freed Thèandìl and her soldiers from their cells. Tlaloc and Luka took care of the remaining guards. Kayn watched the door. The sounds of fighting had finally made it outside. The soldiers at the door turned to head inside to help their comrades. But guilted by Ellenora, they first ran back to leave a coin in her case. When they left, Ellenora ran back to the inn to help care for Ingrid. Her distraction had given those inside enough time to break out the back window and escape. Tlaloc and Tal slipped away disguised by their robes. Kayn and the Silver Circle fled, running for the gate as fast as they could. But the militia had mobilized and arrows were flying. Several Circle members were shot down. Just as it looked like the escape was successful, a large shape swung out of an alley, knocking Kayn to the ground. He pulled himself up to see Strongarm standing above him holding his greataxe. Strongarm swung again, cutting Kayn deep in his leg. Ignoring the pain, Kayn swung back, damaging the other man. In doing so he opened himself up and Strongarm struck, his blade biting deeper into Kayn. Only the blinding light of Ingrid’s magic prevented Strongarm from striking a killing blow. Inside the Inn, Ingrid shook in concentration trying to protect her friend. Ellenora did her best to calm the girl. Tal and Tlaloc heard the sounds of fighting and ran trying to find Kayn. They got to the roof of a building just in time to see Kayn recover in stubborn defiance and swing his own axe in a deadly arc, gravely wounding Strongarm. The cultist officer dropped to his knees and looked up. He had been bested. He saw the wildman standing over him about to deliver the death blow. Calmly he nodded. The two men shared a moment, the last Strongarm would ever have. Ingrid dropped to the ground. She had protected Kayn through his fight. But she could no longer sustain the spell. More exhausted was Kayn. He grabbed Strongarm’s axe, and ran from the town, no longer in control of his own actions. He made it just far enough outside to pass out.

Proud of the girl, Ellenora went downstairs and bought her cake. Tal returned to the Inn in disbelief at what had just transpired. Tlaloc left the town to find escapees. Kayn was awoken by Luka standing over him. The Circle’s spy led him to a makeshift camp Thèandìl had set up. Kayn was welcomed in and he passed out once more. Following these tracks, Tlaloc found the camp. Taking off his mask to reveal himself, he went around healing the wounds of the survivors including the massive gash Strongarm had left in Kayn’s leg. Thèandìl thanked him. She promised him the money and help he was owed. Tlaloc turned to go back to Hundred’s Keep but promised to return in the morning.

Session Six: In the Halls of Our Fathers
The group at the Inn left in the morning. Hundred’s Keep was still recovering from the aftermath of the jailbreak and the death of Strongarm. Kassett himself was speaking to townsfolk and soldiers gathered in front of the library. Behind him sat a pyre, atop it the body of his lieutenant. The funeral provided the distraction the members of the Circle needed to slip away. Kassett’s words followed them as they left. He spoke of fire and vengeance.

The travellers found the escapees waiting in the forest, eating a meager breakfast. Luka greeted the group warmly and tossed them a bag of silver, glad to fulfill his promise. He then said goodbye. He was going south with all the escaped prisoners but Thèandìl, to rally the remaining Silver Circle troops. Before he left Kayn demanded the promised axe. Luka just laughed and pointed to Strongarm’s great weapon. Kayn was annoyed, but admitted the blade was better than his own.

That left the group with Thèandìl. It was the first time they had seen the Exalted up close in a moment of peace. Even with her ripped black cloak she held an air of command, her grey eyes observant of both her soldiers as they left, and the travellers. She had tied her silver hair in a long braid. Thèandìltold them that Luka informed her of the Burning Palm Citadel. She was glad to help them take it. “With what force?” the travellers asked. Thèandìl paused. For the first time they saw her hesitate. Then she told them of an ancient band of warriors who lived northeast in the coastal town of Agnoor. The Nurmendemar they were called. Heroes from the War of Ascendance, who now lived under the rule of Warren Kasset. They could be convinced to help. The group agreed and Thèandìl began to lead them to Agnoor.

They walked for hours. Ellenora with Ingrid in the back, then Kayn and Tlaloc walking in silence, which left Tal to talk with their new guide. Though it took her awhile, Thèandìl began to open up. She expressed regret and sadness for her failure as the leader of the Silver Circle. Then she spoke of the Nurmendemar, who long ago were warriors of great skill and renown. Now they mostly worked as laborers who drank their evenings away. They were forbidden from practicing their warrior ways and had no wish to reclaim them. Some served the mercenary bands in Carufell just to fight. Most did nothing. They were Thèandìl’s people. With some shame she told Tal of how they had been conquered by the Palm. They were beat by diplomacy, lies, and mostly their own apathy. It was her father who ruled the Nurmendemar when this happened. By his inaction they had been beaten. In her disgust she left to join the Winter’s Hand. Tal understood this feeling. He told her of his father, a smith in Roadon who expected him to join the military, an organization Tal despised. Thèandìl forgave him stating “We all live with the sins of our fathers.”

Around midday Thèandìl stopped. She revealed that she had not been going directly to Agnoor but instead to a cave that was the home of her former teacher Morgar. With the death of her father he was the most important of the Nurmendemar. Creeping into view of the cave, the group saw it was guarded. In addition to two earthen towers glowing with green runes there was a slumbering bear before the door. Thèandìl said it would be best if they killed the bear. When the group questioned her she informed them Morgar would be impressed with their strength and disappointed if they didn’t. Even so, Tlaloc was confident could peacefully subdue the beast. He approached out of range of the magical runes. The bear awoke in anger. It charged Tlaloc. Somehow he was able to calm it, letting the rest of the group walk up to the door. Ellenora stayed back to watch Ingrid. The door was answered by a large angry old man. He had a long grey beard, a fur jacket, no shoes, and a sharp knife. He growled, ready to attack. Morgar stopped when he saw Thèandìl. His face briefly lost its anger. “You didn’t even kill the bear.” he growled, turning around heading back inside. The silver-haired woman followed him as did the three travellers. The inside of the cave was cramped. Wooden pillars supported the ceiling. Several leather bound tomes lay on shelves and tables. What wasn’t covered in books was covered in weapons and furs. “So you’ve come back Thè.” he said. Tension hung in the air as they talked. Thèandìl tried to convince the shaman to help. It was obvious Morgar no longer had belief in the Nurmendemar. He claimed they ignored his teachings and let the old ways die. Despite that, before they left he offered them two gifts. Any who wished could stay with him to learn the old ways. He also pulled out a decorative knife made of bone and iron. At the sight of it the woman’s eyes went wide. It was the knife that belonged to the leader of the Nurmendemar. The Shaman no longer wanted it and offered it to the group. When Thèandìl didn’t move, Kayn grabbed it. Tal shot Kayn a glance and he handed the blade to Thèandìl. Morgar ushered them out wishing them luck while also declaring awakening the Nurmendemar a hopeless task. Tal stayed, pulling the elder man aside. He told Morgar he understood how he felt. The shaman had seen his people fail so many times. Tal understood he was afraid to see it once more. But even if Morgar didn’t believe in the Nurmendemar, Tal did. The words caused Morgar to pause. He needed time to collect himself but promised Tal he would find his way to Agnoor.

The ocean town was only a few miles from the cave. Tal and Ellenora decided to scout the town. They found Agnoor  to be peaceful. There was a minimal Palm contingent and a line of shops on the docks. Sitting in the harbor was the ship that had rescued them only a week before. The people moving around seemed to be tough. They were strong but subdued. In the center of the town near the Palm’s fortress was a long hall of wood, the tavern of the Nurmendemar. After a few hours of shopping they had acquired several new items, a beautiful hat and gloves for Ellenora, another cap to hide Thèandìl’s silver hair, and a toy godstone for Tlaloc, At the alchemist's store Tal found he could buy the real versions. He picked up a few new stones.

After rendezvousing with their friends, the full group came to town. Ingrid and Thèandìl were both disguised under clothes. Kayn had been teaching the girl more knife tricks and Tlaloc apologized for tricking her the other day. The sun was setting as the group entered Agnoor. They walked straight for the tavern, entering to find dozens of tough people drinking in a space with ancient weapons, armor, and trophies decorating the walls. Every head turned to look at the newcomers. Thèandìl strode forth pulling the dagger from her belt declaring herself their leader and that it was time for their redemption. Some laughed, some sighed, and as expected all turned back to their drink.

With resignation the group sat down at a free spot on the benches. They ordered food. Those who drank bought ale. Ellenora began to listen to the skald playing music and speaking poetry. He was passable, especially to drunk folk. He sang common bar songs, all lacking the heritage on display on the walls of the longhouse. Ellenora began to tune her banjo. The rest of the group thought about what to do next. As it was still early in the evening they thought it would be best to wait a few hours to make sure the Nurmendemar were more drunk before they tried their next move. The time passed in conversation. Thèandìl told stories of the Nurmendemar and they all griped about the rule of the Burning Palm. Tal told them of Spring Dale. Kayn drank heavily.

Eventually the time came to make a play. The bard stopped his singing to take a break to drink. Ellenora stood up not quite prepared for what she was about to do. She struck a chord on her instrument. All eyes turned to watch her. So she played a new song improvised with words based on what tales Thèandìl had told her. It was a long story about the Triumph of the Nurmendemar. It was happy and sad and told the tale of a great warrior nation now downtrodden, and ending with their fictional rise. When she finished there was silence. Then warriors all around the longhouse stood up and began to cheer. There were great whoops of joy. Kayn threw a chair out the window. The longhouse fell silent again when Thèandìl stood up. “My people,” she said'' “I have heard a great many songs tonight and no offense to the man singing them. I have heard none that you enjoyed so much. It was a good song and told much about our people. Too long have we been under the Burning Palm. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We were a great people once and we can be again.”'' This time the Nurmendemar were more receptive.

Before anything else could happen the door to the longhouse was thrown open. Standing in the entryway were three men in orange robes, soldiers of the Palm. The bald overweight man in the middle was clearly the most important. He was wearing luxurious robes, a golden sash and had a greased handlebar mustache. “And what is going on here?” he said. With a mighty roar Kayn leapt up with his new axe. He rushed forward, slicing all three men in half in one great sweep. The warriors of the Nurmendemar jumped to follow him. As a mighty tide they left the longhouse, grabbing weapons from the walls. Thèandìl turned to thank Ellenora and left to join her people. Ellenora sat back down. The three remaining members of the group told her how much they enjoyed her song. People would sing it for ages. Ellenora was upset with that. She was not happy with her work claiming it was poorly made due to its improvisational nature.

Soon Ingrid was clamoring to join the riots outside. She wanted to help fight the Palm. Reluctantly agreeing, Tal, Tlaloc, and Ellenora went outside with Ingrid. They found a group of Nurmendemar clustering around the iron gate of the Burning Palm complex. Try as they might they could not get it open. Ingrid thought she could help. Her friends escorted her through the crowd. The small girl reached out her hand to touch the iron bars of the gate. Slowly they began to glow white, before melting away. With a roar Kayn and Thèandìl lead the Nurmendemar through the open gate. Ingrid was no longer glowing and sat down tired. She and her caretakers went back to the alehouse to spend the night. There they found Morgar. Encouraged by Tal he had made his way to town with the intention of helping out. He had found the work mostly done. He thanked Tal for talking to him and left to join the riot. Soon the remaining Burning Palm forces had either surrendered or died. Even their great ship was taken. The rest of the night was spent celebrating.

Come morning the short battle was ended. Kayn was found sleeping in the streets. After the others had a quick breakfast in the alehouse he was awoken. Morgar and Thèandìl came to the tavern to plan the next move. They agreed to question the prisoners before marching on the Palm. The prisoners were being kept on the ship. Morgar, Tal, and Ellenora went out to question them. To their dismay none knew much about the Citadel. Ellenora and Tal left the prisoners alone with Morgar and rowed back to the town.

Session Seven: The Last Bastion of the Light
There was much to do before the assault on the Burning Palm could begin. Morgar tried to teach as much as he could to the Nurmendemar about magic and the old ways. Thèandìl organized them into an army. Kayn took the five craziest warriors and made them his fighting force. Tal and Ellenora did what they could to prepare for infiltration into the Citadel. Tlaloc tried to build a siege weapon but due to early difficulties, switched to preparing his magic which he found was growing in power. Ingrid fit right in despite being a child. The warriors were all enamored with her after she had melted the gate. Morgar in particular found great magic potential in her. The two became friends. Eventually a single grey robed figure appeared outside the town. It was a messenger from Luka. He had rallied forty of the defeated Silver Circle to assault Hundred’s Keep. He would distract the main force of the Palm while the eighty Nurmendemar able to fight, would assault the Citadel and rescue the kidnapped children. The time for the attack was at hand.

On the morning of the third day after Agnoor was reclaimed, the Nurmendemar and their allies were gathered outside the ruins of the Burning Palm keep. Thèandìl stood before them, her silver hair shifting in the ocean breeze. She addressed the group. ''A cold wind blows from the East. One that all in Carufell can feel. To most this would be a bad sign. It would carry with it the disfavor of the storm goddess. But we are Nurmendemar. We are soldiers of the snow. We breathe the cold air and sail the cold seas. Our enemies are soldiers of fire. They fear the cold winds that would extinguish their flame. And extinguish it we will. For they are soldiers of fire and all they can do is destroy. They destroyed the peace, they destroyed families by kidnapping children, and they tried to destroy our culture. Now let’s make them wish they had.'' With that they were off. They marched all day in high spirits. Morgar led them in old songs. The Triumph of the Nurmendemar was sung to the dismay of Ellenora. Late that night they heard someone watching their camp from the woods. As Ellenora went to wake Thèandìl and protect Ingrid, Tal, Kayn, and Tlaloc all ran after the intruders. It was two scouts from the Burning Palm. They were dispatched with help from Thèandìl’s bow.

As they marched on the next day a small column of smoke was seen rising above the pines. The four travellers moved forward to investigate. They found Arkin Devers sitting at a small camp. With the battle approaching it was time for him to be off. Like Tlaloc, he had heard rumors of a powerful place up north. He was holy-bound to investigate. Arkin offered Tlaloc the chance to come with him. Tlaloc stayed, wanting to honor his commitment to defeat the Palm. By the end of the second day the army was nearing the Citadel. Leaving Ingrid under the protection of Morgar, the four travellers went to scout. Ellenora and Tal put on the stolen robes and masks. While Tlaloc, Kayn, and his band scouted the outside, they talked their way into the Citadel. They found a series of stone tunnels and rooms similar to the abandoned citadel but with a different layout. Soldiers were building defenses across the hallways to prepare for an assault. The two scouts eventually found the barracks of the soldiers. They decided to leave, after being questioned. On the outside Tlaloc and Kayn realized that the top of the Citadel was unguarded. After a few close encounters with Burning Palm patrols, they climbed the trees to wait for their partners on the inside.

Come evening it was time to strike. The plan was simple. The Nurmendemar would charge the gate while the four travellers plus Kayn’s  troops would enter another way. The nine of them snuck above the barracks of the citadel. With great concentration, Tlaloc used unamancy with the earthstone he had found when he first came ashore. The earth trembled as the ground collapsed, opening a hole in the roof and crushing many of the Burning Palm below. The group scrambled down and rushed inside. Kayn and his warriors held the hallway as the group found their bearings. They had two choices, head towards the main door or continue up the hall into unknown territory. They chose the latter. Before they could head out a large contingent of Burning Palm soldiers came running from the main gate. There were too many to hold off. Even so, the warriors Kayn brought volunteered to try. With a roar they were off leaving the four travellers to head deeper into the Citadel.

The curved hallway made them realize they were on the circumference of a wide circle. Unhindered by enemies, they soon came to a great wooden door adorned with gold decorations. They pushed it open to find a shrine. Standing on a wooden platform in the back was Caid with several soldiers. He pointed his staff right at Kayn with fury in his eyes. ''“The man who last used that axe, used it to fight for something. You just use it to kill.”'' He screamed. Soon there was chaos. Caid attacked Kayn with magic as the spearmen charged Tal and Tlaloc. Archers fired at the group. Ellenora did her best to help her comrades, focusing on playing her music to assist them. She also managed to knock one of the spearmen unconscious with her music. Tal managed to curse Caid before being assaulted. Tlaloc was finding power in his spells he had never known. When the fight was over, Kayn stood above the corpse of Caid. The wounds he and Tal suffered were minor. From behind they heard the sounds of war. They had to move ahead. On the side of the room was a door which led to a suite of rooms hidden behind a curtain.

These rooms were finely furnished and eerily empty. First there was a room meant for training. Dull swords lay about and singed straw dummies were placed along the wall. The next room was a library. It was full of books on grand wooden shelves. They stretched up to the ceiling. In the middle of the library was a table with six chairs. Behind the last door was Warren Kassett. He was in a small room with five beds. On four of them were young children in white clothes. Three glowed like Ingrid though not with the same strength. Their magic was a pale yellow and their light flickered. Each was disfigured. Only the last boy was not undone by the wizardry that affected the others. It was Morgun, son of Wyatt. In the center of the room kneeling on the ground in a red robe was the General of the Burning Palm. Before him lay two majestic swords. Each idententical, with golden hilts, ruby pommells, and long sharp blades entwined with golden flame. Hearing the footsteps of the travellers approaching him he turned to face the children. With a look of sadness Warren Kasset whispered “Listen to my voice and walk in the light of Yaerrin as I do.” The three glowing children immediately snapped to attention. Each cast a spell. One cast a barrier on Kassett, similar to the one Ingrid had cast on Kayn. One augmented his strength with yellow light. The last cast a curse on the four travellers, disorienting white light filled their vision. Kassett’s blades quickly burst into flame. He charged the group.

The fight was bloody. The children stood in their trance as Kassett struck. Ellenora tried to break the children’s focus. The other three attacked Kassett. To their surprise, he fought with skill and ferocity not even Strongarm had. Attacks against him seemed to never strike true. Through it all his face was serene. The fight changed when Ellenora managed to break the focus of one of the children. Immediately, Kayn landed a strong hit on Kassett. The flurry of battle brought them to the library. Someone flew into a bookshelf and it began to fall. Tlaloc dashed out of the way to not be crushed. Soon the end of Warren Kasset came. He was struck with one too many blows and only had the energy to make one final attack. He slashed at Kayn barely hurting him before falling to the ground. For the first time he looked scared. His breath was ragged. He crawled towards the door. “No!” he cried. ''“No! I can’t, I can’t die Here. I need to die... in the sun.”'' The travellers looked around unsure of how to proceed. Suddenly Ellenora raised her banjo high above her head and swung it down towards Warren Kassett. He collapsed for the final time. It was the first time Ellenora killed someone.

They rushed back into the other room and found the children unconscious. They also realized there was no way out besides backward. On the floor was a small journal. In it was a note written by Warren Kassett. Ellenora took the note and destroyed it, not caring what Kassett had to say. Approaching soldiers were heard behind them. Kayn went to bar the door. He was confident he could hold off whoever came through. Tlaloc worked to collapse the roof again but the ceiling was high. When the rocks fell there was no way up. As they stood trying to figure a way out Tal had an idea. Using day sorcery he projected the sound of shattering glass, the signal that help was needed.

Soon the sound of heavy footsteps was heard running towards the roof. Peeking over the top was Morgar and sitting on his shoulder was Ingrid. He dropped a rope and people started climbing out. Kayn continued his spree of violence. He managed to force back the remaining Burning Palm forces long enough to climb out. Morgar pulled the rope up after him.

They made their way back to the Nurmendemar. There they found both good and bad news. The fight was almost over. With their leadership dead and many of the forces in the barracks crushed, the Burning Palm couldn’t put up a strong fight. Those who didn’t die to rocks or swords were surrendering. It had come at a great cost. Only about half of the assaulting Nurmendemar force avoided injury or death. In the fight Thèandìl had been struck in the leg by a poison tipped arrow. The travellers found her in great pain. Healing the poison was beyond Morgar’s limited medical ability. He had done what he could to ease her suffering. Immediately Tlaloc set to work. In a few minutes he saved her life. But the poison had crippled her leg. It would never return to normal.

After the battle the survivors tried to organize the mess that was left. Thèandìl was still in charge of both the Nurmendemar and the Silver Circle. She incorporated her religious followers into her warrior band. They controlled the towns of Agnoor and Hundred’s Keep. In the hurry to assault the Burning Palm, Srensgard had been abandoned. The townsfolk there threw off the shackles of the Circle, lynched Father Markus, and set themselves free. Tlaloc knew from his newfound magical power he must be getting close to The Glade, the reason he had come to the North. Searching through Warren Kassett’s journal he found many references to a serene magical place. This he decided, must be the place he was after. He said his goodbyes and used the journal to find his way. Using Ingrid and the recovered scroll Tal, Thèandìl, and Morgar tried to find a way to reverse what had been done to the children. After a month they found a spell that would do it. The three crippled children had the process reversed. They still lived with their disabilities but were no longer in pain. Ingrid was stable and chose to keep her magic. But she had no home to go to. After making sure the scroll was destroyed, Ellenora decided that she had found the adventure she had been looking for. She took Ingrid back to live with her in Spring Dale. Tal decided to stay and help the Nurmendemar. A town north of Agnoor called Ley-Hilla was still under fragmented Burning Palm control. He went north to diplomatically receive their surrender. He soon became governor of the newly freed town now under Nurmendemar control. As for Kayn he set out into the woods to make his homestead. He was not bothered by the people who knew he was there. Every once in a while strangers would come to town speaking of a crazed old man with an axe.