Session 15

PCs (5th-level): Estel, Khalid, Rhys, Tuarim, Vladimir

The PCs are finalizing their plans at Omadi's former house, when a unit of Palace Guards shows up at their gates to arrest them. Somehow the Prince must have discovered their plot. The PCs open the gate and confront the guards. The common folk gathered outside of the palace quickly takes side with the party, pelletting the guards with stones and rotten vegetables.

The guards try to make their way inside the palace, when Rhys loses his temper and his sorcerous blood explodes in a fireball that kills many soldiers. The remaining guards are intimidated into leaving. Not long after Nura arrives with a unit of Swords of Avani, informing the party that Omadi has betrayed them. She's now moving to the Palace to bring a rapid end to the Prince's attempts to quench the coup. The party joins Nura and her men, gathering a mob of angry citizens with them.

On the way to the Palace they're stopped by Admiral Hadan and a unit of Navy Mariners. Tuarim convinces the old friend to join forces with them. The assault at the Tower of Morning begins, with many losses from both sides. While the troops of both sides battle, the PCs manage to enter the inner buildings, and face the Lord-Prince.

When confronted with his sins, the Lord-Prince admits to be Nura's father, but denies any other accusations. But it's too late to go back now. Tuarim forces a confrontation. Vladimir befriends the two fierce lions guarding the Lord, while Khalid and Rhys destroy the animated clay warrior barring their advance. The young paladin pushes ahead, and stabs the ruler of Aryia in the chest with his bloodsilver dagger, stealing his bloodline.

Estel is horrified by this act, and accuses Tuarim to be nothing more than his father's pawn. Once again Rhys escalates the issue, and casts a fireball at Tuarim, almost killing him. This last spell also has the effect of setting the premises on fire. While the others escape the burning buildings, Tuarim decides to remain among the flames, hoping to escape at a later moment and fake his death. He's actually saved by a masked figure appearing on the scene, none other than his father, Malik.

Father and son leave the palace, then Malik congratulates Tuarim for a job well done. But Tuarim has no intention to rule Ariya, and informs his father he will leave the city. Frustrated, Malik can do nothing else than accept his son's decision, and review his plans for a unified Khinasi Empire under his family's control. Elsewhere, the party has reunited with the vizier Almira and with Nura. News of the death of the Prince spread rapidly. As the dust settles, it is decided that Nura shall inherit rulership of the city.