Session 86

Heroes (lvl 12): Amani, Deet, Gunnar, Hassan, Regall, Ryel

675 MR - Summer

News of the Gorgon's devastating assault on the Giantdowns sends a ripple of urgency through the Heroes as they gather to determine their next move. Gunnar urges immediate action in the North, but the grim reality is undeniable—no army can stand against the combined might of the Gorgon and his colossal dragon, Raizhadik. Once more, their hopes turn to the legend of the Crowns of Dominion, the only power that might challenge the rising shadow.  

Seeking answers, Regall reaches out to his celestial patron, the angel Ashan. But even Ashan knows only fragments—conflicting legends shroud the Crowns' origins, their creation lost to time. Yet in all tellings, one truth remains constant: when the shadow rises, only the united power of the Crowns can oppose it.  

Meanwhile, Ryel slips away from the meeting, unaware that Deet follows him in secret. Alone, he is confronted by Anomander. The dark being urges him to continue slaying awnsheghlien, to feed the tainted blood of Azrai within him, accelerating his transformation into a lord of shadows. When Anomander vanishes, Deet steps from the shadows. She does not condemn him but instead reaffirms their bond of friendship. Yet Ryel, burdened by his curse, refuses to reveal the full truth.  

In private, Amani meets with Anomander. The dark elf lays out a path to power—if she uses the dagger he gifted her to slay more awnsheghlien, their stolen essence will strengthen him, increasing his draconic might and giving them a greater chance against Raizhadik. He pledges his unwavering support in her war but reminds her of the promise he made: when the battle is won, he wishes for them both to leave the tangled web of politics behind and see the world together.  

When the Heroes reconvene, their course is set. First, they will hunt down the cunning Spider—an awnshegh who eluded death once before, saved by the power of his bloodline. Then, they will journey to the Khinasi lands in search of the Suncrown. Only when all the Crowns of Dominion are gathered will they stand a chance against the darkness looming on the horizon.