Collateral Damage - Arc 12 Not What They Seem

We start the last recap with the party collectively searching for answers to how the Constable got the drop on them. Were they tracked by magical means? Shanks and Arguile spoke with Elrin about this and the name Arioch. Meanwhile, a figure approached the group, a Kalashtar woman named Voyas who told the group she was led to them by the Daughter of the Flame. The party cautiously accepts her and heads into what they discover is the grand temple to the Daughters. They speak with an Unillum named Izel who informs them that they must pass 3 trials, two of which they pass: one of wit and one of grit, and another one that they must have a boon in order to complete. After a brief deliberation amongst the group they decide to go to Nymora to allow Zechs to reunite with his family, and get answers on what happened to Zechs, Kyver and so many of the children of Nymora as well. A bittersweet reunion unfolded with Zechs and his parents Seti and Rinde. They caught up and the group decided to stay over the next few days in Nymora to rest, gather intel, and allow the family to make up for time lost. The group did some shopping and Zechs split off from the group to go to the library where he received a wellspring of knowledge of the history of Sloane, the Arbitors, and past cults throughout Sloane and abroad. This became the center of his focus because while on his way there he heard something that chilled him to his core, but he decided to suppress and focus on the task at hand. The rest of the group, minus Zechs, decide to visit the temple of the Light of Elrin and learn that Shanks and Arguile are amongst his first “chosen”.

On the other side of the city, Zechs meets with a family whose daughter had a very similar story to Kyver’s. Later back at Zechs’ family home they reconvene and discuss their day’s findings. Arguile, Galahad, and Voyas piece together a story from olden times and its connection to Arguile’s rapier. After dinner, Zechs uses Speak with Plants to commune through his home in the trees of Nymora, connected to the Heartwood, and thus heard from Amina the current Arbitor that she was expecting them. The party decided to shift their plans to make their way towards Amina and the Heartwood in a few days once an airship was available to take them. Arguile and Shanks were tasked with staying behind to watch for their possible tail and ensure the safety of Zechs’ parents. Galahad was tasked with bringing back a piece of the root of the Heartwood in exchange for enchanting his armor. Shanks has another conversation with Elrin and agreed via contract to help unlock elements of his bow, Mind’s Eye, in exchange for removing certain targets from a list that Elrin would provide. The rest of the party arranges for travel on a luxury airship, where Zechs reveals the disturbing occurrence he had on the way to the library, just days before. He makes the connection between a memory of his childhood, the cults, and sacrifices. Galahad uses his divine sense and discovers an aspect of the god Malar within Zechs. While on a stakeout Shanks and Arguile have an in-depth history lesson on Shanks time with Rig and the S8. Afterwards finding an individual of suspicion that they decide to look into and tail.

There’s so much happening and we pick up with arc 12, “Not What They Seem”. How will the rest of this story unfold? Find out next time on the Medusa’s Cascade: Collateral Damage!