As the last session began, it was early evening on the 15th day of the 3rd Trigon of Elok’s Influence. Torches in hand, the party stood a short distance from the remains of the Dark Scar’s camp, preparing for the return trip to the Stargazer along with their two new travelling companions, Render and Orilo.
As the party turned away from the camp, a low vibration began to emanate from what was left of the crystal structure. The sound grew louder and louder as the shattered crystal shards lying all around the camp began to join in the vibration.
With a deafening roar, the shards flew back toward the crystal structure, reassembling into their original form. The crystal structure was whole once again. The area fell silent as blue light began to emanate from the structure, illuminating the area once again. Since the quest had been to locate the structure, the party decided they were done with the crystal and departed for the Stargazer.
Shortly after their arrival, the skyship departed for the City of Gantrick to search for the last of the three crystal structures. A trip that would take close to four days.
During the voyage, Lafferty made a short appearance in search of Aldric. He presented Aldric with a small, dark wood box, stating it was a gift from his patron. Lafferty said he was told that when the box’s contents were needed, it would open.
Early afternoon on the 19th day, the skyship began its approach into the city’s harbour. Hahnu had departed the ship earlier to wait in the nearby mountain so as not to draw attention to the skyship. Upon arriving, the party quickly headed into the city.
The decision was made to visit the local Vanguard outpost to see if they knew anything about the crystal. Commander Garrick Greythorn informed the party of a large crystal structure in the courtyard of Seraphina Ashmere’s home. The head of the Jeweller’s Guild and a member of the King’s Council.
Aldric had spent time in the City of Gantrick while hunting bounties. He knew of a place called the Widow’s Tide where additional information on Seraphina could likely be found. Travelling to the somewhat shady inn, the party was not disappointed.
A fellow urban bounty hunter named Torgun Ashknuckle told Aldric that Seraphina did indeed have a large crystal structure that formed part of a fountain in the central courtyard of her seaside mansion. Seraphina threw many big parties, so the crystal’s presence was well known.
Torgun was convinced that the party could get invited to one of the parties if they visited Seraphina with a good story. The party decided to pay her a visit, claiming they wanted to interview her about the crystal for a book they were writing. Seraphina took a liking to Aldric and invited the party to return that evening for a birthday celebration she was throwing for a girlfriend.
After getting cleaned up, the party, along with Aldric’s codpiece as backup, returned in the evening and were escorted by Seraphina to the courtyard to join the rest of her guests. As soon as the party entered the courtyard, the doors were barred behind them. What had appeared like a small group of guests gathered around the fountain slowly faded away, revealing Onyx and his two young dragons.
Onyx taunted the party, assuring them that he was going to enjoy ending them once and for all. He commanded the larger of his dragons to “take care of them” as several other dark elf warriors emerged from hiding in the nearby trees. The battle was on.