D&D Encounters : Beyond the Crystal Cave : Session 8 Recap
Only 5 sessions left in this Encounters season, so get back in the game before you miss out on the big finale!
Last week, our adventurers stood on the shore of the island hosting the Water Palace, having just dispatched of Ariel and his Kalbon-inspired attack. The isle, smaller than it seemed from the far shore, was covered in deciduous trees and rose bushes. The palace itself resembled a great tunnel of unblemished white marble with a rounded ceiling accented with gilded metal fittings and gigantic glazed windows. A waterfall poured down the sides of the domed roof and filled a channel that encircled the structure; a beautiful sight. Exploration of the island revealed the unusual tracks of a giant humanoid that led out of the water, and the muddy footprints of a man leading up the steps that led to the veranda in front of the palace.
Following the lead of the tracks, the heroes entered the palace and found themselves in a large oval chamber where two luxurious chairs stood at either end of a fine table. A crystal glass had been set at one end, along with a decanter full of liquid. Two paintings on the wall, depicting Porpherio and Caerwyn, flanked a large bookcase that contained tomes who recorded the happenings of the last 196 years on the island. The paintings portrayed Caerwyn as a serene royal, and Porpherio as an aged lord. The books revealed Porpherio’s plan to entomb his soul with Caerwyn’s, so that they may lay together in eternal slumber and protect the island with the magic of summer.
Investigating the room revealed a trap door in the floor, out of which Orlando appeared, ready to defend himself with a rapier! With a mind more confused than Juliana’s, he shifted between the consciousness of Porpherio and Orlando until a soothing song from Johnny Chinstrap settled him. He explained that he awoke in a forest and was drawn away by a lady with eyes like the sun (Rosaline), at which point she brought him to Sir Oakstaff, who brought him here in turn. He seemed intent to save Juliana/Caerwyn and the island from the clutches of Soryth the hag, when a booming voice interrupted the exchange.
Enter Basal!
The murderous fey giant announced himself unexpectedly and apologized for spoiling the party with his need to slay Orlando. The heroes attempted to intervene, and convinced Basal that Orlando was needed alive. Unwilling to give up so easily, Basal proposed a game of fighting prowess and collaborated on terms for a duel that would end with the winner claiming Orlando as the prize. A fight ensued, and our adventurers came out victorious! — But had they broken the rules of a fey pact somewhere along the way?
Join us next week and find out the details of the duel, and to learn the ultimate resolution that will be the behest of the archfey agents!
Gotta love Wednesday nights!
-Danny
Twenty Sided Store
Dungeon Master
Posted: January 15th, 2012 | Tagged: Dungeons and Dragons