The following are correspondance from our party members during a three-week interim following their time at Fizban's College.
GALLOGK:
To my fiercest comrades and dearest friends,
After a quiet rite beneath the boughs of Tyr’s altar, I was at last able to lift the curse that has long shadowed Tirithiel’s spirit. Freed from that ancient blight, she and I spoke at length of the road ahead, of healing, yes, but more than that, of purpose. She has chosen to walk beside me, not out of debt, but of conviction.
Our path now leads to the mines of Al-Khazam, where we seek an audience with their adamantine-hearted ruler. We go to plead for the precious diamond dust that we shall need in great measure as we begin to unweave the petrifying pestilence sweeping this land. Should Tyr's hand guide us to success there, our work will turn swiftly to restoration and resistance: healing the stricken, and forging a faction strong enough to stand in the wake of what’s to come.
I fear the loss at Mirkarkden will not temper Ileana’s fury but will stoke it. In her desperation her cruelty festers, blackening her malice into a feral sickness. She will strike again, ravenous and unrelenting. We must be the blade that meets hers. We must be ready to rise, as justice demands.
Until that hour comes, may my blessing follow your every step. May your fury never be quenched, your step be ever quickened, and your inner beast guide your heart.
May your deeds weigh just upon the scales,
Gallogk
LUCKY:
Dearest Fabian, my comrade and associate,
I hope the cards are coming up in your favor, as you and Tesla work to rebuild Kad-Abrah alongside your people. Or, well, I hope your cards were in your favor, before a bleeding Tiamat [OOC: a very powerful, bad card in 3DA] was played on the entire world.
I’m writing you about that. As you probably know, the petrification affected more than just your people, but people everywhere. Now, I know your resources are stretched thin already, and your already scattered people just suffered more losses, so I don’t ask you for favors lightly.
You are a resourceful man. A man who knows how to get things. [OOC: Fabian is listed as a Fence in Lucky’s Network Of Friends] And it just so happens that, in order for our soul doctor [OOC: ‘cleric’] to help people with their statue act, we need a whole lulani of sparklers [OOC: ‘ship full of diamonds’].
I understand that your neck of the desert has what we need. Specifically, Al-Khazam is supposed to be chock full. But as you’re a man who knows how to get things, I wanted to know if you could point me in the direction of some leverage that could help our negotiations in the big city, or perhaps a friend there we could talk to. Or, if Tymora’s wearing a short skirt today, maybe just somewhere we can find our own — I think Bjorn’s been itching to swing a pick.
Talk to you soon. And tell Tesla not to blow anything up, hey?
L.
SANKARA:
My Dear Friends,
Bim, you have a poet’s gift for embellishment and a curse for disappearing when it’s time to clean up the wreckage. But alas, your words reach me like birds on the wind—mildly drunk, vaguely threatening, but always appreciated.
I suppose I owe you and the others a brief recounting of where I’ve wandered since our time at Fizban’s.
First—yes, I noticed the wine. Gone. Not a drop of Ravani red remains in the lower hold. I’ve blamed the tides, I’ve blamed evaporation, I’ve even blamed Bjorn’s cooking, but the truth points to one bard with a bottomless thirst. Fear not, I’ve taken it upon myself to generously share what remained with the students of the college—of age, of course. Let it never be said that Sankara hoards joy in times of grief.
Second—I will be making a trip to the Ravani vineyards before our next voyage. The roots there are deep and unbothered by the affairs of men, and I intend to leave with a supply worthy of your next hangover.
Third… Gabriella. I’d hoped to speak with her again in Glynndarryll, to understand what churns behind her quiet eyes. But after hearing Varen’s warning… well, the vines of fate twist tighter than I like. Is the city still sealed? Does the First of the Voidborn still walk its silent alleys, cloaked in sorrow? The not-knowing has been a thorn in my side.
Let the others know I’m safe. Somewhat sober. And still alive. If the Sliver is in danger, I will stand with you all. But certainly with our Rivani wine flowing, let’s be reasonable now.
May the tide always rise behind you,
Sankara
Keeper of Groves, Friend of Vishnaivites
BJORN:
With the wedding closing in, and as the preparations get more detailed, Bjorn is starting to lose his shit. After snapping at Delilah over something trivial, she gently suggests that perhaps what he wants is some solitude and activity to keep himself occupied. She suggests that maybe he should talk to her brothers.
He wants to connect with the mountains of Bur Boldor themselves, both high and low. If he can go on some sort of recreational expedition with Delilah's brother's that's what he would like to do. Whether that's up into the peaks of the mountains or down to the heart of the mountains, he'll leave that to the brothers and their best judgement. But he's gonna try to get away on a camping trip before the wedding ceremony.