Tales from Etheraz: 3/19 Guild Night Recap

Greetings, daredevils, dreamers, and do-gooders! 

I, ATLAS THE BARD, have narrowly escaped danger once more to bring you the latest exploits of the group of Coalition soldiers that go by the title “the PC party.” Gentle readers, we are now on the Northern side of the Blakka barricade! After hearing reports that there were numerous Hollowed attacks at the Blakka Gate, the party decided it was best to sneak through and attempt to find the source of these attacks. 

Upon arriving at the hole at the gate, the party was dismayed to find that it was no longer unoccupied. Guarding the entry was a bedraggled group of Blakka soldiers, injured and starving. Though initially (perhaps justifiably) hostile, the soldiers revealed that they were running low on supplies and ravaged by endless attacks from the Hollowed. After some tense discussions, the soldiers acquiesced to allowing the party through the passage in exchange for some supplies, so long as word did not get out of their unlawful deed.

Now, it is common knowledge that I am rather wanted by House Blakka after that nasty rhyme I wrote about the Lord Commander got me in some hot water. Who knew the man’s ego was so fragile? (I suppose hearing a poem about the unfortunate size of his nose will do that to someone). Thus, I had to remain unseen, in the shadows as this all occurred.

(Reader, this is where I must apologize for withholding some information. Though I hold no love in my heart for Blakka and a dear love for the truth, I must honor these soldiers’ request to keep them unnamed. To honor this night of fragile truce, I will keep their identity secret, on my honor). 

Although a truce had been struck, it was not an easy night for either the party or the soldiers. Wary of each others’ true intentions, arguments arose before dispersing into a huff of unresolved anger. While many enjoyed hearty drinks of lantern oil (bizarre, but I know what I saw!) Others retreated to shady corners for some reprieve. 

All of a sudden, screams! Terror! Despite many warnings, someone had touched the twisted crown that rests upon party leader Makota’s head, sending them into a terrified frenzy. Something about this crown caused them to descend into visions of nightmares, and they became unconsolable and terrified. To make matters worse, one of the Blakka soldiers fell victim to the crown’s visions after a poorly placed bet from another soldier. Furious with the chaos that had erupted in the camp and afraid of the strange powers emanating from the mysterious crown, the Blakka soldiers demanded the party leave and never return through the gate. 

The watch captain (who was rather handsome, if I do say so myself) revealed a map to a secret mountain path that would lead to the mountain villages that the Coltar Spawn of Hatred was rumored to be lurking in. After receiving a promise that the party would never darken their doorstep again, the captain handed over the map and marched away in a huff. Touchy! A little dark magic between friends never hurt anyone!

With newfound knowledge of where to go, the party passed through the Blakka gate without further incident, ready to advance to their next phase of battle. The mountain pass was clear, the map marked; all the party needs to do now is have the courage to advance. 

There is something else odd that happened that evening… During the hubbub, Makota disappeared. Perhaps she was distraught by the chaos sown by her choice of accessory. When she returned, one of her eyes was nothing but a bloody wound! She claims that in the darkness of the night, she merely tripped over the barricade and fell onto a particularly spiky rock. What miserable luck! Give her your well wishes if you see her (and then run in the opposite direction).