The Ball! Part 1

The party return to The Moody Boar in order to prepare for the ball, with Άdus making a stop off at the Red Wizard’s Enclave in order to treat the manticore blood. The party change and gather their equipment, some choosing to hide weapons on their person. As the sun sets, the three moons align and Luna is summoned, with Quark on her shoulder. She appears to be puzzled and tells the group of a dream given to her by Galladia, of a rider on a pure white horse with a heart of goodness. Riding on a perfect storm and that he will ultimately change our destiny… As Luna is speaking, a female voice can be heard outside ranting and raving about the end of the world. Vandal and Vorn look out the window, calling to her to find out more. The tiefling named Anakis, warns them of Bremen and that he brings with him the old gods and the destruction of the world as we know it. They take her inside and invite her to join us at the ball, knowing that Bremen will be present. Regius is excited about the group invitation to the ball and gives them some insight as to who might be there, of Bremen, a representative of the Snake’s Head guild and Lot Dod a strange human with powers of divination. The group go to the mansion in town for the ball. Seeing all races and high members of Daggerdale society. Anakis disguises herself for the duration of the ball, replacing her tiefling features for human ones. The haughty elf at the door almost does not let the group past, until the proof of the manticore head and our invite convince him otherwise. Unfortunately, Thraback is not allowed to carry his axe so the elf struggles to place it with the rest of our things. However, Thraback is arguably the best dressed in his pink gown. The party enter the ballroom which is full of the hubbub of conversation, laughter and the music from the orchestra. Some members of the party are more comfortable in this situation than others, but all goes well for a time. Despite Mushu receiving far too many queries from parties with less than noble intentions.

Suddenly, from outside the building, a storm can be heard getting closer, with the sound of hooves along with it. A frantic rush can be heard at the doors as it appears the hooves crash against it. The group move down towards the door to find out what is going on. Thraback runs to get his axe back off the disgruntled elf. We hear from outside shouting, “You can’t come in here you have not been invited!”

With this, the hall door crashes open and there is a moment of stillness as the partygoer's pause and hold their breath. A white horse trots into the ballroom carrying a male human rider who surveys the room. He is adorned in armor with a holy image about his waist. His head is uncovered, showing jet back hair and piercing eyes. Vandal sprints up between the rider and the mayor, having grabbed a weapon off the nearest guard. The rider calmly speaks, “Settle Saphire, we have made it inside now. No need friend, you may lower your weapon. I am a paladin from Solamnia and there is one here whom I seek. My name is Ser Sturm IronSoul.” As his entry to the ball, he presents 2 manticore heads.

He gets off his horse and addresses Saphira, “My lady, I know you. Your father and grandfather came to Solamnia. I saw you and your sisters who were so cruel to you. I saw your sadness and fought for you in the tournament. The tears you cried, Star Dust, I have kept them.” With this, he pulls out a vial of tears from beside his heart and hands them to Saphira who is taken aback. “Those eyes filled with tears, my horse Saphire, named after your eyes.” Thraback returns to the ballroom with his axe in hand, growling at Sturm and lowering his eyes at him. Sturm turns to him, “Worry not my friend, I am not here for her. I seek the cleric from Solamni, Agrippiana Drusilis.”

He explains to Agrippiana that her meeting with the Aja, Marane, had made an impression and that in time she will be called to join the order of the Blue Aja’s, with Sturm to act as her bonded paladin.

“I dreamed of a barbarian, he came to me and I saw your pain. When I awoke the next day, a lock of hair was under my pillow, yours I believe.”

Agrippiana agrees to this as the gods have set this in motion. Thraback asks if this is what she wants, telling her that he will still protect her. Sturm tells the party he will remain in Daggerdale for a short time before he moves on, warning Adus not to harm Agrippiana. He climbs back on his horse and leaves the ballroom.

As the excitement over this entrance settles, the group are approached by a strange gentleman who tells them he is a representative of the Snake’s Head guild at Caliem port. Ahmed is his name and he converses with Lukas about his father and his talent as a magical weapons forger and how the accident that killed his father was tragic. The party believe he knows more than what he is telling them. Ahmed leaves for Caliem the next day inviting the party to visit and ask for the guild on arrival. As he takes his leave, he and Vorn share a brief nod to the other.

Vandal speaks to the mayor of Bremen, the mayor quickly pointing him out to us, and making the introduction. Bremen is extravagantly dressed and surrounded by a number of glamorous characters. We commend him for the philanthropy he has been known for, mentioning the orphanage we helped back in Phandelain. He gives Agrippiana a bond for 1000 gold to use for the orphans – Vorn attempting to convince her to give it to him.

Bremen is interested in Mushu, questioning her as to whether she has been below the city. Mushu is suspicious of his intentions and he invites us to visit him at his company headquarters down by the docks and takes his leave of us… He will be difficult to deal with.

Part 1!