Fully rested and ready to roll out of the Kreeg tunnels, the party begins planning out their limited time to tie up any loose ends before they leave the region.
First up, it’s back to Turtleback Ferry to inquire about potential teleportation spells. When they arrive at the soggy village, the townspeople are busy rebuilding and airing out their saturated laundry. Maelin Shreed welcomes them back and the party fills him in on the juicy details of the happenings at the dam.
Luckily, the mayor doesn’t seem too concerned about needing to power the dam through the magical circles. Fyn’s explanation is straightforward, and Maelin comments that his ability to summon creatures from the aether should be more than sufficient to prevent catastrophe from landing at Turtleback Ferry thanks to a malfunctioning dam mechanism.
Before they leave, the party emphasizes that they really need to get a message to Sandpoint regarding the upcoming attack. Mokmurian’s plans are quickly laid out, including the use of stone giants and a dragon. Maelin Shreed sends the letter off with a carrier bird and makes note to request aid from Magnimar and the surrounding villages for restocking Fort Temros (formerly Fort Rannick).
Back to the Shimmerglens
Next up on the task list is a return to the Shimmerglens to bring Commander Lamatar’s remains to Myriana. The party takes one of the literal Turtleback Ferries across Claybottom Lake and back into the marshes. Although the rain has stopped, the land is still suffering from a terrible blight. Could this be tied to Myriana’s sadness, perhaps?
The strange, clear pool of water is still in the same place that the party left it, but everyone is well-aware of the hauntings they experienced the first time around; it is left well alone. Interestingly enough, the marooned ship is nowhere to be found. It appears to have disappeared entirely.
Finally, the party arrives at the bloody site of Myriana’s untimely demise. Her broken body marks the place where the giants came and tore her limbs apart. Myriana appears, still distraught.
Barnaby gently pulls out the frost wight form of Commander Lamatar from the Bag of Holding. Myriana is overjoyed to see her lover, although she is also dismayed at his condition. She motions for the party to stand back as she attempts her reincarnation ritual, slowly descending her ethereal form over that of her lover.
Her tears flash brightly as they dance upon the Commander’s undead flesh, and Myriana’s form completely melds with his. The skin lightens, the hair becomes less unkempt, and Lamatar’s body shrinks down. After the transformation is complete, Commander Lamatar opens his eyes.
He’s a dwarf.
The Price is Paid
Normally reincarnation magic can’t affect bodies that have been dead for longer than a week, and it certainly can’t affect a body tained by undeath. But something about their love must have been able to conquer death and allow Commander Lamatar to return to the land of the living.
The price? Myriana’s soul. Her final deed completed, she lives on through the exploits of her love. Who, by the way, doesn’t want to return to civilization. Lamatar pledges to guard Whitewillow and continue Myriana’s reign for the rest of his life.
Trace also receives a gift of inspiration from Myriana’s selfless act. The others can’t believe it – what did the paladin even DO to deserve that? Just had a high Charisma score? Get real.
After the reincarnation is complete, Yap appears. He has been practicing the complicated song sheets found in the vanishing ship. He plays the song
On the Road Again
Since Turtleback Ferry lacks the necessary teleportation spells, the party purchases horses and hastens towards Sandpoint. At the end of their weeklong journey, they arrive at the Devil’s Platter. Three half-eaten horse carcasses lie along the side of the road.
Fobias sees that one set of hoofprints is marked with charred cinders. Combining this with his own intelligence, Fyn believes that the Sandpoint Devil might be the cause. This obviously excites Barnaby, but Krask is skeptical; he’s convinced that Longtooth is near.
Once they arrive at the Sandpoint gates, Fyn transports them inside where they are hastily taken to Mayor Deverin at the Garrison. Along with the Sheriff, Mayor Deverin is incredibly happy and surprised to see them. They received the party’s warning about the incoming raid earlier that morning, but had advised against a full-scale evacuation.
Instead, Sheriff Hemlock has mobilized the ill-equipped militia in an attempt to secure the town. Trace and company vehemently try to persuade the Sheriff and Mayor that it would be best to send the citizens off to Magnimar. They can stop at the various farms along the way and ask for assistance under the assumption that Sandpoint will pay back the farmers for their kindness and generosity. Anybody else who is able to fight should stay back and help against the giants.
Decisions and Sacrifices are Made
Mayor Deverin knows that time is of the essence. She makes the decision to begin the evacuation. They quickly head to the Cathedral and Mayor Deverin grabs the thunderstones from inside to gather the townsfolk from their slumber. There is obvious dissent and panic as everyone begins to grab the essentials and leave Sandpoint.
As morning breaks, one of the guards at the northern gates calls out. Stone giants are just outside, slinging boulders at the walls!
A terrible roar echoes overhead.
Longtooth is here, and he’s calling for the demise of Sandpoint and Krask!
Will the party be able to defend Sandpoint from this massive invasion? What are Teraktinus and Mokmurian searching for? Will Richard ever have a long-enough attention span to learn a new trick?