Quiet Before the Storm (Part Three)

27 Darkember thru 19 Frostkolt 348 AC

Ra’ziir spends some time reviewing maps of this world to better understand the lay of the land and sea as well as some of the more prominent points/locations of interest. What he finds are maps from before and after the Cataclysm. The entire shape of the continent is vastly different. Most of the cities are in roughly the same place, although the retreat or advance of the seas in relation to the altered coastline has submerged some and left others completely landlocked. Many towns do not appear on the newer maps, with no indication as to whether they were destroyed or were left off for the convenience of the cartographer. Still, he is assured that the maps are as accurate as was possible at the time of their production but it is fairly likely that some errors are present.

Shadow will spend some time with the other two wizards looking at the maps and discussing the vulnerability and defenses of the dragonmen the party encountere in hopes of coming to a consensus as to which of their spells would be most effective in fighting large armies of these creatures that seemingly turn to stone or explode upon death. Romulus posits that the given their differences in appearance and the effects unleashed upon dying that creatures are descended from two different species of dragons. Additionally, it is probably safe to surmise that there are other types as well - each with its own abilities and death effects.

Having accomplished everything he set out to do, Romulus announces his intention to return to Silvanost.

After returning to Silvanost, Shadow will find Cassidy and make sure the little scamp isn’t causing too much mischief. He tells him about the deals with Ladonna while Cassidy tells him about the Patchy Puppet Shows and Lorraine's Lost and Found box.

Arthur walks with Lady Agnes one morning "So tell me, where you you originally from?"

Agnes' smiles, "I was born on a beautiful island just off of the continent's northern coast. Thick, lush jungles around the base of towering, cloud-shrouded mountains - a rocky coast that kept us safe from pirates. It was truly a paradise. There were signs that war was coming so five of us decided to venture out into the wider world to see what was happening for ourselves." She looks down, sadder for the change of topic. "We were right. I arrived in Silvanost in the spring of this year, just a few months before you."

"And your brothers? If you don't mind me asking, that is?" Arthur's voice drops slightly, aware that the topic may be sensitive.

"I don't mind," Agnes replies. "They are much like you actually - brave, honest and honorable, committed to helping those weaker than themselves. Each would make a fine knight if such a thing were possible."

She pauses and takes a breath. "Once we decided to see what was truly happening, our elders forbade us from getting involved. We... did not listen. Ag'seolfar and Ag'plebinar remained home to coordinate our efforts. Ag'finlynd is in Balifor, keeping a watch on the enemy. Ag'alzkar is doing the same thing in Khur. Ag'kisneth has been trying to organize resistance groups in Goodlund but it is slow going."

Arthur follows along, listening intently and counting on his fingers. "That's five brothers. What of the last one?"

Agnes looks down and closes her eyes, jaw set with fury. She remains that way for a handful of seconds before opening her eyes and looking up. "Ag'dubhihn was in Nordmar when it was overrun by the Dragonarmies. We haven't heard from him since."

After ensuring all is going smoothly at the hospital, Grotto goes to find Raven. "Arg, Captain," Grotto says in his painfully comical pirate talk before switching to his normal voice, "If we are to first meet the enemy close to the sea or even on ships, I will need some training in the sailor way. Take me with you when you go train Summerwalker's crew so that this land lubber can get some sea legs under him"

"It would be an honor to teach you, my friend," Raven replies. "Classes are open daily."

Kysek will also attend a couple of sea training sessions. He figures it couldn’t hurt to brush up on his dexterity. Besides; he may be able to give valuable input to those who may be struggling.

As the days turn into weeks and the weather turns ever colder and more inclement, the stream of elves the healers convinced to take shelter in the capital dwindles to a trickle. All told, close to 2,000 elves (1,874 by Alara's count), have arrived from the outlying towns.

The Council's inquest comes to a close and while Ornforithalas' confinement to the city is lifted, Kysek often sees the Guard Captain receiving sidelong glances in the street. Ornforithalas takes it in stride, "I will not be made to feel guilty for protecting my home, even if those in power claim there is no threat just to protect their authority."

19 Frostkolt 348 AC

Grotto leaves from Lorraine's, en route to sailor training at Councilor Summerwalker's warehouse. A thin layer of snow crunches beneath his booted feet. As he turns a corner onto the tree-lined waterfront, he hears voices, one of them is Raven's.