Session 27 (02-02-2025): The Gathering Storm: Forging Alliances
The group is reminded that King Steppengard and his army will likely arrive at Gallo’s Fend in about 7–10 days.
March 18
The group arrives at Lord Dashgoban’s castle, where they are quickly and warmly welcomed as they ride in. Lord Dashgoban’s troops are already in full training, preparing for possible conflicts.
During the audience, it quickly becomes clear that Lord Dashgoban is willing to support Lord Gallo in the defense against King Steppengard. Additionally, he is more than willing to send some troops ahead to melt the Nasham River, provided that we first secure all the wood and pitch from the Pitchwood village.
A brief Augury spell cast by Barracus indicates that Dashgoban can be trusted (for now).
March 19
The group departs towards Lady Timor.
March 20
The group arrives at the village next to the Pitchwood (Pitchwood Burg). There, after some semi-intimidation by Athoz, the village leader/mayor is quickly convinced that giving up their pitch and wood supplies serves the greater good, as Steppengard would seize them anyway, regardless of who wins. To ease the burden and possible hardships caused by surrendering these materials, the party donates various amounts of gold to help the villagers through the winter (8-20-17(/800)-20 for a total of 65 GP).
March 21
The group reaches the Toraest Steppes mountain range. Here, they must decide whether to ollow the river north (dangerous) and climb the mountains (which means losing their horses) or take the well-traveled mountain path (safe but slower and difficult to stay hidden).
At the entrance to the mountain pass near the Churnett River, they are stopped by a blockade of Steppengard’s soldiers (possibly the previously mentioned Talon). After a brief conversation, it becomes clear that these soldiers are preventing all (diplomatic) travelers from entering Timor’s lands.
With their extravagant clothing and presence, the group is quickly recognized as foreigners likely on a mission for someone—soooo, that means a fight.
The soldiers whistle, and a troll emerges from under the bridge.
After a brief battle, the troll and four of the six soldiers are dead, while two surrender.
Athoz, Elio, and Kyra argue for executing the soldiers to avoid future trouble, but Barracus strongly opposes this and convinces the party to take them as prisoners of war to Lady Timor, transporting them on horseback.
They ride on.
March 22
Upon arriving at Lady Timor’s domain (surrounded by several wizard towers), they find that her forces are also preparing for conflict—though here primarily mages are being trained.
The group is welcomed, and after a brief discussion, Lady Timor also joins the alliance. At their request, the prisoners (under the supervision of Barracus and Elio) are questioned about the upcoming conflict. They reveal little beyond what the group already knows, except that Steppengard’s forces will use trolls (they had four, but one was already slain at the bridge), the troops will fight under the command of Königsmarshal Malkan and that a powerful war wizard, Kelkin Thravanvost, will be present.
Additionally, the group is reminded that aside from Steppengard himself, Lord Iz, Lord Megadon, and Lady Namin will also side with the enemy.
March 23
With their final ally secured, the group heads back toward the Steppes. At the Glaskeel Cliffs, they receive magical assistance from Timor’s wizards, who use a fly spell to carry them safely and swiftly downward—horses included.
