Reflections

It's been a hectic few weeks. We all headed towards Beregost for different reasons, and while we thought there would be conflict at some point, none of us were prepared for the scale of what transpired. Defending the village of Greenest, infiltrating an army camp, and saving Leosin, my fellow monastic brother, and finally to slaying Cyanwrath, one of the half dragons Sir Aberard previously dueled during the raid on Greenest who was working with Frulam Mondath.

A chill comes over me anytime I think of Mondath because I can’t help but think of the fight that almost sent us all to the higher planes, that pitched battle that almost ended our lives. Vladimir who feared no physical threat learned to be wary of insidious magic that can leach his will to fight. For the first time, I, Aeoth, monk of the Order of the Setting Sun, found that martial prowess wasn’t sufficient to quell the evil alone. Doubt had clouded Sir Aberard's faith that he wouldn’t be able to support his comrades-in-arms to defeat this evil. Fortunately for our party, that doubt only lasted for the briefest of moments before he summoned up the powers of Torm to heal the party and to bolster Vladimir’s willpower - enough to break his paralysis and take on Mondath. Unfortunately, the influence of Tiamat was also in the room, and despite my, Vladimir, and Sir Aberard's heroic efforts, it was not quite enough.

The final heroics came from the most unlikely of places. Leobin, who typically comes off as a mischievous go-lucky individual, saved the day! In the final moments, with me (Aoth) and Vladimir already defeated, Leobin witnessed Sir Aberard deliver a vicious blow to Mondath which was quickly countered by her halberd, crumpling Leobin’s brother to the floor. Fear and pain quickly filled Leobin’s mind as he thought of his other brother. Leobin’s resolve was sorely tested but he passed, and bravely lunged dagger-first at Mondath, piercing her heart! It was this moment where we all went from traveling companions to true adventuring party that can count on each other.

Searching Mondath’s room we discover a map that indicated that the supplies and loot raided in this region is being brought to a place called “Naerytar” along the main trade road near the Mere of Dead Men, about 200 miles north of Waterdeep. We take the map and head to the City of Elturel to meet Leosin and Ontharr Frume from the Order of the Gauntlet. Our journey is made swifter with the gift of horses from Leosin and Ontharr in Greenest.

After the consultations with Leosin and Ontharr in Elturel, we are given an opportunity to join Ontharr’s order or the Harpers as Leosin will sponsor you. I, Aeoth, joined the Harpers, but Sir Aberard already has an order and so could not accept. Leobin and Vladimir are not sure and will think about it. We agree to track the shipment and travel to Baldur’s Gate looking for it. We believe that we are, for once, ahead of the cult, and wait patiently waiting for them to arrive in the city. The break gives you all a well-earned rest.