A Brighthorn Reunion, in the making

Staring back at the county he grew up in Edbert remembered all his happy times with family, friends, and the occasional longing for more, well "more" has happens. But it shouldn't happen to his family. The neighbors would look after the home for a month but beyond that, should Edbert or other family not return then he is unsure what they might return to. Still the goddess had given him hope that some or all of his missing family members could be recovered.

As prepared as he can be Edbert set out, following the goddesses guidance as best he can. As the glory of Bridget washed over him with a gentle comforting Edbert was gifted a vision to guide him in this quest.

A mote of flame, beginning as a mere spark flares high and expands into the image of a bird in flight, wings beating frantically. The bird is ensnared by dark chains that glow with crimson runes, and dragged toward a jagged mountain.
The vision is burned into Edbert's memory, as are the words that accompanied it from Bridget .

"The chains that bind your kin are forged in envy. Seek the mountain where the storm never ceases—there, the first link may be broken."

The clue was clear, and Edbert was setting off for the Immortal's Wrath mountains. A remnant from the Dawn war that survived even the Shattering that broke the mortal realm. The mountains foothills are two days travel to the north. If Edbert is lucky he may find his parents and their captors along the way but without horse or other means of rapid travel he wraps his hopes tightly in the goddess's words and focuses on finding the first clue.

The first leg of the journey was uneventful and were it not for the urgency driving you it would have been much like any other seasonal trip to one of the quarry at within the lower range of the mountains. Each morning and evening you perform the rituals of devotion, guided more by instinct than memory as Bridget teaches faith is personal though devotion can be a common strength. The peace returned by the goddess is likely the only thing letting you keep a reasonable pace allowing you to reach the inn at the base of the mountains by noon on the second day. A quick exchange of words and a bit of coin secures you food and directions for the trip up the hill to the next town that will be a difficult climb if you wish to reach it by sunset. But a clue has been found that confirms the divine hope that has guided you thus far.

A fell sorcerer has risen high on the mountains slopes above any of the villages that brave their dangers. Though little is known of the sorcerer himself, his henchmen and apprentices are all braggarts and bullies, but they have the coin to let them be ignored by the locals so long as they do not cross any real lines that should not be. They are known to be looking for something higher yet in the mountains and a quick guess brings dread to your heart. Your mother is from the little stone cutters village of Thundergranite and met you father who had been a hunter who got hurt in one of the frequent high storms. You never thought much of it before but your fathers tales of hunting beast were always more cautionary tales than filled with any real details and now you wonder just how high he may have traveled in his youth.

Setting out with renewed purpose you begin the arduous climb to the Cliff Face inn. Your rapid hike the day before was nothing compared to the exhaustion and pain that grips your legs within the first hour, yet you press on. Soon the lowlands lay behind you and the sun is touching the western horizon. As you push yourself onward each new rise of the trail is another blow as it reveals not the comfort of the highland village but yet more trail to be trod.

Roll a save test vs fatigue and a test to determine how well you pace your climb.

There be worse than mere beasts of late and I'll not be letting a stranger into the steading after the gates been closed. replies the old sounding guard from within.

A younger and less belligerent voice murmurs something to the spokes-guard who snaps back at their companion but the narrow opening and distance muffle their voices.

You can roll perception to try and eavesdrop on their conversation or try and convince them of your identity, throw in a test roll, with details about your business and nature as a priest as that may offer additional consideration. I ask test roll for any kind of challenge/conflict but what you do and how you describe it affect the rolls and can shift a failed test into a success but with limits or setbacks

I listen carefully to eavesdrop on the guards

Standing in the light you strain but can only make out half of the discussion from above. All you learn is that the guard is objecting to their companion, a friend or another guard, about how to handle the current situation. Though you do not get much of what they say it is clear the guard does not want to open the gate for you as dusk has fully transitioned to night by time you reached the village. Occasional sounds reach your ears from within the walls indicating there are still a few other locals moving about besides the guard and his companion as the village settles in for the night.

You can try to convince the guard, call out to the companion, shout to get the attention of other residents, sneak in over the wall, find someplace nearby and wait till the morning, or some other action.

Fearing for my safety outside of the town fell appealing to those inside the gates is my best chance or safety. Hoping to get the attention of the guard's conpanion, abd possibly one of the townsfile, I use my most pious tone and call out:
I pause, and cough lightly beofre coyly adding:

The guard scoffs, obviously doubting you while the other voice seems upset at their companions doubts.

Calling out over his companion, you discern from their voice that the other person is much younger Wait but a moment I will go fetch Elprekt! and he rushes off with the guard calling after him to not disturb the elder. The guard grumbles a bit and though he seems to ignore you he does not close the little window and after a few minutes you hear feet approaching the gate. After a muffled conversation another hatch opens, this one in the gate itself then closes a moment later before the gate is opened.


Before you stands an elderly lady with a youth in his teens behind her. She looks you over then snaps Well, you coming in? and hastily you step inside and the door is shut once again. The elderly woman grunts and you begin to wonder if being this surly is a cultural or familial trait, though the lad seems not to suffer the same affliction. Looking you up and down once more the lady turns. Com on then. We best get you settled. I am council woman Elprekt Norbrav, and it is by my leave that you are staying here. So mind your manners. Her brisk walk quickly takes you to one of the larger building in the village which proves to be both the communal meeting place and inn. A few quick words from Elprekt secures a table and food is ordered as the village elder joins you for the evening.

What news from the lowlands and what brings you here is such a rush?

The following morning you eat a hearty breakfast and, though the delay agitates you, wait for Elprekt. The elder promised to meet you at 8 AM with the best help she can find. When the time to leave draws near you head towards the gate looking around for Elprekt. As you reach the door you see her walking briskly with two figures, both smaller than her. As they get closer you see one is a small goak-kin and the other is a tattered kobold.


Both are familiar with the area and wiling to guide you higher on the mountain and help track down the sorcerer or his followers. However, neither wishes to fight but will help in other ways as necessary. Leaning in she whispers McGuf is a bit more trustworthy but Shale has been in the area for years and never quits a contract, though getting him to do his best can at times be challenging.