Session 43: Isilthar Academy Report

General Summary

The Lions rushed Iseanara while Bahzel moved to try and draw the beasts from her. 2 would surround her their claws slashing and teeth trying to take hold of her. While many a stream of blood would flow from beneath her armor she was able to keep her feet. The ancient huntsman would take flight and soar towards Malakar. Its first strike from its bird like talons would tear into flesh before Daereth would arrive and draw the creatures ire. Zaelith would circle and attempt to strike the blighted fae with his blade crackling with lighting. With little success 3 of the lions would roar into the fight alongside their master. Aria would send a fireball to detonate among them, Malakar deftly rolling thru the flames. This however would draw one such lions Ire as it soon bounded towards Aria. Talindra would roll away along with Aelorna to aid Bahzel and Isenara to the right. Winds would swirl around Aria as she used her magic to push herself from danger. Daereth would struggle to draw all the creatures hate as he slamed his blade against his shield taunting them.  

Thalriven would suffer many a terrible blow from Daereth, Arias magic, and Malakar before its talons would sink home, finding a gap in Daereths armor and defense. Quickly loosing consciousness the elven knight would collapse but it would seem the harrows looked over him again as the spirits beyond drew the Tangled Briar, his wounds closing and his eyes open, today would not be the day death would find him. Collecting his shield and sword he would move to stand before the blighted fae Thalriven. Before he could regain his feet however Malakars Icicle would pierce the hunters chest. Daereth would watch as the blighted huntsman's body contorted and soon exploded with dark shadow energy, knocking him once more to the earth and into unconsciousness. Zaelith would cut thru the remaining lions then move to aide Bahzel and Isenara. Aelorna and Talindraw would withdraw back across the field to try and get to Daereth to now heal his wounds. Bahzels spear would dance while Isenaras whip cut into the undead lions with grear effect. Zaelith would arrive his magic infused blade cutting thru the last. Malakar would investigate the remains of Thalriven, finding that he likely met oblivion, and a former comrade in arms of winter was no more. He would say a small prayer for his lost spirit before they would continue on towards their destination.  

Several more days travel would bring the expedition to the ruins of the Isilthar Academy. The campus would be divided into 4 main quadrants, two held magical towers for study and practical application, while the others held a dormitory and cafeteria and library. Isenara would remember the south west tower was the safer path up until the top floor where the Soul Eaters resided. Malakar would stand before a mirror in the tower and attempt to activate the magic within to teleport him to the second floor. Instead the mirror would seem to taunt him, causing a magical light blue mustache to appear beneath his nose. Giving up for now the expedition spent a good bit of time exploring the Dorms, finding both a hidden key and a secrets underground lab. Within the lab they would find a students thesis project upon refining an extraction cauldron. As they explored Aria would tilt her head to Malakar, "New Look?" He would shake his head, "No...had it for weeks now...." a small bit of laughter exchanged as they searched. Unable to activate the teleportation mirror in the bottom of the tower Malakar would look across from the second floor of the dormitory and attempt to shadow step into the second floor of the tower. Upon his arrival a great rune of flame would burst to life in the center of the room engulfing him in an explosion. Shadow stepping back he would warn the others of what awaited.  

Zaelith now with ease activated the mirror and the expedition made ready to deal with the magical trap. The first group teleported up and were met with another explosion. Aria, Aelorna, Zaelith, Malakar, Bahzel, and Daereth all pushed forward. Malakar attempted to disrupt the magic with his skill at manipulating physical devices, while Daereth attempted to damage the structure properly both with little effect. The others moved to disrupt and dispell the magic of the rune. Zaelith would frown as they worked, "It is getting stronger as we get closer to disabling it" he warned. Another explosion, many carrying several singes and burns as Talindra now teleported up to soothe them all with her healing magics. Zaelith capitalizing on the others success would now pluck the last strings of magic binding the rune, only to meet with a catastrophic explosion, knocking him and Isenara unconscious in the blast. Talidras spirit bound magics would quickly heal the wounds and burns of the expedition, letting everyone recover before activating the next mirror and moving up.  

Upon the third floor the expedition would find a grand summoning platform. Isenara would feel a cold shiver as if someone passed over her grave. From the platform the shadow visage of a missive Soul Eater would emerge. Slowly all around them more of the black cloud like shadows would materialize as they all rushed forward flying thru the air. Isenara would seem frozen in place for a moment as she relived her demise at the hands of this creature. Daereth would again do his best to draw their attentions his Adamantium shield deflecting many a vicious claw. Malakar and Bahzels weapons would strike with limited effectiveness as the demonic soul eaters cared little for mortal steel. Aria would send forth another fireball the explosion catching the Soul Glutton by surprise as the fire burned its inky form. Zaelith would detonate another fireball the Glutton reeling from another explosion as the others around it burned in the fires. Talindra would join the barrage with her Divine Wrath as sacred energy now erupted among the soul eaters. Malakar would push forward driving his spear into the wounded Soul Glutton, and despites its resistance to weapons, the magic had weakened it enough, that it would break apart into a puddle of black ichor. Aria would be beset now by a smaller soul eater its claws striking her form and numbing her mind. Tho the Glutton was slain, they were still surrounded by a swarm of soul eaters intent and devouring their very essence.