On the Wonders of Ironpeak: Chapter 15

Finally back near Diobri, it was time to wrap up some loose strings. Of course, with how turbulent our last week was, there was quite a lot to do.
 
We started out brining the survivors to Diobri proper. Unfortunately, we ran into some complications. I wanted to make use of a new shield that we found among the items in the Vault. As usual with magical items, I opened my mind and attuned to its frequency, only to discover that it had a curse on it! I couldn't break the connection again, an unpleasant sensation that was even worsened by the fact that the curse slowed my body and mind, and it was interfering with my ability to maintain the connection to Master Lankas' Almanac, my most prized possession giving context to all there is to know in this world.
So I had to improvise. using the shield as a flat surface, I put together a small sleigh with an ancient flag we recovered as a sail. After a bit of magical encouragement, it worked out and I managed to surf across the grassy hills towards Diobri. I noted down several ideas for follow-up designs.
 
Once we reached the city. Orin put out some positive rumors about the situation, and we made sure to get all refugees accommodated. We decided to stay the night and then depart towards the Vault the following day.
 
Bean had one of her intense dreams again. She described a vision about a person taking gemstones, similar to the one we bought in Diobri and with which she had a divine encounter, from a pedestal, destroying the world in the process. We theorized if the different gemstones represent the realms of the continent, but more evidence is required for a conclusive answer. I wonder what the gods have decided Bean's path to be. It seems that fate has touched the elf deeply when she had that vision.
 
In the morning we departed and travelled to the Vault. On an intermediate rest we had an interesting encounter with a person (?) in the woods, an individual followed by a swarm of Ravens. Our new companion Malekai identified a symbol as belonging to the goddess Morrigan. The individual however wasn't hostile, merely resting during the night and disappearing as a flock of ravens at sunrise.
 
At the next camp on our journey towards the vault, we had another quick encounter with a giant scorpion having a territorial feud with an owlbear. We took use of the opportunity and quickly struck down the hurt scorpion, gathering useful crafting materials.
These lands are truly full of unsolved mysteries.
 
Finally, we reached the vault, recovering our horses and items that were left with them. Inside the vault, we met with Lyria and reported what had happened regarding Avorath.
We also inquired why Kniv's blood was able to open the second chamber of the vault. It seems that he must be part of the Stoneheart clan, and we were recommended to search for the travveling researcher and historian Palel Frantorp.
 
After finishing our business with Lyria (and breaking the connection to the cursed item), we returned to Diobri to make preparations for our final departure from the city. Our destinations lay eastwards, but our first stop will be to see where the compass we got from the war tribe in Uisge points to.
 
So here we are, with a new companion and continuing our exploration and travel towards Ferrumhold, which still seems like eons away. Towards adventure and exciting discoveries!