13 Pelorus, 4520: Steinwark discovered...
Arkomir writes...
We began the day with a hearty breakfast in the common room of the JotansWatch Inn. Elden, the barman, greeted us with his usual good cheer and found us a table. We were soon joined by Sigismund and Lyria, who sat and shared the meal with us. After settling our accounts and gathering our belongings, we stepped out onto the road bound for Steinwark. Along the way, we learned more about Lyria Frostwind. She’s a historian and writer, trained at an outpost of the Academy here in Steinwark. She gained entry through a grant and supported herself with work during her studies. She now lives in Oakshade, in a small apartment above her bookshop. We arranged to purchase her collected works to add to the libraries at Chandlerveil and Verdant Isle.
As we traveled, we passed other familiar faces. The group of eleven we’d seen at the inn overtook us just after midday. A lone bronze Dragonborn from the tavern also appeared behind us on the road. By late afternoon, the walls of Steinwark rose before us — tall and formidable, with towers at uneven intervals and a massive gate set into the western side. To the north we glimpsed the Azurgulf, the closest we’ve yet been to it, and to the southeast, more water — Steinwark lies on a narrow spit between the two. We joined the line of travelers heading through the outer gate, then passed a smaller inner gate, and found ourselves inside the city proper. Lyria helped us navigate through Oakshade along Heritage Road, pointing out landmarks as we went. Rockreach Harbour lay off to the left in Harbourview, Garrison Heights to our right, and directly ahead loomed the imposing Steinschloss. Just beyond that, she told us, lay Vanguard Square.
On either side of Heritage Road stood busts of Steinwark’s former Lord Commanders. We recognized a few of the names as we walked. We stopped briefly at Lyria’s bookshop, Lyria’s Histories, to pick up her full collection — which she kindly signed — before continuing north around the Steinschloss toward the Officer’s Mess tavern. Once there, we stabled our horses and checked into rooms. Sigismund opted to stay behind, while we pressed on with Lyria as our guide.
Vanguard Square was impressive: a wide, open plaza with a strong Sentinel presence and a pair of temples — one multi-denominational, the other dedicated to Bane. The square was ringed with buildings that had begun to encroach on the space. Statues of each Cleansing Wave member stood on the edges, partially engulfed by structures that had grown around them. In the center stood a structure dedicated to Bruno and the Vanguard. Inside, we found a small museum, with magical Glade glass protecting the exhibits. Dharra cast Detect Magic as we explored. Among the artifacts, the magical highlights included:Garret Holshum’s sword, once wielded by a Lord Commander — glowing faintly with enchantment.
An amulet of Bahamut that had belonged to Dusk.
A chest plate from a fallen Sentinel who gave his life defending the Commander.
We noted that the museum appeared to be the subject of the sightline from Glade's Tower — likely from a viewing lens embedded in the Steinschloss wall. Lyria then led us to a section of the Shield Wall and pointed out marks of The Cleansing Wave’s builders: Brak, Glade, and Lok. In the corner of three stones, Dharra touched the faint "L" of Lok’s mark and attempted a Sending, but once again, the message failed to connect. With our walking tour complete, we returned to the Officer’s Mess. We thanked Lyria for her time and agreed to reconnect with her tomorrow. Inside the tavern, the atmosphere was lively. A number of Sentinels were present. We soon spotted Sigismund and joined him.
He informed us that Sergeant Shturm was here tonight. We took the opportunity to introduce ourselves and get down to business. Shturm explained he needed a small, fast group for a mission beyond the wall. Two groups had been spotted in Ruins Field, signaling to each other. His plan: local rangers would handle the nearer threat while he sent us to strike the farther group quickly and cleanly. As we discussed the mission, a loud belch behind us announced the arrival of Taryn Darkblade, a red tiefling woman who volunteered on the spot. Clearly eager for action — and perhaps looking to prove herself — she completed the team of four. Shturm, a little exasperated but content with the group, confirmed the mission would depart on 16 Pelorus, giving us two days to prepare.
He recommended the Mage’s Armoury for supplies. We agreed to reconvene on the 15th for a final briefing. We returned to Sigismund and shared what we had arranged. Taryn had already left, but agreed to meet us on the mission day. We also floated the idea of a short trip to Verdant Isle tomorrow. Sigismund seemed keen. After our meal, Dharra took the stage. There was a small group providing quiet background music, and they welcomed her to join. She played a few Cleansing Wave numbers — a modest set, not her best, but well received nonetheless.
Before turning in, we sent Sending messages to Kezahr and Holly to update them on our plans. With that done, we finally retired for a well-earned long rest in Steinwark.
We began the day with a hearty breakfast in the common room of the JotansWatch Inn. Elden, the barman, greeted us with his usual good cheer and found us a table. We were soon joined by Sigismund and Lyria, who sat and shared the meal with us. After settling our accounts and gathering our belongings, we stepped out onto the road bound for Steinwark. Along the way, we learned more about Lyria Frostwind. She’s a historian and writer, trained at an outpost of the Academy here in Steinwark. She gained entry through a grant and supported herself with work during her studies. She now lives in Oakshade, in a small apartment above her bookshop. We arranged to purchase her collected works to add to the libraries at Chandlerveil and Verdant Isle.
As we traveled, we passed other familiar faces. The group of eleven we’d seen at the inn overtook us just after midday. A lone bronze Dragonborn from the tavern also appeared behind us on the road. By late afternoon, the walls of Steinwark rose before us — tall and formidable, with towers at uneven intervals and a massive gate set into the western side. To the north we glimpsed the Azurgulf, the closest we’ve yet been to it, and to the southeast, more water — Steinwark lies on a narrow spit between the two. We joined the line of travelers heading through the outer gate, then passed a smaller inner gate, and found ourselves inside the city proper. Lyria helped us navigate through Oakshade along Heritage Road, pointing out landmarks as we went. Rockreach Harbour lay off to the left in Harbourview, Garrison Heights to our right, and directly ahead loomed the imposing Steinschloss. Just beyond that, she told us, lay Vanguard Square.
On either side of Heritage Road stood busts of Steinwark’s former Lord Commanders. We recognized a few of the names as we walked. We stopped briefly at Lyria’s bookshop, Lyria’s Histories, to pick up her full collection — which she kindly signed — before continuing north around the Steinschloss toward the Officer’s Mess tavern. Once there, we stabled our horses and checked into rooms. Sigismund opted to stay behind, while we pressed on with Lyria as our guide.
Vanguard Square was impressive: a wide, open plaza with a strong Sentinel presence and a pair of temples — one multi-denominational, the other dedicated to Bane. The square was ringed with buildings that had begun to encroach on the space. Statues of each Cleansing Wave member stood on the edges, partially engulfed by structures that had grown around them. In the center stood a structure dedicated to Bruno and the Vanguard. Inside, we found a small museum, with magical Glade glass protecting the exhibits. Dharra cast Detect Magic as we explored. Among the artifacts, the magical highlights included:
We noted that the museum appeared to be the subject of the sightline from Glade's Tower — likely from a viewing lens embedded in the Steinschloss wall. Lyria then led us to a section of the Shield Wall and pointed out marks of The Cleansing Wave’s builders: Brak, Glade, and Lok. In the corner of three stones, Dharra touched the faint "L" of Lok’s mark and attempted a Sending, but once again, the message failed to connect. With our walking tour complete, we returned to the Officer’s Mess. We thanked Lyria for her time and agreed to reconnect with her tomorrow. Inside the tavern, the atmosphere was lively. A number of Sentinels were present. We soon spotted Sigismund and joined him.
He informed us that Sergeant Shturm was here tonight. We took the opportunity to introduce ourselves and get down to business. Shturm explained he needed a small, fast group for a mission beyond the wall. Two groups had been spotted in Ruins Field, signaling to each other. His plan: local rangers would handle the nearer threat while he sent us to strike the farther group quickly and cleanly. As we discussed the mission, a loud belch behind us announced the arrival of Taryn Darkblade, a red tiefling woman who volunteered on the spot. Clearly eager for action — and perhaps looking to prove herself — she completed the team of four. Shturm, a little exasperated but content with the group, confirmed the mission would depart on 16 Pelorus, giving us two days to prepare.
He recommended the Mage’s Armoury for supplies. We agreed to reconvene on the 15th for a final briefing. We returned to Sigismund and shared what we had arranged. Taryn had already left, but agreed to meet us on the mission day. We also floated the idea of a short trip to Verdant Isle tomorrow. Sigismund seemed keen. After our meal, Dharra took the stage. There was a small group providing quiet background music, and they welcomed her to join. She played a few Cleansing Wave numbers — a modest set, not her best, but well received nonetheless.
Before turning in, we sent Sending messages to Kezahr and Holly to update them on our plans. With that done, we finally retired for a well-earned long rest in Steinwark.
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