15 Pelorus, 4520: Return To Steinwark & Mission Briefings

Arkomir writes...   After a warm and restful night on Verdant Isle, we shared a quick breakfast with the others before preparing for our journey back to Steinwark. This morning’s destination was Belhaim, where we continued our efforts to share the legacy of The Cleansing Wave with our guests — Lyria and Sigismund. While in town, we took the opportunity to catch up with both Moulton and Aleif, touching base and checking in on the local goings-on. On a more practical note, we stopped in to purchase some new linen items — small comforts and practical needs. I also took the chance to upgrade my tabard, adding a Light Bringers insignia over my chain shirt. A small thing, but meaningful.   During the course of our shopping, Sigismund let it slip — perhaps unintentionally — that he was saving money to help his daughter prepare for her wedding. He wanted to gift her something special to wear. Dharra, true to form, stepped in immediately. She helped with the design and arranged for the outfit to be made — not just for his daughter, but for Sigismund and his wife as well. It meant a lot to him. He didn’t say it outright, but the gratitude was plain on his face.   With our stops in Verdant Isle and Belhaim complete, we all gathered once more — this time at Melody’s Tomb, where the cornerstone still holds its quiet power. Isadora joined us for the return trip to Steinwark. Kezahr and Devlin were both there to see us off. Dharra cast her spell, the portal shimmering to life, and we stepped one by one through the veil — she following behind us as the last to cross. We arrived back in Steinwark, emerging near the cornerstone in full view of some nearby townsfolk. Though surprised, none were alarmed. Isadora, with her gentle grace and musical voice, quickly won over the startled crowd. With no fuss, we made our way toward Vanguard Square. Lyria and Sigismund both thanked us again — several times — for bringing them to Verdant Isle and back. The impact it had on them was unmistakable.   With goodbyes said and our guests safely returned, the three of us — Dharra, Sigismund, and I — turned our attention to what lay ahead: the mission beyond the wall. We made our way to the Garrison, where we were to rendezvous with Sergeant Shturm and Taryn. The place was bustling with Sentinels — squads forming, dispatches underway, supplies being checked. A controlled chaos, familiar in its own way. Taryn was already there, lounging on a chair outside with a bottle in hand — something alcoholic, no doubt. She didn’t exactly light up at our arrival, but she didn’t scowl either. In Taryn’s language, that’s probably a warm welcome.   Inside, we reported to Shturm, who directed us into a small briefing room where he laid out the mission ahead. The time has come to learn more about our mission beyond the wall — into the Ruins Field. Today’s briefing was a serious one—tension in the air, but also purpose. In the briefing room with us were a couple of other figures. One was a clean-cut man in his early thirties, holding his helmet beneath his arm. He wore solid, well-maintained armour bearing the insignia of the Sentinels, and carried a sword at his side. Another man stood quietly at the back, marked by the symbols of both the Rangers and Bane.   The centre of the room held a large table, part detailed model of the town and its defensive wall, the rest a stretch of sand used for tactical planning. A priest rose and cast Zone of Truth, calling on us to undertake our mission with honour and courage. We all gave our word. Shturm took command of the table next, outlining the plan directly into the sand. The mission begins tomorrow. He highlighted two key locations: the Rangers will strike the nearer of the two, while our group moves further south toward an outcropping and an ancient ruin. That ruin will be our objective. We'll have an escort for part of the journey before pushing forward alone. Our goal: to either eliminate or drive off an enemy force—12 to 15 hostiles, mostly hobgoblins. Some are reported to wield magic, though their exact numbers are unclear. The plan is a coordinated strike: we hit the southern target just as the Rangers engage the closer one.   We were given a rally point and a meeting time for the morning. There, we’ll link up with a scout named Rylan Swiftfoot, who will brief us with any last-minute intelligence. Before leaving the room, we were asked to record our names and next of kin in a logbook. A sobering reminder of what’s at stake. We visited the quartermaster next, picking up extra potions and supplies. Afterward, we returned to the Officer’s Mess to check gear and prepare for an early night. Dharra took some time to examine the magical items we've been holding. The ring turns out to be a Ring of Swimming, and the potion is one of Stone Giant Strength. For now, I’ll hold onto both.   Just as we were settling in, Isadora and Antonio arrived at the tavern. They joined us at our table and we brought them up to speed. Isadora has had trouble arranging a meeting with the Lord Commander—no surprise, given her unexpected arrival. She’ll try again tomorrow. She’s booked a room upstairs and retired shortly after our conversation.   The rest of us kept things quiet and turned in early. Tomorrow we venture back into The Unclaimed Lands.