Session 17: We've Got a Flying Machine?

The party makes it's way to Half-Hill. They run into Janet in town, her having just managed to catch up to them. They begin looking for either Mornic or Armo but decide to go to The Sour Lily Pub to check-in with Leeni and see if she knows where the gentlemen might be.   Upon entering the pub they see Leeni, and conveniently Armo and Mornic are having a fairly intense meeting at a corner table and dont even notice their entry. Leeni gets them the first round of drinks, Janet having ordered a strange mixture of wine, mead, and ale which could only be termed "grog."   The bejeweled tankard that Laz is holding burns hotly once again, the cracked jewel remaining dark. An unconscious Thark falls to the floor. Arlox heals him but upon returning to consciousness he has no memory of the party or anything that has happened since before The Grand Kirinian.   Setting that aside for the time being, the party approaches Mornic and Armo who are quite pleased to see them. The party is somewhat cagey about the elemental that they have and even try to renegotiate the deal. Mornic holds firm. He awards them 3,000g and a half-price on the commissioning of an airship. The 3000g is used as a down payment on the commission with a 9,000g balance remaining and due upon delivery.   Additionally, Mornic would like the party to help fly the lone remaining airship in town from the newly repaired (thanks to them) docks. He has a captain and a few hands, but needs the party to fill the crew and man the ballistas in case of attack. He asks the party to take the airship to Anra and meet with Darla Wilkins at the Blue Sail Tavern to let her know that airships should once again head to Half-Hill to restore the trade routes. He offers the party another 1000g for this.   They spend the night once again in the Blushing Beard Inn, this time as guests of Armo. Zalista acquires a Hand Crossbow from one of the merchants in town and they drink the evening away while Zalista fills in Thark on what he has apparently forgotten.   The next morning they head to the airship where they meet Captain Farron and crew. They take their positions on board and set off towards Anra, heading north over the fens. They spot several large bird-like creatures (Roc's) over the mountains but continue on without trouble. The next day they encounter another Roc headed directly for them, but quite far in the distance. They choose to take evasive action and head west over the mountains. As they reach the higher snow fields of the eastern side of the mountain range they are accosted by a young white dragon, followed shortly thereafter by two more.   A battle rages, the party is quickly on their heels as the dragons cold breath nearly one-shots their ballistas and does serious damage to those in its path. Laz and Thark are both knocked unconcious but are quickly revived by the remaining members of the party. The battle rages on until Janet with more brawn than brains decides to free-fall off the ship and onto the back of one of the dragons. Emboldened by her audacity, the party step up their attacks and Laz kills a dragon, then Xenik kills another dragon and catches Janet before she plummets to the ground. The remaining dragon destroys the hull of the ship but Zalista manages to kill the beast before it could harm them further.   Arlox attempts to skin the dragons and through sheer luck manages to salvage 20lbs worth for later use or sale.   Laz leads the party up through a mountain pass, seeing smoke worth investigating. He sees a cave, which is the source of the fire, and enters cautiously. He sees a humble dwelling, with an ancient half-orcess making some sort of savory stew. He cautiously asks her some questions including whether she is alone or not. She tells him that her name is Danya and she seems to know them. Laz, perhaps breaking serious etiquette, casts Zone of Truth without asking. She seems unperturbed and happily continues answering their questions. She explains that she is of no danger to them. When Arlox gets closer, her eyes go pure white and she intones "One with Power unbidden, searching for a mother hidden...." Her eyes quickly return to normal. She explains that she is a mystic and this prophecy was from the Seeress of the Valralei but she doesn't know the whole prophecy, just pieces.   Danya then turns to Zalista and says "Dear, you should really answer your brother."   The following morning, the party heads out with warnings of Remorhaz in the area. They don't get very far before they are less than stealthy and attract a young Remorhaz who is shortly thereafter joined by his mother. A fight ensues but the party is able to dispatch of the beasts without too much trouble.