Date: 1/24/2021
Members:
Dawnknight Nicholas Alwin Appleberry, Dawnsquire Tiatus Thornwind, Fang Kirin Ashewood, Exchequer Osco Appleblossom, Holy Strategist Keline, Great Druid Nanthleenee, Aerlalorn of Mystra
Description of Event:
An Awakened of the Order of Aster and a Dawnlord were meant to arrive from Suzail with delicate information. An unsuspected attack occurred in Deadwell which resulted in the Dawnlord missing, however a note was spirited away through the brave actions of the Awakened. The note was a single word; "Hilthal" known to myself as a desert deep within the Stonelands, where the Portal to the Ruins of Amazandar reside. The Awakened informed us that they had received information from a ridable source (speculation: Cormyrian intelligence) that a high value hostage was being kept there. Several days prior to this a caravan was found raided with a fine piece of silk, green, like that of house Misrim. This lead us to confirm our long held suspicion made by Exchequer Osco Appleblossom that Lady Islyn Misrim was not who she seems. This also gave reason as to the attack sent by Obyn Misrim who attempted to end the life of the would-be imposter some months ago.
We're unsure of the unfolding of events, if Obyn was involved in the kidnapping of his sister, or if the White Witch intended her as insurance of Obyns' cooperation.
We can confirm however via our own first hand reports, that Obyn has been looking for something within the sands of the Stonelands. We had thought it some kind of method of controlling the witch, but perhaps it was Islyn all along, a method of the Witch controlling Obyn.
The assault was not carefully planned. It was a race against time with trusted allies proving their support of the Order of Aster. We took great care in assembling our allies. Exchequer Appleblossom was an obvious choice as he of our party likely knew the most of Lady Misrim and could aid us. Next was the Great Druid Nanthleenee, a known friend of Lady Misrim. Fang Ashewood - was necessary, as her extensive Stonelands research has proven critical in the past, and as we only had some basic information regarding the Hithal Ruins, we needed an expert. Proving to gain her trust was difficult, though in the end she showed when she was needed. Ex-commander of the Council, Keline and Aerlalorn the Mystran Elvish Paladin have long been supporters of our cause against the White Horde and hesitated little in joining us without question.
We attempted to disguise our approach however the Stonelands are fickle in their ways. We were lucky, high winds and sands disguised our approach. Nanthleenee stated the whole of the Stonelands: Hilthal felt tainted and unnatural beneath her feet. This we can only assume, was an illusion we'd lifted over the desert by having the fabric of Lady Misrim. Three layers of magic were laid in place at the Portal which generally led to the Ruins of Amazandar. Several Anuaria stones were placed in a square around it/ Green ruins of magic unknown to us laid around it. Fang Ashewood attempted to breach the portal with several enchantments, even a "Spell Breach" spell, all of which failed.
Until she used a spell, "LESSER" spell breach, which dismantled one of the wards. (suspicion: The White Witch has evolved so far beyond our level of magical knowledge that simpler spells, dispel, lesser spell breach are considered infantile and unnecessary to protect against.)
Still, several of these spells were needed to break the barrier, and once the true portal was revealed, we were onset by the White Horde in strength.
We fought back the horde, then jumped into the portal, arriving in a strange stone lain tower.
The defenses in place were contructs warded to a level where we could not harm them. Flesh Golems, Iron Golems, Helmed Horrors and warning systems in place. These are the tools of a master of the art. These are what we must expect when facing the White Witch at her full strength.
At the end of a cavern of corridors and defenses, we found a singular ritual room with a huge Iron Golem blocking the door. The Golem was near impossible to touch, nevertheless, Tiatus and mine self charged forth. We had hoped a distraction of the beast might allow others to pass. The battle was hard fought, and I was thrust against the wall - thought to be slain. I awoke in a stupor, dazed by the incredible blow, and watched as Dawnsquire Tiatus Thornwind toppled the Construct. It was his blade alone, mildly enhanced by electricity, that could wound it.
Special note: Iron Golems are weak to electricity.
Beyond the yawning chasm laid a monstrosity that spoke word pained to the very ears. Its essence and being an abomination to magic. It held our prize in a set of magical wreath of ward and chain. Lady Islyn Misrim, trapped in some kind of shield of magic. We battled the creature, which towered like the size of a giant. It made all sorts of horrendous claim, as if Isyln was his by ownership. That it had been abandoned. We did not attempt to reason with said creature. I gave order for Osco to get the Lady out, and we all engaged. Again, it seems, the spell sharper than the steel. None of us could wound the being of magic. It was found in some way to this place. It wasn't until a stray dispel struck Islyn that we noted the creature weakening. Dispel magic broke down the wards set in place binding the creature to Isyln.
After Lady Misrim was completely dispelled, the creature could be harmed, and we made our way through its unholy being like a lumberjack in summer.
Lady Misrim was then spirited away to Eveningstar, to regain her faculties at the House of the Morning.
Special notes after our conclusion: Exchequer Osco Appleblossom has been seen pacing outside our door for several days without sleep, awaiting the arise of his lord. I spoke with him at length, and encouraged he take time to rest at the Lonesome Tankard. He is a true and loyal man to Lady Misrim, a woman he's never truly met. We spoke long into the night, and he claimed to want to sort out which of the Retainers of House Misrim were loyal to him. I had ventured to offer a time for him to do this, during my Supper with the False Islyn Misrim. He will begin to speak with her retainers whilst she is distracted by my company. Osco also wishes to send word to Obyn Misrim via a question, likely in person, through the Hunters Union of Arabel which extends to Tilverton:
Oscos words for Obyn Misrim: "What would you do if your sister were safe and free?"
Indicated Organization:
The White Horde, and the White Witch
Resolution:
Lady Islyn Misrim has been rescued and is kept safely within the House of the Morning.
Lord Jastyne notified by Fang Ashewood.
