Session 32

Hunting Basilisks (January 10, 2020)

One week before Tryx and Rurik depart to Naldum, Balor gathers resources to restore his petrified citizens (herbs, diamonds, and a basilisk gland). Balor sends aaracockra to request assistance from Lady Yen, Alwyn, and head-cleric Cresthill in New Haven Harbour, in the hopes that someone will be able to perform the restoration ceremony. Meanwhile, Altair secures travel to Midhaven from Cuttlescar on the Tiny Turtle (140 gp).

The guard Huxley notifies Balor that scouts have sighted basilisks in Ashland territory. Balor, Altair, Ignatius, and Redd begin the three day trip to the bridge that spans the chasm into Ashland. En route they encounter a travelling salesman named Eadro. Eadro sells them a diamond and “basilisk gland” for 96 gp. He also shows them a man-sized spider that he bought from another salesman from the Bay of Marauders. The party realize that the “spider” is actually a giant sentient hand locked in a cage. Balor draws a connection between the existence of this hand after Ignatius gave his hand to the Keeper, and the Demon of Thatcher Street’s arrival after Balor gave the Keeper his blood. Balor purchases the “spider” for 100 gp and the party kills it.

The party make their way to a watchtower overlooking the chasm bridge, and spend the day with the Anchorage soldiers there. At night the soldiers provide a distraction and the party sneaks across the bridge. In the morning Altair tracks signs of basilisks and leads the party to a quarry. The party battles a fully grown mother basilisk and Altair is badly hurt. Balor deals massive damage, and Redd action surges to kill the creature. Altair successfully harvests the glands from the basilisk and realizes that whatever they bought from Eadro was not a gland. The party manages to talk their way past two Ashland guards and returns to Anchorage.

Cresthill arrives via Wilhelm’s unfinished “Ragamuffin” teleportation circle. With only four diamonds, Cresthill is only able to restore the cleric Nia, Balor’s mother Eda Cartier, and two soldiers. Balor introduces the party to his mother and tells her about everything that has happened. When Eda touches the Anchor it shimmers blue in the hand of the true Jarl of Anchorage. Redd is promoted to head guard and leader of the Cartier Lancers. Over the next week more diamonds are gathered and Balor’s charisma is restored. Eda gifts Balor the Anchor to remember that he has a home to return to where his people need him.