| Session Summaries: |
After waking in the conquered cave, Feng, Quarian, and Molock continue on their rainy trek north into the Gascar Peaks in search of the insurrection. As they ready a camp for the evening, Molock searches the forests for usable firewood -- anything dry. While doing so, he spots a humanoid figure ducking behind the brush. Pretending to go about his business, Molock subtly continues gathering (very drenched) firewood. On returning to the camp with Feng and Quarian, he mentions the presence of the humanoid.
Feng immediately stands and draws his sword, challenging the unseen individual to show himself. A moment later, a dozen archers step forward from the forest's edge to the clearing, bows drawn. After a tense meeting, the group learns this archers are a sentry patrol for the insurrection's main camp in the next valley. Still not willing to completely trust the archers (who are also armed with some of the same weapons as the Newcomers), Feng leaves out the book.
The group is escorted to the rebel's camp -- a place bustling with activity and new devices. They are placed under guard, though left with their weapons, for the night. The following morning (17 Enkilot), the group is introduced to Katonis Woodarbor, a Veshian and leader of the Ghelspad insurrection. Originally from Ghelspad and a member of the Vigilants, Woodarbor had witnessed the Adamantine Order's forces insinuating themselves into the Veshian government, but his warnings were ignored. When House Noros invaded, Woodarbor took what few allies he had and retreated against the onslaught of the Order's Inquisitors, eventually finding a safe haven in the Gascar Peaks.
As the conversation progresses, the group reveals the presence of the book and the death of the Hollowfaust Inquisitor. Woodarbor reveals the Inquisitor's position as a rebel agent and begins to formulate a plan to complete the mission he was supposed to accomplish. The group is allowed to remain in the camp and learn about the new devices the Newcomers brought with them. They group spends all their time learning about the devices and, after a few days, are approached by Woodarbor again. The group is asked to return to Hollowfaust and escort a sage to the camp. This sage has the knowledge necessary to translate the contents of the tome Feng carried. This will allow the rebels to learn why it is the Order seeks the tome.
The group departs for Hollowfaust armed with new weapons and camouflaging the hovercraft they were given a few miles outside the city. As the three newly christened rebels walk through the Tent Town that has now sprung up at the base of The Faust, they begin to draw attention from the refugees and, they learn, they are being hunted.
Spotting the ratman previously encountered in the Peaks, Feng makes a beeline toward the bounty hunter. Yelling for him to stop, he awaits the hunter's reaction -- which comes in the form of a small sphere tossed at the half-orc's feet. The stun grenade goes off and battle is engaged. It is over quickly, but not without consequences. The group has certainly drawn the attention of the Newcomers in Hollowfaust. Making a hasty progression through the streets of Tent Town, the group witnesses the crowd splitting apart and three dark elves commanding them to stand down.
After a brief exchange by Molock in an attempt to avoid conflict, the lead dark elf announces they are under arrest. A brief firefight leaves two of the dark elves dead and the third unaccounted for. Feng, Quarian, and Molock all quickly move through Tent Town to the face of the mountain below Hollowfaust's Ghosts' Quarter...
Written By: Thoth
22 October 2004
