Vessels of the Sovereign Host

[Lextalionis]

A brief tale, told within The Leaky Dinghy of exploits, this eve . . .


It was a bustling evening's drinking in the tavern, tonight. Hammond was watering down the ale less than usual, the bards' music was cheerful, the banter cordial.

Chatter was muted, as the elegant elven agent, Celeena, spoke in hushed tones of her legacy within House Thuranni and the controversy this House caused as it split from House Phiarlan. The schism remains, after some 25 years, but Celeena spoke of how she seeks to redress this, aspiring to a vision of harmony.

Idealism was cut short when a tall mage, books and pouches to hand, joined us for a tankard of ale, speaking of a challenge to test our mettle. Charged to walk the notorious Butcher's Path, we were tasked to cross this underground maze and leave, alive. The kobolds within were said to thrive on hate, wickedness, theft and pain, hurting all who chanced upon them. Firm in our resolve, we gathered to address this menace beneath our streets.

A curious fellowship, we made.

Celeena, a graceful elf, adept at learning hidden lore, divining best path, and matters of espionage. How does she reconcile her outcast heritage with a desire for elven unity, and assiduous desire for divining information? Her endless knowledge of obscure lore, thoughtful introspection and decades of experience ensure this long lived elf's counsel is highly valued by all within the fellowship.

Oak, a mighty warforged warrior, with solid shield and thunderous mace, smashing foes and battling ceaselessly, tenaciously, 'til the fight is done. Although forged and awakened, and skilled in battle, all seems incomplete. His purpose, a faith, a belief in anything, all seems yet to emerge within his newly freed consciousness.

Sikkaech, a skilled wizard, dressed in comfortable flowing robes, a soft scent of musk and petals from spell components and arcane study, who's swift precise gestures and confidant words work powerful magics, seemingly without effort.

Lextalionis, a dwarven paladin of Dol Arrah, shield in hand to defend his ward and his friends, axe to visit justice on those affronting the good deities of the Sovereign Host.

In addition to the Vessels of the Sovereign Host we had kindly aid from others. The goodly cleric, Adan, aided us on one venture, his healing magics supporting the warriors as the kobolds were engaged, and held away from the others. Another forray was supported by Ruric, a dwarven warrior of consumate skill, made an excellent reckoning with the kobold horde, sending many endlessly to their doom. Rojan, the elven bard, with music of such piercing beauty enchanted both her companions, through her wondrous skillful melodies, and her foes, through potent artifice and arcane arts.

The venture was both rewarding and engaging, as swift success fell to us. Celeena's scouting ensured safe passage. Oak's mighty mace, Ruric and Lextalionis wielded blades held the foes at bay, whilst intimidating them to force them away from the others. Sikkaech and Rojan employed arcane arts to defeat the wily kobold foes and inspire all of us, whilst Adan's healing magics ensured victory fell our way, time and time again.

Through gloom, dank sewers, reeking with the fetid stench of kobold and troglodyte, progress was made. Secret walls lead to risk and reward, ambushes to peril and tests of skill and character. We descended slopes, ascended ladders, crossed water and, finally, saw the dim light piercing the gloom above. Let it be known that, this eve, the kobolds fell to the righteous, and the infamous Butcher's Path is now safe, for a time.