Chapter 15: Session 12

The PCs send word to Stefan Aldroth about the death of Sephora.

They find that the location containing Skullsneer's heart may be under water, so they attempt to find Hargan and press the kid into helping them. He is found being watched over by a large bird, who Lugh notes is a companion animal much like his wolf. He speaks to the bird, who brings him the greetings of Orlan, an old animist in the forests near the keshite village of Hillshadow. Hargan comes with the PCs, but seems addled. It turns out he's been eating toxic berries for days.

They successfully enter a giant, sundered statue (of Uli, oddly enough) that contains Skullsneer's Heart. As usual, blood must be used to open the door (the blood of the dead). The way to the heart is guarded by beings both natural and demonic. Luckily, the demons bound to watch the Heart are reluctant and spiteful, and are easily convinced to abandon their task. Their hearts just were not into it. When taking possession of the Jar, they break it, Soreiss cuts the heart apart with an eldritch blade and he and lugh recite the canticle of life.

Soreiss uses Map and his own magic to locate the remaining two site containing Skullsneer's organs.

With the help of one of Soreiss's gateways, Lugh and Rin bring Hargen to Orlan's grove where they meet the affable old animist and his friend, the Ogren Thorn. Orlan, it seems, has been trying to do what Lugh has done, and learn about the old Order of Druidim. However, though he has met with less success than Lugh, his trail eventually lead him to S'qarb.

The rest of the party decides it is time to tie up a loose end. They report Marcus' death to the Order of Oryon, finding Thelius and giving him the news.

They head back to Larka, and find a message from Belovius waiting for them. The odd sorceror is in good health, and offers them some help. He tells them much they already know about Skullsneer's strange ability to cheat death, but he also tells them of the blood required to open the last two doors -- the blood of the guilty and the blood of the mad.

Lugh and Rin rejoin the party, leaving Hargan with Orlan. Lugh promises to return soon since both Orlan and Lugh have a lot they may teach each other.

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[Jolt Code: B1,C3,CB5,R2,S3]