Session 13, VP2

A bracing breeze swept in from the Southern coast, bringing the scent of saltwater to the intrepid group. They made their way away from Ever Dam, following the gentle curve of the Himinglaeva. Soon, the riverbanks began to look familiar. It had not been many days since they had last spent time amongst the mud and reeds. Lingering thoughts of cold and fear, buried in the back of their minds, threatened to break free. 

When they reached the fork in the current, the party held a quick discussion about which way to continue onwards. They were on the trail of a murderer, someone who killed for information on the whereabouts of an ancient sword. To follow in their footsteps directly, the group would do best to hop the river here and cut straight to Drillsberg. But doing so would take them directly across their previous campsite. Bearing that in mind, they decided to follow the Himinglaeva further inland before fording it.  

After a few hours travel, Reinhold decided to finally try out his new fishing rod. Fishing proved to be a slow affair, but in the end, a powerful tug came on the end of the line. Bracing himself, Reinhold reeled the Pokémon up to the surface. When it breached, it was revealed to be a Narpoon, a strange, whale-like Pokémon. With the new Pokémon added to their team, the trainers continued onwards. 

Close to sunset, they came across a small nest made of bubbles hidden amongst the tall grass. Within it, a small group of Surskit were sleeping. A battle quickly ensued, resulting in several captures for the burgeoning crew. Donner prepared a campsite as the party wrapped things up. The moonlight filtered through a light layer of clouds as a meal was shared, and with it, stories. At Bronze and Donner's request, Sylvie and Lauren hesitantly recounted their encounter with the Frost Giant. Reinhold voiced his disbelief, insisting that, whatever it was, it had been an unknown form of Pokémon. Donner seemed noticeably unsettled by the story but gave no counsel at the moment. 

Conversation wound down, and watches were selected for the night. Lauren chose to take the first shift. Ever since the dream in Ever Dam, something had felt different in their mind; there was a feeling as if their thoughts were able to move through the air themselves like invisible limbs. Snippets of words in the other party member's voices seemed to whisper in the night, despite their mouths all being sealed. 

While reflecting on this, the campfire began to feel more intense, alive somehow. Sweat began to pour from Lauren's brow. In her sleeping bag, unable to let herself drift off, Sylvie experienced the same disquieting feeling. Whatever this was, it seemed to be bothering Sylvie more intensely than Lauren. A humanoid shape, too large, and with no features to speak of, loomed in Sylvie's mind. Flame flickered around it in waves, as a vast, toothy grin split the figure's head entirely in half. Lights strobed in both trainers minds, as Sylvie saw a horrifying scene play itself out in her mind's eye. Following the trace of the fear, she found Donner tossing and turning in his sleeping bag, his lips mouthing inaudible pleas.  

Sylvie let out a small yelp and leapt away from Donner's form in response to the vision burning even brighter. Lauren immediately swirled around, snapped from their reverie. Still shaking off the torpor from the draining vision, Sylvie let Lauren know that Donner was not doing okay. Gently, Lauren woke Donner from his nightmares. Upon waking, Donner's eyes seemed to stare through not just Lauren, but the mortal veil. There was a deep fear at the bottom of his green eyes, fear that was quickly drowned away by shame. Apologizing for waking his new friends, Donner offered to move his bedding further away from the campsite. The two heroes asked Donner to stay and explained they had been able to perceive brief glimpses of what had been tormenting him. 

Taken aback, he told them that he believed their tale of the Frost Giant in Varfjell Fields. It seemed that the people of Blademill had been locked in combat with a similar being beyond the ken of mankind. It was this smoldering entity that engraved injuries onto Donner's skin, ending his military career. 

Sylvie apologized if the earlier discussion of the Frost Giant had stirred these night terrors to life, but Donner insisted there was no blame to be laid. The sizzle and pop of the campfire was the only sound for minutes tense with apprehension. Donner eventually volunteered that he had heard tales of a creature called Jotunn, far to the North. From what he could recollect, the people of Icebergen would likely know more on the subject, but he advised caution in seeking one of these primordial forces out. 

A short time later, Bronze was woken for her shift in the night. Earlier in the day, she had felt an odd energy prickling in the new scar on her hand. With nothing but the stars for company, the feeling returned even stronger. Looking across the riverbanks, a small set of yellow eyes could be seen peering through the tall grass. Something within Bronze seemed to shift, and the night became clearer; a Shinx hunkered down on the opposing riverbank, watching the campsite in curiosity. 

The Shinx seemed to react to whatever energy was coming off of Bronze, and gave her a soft murr of acceptance, before slinking away into the night. Bronze spent the remaining hours of her shift contemplating the recent changes she could feel she had undertaken. 

In time, she woke Reinhold for the final shift. The dawn was slow to arrive, and Reinhold sat in silence with Kuze. Every few moments, his eyes were drawn to the runestone Kuze carried, now larger and more detailed than before. As he thought to himself that he was unsure what this meant, the smoke from the fire came to life. Slow and deliberate, a thin tendril of smoke drifted high in his field of vision. There was a coiling across the limb, and it twisted itself into the outline of a sword. Reinhold's eyes followed the sword's point as it swung to the Northwest. It came to rest pointing in the direction of Drillsberg. 

Realizing that there were more mysteries in this world that he had yet to learn, Reinhold accepted that the presence in his dream was real. Real, and, for reasons he knew not, seeking to aid him in his quest. As quickly as it had appeared, the tendril fell apart into nothing more then wisps of errant smoke. Morning came quickly after this, and the party broke their fast. 

When they had prepared, they carefully swam across the Himinglaeva river. In the distance, they could see whirls of dust coming from the direction of Frigga's Womb. To reach Drillsberg from where they now stood would take them at least a day's travel or more. Yet, as they set out with renewed purpose, the stony cliffs preceding the town met with them in nearly half that time. 

Not having time to reflect on what beings could have lent speed to their journey, our heroes made their towards a wooden platform at the cliff's edge. The platform was attached to a system of pulleys, acting as an elevator to the canyon floor below. The ride down was stable and relaxing; this elevator must be taken care of regularly to keep it in such good condition. With the platform resting easy on the dusty ground, the group disembarked. The area they found themselves in seemed empty of life, but a small footpath could be seen to lead around a nearby corner of stone. 

After sharing glances, they seemed to all realize at once how odd it was that they could hear no signs of life coming from the direction of the town, a town Ulmar had explained was heavily populated. With visions of Ever Dam in their heads, our heroes rounded the corner with bated breath…

Though it had been but a few weeks’ time since they came together by chance, much had happened to our heroes. They had seen sights pulled straight from myth, fought unrelenting foes. Through it all, through every moment of triumph and pain, it seemed that the eyes of the gods themselves took notice.

Every action, judged. Every test of mettle, appraised. Yet, even with the preparation of everything they had gone through, even with the scars left by the rough hands of the world still lingering on their souls, nothing they had encountered thus far could make them ready for what lay around the corner before them.

Does the favorite toy feel jealousy when something new catches the child's eye? Would a work of art be diminished if another painter were to depict the same landscape? And now: did the adversities & obstacles the party had faced mean nothing, knowing that they were not alone?

Two disparate groups, both brought together by chance, or something more. Seven trainers moving through the world, seven pawns gliding across the board.

Gunnar accosted the newcomers to Drillsberg, asking what business had brought them this way. A tense flurry of questioning volleyed back and forth, each party suspicious of the other. Mental powers probed the minds of strangers as words lanced forth, demanding answers. Until, with his usual friendly demeanor, Bergie called for silence, and introduced himself to the unknown party.

There was a passing moment of silence, but Bergie's jovial welcome was infectious. In short order, everyone had been introduced, and the mood had calmed. As the two groups discussed what had brought them to Drillsberg, Lauren & Gunnar's expressions seemed confused. In unison, the two reached into their packs, pulling out odd items.

In Gunnar's hands, two Gible fangs, encrusted with gems; in Lauren's hands the box containing two hilts shorn from bone. Gunnar quickly grabbed one of the hilts, holding it to one of the fangs. The eldritch force that had been vibrating within the items seemed to stop when they came into contact. With no further explanation, Gunnar turned towards the nearby Colosseum.

As the two groups made their way towards the arena, brief stories were traded, and Pokemon were shown off. The Colosseum was surrounded by blockades as our heroes arrived. A pair of guards, seeing that these weren't shades, waved the teams inside.

Out of breath from keeping pace with Gunnar, Reinhold & Sylvie managed to wrest forth a barebones explanation: they needed the aid of a blacksmith. The parties fell to slight bickering once more, centered around Gunnar's reticence. Not wanting to interrupt, Donner quietly let Lauren know that he had detected a smith in a nearby competitor's pit.

Though the man, Georg, was confused at the sudden request of his skills, our heroes managed to convince him it was of the utmost importance. When asked if he needed help, Georg suggested that he could use the help of 3 to 4 willing assistants. He had never worked with such materials before, and was unsure he would able to successfully expose their true form.

Bronze stepped up to offer her keen technical eye, while Gunnar volunteered to work the furnace's bellows. Recalling Pearl's skills back in Forgerun, Naivara asked her to assist Gunnar, as Donner volunteered to stay and act as a second for whoever needed it. Satisfied, Georg told the trainers that the forging would take at least a few hours, if things went well.

Not content to sit on their hands, the remaining party members decided to see if they could lend any medical aid to the townsfolk holed up in the Colosseum. Thankfully, most of the people here seemed to be in fairly good health: tired, hungry for certain, but none dangerously wounded.

Naivara & Bergie mentioned that the Pokemon Center had been housing many of the citizens who had been injured in the darkness of the past few days. As one, our heroes directed their steps in that direction.

The pain, fear, & anguish filling the Pokemon Center could be felt in the air as they approached. Understaffed nurses were moving as quickly as they could throughout the dense sea of wounded. Their hearts aching, both parties found the closest nurse, and offered their aid. The nurse gratefully accepted, and explained the layout they were using for people suffering from injuries of differing severity.

Lacking healing skills themselves, Reinhold & Lauren lent their hands, arms, and shoulders to the task. Moving patients, helping to apply casts, & anything else they could do to lessen the workload. Lauren sent out their Pokemon team to offer emotional support to the ailing citizens, as Reinhold gathered information on the forces waging war on Drillsberg.

In one corner, Naivara passed out crystals, and led some of the more able-bodied patients in calm breathing exercises. They followed along with her guidance & low humming, doing their best to unburden themselves of stress.

With their first aid kits at the ready, Sylvie & Bergie were able to treat some of the less severe patients, freeing the nurses up to focus on more critical cases. While they plied their trade, the two spoke of their journeys, and relationships pushed to the side.

Back at the Colosseum, Gunnar, Pearl, & Donner took turns working the bellows. Bronze handed Georg the tools he called for, & pointed out small details to be mindful of. A sweltering miasma slowly filled the armory room. The light smoke stung the trainers eyes, as they lobbed questions at each other.

Until the pressure in the room changed.

Georg's back straightened, and his eyes rolled back in his head. The sweat disappeared from his brow as his movements became stilted & jerky. A wordless keening fought its way free of his throat, his hammer-blows coming down at an increasing pace. Bronze & Gunnar were stunned as a wave of blinding light exploded forth from the forge's anvil.

Across town, a rumbling tremor could be felt by all at the Pokemon Center. Looking at the time, the party members paused in their work. When the quake faded away, they all felt that something had happened at the forge. They apologized to the nurses for needing to leave, and set out through the door. They did their best to ignore the knowledge that, for all their efforts, they had been able to help but one quarter of the wounded citizens.

When they stepped inside of the armory once more, it was to find Bronze attempting to wake Georg. Nearby, Ven & Donner were doing the same for Gunnar. Glad of the extra help, Bronze explained that Georg had finished forging the daggers in a trance-like state, before passing out. When the blinding light had cleared, Gunnar had tried to pick up the two weapons cooling on the forge: there was the sound of rushing energy, and Gunnar slumped to the ground unconscious. Working together, the parties were able to rouse the two sleepers. Georg seemed to have no memories from the last ten or so minutes, and eyed the shining daggers with fear. No one tried to hold him back as he left to recover from his ordeal.

Gunnar realized that the power of the daggers must be too much for one person to hold. He did not hesitate as he took up the ruby dagger. A red light pulsed within the gems lining the weapon, seemingly in time with his heartbeat. Even without the aid of psychic powers, he could tell a sacrifice needed to be offered to unlock the blade's potential.

In a swift motion, Gunnar sliced a shallow line across his palm. His blood dripped slowly onto the stone floor, as the sound of rushing wind cocooned our heroes. Feeling himself weakened, Gunnar could tell that the ruby dagger now thrummed with power. Unwilling to let anyone else make the same sacrifice, Lauren quickly took up the sapphire dagger and pricked his finger with it.

The wind returned briefly, and all present could tell they now wielded legendary weapons. Discussion began about a plan of attack; Gudbrund and his shades would come topside after sunset, in roughly an hour and a half. Excusing himself, Gunnar stepped outside to make two phone calls. Shortly afterwards, he rushed back into the armory, barely concealed concern visible on his face.

With no explanation, he insisted everyone come with him to Frigga's Temple. Reinhold planted his feet, refusing to accompany him without more information. Upon realizing no one was behind him, Gunnar turned back to the group, asking them to hurry. Several of the trainers stabbed questions his way, refusing to take a step without answers.

As is his wont, Gunnar seemed to see no point in such discussion. Still, he knew that Gudbrund's sword could only be destroyed by the combined might of both daggers. Begrudgingly, he merely stated that they had allies within the temple that they would need to collect before the sun went down. Though wary, this was enough to convince both parties to move into action.

Donner stayed back at the Colosseum to see if there were any townsfolk he could help, as our heroes set out. Sunlight failing, the groups cut across the concentric stone rings that made up Drillsberg, coming at last to the gaping maw of Frigga's Temple.

Inside, the only light present was from thin rays leaking through cracks in the roof. Bergie lit his shoulders aflame, as those with flashlights took them out. Naivara & Bronze released their electric sheep to assist in shedding the light. Gunnar strode forwards down a hallway with misplaced confidence.

The parties had heard that Gudbrund's forces never came topside while the sun was in the sky; here, under the immeasurable weight of the cliffs, darkness held sway. The groups were set upon by four shades without warning. Two lunged towards them from further down the hall, as another pair stalked forth from a nearby doorway. Pokemon were released, weapons were taken up, and combat began in earnest.

Though the shades seemed extremely powerful at first, the combined light given off by the party seemed to lessen them somehow. It did not take long for the seven heroes to defeat the shades, at least temporarily. As had happened before, damaging them enough would break the shadowy form draped across the townsfolk, but only until it once more came forth from the gems embedded in their foreheads.

Without wasting a beat, Gunnar took out the ruby dagger, bringing it down onto one of the gems. There was a slight flash, and the gem shattered into a pile of ash. Seeing this, Reinhold used the sapphire dagger to aid in removing the remaining gems. A sinister hissing began to echo from further down the passage, a shrill scream of rage.

Taking stock of the situation, the teams began to drape the comatose townsfolk over their shoulders, the better to get them to safety. Sylvie closed her eyes, and cast her senses throughout the temple, searching for any signs of life. It was with a worried voice that she relayed to her friends that she could sense no one save them & the shades roaming the halls.

Gunnar's shoulders sagged, and he seemed crestfallen for but a second. Coming back to himself, he insisted they change tact, and head down the hallway on the other side of the temple.

Several of the trainers tried to convince him that retreat was the best course of action, but their words fell on deaf ears. Not wasting another second, Gunnar ran back to the lobby, turning down the other passage. Torn, but unwilling to leave the unconscious citizens in a place wrought with danger, our heroes resolved to deliver the townsfolk to the Pokemon Center, then return to track down Gunnar.

The howling voices grew in both pitch and number as they fled back to the safety of the dying sunlight. When the last of them had cleared the door, Reinhold skidded to a stop, letting the others continue past him.

Without a word, he smashed his blade into the top of the doorway in a fit of fury. A resounding crack rang out, and the entire opening gave way. When the dust had cleared, no entrance to the temple could be seen. In its place, a pile of settling rubble now barred the way.

A barrier of stone, meant to buy the trainers time. A plug, to keep shadows from leaking forth. A coffin's lid, closing heavily on Gunnar's fate.