The Gathering Storm Part 2: Picking Up The Trail

The party returned to town and recovered, mourning the loss of their elf companion and his valiant sacrifice in battle. Little did they know that his elven brethren had also followed his exploits with the servants of justice.

Ever eager to deliver justice to those who conspire against the Empire, the party duly reported the Holtz family and Keila Cobblepot to the head of the local milita, Captain Kessler, who proceeded to has arrest the Holtz's and Cobblepot for treason.

As the three remaining members of the party recuperated from their battle, they were approached by two individuals. A celestial wizard identifying himself as the renowned Niklas Shulmann approached the party for permission to study the lightning stone. Underneath the grime and filth, the stone was inlaid with ornate and archaic Elven runes, perhaps a portion of a map, although the stone was clearly incomplete. Magnus was in doubt as to Shulmann's renown, but he did appear to have some magical acumen, and the party, perhaps somewhat reluctantly conceded that Shulmen was the only one in a position to help them, so handing over the stone. In 2 days Shulmann promised to translate the mysteries of the stone.

The second meeting that day for the party occurred in the local barber surgeons. They were greeted, or rather, accosted by a furious elf who identified himself as Shaft, assigned by 's father to follow and watch over his progress. Shaft was furious with the party for allowing his charge to be slain by the beastmen, and for the indignity of dragging his sodden corpse back to Stromdorf through the mud and rain. What would Shaft tell when 's father learned of his fate? Shaft was placated somewhat as Bran, the dwarf and Magnus related their story of 's noble death, defending his companions.