Meeting a Crystal Rider /DONE

The result of the Lich Lord Zoras trapped in the grinding stones of the Ur-Ducateon, being killed in some fashion.

NOTE: The specifics of this scene relate to the individual group that completed this adventure.

Encounter with the Crystal Rider

The foul mists of the Black Shore coalesce, and then a vortex of cold air drives it away. From out of the dim light on an overcast day comes a rider in all white. The mount and rider both are wearing a stark clean white, wearing armor. AS they draw closer, there is a silence that comes over the area. The rider is moving at a good clip and is not phased by the terrain. Something is not right, and as you sense this, it becomes apparent the rider and its mount are not normal. There is no splash or mud, no fog of breath, no snorting from a mount. The rider and mount appear to be made of snow and ice, though move like flesh. The breastplate is adorned with a foreign heraldry, as is the shield and barding. There is no pack or saddlebags, just a satchel and rope hung over the saddle horn. It rides straight for you in this desolate place, though does not draw a weapon as it nears.

Interlude…

Your worst fears are confirmed – there is definitely not anything alive. The eyes are motes of black, The helm is simple, and open faced, showing the features of what seems like a stoic death mask. It rides to within 20m of you and halts, lifting its hand to hail you, as it grasps some torc or necklace it wears with its other hand. “You are they which brought about the doom of Bittermaw” (he says, not asking, in thickly accented Gladnorian). I am come to pay respects from the King of Stillness in the north. I am called Anselmet, loyal bannerman of Theodrose. It is cast upon me to offer my personal gratitude and that of my liege and 18 other comrades – The Crystal Riders. Long has been our wait, and the moment is upon us now because of what you set in motion. I would know who each of you is, so that I may carry your names back to the north.”

He wields Dawnlight and offers to even the score – is there an enemy of theirs that he can be set upon in order that the debt be repaid? “I will fight one of your battles for you. You are still under the protection of the Chain Masters of the North.”

Ulrich = San save or be insulted due to breastplate

If the PCs are honorable, and do not wish thus, then he will offer whatever else he can in gratitude.

  1. I give you this gift, this crystal horseshoe. Crush it in your bare hand and it will call forth one of our mounts to serve you for 30 days. He holds it up against the forehead of each PC and whispers a prayer to Whelm (in Dundarian) – only those touched can perform the summoning. Spectral Steed: Can only carry the summoner.
  2. If one of the PCs will trade the 12 Tone rapier, he will exchange his blade. They can use it as leverage to get the Black Gorgons to do something for them – The politics of the north are complicated, but I can assure you it WILL be returned properly.
  3. Carries the satchel of succor – standard for their travels in the north. It is to aid the living, not them mostly. 12 clay pads – once broken they boil a pot set upon them in moments or heat a bedroll for a night in the coldest temperatures.
    • 3 potions of healing
    • 3 potions of rejuvenation (keeps imbiber warm + cold resistance for 8 hours, dispels 1 level of exhaustion)
    • 2 wraps with heatmoss – heals frostbite damage on 1 wound/extremity (hand/foot) overnight/Short Rest.
    • 1 wineskin of whitewyld wine; It is a sweet wine that will not freeze and can provide a long pull for 6 medium sized creatures – imparts immediate good feelings and rush of excitement and flush; 1 bardic inspiration (usually makes imbiber touchy-feely and optimistic)
  4. He could also be persuaded to give up his Garland Ilyndriata (all Crystal Rider have them), It once gave him peace once, but his newly consecrated holy symbol of whelm now replaces it – since the death of Zoras, he is one step closer to true redemption. He will only say it was made in the north.

Crystal Rider Encounter > Heavy new chain of steel upon which hangs the shield shaped medallion holy symbol of whelm. All brand new. Religion check DC 20 whelm indomitus.

Previously Theodrose could only conquer and wage war against the east and lich lords. Whelm Indomitus order is partly restored (only for him and his bannermen), he can fight against Gwinn now. Crystal rider comes to thank in person. This is why chain of north supports party. In the shattered city of ____ previous characters uncovered shrine of whelm indomitus. It was restored by the Crystal Riders and reconnected. Vows made, whelm supports their defense of the north.