Last we left our heroes, Wander and Havayla stood on the deck of the Windwalker as the rest of the team gathered in the war room to plan. Ryker had spent some time contemplating strategy and came to his fellows with a map of Riverband and his previous route into the keep written in. They discuss infiltration strategies and timeline, before pestering the girls via the intercom to come join them.
Meanwhile, Havayla prods at Wander’s state of mind, asking how she’s doing with everything. Wander confesses that she’s hurt and confused; Ryker hasn’t been telling the whole story, how they were responsible for Nahtan’s death. She trusted Ryker’s direction, Nahtan is dead, and he keeps saying that Nahtan was slain by Kane, and then continues on. Everything has been very abrupt, this is not how death is death with in the clans, and she’s feeling unrooted. Havayla listens and gives her support, and they go below to discuss next steps.
The boys fill them in on the plans of infiltration. Questions are asked, more ideas floated. Wander casts Legend Lore on Skulldrinker and learns… surprisingly little. His importance in the universal weave is of such minor significance that there is not much to be discovered, which is in itself valuable information. She gathers that he is simply a Troll, not a fiend or abomination, and he is from the Shadowlands to the west, where they know the orc capital of Preymonger resides.
After that spot of research, there is a slight pause in activity before Havayla suddenly casts Zone of Truth, catching everyone in the War Room in the field. Nathan, her primary target, resists the effect, along with Dorza, so she turns to Ryker and demands he explain what really happened to Nahtan. Ryker gives the whole story and gives his perspective: Nahtan was a casualty of war. Could things have happened differently, yes, but in conflict there will be casualties, and you have to carry on. Satisfied, Havayla welcomes others to get the questions out that they need, since they’re all affected.
Attention turns to Arunak and his abilities; how did he learn to fight, who trained him? He revealed how he grew up trailing a gang named the Bruisers and was taught by a Goblin named Max. But Arunak never joined the gang, he left Riverband to follow a lead about treasure in a giant’s tomb and has been along with the Derailers ever since.
Discussion turns to Yevin, his missing history, and how to prevent Kane from rising again. As the truth spell fades, he as Wander if they could attempt restoring his memory again. Ryker directs them to the galley where Wander brews another batch of tea from Yonder. Yevin sings a little song of inspiration and Havayla gives the guidance of Moonbow as Wander casts Greater Restoration on Yevin, using more power than she had accessed previously. Yevin seizes as the spell takes hold and collapses as the energy fades. Weakly, he confirms that it worked, and states that he’s going to bed.
Everyone splits off among the available bunks (or the roof). Ryker has a small heart-to-heart with Nathan and threatens swift violence should he betray the team. Wander communes with Knowledge again, this time better prepared, and receives some valuable information concerning their idea of loopholing Kane’s attachment to Yevin (yes, killing him would work, but he may not come back with a resurrection), Skulldrinker’s location (Riverband), and King Baldus’ attachment to Skulldrinker (reply hazy). A evening rest is had by all.
With the morning comes errands. Havayla and Ryker have plans to visit the weary blacksmith and the magic shop. Wander tags along to look for armor and a shield. The Blacksmith was able to procure a set of armor for Havayla and sets to work enchanting a special eyepatch for her. Ryker looks for options to upgrade his armor, but is dissuaded by the price and time. Wander asks after anything that might be on hand that would what she’s looking for, but the Blacksmith only does commission work. On to the magic shop!
The Genie, the proprietor, is less than enthusiastic about the return of the people who ask too many questions. But gold is gold and he is happy to sell them more items, although his stock has changed since they last visited. Shopping complete, the trio visits Leomund to see what resources he might have available. He gives them a scroll of Windwalk (helpful for infiltration). On the way back, they pass a temple of Sehanine and Ryker takes a moment to go inside. When he comes out, it is with an increased resolve.
Back on the ship, Yevin skywrites directions to Mordramoth, who arrives soon after. Yevin leads the conversation, with Arunak and Nathan observing. He shows evidence of Kane’s death and asks what the Dragon Counsels plan is. Mordramoth explains how they will attack the machine at the base of the Iron Highlands. Yevin tells him about what they learned of it, of the Elder Brain, and the Derailer’s plan to attack Riverband at the same time. Approving of this plan, Mordramoth lists out a tally of the dragons loyal to Carvacus and it appears there is only one left; the green dragon guarding Riverband.
Yevin reveals his heritage to Mordramoth; his mother was a dragon, exiled from the Council for falling in love with a human. He is the result of her relationship and is starting to discover his dragon lineage. Mordramoth’s tune shifts slightly as he asks Yevin to join him on his return trip. Arunak steps in and persuades Yevin to stay, he doesn’t trust Mordramoth’s intentions. After receiving Yevin’s negative answer, the glass dragon leaves to report back to the Council.
On the way back to the ship, Ryker, Havayla, and Wander stop by the Kendo School to see Stump and Daisy, but they had left for lunch. Havayla encourages her brother, who is now running the school and has a yard full of eager students. They join the crew on the ship and, once again, adjourn to the War Room to discuss plans.
Yevin and Arunak update the team about the meeting with Mordramoth. Again, strategies for infiltrating Riverband are discussed, taking in to account the recently purchased resources and the impending Dragon attack as a distraction. As the plan develops, we end the session.
Will the Derailers fight another dragon? Will Skulldrinker be lured away to defend his machine or will the Derailers finally face their foe? How will Nathan work with the team in combat? What did Yevin remember? We’ll find out next time…