That’s Certainly Not What I Wanted to Hear
S02E40
Before he wakes up, Glittr awakens on the platform where he normally speaks with Lliira, everything is black. She states that it is too early for him to be brought to the Plane of Elysium as the color of the platform returns, and he awakens in Brylwynn’s arms. Glittr revives Caulkin and says, “He has some explaining to do.”
Caulkin/Xanras reminds us he was tasked to kill Laeral to avenge his father’s death. He was originally trained by his father. Caulkin is unsure if he is a Shadowthief.
There was the symbol of Beshaba on the emblem of the female caster who was with the elven boy. Caulkin’s mother was a priest of Beshaba before she passed away.
Brylwynn confronts Caulkin and Pearl for not being honest with the group entirely when she and Glittr have been honest to the fault with the group. Pearl reveals that the Prince of Frost has given her a deadline or we will all be killed. We decided to head to Silverymoon, which is only 2 hours away, to find a safe place to rest and finish our discussion. It is a walled city about 20’ tall. As we enter the city, it is beautiful. It looks like a small fantasy utopia with flower present through the forested settlement.
As we enter the city we notice a few shrines and temples to nature-esque deities Mielikki and Silvanus
We receive directions to the The Flower Bed Inn, and Glittr attempted to get directions to a Library. Both had spoken to half-elves. Caulkin slips hand written notes into everyone’s pockets, but only Pearl notices him do this, but pretends not to notice. We get to The Flower Bed Inn. The Inn is very gorgeous and is set inside the base of a tree. We get rooms and settle down with ales and beer.
Pearl shares that she has been given a task but is nervous to say. “It has everything to do with my behavior lately.” She takes down a parchment and writes the following: She has been tasked with getting on the Raven Queen’s good graces. She is to infiltrate her ranks and built rapport with her.
Pearl writes, in smaller letters, that’s what he wants but its also what I want.
She has known about this since she got visions at the Red Glacier after we battled the Ropers.
Caulkin shares that the Shadowtheives were once in power but the Lord’s Alliance took over like half a century ago. Brylwynn asks why Caulkin didn’t trust us to back him up during the fight rather than volunteering us to fight, resulting in Glittr’s death.
We rest up at night but don’t feel refreshed. We ask the Barkeep for directions to a library but they share that the town has several “research centers” which are run by various organizations. There is one run by religious folks and one run by The Lord’s Alliance called The Vault of Silverymoon.
Caulkin also remembers that the High Harper is located in thei city and he was given directions to where the yare located. He was given these instructions secretly and he guides the group to a long moonlight-esque bridge. The group collectively recalls that The Moon Bridge
Laeral has a sister who was once the ruler of Silverymoon. It was once ruled Alustrial “Moonlight” Silverhand. Brylwnynn additionally recalls that there is another sister, who is rumored to be the daughter of Mystra, goddess of magic. Alustrial has not been the ruler of Silverymoon for about 20-30 years. Since then, one of her sons has been the ruler. His name is Aerasume Silverhand.
As we cross the bridge, we see a grassy field with two separate buildings. Caulkin stands in a spot in a grassy field and speaks the password, “What lies beyond is for those who take the leap.” Nothing drastic happens, and Caulkin hears “One second, one second.” in his head, signaling to the group to hold their positions. Then, one of the doors to one of the surrounding buildings opens.
We see an Elven man with long white hair tied up in a ponytail wearing a cloak who invites us inside. Once inside, we see a lavish temple filled with several religious symbols. The Elven man introduces themselves as the High Harper. He reveals his name is Räyûvel, and he has been a Harper for about 10 years.
Upon hearing their name, Brylwynn knows the story of Räyûvel and The Dragon’s Tail group, who slayed Tiamot, sending them back to Hell. In the temple, we recognize the iconography of Sleune, the goddess of the moon. We are brought up to the temple’s second floor, which has an open-air atrium looking down at the first floor.
We learn that Harshnag was on a mission per Räyûvel, and will be back in a few days with information. Laeral is the most powerful arcane spellcaster on the Swordcoast.
Räyûvel is wondering who killed Queen Neri. There are rumors that she was malevolent. The giants are not particularly bright, so someone is hypothesized to pull the strings.
It is possible that the “thing” missing that is causing the giants to act out is the Giant King himself.
The followers of Umberlee want to bring the world back to its primordial state, which may be water.
We also learn there is a Harper version of the Research Institute, The Silverymoon Archive, and Harper Institute.
We purchase 100 gold worth of diamonds for Räyûvel, who casts Greater Restoration on Brylwynn. He has not heard of Krislynn
As we leave the temple, RC sees a message in his head that says “I think you are if so, please return this evening. I would like a word with you.”
He says “Yes. You helped my grandson Snapjaw. I will return. What is this about?”
No response.