I'm sorry but why cant we rebuild the statue exactly? I mean this Azazel would likely owe us a favor or something right. Porto says as he takes a large bite of an apple.

"Well if it's a chaperone you two are looking for, I'd be happy to oblige." Stan looked as if he was going to say no more, but suddenly he let out an uncharacteristic giggle.

He moved his silverware animatedly as he explained. "Sorry, sorry. Old joke about two elves going to the library. Did you know the elven word for 'knowledge' can mean both collected learning or an intimate encounter? It's caused quite a bit of confusion for the elven apprentices. I mean, can you imagine what a 'house of knowledge' is to them? Only in certain regional dialects, of course.

"Anyway, yes. I'd be happy to accompany you."

“I have my reasons,” Kaele replies cryptically to Shirok.  “I will speak with you all more regarding them later tonight.  Until then, I beg you all make yourselves at home.”  With that, her gaze finds itself drifting between Roth and Stan.  “Shall we?”

---

The short carriage ride to the Grand Library is a pleasant one.  To each of your surprise, Kaele’s carriage is pulled by a single dire black bear, and it seems to be very protective of her.  The sun is bright and the sky is the most clear you have seen in a long, long time.  As unnerving as the multiple floating towers and platforms are, you find that you can quickly become accustom to them.
At the library, and during the course of the day, the research team uncovers quite a bit regarding the Azazel, his cult, and Lord Tórus.  Little more is found on Azazel beyond what Kaele has already found and reported.  Further still, Roth buries himself into more current records, and that of active religious orders and their leaders.
According to one such record, the young elf finds that a small sect of “spirit worshipers” was registered to a one J. Unius.  The document, or more so an application for legal protection to operate within city limits, shows that the order did not yet have a permanent place of worship, and its reported members were "less than 10."  The financial voucher that accompanies all such applications reports that the order took in less than 2,000 gold coins annually.  With such information, it is no wonder the little cult evaded the First Citizen’s auditors—looking into this order simply wasn’t worth their time.
All writing referring to Lord Tórus deals with his dealing only after becoming a key player among the Crimson Brotherhood.  Who he was beforehand, and whether or not he is of noble blood remains a well guarded secret.  What can be found on him mainly deals with his involvement in the War of Tears and short campaign against a group of crusading Pelorites.  According to all records, the Dark Lord has endured, however his whereabouts are unknown.  By the end of their research in him, Stan and Roth gain the basic understanding that Tórus is a terrible blight upon nature and suppressor of personal liberty.  He is reported to be a powerful necromancer and master tactician.
On a whim, Stan begins to research the group of Pelorites persecuted by Tórus after the War of Tears.  In his research he finds that the leader of the group, Garret Nachtbrise, is the only documented survivor of the group and is currently residing in Redding, a small wilderness community several hundred miles east of Skyway.

---

Later that night, during the evening meal, Kaele speaks again on this.
“This afternoon I had Ishmael reenter the Glass Tower to collect the other pieces of the shattered statue; however he reported that all other fragments were missing.  As you all may very well appreciate, this come to be a very serious twist in fate.  We must continue together—and not falter.
“After more than a little deliberation, I feel it will be in our collective best interest to bring Sir Nachtbrise here to Skyway to aid us in this Azazel business.  I believe that since he has knowledge of the Crimson Brotherhood and their dealings, we might be able to gain a better understanding of Azazel’s enemies, as well as some guidance as to where to go next.”

Shirok had spent most of the day outside the city. The closest thing to a place of wilderness he could find within walking distance was a small orchard several miles away from the city proper, and while the trees were far too neat and organized to be a proper forest it was still far more relaxing then the city itself. He'd spent hours simply sitting at the base of one of the trees, letting himself relax and reconnect with the Mother while Neya ran around the area chasing squirrels, reconnecting with nature in a more visceral, immediately satisfying way.

---

Shirok was silent as the others presented what they had found inside the library, but as Kaele made her suggestions he spoke up. "I do not have a complete knowledge of the history of these events, but from what you have told us I do not understand what you intend for us to do. Neither Torus nor Azazel are an active force, and if they do reappear then it sounds as though they will turn their attention against each other."

Eventually, Ilsa grew tired of playing with the statue shard. She wanted to experiment more, but the methods that came to mind would certainly not meet with approval. When everyone left, she went back to her bed and took a nap; she donned her armor and weapons upon wakening.

At dinner, after spending an incredibly boring afternoon, she listened to Kaele and Shirok's response. The barbarian smirked and rolled her eyes before summarizing: "Azazel, the broken statue, used to be a warrior for light, goodness, and all things pure, holy, and boring. But he turned bad. Or insane. Bloody stumps for wings. He had it out for another bad thing, Torus, and they fought over territory. Or a woman. Or just who had the largest di... followers. Now Azazel is a broken statue and Torus is coming back. Do I have that right?"

Porto spent his evening eating and sleeping. Like always. And then he decided to tune his new lute and do a few practice songs with it. But no one was around to hear. He saw someone moving in a bed so he played a song for them. With a quick duck Porto dodges a sleepy sweep from Ilsa's hand. Porto then ran to his room and locked the door...


Porto remains silent through the conversation, just staring at the statues head. And chomping on a carrot.

Kaele offers Shirok a nod after his statement.  “It isn’t outside the means of an experienced cleric to reverse Azazel’s curse; however I imagine the statue would need to be complete before such a spell can be cast effectively.  From the look of things, this Junius seems to be intent on reconstructing the statue and setting the fallen angel loose—which is a direct threat to this city, and potentially the entire material plane.
“Tórus represents an entirely different threat, however remote, as he seems to have completely disappeared about a hundred years ago.  It maybe that one draws out the other, although it may not.  My research has lead me to fear Azazel’s release at this present time, as by your own accounts the statue was nearly complete when you saw it last,” she says as her eyes lock onto the fragment lying on the table.  She appears genuinely relieved Shirok had the presence of mind to take it when he did.
“I am now asking you, each of you, to help me protect this city and help you return to your original time.  I need you to travel to Redding and convince Sir Nachtbrise to come to Skyway.  I believe his experiences in combating the Crimson Brotherhood could prove invaluable in determining our next course of action.”

"You have already helped me more than I had hoped. If you wish me to go to Redding, I will go.

"Although first, a wardrobe update is in order - if only so we do not draw attention to ourselves." Stan's outfit had barely been in fashion in his own time. To wear it now would invite undue attention.

"Our Sir Nachtbrise must be getting on in years by now, no? Or is he from one of the longer-lived races?"

Ilsa gritted her teeth and smiled. She hated being ignored and she was imagining ways to Kaele bodily harm. Fortunately, someone started talking before the half-orc could execute any of her plans. "What will be paid?" she asked, bluntly. She had no love for the city and no desire to save it should someone wish to destroy it again. Her kind were short-lived and she lived each day as if it might be her last. She was a creature of the moment who didn't have any concept of her original time. Life was. She lived. That was all. Even so, she did have one iron in the fire that she paid good money for. "How far is this place?"

"That's a very long trip just meet someone." Roth says to Kaele, figuring in his head, "Maybe three weeks each way with straight roads and no trouble on the roads?  Do you have any way to ... expedite the trip, or maybe contact him remotely?"

My Clothes are out of this world baby. What am I to do if you should all return to your time, could I go with you all I don't have any real wish to go back to where I came from.

"Well the fellows at the country club would be amused by a halfling manservant, I have no doubt. Porto even sounds pretty close to 'porter.' I say," (Stan adopts a mock posh accent) "If you ever need employment, old chap, don't hesitate to knock at my place."

Kaele bit her lower lip as she regarded Ilsa and her question about payment.  Perhaps she felt that it was a silly question, given that both parties would be help each other benefit mutually; but she didn’t appear bothered in the slightest.
“I pray you find a teamster’s wage sufficient,” she says at length.  “Three marks per mile, and at 800 miles round trip, I can pay your party 2,400 golden Sässeriné marks.  Divisible by five, you each make 480 pieces for such a simple task.
“If you all agree, I’ll send forth a message to Nachtbrise and inform him of your pending arrival.  However I can’t offer you any more aid in this journey beyond purchasing for each of you a fine horse and provisions.  Can you help me?”

"I'm sorry, I don't understand. You are sending him a message that we are coming to give him a message?"

Stan was not trying to be difficult. He was genuinely a bit lost. He has assumed Nachtbrise was hard to get a hold of, hence their mission.

“The message will be to inform him of your party’s pending arrival and request that he accompany you back to here.”

"Perhaps we have to guard him. Or drag him." Ilsa said with a smirk. She did a quick calculation in her head. The pay wasn't bad, not once she decided not to return the horse. It got them out of the city, but it would be long time before she got her bow, which was good because she would be able to use it to its fullest when she finally claimed it. But it would be up to Shirok to decide if they took on this job. "What do you think?" she asked him.

Shirok considered for a few moments before finally nodding. This Azazel and Torus were apparently real and credible threats to everything, and the old man would have useful information. And it would mean at least a month out in the wilderness where he belonged. "Ilsa and I accept," he said, briefly glancing at the others seated around the table.

“I am most grateful,” Kaele replies after everyone agrees.  The remainder of the day is spend in preparation, and by twilight the next morning the entire party has been outfitted for the journey.  Each of you are given a light horse—each equipped with a saddle, bit, bridle, and two saddlebags.  As for provisions, each of you are given a bedroll, clay jug full of fresh water, and sack containing two weeks worth of trail rations.  Ishmael informs each of you that the horses are trained to forage for their own food, but will accept standard feed if given.  Stan is also given a map showing the way from Skyway City to Redding.
The way appears long, but should be easy-going and quite scenic.  You follow the road north along the Dagger River and pass into the high country.  The party’s first stop is at a small trading post situated along the crossroads marking the western corner of The Great Highway.  You continue following your map and head east from there, following the Highway a great distance of rolling plains.  Further north you can easily see the high peaks of the Glittergüld Mountains, and Roth points out for the party the famous landmark Folcrum’s Pass, a set of twin peaks that rise high above the others among the northern mountains.
About three days out you encounter a stagecoach speeding the other way.  Before it collides with your party, you all wisely move off the road and allow it to pass.  The driver offers an annoyed wave as the coach passes and you think nothing more of it.
At five days out, you encounter the first of the craggy outcroppings that make-up the outskirts of the Sovereign Eastern Provinces.  As you continue eastward, you encounter more and more caravans hauling mining goods and materials from the mines to their markets throughout provinces.  You notice the population of the area is quite diverse and many of the laborers seem to be products of mixed heritages.  They seem to get along just fine, and Stan points out that he’s heard that some of the wealthiest merchants operate in the area.
That night, while in camp, you all settle in and go about your usual businesses.  It isn’t until just before midnight that Ilsa, Shirok, and Neya get the feelings that something isn’t right.

Neya had finally stopped growing a few days ago, but for a while it had seemed as though she would never stop. She had made the horses nervous enough to begin with; matters had only gotten worse now that she was literally their size and looked like she could eat Porto in at most two bites. She'd made a grand game of terrifying the poor creatures until Shirok gave her a talking to.


That night, both Shirok and Neya were half-asleep by the fire when the now massive she-wolf's ears perked up, her eyes snapping open. Slowly her head lifted to stare out into the darkness, her nose twitching. A moment later Shirok's eyes opened, and he looked out into the darkness. His eyes flicked over to where Ilsa was, checking if she had noticed something as well.


19:06, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 23,14 using 1d20+7,1d20+5. Shirok/Neya Listen.
19:06, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 12,20 using 1d20+6,1d20+5. Shirok/Neya Spot.

Ilsa snarled as she lifted her head and looked around. Half-asleep, she neither saw nor heard anything. She yawned so wide her jaw popped. "What is it?" she asked her companions in orcish. She could feel their nervousness and unease. Dressed in only her undergarments, she stood and stretched. Holding her mighty sword across her shoulders, she twisted her hips, rotated her neck to loosen the joints, and yawned again.

16:18, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 7 using 1d20+1. Listen.
16:18, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 5 using 1d20+1. Spot.

Roth spends the majority of the trip as he did the day before they left--with his nose buried in a scroll.  Knowing little of horses, he is glad to receive a very tame one that follows the horse in front of it with little direction.  He pauses every now and then to take in the scenery--amazed at how far he has come from his beginnings.  He fled to Skyway City to escape his past, but now it seems his past has fled from him and the people of his birthplace would hardly remember his name if they even lived.

He stays up later than usual on most nights and speaks less than the others would expect; he is obviously uncomfortable with Ilsa's presence and, without drawing attention to it, does not sleep before her.  On this night, Roth sits beside the fire idly scribbling unfamiliar arcane runes in the dirt with a twig, but pauses to look up at the motion coming from the orcs.

Stan did not want to fall asleep this night, and so he sat near Roth. It seemed Stan's eyes were surrounded by little black lines, as if he had not had a good nights sleep since leaving Skyway. The magician said little, save to apologize for staying up when it was not his watch.

"I know I should be getting rest, it's just..."

He stopped when Shirok seemed to notice something.

The half-orcs, Ilsa and Shirok, and the large wolf, Neya, sense it first.  They are aroused from their slumber at the looming presence of something terrible.  At first, no one else had noticed that the insects have gone silent; but then a shrill screech rings out as if from nowhere!  A figure seems to materialize from the darkness and grabs the fat little halfling still snoozing in his bedroll.  With a loud grunt Porto is drug away and out of the campfire’s light.
Suddenly, all of you have gathered around the fire and actively listening for more clues as to what just happened.  After an intense moment, the round form of the lost halfling scrambles back towards the camp, entering the safety of the campfire’s light.  He carries his tiny shortsword, which would make a good dagger for any of the others.  He is clutching his side and bears more than a few scratches—but the look in his eyes tell you all that the fight is far from over.
"Something bit me!" he cries out after having shuffled only halfway back to the fire pit.  Again the strange and bloodcurdling sheik sounds once more, freezing your movements and sending chills down your spines.  Before Porto can make it back to the group fully, the figure reappears once again!
It appears to be a humanoid of average build.  Its skin appears grayish in the light of the campfire.  It doesn’t appear to be armed with any traditional weapon; however its digits are whittled down into wicked-looking claws.  Its eyes seem to reflect the moonlight, giving the creature a sinister appearance.
It howls once more and rushes towards Porto...

Initiatives & Actions
Deadline—Thurs. Feb. 4th @ 12:00 PM CST

"He's mine!" she told the figure in a grim attempt at humor that was probably lost on everyone but her. With a grand sweeping motion, Ilsa brought her sword around and launched at their assailant. "And this is for waking me up!" she added as the blade met flesh.

14:39, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
14:39, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 24 using 1d20+8. Attack with Sword.
14:40, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 10 using 2d6+6. Damage.

Neya snarled loudly as she rushed forward to meet the thing's charge, fangs snapping out to rip into the creature's limbs and bring it down to the ground. Shirok followed a moment later, his spear lashing out to taste blood.

Neya acts at Init 22, Shirok at Init 17

Neya - Advances to creature and attacks. Atk 20, dmg 10, Trip 19.

Shirok - Advances to flank with Neya and attacks. Atk 15 (w/ flank), dmg 7. Makes Knowledge(Nature) check about creature, 11.

18:06, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 17,22 using 1d20,1d20+2. Shirok/Neya Init.
18:08, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 20,10 using 1d20+9,1d8+9. Neya Atk/dmg.
18:10, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 19 using 1d20+6. Trip check.
18:11, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 15,7 using 1d20+5,1d8. Shirok Atk/dmg.
18:11, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 11 using 1d20+10. Knowledge(Nature).