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| Details |
| Author: | Alli |
| Summary: | The Cobalt Eye follows up on the spider loa problem, and once again finds themselves unexpectedly in the middle of a faction battle. Afterward, they continue to work with the Wildhammers and do their best to become slayers of evil loa. There is very little fondness for spiders by the end. ~4900 words. NOTE: This is the conclusion of the Hinterlands story. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
Arc: Hinterlands
Maisha heads out to the front of the now-peaceful Stormfeather Outpost, finding Mayellen already waiting there.
Mayellen waves at Maisha.
Maisha waves at Mayellen.
Mayellen carefully tucks her Cobalt Company tabard into her belt.
[Mayellen]: It feels funny, being able to wear this tabard openly. Despite being a warlock and all. And being… me.
[Maisha]: Despite bein' you? *Maisha looks at Mayellen.* Yer a right good teammate, is what you are.
[Mayellen]: I know, but Ference - Uncle Elohad - he had some issues with me, for a while, there.
[Mayellen]: Between the Cobalt Eye's success and me marrying his nephew, I suppose he's finally decided to take me off eternal probation.
Maisha smiles. "Tha's good news. I suppose that's how a person has got to prove themselves - over time." Maisha pauses. "Does he know about Jonas's thing?"
[Mayellen]: I haven't told him.
[Mayellen]: I'm not sure if Jonas has spoken with him yet.
[Maisha]: There was that thing tha' the Gravehowls were ta be in Cobalt, but is Jonas one o' them?
[Mayellen]: But we recently accepted a whole pack of worgen into Cobalt Company, so surely he'll be fine with his nephew, who has been in the Company all this time…
[Mayellen]: No, he doesn't have a pack.
Maisha nods. "Aye, that's what I thought. He'd ha' mentioned it, if he had. But then also, he's family. So long's Ference doesn't feel lied to."
[Mayellen]: I think Jonas had every right to keep things secret, all things considered.
[Mayellen]: He even kept it secret from me… for a really, really long time.
[Maisha]: Aye, back then, no one would ha' realized worgen could be anything other than… well, like they are in Duskwood.
[Mayellen]: Yeah, I had no idea.
Annibeth emerges.
[Annibeth]: No idea 'bout what?
[Mayellen]: Jonas being worgen.
[Mayellen]: For way longer than you'd think.
[Annibeth]: Whoa, really? I just assumed he'd told you early on.
[Mayellen]: He sure does like to play things close to the chest.
[Mayellen]: Hey Nala!
[Annibeth]: Guess I can understand that.
[Mayellen]: He was afraid. And with good reason. But I can't get into the details; that's his to tell. Or not tell, more likely.
Annibeth nods.
[Maisha]: Most o' the worgen we saw were jus' out ta kill us. Till the whole Gilnean thing.
[Annibeth]: Don't really matter to me none. He's Jonas and he's proved himself more times'n I can count.
[Mayellen]: I think this part is okay to tell - he used to have a… shackle, kind of thing. On his ankle. That kept it in check. But he had to take it off now and then or he'd go completely … feral, I guess.
[Annibeth]: Ooh, that explains a lot!
[Mayellen]: It was the early stage of the Pyrewood experiments. As far as I know he was the only survivor.
[Annibeth]: Damn…he's had it way rougher than I ever figured.
[Maisha]: How did he put the shackle back on, if he was all… wild with it off?
[Mayellen]: Yeah. Maybe I shouldn't have said all that.
[Mayellen]: That's the miracle part. He somehow held on just enough to know he needed to put it back on.
[Mayellen]: Anyway, I probably shouldn't blab on about it. I'm just so amazed by him.
[Maisha]: Wow. *Maisha looks impressed* Fella's been through a lot, indeed.
Mayellen spots Jonas and blushes.
[Mayellen]: Hi Jonas!!!
[Maisha]: Yer ears burnin', Jonas? We were jus' talking about how great ye are.
Jonas pauses when he sees May's blush. He looks suspicious. "Hello."
[Mayellen]: Um anyway, we should probably get to work. *May coughs.*
[Jonas]: I — what?
[Mayellen]: Nothing!
Mayellen hugs Jonas.
[Maisha]: Aye.
Jonas hugs Mayellen back. He still looks suspicious.
[Maisha]: To work, then? I've had word from Fraggar - he wants ta talk to us. He's got a plan.
Mayellen kisses his cheek several times.
[Mayellen]: Oh, a plan!
[Mayellen]: Plans are good.
[Jonas]: Mm.
Bael wanders around the group peacefully.
[Annibeth]: Let's get to it, then.
[Jonas]: Aye.
[Maisha]: Main thing is, looks like we've still got time ta stop the Shadra stuff.
Mayellen seems pretty used to Bael by now.
Jonas takes May's hand and squeezes it briefly.
Mayellen smiles at Jonas.
Maisha collects her ram.
Mayellen gets into Anni's sidecar as usual.
The team rides out in the direction of Jintha’alor.
[Annibeth]: Good. I don't mind spiders so much. But I draw the line at spider gods.
[Mayellen]: Same.
[Maisha]: A good line ta draw.
[Mayellen]: You know, if trolls weren't so evil, their architecture might be kind of pretty.
[Annibeth]: Gotta admit, it's impressive either way.
[Jonas]: It is interesting, certainly, aye.
[Mayellen]: Yeah.
[Maisha]: Impressive, aye. But from long experience, kinda makes my skin crawl.
[Mayellen]: Same.
[Jonas]: Fair.
[Jonas]: I personally go in for fewer snakes and skulls in my surroundings.
Mayellen giggles at Jonas.
[Annibeth]: Okay yeah, I wouldn't wanna LIVE there or nothin'. Just sayin'…it makes an impact.
They arrive at Fraggar’s camp.
Maisha waves to Fraggar.
Fraggar Thundermantle says: Cobalt Eye! I’ve been readin’ through the tablets an’ consultin’ with my colleagues.
[Mayellen]: What's the plan, Mr. Thundermantle?
Fraggar Thundermantle says: Even if we took th’ tablets from ‘em, there’s a chance those Vilebranch might know how to do the ritual and finish calling Shadra. So we’ve got ta find a way to derail it entirely.
Fraggar Thundermantle says: As for the plan, my friend Gilda Cloudcaller up at Quel’Danil Lodge has got one. She asked I send you up that way.
[Mayellen]: Sure thing.
[Maisha]: Quel'Danil? Alright, I know where that is.
[Mayellen]: An elf place?
[Jonas]: Quel'Danil? Is that elves?
Tracker Yoro looks over at the mention of Quel'Danil Lodge.
Mayellen giggles at Jonas.
Jonas glances at May and grins.
[Maisha]: Aye, high-elven lodge. Hunters and such there.
Tracker Yoro says: If you’re headed to the lodge, may I ask you to carry a message?
[Mayellen]: Why not.
Mayellen nods at Tracker Yoro.
[Maisha]: Ye've got business with the elves?
[Ionala]: A message? No trouble at all.
Tracker Yoro says: I may appear far from home to you, but quite a few of my people were led here by Ambassador Rualeth.
Tracker Yoro says: We have settled with the high elves of the Quel'Danil Lodge, to the east, to train in the ways of the Light and enjoy the peaceful beauty of this land.
Mayellen smiles at Tracker Yoro.
[Maisha]: It is peaceful an' beautiful, though I might be biased.
Mayellen winks slyly at Maisha.
Jonas looks around at the peaceful beauty of this land. "I can't blame you."
[Annibeth]: Ya ain't wrong.
Tracker Yoro says: It has been, but such peace may be short lived. I heard of the attack on Stormfeather Outpost. Could you warn Anchorite Traska that the Horde is on the offensive? Her cabin is just north of the main lodge.
[Mayellen]: Of course.
Mayellen nods at Tracker Yoro.
[Maisha]: Oh, aye, if she's not heard yet.
They head north for Quel’Danil Lodge.
[Annibeth]: Off to hang out with the pretty people.
[Mayellen]: You're always hanging with the pretty people.
Maisha laughs. "They are real longish. Decent hunters, though, the elves."
[Mayellen]: Longish?
[Jonas]: … longish?
[Ionala]: More offensive than usual, I suppose he meant.
Mayellen giggles at Jonas.
Jonas glances at May and grins again.
[Maisha]: Aye, longish like you all… uh, never mind. *Maisha blushes*
[Jonas]: Oh. Oh, I see.
[Mayellen]: Cute. Longish.
[Mayellen]: I like it.
Annibeth snickers.
[Mayellen]: We must look strange to dwarves, honestly.
Maisha ducks her head a little. "I reckon dwarves must look strange to you, too."
[Jonas]: Just a little shortish.
Mayellen giggles.
Maisha laughs.
Annibeth laughs.
[Mayellen]: Honestly the way you're built makes sense. Compact, efficient.
[Mayellen]: Sturdy!
[Maisha]: Aye, we are a sturdy folk. And yours maybe more… better at reachin' high up things.
[Mayellen]: True, true, we excel at that.
[Jonas]: It is a particular skill of mine.
[Jonas]: I can reach a number of high up things.
The team arrives at the quel'dorei lodge.
Mayellen eyes the pretty elves.
[Maisha]: We ought to deliver the message first, aye?
[Maisha]: Before we get caught up in some mission or other.
[Jonas]: Aye, probably.
[Jonas]: He said north of the main lodge.
[Mayellen]: Right, and everyone knows where north is.
Jonas laughs.
[Maisha]: Here we are!
[Maisha]: Little cabin,
[Mayellen]: *quietly* Draenei are so pretty…
Maisha eyes the draenei inside. "Anchorite Traska?"
Mayellen curtsies before Anchorite Traska.
Anchorite Traska says: Yes, that's me. Was I expecting you?
[Mayellen]: Likely not. Message from Yoro.
Anchorite Traska says: Oh, what's the message?
[Mayellen]: Nothing good, I'm afraid. The Horde has gone on the offensive.
Anchorite Traska says: Yoro sends warning of the Horde? The Highvale have been cautious of an attack for some time now. In fact, we have been-
The sound of screams and the clash of metal come from the direction of the lodge.
[Mayellen]: … Uh oh.
[Annibeth]: Oh crap…
Mayellen remains calm.
Jonas looks sharply over his shoulder.
Anchorite Traska says: By the Light… they are here!
Mayellen summons a felguard.
Maisha draws her bow, starting to turn around.
[Jonas]: I'm going to… also be completely under control.
Jonas turns into worgen form.
Anchorite Traska says: The undead are here! The Forsaken! They've been moving closer and closer, but to launch an all-out attack on us… those horrid abominations!
[Mayellen]: We've got this. Don't worry
Anchorite Traska says: Thank you! The young draenei I was charged with have trained with the Highvale elves in combat. They are not defenseless, but they need help!
[Mayellen]: We're very experienced in combat.
Jonas growls agreement.
Anchorite Traska says: Then thank the Light you arrived when you did.
Anchorite Traska says: But before you go to fight…
Anchorite Traska says: That's not the worst of it. The Highvale have kept detailed records here for years. Deaths, births, seasons… but also vital scouting information and methods of contact with the rest of the Alliance.
[Maisha]: Oh no!
Anchorite Traska says: The documents will be scattered in the chaos. If they fall into the hands of the Forsaken, more lives could be at risk! Please, you must retrieve the documents before they are taken by the Horde…
[Mayellen]: We'll do our best.
Anchorite Traska says: Thank you! Drive back the Forsaken! Recover our documents!
Jonas is already on his way out after the Forsaken.
[Annibeth]: Crap, they're everywhere.
Maisha nods, grim-faced.
[Mayellen]: Papers here.
[Maisha]: Look like what we're after?
[Mayellen]: Looks like info on the Revantusk tribe.
[Maisha]: Wouldn't want the Horde ta know what we know about 'em.
[Mayellen]: Here!
[Maisha]: Quick, let's grab 'em!
We continue fighting Forsaken and looking for documents.
[Mayellen]: This looks a bit less sensitive, but information on local resources shouldn't go into the Horde's hands either.
Maisha nods firmly. "We don't plan on giving them an inch o' the Hinterlands.
[Mayellen]: If there are other documents, they might be in the building there.
[Jonas]: Aye. Seems foolish they left these sitting about outside.
[Maisha]: We'll have ta check inside.
[Mayellen]: Outdoorsy types…
[Maisha]: With their buildings, outside is no' so much less safe than inside.
We head into the main building of the lodge.
[Jonas]: Hell, the Forsaken are already inside.
[Mayellen]: See anything?
Mayellen remains calm.
[Jonas]: Here!
Mayellen rummages through the bookshelves.
Bael runs around, biting Forsaken. Occasionally, he makes a kind of hacking sound. Forsaken do not taste good.
Mayellen grabs anything that looks potentially problematic for the Horde to take.
[Maisha]: Grab it all!
Mayellen also grabs one book just because it looks cool.
Jonas does not grab any papers because claws.
[Mayellen]: Oh… this is very important for us to remove.
[Maisha]: Oh? What is it?
[Mayellen]: This talks about supply lines and Alliance contacts.
[Mayellen]: They could wreak havoc with this info. Let's get it out of here.
[Maisha]: Oooh, yes, for sure take that one.
We head back to Anchorite Traska’s cabin.
[Maisha]: We brought all we found, Traska! *Mai gestures to the human women*
Mayellen is a little out of breath, but still calm. "We rescued some sensitive documents for you."
Anchorite Traska says: Thank the Light. We will not let the Forsaken have anything that can be turned against us, no matter how small. Such aberrations… You are brave to face them.
[Mayellen]: And we've thinned the Forsaken's numbers quite a lot. Should be easy enough to mop up.
Jonas shows his teeth.
Indeed, the sounds of combat are being more regular, quieter, as the Forsaken are pushed back.
Anchorite Traska says: Your help has been invaluable.
Mayellen curtsies before Anchorite Traska.
Anchorite Traska says: Now… what were you here for? I know you said to deliver me a - very timely - message, but that can't have been all. Is there anything I can help you with?
[Maisha]: Aye, we're here after a Gilda Cloudcaller? The trolls - the Vilebranch ones - are up ta no good about a spider loa.
Anchorite Traska says: Oh, Gilda you can find in the main lodge.
Anchorite Traska says: And I will send a messenger to warn Stormfeather that the Forsaken are on the offensive as well. So much for their peaceful 'research station'.
[Mayellen]: All right, we're off then. We'll mop up any more Forsaken we spot on the way.
Anchorite Traska says: Thank you.
Mayellen gently pats Jonas.
Jonas stops being a wolf, for politeness.
Maisha looks around, noting the slow return to normality of the lodge.
Mayellen dismisses her demon, likewise.
Maisha approaches the only dwarf in the lodge. "Gilda?"
Mayellen peers at Gilda Cloudcaller searchingly.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Ah, has Fraggar sent ye here to help me deal with Shadra, the Venom Queen? Are ye the Cobalt Eye?
Mayellen stares briefly at Gilda's rather revealing leather garb.
[Maisha]: Aye, he said ye have a plan?
[Mayellen]: Whatever you need, we can handle it.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Indeed. Even the conquest of Jintha'Alor wouldn’t be enough… the trolls could regroup and summon this creature later, when we're not expecting it.
[Mayellen]: So how do we end it once and for all?
Gilda Cloudcaller says: I do have a plan - we'll gather the artifacts first, pull Shadra into this world on our own terms, and put our hammers to that foul creature.
[Mayellen]: Ohhhh.
[Maisha]: We'll… summon Shadra?
Maisha's eyes are wide.
[Mayellen]: No, no, I get it. It makes sense.
[Mayellen]: Better it be summoned on our terms when we can put an end to it.
[Annibeth]: Wait…ain't Shadra the spider god? Like…y'know…god?
Gilda Cloudcaller says: On our terms, yes. See, she gets it. *Gilda points at Mayellen*
[Mayellen]: Likely it won't be at full strength when first summoned.
[Mayellen]: We just… pounce and squash it.
[Mayellen]: If it's anything like demons, anyway, it'll be a bit disoriented.
[Annibeth]: Oh…that how gods work?
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Ye look like a team that could kill a spider loa to me.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Especially if it's weak an' disoriented.
[Mayellen]: Well, I do know how summoning works, though I've not summoned a loa before.
[Mayellen]: I assume it's a similar situation.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: I'll help ye through it. *Gilda nods* First, I'll need you to help find the artifacts, and put a hurt on the rest of the trolls while you're at it.
[Mayellen]: Of course.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: We first need the Eye of Shadra, guarded in Agol'watha to the north.
[Mayellen]: North. Yes, we know where north is.
Ionala smiles.
Mayellen totally knows where north is.
Maisha chuckles.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: While you’re up there, keep an eye out for spider eggs. Even if we kill the Vilebranch, those eggs will still sit there, waiting to hatch and release those horrible creatures further into the wilds.
[Maisha]: We can set 'em on fire or whatnot.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: No, we need to take care of this properly. Tear any eggs you see out of the egg sacks and bring them to me. Don't try to destroy them on your own; you might let the little ones out.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: When you get them back here, I'll see that they're properly disposed of!
[Maisha]: Oh, okay.
Jonas looks dubious. That is so much more of a pain than just setting everything on fire.
[Maisha]: We should trust Gilda. She's our spider loa expert, right?
Maisha waves farewell to Gilda.
We ride over to Agol’watha.
[Maisha]: This bit here's Agol'watha.
[Maisha]: We ought ta find the artifact in there.
[Mayellen]: I think a bunch of people have killed Old Gods, yes?
[Maisha]: More eggs here than I'd like…
[Jonas]: The 7th Legion, I believe.
[Mayellen]: I mean, two are dead now, yes.
[Ionala]: Tadget Sharpgear. She's in Cobalt Blade.
[Annibeth]: Wait…what? Awww….
[Maisha]: Loa are no' Old Gods though. They're… like a nature spirit thing.
[Mayellen]: I see a basket in there. Looks fancy.
[Annibeth]: Okay but…Old Gods. Must be old and withery. Yeah, these nature gods gotta be all full of energy and way more impressive.
[Maisha]: I bet if they've got the 'Eye' here, it's in one o' these huts, aye.
[Mayellen]: Have you ever even seen a picture of an Old God, Anni?
[Maisha]: Old does no' always mean weak.
[Annibeth]: I ain't never seen a picture of any god.
[Mayellen]: remind me to show you a picture of an Old God later. Real nightmare fuel.
[Annibeth]: Got it.
[Maisha]: Did somebody check the basket in the hut? *Maisha tucks another spider egg gingerly into her bag*
[Mayellen]: Get the Eye, Eye!
Jonas looks up from tearing into another egg sac. Sticky webbing hangs from his claws and he shakes them irritably. "I did not."
Mayellen giggles at Jonas.
[Maisha]: Maybe Anni, you could? In case it's trapped.
[Annibeth]: On it.
[Jonas]: … this stuff is bloody awful. *He tries to wipe his claws on the grass.*
[Maisha]: I mean, cause you'd notice and disable it. *Maisha says hastily* I hope. Not cause I want ye trapped.
Annibeth carefully checks the chest, gently running her fingers around its seams.
Mayellen stands back.
Bael fastidiously cleans his claws on his feathers and nods at Jonas.
Annibeth holds her breath a moment and lifts the lid. "Oh, mama. I think this is it!"
Jonas shoots a stray troll. Now there is sticky webbing on his rifle's trigger. He snarls quietly.
[Maisha]: Oh, aye? Does it look like an eye?
Mayellen gently pats Jonas.
Jonas looks up at Anni's announcement.
[Mayellen]: Aye, it's an eye.
[Annibeth]: It's…eye-ish. Sort of an orb thing. I dunno, looks magicky. Someone magicky should take a look.
[Mayellen]: It's definitely radiating some bad vibes.
[Maisha]: I bet Gilda will know. *Maisha grins* She can tell us if the Eye got the right eye.
Annibeth carefully collects the eye and stores it in an empty bomb pouch.
[Mayellen]: I'm very curious how summoning a loa differs from summoning a demon.
We return to the Quel’Danil Lodge.
[Mayellen]: Ms. Cloudcaller, we got them!
Jonas still has spider web on his claws. He mutters and wipes them on his pants.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: The spider eggs?
Mayellen gently pats Jonas.
[Mayellen]: And the Eye, we think.
Annibeth opens the pouch containing the Eye and presents it to Gilda. "And this…which we're pretty sure is the Eye."
Maisha nods, and starts stacking them on the ground near Gilda.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: I'll see these are burnt to ash right away, and scattered to the winds for good measure. And that… *Gilda peers at the Eye in Annibeth's hands* Aye, I think that's it.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: I'll keep hold of that. *Gilda holds out her hands for it.* We'll need the Fang of Shadra next.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: It's kept in the Creeping Ruins to the east, guarded by Shadra's own spawn. Hideous spiders the size of a dwarf, and twice as strong. Their venom is strong… don't get careless.
Annibeth lets Gilda take the Eye from the pouch. But she's keeping the pouch, darnit.
Gilda does not attempt to take her pouch. That's fair.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: They're large enough to drag off an entire dwarf in the night, and you'll see evidence enough of that when you get there… bodies are cocooned all through the ruins.
[Mayellen]: Oof.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Unlike some other species, they don't keep them alive for long, but they feed off the bodies for days. It's too late to save the victims, but we can't let those spiders grow fat and thrive.
[Annibeth]: Spiders should be little. This Shadra's gotta go.
[Mayellen]: Don't worry, we'll handle it. And we won't get cocooned.
Mayellen is already WEBbed.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Aye, long term, that's the plan. But for now, make sure you get rid of those cocoons while ye get the Fang.
[Maisha]: We'll take care of it. And ourselves.
We ride out of the Creeping Ruins.
Maisha looks a little nervous.
[Maisha]: Ye won't let 'em get me, aye?
[Mayellen]: Of course not.
[Jonas]: We will not.
[Maisha]: Spiders big enough to drag off a dwarf…
[Jonas]: I do not mean to self-aggrandize, but I imagine I could handle a spider big enough to drag off a dwarf.
Mayellen giggles.
[Maisha]: I hope me an' Bael'd be okay, too. Just. Seems a real particular dwarf-level of threat.
[Jonas]: Aye, I understand.
We approach the ruins, which are indeed crawling with giant spiders.
[Maisha]: Tha' must be them ahead,.
Jonas looks impressed as Annibeth stands beside a spider corpse. "Those are large spiders, actually."
[Mayellen]: Another fancy troll basket!
[Annibeth]: 'Nother one of them chests.
Maisha stares at the curled up spider legs that are nonetheless like three Maisha's tall.
Maisha jumps, and nods to May and Anni.
Jonas looms over Maisha. Hopefully reassuringly.
Annibeth checks the chest.
[Maisha]: Think ye can get it open?
[Annibeth]: S'more tightly sealed than the last, but it ain't trapped far as I can tell.
Annibeth wedges her knife into the seal to pry it open.
[Ionala]: Just in case, then.
Ionala casts a shield spell on Anni.
[Annibeth]: Oh, yeah. Big ol' fang in here.
Annibeth carefully stows it with her other poisons.
We burn a bunch of cocoons, and then return to Quel’Danil Lodge.
Maisha waves at Gilda Cloudcaller.
[Mayellen]: Success again!
Mayellen waves at Gilda Cloudcaller.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Oh, excellent. So you have the fang? And you handled the cocoons?
Annibeth once again presents a pouch to Gilda. "Yer fang, ma'am."
Gilda looks it over and nods, taking it out of the pouch.
[Maisha]: And we destroyed every cocoon we found.
[Mayellen]: Why do I feel like there's going to be a third thing?
[Mayellen]: There's always a third thing.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: A grim task for sure, Cobalt Eye, but it'll keep the spiders left alive from recovering. I thank you. And you feel that way because you're right… there's only one left.
[Annibeth]: Adventure comes in threes.
[Mayellen]: And so do rituals. Sigh.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: The final piece is all we need to burn Shadra out for good.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: The Shell of Shadra is held by the spider god's last living high priestess, Qiaga the Keeper. She stands atop the Altar of Zul, guarded by other fanatical zealots.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: You've got to climb that altar to the top and take her out! She'll have the Shell in her possession. Bring it back here.
[Mayellen]: Will do.
Mayellen salutes Gilda Cloudcaller with respect.
[Maisha]: We'll do it. *Maisha nods* I know where the Altar of Zul is as'well.
[Mayellen]: Nice to be working in your stomping grounds.
[Maisha]: It does make directions easier.
[Maisha]: This is the Altar of Zul. I reckon the priestess'll be at the top.
[Annibeth]: Wait…was that her?
[Maisha]: Anyone see anything that looks like a Shell on 'er?
[Jonas]: She was not at the top for long.
Mayellen searches the body.
Maisha chuckles at Jonas.
[Mayellen]: Aha! A Shell!
[Maisha]: That must o' been her, then!
[Ionala]: Let's get it back. Someone might notice us.
[Maisha]: Aye, good thought. Too many trolls around here.
We ride promptly back to Quel’Danil Lodge.
Maisha waves at Gilda Cloudcaller.
Gilda Cloudcaller looks at the team in excitement.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Tha' was fast? How'd it go?
Mayellen proudly presents the Shell.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: This is it! We're ready!
Gilda takes the Shell from Mayellen and carefully assembles a kind of spider idol.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Our best fighters are ready, we've got the idol assembled… It's time, Cobalt Eye.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: Here's what we're gonna do. You'll travel southwest to Shadra'Alor ahead of us with the idol. You'll need to use the idol at each of the three temples, fighting through the trolls guardin' them.
Gilda Cloudcaller says: When you do that, Shadra will emerge into our world, and we'll be right there waiting for her with fury in our hearts. Talk to my boys on the scene as soon as you've performed the ritual!
Maisha nods. "Got it. We use th' idol at three spots, and then fight the loa."
[Maisha]: Ye all ready ta kill a loa? *Maisha smiles at the others*
[Mayellen]: Let's do this.
[Annibeth]: Awright! Godslayers!
Maisha grins.
We ride to Shadra’alor, a walled troll camp with three prominent ziggurats.
[Maisha]: Here we are, Shadra'alor.
[Mayellen]: Okay.
[Annibeth]: Okay, May. You're the summoning expert.
[Maisha]: Okay, first temple. Ready with the idol?
[Jonas]: We… use the idol? How?
[Mayellen]: I've got this.
Jonas looks to Mayellen.
There is a burst of shadowy energy when Mayellen uses the idol.
[Mayellen]: Okay. That… I think that worked.
[Maisha]: Let's do that at the other two?
Mayellen releases another burst of shadow energy by a pair of enormous drums.
[Jonas]: I dislike it when there are bones on the altar.
[Mayellen]: Not very reassuring.
Ionala shivers beside Mayellen. Chilling!
[Maisha]: Trolls an' their sacrifices.
[Mayellen]: and their… stairs…
[Maisha]: Aye, that too.
[Jonas]: The stairs are the second-worst thing.
[Mayellen]: Okay. ready?
[Maisha]: A close second after sapient sacrifices, aye.
[Maisha]: Ready.
Mayellen activates the last idol.
[Annibeth]: Ready as I'm gonna be.
[Ionala]: This is it.
[Annibeth]: So…now what?
[Maisha]: We find the dwarves.
[Jonas]: Where would I be if I were a newly-summoned spider loa?
We don’t see a spider loa, but we do see a Wildhammer Lookout, standing by the small, central lake of Shadra’alor.
[Mayellen]: Sir?
Maisha waves at Wildhammer Lookout.
[Annibeth]: Found a dwarf.
Wildhammer Lookout says: Talonaxe and the boys are right behind. Let's do this!
Mayellen nods at Wildhammer Lookout.
[Mayellen]: Have you seen a giant spider type god thing?
Wildhammer Lookout says: No time to waste, Cobalt! She's comin' out of the water right now!
A truly massive spider is indeed just now breaking the surface of the water, ready to slaughter.
Wildhammer Lookout says: Gryphon Master Talonaxe is comin' right now with the boys, let's show that bug what for!
Mayellen sends in her felguard to attack, keeping a safe distance.
The team fights the giant spider, together with Gryphon Master Talonaxe and a team of Wildhammer dwarves. Finally, the spider loa dies, curling up her massive spider legs.
[Mayellen]: Wow.
[Ionala]: She's huge!
[Mayellen]: That is definitely the largest spider I have ever seen.
Maisha stares at the burning spider corpse. "Now tha was a big spider, aye."
[Jonas]: … so large.
[Annibeth]: Hoh-lee !@#$. Did we just do it? We killed a god?
[Jonas]: Congratulations, Anni, you're a godslayer.
[Ionala]: That is too much spider. Too much!
[Maisha]: I think we did.
Gryphonmaster Talonaxe says: Aye, we've killed a loa, Cobalt Eye.
Gryphonmaster Talonaxe says: You've done a great thing for the Wildhammer today. I wish Falstad could've been here for that.
[Mayellen]: I'm glad we could put an end to the threat.
[Annibeth]: Happy to help the Wildhammer! Wildhammers? Wildhammer.
[Maisha]: Ah well, I'm sure he's happy doing all the… politics. *Maisha reconsiders* Yer right, too bad he could no' be here.
[Ionala]: Wildhammer, I'm pretty sure.
[Jonas]: I think either is grammatically acceptable.
Gryphonmaster Talonaxe says: On behalf o' the whole clan, thank ye for keeping these lands free o' that foul shadow.
Gryphonmaster Talonaxe says: And aye, I'll go with either, lass.
[Mayellen]: It's our duty and pleasure, sir.
[Ionala]: Cobalt Eye was glad to help!
[Jonas]: Or Cobalt Eyes.
[Mayellen]: I hope you'll spread the word about us, so we can help others in the future!
[Maisha]: Aye, Eye or Eyes both. Happy ta help.
Gryphonmaster Talonaxe says: I will, Cobalt Eye, that's for certain.
Mayellen waves goodbye to everyone. Farewell!
[Maisha]: That's a good day's work. We can head back ta Aerie Peak? I think we've done what we can fer this whole mission.
Annibeth pumps her fists. "I am so revved up right now!"
Mayellen giggles at Annibeth.
[Ionala]: I officially really really don't like spiders.
[Mayellen]: Poor Nala. Are you going to have nightmares about that loa now?
[Mayellen]: I don't even mind spiders and that was… a lot.
[Annibeth]: I think we just put a major dent in the spread of spiders. 'Specially the giant kind.
Maisha nods. "I would no' have said I had a phobia but… whoa."
[Ionala]: I'm sure of it. Eugh!
[Mayellen]: The smell of it on fire was a bit much.
[Maisha]: Till next time, Cobalt Eye!
Still chattering about their new status as evil-loa-killers and fear of giant spiders, the team heads back to Aerie Peak.