II
The Order of Sydon
You battle the soldiers of the Order of Sydon to rescue the surviving temple acolytes, including Proteus, the head priest, who tells you a witch holds the Oracle captive in the undercroft below the temple. By the time you defeat Heleka, the blue-skinned witch (*cough*sea-hag*cough*), almost everyone ends up in the underground river. The river itself seems to have a life of its own and swept the overpowered Heleka away, out of your clutches.
The Wisdom of the Oracle
The Oracle, Versi, is most grateful to be freed from her captivity. The titan Sydon had sent Heleka to capture his daughter and bring her to Praxys, his stronghold. Versi, is a daughter of Sydon, but has ever been a friend of the mortal races—much to her father’s disgust. She greets each of you warmly. Her gaze looks deep into each of your eyes and makes you feel vulnerable. She gives each of you a personal revelation and then informs you what must be done next in preparation to confront the titans—three great tasks.
Revelations
To Brontes: “Welcome child of Pythor. The divine blood in your veins sets you apart from any mere mortal. You are destined for great things. Go to Estoria and reconcile yourself to your father and learn what happened to your mother.”
To Sirculo: “When I look at you I see only emptiness. It is as if you do not exist. I know you once resided in Mytros at the head of an important family, until one day you returned home to find your house cold and empty. Your loved ones had disappeared and your friends and neighbours had no recollection of who you are. It is as if your existence has been erased from all memory. My sister, Demetria, possesses something that once belonged to you. Reclaim what is yours and learn how you may yet be reunited with your family.”
To Jace: “By Lutheria’s will, her servants forever focus their attentions upon you. Lutheria knows you by name. She seeks your ending. The reasons for why you draw so much of her ire are hidden from me. If you seek counsel with my corrupted sister, Demetria, at the Mossy Temple in the Old Woods, she may know more of your fated doom.”
To Ellas: “You have returned my Love. And you must promise to return to me again when all is done. I urge you to reclaim your famed armour and the Crown of the Dragonlords from the Tomb of Xander at the Necropolis of Telamok. But beware, for the entrance to the Necropolis is guarded by Damon, an undead gatekeeper of great power. Do not make an enemy of him.”
To Beefy: “Welcome nephew. You are the grandsire of my father, Lord Sydon. In the form of a rampant bull, he seduced your sorceress grandmother, and then killed her when his sister-wife, Lutheria, discovered the affair and insisted on her death. But before her demise she gave birth to a daughter—your mother. Your mother was hidden from Sydon, as you in turn were hidden from your grandfather’s gaze.” The Oracle retrieves a golden locket and chain and pours it into your hand. “This belonged to your grandmother. Treasure it always.”
The Three Great Labours
To prepare to face the titans, three great tasks must be accomplished before you are ready to sail into the three seas. Versi warns that you must not fail in you endeavours, or else the sky will unleash black rain upon the world.
Claim the Weapons of the Dragonlords: The weapons of the first Dragonlords were forged by the god Volkan, and are capable of wounding the Titans. These are located at Telemok, a necropolis in the Mithril Mountains. The tombs were built to house the remains of the Dragonlords. No one ever goes there now, as it is guarded by an undead gatekeeper named Damon, who must be paid with a special coin before he will allow anyone to pass. Proteus, Priest of the temple, gives a burnished dragonlord coin to Ellas and instructs him to keep it safe.
Light the Fires of the Mithril Forge: The silver fires of the lost forge were used by the dwarves to construct the weapons of the gods. It can build powerful magical items or repair ancient magical items that no longer work. The fires will allow you to craft the tools you will need. Kyrah suggests to you that a clan of dwarves who work copper mines near Estoria may know of the Forge’s location. The dwarves frequent the taverns of Estoria.
Drink from the Horn of Balmytria: This dragon horn reputedly has many magical powers. It has the ability to gift visions to those who drink from it. Versi is convinced the visionary powers of the Horn of Balmytria will grant a revelation to you that she cannot see. The horn was last known to be stored in the city reliquary of Estoria.
Journey to Estoria
On the way to the city of Estoria you all share a disturbing dream, in which a sweet voice taunts you while you watch an old man, bound and gagged, slaughtered without mercy. The meaning of the shared nightmare eludes you. As your journey brings you closer to Estoria you notice how parched the earth is, how bare the fields are and how the farms are lacking for livestock. You learn that cattle from miles around is driven daily into Estoria, to be sacrificed to Sydon by his priests. Until Sydon’s hunger is sated he has withheld the rains.
The City of Estoria
The king of Estoria is Pythor, god of war, and notorious womanising drunk. The city is menaced with the shadow of war as bands of centaurs and dark fey creatures encroach upon the nearby woods and hills. The roads to and from are plagued by bandits and monsters. The rising power in the city is held by the Order of Sydon. Soon the Titans will be free from the Oath of Peace and Estoria will be overwhelmed. A few hours after your arrival, while walking the bustling streets of the city, a band of hoplites approaches in royal insignia. Their captain steps forward and offers greetings from the king—he wishes an audience with you.
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