Episode 57
Village in the Clouds
The Soul Survivors reach Skyhaven, the arcane sanctuary village within the cloudy peaks of the Ember Rim Mountains – and discover its familial ties to the Ashenlytes.
Recap
Leaving behind the basilisk’s cave, the Soul Survivors paused to examine a petrified hand, speculating whether it belonged to a fellow traveler ambushed on their way to Skyhaven. Willa scouted the trail ahead and found no sign of other basilisks. With morning breaking and their destination near, they began their final push up the mountain.
As the group began to cross a narrow stone span over a misty gorge, a sudden supernatural wind kicked up and an unseen entity attempted to read their minds but failed. A voice called out telepathically: “Your intentions are unknown. You must be tested.”
Two air elementals materialized and attacked. Willa rushed into melee, empowered by her draconic might, while Anton fired arrows. Gemma held back and searched for a diplomatic opening. With calm and clarity, Gemma stepped forward. “We were sent by Kalador. We mean no harm.” Her Persuasion roll succeeded, and the elementals vanished.
From the misty rocks, a curious figure emerged: Zypheros, an elderly goatfolk mage with black and silver fur. He introduced himself as the Guardian of Skyhaven and warned the group that tensions were high – the Domaarian Empire had been sighted in the region. But when Gemma shared her full name – Gemma Ashenlyte – Zypheros froze. “Thistle will want to meet you!”
The goatfolk led the group through the final slope to see Skyhaven – a small, self-sufficient village woven with magic. At the entrance stood a statue of Gemma’s parents, Gideon and Kara Ashenlyte. The sorceress was overcome. She knew her parents were important – but not revered. Not remembered like this.
Zypheros let the Soul Survivors explore, urging them to meet him at the Mead Hall once he’d gathered the rest of the village elders. The party entered the Silver Spirit Inn, where they met Veyla Moonwake, a bardic innkeeper who served both information and arcane-infused drinks. She offered them food and a curious liquor called Spirits’ Respite, rumored to enhance illusions when overindulged.
As they toast to their survival and revelations, the warmth of the hearth began to soften their edges. Even with Sovemil’s fate still uncertain and the looming threat of the strange cult, for a brief moment, they felt safe.
After speaking with a few villagers and Veyla some more, they visited The Circle, Skyhaven’s magical transportation hub, nestled in a sacred open-air ruin. Two active teleportation circles pulsed here: one to Vuldohr, and the other to the legendary Arcana Aeternum.
They met Torgrim Ashkiln, a former member of the Everwatch and now the Sentinel, overseer of the teleportation circles. When he spotted the Everwatch sigil upon Gemma’s cloak, he nodded his approval and spoke of his knowledge of Adamar Zinrel.
The Soul Survivors then headed to The Coop, Skyhaven’s general store and working farm. They were welcomed by the sharp-eyed but cheerful Edith Holt, who sold enchanted goods alongside fresh eggs and crops. They met Old King Cluck, a rooster so mighty his crow could shake the rafters.
Naturally, the party bought a few massive golden-speckled eggs, including a fertilized egg fathered by Old King Cluck. Willa hoped she could attain a new chicken familiar. Emerging from The Coop, they looked across the village to their next destination.