Salvation Outpost

From the top deck, the airship clears the mountains and enters into the open plains. Kleber stays clear of the rail’s edge, despite the safe design.

Below deck, Camran keeps Kleber company, he offers a friendly game of cards. There’s a secure table and chairs in the common room. No galley, just food stuffs and wine.

Jean offers the archer a tonic to help with air sickness and prepares another bed just in case. Malbor sleeps soundly much of the day.

The first mate pilots the airship east toward Kennrun, then steers north to follow on of the trade routes. Earic explains that the route was planned to avoid unwanted attention. There are more mountains to the north of Lennrun, but Rune avoids those on his northerly route. As the mountains fade into rolling hills, a clear view of the grey mists of the Mournland begin to appear. The haunting faces visible, even at this distance. It’s now that you realize how tall the wall truly is and the unsettling thought that the Zarantyr will not be able to climb over them, but have to pass through them to get to the Cyre ir’Wynarn.

The rest of the first day passes without incident. The weather is pleasant, however at this height there is a chill to the air. Very much like being high up in the mountains. Rune and Vren work in shifts to keep the Zarantyr’s pace. For those willing to stay on the top deck, the views are spectacular. Rolling hills with little villages nestled among the trees. Flat plains with herds of all manner of creature. Curious flying creatures that dare to fly this high sometimes approach to investigate this glowing blue device, before dropping back down to their realm. The experience is exhilarating.

As night falls, the captain slows the pace and dons an arcane set of goggles to continue the flight through the night. Those who haven’t, get their night’s rest below deck. 37 stoically watches from the bow, next to the ballista.

As the dawn breaks, those on deck see nothing but clear skies. The day passes quickly, those who wish chat with the captain. Earic discusses plans for entering the grey. The captain appears confident, having been through the mists before. Earic agrees and begins making a plan for towing the Cyre if necessary.

By early evening, you see the end of the lightning rail line and recognize the small outpost of Salvation below. You watch a departing train flash to life as it departs for Vathirond. Shortly after, you cross the Brey River and enter the Kingdom of Thrane. Arythawn Keep passes below and you continue over the Thornwood. As the Sun disappears behind the mists, the Zarantyr cruises over Lake Arul. Once far enough from the shores of the mighty lake, Captain Syrania steers east and brings the airship to a stop. The bow and 37, now point into the silently wailing wall, about a hundred yards away.

The Captain stares into the ghostly faces in silent, calculating reflection. His hand never leaves the golden Siberys crystal. You get the sense that he’s communing with the elemental heart of his vessel. After a few moments, he asks Faeris to assist him in fastening himself in a thick leather harness, that binds him to the deck. He then calmly orders, "Everyone, below deck. Faeris, inform Sloane that we’re heading in."

Faeris affirms the order and disappears to the lower deck. Sloane begins preparing her tools.

The captain agrees to Kleber’s request and has Camran assist with loading the two ballistae. Vren smiles at 37’s tenacity. "Suit yourself, sir.", he says.

Once the warforged is securely lashed to the rail and the rest has gone below deck, the captain grips the crystal and the ship’s wheel, then begins his approach. 37 swears the faces appear attracted toward the elemental ring of the airship, although it may just be coincidence.

The Zarantyr enters the ghoulish mist and immediately begins shuttering. 37 watches the pale blue light of the ring cast terrifying shadows throughout the mist.

Below deck, the hull does nothing to stop the spectral faces from entering the airship’s hold. Sloane uses one of her artificer tools to cast an aura around the Khyber crystal matrix that seems to deter the mists. Despite this, Gzizmix watches as the blue energy flickers. The very obvious flow of the energy seems to slow. The airship suddenly lurches as though struck by a monstrous hand. Then the floor drops out from under the feet of those below deck. On the main deck, the spirits swarm the elemental ring, which diminishes slightly immediately before the vessel is cast downward by an unseen force.

On the main deck, Captain Vren manages to remain standing thanks to his harness and quickly corrects the ship from its sudden drop. 37 is less fortunate. The downward pitch sends the warforged into the air, to be saved by his bindings. However, as the glow resumes to normal and the ship pitches and rolls, he is thrown over the rail and slams unceremoniously into the outside of hull. Dangling from the rail, but held securely by his rope, the swirling faces gnash their teeth at 37, willing him to fall into the depths of the mists.

Below deck, there is pandemonium. Vice, Kleber and Malbor watch as the ceiling momentarily becomes the floor. They each crash into the rafters above, as do many articles not tied down in the hold. The ship then immediately pitches back up and everyone slams back into the floor. Camran, Faeris and Rune suffer similar fates. Camran is knocked out cold, but is still breathing. Rune curses loudly. All the while giant spectral faces swirl silently through the rooms.

In the matrix room below, Sloane is able to grab hold of Gzizmix as he flails into the wall. She prevents the gnome from crashing into the ceiling himself, but he hits the floor with a painful crack.

The captain feels he’s regained control and pushes the lever all the way forward. Everyone feels the sudden acceleration which is powerful enough that you watch Camran’s unconscious body slide across the floor to the rear of the room. Above, 37 flops helplessly along the outside edge of the airship. The calamity continues for a few moments before the ship clears the mists and enters the open silence of the Mournland.

Rune and Faeris attend to Camran. Sloane helps Gzizmix to his feet, asking, "Are you alright?".

Above, you hear the captain bellow, "MAN OVERBOARD!", and the ship comes to a halt.