A few repairs on the skiff by Orianna - Balthazar, old man that he was, was a little out of sorts following the recent scuffle - supercharged its propulsion, and together with Arthur's map of unseen lands this sped up the journey to the predicted impact zone.
The Red Order took care to avoid any further unnecessary combat with Iltani, but began pursuit when they spotted another skiff heading in the same direction. Tailing it in cover of the moon valleys, they stopped to approach its passengers when they landed.
Dressed in red robes, scattering out the components for a ritual near the impact zone, it was clear who these people were. The Order attempted to get close by pretending to be fellow worshippers of The Red Dawn, and the cultists were buying the ruse right up until Arthur ran their self-styled Grand Wizard through the ribs with his sword.
The cultists proved to be former students of the university as well, fighting back with magical missiles and summoned storm elementals, but the power of Bahamut and a whole lot of fire put them down.
They appeared to be constructing a ritual of protection, so that they might survive the red star's landing. With no time to finish it themselves, The Order dashed off to a minimum safe distance to watch the fireworks.
The explosion was a lot smaller than expected, but the blast crater was still smoking hot as The Red Order approached. The draconic shadow at the heart of the inferno could only be Nebiru itself, and it was up to our heroes to ensure it never reached the world below...
***
There shall now follow a break of two weeks, since it clearly wouldn't be right to run a climactic battle with absent part members. Maybe I'll get on with a few more RWDaA to fill entries in the meantime.
