Soon enough, they moved on, going deeper and further into the Warrens. After exploring a while (and finding what looked like barracks for several hundreds of goblins), the Swords ran into King Skalmad himself, accompanied by a couple of drows and some goblins. The fight was short (and sweet) and furious, and even though Carric fell asleep due to the drows’ poison, the Swords managed to kill the King and his allies without any casualties. But as Gnoguh landed the killing blow, the King yelled: Fools, you can not kill me! I shall return stronger and crush your skulls.. soon!
After the King was gone, Torn received a sending from the Eladrin. Apparently Moondoor was already under attack and they asked the Swords to return asap and help defend the town.
Immediately Torn ported them back, and they landed in the gatehouse, in the middle of a swarm of goblins and trolls. Once dispatched (but very wounded and tired) the Swords made their way through the city towards the council. Soon enough they were discovered and had to make a run for it. Just as they were almost home free, they ran into a treant and a troll, but before fight could really start, a contingent of eladrins arrived and killed the monsters.
27. januar 2009
20. januar 2009
27th session
After making a quick stop in Moondoor to restock and make a few items, the Swords flew out to the swamp in search of the Warren of the Troll King. With the help of one of the rangers from Moondoor, they had a pretty good idea of where it was. They were flown nearby and dumped off near the river. They quickly made their way through the swamp to the underground Warren.
There they found the entrance, which turned out to be guarded by a couple of trolls and around 10 goblins. The fight went well, just until the end, when one of the goblins took off, threatening to expose the Swords’ intrusion. Truxas followed him, but ended up dead as the goblin proved a very competent adversary. The rest of the Swords did manage to kill him off though (the goblin, not Truxas.. cough). After trying to cover their tracks, the Swords withdrew outside again, in order to get some quiet time, so that they could raise the poor Truxas.
Onsday 2nd Nauvambor, year 25
After a good night’s rest, the Swords returned to the Warren. There was a new set of guards, but with a great use of Arcane Gate, a surprise attack was initiated and the opposition was decimated. Further in they went, until they ran into a troll shaman, his pet bear, and 3 flying undead skulls. The fighter was hard, with about half of the participants being blind most of the time. In the end, the Swords did manage to kill off the monsters, and sat down to get a breather.
There they found the entrance, which turned out to be guarded by a couple of trolls and around 10 goblins. The fight went well, just until the end, when one of the goblins took off, threatening to expose the Swords’ intrusion. Truxas followed him, but ended up dead as the goblin proved a very competent adversary. The rest of the Swords did manage to kill him off though (the goblin, not Truxas.. cough). After trying to cover their tracks, the Swords withdrew outside again, in order to get some quiet time, so that they could raise the poor Truxas.
Onsday 2nd Nauvambor, year 25
After a good night’s rest, the Swords returned to the Warren. There was a new set of guards, but with a great use of Arcane Gate, a surprise attack was initiated and the opposition was decimated. Further in they went, until they ran into a troll shaman, his pet bear, and 3 flying undead skulls. The fighter was hard, with about half of the participants being blind most of the time. In the end, the Swords did manage to kill off the monsters, and sat down to get a breather.
13. januar 2009
26th session
The Swords of Drahar had a long talk with the Lady Dawn and Lord Elric. The Eladrin nobles were very curious about the heroes and about Drahar. They were surprised that the Swords had not encountered any trolls as they passed through the Trollhaunt (the big swamp encircled by a natural wall). There has been a rumour of a new Troll King.
The Eladrin showed a certain interest for the trade capabilities of Drahar and the Council.
After a long talk, it became clear that the Eladrins of Moondoor knew nothing of Zeke and barely anything of the Church of the Keeper.
Torsday, 26th Auktauber, year 25
The next day, the Swords of Drahar headed out into another swamp, this one to the west, looking for the church. Using the Phantom Steeds, the trip didn't take much more than 30 minutes or so. They found themselves in front of a 400' rock with very steep walls. While they were searching for a way up, they were interrupted when Carric suddenly heard something coming. It turned out to be an Oni, a couple of trolls and some goblins. After a short but brutal 36 seconds, the evil creatures had been dispatched. On the Oni, they found an interesting scrollcase, with the even more interesting scroll.
The scroll said that:
Servant!
I hereby command you to join my ever-growing army or be annihilated.
We will assemble in the Trollhaunt Swamp, near the Great Warrens where I reside.
From there, we will strike at Moondoor, and with one swift move we will crush the cursed elves that reside there.
There will be gold and riches for all who participate, death and agony for those that choose not to join my cause.
I am King Skalmad! Ruler of the Trollhaunt and The Warrens.
A quick decision was made. The Swords returned on the Phantom Steeds to Moondoor, in order to warn the Eladrin. They were of course appreciative, and the Swords quickly returned to the rock with the church.
They started climbing upwards, it was hard, but not too dangerous as long as they went slow while being tied together. Unfortunately, around halfway up, they got caught in a fey thunderstorm, and soon the path became extremely slippery. Several fell down, some multiple times, and almost died. Eventually they got up there, and found the church. Inside, all they found was a dried pool of blood, and a black button.
As they were preparing to search the rest of the church, Torn notices the hum of an opening portal. The Swords prepared for the worst, but instead it was Kinto, their old acquaintance from the Chamber of Secrets and from the Horned Hold. Needless to say, he was less than thrilled with finding the Swords in his path again.
It turns out that after their last run-in, Kinto was caught by the gnolls and put to work for Maldrick and the enigmatic “Y” who seems to be the de facto leader. Now Kinto is running messages, and is heading for Skalmad’s castle with a message.
After some debate, threads and a not insignificant amount of diplomacy, the Swords managed to convince Kinto that they would let him live if they could get to see the letter.
The letter was an offer of alliance from “Y” to King Skaldmad. It outlined a plan to conquer Drahar and the area around it. This involved Skalmad taking over Moondoor before the 1st of Yanoar. Then, on the 14th of Yanoar, the trolls should pass through the portal to Drahar (which apparently exists below the council chamber of the Eladrins) attacking at the same time as the gnolls.
Now followed a heated debate. What to do. Especially what to do with Kinto. In the end, the Swords ended up “trusting” Kinto and allowing him to proceed as is. They also decided to stick around and wait for him to come back with an answer.
After Kinto left, Torn and Targron immediately ported to Moondoor to warn the Eladrin.
Once back, they camped and waited
Freeday, 27th Auktauber-Tirsday 1st Nauvambor, year 25
Days passed, and finally Kinto arrived. The message back to the gnolls was clear. Skalmad was in, and would proceed as planned and attack Moondoor in due time.
Kinto was let pass to the mortal realm, after Truxas got a copy of the ritual allowing him to pass through to the Feywild and back.
The Eladrin showed a certain interest for the trade capabilities of Drahar and the Council.
After a long talk, it became clear that the Eladrins of Moondoor knew nothing of Zeke and barely anything of the Church of the Keeper.
Torsday, 26th Auktauber, year 25
The next day, the Swords of Drahar headed out into another swamp, this one to the west, looking for the church. Using the Phantom Steeds, the trip didn't take much more than 30 minutes or so. They found themselves in front of a 400' rock with very steep walls. While they were searching for a way up, they were interrupted when Carric suddenly heard something coming. It turned out to be an Oni, a couple of trolls and some goblins. After a short but brutal 36 seconds, the evil creatures had been dispatched. On the Oni, they found an interesting scrollcase, with the even more interesting scroll.
The scroll said that:
Servant!
I hereby command you to join my ever-growing army or be annihilated.
We will assemble in the Trollhaunt Swamp, near the Great Warrens where I reside.
From there, we will strike at Moondoor, and with one swift move we will crush the cursed elves that reside there.
There will be gold and riches for all who participate, death and agony for those that choose not to join my cause.
I am King Skalmad! Ruler of the Trollhaunt and The Warrens.
A quick decision was made. The Swords returned on the Phantom Steeds to Moondoor, in order to warn the Eladrin. They were of course appreciative, and the Swords quickly returned to the rock with the church.
They started climbing upwards, it was hard, but not too dangerous as long as they went slow while being tied together. Unfortunately, around halfway up, they got caught in a fey thunderstorm, and soon the path became extremely slippery. Several fell down, some multiple times, and almost died. Eventually they got up there, and found the church. Inside, all they found was a dried pool of blood, and a black button.
As they were preparing to search the rest of the church, Torn notices the hum of an opening portal. The Swords prepared for the worst, but instead it was Kinto, their old acquaintance from the Chamber of Secrets and from the Horned Hold. Needless to say, he was less than thrilled with finding the Swords in his path again.
It turns out that after their last run-in, Kinto was caught by the gnolls and put to work for Maldrick and the enigmatic “Y” who seems to be the de facto leader. Now Kinto is running messages, and is heading for Skalmad’s castle with a message.
After some debate, threads and a not insignificant amount of diplomacy, the Swords managed to convince Kinto that they would let him live if they could get to see the letter.
The letter was an offer of alliance from “Y” to King Skaldmad. It outlined a plan to conquer Drahar and the area around it. This involved Skalmad taking over Moondoor before the 1st of Yanoar. Then, on the 14th of Yanoar, the trolls should pass through the portal to Drahar (which apparently exists below the council chamber of the Eladrins) attacking at the same time as the gnolls.
Now followed a heated debate. What to do. Especially what to do with Kinto. In the end, the Swords ended up “trusting” Kinto and allowing him to proceed as is. They also decided to stick around and wait for him to come back with an answer.
After Kinto left, Torn and Targron immediately ported to Moondoor to warn the Eladrin.
Once back, they camped and waited
Freeday, 27th Auktauber-Tirsday 1st Nauvambor, year 25
Days passed, and finally Kinto arrived. The message back to the gnolls was clear. Skalmad was in, and would proceed as planned and attack Moondoor in due time.
Kinto was let pass to the mortal realm, after Truxas got a copy of the ritual allowing him to pass through to the Feywild and back.
6. januar 2009
25th session
Mansday, 23rd Auktauber, year 25
The heroes woke up the next morning, exhausted. No sign of the old lady, or any tracks of a house-cart and a giant.
Truxas was still eladrin, which just made him even happier. It didn’t seem to bother him that he had switched race over night. On the contrary. As they were collecting their things to continue on, Targron heard something come running through the forest. The heroes hid, waiting to see what it was. Turns out it was a female eladrin, apparently fleeing from trolls. It turns out that she was in reality a disguised dryad, who was making noise and commotion so that the heroes wouldn’t hear the other dryad and their “pet” treant, who were sneaking up on the heroes.
After the battle (which hurt quite a few, but killed none, although Torn did go down like a sack of potatoes. Gnoguh also seemed quite affected by his recent return from the dead), the heroes packed up and moved east, towards where they thought the Seven Pillared Hall was. On they went, using the usual Phantom Steeds. Not long after leaving, they arrived at what turned out to be the entrance to the tunnel leading through the mountains.
Not being able to use the mounts, they continued on foot, through a fairly narrow natural tunnel. With Darklight as their only source of light, they wandered for what seemed most of the day through the tunnel. Just as they were getting tired, they arrived in a large cave, with what seemed to be the ruins of an ancient city of unknown origin.
As they entered the cave (which turned out to be the cave SPH would have been in), the earth started to rumble. Earthquake! Going through the ruins, they were ambushed by a Ghoul, a wraith and a ghost. Truxas got hurt badly, when they ghoul decided to chew on him, but at the end, the heroes got the better of the undead, helped by the earthquake, which killed off the ghoul. Then a race began. Getting out of the ruins, away from the earthquake, before anyone was killed. About 10 feet from the exit, Truxas was hit by a stone and struck down. Torn managed to react quickly, using Arcane gate to get them both to safety.
Tirsday, 24th Auktauber, year 25
The next morning, after a good long night’s rest in an alcove, the heroes moved on, and soon found themselves outside the mountains, staring at what could best be described as a huge swamp with a huge forest (150’+ trees) on top of it. Targron climbed up the mountain to get a better view, but all it showed was some mountains to the north, and more forest everywhere. On the way down, he took a 50’ dive, just for the hell of it… J
The heroes decided that it would probably be easier to sail through the swamp, rather than walk. So after some deliberating, they decided to make a raft, and paddle through.
Onsday, 25th Auktauber, year 25
The next day, they arrived at a sort of dead end. It seems the swamp was (at least at this point) encased by a natural wall. On the other side of the wall, there was a wild river, about 750’ wide, and with a lot of current. Instead of trying to navigate that (oh boy, that would have been fun!), they ditched the raft, and summoned some more Phantom Steeds, riding the top of the natural wall, along the river. After some hours, they stood at the edge of the swamp, looking down a 900’ drop. Some searching uncovered a hidden but natural way down. Or almost. They found themselves stuck at around 100’ altitude, with almost no way down, but to climb or jump.
Except that Torn had figured out he could use Arcane Gate, yet again.
At the bottom, the waterfall filled a lake, and continued afterwards towards the west, although at a much nicer pace.
The heroes followed the river, and a couple of hours later, they spotted what turned out to be Moondoor, an eladrin citadel situated at the exact spot where Drahar is situated in the mortal realm.
They were invited inside, and were installed in the Inn called the Golden Dragon, where they were told someone would come and talk to them later.
After diner, two noble-looking (male and female) eladrin arrived, flanked by around 10 soldiers.
The heroes woke up the next morning, exhausted. No sign of the old lady, or any tracks of a house-cart and a giant.
Truxas was still eladrin, which just made him even happier. It didn’t seem to bother him that he had switched race over night. On the contrary. As they were collecting their things to continue on, Targron heard something come running through the forest. The heroes hid, waiting to see what it was. Turns out it was a female eladrin, apparently fleeing from trolls. It turns out that she was in reality a disguised dryad, who was making noise and commotion so that the heroes wouldn’t hear the other dryad and their “pet” treant, who were sneaking up on the heroes.
After the battle (which hurt quite a few, but killed none, although Torn did go down like a sack of potatoes. Gnoguh also seemed quite affected by his recent return from the dead), the heroes packed up and moved east, towards where they thought the Seven Pillared Hall was. On they went, using the usual Phantom Steeds. Not long after leaving, they arrived at what turned out to be the entrance to the tunnel leading through the mountains.
Not being able to use the mounts, they continued on foot, through a fairly narrow natural tunnel. With Darklight as their only source of light, they wandered for what seemed most of the day through the tunnel. Just as they were getting tired, they arrived in a large cave, with what seemed to be the ruins of an ancient city of unknown origin.
As they entered the cave (which turned out to be the cave SPH would have been in), the earth started to rumble. Earthquake! Going through the ruins, they were ambushed by a Ghoul, a wraith and a ghost. Truxas got hurt badly, when they ghoul decided to chew on him, but at the end, the heroes got the better of the undead, helped by the earthquake, which killed off the ghoul. Then a race began. Getting out of the ruins, away from the earthquake, before anyone was killed. About 10 feet from the exit, Truxas was hit by a stone and struck down. Torn managed to react quickly, using Arcane gate to get them both to safety.
Tirsday, 24th Auktauber, year 25
The next morning, after a good long night’s rest in an alcove, the heroes moved on, and soon found themselves outside the mountains, staring at what could best be described as a huge swamp with a huge forest (150’+ trees) on top of it. Targron climbed up the mountain to get a better view, but all it showed was some mountains to the north, and more forest everywhere. On the way down, he took a 50’ dive, just for the hell of it… J
The heroes decided that it would probably be easier to sail through the swamp, rather than walk. So after some deliberating, they decided to make a raft, and paddle through.
Onsday, 25th Auktauber, year 25
The next day, they arrived at a sort of dead end. It seems the swamp was (at least at this point) encased by a natural wall. On the other side of the wall, there was a wild river, about 750’ wide, and with a lot of current. Instead of trying to navigate that (oh boy, that would have been fun!), they ditched the raft, and summoned some more Phantom Steeds, riding the top of the natural wall, along the river. After some hours, they stood at the edge of the swamp, looking down a 900’ drop. Some searching uncovered a hidden but natural way down. Or almost. They found themselves stuck at around 100’ altitude, with almost no way down, but to climb or jump.
Except that Torn had figured out he could use Arcane Gate, yet again.
At the bottom, the waterfall filled a lake, and continued afterwards towards the west, although at a much nicer pace.
The heroes followed the river, and a couple of hours later, they spotted what turned out to be Moondoor, an eladrin citadel situated at the exact spot where Drahar is situated in the mortal realm.
They were invited inside, and were installed in the Inn called the Golden Dragon, where they were told someone would come and talk to them later.
After diner, two noble-looking (male and female) eladrin arrived, flanked by around 10 soldiers.
23. december 2008
22. december 2008
24th session
Freeday, 20th Auktauber, year 25
The next morning, they pressed on, deeper into the forest of Agliir. In the afternoon, they found the elves of the White Raven Tribe, to whom the land and the burial mound belong. After meeting and talking with Moonshadow, one of their leaders, they struck an agreement with the elves. Recently, an outsider elf had arrived, and lured several of the tribe’s warriors away. Together they had occupied the most sacred and holy burial mound for more than a month now. What they wanted was unclear, but the White Ravens certainly didn’t want them there. The heroes were to kill or capture the white-haired elf while if at all possible, sparing the warriors. After agreeing to this, the heroes were led to the burial mound by a mute elf called Zikir.
Once there, they quickly entered and found the white-haired elf. He was conducting a ritual in the bottom cave, with the warriors guarding his back. The battle begun and it proved soon to be lethal. Targron was down and counting no less than 3 times, and Gnoguh was killed by the white-haired elf in his true form – that of a green dragon. The heroes did their best to try to spare some of the warriors, but in the end, only one got away, fleeing the scene after his dragonmaster was dead.
Luckily for Gnoguh, Carric had recently learned a new ritual that enables him to raise the dead. Once done, a seriously weakened Gnoguh returned from the Shadowfell.
There was some very interesting treasure, and amongst it, a round copper disk roughly 3 feet in diameter. Inscribed on the disc is a map of an so far unknown coastline and the following sentence.
Lost here in this briny deep, 10,000 jewels to feed the beast. Below the waves lies the ancient’s hidden trove. Seek not Im’po’potle’s watery dome, lest ye then unleash thy certain doom!
Lordday, 21st Auktauber, year 25
The next morning, the heroes passed into the Feywild. Truxas seemed borderline orgasmic by the change of scenery. Everything was more … well wild. Scents were stronger, light was brighter, darkness was darker, Trees were higher (about 150’ in average it seemed) etc. A few days passed, without noteworthy encounters. In fact, aside from the river, trees and plants, the heroes saw nothing.
Sonday, 22nd Auktauber, year 25
Then, during the second night in the Feywild, during Carric’s watch, he heard and saw something. Some shadow was stalking and observing them, at the edge of perception. He started to wake people up, and then noticed that Truxas was there no longer. As it turns out, it was Truxas, but he was now an Eladrin. He claimed that he during puberty had experienced similar things, but never as strongly. Their debate was interrupted when a giant came out from the darkness, pulling a house-cart. As it stopped, an ancient-looking hunchbacked woman opened and bid the heroes welcome.
The next morning, they pressed on, deeper into the forest of Agliir. In the afternoon, they found the elves of the White Raven Tribe, to whom the land and the burial mound belong. After meeting and talking with Moonshadow, one of their leaders, they struck an agreement with the elves. Recently, an outsider elf had arrived, and lured several of the tribe’s warriors away. Together they had occupied the most sacred and holy burial mound for more than a month now. What they wanted was unclear, but the White Ravens certainly didn’t want them there. The heroes were to kill or capture the white-haired elf while if at all possible, sparing the warriors. After agreeing to this, the heroes were led to the burial mound by a mute elf called Zikir.
Once there, they quickly entered and found the white-haired elf. He was conducting a ritual in the bottom cave, with the warriors guarding his back. The battle begun and it proved soon to be lethal. Targron was down and counting no less than 3 times, and Gnoguh was killed by the white-haired elf in his true form – that of a green dragon. The heroes did their best to try to spare some of the warriors, but in the end, only one got away, fleeing the scene after his dragonmaster was dead.
Luckily for Gnoguh, Carric had recently learned a new ritual that enables him to raise the dead. Once done, a seriously weakened Gnoguh returned from the Shadowfell.
There was some very interesting treasure, and amongst it, a round copper disk roughly 3 feet in diameter. Inscribed on the disc is a map of an so far unknown coastline and the following sentence.
Lost here in this briny deep, 10,000 jewels to feed the beast. Below the waves lies the ancient’s hidden trove. Seek not Im’po’potle’s watery dome, lest ye then unleash thy certain doom!
Lordday, 21st Auktauber, year 25
The next morning, the heroes passed into the Feywild. Truxas seemed borderline orgasmic by the change of scenery. Everything was more … well wild. Scents were stronger, light was brighter, darkness was darker, Trees were higher (about 150’ in average it seemed) etc. A few days passed, without noteworthy encounters. In fact, aside from the river, trees and plants, the heroes saw nothing.
Sonday, 22nd Auktauber, year 25
Then, during the second night in the Feywild, during Carric’s watch, he heard and saw something. Some shadow was stalking and observing them, at the edge of perception. He started to wake people up, and then noticed that Truxas was there no longer. As it turns out, it was Truxas, but he was now an Eladrin. He claimed that he during puberty had experienced similar things, but never as strongly. Their debate was interrupted when a giant came out from the darkness, pulling a house-cart. As it stopped, an ancient-looking hunchbacked woman opened and bid the heroes welcome.
16. december 2008
23rd session
After getting out of the oubliette, the heroes went on to explore the temple of Baphomet, the Well of Demons. They found the missing book in an empty shrine. Now they had the 4 items the ghosts had said would be needed to open the doors to the inner sanctum. They decided to rest up before placing the 4 items in the 4 ritual circles, something which should summon the guardians.
Tirsday 17th Auktaubor, year 25
All pumped up and ready, the heroes spread out, each standing with an item, ready to put it in one of the ritual circles. The guardians were released, and it was, as the ghosts had said, skeletal dragons, breathing necrotic energy. The fight didn't last long, and the only one in any immediate danger seemed to be Truxas. The guardians dead, the heroes continued into the Inner Sanctum. Which was empty. There was a note (impaled into an altar with a sacrificial dagger), saying:
To the adventurers from the oubliette:
If you are reading this, it means that you somehow survived your time in there.
Know this. You have crossed me and my Lord, and interfered with our plans.
This will not be forgotten, nor forgiven. My Lord and Master has assured me that both you and your families,
all that you have dear, will suffer the consequences, sooner than later.
Your homes will burn, your females will be raped, and your children will be eaten
Yourselves will die a brutal and painful death on his altars.
For the glory of Yeenoghu
Maldrick Scarmaker.
Deciding that the gnolls must have left the place behind, the heroes zapped back to Drahar and the Church of Kord.
Once home again, they met with Trevor. He told them that there was still no word of Zeke. The Church had learned from books from the SPH that the tomb of Zorich did not contain the corpse of the Exarch, but instead it contained two artifacts. But when the Church of the Keeper returned from the Feywild, there was no artifacts in the tomb. Moreso, the casting of some rituals had provided a little more information: Zeke was indeed the one who removed those two artifacts from the tomb, and he is still in the Feywild. Not knowing what Zeke could be up to, this worries Trevor to no end, and he wishes for you to go after Zeke, "deal" with him, and return with the artifacts so that they can be examined by the Church of Kord. Naturally, everyone agree.
Then they met with the Council, to discuss some formalia, and with Clarence, the recently appointed Steward of Kegar Manor. He gave them a lot of information regarding things, and plans were made to stay in contact with him. The heroes even tried to find a cleric/mage that could be sent to Kegar Manor to help Clarence keeping in touch with his Lords.
Onsday 18th Auktaubor, year 25
They also made a round trip to the manor, to inspect the grounds and make a few plans. They found a portal in the cellar.
Torsday 19th Auktaubor, year 25
It was time to head to the Feywild. Problem is, where the hell do you access the Feywild from. Waiting for the Church to shift back in seemed like an idea, but several thought it would by silly to sit around and wait for something that might or might not happen in a month. It was decided to look for a more permanent portal, and who better than Gendar to provide some info about a portal?
Torn zapped the heroes to the Seven Pillared Hall, and 500 gp lighter, they had some information.
They were told to head to the forest directly south of the Thunderspire Mountains, follow the river to the west, and find the elves about a day's travel from the end of the river.
Torn's Phantom Steeds made the travel a short one. By evening they arrived at the end of the river, and made camp. Soon an Ettin and his pet dire bear just happened to walk past their campsite. A short but very bloody battle followed, with Carric and Gnoguh both escaping the cold grasp of the Raven Queen by just a hair's breath, but in the end, the heroes prevailed.
Tirsday 17th Auktaubor, year 25
All pumped up and ready, the heroes spread out, each standing with an item, ready to put it in one of the ritual circles. The guardians were released, and it was, as the ghosts had said, skeletal dragons, breathing necrotic energy. The fight didn't last long, and the only one in any immediate danger seemed to be Truxas. The guardians dead, the heroes continued into the Inner Sanctum. Which was empty. There was a note (impaled into an altar with a sacrificial dagger), saying:
To the adventurers from the oubliette:
If you are reading this, it means that you somehow survived your time in there.
Know this. You have crossed me and my Lord, and interfered with our plans.
This will not be forgotten, nor forgiven. My Lord and Master has assured me that both you and your families,
all that you have dear, will suffer the consequences, sooner than later.
Your homes will burn, your females will be raped, and your children will be eaten
Yourselves will die a brutal and painful death on his altars.
For the glory of Yeenoghu
Maldrick Scarmaker.
Deciding that the gnolls must have left the place behind, the heroes zapped back to Drahar and the Church of Kord.
Once home again, they met with Trevor. He told them that there was still no word of Zeke. The Church had learned from books from the SPH that the tomb of Zorich did not contain the corpse of the Exarch, but instead it contained two artifacts. But when the Church of the Keeper returned from the Feywild, there was no artifacts in the tomb. Moreso, the casting of some rituals had provided a little more information: Zeke was indeed the one who removed those two artifacts from the tomb, and he is still in the Feywild. Not knowing what Zeke could be up to, this worries Trevor to no end, and he wishes for you to go after Zeke, "deal" with him, and return with the artifacts so that they can be examined by the Church of Kord. Naturally, everyone agree.
Then they met with the Council, to discuss some formalia, and with Clarence, the recently appointed Steward of Kegar Manor. He gave them a lot of information regarding things, and plans were made to stay in contact with him. The heroes even tried to find a cleric/mage that could be sent to Kegar Manor to help Clarence keeping in touch with his Lords.
Onsday 18th Auktaubor, year 25
They also made a round trip to the manor, to inspect the grounds and make a few plans. They found a portal in the cellar.
Torsday 19th Auktaubor, year 25
It was time to head to the Feywild. Problem is, where the hell do you access the Feywild from. Waiting for the Church to shift back in seemed like an idea, but several thought it would by silly to sit around and wait for something that might or might not happen in a month. It was decided to look for a more permanent portal, and who better than Gendar to provide some info about a portal?
Torn zapped the heroes to the Seven Pillared Hall, and 500 gp lighter, they had some information.
They were told to head to the forest directly south of the Thunderspire Mountains, follow the river to the west, and find the elves about a day's travel from the end of the river.
Torn's Phantom Steeds made the travel a short one. By evening they arrived at the end of the river, and made camp. Soon an Ettin and his pet dire bear just happened to walk past their campsite. A short but very bloody battle followed, with Carric and Gnoguh both escaping the cold grasp of the Raven Queen by just a hair's breath, but in the end, the heroes prevailed.
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