In but the blink of an eye in the dirge of the grimmest contest of arms and wills I have yet encountered, a mis-heard phrase, an instruction vaguely shouted against the outcry and din of war, while sense to all, was meaningless to me.
....so sad.....
Insight of Master Wizard Silverstaff from a gathering from the ethereal message of one El Rohir to his cousin:
"I have failed. I have failed you, myself, and the Hestmark!"
WHAT ABOUT YOUR COMPANIONS THAT YOU FAILED! I THINK TO MYSELF.
"I have spent the past nine months in earnest seeking spent blood." WELL HE IS A BARBARIC PRIEST!
"In but the blink of an eye in the dirge of the grimmest contest of arms and wills I have yet encountered, an act of INATTENTION TO WHAT I HEARD X3, AND COULD NOT FATHOM was meaningless to me. And in the fog (IN THIS FOG, ELROHIR WAS ABLE TO CANCEL HIS RAGE AND CAST SPELLS) of this one battle, I brought about a condition which may have cost the Hestmark its freedom.
In my failure my fear and self loathing were justified that our new wizard companion has the good sense to keep his mouth shut along with the rest. YEAH!
Apologies to El'Rohir. This campaign log is not a place to discuss game issues, so I apologize for poking fun at your post. I appreciate the eloquence and length to which you've gone to interject some drama into the campaign.
I'm afraid we have failed. Drak is lost and now Hanor is gone! Hanor's body was at least recovered from the place of his gruesome fate! If only we could have recovered Drak's as well! I feel so deeply for Aria's sadness. The mere thought of losing El'Rohir fills me with a mournfulness that I can hardly bear. And, my poor, valiant El'Rohir. Our battle at the entrance to the Archbishop's lair (for that is where one as wretched as he lives) was much more difficult than we could have imagined. I don't know what it was that saved me but I was nearly killed! From my unconscious state I was saved by Boss Fromm. The war trolls that we were fighting were nothing like I've ever encountered. It was one of the most strenuous battles we have ever fought! There were only four and we should have taken them swiftly but they kept regenerating at an unbelievable speed and fire wasn't helping our cause! It turned out that acid was the bane of these vile creatures and our new companion, Thasos, realized that there were casks of acid on the boat that we were using for cover. If not for that bit of luck we would have all perished. I feel we owe our lives to this newcomer for that. He's not Drak, and I miss Drak terribly, but I feel he will be a strong addition to the Oathbound if that's what he chooses to become. Before we could finish off these trolls a horrible monster came from right out of the stone wall!! This was the guardian for which the cloak was meant. I heard Boss Fromm say not to worry for we had the cloak but I don't think El'Rohir heard for as soon as most of the trolls were down and we had some breathing room he turned his clerical magic upon the guardian beast and the beast went wild trying to kill all of us! The hope of our entering the cathedral was lost. If only I could have stopped El from casting that spell! I could have saved him from the punishment he's putting himself through. We have all made mistakes and I, for one, freely admit it having barely escaped with my life from my lone scouting excursion of Dedermont's Keep! Let the others say what they will but let them also remember that El'Rohir has never faltered in his quest and has always defended our group to the utmost! He's stepped to the line and has unselfishly given of himself whether in fighting, spells or wisdom. He is so distraught over his actions, though, that he is sure that the others cannot respect him. I will not falter in my support for him, though, for even in the darkest times El'Rohir is my shining light. He has made me whole again. I will stand beside him through war and peace and I will defend his actions through and through for he would die before he would ever knowingly do anything to hurt the party!
We must begin again. Who know's what lies before us now! We at least were able to kill Col. Dedermont, who, it turns out, was the scout that nearly killed me on that almost fateful day. We've kept his body. Someone will have fun interrogating him. It turns out that Terranza is the only heiress to the Baron's seat in Dorr! In light of our upcoming battle I was not able to congratulate her properly and offer her my support. If we can sway the people of Dorr to accept her we will have so much more support! That will only help our cause!
I'm sure the Archbishop is gathering his army to attempt to detroy the Hestmark Republic. With all my body and soul, I will stand and fight. I pray to Obad'Hai that we survive and the that Hestmark Republic will continue to grow in support. I pray to Moradin that Hanor will come back to us and that he will want to remain with our party. And, with all my heart, I pray to Pelor to aid El'Rohir in his inner struggle with himself and that he will know his importance to our group and the cause as a whole.
9-7 to 10-14-576 (Patchwall) The party returned to the Mines of the Sharpaxe Clan. Elrohir raised Hanor from the dead. Boss Fromm tells the Oathbound that they might still find a way to kill the Archbishop. Maure Castle, an ancient Suel-built fortress east of the City of Greyhawk, is rumored to hold a guardian demon named Kerzit prisoner, bound by an artifact known as the Tome of the Black Heart. The Archbishop, in his younger years, was responsible for the imprisonment of Kerzit in Maure Castle and if the Tome can be destroyed, Boss Fromm is certain that the demon will take his vengeance on the archbishop. Hanor does not accompany the party, stating that his clerical powers are needed in the Dorr area to help fight off the Archbishop’s minions. The party travels to Greyhawk, spending Brewfest in Scant, enjoying the festivities in the port city. In Greyhawk, the party spends almost a week buying and selling magic items, readying themselves for the quest into Maure Castle. Along the way to Maure Castle, near a shabby mining town called Diamond Lake, the party defeats scimitar wielding bandits and free several women from captivity. Thassos teleports a captured bandit and several freed slaves to Greyhawk before returning to join the party. After exploring the abandoned upper ruins of Maure Castle, the party finds the tunnel the leads to the dungeons below….
10/13/576 (Patchwall)
My dear cousin,
The Oathbound are once again on the move. Through the great will and giving wisdom of The Light, I have been able to revive our brother Hanor from the night shade of death. I have intoned the rituals and ask you to please light a candle to Moradin in Hanor’s honor in my home at the estate. For it is as the Scroll of Light tells us,
“Belay not the wisdom of the Gods, dismiss not their power, Sun and Moon work through Sky, Sea, and Earth to act as one in their struggle with the darkness that would consume them all in the hellish fires that are the hearts of men…”
How many times have we been reminded by the acolytes of Pelor, the seekers of His light, at the estate as children to listen to the ‘song of the forest, the call of the wind, and the wisdom of the mountains’ as we scamper about on the surface of this great World?
As Pelor allowed, Hanor breathes again and my heart is filled with joy with his every laugh and grumble! He has risen in power and with the pleasure of Moradin beneath his feet he has chosen to remain behind with his people. The folks in both Dorr and the Highlands will need his wisdom and craft in the coming months leading to war with the Medigians. I am not saddened to see him leave our travels, because he is our brother and will be our friend and companion for the rest of our lives. We all know of the need that keeps him here and know that the survival of these parts will depend greatly on what aid he can give them.
After the telling of my failure which caused us to abort our attack on the Archbishop, Boss Fromm spent a goodly amount of time in consultation with the Sharpaxe Clan’s wisemen and reported that there was yet another way to destroy this evil man. However, I am striving to weigh the costs of this new plan. The cost, not in money, gems, or knowledge; But rather, the possible dire cost to our souls.
Fromm told us about an ancient castle east of the great city of Greyhawk. Its name is Maure Castle and has been a ruin since the oldest gray hairs can remember. The Elves consider it old! This ancient Suel fortress is said to be the prison (through some arcane and ancient magic) a Guardian Demon called Kerzit. Please ask my father and Uncle Earnur for any and all information on this entity and use the ‘Sending’ spell to relay what you learn as soon as possible. His imprisonment there is supposedly related in some way to the Tome of the Black Heart (a magical book of supreme power). Our mission is to explore the underground of this ruin, find the prison, destroy the Tome (somehow), and free this Demon who will almost certainly take his immediate vengeance on the Archbishop who was involved in his capture and placement there.
This has created a great question in my mind and the omens and dream messages are not aiding me in the decision that must be made here. Should we loose this great beast and wielder of evil upon the World? Will it indeed complete our work of killing the Archbishop; or, will it instead stand with him in its desire to see the good of the World crushed beneath the boot of evil and tyranny? Even if it completes the task of killing the Archbishop, will it then go on a spree of dreadful and evil acts making the deeds of the Archbishop seem child like in comparison? If so, will we then have the power to recapture or destroy this beast?
Do I support this action due to a driving need to redeem myself before the Hestmark and my comrades or because it is the correct thing to do? My wisdom tells me naught on this. I pray daily for the answer. I also seek the wisdom and sight to continue to see the demarcation between the darkness and the light.
With no answer forthcoming, I believe that Pelor is testing me. I must use my own wisdom to decide which course to take. I am reaching a crossroads. Which path should I take?
We spent Brewfest in Scant and Silver and I enjoyed this port town and its accommodations a great deal. Even as the days and months pass her company is each morning fresh and as alive as when we first met eyes and realized that something more than comradeship was there. I do not envy you, cousin with your harem of girls from the halls of the estate. Do not be offended; but, I have found one that outmatches them all!
After the festival, we have traveled to Greyhawk and discovered the city to be overlarge and magnificent! I have never before experienced such a place with its varied building styles and its wonderful people. On the surface, it is everything I have heard it to be. But, my mind found a great number of dark alleyways off the usual paths and there is a great potential (if not actuality) for evil to thrive there beneath the notice of the casual observer. Perhaps after the war, I will have occasion to bring Silver here and explore its mysteries in greater depth. I have no doubt that her warrior spirit would be up to such an adventure. We spent a week there trading and buying things for the underground test coming to us in short order.
On the road to the castle, we passed a small mining village called Diamond Lake. We came to a small bridge where a few highwaymen attempted to waylay us. Fools! I called out the incantation to exact Righteous Might upon them and I could smell the fear of the inexperienced as their eyes widened as I grew to my full height to fight them. They were dispatched in very short order and we were able to capture one to be sent back to Greyhawk (Thassos did this with is teleport spell), to be turned over to the authorities as well as several women we freed from the captivity of these hapless bandits. We walked several more back to their home village by the lake and then continued on our way to Maure Castle.
I am writing this to you while sitting among the ruins of that very edifice. Thassos and Aria have just discovered a way into the underground at the base of the hill and we are mulling over our options before taking the plunge into the depths.
Wish me luck, cousin. Once again, I am leaping into the fray with my compatriots with worry for naught except the welfare of my love.
Time is growing to a point when I must take the ultimate plunge into the adventure that is ever taking my mind’s eye away from the mere dangerous activities we find ourselves in. I feel that the time to ask Silver THAT question is coming soon. You have now met her and I will seek the approval of my father and of Uncle Earnur when the time comes. Please take some time to question them both on this matter for me, will you? Of course, as always, I will find my own path, and as a man now I require naught but the approval and wisdom of The Light to find my path through life. However, I do find that the blessing of my family is something that I desire (as I will seek it from her family as well). Think on this and let me know your thoughts in our next communication.
Your cousin,
El ‘Rohir
Journal of Master Wizard Thasos Silverstaff:
9/16/576
I made my goodbyes to the Oathbound and the recently raised Hanor and his clan. I explained that my affairs at home were pressing. Actually the acquisition of money, and magic that we acquired was needed in my other endeavors. Mainly copying all my spell books. I just do not trust the Astral work of Leomund and his chest. Who knows, when one is made, does Leomund his heirs or others know? My spell books are too valuable.
9/18/576
I teleported back home two days ago and met with Good Grezzor my man servant. I sent him out to my various associates and friends with letters to inform them of my return.
My report on the negotiations with the Hestmark that I prepared is sad. No matter how I rephrase, edit and explain, the report is poor and obvious in my failure.
Oh Well they should have sent one of those fops that work in the State Department, possibly a garrulous Halfling, or a flighty Elf, or better yet a serious and devoted dwarf.
I presented it to the Iron League bureaucrat clerk. I had sealed it with my magical mark. I let slip as I handed it over, that to open it without the proper password would cause any unauthorized reader to suffer the Slimy Doom. It was very satisfying to see him blanch. He then quickly dropped the scroll case in the send tube.
10/14/576
I was able to copy three books during my absence, but had to return to the fight, and the acquisition of additional funds. We traveled to Greyhawk, where I exhaust my remaining gold on a few potions. I summon steeds for the whole party and we leave for some ruins that hold a foul tome that can be used to free a devil that will possibly attack the Archbishop of Pontilver. Well it may be worth a try, it will at least be interesting. I have left an ensorcelled gem with the Church of Pelor with instructions to leave it alone and in a room sufficient to hold 10 people. Hopefully Priest El-Rohir’s standing is strong enough to keep them straight. That Gem will allow me and whomever I touch to teleport back instantly and without error. I like to keep the escape route open! I hate dealing with creatures of the Hells and Abyss, other than with a banishment upon my lips!
After a brief fight with some bandits, we rescue some women and I teleport two and a prisoner back to Greyhawk to face punishment. He capture and subsequent release to the authorities netted a little gold.
The entrance is located at the ruins and we prepare!
We've been given a second chance. If we go to an ancient ruin of a place called Maure Castle and free a demon who is trapped there (that the Archbishop was key in trapping) there is a good chance that this demon called, Kerzit, will search out the Archbishop and kill him thus leaving the Archbishops followers without a leader and thrown into chaos and disarray. Good for us and the Hestmark Republic but bad for the rest of the world? I truly believe that all things happen for a reason but I'm having a very difficult time justifying that reason. What of the path of destruction the demon would leave behind? How many will suffer or be killed because of our act before the Archbishop suffers the painful death that he so greatly deserves? Is it true that in war innocents will die? Is this the right way or the easy way? I pray and pray to Obad'Hai but find no answers. I don't know if I'm strong enough to handle the repercussions of our actions. For the greater good is what I keep telling myself but who am I to decide what the greater good is? I feel so lost. I feel so lost until I look into El'Rohir's eyes and without a word he is telling me that whatever I decide he will be by my side to the very end. I know he feels as I do. I can see the turmoil in his face but he never wavers from the course. He prays even more than I but I don't think the Gods are answering him either. Perhaps if I talk it out with Terranza or Aria it will help to clear my mind. Possibly the wizard, Thassos, could share his perspective and give a view none of us can see. Even then, though, I know it is my decision.
I wish that I could find the courage to give El'Rohir the gift I had made for him in Greyhawk. It seems a little too forward but if we're going to throw ourselves down into a dungeon with a demon I may never have another chance. What good is the gift if it rots in my pocket when I die? I will give it to him before we enter the castle. He must know, totally and completely, the depths of my feelings for him and my hopes for the future. That way if my dream of the future never comes to pass at least he'll know and that is the most important thing. Oh, how you think of the ones you love when about to begin what could be the last thing you ever do. I cannot say how relieved my heart is that I was able to communicate with my parents before this. To know that they are well and to give them a little insight into what my life has become. To tell them about El'Rohir. They have no idea what I'm truly doing which is probably best. I hope I live long enough to see them again. If I don't, I know I will leave this life with El'Rohir beside me and that is more important to me than anything that I can think of. The only thing I ask of Obad'Hai, should I die, is that El'Rohir's eyes be that last thing that I look upon before I leave this world and enter the new. The image of his eyes so full of love and passion and strength would be emblazoned upon my very soul and would remain with me ever after.
I pray to Obad'Hai to guide our steps and to help me find the way to that which I so fiercely seek.
The party was confounded by the unopenable doors until a gnoll patrol opened them to venture to the outside. After killing all the gnolls but one, the Oathbound interrogated the survivor and let him go with his weapons after he drew them a map to get to the next level and giving them some details on the levels below. Six undead horrors with great white eyes that had some sort of magical power attacked the Oathbound, but the party was able to shrug off the power and quickly destroyed the undead, aided by a successful turn undead by El’Rohir. Moving on, the party recovered a strangely glowing chalice from a fountain filled with burning hetfish. The party started to explore the area around the curtains and after finding some empty and uninteresting rooms, Terranza picked the lock to a room inhabited by someone. A human in plate armor and a dancing bastard sword, backed up by an ogre mage, came out of a room that featured a loom, other weaving equipment and tapestries. Aria noticed that the dusk skin colored human didn’t move like a human, he fought like a giant, his moves were not the normal moves of a medium sized creature. The dancing sword and the human were very dangerous and both Terranza and Aria were slain before El’Rohir, protected by an ironguard spell cast by Thassos, moved in and forced the strange human in platearmor to flee, using a dimension door (as determined by Thassos’ intimate familiarity with all things magic). The ogre mage was feebleminded by Thassos before El’Rohir moved in and killed it. The party retreated into the ogre mage weaver’s room to heal and raise their dead
Maure Castle may be the death of us. We are no more than a few hundred feet past the entrance and already two of our comrades have fallen. Terranza and Aria were beset upon by a strange "short giant" as Aria described him once we had her back with us. Thanks be to the Gods that my beloved El'Rohir was able to bring her and Terranza back! We are going to have to tread lightly to survive this place but survive we must! We are going to need the strength of the whole group to complete our task! I still am not even sure that what we are doing is the right thing. Do the ends justify the means? I can only let Obad'Hai guide my steps and hope they fall on the correct path. Yet, even in this dark and dangerous place I have found happiness. Should we survive this place, El'Rohir and I will be wed. It is hard to describe my feelings now. I wish, more than anything, that we could just leave this place so that El'Rohir and I could begin our life together but I know that what we are doing now is the most important work of all! I must not let impatience rule my thoughts. I must remain focused on the task but I am free to dream! I plan to talk to El'Rohir about asking Hanor to marry us. The thoughts of our happiness together after we are done with this place will keep me going. Who knows the dangers that we are going to face here and if we can but survive these dangers and complete our task the whole world will be a better place. I pray to Obad'Hai to guide my steps, to keep my comrades strong and to protect my love.
After spending the night resting in the weaver's room, the party was ambushed by another patrol of gnolls, but finished them off handily. Moving on, they successfully released an air elemental from its imprisonment, but sent it back to the Elemental Plane of Air with full knowledge that they lost a carpet of flying. Thassos' superior knowledge of all things magical seems to be paying off well for the party, for he is able to analyze and evaluate magical items and their uses with his permanent arcane sight and refined knowledge of such topics.
Beyond the black curtain, the party spent quite a bit of time exploring and evaluating the strange statues of nobles and the viewing stands, trying to figure out their meaning. When Aria activated the iron golem, the party was quite taken aback by what they saw. Thanks to two Ironguard spells cast on Elrohir and Silver, the party managed to defeat the iron golem, but had to spend the night in the secret passage they found in order to regain their health.
The next day they explored the area where the bodaks had come from and did not delve beyond the wall of stone engraved with the magical symbol for danger. Terranza defeated one of the fighter frescoes. After Thassos determined that the fighter frescoes were an ancient art of Suloise magical craftsmanship, he took off one of the doors and put it in Silver's portable hole in order to study the door further back at home.
Pressing on, the party approached the northern part of the Great Hall level, intent on exploring the final doors along the north edge prior to moving on to the second level.
From the Journal of MasterWizard Thasos Silverstaff
10/15/576
We gained the entrance without much ado, but then not much occurred for hours and hours. The tedium was really bad, and a few of my defensive spells ran out as we tried to figure out how the get through a set of very stubborn doors.
Our patience had practically ran its course, when the doors opened! The hapless Gnoll that done this very beneficial deed was very surprised. We soon made short work of him, and then while we interrogated the lone survivor we were set upon by some mindless undead that had very unsettling eyes.
It is a good thing that we had a priest of Pelor with us. El Rohir banished them through his god’s holy might. Very impressive.
We let the Gnoll go after he drew a map to his tribe’s area. I did cast prestidigitation upon him in the form of a glowing light and explained that he was now marked with my magic. If he betrayed us, the light would melt his mind from the inside out. I believe my ruse worked. He definitely fled as if.
After some more exploring and the finding of some treasure, we were rudely attacked! It was a very near thing, we had split our party to speed up the searching (against my advice) and Terranza, and Aria were slain by a midget giant, and an ogre magi!
I warded El Rohir with a mighty spell, and then turned the ogre magi’s mind to that of a lizard. He babbled about, but the midget fled via dimension door. I and El Rohir slew the ogre, and then we dragged the bodies of our fallen comrades into a weaver’s room and rested for the night. Luckily we were undisturbed and El Rohir was able to bring their corpses back to the land of living.
From the Journal of Thasos Silverstaff, Masterwizard
10/16/576
This dungeon is very bizarre! After raising the others, and curing me of my curse, oh I had forgotten the weirdest experience of my 28 years of life! I appraised the belt we found from the previous encounter and picked it as my part of treasure. The belt only emanated transmutation magic through my arcane sight. I determined it to be a belt of strength enhancement. Much to my chagrin, when I donned the belt, I was changed from a man to a woman!
Oh the turmoil I suffered! Everything became an issue of how I felt, or how they felt, and whether or not my robes made me look fat! Damn! It really sucked! Luckily El Rohir being a priest of higher power was able to dispel the curse and relieve me of the emotional angst I was suffering! Of course Aria in her typical Elvish flamboyant frivolity attempted to share!
Shedding the female persona was very gratifying but the night prior was an interesting experience of my personal adjustments.
The next day we continued with the southern rooms, and were soon set upon by a group of 7 gnolls bearing those vicious dire flails. El launched his throwing battleaxe at first sight! I was caught unawares as I was concentrating on the magic found with in the next room.
El’s yell alerted the rest of us, but it was a desperate fight! El slew a few of the hairy beasts, but was pummeled into unconsciousness. I launched a few spells, but Aria’s bow, Terranza’s axe and Silver’s swords soon slew the creatures. Silver brought her lover awake through a potion, and he drew upon his Deity’s power to heal the rest.
I was then able to fully examine the rugs in the room, primarily the one with the magical pin. Through my arcane sight and knowledge of the arcane, and planes was able to determine that the carpet was a carpet of flying. I tested my theory my stating the name on the pin and it elevated to the customary 3 feet off the floor. I dredged my memory for the ancient Suel history and remembered that they used to torture and imprison elementals for mundane tasks such as this carpet. I explained my view on the matter with the rest of the party and all were in agreement to release the elemental. I had them all step away, but the damned elf started harping on me about rewards and me being the only one to receive them. I informed her that on my honor I would share any reward with the rest if such came about. She quieted down. I never would have thought that the musical voices of elves could be sooooo grating!
After I made sure the others were at a relatively safe distance, I removed the pin, and invoked the releasing words to free the creature! I formed with much thunder and wind. I met it’s furious gaze and I respectfully informed it was free, with no obligations to the Oathbound. I palatably felt its gratitude, as it returned to its home plane. The creature had been bound for at least 2000 years, what a bad fate. Well I now have the name of a powerful air elemental ally if needed to summon such.
After that we explored past the black curtain that was to the south of the rooms we were exploring. El went ahead, while I stayed hidden behind closed doors, my spell of “Light of Lunia” was too revealing. El moved ahead with his permanent Darkvision (thanks to my permanency spell) to look through the curtains while the others waiting in a skirmish line in the dark. As soon as El parted the curtains the violet emanation of faerie fire was seen. The gallery behind the curtain was sufficient to house a small arena.
I was advised that my glowing persona was safe to come out, and I detected faint illusion magic from the room. These emanations came from the two bystander stands to the east and west, and the pillars at the entrance. These ivory pillars were great works of art!
To the South was a strange set up of two sculptures, one a robed figure with dagger in hand, and an armored figure with long sword in his. They flanked a stairway that led up to a throne. Situated upon the throne was a statue of iron! All else in this gallery was of ivory or wood, but this was in iron! GOLEM, my mind screams. An Iron golem, a creature that is virtually immune to my arcane art!
I yell out my fear to the others to beware the iron statue, but alas it animates when Aria enters beneath its platform.
I cast my only effective spell against it, an electrical orb that causes it to slow for a brief moment. At this point we prepare. I cast Iron guard, bulls strength, Bear’s Endurance, Cats Grace on the others. El swells in size and then again until he is huge! The golem comes! El drops it with a prayer to Pelor to shake the ground, causing a small quake! The construct drops, but soon rises, only to be hacked and hewed upon by the might axes and blades of the Oathbound.
Terranza’s charge is beaten back, but she is smart enough to leave her wonderful adamantine axe for Silver’s use (she has been protected by my magic) and the golem is soon turned into so much scrap! Of course enchanted scrap is valuable for spells, so I magically store 85 pounds of it!
What a battle, we hide in the secret hallway behind and under the platform. Oh the ladies were able to toggle some levers that released the dagger and longsword from the flanking statues. They are very powerful weap
My dear Cousin,
We spent the night in what we are calling the “Weaver’s Room”. The battle with the Gnolls was tougher than we had imagined it would have been.
When rested, we departed the room and began our next phase of exploration when we were ambushed by another patrol of these well outfitted Gnolls. We once again joined them in combat and although they were able to beat me down, we managed to defeat them.
We encountered a trapped air elemental creature and managed to release it from its prison allowing it to then escape with a magic carpet.
Having Thassos around has certainly been of great benefit to our group. With his abilities and intense knowledge of magic, I dare say he is in a position to save us both time and effort in discerning magical traps and what many items do while still in the field. This is helping our effectiveness greatly. He has also been able to tell us some of the lore behind much of the magical devices we have carried with us for some time now. We now know some of the more ancient names and even some of the history behind several of our prized possessions making them even more dear to our hearts.
We discovered a huge room of statues that lay hidden behind the mysterious black curtain near our hideout. We expended some amount of time and effort attempting to interpret the meanings and history of the various statues and the viewing stands when Aria activated and Iron Golem guardian that attacked us immediately.
Thassos bestowed his “Ironguard Spell” upon Silver and I and we managed to defeat this rather powerful guardian. However, afterwards, we were spent and had to camp once again to regain our feet to continue this phase of exploration. It seems to me that at this rate, it will take a very long time to reach our goal in this place.
When once again we were rested sufficiently, we explored the area where the undead had come from. We did not pass beyond the magical danger symbol as yet. Terranza had a fight with a magical frescoe that animated and attacked as well.
Thassos once again bent his remarkable mind toward this latest foe and determined that these frescoes were an ancient art of the Suloise. He said that their fine magical craftsmanship was very distinct and without match in the modern World. He collected some samples for later study.
As I have said before, cousin, terror and powerful foes seem to linger behind every door and around every corner of this ancient carnival of danger. I must admit that I have grave feelings for our group’s success. Of course, I have expressed such feelings before and been proven wrong. I hope that I am wrong this time as well.
I have so much to lose now that Silver and I have made our life choices to be with each other and to formalize this union of love and soul in marriage. At this point, even my desire to destroy the Archbishop and his Master the Overking pale in comparison to my desire to survive just long enough to take and keep that vow.
El ‘Rohir
It is my fear that we may not survive these castle remains. It seem that everywhere we turn some odd enemy appears. The only things that seem somewhat normal are the Gnoll raiding parties!! We have battled some very odd undead, the like of which I have never seen, with very unsettling eyes, a weird "midget" giant with an ogre mage sidekick, a beast made of iron and a warrior right out of a painting and we have yet to travel more than 3000 feet! I fear that we may not survive this quest. As important as the role is that we play in the success of the Hestmark Republic, I fear that the commitment I've made to El'Rohir is much more important. To me, this is where the paths I've taken in my life have been leading me. I can see nothing as clearly as I can see that. If I could I would leave this place right now in order to promise my life and my love to El'Rohir forever. To fight next to him, for what we both believe, as his wife and soul mate is the only thing I want and I can hardly think of anything else. This is my destiny. I know that I won't let this hinder my judgement but I have never in my life felt this strongly about something and these desires fill my mind day and night. If there was only a way! Perhaps our new comrade Thassos can help.
Obad'Hai protect us and provide for us the strength and wisdom we need to succeed in this quest!
The party finished up their exploration of the first level, including going past the area marked for danger and blocked off by a wall of stone. They found the danger, as Thassos, in a magical stupor, threw both is staff and cloak of resistance into a hole that "ate" the items. The party moved to the second level and began exploring the rooms near the entrance. Using a "veil" spell cast by Thassos the entire party was made to look like gnolls and soon encountered a Seeker patrol that challenged them, telling them that they had now found the place where the gnolls were hiding their secret treasure, as the party had just emerged from a set of empty rooms. The humans fled and the party, somewhat amused, continued their exploration. After battling some strange tiger/wolf mix creatures in an obvious kennel area, the humans returned in force, backed up by a female archer and another one of the tiger/wolf creatures, much stronger, but alone. The battle was one-sided as the party, enlarged by Thassos finished off the wolf and caused the female archer to flee. They took several Seeker guards prisoner and took them upstairs for interrogation.
Journal of Master Wizard Thasos Silverstaff:
10/17/576
We rest and move on. This dungeon is very eerie! Our footfalls echo in the large cavernous rooms, while the darkness eats our light. The exploration of the first level continued to where we come across ancient Suloise paintings that come to life and attack! Terranza destroy the one that animated, and we took the remaining two doors as prize!
This level is empty, and all but one area has been explored. The sealed hallway that is marked in Mordenkainan’s own Arcane mark warning of danger. Of course the others cannot resist, and El takes the wall down with a stone shape prayer.
We find a single door, that opens to Terranza’s tools and we move into the room that has small pits in the floor.
The next thing I am aware of is that my staff and cloak are now missing. According to the others I apparently became enthralled by an enchantment that caused me to fling my belongings into the pits that masticated them. I hope they get the runs from it. Damn, I had that staff for 10 years, and the cloak was highly enchanted with abjuration magic.
After some choice words, we proceed to the Gnoll tunnel. It only allows single file, so I change us all into Gnolls with a Veil spell. Our exploration was rudely interrupted by a patrol of humans, that felt we had stolen some treasure from the “Master”. We try to bluff them, but I could see that a melee was about to ensue, so I magically enlarge us to double our sizes!
The looks on those terrified men was very amusing. They fled, and we continued exploring. A quick melee with some half tiger, half dire wolf creatures handled by the fierce fighters gave a little diversion. The next room caused Terranza to squeak in delight! The focus of that delight was some magnificently made whips hanging on a wall. We search the room and find that the patrol returned with friends!
Unfortunately Terranza is in the hall by herself, while the rest of us cannot bring our might to bear upon our foes. Terranza becomes flanked by another dog/cat, but this one seems to be much tougher and meaner. Arrows thud into Terranza from down the hall, and cross bow bolts shatter against the door jam, when El peers around it. Spells and prayers are flung and Aria’s bow sings out its one long song!
I try to polymorph the cat dog thing, but fail. I hit it with an orb of electricity, while Terranza uses her double ax with great enthusiasm. The enemy archer flees, with a few of the soldiers, and we take three captive.
We move back up to the first level, where we hide out. The captives huddle together, believing themselves the captives of huge, gnolls with unspeakable powers!
My heart is at rest. El'Rohir and I will be wed in the grove temple to Obad'Hai outside Greyhawk so that we may bind ourselves to each other before our Gods and our companions. This has been foremost in my thoughts since El'Rohir and I decided to marry. So right do I feel this is that it seems Obad'Hai himself came to me to make me see. We will not tell our families as of yet for I would not want them to feel left out of such an important event though I do not think that El will be able to keep himself from telling Io. He seems so happy he might burst and I understand the feeling. After all is said and done, should we survive the battles we have yet to fight, we will have a wedding ceremony to be sung about for years to come. Until then step by step El'Rohir and I will fight for what we believe - together.
And, my heart is at rest for another reason as well; El'Rohir has confirmed what I have feared to be true since we set out on our quest at Maure Castle. We cannot free this demon! We must destroy it! I have not been able to convince myself that freeing the foul beast was the right thing. Since it was the only way to get to the Archbishop, I followed the path praying to Obad'Hai for guidance all along. If we free this demon we will damage ourselves irreparably! Though I tried and tried to validate our quest by telling myself that the ends would justify the means it just isn't so. I feel that I have laid down a heavy burden. If I die trying to kill this heathen monster then I will die trying to do good. Attempting to use this evil being to get to another despicably, evil being puts us a step closer to being evil like them. I hope that it will not be difficult to convince the rest of the Oathbound that this is the way but the path of light and life are clear and we must destroy the demon.
I pray to Obad'Hai to watch over us and guide me, as he always has, through the battles to come so that, someday, I will be able to live forever in peace with my husband.
My dear Cousin Io,
We finished our exploration of the first level of the underground. We had saved the area marked, “Danger” for last. The “danger” sign was written apparently by none other than the famous wizard Mordenkainen! The script was written upon a wall of stone that closed off the hallway. This was a magically created wall to seal off whatever was behind it.
Being the curious souls that we are, we tossed in a glowing orb to see the space behind the wall through a small hole chipped through it by someone in the past. Then, Thassos dispelled the wall and we beheld a door beyond. We opened this door to find a room with a number of holes in the floor equally spaced about the round interior. I walked into the room to be certain there were no lurking enemies and declared it safe for entry.
However, I was quite wrong. Thassos entered the room with the others and immediately walked up to one of these holes and dropped in his magical staff! As that act was registering as not right, he whipped off is magical cloak and tossed it in too! He then began searching through his things for something else to throw in when I finally came to my senses to grab him and extricate him from the room. The others followed and we realized how lucky we all were not to have all fallen under the spell of thise terrible trap.
We then moved to the ladder leading down to the next level of this accursed place. Thassos cast a “Veil” spell upon us to make us appear to be a Gnoll patrol. The idea was if we ran into another of these rather nasty groups, we could talk our way through their guard (or at least get the element of surprise in such an encounter).
A party of men were our next encounter. We later found them to be called “Seekers” and they seem to be working for Kerzit or his worshippers. They accused us of having hidden their secret treasure (they fell for the illusion that we were some of the Gnolls from down here). This apparently is an affront to who ever is running the show in this fortress.
Thassos cast the spell of enlargement which affected all of us at once. While I do this to myself with regularity in battle, many of my compatriots were not altogether comfortable with their new size and strength. I have always just taken this effect for granted. It was interesting to see the others struggle with it (even if it was a struggle of just a few seconds). They all adjusted quickly and got a chance to taste the power that such enhancement gives a warrior in battle. I was particularly proud to see my love take immediately to this with the supreme confidence that she has with everything she does.
Once enlarged, we had but to taunt the men once and they fled before us causing a few moments of uncontrolled laughter from our group.
Very soon and with but little further exploration, we came upon am area devoted to the housing and care of strange beasts. These creatures seemed to be a combination of an extremely large dog and one of those large cats that prowls the mountains in the far North Western hills of the Hestmark (but this one had stripes). These beast were the size of a small horse and attacked us immediately and without fear of our numbers nor our light.
Defeating them, we moved on to the examination of more rooms and soon were accosted by another of the beasts (which was noticably larger than the rest) along with another strengthened patrol of “Seekers” who were commanded by a woman archer. I created a tremor beneath the Seekers in case this commander was a spell caster and we engaged them in melee. Once again, still enlarged, we made short work of the lone cat-dog thing and the men and their commander either surrendered or fled before us.
With our prisoners secured, we decided to take them upstairs to a safe room where we could interrogate them without interruption, and then on to Greyhawk to allow Thassos to prepare himself further for our next foray into the depths.
Also, Silver and I have something to do.
I cannot tell you all the details, Cousin. But, I know that you will probably guess what is on my mind. However, you must not tell the family. Not even Ilia or Uncle Earnur! I will cast a light on this soon. Thanks.
El ‘Rohir
Arrive in Greyhawk. Tried to teleport into the Temple of Pelor, but were diverted by Greyhawk's magical effects that protected the city against magical intrusion. Diverted to the only offiical teleportation entry room in castle greyhawk to be confronted by the city guard, arrayed on rows. After disobeying the orders to disarm twice, Elrohir triggered a five wand concussive sonic attack that actually killed Thassos and caused him to teleport back to Irongate where his servant arranged for a raise dead. After arguing vehemently with the city guard about the city's laws against illegal teleportation, the party pays a 3000gp fine in lieu of 30 days imprisoment and is released from Castle Greyhawk. The party split up to visit their respective temples to arrange divinations, spellcasting and make hefty donations. Aria inquired about Drak and after a divination was cast by clerics of Corellon Larethian, she was told that Drak was "beyond death" and beyond the reach of a divination spell.
Elrohir and the rest of the party was contacted by Bernd Redleaf, operator of the Redtree Merchant Company, who warned the party that someone or something had been asking questions about them in Greyhawk. He also offered to help the party with their sale and purchase of items while in Greyhawk.
Thassos spent a few days in Irongate conducting magical research and scribing scrolls.
Big wedding at Temple of Obad-Hai, with Hanor presiding after being teleported in by Thassos. The mayor of Greyhawk attends, mainly because the party spent nearly 250,000gp in the local economy, including almost 16,000gp on the wedding of Elrohir to Silver. The mayor gives the party an honorary Greyhawk City adventuring charter.
Back in Maure Castle after gem jumping back into the hidden passage behind the old iron golem's stand, the party emerges into an attack by an eldritch giant, ten seeker guards and Lyral Zandrill. The eldtrich giant quickly put Elrohir into deeptrouble and nearly killed Aria with magic missiles. The party danced around the giant, trying to avoid its attacks. Things were looking serious, as the giant's magic missiles were takinga toll on the party. Terranza managed to sunder the giant's dancing sword and destroy it with a massive hit from her adamantine double-axe. Thassos finally blinded the giant with a spell and Elrohir dimensional anchored the giant so it couldn't escape again by using its dimension door ability. After having been nearly killed twice by the giant, Elrohir closed with his leap attack and finished off the giant. Badly mauled, the party retreated back to their hiding place to rest and recover.
Dear mother, it has been way to long. Oh how I miss you and home. I love you dearly and hope that this message finds you well. I have good news, my friends Silver and El' were married and still plan on fighting the evil amongst us. Hanor led the beautiful ceremony and even the Mayor of Greyhawk attended. I have given Hanor a note for thirty thousand plus gold pieces to help support the cause. I know he will use it wisely. Thassos was severly injured upon our return to Greyhawk and was teleported to his home town. He was revived and has returned to help in our battle. His magic never ceases to amaze me, I don't know if I will ever get use to it. He is a strange fellow though. I can't figure out why he is here. I really don't think his goal is the same as ours, hopefully it is a common goal. Aria seems distant. She spoke with a high priest in Grayhawk and now seems very sad, more so than when we first lost Drak. We are heading back to the castle, please keep us in your prayers. With all my love, Terranza
It was the most beautiful day of my life. It would only have been better if our families could have shared it with us. It seemed the entire city of Greyhawk celebrated our marriage with us. In fact the mayor of Greyhawk himself attended our wedding! We were married at daybreak in the Obad'Hai Grove outside of the City. It seems the rays of the sun shone only on us. With all of our friends there and Hanor to perform the ceremony it was perfect. As perfect as it could be without our families there. There was a representative of El's family there, though, as his cousin, Bernt, runs a business in Greyhawk. I am so happy I can hardly think of what lies ahead (and we were given some very disturbing news!) so, tonight and tomorrow, I won't. I will enjoy to the fullest the time that El and I will be able to spend together as husband and wife without anything else to think of. Then, we will continue on with our new quest only now we are stronger for we are one.
I cry with joy for the happiness that Obad'Hai has guided me to and I pray to the great leafy God that whether we are together at war against the evils of the world or together at peace enjoying each other and our families that we will always have this happiness just as it is now.
FROM THE JOURNAL OF THASOS SILVERSTAFF, MASTER WIZARD:
10/18/576
I prepare a gem jump spell and leave the gem in the first level, and trigger my first gem jump. Instantly I know that something is wrong, I felt the Mystic Weave warp and change my spell’s numinousness at a critical moment, and just prior to arriving, I could tell a magic of far greater strength than mine diverted us!
We arrive in a killing pit, with soldiers and the Greyhawk insignias and regalia prominently displayed. A leader orders us to disarm, of course my staff having been munched, I toss my dagger to the granite floor.
Silver and El Rohir become defensive and El became particularly argumentative. I heard Terranza move to my left and drop that horrifically intimidating double axe. I believe that the first layer of the Abyss felt that adamantine head hit the floor! At least the leader of the Greyhawk Guard definitely raised his eyebrows at that sound!
Aria placed her wonderful bow on the floor and drop her weapon belt. Still Silver and El refuse, and then the last words I hear..”What is your name and title”
The pain was pretty intense, but then peace. The next thing I am aware of is that I am back in my home; Grezzor and a Priest of Boccob are standing over me.
Now this has been a very interesting experience, and costly. It seems that I was pummeled to death. How ignoble! I believe that Boccob’s lack of interest in all mortal left me in limbo until I came to his attention. I was raised due to faithful Grezzor’s aide, prior to falling under Boccob’s uncaring gaze.
After paying the fee in my life force to overcome the negative effects of being raised, I rest and recouped my magical powers.
I conduct some research as to why my spell misfired and realize that Greyhawk has a major magical teleportation shield over the city to prevent illegal teleportation. Damn! I am such an idiot! I should have inquired with the local magistrate about teleportation laws! I paid the ultimate price, and how! I swear I can still feel those five sonic bursts enveloping me! I wonder if some of that green leaf pipe tobacco could relieve these feelings.
10/19/576
I teleport back to Greyhawk to the proper gate and become reunited with the Oathbound. I still do not feel as if I am a true adventurer of this group. I believe that Drak’s death is still a stigma to my acceptance. Oh well, this is something that either will be overcome, or will not. I will still see the destruction of the Arch Bishop of Pontylver.
After meeting up with the Oathbound, it seems only Terranza has any compassion about my death. It seems that El Rohir and Silver have only thoughts about their nuptials. Well I cannot be one to hold a grudge. I agree to fetch Hanor from his mines to officiate the wedding. I am starting to feel like an unseen servant!
Luckily I think before I jump in, and pick a spot outside of the mines. I then knock upon their door, and was welcomed heartily. I am brought to Hannor quickly, and he readily agrees to preside over the wedding. He states that due to his overwhelming debt to the Oathbound, he will need to have the proper priestly paraphernalia and regalia to do a proper job. The next thing I know, is I am teleporting Hannor, three acolytes, and a chest of full of Moradin religious items.
This time when we arrive in Greyhawk, the reception is better. When my vision is able to register, the Guards and their leaders are a lot more respectful about dealing with a High Dwarven Priest of Moradin and his entourage in full regalia.
The following days were very hectic. I scribed two new spells of the seventh circle, and transfer one of the scrolls we obtained into my spell book, attend the wedding, sell my loot. Damn this adventuring is very tiring and profitable.
I didn’t have time to purchase fitting gift for the wedded couple, so I scribed a note of gift. I bestow upon them a princely gift of permanency for them both. The look upon their faces was very satisfactorily when they read my gift scroll.
I have to admit that the wedding was very scenic and had an extremely peaceful effect upon all in attendance, including the dwarves. Having been raised among the stone folk, I was touched as they were. El Rohir is a very lucky man once he beds Silver, but I believe that he bit off more than his dainty half elven jaws can chew!
Silver is a very tough and independent woman. I wonder how this will work out between a Ranger devoted to a God of Nature and with El Rohir his devotion to a Sun God. The marital fights will be either very benign, or very catastrophic and entertaining.
10-24-576
After recovering, the party returns to the 2nd level of Maure Castle and continues exploring. The Seekers and the gnolls prepared an ambush for them, but the end result was Oathbound victory--six dead gnolls, six dead Seeker guards, two Seeker captains and a female elf who had a tiger animal companion. The female elf archer, among her magical treasures, had several maps to Maure Castle's various levels. The party promptly moved on to investigate a hexagonal central chamber, only to walk into the bedroom of a very intimidating looking female gnoll cleric of Yeenoghu, who cast blade barrier on the party. Things were looking dicey until Thassos successfully "feebleminded" the gnoll. After a few rounds of melee, she was dead, along with the three red slaads she had summoned as allies.
**THIS CAMPAIGN GOES ON AN EXTENDED HOLIDAY BREAK UNTIL EARLY JANUARY 2007 DUE TO EXTENSIVE SCHEDULING CONFLICTS**
(Looks like Savage Tide won't start until late next year, oh well)
From the Journal of Master Wizard Thasos Silverstarff
10/21/576
We emerge from our hidey hole and meet our latest member, Flamora a very charming gnome sorceress that we met during the wedding. She is a friend of Hanor’s and came with very high recommendations. It seems that her clan and Hanor’s go way back and have fought evil and tyranny for quite some time. The only problem was she really did not say much.
After some explanation, orientation with the layout and my map, Flamora meshed into the party.
We then move deeper into the bowels of this foul and dangerous mausoleum of death. On the second level we start to explore a warren of rooms that are painted with weird silver paint that once had wood partitions dividing them. My evocation of the Light of Lunia provides illumination for all of us, but also makes us stand out like the proverbial bulls eye!
Aria’s sharp elven eyes notice an armored male at the edge of my light. She hails him with the well-known “who goes there?” Well, that was original and helpful!
I believe that we discussed that this place has no friendlies, and innocents cannot reside in this Hell hole. No, that is not correct. I had thought it, but failed to voice that thought. Well I will do so; all creatures here are in dire need of pain and death.
Due to the confining spacing between the rooms, we spread out and try to flank the enemy. As I prepare my spell, Flamora casts Deep Slumber, dropping the Seeker, but soon there are more, with Gnolls, and that Archer B$&#$ that turned Terranza into a pin cushion last time.
I protect myself, and then Silver with Iron Guard. I then cast Emerald Flaming Fist for the first time, and charge into battle. Flamora utilized a couple of fire balls very effectively and El Rohir effectively uses his great sword to dismember the enemy. We are victorious, and collect up some trinkets to sell later.
The best is we have complete maps of the entire lair! We pick out the most likely spots to explore, and move on. We come across a gnollish priestess, who summoned Slaads to help her. Oh, too bad I turned her mind into mush, and the battle was soon over. Hell, I have to say seeing that Elf fire her bow through the blade barrier put up by the evil priestess was very amazing. I didn’t think such a thing could be done.
It seems we indeed have our work cut out for us here in the bowels of Maure Castle. Our enemies are strong and they are many. I must say that if not for the magic of our newest member, Thassos, we would probably not have survived the last encounter! He is indeed a welcome addition to our group. He is the most "different" person that I have ever come across. He is a human with a dwarf's personality. It's understandable considering the fact that he's spent so much of his life amoung the dwarves but it is a little disoncerting until you get to know him and I'm sure that I barely know him. However, I have met few people that I find as interesting.
We will definitely need to be much more careful if we expect to get as far as to our battle with the demon Kerzit! Planning is going to be crucial.
Obad'Hai guide our steps through the dark underbelly of this ancient castle!
10-25-576 After killing the gnoll priestess, the Oathbound continued to explore Tomorast’s hold, making contact with Rel, Eli’s familiar. Negotations ensued and a face to face meeting with Eli himself was arranged. The party explained why they were here, to find a way to get Kerzit to help destroy the Archbishop of Pontylver. Eli stated that if they submitted to a spell that would erase their memories of the place, he would arrange Kerzit’s assistance in the the task of clearing the way to the Archbishop’s inner sanctum. The party asked for 24 hours to think about it and Eli left. His motivation, he said, was to get them to leave Maure Castle forever because they were inflicting serious casualties on his forces and even though he would destroy them in the end, he would rather have them leave so his followers wouldn’t be decimated.
10-26-576 The party decided to seize the initiative back from Eli and his forces and shortly before the 24 hour deadline was up, they dimension doored down to the next level, which they incorrectly assumed was the Statuary level. They ended up on Kerzit’s Fane and were attacked by four abyssal ghouls, which they defeated.
Holy Mother of all things good! How could we have made such a stupid mistake. After deciding against the offer from Eli we tried to take the next level but were confused by the maps and appeared on the level of the Demon himself. What lies ahead for us I do not know. I do know that I plan on staying near Thassos. Terranza
An Excerpt from the Journal of Master Wizard Thassos Silverstaff.
10/25/576
The exploration of the second level resulted in the meeting of a very strange familiar, a one-eyed tiny imp like creature. Apparantly we have found the bedroom of the castle’s owner. His personal journal would have been very interesting reading, but my esteemed colleagues gave it back to establish “good” will in negotiating with an evil entity.
It is a shame that the Oathbound did not attend the Magus Academy. They would have benefited from the teachings of Master Loerig, Instructor of Conjurations, “When dealing with evil, remember there is no true loyalty or fairness, only advantages!” Oh, well the Master Eli was a very interesting character as were his lackeys. Their magical equipment was very impressive!
Master Eli’s treaty was laughable at best, but the some of the others were seriously considering it! If they had, I would have left them to their fate and returned to Greyhawk. The thought of any tampering with my mind causes me to shudder with unimaginable revulsion.
I am grateful that the Elf sided with me in convincing the others. I explained that I can transport us all to the next level. During the truce I examined the maps and calculated the distances between the levels. Everyone agreed, and I opened a dimension door to the next lower level, believing it was a great hall. Much to my chagrin, we ended up on the demon’s level.
I landed us on some sort of sacrificial table, and before I could get my bearings a very loud banging startled me out of a years worth of life! The damned Elf was smashing the manacles of the table. To what end I have no idea, but her mutterings of “no,nonononono” seemed be deep rooted.
The noise quickly brings some Abyssal Ghouls that are very resilient to most forms of magic! We soon slay the creatures, but are stuck upon the demon’s level. I am sure that Eli didn’t expect this!
So much for planning! I guess plans don't really matter, though, when you misread your map! I'm not sure which is worse - fighting Eli and his evil playmates or fighting the demon, Kerzit, but we shall soon find out. Maybe this "mistake" can play in to our success at Maure Castle. Surely Eli couldn't have foreseen us jumping right into the demon's lair! Hopefully we can turn this "unforeseen action" to our advantage.
We need to finish up here, as I am tired of the walls! I'm craving the open air. The sky, the trees, the autumn colors and some free time with El. Championing for the good for the world is difficult when you're newly married! El and I are wholly dedicated to our cause, however, and we are young and have many years left to spend together (hopefully). So we shall carry on. Maybe our misguided teleportation will help us to end this sooner! I only hope it's for the better!!
I pray to Obad'Hai to guide my steps until I shall see sunshine again.
The Oathbound's sudden descent into Kerzit's fane threw the defenders of the dungeon into high action. The battle with the abyssal ghouls alerted the rest of the defenders and within a minute the party was swarmed by a nabassu, two glabrezus and other assorted demons, gnoll warriors. Weakened by the battle but determined to press on, the party entered Kerzit's cavern complex without taking time to rest or even prepare some "Align Weapon" spells, the necessity of which should have been obvious to a group even as confident as the Oathbound.
A cultist of Kerzit warned them that the Black Book at the end of the cavern complex held the key to defeating the demon.
They encountered Kerzit in the narrow entrance hallway. Terranza charged and was promptly slain, drained of all her life. Shocked and driven back by the demon lord's power, the party began negotiating with him when he said:
"You are the ones that want to kill the Archbishop, aren't you?"
Kerzit led the party into his cavern, stating that if they freed him he would not eat Terranza's soul. Flamora picked up the black book, intending to control the demon with it somehow, but he uttered two words she was unable to resist "Close it."
She did. Kerzit was freed. He teleported out with Terranza's lifeless shell, howling in demonic glee. Elrohir lost contact with Pelor and the entire party felt a cold pinprick on their souls, except Thassos, who found a spellbook with hundreds of arcane spells and realized the Black Book, while no longer holding power over Kerzit, was worth 75,000gp.
By the Gods! What have we done?! Obad'Hai, I beg you to guide my footsteps back to the path of goodness and light. I plead with all my heart and soul that you might help us to defeat the evil that we have loosed upon the Oerth! We must save Terranza! We must save the Oerth! We must save......ourselves.
From the Journal of Master Wizard Thasos Silverstaff
10/25/576
After the Ghouls, we are soon set upon by several demons, which I was able to identify from my studies in the conjuring arts while at the The Staxark School of Mysticism; they were a couple of Hezrou, a Nalfeshnee, and a Glabrezu. While engaged with these foul creatures, we were ambushed from behind by three assassin types wielding poisoned daggers. After a painful slash, I ensorcelled myself with Ironguard and their weapons became ineffective. Also behind the assassins were more Gnolls.
Flamora’s fireballs with my wand of chain lightning soon makes short work of them.
After the battle my memorized spells are half gone, and we are all hurt. I urge caution and to find a place to hide and recuperate, but my words fall on deaf ears. My misgivings on the future of the Oathbound’s success were soon made true.
We headed for what the map depicted as a possible theatre, which turned out to be a temple of evil. We fight a demon creature that could duplicate itself through shadow and was very nimble and fast.
Once again we are victorious but not for long. We soon enter the sanctum of the Demon Kirzit. The beast was laying in wait under a veil of invisibility. Terranza who was leading the way was slain in the blink of an eye. I launch spell after spell that just wash off the monster with no effect. The Demon, with it’s vile tentacle arms cradled Terranza’s lifeless body like that of a lover, while it conversed with Silver and El-Rohir! The fools, do they not realize what they are dealing with. Through its lies and deceit I am able to determine that it will lead us to the controlling book. I can see in Flamora’s eyes that she has come to the same conclusion. In unspoken agreement we proceed to the Demon, and tell it to lead the way.
I hope to gain control of the book, therefore the Demon. Ah, my stupid pride! I was convinced that I would be able to out think and act a creature that has been around creating havoc for a millennium! Flamora opens the chest, and there it is a vile and evil book, open to a page with an illustration of Kirzit in a binding pentacle writhing in pain. Just as I shout “FLAMORA, DO NOT TOUCH THE BOOK!” Kirzit lashes out at her, and under his demonic magic she shuts the book.
With an evil laugh, that still makes my bones ach Kirzit launches into a teleport spell. I attempt to cast disintegrate on Terranza’s corpse, and El-Rohir tried to wrest her corpse from the monster, but all to no avail! It completed the spell and is gone!
Then in the ensuing silence El-Rohir’s anguished cry of loss echoes in the caverns. It seems that Pelor did not take kindly to one of his chosen making a deal with a Demon! Silver and Flamora also had some peculiar looks on their faces. I guess the event did not sit well with their deities as well.
OH MY GOOOOOOAAAAGGHHHHGHGHGHEHFLSKDFH;ODIRUG;DILFJGLIERU!
Holy shnickes! :O
10-27-576 After fighting through a squad of gnolls, the party entered the theater room and teleported to Greyhawk. Elrohir went to the temple of Pelor to find out how he could atone for his actions that indirectly helped release Kerzit upon the world. Everyone else went shopping and enjoying the recreation of the big city, to include baths, laundry and weapon cleaning services. Elrohir and Silver used one of their pre-arranged “true resurrection” spells to bring Terranza back from death. Elrohir completed a complex ritual that turned him into “the avenging light of Pelor” as a means of atonement, for the party found out that Kerzit had attacked Pontylver and the city was on fire and many of its residents dead or refugees. Elrohir now glowed permanently with a “Light of Lunia” effect and his greatsword was now a tool of vengeance against evil outsiders.
11-2-576 After several days of preparation that mainly involved buying and selling magic items, the Oathbound were teleported to the temple of Pelor in Ponytylver, where they were reunited with their old friend Hanor Sharpaxe. The City was in terrible shape—many buildings on fire and ruined, most of the residents fled and many dead and wounded. Captain Terba Morningblade, an old acquaintance of the PCs was in charge of a regiment of Medegian regulars that was keeping the demonic forces at bay, contained in the charred Crystal Cathedral. The Oathbound met with Morningblade at his headquarters and found Boss Fromm there as well, as a truce between the Hestmark and the Medegians was signed for the duration of the demonic emergency. The party ran into their old acquaintance Councilman Thornwell of the Styes as well. The Styes had delivered an emergency supply of alchemical siege munitions to help the Medegians keep the demons at bay. Thornwell, after being quizzed about what he knew of Drak’s fate, stated that he had no desire to see demons overrun the nation either. Thornwell made potions available to the party. The Oathbound then flew into the ruins of the Crystal Cathedral and battled numerous demons, finally defeating a balor in the lowest level of the central tower. Terranza was “imploded” by the Balor during the battle and was once again, dead. The archbishop’s quarters (and Kerzit presumably) were located in the lower levels of the Crystal Cathedral.
Wow!
"Deep Thoughts by Terranza: I was brought back to help fight the evil demons that have been let loose on the Crystal Cathedral. I pray that I will not meet the same fa... holy sh.......
I am so afraid that we cannot win this battle. It may be bigger than we are. Nevertheless, if I ever expect to be able to face my family again, I must persevere. It is only the Oathbound that are to blame for this travesty and we must make it right!
I worry so for El'Rohir. He is almost frantic about the situation. I understand his passion but I feel that he is blinded by that passion. I could not stand to lose him. He is everything to me but I must not try to hold him back. However this ends he must feel that he did what was needed. Gods protect him! Protect us! Obad'hai give me guidance, I implore you!
11-3-576 The Oathbound fought their way out of the Crystal Cathedral ruins after defeating the balor and collapsing the gate to the abyss that was bringing in the demonic troops. Aria was attacked by fiendish human infants that had bat wings sewn on them, controlled by a succubus. While the rest of the party fought gargantuan wyverns ridden by bugbear crossbowmen outside the entrance to the main Cathedral tower, Elrohir and Aria dispatched the batwinged infants, which did incredible damage with their claws, fighting up close and ripping into soft flesh with frighteningly real human infant giggles and delight. Aria and Elrohir also destroyed the succubus “mother” controlling the infants. Out of spells and hurt, the entire party was forced to retreat and rest the night. Thassos, having teleported to the grand church of Pelor in Greyhawk after Terranza’s death, convinced the high priest to cast the final pre-paid “true resurrection” on Terranza, bringing her back, naked, but fully alive. That night, the entire party met back up in the temple of Pelor in Pontylver. During the night, the Medegian Army managed to win back the cathedral from the demon army, since the Oathbound collapsed the gate guarded by the balor.
11-4-576 Rested, recovered, and fully prepped with potions and spells, the Oathbound presented themselves to Terba Morningblade, now the governor of Medegia, since the church of Hextor was no longer in control and no one of higher rank seemed to be alive to take control. Terba advised the party that the lower levels of the Crystal Cathedral were still beyond the Medegian Army’s control and the fate of the Archbishop remained a mystery. He entered into an agreement with the party that if they would clear the dungeons of the Crystal Cathedral, the peace between the Hestmark Republic and the Medegian Province would become a permanent non-aggression treaty as long as Terba was in charge. The party agreed and entered the cathedral, finding a blade barrier blocking the entrance to the lower levels.In possession of a map of the lower levels provided by Morningblade, Thassos used a “dimension door” spell to bypass the blade barrier, appearing in the outer ring of the lower level defenses. After defeating a marilith and arrow demons, the party moved to the interior, following the sounds of battle they heard from within. The main temple of Hextor was engulfed in some sort of battle and the Oathbound moved towards the sound of the fight. Using the map, they approached the back of the altar temple of the vast central chamber via a narrow secret tunnel. There, they encountered another fiendishly grafted human infant, feeding on a dying Hextorian cleric. Dispatching them both, the Oathbound moved on and entered the massive central chamber, where Kerzit the demon was engaged in melee with the fiendish battletitan pet of the Archbishop. They also found a centaur wizard, sewing bat wings on live human babies the demonic forces stored in cages formerly used to secure clerical vestments. Silver immediately moved to help the dying infants, which the demons had apparently captured during their attack on the Cathedral, using cure potions and her ability to heal to stabilize the infants of the former guardians of the Crystal Cathedral. The appearance of the “Searing Light of Pelor” moved both Kerzit and the battle titan to temporarily put aside their differences and engage the affront to their existence. Terranza was swallowed by the dinosaur and Elrohir was nearly torn to shreds by Kerzit before the combined might of the Oathbound’s spells and melee power took down both of their nemesis’. Kerzit was destroyed and Elrohir ascended to Pelor’s realm as part of his completion of the path of the “Searing Light of Pelor.” Silver enraged when Elrohir died and chopped the dinosaur-battletitan to pieces. The fact that the dinosaur had been softened up by the other Oathbound helped her, of course. Through their tears, the Oathbound looked around to determine the location of their final goal---the Archbishop of Pontylver……where was he?
It's sad that at the climax of the campaign, some of my players have stopped caring about the 100xp per post bonus they got if they posted to this campaign log.
They're 17th level now and many of them are so completely wrapped up in all the comic-book like powers their characters have that the story has kind of left them behind, I think. I know this doesn't apply to all of them, but any combat or game prep becomes such a tedious exercise in "keep track of all my power-ups" at this level that I'll be quite glad when this whole thing is over with. I need to fix something with my house rules so that my next campaign doesn't degenerate into this again. Hell, it took 3 hours of game time last time we played before their characters were ready to go, between picking spells and doing all the other prep work. I like 3.5, but high level play is very tedious to me.
FROM THE JOURNAL OF MASTERWIZARD, THASOS SILVERSTAFF
11/03/576
Well El Rohir has decided to become Pelor’s attack dog. Well I guess that’s a priest for you. We set off from Greyhawk to Ponytylver via Priestly prayers to move us. We arrive to see the city in ruins, a ring of siege engines battering at Demons in the rubble that was once the Crystal Cathedral.
After a quick meeting with General Morningblade, I get to meet an interesting, dangerous personage. Lord Thornwell doesn’t fool me, a creature of evil he definitely is, and his power is quite considerable. After making sure that there are no strings, or conditions of any sort attached to the gift of potions, I take a few to help.
I cast fly upon all and we move towards battle. We are soon attacked by the demons, with ballista, and other missile weapons. We destroy some bugbears, wyverns, and a demon or two. Then we met a Balor, even with my great vocabulary I cannot come close to describing this creature’s foulness. Just its presence was enough to make me desire a bath inside and out.
The Balor destroyed Terranza, causing her physical shell to implode into nothingness.
Just as the killing blows land upon it, I find myself back in Greyhawk, being revived by the local guard in the teleport hall. I soon figure out that the Balor had exploded upon banishment, which caused me to be wounded and knock unconscious. Once brought down, my contingency spell whisked me away to safety.
Alas having no time I speed to the Church of Pelor, quickly convince the High Priest to cast the final Resurrection on Terranza and they teleport us both back to Pontylver.
11/04/576
Reunited with the Oathbound, we prepare again, but the destruction of the Balor caused the dimensional gate to the Abyss to close. The Medegians are able to slay the remaining demons, but cannot gain the lower levels of the cathedral. First I ask the Mayor for a map of the lower levels.
We enter into an agreement with Mayor Morningblade and proceed down. Our path is temporarily blocked by a spell of spinning magical blades, they slice the air with a eerie efficiency.
By plotting my destination I teleport the Oathbound past the barrier right into a guard post. The battle is bloody, but fast leaving us victorious with no injury to speak of. We enter the Cathedral proper and hear a colossal battle raging behind the encircling doors. Using the map we head for a secret passage and find a ghastly sight of a human infant, eating the entrails of a living Hextorian priest. The infant’s upper body was actually inside the man’s body and when it emerged covered in bile, blood and fecal matter, I saw that it had bat wings!. The priest and the demon child are soon slain.
The next room contains four cages packed to the bursting point with living mewling human infants. The curtain to the left, I peak out and see a fiendish centaur, actually sewing bat wings on a living infant, while chanting out an incantation. The very sound of it’s Abyssal used in the rite was stomach churning to say the least. By Bocob’s mystical ass! How can conjurers stomach dealing with these creatures. My hand still itches with the desire to blast it from the material plane!
Just past the creative centaur, we see Kirzit and the Battletitan tearing into each other. Silver is quickly releasing the infants and administering aid to them. Tears of rage and pain I can see glistening her silver eyes, making them look like pure mithral.
We set up and soon the centaur is dead, but El-Rohir’s holiness draws the Battletitan and Kirzit like moths to the flame! I temporarily trap Kirzit in a force cage, while Terranza is eaten by the Battletitan, when she scoops up the infant that the centaur was stitching. At the time I had the craziest thought, dinner and desert in one bite! Kirzit and El chop and each other in holy and unholy frenzy. Dark v. Light, flashes and sparks fly. Each blow landed by El sounds as if Angels were singing, while the blows dealt by Kirzit emit the soul wrenching screech of the damned!
I blast the Battletitan, only to cause it to focus on me as it’s next meal. I must admit that seeing a gigantic fanged lizard bite at you is not a very comfortable feeling. Between our magic and brawn Kirzit is banished, and El follows as well. The Battletitan is slain, and we dig Terranza out before she can suffocate, but the infant she had tried to save did not fare so well.
If I live to do nothing else in my lifetime, I will make up for the damage that we have caused the innocent people in Pontylver and wherever else Kerzit wrought destruction. Many people are dead now and who knows where their souls wander? Demons taking innocent babes and transforming them while they live to demonic bat creatures! The babes that live no longer have parents or families! All of this damage caused by us - The Oathbound. El'Rohir, my life, gone because we loosed Kerzit upon the Oerth. Taken from me by Pelor himself! I feel like my life is over! Never could I have imagined that he would be taken from me this way. He is my one true love and the light of my life. I will honor him forever and work to spread word of the land and the word of the light. If only I could have said good-bye. Held him one last time. I feel that a piece of my own heart has been ripped from my chest. He will always be my one true love. There shall never be another.
Oathbound! We never swore an oath to destroy innocents but we did swear to rid the world of the Archbishop and that we shall do! By the strength of Obad'Hai I swear that the Archbishop shall die! If not for him, we would never have let that demon loose! The demon is gone, thank the Gods and the Archbishop is unfinished business. He! Will! Die!!
Obad'Hai give me the strength.
Deep Thoughts by Terranza
Well alive at last, hopefully it will last for awhile. Egads babies with demon wings. We must make this right. Oh my a dinasaur and Kerzit. They see us. What should I do, move the baby. S$#% swallowed whole and not being digested because of a spell. Hopefully they will remember to cut me out. Well I guess I will take a few laps in it's belly. Whew thanks guys, what is wrong with Silver where is El? Oh man that sucks. Any one for dino steaks?
11-4-576 After noting that an inactive magical gate shimmered at the top of the spired altar, the party moved into the caverns proper to find the Archbishop. They encountered a patrol of Hextorian warpriests led by a death knight and after defeating them the party arrived at the former sanctum of the Archbishop, only to find that he had flown the coop. Exploring the rest of the underbelly of the Crystal Cathedral revealed few clues and even less treasure. Emerging in the afternoon, the party saw that the Medegian army was busy reclaiming the Crystal Cathedral. When Kerzit died, all of his demonic followers were quickly defeated. Morningblade, now governor, invited the party to dinner at the Mayor’s House that night.Silver went to the temple of Pelor and told the priests helped her summon Elrohir back from Celestia. Elrohir returned, looking a bit disheveled but ever so angelic, having acquired some celestial traits during his ordeal and being forever now considered a good outsider. Present at dinner was Boss Fromm as well. Fromm said that he was hopeful that the new peace with the new governor of Medegia would hold. Both the Hestmark and the New Medegia wanted to be free of the influences of the demonic Overking, although Morningblade reiterated that Medegia was loyal to the Malachite Throne, just not to its depraved current occupant. Morningblade said that he was aware that the Oathbound were responsible for the destruction caused to Pontylver by releasing Kerzit, but he said that setting things right and the realization that eventually Kerzit would have been set free anyway dampened the anger he felt and he would not put the Oathbound on trial if they helped track down the escaped archbishop and help Medegia from falling into the clutches of Hextor again. Morningblade asked the Oathbound to allow Miya, a Golden Leopard disciple and long-time ally of Morningblade to accompany the party in their quest to hunt down the archbishop. Aria spoke with Counselor Thornwell, who was getting ready to return to the Styes. Thornwell said that Drak had been captured by a shadow giant assassin of the Overking’s and was probably being held in stasis in Rauxes. Thornwell said he’d release his hold upon Drak’s soul if the party freed Drak, as Thornwell indicated he had no more use for Drak, since he had likely revealed all he knew to the Overking’s torturers. Thornwell also told Aria that the Overking was constantly scrying the Oathbound and they ought to take protections against that, or their lives would become increasingly more in danger. Terranza received a messenger from Dorr. The town council invited her to return now and prepare for her coronation as baroness of Dorr during Needfest, less than two months hence. Terranza took her leave of the party.
5th day of Ready’reat CY 576 Thassos teleported the Oathbound to Irongate in order to seek anti-scrying magic and gather information on Rauxes, the archbishop’s location and clues on how to proceed. The party now consisted of:Thassos (human wizard), Aria (elf Ranger), Silver (Human Ranger), Elrohir (Half-elf Barbarian/Cleric of Pelor), Miya (Human Monk), Flamora (gnome sorcerer) and Hanor (dwarf cleric).After some investigation, the party found a wizard’s cabal that would craft rings of non-detection for them, giving the party a significant discount because of their efforts against the forces of the Overking. The Oathbound stayed at Thassos’ house, except Flamora, who stayed with her family, since both her and Thassos were natives of Irongate. Flamora, through her contacts, found out that the Archbishop had been expelled from Rauxes by the angry Overking and forced to travel to the Gloriole Mountains to try to gain an alliance with the fire giant cultists living inside Hellfire Mountain, a volcano. The fire giants were not allies of the Overking or anyone, but the Overking had been courting them for his armies for decades. The archbishop was told not to return to Rauxes until he had secured the alliance of the powerful fire giants. Thassos confirmed Flamora’s information with a “discern location” spell and the party readied itself for an assault on Hellfire Mountain. Using the local sages and libraries as research tools, a few days of study allowed the party to obtain maps of Hellfire Mountain and the surrounding area.
19th day of Ready’reat CY 576 Using a “veil” spell to disguise themselves as fire giants, the party teleported a few hundred yards below the entrance to the fire giant home on Hellfire Mountain. Able to bluff their way past the flying fire giant watcher on his gargantuan wyvern and even past the gate guard, the party was found out by one of the huge Nessian warhounds inside the gates, which smelled through their deception. The fight was on. Even though the party took terrible damage from the massive jaws of the hounds and the blows of the giant, they defeated them, even driving off the gargantuan wyvern with massive damage from spells, incapacitating and coup de graceing the giant wyvern rider with spells.
Events according to Flamora: The Oathbound searched the underground cavern after killing the pet dinosaur and Kerzit. Deciding to take the babies back to safety, led the group into 4 humanoids, one actually a Death Knight. Three humanoids cast spells of fire, cold, and acid which the group was immune to, but unfortunately the babies were not. The three humanoids were easily dispatched. El Rohir turned the Death Knight, which allowed Silver to take out some of her and seek vengeance by dealing the killing blow. The group proceeded to the Archbishop’s quarters to find that he had escaped up an airshaft on a flying carpet. The rest of the underground of the Crystal Cathedral was searched with no resistance, no clues to the A#@bishops whereabouts, or any treasure. The Oathbound was invited to dinner with newly appointed Governor Morningglory. He acquits the group from punishment for releasing Kerzit (although Silver still blames the Oathbound, hence Flamora), if the party will continue to seek out and kill the ArchBS. Aria informed us that we are being scryed for constantly and Shadow Giants are on our trail. The group decides to stay together as much as possible for safety. Aria also talks about Drac, a former party member that has turned evil. She wants his body back. He must have some kind of equipment.
Thassos teleports the group to Iron Gate. While in Iron Gate, Flamora was able to locate the Arsebishop in the Hell Fire Mountains through contacts; this being Flamora’s old stomping grounds. The Arsebighole is thought to be in the Hell Fire Mountains to gain the help of the Fire Giants and to redeem himself with the Over King. The wizards in Iron Gate put a permanent non detection spell on the party to evade the Arch’s scrying.
After a couple of false starts, Thassos teleports the group to Fire Mountain with a disguise of Fire Giants on the party. Flamora needed a mirror to see herself as a Fire Giant. That is some BIG magic, Thassos. A huge Wyvern flies overhead with a Fire Giant rider and questions the party. Terranza successfully bluffs telling the guard that we are new recruits. The party is to proceed to Ingrid. After passing the guard at the door and entering the party is confronted by two Hell Hounds, one which is smarter than the average bear and sniffs through our disguise. The battle is on. After much machine gun fire by Silver and Aria, and the Kung Fu fighting of Miya the hounds and doorman are dispatched. But the noise attracts the Wyvern and rider to the front door. Thassos dumbs down the rider to a babbling idiot. Hanor and El Rhoir do major damage to the wyvern but as the birdie is trying to fly away; Flamora’s magical sword spell cast earlier does the killing blow. The group takes a breath and hears footsteps running. The sound seems to be coming from the closed door at the other end of the room. Never a dull moment with the Oathbound for company.
From the Journal of Arch Wizard Thasos Silverstaff
11/04/576
We heal up and I notice an interplanar gate on top of the foul altar, being pressed for time to catch the Archbishop, we move on. We gather up the remaining living infants and head for the upper level to turn these poor creatures over to the Medegian soldiers.
As we gain the concourse we are confronted by four heavily magically armored men, three in half-plate and shields emblazoned with Hextor’s foul symbol. The fourth was in full plate with a magical longspear that emitted a strong aura of alteration.
I was caught off balance and did not notice them immediately, as I was intrigued by the two tiny creatures in my arms. Exact replicas of real people, I mean adults and the attention to detail was fascinating. I have never wanted children, nor desired any intercourse with any child as they are normally a big nuisance and distraction.
It is when the Oathbound stop and Silver places her fragile charges at her feet that I see we have been confronted. With a harsh command Silver demands the four to let us pass, take up our burden or (with a quick flick of her wrists, her blades are bared) die!
The leader in full plate with the symbol of Hextor emblazoned upon his breast, demands in an eerie voice to know what we intend. “To finish what we came to do” Silver responds.
The three in half-plate advance and seem to reach out to take our burdens, when they launch spells! We are hit with three waves of magical vortexes; acid, cold and fire. Our own magical protections shrug these feeble spells off with only one effect, the death of the infants.
Soon we are embroiled in a vicious fight, Aria yells out that the one in full plate is undead. I cast a spell, and see some damage done, when one of the three Hextorians in half-plate attempts to hold me in place. I shrug off his feeble attempt. Flamora’s sonic sphere blasts into them, while Terranza hacks one down. Silver takes another, when the Undead Knight advances. Aria’s arrows thud into him, staggering his stride, but then I feel the might of Moradin pulse out from Hanor crashing into the Knight of the Dead. It spins to flee and is instantly cut down by Silver, while the remaining Hextorian is dispatched with ease.
We advance to the Archbishop’s private chambers, at least by what the map indicates. Our advance is halted by an enchanted heavily armored door. It looks as if Kirzit itself had been foiled by this portal. Through the use of the map, we decide to go around the corner and enter via stone shape through the wall.
The entry is not the grandest, but does accomplish our needs. We enter the inner sanctum of our enemy only to find our quarry had fled, possibly through a very long vertical tunnel through the ceiling of his bedroom.
We search the room, I with my Arcane sight, and Invisibility Detection, the others with their physical means. Nothing, no hidden doors that were not on the map, no lingering magical auras to detect. ZIP, a big FAT Zero!!!! I was so ensorcelled up to confront one of the fingers, if not one of the hands of the Overking, that my disappointment of his flight left me in a mild state of depression.
At least one of us kept up their wits, I observed Hanor, stuffing some of the bedding into his pack, muttering something about location…AH a divination spell always works best with something that the person has touched. That was very clever of my dwarven friend. My focus has always been in evocation and enchantments. It is a good thing that we have strong dwarven fortitude and attention to detail with us. I almost feel I am home.
We fly up and out. No sign of the Archbishop, we descend again. We make sure the rest of the lower levels are clear for the Medegian troops and meet with Mayor Morningblade. He explains that several hours possible two to three an unknown creature was seen to depart from the keep’s rubble on a flying carpet. It flew north. That is the direction of the Overking, our ultimate foe.
This very same night we dine with the new Mayor of Pontilver, Lord Morningblade. I like him; his is no nonsense and a man of his word. He seems almost dwarvish in his mannerisms. Stolid that is what is needed here and they have it in this young man. Lord Fromm is present, Terranza is in noble garb bearing her signet ring on her right hand is at his side. A very intriguing woman is on Lord Fromm’s side opposite of Terranza. By her apparel she is a disciple of self deprivation and physical obedience, in other words a monk. She has captured my heart by her very presence. This is insane; I will not let my resolve into the arcane be diverted by mere beauty. There were several of the Medegian military rank and file present.
The meal is plain, but very satisfying. As we sit over cold greasy plates, sipping, or in Hanor’s case guzzling a very good vintage of Dwarven Ale (Note! I think it was brewed by Clan Stonecrusher just last year), we entered into some diplomatic issues. I sounded out Lords Fromm, and Morningblade about entering the Iron League. Neither wished to, but were very enthusiastic about entering trade agreements. Possible endeavors into bringing them into the fold will have to be accomplished by others more skilled than I with diplomacy. I learn that Terranza is leaving the Oathbound to follow her public service as a Baroness. I will miss her.
11/05/576
I have diplomatic letters from Lords Morningblade and Fromm to take to the Iron League. The Oathbound agree to accompany me to Irongate, my home city. I utter the word of power, touch all and we are back at my home. I invite all to stay in my humble home, as honored guests. I call my unseen servants to freshen the guest rooms, and summon Grezzor to prepare a meal.
Aria’s squeal of elvish delight at my bath, cause all to gravitate to her location. Yes, it is one of my vices, long luxurious bathes. I had it lined with deep blue and green marble to give the appearance of an undersea haven. The fountain that feeds my bath is designed as a natural waterfall. My flowers and plants surrounding it all are of medicinal, magical and spiritual purposes; all to promote serenity and meditation. The look on Aria’s face was worth every copper! I must rethink my preconceptions on elves. This will take some thought.
After a tour of my home to the Oathbound, Grezzor had a meal prepared and set out in the dining room. Damn that man is good!, of course this is not his cooking. His culinary arts would make an orc hurl! His efforts and expense on this must have been almost prohibitive! I must give him a bonus! The roasted lamb, with yrt sauce, sautéed garlic and rice was fantastic! So much more after the food we have been forced to endure. The others were very much in agreement about this.
After that great lunch, I left my guests to relax in my home, and I reported to the Iron League. Of course I change into my robes of an Arch Master Wizard, with the appropriate sigils. This of course did not impress the bureaucrat zombie at the entrance. I overpower the worm with my intellect, and am soon seated in a room with nothing. I must admit that my ability to intimidate others is very limited.
I soon find out that no one is sending/looking for me and I search out the room of where I have to make my report, and deliver the diplomatic letters to Lord Til Silversmith, a very fine Dwarvish lady of note.
Oh, I forget to make explanations in case this is read by the uninformed. When a female dwarf is made head of her clan, sect, guild, she is given the same title as that of a male dwarf. This is one of the reasons many outsiders believe dwarves have no women and sprout from stone! Idiots. Hmmm, I wonder about elves and trees?
I must say she is a very fine looking dwarvowan (female dwarf) that I have set eyes on. She was not present when I was initially sent on this mission. I must introduce her to Hanor. He is a great priest and boon companion, but I wonder if his heart lies else where. I have seen him looking at Flamora with some very queer expressions on his visage. THAT’S IT! He is bespelled by her beauty! By Boccob’s bouncing balls!
Hmmm, I must say a Dwarvish Gnome melding would be interesting. Well she is very pretty, and her stature is in line with his. I wonder if she likes him?
Upon my return I find the entire Oathbound in my bath. I join them. The warm soothing waters are a tonic for us all. The ringing of the dinner bell brought about a tidal wave due to our departing the bath for our rooms.
Grezzor’s dinner was a masterpiece of culinary art. The baked bluefish in peppered sauce and fresh fruit was the clincher to the Oathbound staying in my home. They were hesitant about intruding and staying with me, this I could tell, but I have enough room, and the food was the clincher, who could resist magically cleaned rooms, a professionally prepared meal, and a bath to accommodate a dwarven shock troop!
11/06/576
I was able to successfully enchant myself with mindblank permanently. This way I can go about without being molested. I was able through my contacts at The Staxark School of Mysticism get permanent non-locations spells on the rest of the Oathbound.
11/19/576
We prepared and set off, teleporting to the Fire Mountains to locate and kill the Archbishop. I have the party veiled as a group of fire giants and we appear upon a trail approximately 200 yard from the mountain hold entrance. Mia is able to bluff our way past a guard that patrols on a gigantic wyvern.
We get past the door by knocking, but unfortunately there are two hellhounds that smell past my spell and the battle is on.
The dogs, and the doorguard are soon slain, but the wyvern and it’s rider soon join the fray. I cause the rider to go comatose, while the others chop the wyvern into steaks. The rider is soon put to rest.
Dear Mother
It has been a very long time since I was able to write. I hope all is well and you have not worried too much about me. There is too much to tell you at this time but we will be rejoined soon and can catch up then. After my friends and I cleared the Crystal Cathedral I was brought notice from Dorr that the council is expecting me. I ate dinner with my friends one last time and wished them well. Morningblade has replaced me with, of all people, a Medegian monk. She looks very serious and driven. I suppose monks must be. I will miss my friends very much and look forward to seeing them again.
I will send for you within the next few weeks. This gives you plenty of time to put your affairs in order.
Please continue to pray for the Oathbound as they will need much guidance from powerful Gods.
Much love, Terranza
Journal entry 1 book 4
Today proved to be the hardest day in any training I have ever completed. Moringblade has asked me to join a group of adventures that are in the process of cleaning up a mess that rivals none. This group set a demon free and had to kill all the demons that came after him. Not only are they messy but they also are rumored to have killed many Medegian soliders. I will have to put my feelings aside.
I am replacing a fighter that is the Baroness of Dorr, what a joke. I do hope that she is better than the previos Baron.
M
Journal entry 2 book 4
I am traveling with the Oathbound, as the adventuring party calls themselves, to Irongate, two of the members are from there. The magic user, I believe his name is Thassos, has invited us to stay with him. I have accepted as to gain the trust of this group. Besides I want to see where this man lives, I caught him staring at me at dinner several times.
M
Journal entry 3 book 4
Wow! As I lay in this beautiful home and the most comfortable bed I am thinking that I could get very used to this. Thassos has made us all very welcome. The elf woman, must remember all their names, was very excited at the huge bath and beatiful surrondings. I guess she is used to this kind of living.
M
Journal entry 4 book 4
Okay now we're ready for some action.... still waiting. We can not figure out away to get to the top of a mountain without the fire giants seeing us. I am ready to practice some of my arts on something or someone other than air.
I hate to admit this but these advetures are nice people. Maybe this is the beginning of a new path for me. Thassos doesn't stare anymore, maybe he lost interest. What am I thinking... I have a mission to complete. Stay focused
M
Silver's Experience
So many things have happened in such a small amount of time. My thoughts are so confused! First El is gone. My heart is broken and all I want to do is kill every evil thing that I can get my hands on so that his death is not in vain. Leaving the foul place where my love lost his life I find some solace in the fact that we have at least been able to save most of the babies that were being turned into demons. While we're carrying our precious cargo we come upon soldiers who could quite possibly be related to the children we are carrying. I confront them and they are defensive but when they are told that we killed the demon, Kerzit, they seem to relax a little until they find out that we want them to take these children to safety so that we may continue our hunt of the Archbishop quickly. Those disgustingly evil "soldiers" cast three spells, which, thanks to Hanor, wash over us, but the children are not protected and they are killed. Disintegrated, more like, by fire, acid and a third that I can't even remember because the babes at my feet are dead after the first spell and I am consumed by rage. I cannot remember a single detail of that battle except that by the time it was through all the filth that confronted us are dead on the ground their blood mingling with the ooze of what is left of those precious, murdered children. How I hate the world we live in now and want nothing more to do with it except find and kill the reason this all began, the Archbishop of Pontylver! Maybe then I'll be able to reason out the things that have happened. Then at least some of the wrongs will be righted. We trudge on toward where we know the Archbishops personal chambers to be. The doors are locked when we arrive. How I wish I could tear them down with my bare hands to get at the detestable, wretch we know to be waiting inside. Some spell is cast. We're crawling through a hole in the wall. My entire mind is focused on the scum of a man that's waiting inside and then we're in and we find nothing. NOTHING!!!!! Nothing in this entire god forsaken hellhole! I am barely even aware of my companions as I fly through the hole in the ceiling of this chamber hoping to catch a glimpse of the cowardly bastard as he's fleeing with his tail between his legs and nothing. Nothing. I see nothing. I hear nothing. I feel nothing. Everything is gone it seems and all that I can think of is how I long to be with El'Rohir. I long for sleep.
Dejected, I follow my companions back to the command post to meet with Morningblade. My mind feels so hollow. Morningblade tells us that even though he knows that the havoc that has been wreaked here is our fault he will not take us before the magistrates because we were able to clear the city of the demons. He also wants us to help to keep Medegia from falling into the hands of the Hextorians and he wants us to find the Archbishop and he wants a treaty between the Medegians and the Hestmark rebels and he wants and he wants and he wants and he wants and all I want is to die. I feel I'm in a daze. So many things are rushing through my mind - El'Rohir, the babes, the Archbishop, Kerzit. My mind is racing. Why couldn't we have done things differently? How could our mission have become so skewed? We were supposed to help people! Not get them killed!! Where is El'Rohir? If I could only sleep. A messenger. He is addressing me. I look up to see that he is from the Church of Pelor. My eyes well up with tears at the sight of the holy symbol. El'Rohir is dead. How will I go on? The messenger says that I am to meet with the High Priest. I shall go. What else have I to do? The short walk to the church seems as if it takes forever. I would much rather be on my way to a grove so that I can at least feel close to Obad'Hai and I can try to straighten out my thoughts. The world seems so dark right now. The High Priest takes me by the arm and guides me inside. I am so tired and his touch is gently comforting and strongly supportive. I look at him. He has kind, compassionate eyes. He is telling me that El'Rohir is not dead. Wait. What??!! El isn't dead??? I am sobbing now. What sort of horrendous ruse is this? The High Priest is speaking and I cannot comprehend. I can hardly hear past the sound of my own sobbing. He is so patient and he tells me again. El'Rohir is not dead. There was a plan. He was given a mission to complete and the end result would be that he would no longer fully be of this plane of existence. How could El not tell me this? I vaguely remember him trying to convey something about this to me through our bond as his life was taken but my fear and immediate grief did not allow me to understand. But..El's life wasn't taken!!! He was to rid the Oerth of Kerzit. He would then be ascended. Ascended? The High Priest explains to me that El'Rohir is now a half celestial and that he can be summoned to return to me. Returned to me!!! Suddenly, I feel alive again! I feel all the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders! I feel all the strength of renewed hope. I look at the High Priest. I could kiss this man! But, as kindly as he can be he is also a man of strength and forbearance. As if he can read my thoughts, he gives my shoulders a quick squeeze and proceeds to tell me how we can bring back El'Rohir.
As I leave the Church I feel renewed. The darkness I felt just minutes ago is gone. Totally gone!! My thoughts are once again positive. We can finish our mission! We will find the Archbishop and kill him and rid the Oerth of the tumor that he is! There will be a treaty between the Hestmark and the Medegians. It's beginning to all look good again. I feel a slight spring in my step as I search out my companions. My target, though, is Hanor for he is the one that can bring back my El'Rohir!
El is back. It seems that everything I went though was a dream except the extreme sadness for the loss of those children keeps me tethered and I know it was no dream. El is back. It's back to business!