So, about how the PCs get the keys ...

[Dwim]

Probably one of the weirdest plot items is how the big boss at the end of a chapter always have the key to the next portal. In most cases, it doesn't make much sense at all.

The key to Mwangi is cool. They invaded using it, so it's a good way to get it.

The key to Kintargo is okay : it's owned by the descendants of the people that fought Dahak, that built the portals and have to defend them ... I guess it makes sense.

The key to Hermea is a stretch but why not. Uri got it from her sister that is on Hermea ... at least there's a reason why that guy would have it.

But I really don't like how people find the two other keys : they key to Kovlar on a gnoll in Ravounel, and the key to Katapesh on a dwarf in Kovlar... It's just a bit too cheap for me.

Did anyone find a good alternative ?

[Fumarole]

I believe there are several suggestions in the individual GM Reference threads for books two through five. It has been awhile since I read them, so I don't remember specifics.

[xcmt]

Laslunn: Her discovery of the Eye of the Wise is kind of what kicks off the whole AP. Tomorrow Must Burn says she receives it from "her contacts elsewhere in the organization". I don't think it's a stretch to suggest that she received it from Emaliza, the same way that Uri got his key. Mengkare probably had a bunch of the access keys stored away to limit access to Breachill, which Emaliza had discovered and is slowly distributing to assist with her overarching plan of taking over the world. Laslunn is exactly the kind of ruthless *and* careless middle management that Emaliza needed to really militarily secure Alseta's Ring, something Uri probably cautioned against (thus explaining why Laslunn is operating in a rogue capacity against official [Uri's] Triad orders).

Ilssrah Embermead: Yeah this one is a little more of a stretch, with the Guiding Chisel and the Orb shard just happening to reside in the same location. In my game I'm going to try to play up the idea that Ilssrah securing the Chisel is another part of Emaliza's game, something Uri would consider careless and needlessly attention-grabbing at this stage in the Orb's reconstruction. I don't think it's a huge rewrite if you want to say that Ilssrah was given the Chisel by Emaliza to magically build the Triad's hideouts in what's otherwise very hostile territory where that kind of construction would be nearly impossible.

[Dwim]

I like the suggestions, thanks. It's worth mentionning that I should probably read the entire plot again (aka, all 6 books), as it's a good idea to refresh my ming on how things are tied together.