Characters: Julian, Grim, Anthony, Samael.
NPCs: Woodbrand's Longsword, Hrathdorr the Giant-Slayer Great Spear.
E 9 Mirtul 1374 - L 9 Mirtul 1374
5100 XP
The silence after the battle was broken as the ice Cael had formed to block the waterfall began to split and shatter. Soon the waterfall was once again flowing hard, the passage blocked. Through Balin's magic they returned briefly to Calantar Keep which had been continuing to make preparations for war under the guidance of Constal Manton. Since the party had split of the 5th of Mirtul, Wyvernspur's army had been receiving reinforcements and volunteers on a daily basis. To the south a large ground force had arrived from the new Parliamentarian capitol Marsember. It was estimated that more than 30 War Wizards could be present, with twice as many divine casters in the ranks. The Red Raven company also was growing in strength as reserve members from adventuring parties began showing up for the upcoming battle as well. Wyvernspur's force retained many of the traditional qualities of a Cormyrian army, however it differed in that he had removed much of the unit heraldry and identification. This combined with the mixed numbers of militiamen, Purple Dragon Knights, War Wizards, Priests, and Red Ravens, was making the scouting of his force's full strength difficult.Anthony resurrected both Cael and Julian and then the party made a quick return to the necromancer's cave. Grim used a Wall of Force to angle the flow of water away from the entrance and the party moved in. They traveled through a winding, cramped tunnel and Julian disabled a number of hastily set magical traps. The tunnel opened up into a circular-shaped cave that was filled with luxurious black and purple furnishings. In the center of the room was a pit filled with manacles and bones, resting on the top was the dried up corpse of Lord Filfar Woodbrand. Samael carefully searched the room and found that the necromancer's book collection was filled with information concerning the Cult of the Dragon. Under the bed and hidden by a magical illusion, Samael found a large chest that he dared not touch. Julian meanwhile examined the body of Woodbrand and found that he had been chained here for at least the past day, and tortured; his death was most likely recent and due to an Energy Drain. With a bit of luck and some experience in searching, Julian found an eerie message that looked to have been carved with a bone into the forehead of a skull near Woodbrand's body. The message read "Hilt", and the party immediately began a search for Woodbrand's old sword.
Julian, Grim, and Anthony spent a considerable amount of time, and spells disarming the well protected chest that Samael had found. Inside was a number of Woodbrand's old adventuring effects including a beautiful longsword which glowed with a dull purple light. It's blade and hilt seemed to be forged of one metal upon Anthony Manton's inspection and the hilt pictured a curling dragon. Grim sat with the sword, and meditated on its magical aura. He saw flashes of great battles, feasts, victories, weddings, and funerals all from the hilt's perspective. Grim concentrated further and pushed back the sword's memories to the time it was first forged and could only see a small scroll being scribed by an unrecognizable figure. The party soon believed that Woodbrand's sword contained a scroll vital to their quest. Julian began to examine the inspiring weapon as well, showing it the dead Lord Woodbrand, the message he had scribed, their adventuring charter, and described their quest to defend the Crown Prince Azoun V. After a moment of silence, Julian was struck with a powerful surge from the sword and heard the words, "then destroy me" in his mind. Magically compelled by the powerful weapon, Julian raised the sword in his hand and the rest of the party knew what he was about to do.Anthony rushed at Julian but his attempt to parry missed, and Julian was able to lock himself within a Cube of Force. Grim Teleported in and sent a blast of force and Julian however, it was Spell Turned and Grim was instantly killed by his own spell. Anthony Dimension Doored into the Cube as well, Revivifying Grim from his death. Julian evaded once more and created a new Cube of Force than was blasted away by a powerful Disintigrate from Grim. Samael summond the mighty Great Spear Hrathdorr and knocked Woodbrand's sword from Julian's grasp. The blade clanged as it hit the stone, surged once more before fading back to its former dull purple hue. After the fray Julian explained that although e was compelled magically he still believed it was in Cormyr's best interest to shatter the blade and retrieve the scroll inside. Anthony and Grim warned of the possible magical explosion that could destroy the scroll or worse. Furthermore, what if it was a trick to ensure the blade's true power didn't fall into the wrong hands? The party argued intensely as Woodbrand's blade sat silent on the stone floor.
