Phylacteries of the Damned

Session 138

Characters: Julian, Anthony, Randal, Tulgar, Grim, Samael.

NPCs: Yimluth Elkmoon: The Elk Father (Druid of Silvanus), Greater Dragonbone Golem, 4 Wearer’s of Purple (Cult of the Dragon), 6 Mature Adult Dracoliches, Aurgloroasa the Sibilant Shade: Greater Wyrm Red Dracolich.

M 16 Mirtul 1374 - M 16 Mirtul 1374

4000 XP

Randal, Tulgar, Samael, and Anthony continued to battle the shrinking Proto-dracoliches in the great bone chamber. Finally, with no suitable skeletons remaining the dracolich souls grouped together and howled past the party out of the cavern and into the flooded mine shaft. With Balin nowhere to be found, the party regrouped at the flooded mine shaft and decided to go down. Yimluth cast Freedom of Movement and Water Breathing spells upon the party then dove into the water shaping himself into an eel as he hit the surface. The party followed the druid down more than 200 feet before the shaft leveled out into a watery tunnel. Following the tunnel further they moved past abandoned mine carts and equipment, all were scarred with draconic claw marks. Then they saw purple light coming from an opening at the ceiling of the tunnel and carefully rose to investigate.

Tulgar prepared Gar for battle as he burst from the opening into a hollowed cavern above. Samael followed promptly behind and saw Tulgar falter momentarily as he was hit by 4 rays of Disintegration from a group of mages dressed in purple robes. The Wearers of Purple became sheathed in a haze of disorienting shadows which protected them from Tulgar’s slashing attacks. Grim pulled himself quickly from the opening and seeing the many magical auras the 4 mages were surrounded by he decided to evoke his most powerful and reckless abjuration. A Mordenkainen’s Disjunction erupted from Grim’s hand, immediately rendering the Wearer’s of Purple vulnerable to the party’s attacks. Anthony and Samael charged forth and slashed at the evil mages, splashing the room with blood. The mages began to hit Anthony and Samael with black rays of negative energy and soon they were drained of much of their strength. Tulgar and Julian’s soulfire armor burned blue, protecting them from the vile spells. Finally, the party’s attacks were too much for the mages whose previous spells were of no help anymore. The crazed mages laughed hysterically as they were stabbed to death on the cavern floor.

Not soon after the battle, the party began to search the room for the phylacteries. It was a sizeable old mine area which the Cult of the Dragon had converted into a library and laboratory for the creation of the necromantic potions. Old tomes filled bookshelves along the walls and fortunately, a few larger tables were still intact after the fight. Strange chemicals sat idle in beakers and vials all around; all of this greatly intrigued Julian and revolted Anthony and Randal. Julian began to pull books off the shelf and peruse their contents which the rest of the party interrupted warning him of the potential danger. Julian stated that the books could be sold or offered to Candlekeep, they might even have useful knowledge as to what this Cult had been involved with. Anthony and Randal outright refused, but when Julian continued to insist they use the books for their quest Grim lost his temper and used shaper a Wall of Force which locked all the books in their shelves. Julian then used a Greater Solarity to buy himself time before Grim could finish his incantation however, and then Time Stopped and gathered as many books as he could off the shelves. By the time his spells had ended Julian was standing dazed in front of 3 empty shelves, his portable hole crumpled in his hand.

The party finally ignored Julian’s pleas to join him and take more as Yimluth shouted that Balin and the dracolich phylacteries were nowhere to be found. So they dove back down into the watery tunnel and swam until they reached another large opening above them. This time they swam up into the surface of a small underground lake, whose sides where joined by a wooden bridge. Just as they rose from the water Yimluth summoned forth a great burst of light whose rays rained down positive energy into every corner of the massive room. Unfortunately, there was no undead around as they came to the shore and began to search for signs of Balin. On a rocky outcropping which overlooked the small lake Randal and Samael saw a tunnel leading down into the mountain again. Its entrance was cloaked in magical Darkness so black that only those with arcane vision could see through. The party re-assembled and headed down into the tunnel, just as they were about to turn a corner a massive creature lumbered into their view.

It was as if a pile of the thickest dragonbones they had ever seen had assembled into the loose shape of a wingless dragon. The bone pile’s chaotic arrangement bore no anatomic relationships like a dracolich’s skeleton would. More construct than creature, it ripped at Tulgar twice with massive claws, dropping the barbarian to one knee in a single moment. Julian’s keen eyes saw the strange flickering lights from inside the Golem’s chest but could not place what magical essence’s they possessed. The party surrounded the Golem tactfully, as it ripped away drenching its bone claws in their blood. Grim’s spells would not penetrate the Golem’s powerful aura however he managed to channel some raw arcane force into it. As the Golem breathed it exhaled a thick black smoke which choked the very life force away from the party. Just before the Golem was about to shred Randal with its fang-like hands, Anthony landed a truthful strike into its chest with the Blade of Cosmas and sent the Golem crashing to the ground in a heap of sharp bones. The black smoke quickly dissipated leaving only the smells of steel, blood and bone dust in the tunnel.

After the battle, the party noticed that within the bone pile was a large orb of force which contained 7 glowing gems within. Grim recognized the gems as the 7 phylacteries they had been searching for. Fortunately, the keeper of these phylacteries was now destroyed. Julian attempted to make a psionic connection with a gem and finally succeeded. It was the copper dracolich whom they had fought so intensely just an hour earlier. The dragon made it clear that he did not chose this terrible fate, but that now that it was done he saw only despair and eternal torture. Julian bartered with the dragon to learn some new information about the Cult of the Dragon’s ultimate goal, but the dragon had already lost the last shreds of his former self. Anthony set to sundering the gems one by one, and burned their dark souls with holy fire. The party then looked upon a vast cave filled with massive piles of dust-covered treasure, and two bodies laying still in silence; the personal chamber of Aurgloroasa the Sibilant Shade.

Aurgloroasa: The Sibilant Shade

Session 137

Characters: Julian, Anthony, Randal, Tulgar, Cael, Grim, Balin

NPCs: Yimluth Elkmoon: The Elk Father (Druid of Silvanus), Lord Thond, Thomas Glenn: Royal Court Lawyer, 2 Celestial Leshay (Corellon Larethian), The Avatar of Corellon Larethian, Alusair Obarskyr: The Steel Regent of Cormyr, 6 Mature Adult Dracoliches, Aurgloroasa, the Sibilant Shade: Greater Wyrm Red Dracolich.

E 16 Mirtul 1374 - M 16 Mirtul 1374

12,250 XP

The party awoke in Lord Thond’s manor in the early afternoon to the sound of loud banging upon the mansions front door. On the other side was Court Lawyer Thomas Glenn looking rather flustered. He had just ran from the Royal Palace to alert the party that Lord Huntsilver (whom had been absent at the previous council session) had gone missing. Purple Dragons had searched his estate earlier in the day finding signs of a struggle; the entire manor had been rifled through in a near identical manner to Thiombur and Woodbrand’s estates when they had been abducted. As the party discussed whether or not Huntsilver could also be a Knight Draconis and if the Cult of the Dragon could also be involved in this as well, they were interrupted by a second messenger. A hawk swooped in from an open window, dropping a scroll case from its talons, inside were two scrolls sealed with Lord Illance’s signet ring.

The first was a polite letter thanking the party yet again for all that they had done for him late the previous night. The other scroll had a map of Cormyr with points drawn in where Dragoneye Dealing Coster trade wagons had been abducted recently. The activities seemed centered almost entirely around the Hullack Forest, a spot that Illance recommended they begin their search for the Cult of the Dragon cell whom had been assisting Lord Idool. The party sent a message to Yimluth Elkmoon asking him for assistance in tracking down dragon caves within the Hullack Forest. Meanwhile, they continued to discuss the information they had been gathering since coming to Cormyr. Anthony Manton gathered questions from the party that they could still not answer and then attempted to Commune with Tyr for guidance.

The party gathered around Anthony on dusty sofas and chairs as he kneeled in prayer. The Blade of Cosmas came forth from Anthony’s fist and filled the room with a warm light. Anthony focused his mind as he stated to Tyr their recent trials, then he began to ask the party’s questions. The Blade of Cosmas grew bright as it reaffirmed some of their suspicions. The room began to flicker with light. Hairs raised on the arms of all the party as they felt something was suddenly going wrong. Anthony concentrated harder to maintain his connection, but it was broken when the room flashed with white light and two celestial elves appeared before them. Each had ivory skin, silver hair, ornate chain mail, and brandished two massive swords in each hand whose blades seemed born of their essence. They spoke in harmony stating that Grim Greycastle and Julian Bailor had been charged for the crimes of opening a dangerous Gate into Arvandor, killing an Elder Tree, tainting the very ground which Corellon Larethian walked, and unleashing vile orcs directly into their most precious sanctuary. Grim hung his head at the accusations accepting his guilt and unknown future; however Julian faced the Leshay proclaiming his innocence and questioning their charges in the absence of his testimony.

The Leshay stated that they were to bring Grim and Julian back at once for their punishment (execution) which had also been decided by the powers of Corellon Larethian. Julian continued verbally resist the Leshay and eventually they agreed to allow the entire party to come with them back into Arvandor. The Leshay opened up another Gate of silvery light and they were now in the Lands of Corellon Larethian in Arvandor. The party was now standing in a palace whose magnitude was greater than any they had ever seen. They looked out over a huge balcony and saw a valley filled with massive white bark trees and pillars. All the party (including Julian and Grim) could not help but feel completely overwhelmed with peace and relaxation. Interestingly, as Grim was quick to point out, each member of the party appeared as if they had been an elf their entire lives (something Tulgar in particular found quite disturbing). An almost ethereal figure in shining elven plate mail approached the party, hovering in silence. There would be no need for introductions for the party knew just by sight that he was the keeper of this realm, an Avatar of Corellon Larethian.

The Avatar explained to Grim and Julian that just like their crimes, their guilt and sentencing were final. Grim accepted these words as law and was in a state of deep remorse for his guilt was clearly the greatest. Julian however, attempted to barter his fate with the Avatar but drew a gaze of anger from Him instead. Julian then realized the Elven Way of Good was built almost entirely on the intentions and true emotions of not only their actions, but the results of them as well. The Avatar drew the party across the Overlook and they saw out across the great expanse seeing true perfection except for one point, a great fallen tree resting dead upon collapsed pillars; the entire mess was still covered in the blood and gore of hundreds of dead orcs. The essence around the land was tainted forever, and worse the Avatar explained, the tree had been a father to an entire forest on Faerun. Balin looked upon the massive white tree and saw through its idealized form, he knew exactly which forest the Avatar spoke of.

Julian and Grim begged for forgiveness and also the Avatar change their punishment so that they could redeem their crimes against Arvandor instead. The Avatar stared deeply into their souls, seeing all the Julian and Grim had and would ever experience; their lives completely in his hands. The Avatar however, changed His mind upon seeing within the two that the party was still hunting the epic warriors or Gruumsh: Obold's Eye Rippers. Julian and Grim promised to destroy the 5 Eye Rippers as soon as they possibly could. Smiling upon their promise to kill the Eye Rippers or perish trying, the Avatar gave the party 5 black crystals with which to lock the Eye Ripper souls forever. Grim still noticed that the Avatar was far from satisfied asked if there was still more he could do to personally atone for his actions. The Avatar divined again into Grim's soul and answered grimly back; avenge the Twin Sisters of Cormanthor. The Avatar then turned to Julian and told him that the forest which sprung from the tree he had destroyed was in dire trouble. He would not only need to save the forest, but help expand it back to its former glory. Finally, he must bring back the seed of its greatest tree and return it to Arvandor so that its sapline would remain intact. After Grim and Julian had pledged their services to the Avatar they were allowed to return to the party. The Leshay Gated the party into Lord Thond's manor once again. It took more than a few minutes for the electric feeling of Arvandor to fade from their skin, but then the party re-gathered their composure deciding to visit Regent Alusair Obarskyr and speak to her about the recent events involving Illance, Idool, and the Cult of the Dragon.

In the Royal Palace the party was rushed into Alusair’s chambers as if they were late (despite the fact they were showing up unannounced). Alusair described to them the recent abduction of Huntsilver in the best details she had available to her; this news seemed to have nearly broken her. The party also told Alusair of the recent events concerning the wedding between Idool and Felicia Illance. Alusair more than entertained the possibility that the same Cult whom had been blackmailing Lord Illance could also be behind the abductions. Why the Cult of the Dragon was targeting Lords of Cormyr suddenly was not clear; even more confusing was how they seemed to know the identities of certain Knights Draconis. At the end of the meeting the party received a Sending from Yimluth stating that he was in the forests just east of Suzail and that he would gladly help in locating as many dragon caves as they wished.

The party found and met with Yimluth in the forest; when they told him that they were actually looking for a dracolich not a dragon Yimluth did not seem at all afraid. After the party had relayed the description of the red dracolich that Illance had seen as well as the map given to them by Illance Yimluth was certain he had met this dragon’s acquaintance long ago before it had become the undead monster it was now: Aurgloroasa. Even over five hundred years ago before Yimluth had become imprisoned Aurgloroasa was massive, gluttonous, and merciless. But now after his transformation into festering immortality, Yimluth could only imagine the king of power that Aurgloroasa wielded.

With some hesitation the party followed Yimluth through a series of Fey Crossroads across Cormyr whose structure was quite different than Yimluth remembered. Fortunately for both the old druid and the party, the roads remembered him. Once the party had reached the Hullack Forest safely, Yimluth took the crushed bone dust the party had collected from Illance’s bedroom chamber and threw it into a puddle. Staring deeply into it, the party and Yimluth saw the dust organize into smoky shapes, eventually forming a large cave mouth entrance. Yimluth recognized it at once as if it were an old friend and the party traveled with the ease of Windwalk to the very same cave entrance only minutes later.

Tulgar felt the power of Tempest rising within him as he stared at the entrance, knowing what kind of incredible battle would soon be upon them. Anthony and Randal prayed to the Triads for assistance. Grim and Cael quieted their minds, sensing the Weave around them. Balin and Yimluth listened to the sounds of a long silent forest, and looked upon the charred treetops around them. Julian hummed a strange song to himself as he rolled a coin between his fingers. The party stepped into the cave, their auras burning with magical power. The cave’s great entrance had originally been built by dwarves; it seemed to be an ancient mountainside fort that the dragon had ripped away from them many years ago. Balin noticed the same claw marks all around, scratching away the old dwarven runes. Surprisingly, mold was growing everywhere in patches, the stone floor led to a staircase which descended into a massive flooded great hall; large enough to house all the evil creatures they had ever faced simultaneously.

Swimming out from a corner at the stretches of their darkened vision was a small, dog-sized dracolich; it approached the party almost curiously. Randal waited at the back his fists clenched and as the small dracolich swam up to the party yelping he sprang forward and struck it with a burst. Julian cast a Disintegration upon it which nearly burst its bones apart. Then Tulgar leapt forward into the great hall as well, striking it with Gar. Even before the skeleton could shatter, magical energy exploded out of its essence nearly killing half the party that had leapt into the great hall to engage it. The boom echoed through every corner of the undermountain and the party heard the lurches and roars of terrible beasts from the darkness beyond the great hall.

The party regrouped within the hall near the cave’s entrance and waited in the ash-filled water. Moments later death screams nearly deafened the party as they were surrounded by 6 Huge Dracoliches. The most disturbing part was that 3 of them were metallic dragons of good, two copper and silver that the Cult had sacrificed in the name of the dark powers. The party was blasted by waves of acid, ice, fire, and lightning all at once but their magical defenses saved them from much of the attack. Then the party charged forward from their circle and engaged the dracoliches at the tunnel openings they had came from. Anthony, Cael, Tulgar, and Randal were each able to drop their chosen enemies with epic slashes from their weapons and fists. They had fought this fight before in the Storm Horn Mountains, and this time the terrifying gaze of the dracoliches would not stop them. The remaining dracoliches regenerated their breath weapons with surprising quickness and unleashed another torrent of elements upon the party. Electrismo, Cael's faithful Shocker Lizard familiar was killed in the blast leaving the Spellsword with an aching gash in his heart. The party battled bravely on and finally they would cut down the last of the dracoliches.

The draconic essences rose off the fallen skeletons of the dracoliches and flew down a chamber deep into the cave. Before the party could follow however, the room exploded once again as another dracolich filled nearly the entire room with its presence. Yimluth pulled himself from the floor and recognized it despite the rotting hide and skeletalized head; Aurgloroasa. The burning red orbs within its eye sockets gazed upon all those within the room those that stared back were petrified in complete terror. Its great wings stretched to every corner of the great hall as it drew in a massive lifeless breath. Grim remained fixed upon the eyes however, undaunted by the death within them, searching for any attempt to corrupt the Weave. Just before the dracolich bathed the room in a pale fire Grim sensed it also casting a powerful spell in a genius harmony. Grim and Julian were prepared and bent the flow of time itself with their magical effort, unraveling the dragon’s spell as it was cast. The next instance however, the dragon breathed outward and filled the room with an icy pale fire, shaping the fire to stretch into every part of the hall. It burned them even with their magical protection; flickers of blackness within the fire tainted their souls with its vile presence.

The party struggled to breathe as the cave quickly filled again with air from outside, Randal rushed to Yimluth’s aid as Anthony Healed the party. Cael however, was still standing in the same place he had been, completely surrounded by ice. He moved through the solid ice in his ancestral armor as if it were made of water and struck Aurgloroasa’s leg with Calinus Brumalis. Cael relaxed his grip and focused his mind as he channeled more of the Weave’s power through his blade than he had ever done. The blow left Aurgloroasa without a leg, sending massive bones into the water which turned into patches of ice wherever they struck. Anthony also charged forward, calling upon Tyr and First Paladin Cosmas for their might. His strikes penetrated through Aurgloroasa’s mighty bones charged the creature’s evil soul with bolts of positive energy. Aurgloroasa stood in an ecstasy of disbelief knowing that he may at last be destroyed by worthy warriors. For that second Yimluth saw in the dracolich’s eyes a glimpse of the old dragon within. Then the glowing red orbs returned and Aurgloroasa again invoked his mighty spell the Maw of Chaos, but Grim had held his eyes ever steady upon the burning orbs and once again unwound the spell before it could destroy the party. He ripped at the party, flinging them to all corners of the great hall, but Cael, and Anthony continued to charge forward through the waters filled with ice, ash, bones, and blood and land epic blows into the rotting draconic corpse. With a final battle cry Anthony Manton flashed the Blade of Cosmas through Aurgloroasa’s drooping head and extinguished the burning red orbs.

Seconds later as its bones had finally stopped falling and splashing into the shallow water all around the party realized that Aurgloroasa’s evil soul had collected and roared back through the darkened tunnels. If he had hoarded any more corpses deep within his lair they would soon be fighting him again; unless of course, they could find his phylactery in time. Just as the roar of Aurgloroasa’s evil soul disappeared from earshot it was replaced by the sounds of more boney corpses clattering through the tunnels and into the great hall. The dracoliches they had previously killed were back and in new bodies of dead dragons (some metallics were present here as well). Wounded and nearly outnumbered the party fought gravely onward hoping that the dracoliches would run out of bones before they ran out of blood. Cael, Randal, Tulgar, and Anthony held the front line while Yimluth healed them from behind. Balin, Julian, and Grim made their way into the darkened tunnels to chase after the fleeing souls of the recently killed dracoliches.

The three followed the screaming souls into an equally massive cavern; this one however was crudely carved by Aurgloroasa himself. The room was filled with a massive pile of bones which gathered and animated as the evil dragon’s souls poured back into the room. They hid within the shadows and could not find Aurgloroasa’s soul amongst them. Clearly he had a private collection of the largest bones of all. Meanwhile back in the great hall, Randal Cael, Tulgar, and Anthony had survived the initial backlash of dracoliches and each successive wave was getting easier to slay as the skeletons were getting smaller and smaller. They pushed forward and eventually stood at guard at the entrance to the massive bone pile fighting whatever attempted to escape.

Julian, Balin and Grim used their honed searching skills, arcane sight, and cavern knowledge to find a section of cave wall that seemed suspicious. Balin Melded his body with the stone and found that it was indeed merely a natural wall, behind it was a deep pool of water that extended for a great distance from what Balin could tell. He went back and told Julian, and then Melded through once again. The darkness of the water seemed to call his name, with the recent victory still rushing quickly in his heart Balin decided to descend deeper into the massive well. Julian used his Dwarven Horn of Calling to summon the ancient constructs of Gildabarr whom made short work of the stone wall creating an entrance for the rest of the party. But by the time they had finished Balin was nowhere to be found.

The Black Wedding

Session 136

Characters: Julian, Anthony, Randal, Tulgar, Cael.

NPCs: Yimluth Elkmoon: The Elk Father (Druid of Silvanus), Peter the Triad Priest (Tyr), Father Akkul the Triad Priest (Illmater), Hensley the Triad Priest (Torm), Mellomir: The Sage of Arabel, 5 Estate Guards (Lord Idool), 3 Vile Blink Dogs, 6 Baulder's Gate Blades, Priest of Waukeen, Lord Kynston Illance, Lady Felicia Illance, Lord Kisbin Idool, Chapel Organist, 4 Royal Purple Dragon Knights, Warwizard of Cormyr, Lord Thond.

L 15 Mirtul 1374 - E 16 Mirtul 1374

6550 XP

Grim had Teleported Anthony Manton's remains to the Fortress of the Faithful where he was Resurrected by their priests. The three High Priests were overjoyed that Anthony had returned back to Ferun amd gave him a warm welcome back. Anthony spoke with Father Peter, Akkul, and Hensley concerning his spirituality, recent trials, and concerns and then Grim and Anthony Teleported back to Cormyr where they met with their party in the Hullack Forest. Meanwhile, after the great battle with the Hagunemnon the party spoke with the Elk Father concerning the poem they had found in Wellstar's tower. The Elk Father seemed of no help. Having no memory of recent events or a writer's mind the Elk Father could only guess as to what the poem's purpose might be. His only suggestion was that perhaps there was more to this poem than simply researching its historical references. The party's investigation of these events was a timely and incredibly difficult task; one that seemingly led to nowhere. What Wellstar and Alaphandar were up to the still could not say, more prove. Perhaps the monks of Candlekeep had already found the answer?

With their last lead dead in their hands, the party decided that they would seek out the great diviner Sage Mellomir. A long time resident of Arabel, Baron Thomdor had appointed him to watch over Arabel in the party's absence. Anthony Manton remember him as a dry, dapper man with neat trimmed hair. Also, Mellomir was a powerful wizard, whom foretold the fall of Bhall and Myrkul before the Time of Troubles. Most recently, Mellomir was famous for having survived several kidnappings, and single-handedly destroying an entire Westgate family after it tried to assassinate him. With Cael's expertise the party was Greater Teleported back to Arabel. Before they sought out Mellomir the party went to the north gate and saw that a massive stone wall had been raised to replace the previous one, the work of a wizard no doubt. Arabel's civic guard and remaining Purple Dragon Knights were overjoyed to see that Pinehill's adventurers had returned.

The party then went back to Arabel's western wall district where they easily found Mellomir's old tower standing just one block away from Wellstar's. The two buildings could not have been more opposite, Wellstar's was a modern design and purely functional. It's only decor came from the odd mechanical contraptions which hung outside its windows. The tower's roof, a massive steel bowl guarding a great telescope which peered into the night sky. Mellomir's however, was one of Arabel's oldest structures, an architectural gem adorned with elegant stone reliefs carved into dragons, kings, and cavaliers. As the party approached the Sage's tower the door came flying open, a man in his forties wearing the robes of an apprentice greeted them and welcomed them in, Mellomir had been expecting them.

The apprentice brought the party into a lavish chamber furnished with card tables, a magical lanceboard set, plush purple furniture, and an animated harpsicord which filled the room with music. After several minutes Mellomir and an old hawk entered; he greeted the party as if they were old friends. The Sage ran through the party's names as well as a list of heroic accomplishments as an animated bar began to float drinks into their hands. The party asked Mellomir about the poem they had found in Wellstar's tower, their recent encounters concerning Ironvine, the Grey Knight's Lance, and of course The Elk Father. In addition, they also spoke to the Sage about the suspicious announcement that Lady Felicia Illance was to be married to the vile Lord Idool Kisbin. Alaphondar had little positive to say about Wellstar and mentioned his surprise concerning Alaphondar's disappearance. To the questions of the poem he told the party that while he was not aware of anything more detailed than what they had already encountered; they were not the only people whom were investigating the poem. He was not positive the identities, but he was sure they were most devious indeed.

This discussion landed the party into the inevitable and taboo subject of the Knights Draconis. Who could also be involved? Mellomir felt that while what the party had found was genuine historical evidence, that the Knights Draconis organization had died out some 500 years ago at least. He noted in his own personal study of them long ago that there were tell-tale changes in the Cormyrian court, King's personal guard, and composition of the royal bloodlines that would mark the end of the Knights Draconis as active participants in the Cormyrian royal line. He also mentioned how genius it was that they had put all their history into one place in which the only access would be granted once a year for just 24 hours. Even if one was to study intensely for all the 24 hours there would be no possibility to achieve even a fraction of the knowledge hidden within its walls. The powerful magical presences within the Knights Refuge had indeed forced the party into that exact dilemma. Mellomir told the party that whomever was behind this, it did not have to do with the Knights Draconis. In fact, it may have been the perfect wild goose chase the true criminals would need in order to tie up such epic adventurers such as they.

Their conversation began to round 2am when the topic changed to that of Lady Illance and Lord Idool Kisbin. Mellomir had been so busy managing the affairs of Arabel and divining into the future troop movements of the orcish and parliamentarian armies as well as the party's history that he was surprised by this news (not surprisingly). The drinks had begun to slur the conversation of all those present by this point and Mellomir offered the suggestion that they pay this wedding a visit (as they were official Emmisaries of the Steel Regent), just to make sure all was indeed right. The party jumped to their feet with a wobble noticing the wedding was probably in progress if not already over by now as it had been scheduled for this very evening. Mellomir stopped the party as they were about to run out and gave them each a potion to drink. Immediately they were sharp and sober as if they had slept for a full 8 hours, then the great Sage Teleported them off to Lord Idool Kisbin's personal mansion just outside the wall of Suzail's Gardens.

Though there was some light in the night sky the party had a difficult time seeing past Lord Idool Kisbin's gate. Idool had ordered his mansion designed by architects from Halruua; it's dark stone walls were punctuated by small dimly lit windows. Fortunately, due to the fact Lord Idool was only a Lord of Cormyr by gold and not blood he could not build his unsightly (and Un-Cormyrian) estate within the Gardens of Suzail. With his marriage to Lord Illance's duaghter however, all of that was about to change. Suddenly, the party was nearly shaken by the sound of a great organ playing a dreadful song from within the mansion's chapel. For Julian, whom had just recently lost the girl he had longed for, this was enough. He cast Improved Invisibility upon himself, activated his magical equipment and Blinked through the stone wall, marching silently towards the chapel. The rest of the party stepped forward and made their appearances known to the Estate Guard standing at the gate's entrance. The guard initially refused them entrance but when Anthony Manton and Randal gleamed their Purple Dragon Knight Rings and adventuring charter signed by the Steel Regent herself, he gathered together 4 other Estate guards and opened the gate. The party was escorted by the 5 guards along with 3 large black dogs. Cael thought that they resembled Blink dogs except they were too large and surrounded by an aura of evil. The Estate Guards however, did not resonate with the same tinge of darkness.

Julian had reached the Chapel's windows by the time the party had just gained entrance by the guards. Looking in he saw it was dedicated the Waukeen: the goddess of commerce. However, while the chapel kept true to the symbols and design of Waukeen's temples, it had a darker style than those he had previously seen. A Cleric of Waukeen was stating the opening gospels infront of Lord Idool Kisbin and Lady Felicia whom was dressed in a black wedding gown and sobbing. Lord Illance was seated in the chapel's first small pew with two menacing guardsman dressed in black platemail. Julian recognized them as the same personal guard from Baulders Gate that Lord Idool had been surrounded by after the Council the previous night, the Baulder's Gate Blades. A total of 6 of these guards were positioned around the Chapel ensuring that everything went just as their client desired. The organist, a lone old man with greyed hair sat in starchy bulter's clothing as if half asleep. By the time the party had arrived at the chapel door (which was barred twice over), Julian knew their time was running short as the Cleric had finished the opening gospels and was now asking for the couple's vows. Julian began looking for signs of entry and noted that the entire chapel had been sealed within multiple Walls of Force, as well as other protective spells he would need to avoid. The Estate Guards outside rapped upon the door and shouted that the Steel Regent's Emmisaries had arrived demanding entrance at once. Lord Idool Kisbin ordered his Elite Mercenaries to kill the party no matter what, and to resume the ceremony as quickly as possible. For Cael, Tulgar, (and even Anthony and Randal) they had heard enough. Randal unleashed a flurry of incredible blows into the door with his holy fists, the Estate Guards ran in all directions, their Blink Dogs cowering in fear. At the instant it shattered, Tulgar, Cael and Anthony saw into the Chapel and Dimension Doored in, the Elite Guards were waiting however, drawing their black bladed katanas and striking in the same motion. Julian Dimension Doored in as well and initially attempted to overtake Lord Idool's mind, however Idool was protected (he had payed quite a sum of gold to ensure nothing like this would happen). Anthony appeared behind the Cleric of Waukeen and cast a powerful spell, stunning the Cleric and stopping the ceremony. Lord Idool grabbed Felicia forcing a knife to her neck, she stopped struggling immediately.

Tulgar, Cael and Randal found their foes to be impressively capable in melee and soon were just as damaged as their foes. Tulgar stuck out and killed one with Gard, Cael cut through two more with Calinus Brumalis; an winter chill began to overtake the room. But Cael and Randal had cornered the last guard into the rear of the chapel when suddenly he struck out with a lash of steel. Randal pushed Cael away but the blade was quicker than he had anticipated; Randal's head fell to the floor with an ominous thud. Without even time to react to the first strike a second flash from the mercenary's blade hit Cael squarely between his helm and breastplate, his helm fell to the ground with a clang just a slit second after Randal's. Anthony turned and to the dire change of events and saw the mercenary standing with his katana drenched in blood, a vorpal. Anthony reacted by casting Revivify upon Cael; Julian saw this and used Greater Solarity to slow down time's passage and Replicated Anthony's spell Revivifying Randal as well. Cael had risen almost as fast as he was dropped, and a second later the awestruck mercenary was cleaved in half by his icy blade. Tulgar raged on as he wrapped Gar around another mercenary's chest and split him in two. Blood hit all four walls of the chapel at once. As the last of the guards were finished by the party, Lord Kisbin was slowly making an exit toward the broken chapel door; holding Felicia with a dagger at her perfect neck. Lord Illance was watching petrified in horror knowing that if he moved even an inch, Lord Kisbin would dispatch his daughter.

The party turned to pursue, but the second Lord Idool had backed his way through the door they heard the unmistakable sounds to an arrow volley. Kisbin's beedy eyes lit up with pain as he fell to his knees allowing Felicia to break free. Behind him a squad of Royal Purple Dragon Knights lead by a Warwizard marched up with bows trained on the door shouting for all to stand down and drop their weapons. Randal whom was not armed rushed to Lord Idool as he took his last breath hoping to stop him from dying for just a few seconds longer. Kisbin's eyes sunk back into his skull and in his last exhale whispered, "The Lost King has returned again, you are powerless to stop him".

The party immediately went to Lord Illance and Felicia's aid and afterwords spoke with the Warwizard about what hapd happened. The Royal Warwizards had been keeping a close eye upon the Weave inside the Gardens of Suzail ever since the Eye Rippers had smashed their way into the Gesture of Fealty and had responded to the powerful magic use with a team of Royal Purple Dragons. Lord Kisbin expressed his eternal gratefulness to the party for not only rescuing them, but also for not abandoning their suspicions. After the party had finished their report with the Royal Purple Dragon Squad they escorted Lord Illance and his daughter back to his personal estate within the Gardens of Suzail. His castle was a perfect Cormyrian fairytale with high turrets, large windows, white-washed stone, and powerful patches of Ironvine that reflected his romantic heart. It was also the first chance the party had ever had to see Felicia so close. Even at this hour of night, in a dreadful black dress and tear smeared makeup running down her face, she looked absolutely breathtaking. As the talked for the next hour with her they found both Lord Illance and his daughter to be just as humble as they were noble, a remarkable trait indeed.

After Felicia had gone to bed Lord Illance began to address the party's questions about the suspicious and irresponsible order he had given just days prior to move one of his largest caravans (the Dragoneye Dealing Coster) out of Arabel just prior to an orc attack. Lord Kisbin slowly began to explain everything. Almost three weeks ago Lord Idool visited his estate (tracking in mud and intimidating the servants) Kyston Illance refused to speak with a man so uncouth no matter how much business savvy his bank accounts showed. The next day Illance and his daughter were outside enjoying a walk when again Idool approached on horseback with two guards at his side asking to speak with Illance in private. Idool made vague references which threatened the welfare of Illance's trade routes and offered some "solutions" to prevent this at a price. Illance was not to be blackmailed and immediately withdrew with Felicia at his side. That very night Illance was awoken by one of his company men that a caravan into Suzail had not arrived and had not been seen in Jutesburgh, Bishop's Strattol, Kedalbee, or Windyhill (the towns just north of Suzail) either. Lord Illance knew the caravan's fate however, he had lost thousands of gold that night and could not prove Idool's guilt.

Over the next few days Idool's visits to Illance became stranger and more frequent. Ravens flew in with parcels, a former sailor turned ghost delivered news of when Idool was to be expected, and many other unusual things as well. In those two days Illance lost another caravan and a shop in the shipping district of Marsember, the local militia attributed the shop falling into the Sea of Shining Stars to "weathered timbers and cargo over the recommended weight". Illance found himself paying Idool increasing sums of money for his "expert suggestions" so that the Dragoneye Dealing Coster would remain profitable. Then one day Idool became bolder than even Illance would have ever suspected. Idool's interest had now shifted to Felicia. After a few misplaced words of affection to her, Illance lost his temper with Idool. Idool however would not relent and demanded her hand in marriage at once. Illance and his guards threw Idool out into his face, and for once Illance thought he had rid himself at last of the terrible Lord Idool. More wrong he could not be. For that night Illance was awoken by a freezing chill that had entered his sizable bed chamber.

When he awoke Illance saw a creature more terrifying than he could have ever imagined. A great skeletalized red dragon crouched within the room staring at Illance with two burning red orbs from within it's skull. Illance was instantly paralyzed with fear, the creature extended its skull over the bed and spoke in a hushed whisper. The creature told Illance that he was to agree to marry off his daughter to Idool or else she would meet a fate far worse than death. Lord Illance agreed to the terrible creature's demands and then in a flash it was gone leaving only a bitter chill and the smell of death within the room. Illance brought the party up to his bed chamber following the account where the party proceeded to search the room for any clues they could find. Julian found a place on the floor where the creature had been scratching with one of it's claws leaving a scar upon the marble floor. He gathered the dust remains within the cracked marble hoping that if there were any remnants of bone, Grim could analyze them in the future. The party thanked Illance for his honesty and after much thanks in return for saving his daughter from Lord Idool the party headed back to Lord Thond's manor for rest.

Finding the Elk Father

Session 135

Characters: Julian, Grim, Anthony, Randal.

NPCs: Balin, Awakened Ironvine, Lord Thond, Berronar of the 9th circle (Druid of the King’s Forest), Ozurr the Tree Ghost, Hagunemnon, The Elk Father.

E 14 Mirtul 1374 - L 15 Mirtul 1374

8400 XP

After a night of long political discussion in the chambers of Suzail’s royal court the party lumbered back to Lord Thond’s eccentric mansion for rest. Thond’s dust-ridden manor was perfectly quiet and dark, ideal for a long awaited sleep. Ten hours later in the late afternoon the party decided it was time to continue their investigation of the Myth of the Elk Father which had been interrupted by the previous night’s politics. With some unusual tips from Balin and the awakened Ironvine they had encountered previously on Aleron I’s tomb, the party made their way to the King’s Forest. Anthony Manton cast a Windwalk upon the party and within an hour of pleasant travel over the blue Cormyrian skies they had arrived at a conspicuous grove of trees.

In the center was an earth mound topped with broken stones halfway sunken into its face. The party searched the area finding many unusual magical runes and auras, but all of them in Grim’s opinion were incomplete at best. Julian discovered a small path which was well hidden in a somewhat disorienting landscape. Familiar with the tricks of druids from their experience in the Forest of Tethyr, Julian was able to follow the path. It led the party to a humble cottage with dry mortared river stones and a neatly thatched roof.


The party decided to wait until its master made an appearance and not shortly after a scruffy human dressed in peasant’s clothing shuffled through the undergrowth. Berronar greeted them with some hesitation due to the intimidating nature of some of their equipment and told them he was the master of the grove. The party told Berronar that their quest to find the Elk Father of the Cormyrian forest had led them to his grove. Berronar was quite surprised knowing that the Elk Father had been gone for some 800 years at least, a member of an ancient circle of druids long since dissolved. Berronar invited the party to some pungent tea and then led them back to the grove where they searched together. With Berronar’s assistance the party made the discovery that these were not individual stones but the remnants of one great former stone of significant magical power. They unearthed the stones and assembled them into a small platform; Grim repaired the damaged structure with a creative bit of spellcasting. It was only then the stone’s true magical power was restored. As the moon took its presence over the skies Anthony and Grim realized at that this was a teleportation stone. Wishing Berronar goodbye the party they activated the stone and vanished, appearing in an entirely different place.

The adventurers found themselves completely submerged in murky brown water, and entangled in reeds and water grasses. They still stood on a stone platform but were now in a pond of sorts, what moonlight there was had been filtered out by massive water lilies and a thick forest canopy above. They rose efficiently to the surface by simply reactivating the ongoing Windwalk. They were in another grove, however this time they were surrounded by water-logged trees, and the croaking of frogs all around, some as large as cats. Grim cast a Discern Location spell and an arcane voice whispered back to him that he was still on Ferun, in the Hermit’s Woods of Cormyr. Anthony knew this immediately as a swampy patch of land just east of Marsember. As they looked around further, Julian noticed there was a great terrace of pools draining water from a stream just above a hillside into this depression, most were broken in places and leaking water. Randal discovered the remains of a skeleton in the last pool which had run dry (or at least the muddy sort of dry that one can only find in a swamp). With Randal at the bottom and Julian at the top of the terraced pools they determined that long ago this figure was thrown from the top smashing the lowest pool’s outer wall.

A grave sense of the evil committed in this grove now lingered in the heads of the party. They decided together that what ever the magic was that brought them here may have been the path which the Elk Father had last taken. Or maybe they had been brought here for a reason? In addition, it was clear to them now that the grove’s former magic had been lost and that in order to continue on their path they would have to restore it. The party began lifting stones back into place when Julian had a remarkable idea, his Lyre of Building! And so with nothing more than an hour of music from the Lyre, Julian had reconstructed the grove to an old splendor. The trickles of water running in all directions resonated in the grove, and of course the frogs could no longer resist holding in their croaks. Anthony and Randal meanwhile had been busy burying the skeleton on a suitably dry plot of land overlooking the grove. Grim focused his attention back on the central pool. Within an hour or so of study he realized this magical pool was far more powerful than he had imagined. It would Teleport whoever looked deeply upon its murky surface to anywhere he or she wished to go, a dangerous proposition for some.

The party focused together on their quest and their desire to find the Elk Father as they stared deeply into the water. The next moment the party was staring at a great Grey Tree which stood alone in a massive grove of barren soil. The tree’s wood was petrified grey and looked hard as stone, as if sunk in sea water for hundreds of years. The hundreds of notches and hollows dotting its body were lit up with the yellow eyes of ghostly owls. In the center of its thick trunk was the face of an old man. The trees and its ghostly owls noticed the party’s presence almost immediately; owls hooted and flew out of their hollows swooping past the party into the forest. A powerful voice called out to the party demanding to know how they had reached his home. The party was surprised for they were expecting to see the treant’s face animate as it spoke, but instead they saw a spiritly visage within the petrified wood moving, the Tree Ghost. The party explained that they were not here to fight, or harm its resting place and that they desired only to find and speak with the Elk Father. The Tree Ghost refused to acquiesce to their requests for knowledge concerning the Elk Father for some time, but eventually their diplomacy succeeded.

The Tree Ghost told them that a long time ago he knew the Elk Father, whom often roamed the King’s Forest killing aberrations of nature and magic. Some 800 years ago however, the Elk Father disappeared, the Tree Ghost told the party he could take them to the last known site of the Elk Father. Their hearts leaped, until they heard the Tree Ghost’s grave tale of the hideous beast which followed the Elk Father there. The party insisted they go despite the Tree Ghost’s warnings and so they stepped into a massive hollow at his base.

When the party appeared Grim cast a Discern Location and discovered they had been Teleported by the Tree Ghost to the Hullack Forest in eastern Cormyr. It appeared almost identical to the King’s Forest with some exceptions that an avid tracker would notice. After all, the two woods were once one when the elves called them part of Cormanthor. They walked just a short distance through ancient trees finding odd wooded plants shaped in the forms of aberrations, orcs, and adventurers. Grim recognized them almost immediately as the work of a unique petrifaction spell. In the center of a clearing was a large pool of water which glistened in the moonlight. Circling the pool were 12 standing stones forming monoliths and great triathlon gates. The stones and trees were all adorned with hibernating and damaged magical runes which looked to have been clawed away by the monsters that now stood petrified in bark all around them.

Julian and Grim searched for more signs of magic still active and found only one. The pool’s surface seemed to be blocked by an epic barrier of some kind. Clearly whatever was under the water was either meant not to go in or out. Julian and Grim combined their efforts but only Grim through a great arcane toil was able to break the barrier. The party leapt into the pool expecting the worst, all their magical items now glowed with their full power. Rather than swimming down, they found themselves swimming up, and burst out of the water into an underground grotto where the monoliths above stretched down forming great stone pillars which supported the ceiling. It was then the party faced a terrible sight no man had seen for nearly 500 years, the Hagunemnon.

The creature’s form was in constant flux, as its flesh boiled over ever-changing its appearance. The Hagunemnon battered the party with stone giant fists, ripped at them with dragon’s claws, looking upon them with hundreds of green eyes. Julian struck it hard with his trusted death mace but it was nearly destroyed as that instant the beast’s hide became engorged with acid. Randal and Anthony battled back with all their might and suddenly the chaotic beast unleashed a burst of energy suppressing all but the most powerful magic in the grotto. Grim stood back now in terror as Julian, Anthony and Randal were being overcome by its power but Anthony was slain. In horror, the party continued to fight and managed to suppress it into a bubbling mass as it attempted to regenerate. Randal slowly pushed it into the pool while Julian kept it at bay with Firestorm. They were all moved back under the moonlight by the magical pool and in the open sky Grim conjured a great storm which brought a hail of mundane lightning down upon the beast, killing it instantly.

After the battle Grim Teleported Anthony to the familiar Fortress of the Faithful where services were immediately mustered for his spirit to be summoned once more by the Triad’s followers. Meanwhile, Julian and Randal returned to the grotto, and discovered it to be a tomb. Lining the walls were the graves of many great druids, all bearing the same title Elk Father. Perhaps there was not just one but many? All the graves were locked by the same epic abjuration; however Grim managed to cancel it as he had done the previous (though with no greater ease). Behind the sarcophagus was the still and sleeping body of a lycanthrope, half man, and half elk. It took some effort arising him, but after they had the Elk Father erupted in surprise, fear, and celebration as his memories gradually returned.

He told the party that he had found the Hagunemnon in Cormyr’s woods long ago and that when he engaged it he realized it was far too much for him. Rather than be killed, he led it back to the grove of the Elk Circle, where he trapped himself and the beast forever. With his last bit of magical energy the Elk Father sealed himself and his previous Circle Masters from the beast knowing that it might be his last action. After many thanks from the Elk Father, the party finally got around to asking him about the poem they had found in Wellstar’s tower. Why was the Elk Father mentioned? What did it mean to become an Elk Foe? The Elk Father looked over the poem in detail with the party but after much discussion he was just as clueless as the party. While at first glance the poem and the legends it evoked seemed as if they would allow the party to find who was behind all of this mystery. But now the party realized there was more to the poem than the myths and legends they had learned from the monks of Candlekeep.

Poems and Politics

Session 134

Characters: Julian, Balin, Grim, Anthony, Tulgar, Samael, Randal.

NPCs: Baron Thomdor: Warden of the Eastern Army, 4 Royal Guards, First Reader Norillmir of Oghma: the Keeper of the Tomes (Candlekeep), 2 Redguards of Immersea, Herald Geldroon (Immersea), Herald of Suzail, Mendryll Belarod, Awakened Grove of Plants (Aleron I Tomb), Awakened Ironvine, Kynwras Firsul: Watcher of Suzail, Alusair Obarskyr: Steel Regent, Lord James Cormaeril, Lord Szwebtil Illeon, Felicia Illance, Kynston Illance, Undecided Cormyrian Lords.

M 13 Mirtul 1374 - E 14 Mirtul 1374

6075 XP

The party stood amongst the ruins of Arabel’s northern gate planning their next move. A regal horn burst interrupted their conversation; a group of 4 knightly horsemen and a Warrior-Noble approached. Anthony identified the heraldry upon the noble’s purple tabard to be that of Baron Thomdor, Warden of the Eastern Marches of Cormyr and first cousin of Azoun IV. He greeted the adventurers heartily and thanked them deeply for their bravery. The party described the details of the battle along Arabel’s northern wall to Baron Thomdor. They also told of the actions of the Parliamentarian force led by Flankmaster Fiache; however Baron Thomdor insisted that the party would have won the day regardless. Thomdor asked the party that they speak on behalf of Royalist Arabel in the upcoming council. While party was honored by his request, they also expressed concern that the city would be left defenseless with their leaving. Thomdor told them that he had summoned one of Arabel’s oldest and wisest resident, Sage Mellomir. Grim knew the name as the wizard whom foretold the fall of Bhall and Myrkul, survived several kidnappings, and single-handedly destroyed an entire Westgate family after it tried to assassinate him. Satisfied that Arabel was in good hands at least for the time being, the party agreed; Thomdor and his men rode back into the heart of Arabel.

While they would need to be present in Suzail’s gardens by sundown, the party was unsure what to do with the day’s remaining time. Julian sat quietly during the conversation, staring at the rubble of a former guard tower. In an instant he knew what must be done and ran towards the ruin, rescuing a great flag of Arabel. Brushing the stone dust carefully off the tattered flag, Julian saw that its purple and white lion was stained red with blood. Julian told the party that he must now ride down the southern trade road through Calantar Keep, Immersea, and into Suzail, and all the small farm towns along the way. He would exclaim the Battle of Arabel as a great Royalist victory, lift the moral of the people of Cormyr, and strengthen their belief in the young King. Julian summoned a great ghostly stag, and raised the flag of Arabel high. The rest of the party joined their flamboyant friend and rode along his side.

With the speed of the wind the party reached the first stop just south of Arabel at the Starwater River, Audsworth Keep. Julian gave a rousing speech, telling the tale of the Battle of Arabel to the ranks of Purple Dragon Knights. The soldier’s spirits were uplifted, messengers were sent from the tower to relay the tale to the neighboring towns to the east and west. Julian and the party rode again through the skies until they reached the small town of Brasewarren. Julian re-told the tale again, and succeeded in diminishing the town’s concerns about the rebellion. During their stops Anthony and Randal would gather those among the town whom followed the faiths of the Triad giving them blessings, brief sermons, and good news concerning their gods. The party rode fast through the Cormyrian sky into Jonasshine, Byham, and finally Stratpoint.

During their ride it became quite obvious to the party that as they rode further south toward Immersea the towns became increasingly more doubtful of the Royalists, and much more accepting of the rebellion. In addition, the towns of Byham and Stratpoint were almost completely devoid of their standing militias. The townsfolk said that the militias had been recalled to Immersea and that the Herald Geldroon told them if the town were in actual harm would, he would whisk them into the safety of the Immersea’s walls immediately. A plan which did greatly worry them, but which they did not question. Despite their sway toward the Parliamentarian rebellion, Julian’s tale brought back their true patriotism. Byham and Stratpoint raised their old purple flags.

Soon after, the party reached the walls of a completely loyal Parliamentarian city. Immersea sat upon a bend in the Starwater River in pleasant shade from the great trees of the adjacent King’s forest; small towers of the city’s old and arrogant nobles peered out towards the party from just above its stone walls. Standing atop these walls were knights of Cormyr, their newly painted red armor shining in the sun. Upon seeing the great purple flag of Arabel they threatened the party and told them to leave at once. Julian refused and simply Blinked through the wooden gate, the party followed in suit. Though the guards were still shouting, Julian’s voice echoed over theirs as he began to attract Immersea’s citizens to the gate, telling the tale of the Battle of Arabel. Herald Geldroon interrupted midway through Julian’s story, flying over the crowd in his magical red robes and engaging the party face to face. Within minutes, Geldroon had re-captivated the hearts and minds of Immersea’s people and mocked Julian with a foolish illusion. Grim quietly took control of Geldroon’s illusion, turning it to instead counter his speech. Julian began to gain ground stating at how Geldroon had left the towns of Byham and Stratpoint defenseless in this time of uncertainty. Geldroon attempted to regain control once more floating above the party, but Julian activated his Antimagic Torc and sent the Herald crashing to the ground in a final act of superiority. Although the party was unable to turn Immersea purple, the militia guardsmen rode out of Immersea back toward their homes and families.

After Immersea the party rode to Jutesburgh, Bishop's Strattol, Kedalbee, and Windyhill spreading the same message patriotic message of hope they had given to the northern towns. In Windyhill Julian became overconfident and spoke too boldly, losing their support. Nonetheless, Julian and the party had made the ride a great victory for the Royalists. In Suzail the party announced their presence to the Herald of Suzail, Mendryll Belarod. Since it was still early afternoon Balin and Grim Teleported to Candlekeep to learn of their recent progress in deciphering the historical references found in Wellstar’s poem. The two great spellcasters were once again welcomed into Candlekeep and met with the First Reader. Norillmir entered the room in deep concentration holding an open book. His eyes stared blankly away from the pages as a magical ink pen wrote elegantly into the pages. During their conversation Balin and Grim told Norillmir of the recent events in Arabel, Norillmir told them of what they had learned so far.

Aleron’s Ivy: Aleron was the first Obarskyr in recorded history. According to legend, Aleron Obarskyr discovered a massive patch of unique magical ivy (Ironvine or “Angalass” in elvish) literally holding together a heavy crumbled castle ruin in what is now the King’s Forest. He found the sight so beautiful that he ordered that all Cormyrian buildings must have a patch of it. In addition to its beauty, Aleron and his party noticed that the vine was so strong it could be used to reinforce the interior walls of their early fortresses. The plant would gain its true name however when later in his reign, Aleron was garroted by an insane traitor who used the incredibly strong vine rather than wire. Indeed Aleron’s Ivy is a plant whose reputation is both beautiful and tragic. Typically, Aleron’s Ivy is spelled with a lowercase “i”. The uppercase one may indicate that it refers to the actual ivy which still grows on the old king’s tomb. Aleron’s tomb is located in the sprawling royal gardens of Suzail and is guarded by powerful magic and Purple Dragon Warwizards. The simple stone sarcophagus can barely be seen behind the thick Aleron’s Ivy even in the winter months as Ironvine can withstand icy temperatures. No one for any reason is allowed to touch Aleron’s Tomb for it is considered disgraceful against his noble line.

The Grey Knight’s Lance: The second passage stirs images of a fully mounted Cormyrian knight with a mythological lance. The heavily wounded knight makes a roundabout in combat before he rides into the enemy on his final charge. During the Crown Prince Azoun I’s 376 DR campaign a mysterious cavalier of great valor joined his army. He was armed with grey full-plate and a fearsome lance. The Grey Knight always kept his anonymity, never lifting his helm or removing his armor. His incredible fighting skills led to key Cormyrian victories as the Azoun I’s army drove Shoon forces back through Amn, Tethyr, and Valashar. In the last battle of the Azoun’s 376 campaign during the sacking of Ithmong, the tide of battle darkly swayed against Cormyr. Crown Prince Azoun I had made a critical tactical error allowing his rear guard to face an impending cavalry charge. According to legend, the Grey Knight made his famous “roundabout” by perfectly executing a quick turn of most of Azoun I’s cavalry. Charging into the much larger Ithmong force, the Grey Knight let out an epic roar as the rest of Cormyr’s army repositioned itself. Though the Grey Knight had decimated the larger Ithmong force, he was killed in the charge. However, his sacrifice was noted as the turning point in the critical Battle of Ithmong and had saved the rest of the Crown Prince’s army. After the battle, Azoun I carried his body back to Suzail without as much removing a single piece of armor. The Grey Knight’s wish to remain anonymous was the least the Crown Prince could do for his bravery. Hearing the resounding call during the Grey Knight’s charge inspired future wielders to name the magical weapon Last Cry. This powerful lance has been passed down for over 1000 years and is currently used by Baron Thomdor, Commander of the Army of the East.

The Myth of the Elk Father: The poem’s last passage concerns an Elk and a wrong doing. Long ago in Cormyr’s history, hunting legends tell tales of the amazing Dire Elks which roamed through the wide forest. In the midst of many of these legends there is a tale that on every full moon a Great Stag called Yimluth whom would appear and hunt down terrible beasts of evil that had encroached on the forest. Many scholars believe that these tales are personifications of the King’s Forest itself. For example, the Great Stag may be its consciousness. The tales of the Great Stag end around 532 DR. Some scholars believe that the Stag died or was slain by a ferocious aberration. Other scholars think that somewhere within the King’s Forest there is an earth mound where the Stag still slumbers, waiting for some unknown reason to awaken.

Armed with this new knowledge Balin and Grim knew the must immediately Teleport back to the party in Suzail and continue to investigate the myths. They thanked Norillmir whom insisted he would continue to study these myths further. Back in Suzail Grim and Balin informed the rest of the party and it was decided to visit the Tomb of Aleron Obarskyr I since it was located in the very same gardens they stood. After a bit of asking around, the party finally found an overgrown grove of trees and vines. Balin led the way as the dense vines and underbrush began to move aside with his presence. The rest of the party hurried behind the druid as the overgrown garden slowly closed in again. Within the clearing was an ivy covered stone tomb resting atop an earth mound. Balin heard the wild plans whisper to each other in many voices. He spoke with the plans there and eventually convinced the ivy covering Aleron’s tomb that he was on an extremely important mission to protect the royal crown. The ivy answered back in the voice of an Old King and told Balin that just last night a rogue slipped into the grove and cut a piece of the ivy before an alarm could be raised. In addition, the Iron Vine told Balin the location of the original patch which still grew upon the elven castle ruin of Timpelanta in the King’s Forest. Balin thanked the wise plants and the party left immediately from Suzail toward the King’s Forest.

With great speed, good advice given by the Iron Vine, and a few conversations with some local trees, it was not long before the party had found what they were searching for, the awe striking sight of Timpelanta. It was just as Norillmir had described, 4 towering trees surrounding the elevated ruins of an elven castle; and of course a massive patch of flourishing Iron Vine covering it all. Most incredible however, was that the vines were actually holding the load of the castle in midair since its former foundation had been shattered thousands of years prior. Julian, Balin, and Grim moved closer to investigate. Balin found that these Iron Vines were much wilder than their offspring in the Gardens of Suzail. Grim shouted to Julian, stopping him from using his magical abilities and equipment to enter the ruin. The Weave in this area was a tangled web of Wild Magic, it would mean almost certain death if Julian had entered. Grim saw this sight as an abomination of his goddess’ body and cast a Wish that it be restored to its original order. With the Weave now repaired, Julian entered safely finding no further evidence of others having been here. During the party’s investigation they determined that there was at one time a duel between two elven sorceresses, resulting in the destruction of a minor artifact. The massive release of magical energy that occurred next would awaken the great ivy surrounding the keep and also nearly destroy it. Though complete, the party’s investigation turned up no new information. It seemed as though the poem’s reference to Iron Vine did not mean here.

So the party returned to Suzail, and just in time to find Baron Thomdor checking in before the council proceedings began. They asked Thomdor about the myth of Last Cry and the Grey Knight of Cormyr. Thomdor gave them honest responses, even allowing them to examine the battle hardened lance. He simply could not explain why the writer of the poem would reference his weapon. Thomdor explained that he received Last Cry as a gift from his cousin Azoun IV after Cormyr’s greatest cavalryman was killed in battle. Thomdor spoke of Last Cry in a respectful manner not unlike how one would speak about a dead loved one. Last Cry’s morbid tradition would live on, and Thomdor knew he would die the grey lance in his hands. That he knew for certain. Thomdor then asked the party if they would present him with the flag of Arabel at the opportune time during his upcoming speech, they respectfully agreed.

The Council proceedings began just as the sun was setting over the picturesque palaces of Suzail’s gardens. Kynwras Firsul, the Watcher of Suzail began the proceedings, Azoun V at his side, stating the Council rules in a firm authoritarian voice. Royalists and Parliamentarians would alternate speakers; each would be given 5 minutes and no more. Undecided votes within the council waited anxiously as the preying eyes of royalists and parliamentarians fell upon them. Alusair Obarskyr was the first to speak, demanding respect from the Parliamentarians and that the nonsense of this political coup be done with. James Cormaeril responded with an intellectual tone, stating that the royalists had underestimated the previous orc infestation, the small tribes were now uniting all around them. Then Baron Thomdor approached the floor, and in a regal gesture Anthony Manton and the party presented to him the Battle Flag of Arabel. The council erupted in cheers after the ceremonious display and Thomdor’s emotional speech that followed returned the floor to neutrality once more.

Despite the Royalists’ best efforts it seemed that as time worn on and the specific details of each issue were discussed, the council began to side more and more with the Parliamentarian ideas. Late into the night after all the nobles had spoken, each of the members of Pinehill’s adventurers gave rousing speeches of their experiences and the some of the mysterious knowledge they had been investigating. Their testimony brought into question for many in the council whether there was more to this situation than simply government. Great cheers rang out from the council chamber as the party stepped off the speaking floor. Then an unexpected individual began to speak from the council’s surround seating, none other than Lord Szwebtil Illeon. Although a young man of considerable wealth, his black attire, lack of courtly manners, and ruthless business demeanor made him an unsightly spot within the Council chamber. Grinning though his worn down teeth, Szwebtil announced that he was to be married to the Court’s shining jewel Miss Felicia Illance, daughter of the Royalist Lord Kynston Illance. The council groaned in disgust, both royalist and parliamentarian alike. Kynston and Felicia sat quietly in acknowledgement of this announcement on the opposite side of the chamber.

Arguments within the court ran out of steam as the dawn sun began to rise and Kynwras Firsul solemnly adjourned the meeting. Just as Firsul’s gavel hit the stand, Szwebtil and his personal guards had swept Felicia and her father Lord Illance away. They traveled out of the great hall and into two black carriages; Szwebtil rode alone in the second. The party made an effort to pursue the shady lord however; their celebrity betrayed them as many undecided votes in the council began to flood down to the council floor to speak personally with them about the recent events in Cormyr. Julian recognized this as a critical time to sway the votes in favor of the Royalists and so the party stayed into the early morning hours indulging the curiosity and intellect of some of the undecided lords.

Battle at the Gates of Arabel

Session 133

Characters: Julian, Balin, Grim, Anthony, Tulgar, Samael.

NPCs: First Reader Norillmir of Oghma: the Keeper of the Tomes (Candlekeep), Lionar Daklbel: Warwizard of the Cleansing Flame, 1 Corp of Obold Manyarrows' Army (~75,000 orcs), Ratharg the Werewolf: Chieftain of the Greywolf tribe, 50 Greywolf Uthgart barbarians, Knell Blackspear: Chieftain of the Black Raven tribe, 50 Uthgart barbarians, Obold's Eyerippers, Isidar Fianche: Flankmaster (Red Knight), Throm Bladeweaver: Warwizard (Red Raven Company).

E 13 Mirtul 1374 - M 13 Mirtul 1374

9000 XP

Julian, Grim, and Balin attempted to get some brief rest in at Candlekeep while Anthony, Tulgar, and Samael waited anxiously at Calantar Keep. Lionar Daklbel Teleported back to Calantar during his morning round and alerted Constal Manton that Arabel was again in peril; under siege from a far greater force numbering upwards of 100,000 standing orcs. Anthony immediately ordered that half of his Cleansing Flame knights arm themselves and Windwalk to Arabel's northern gate. He also made a Sending to Grim so that his fellow adventurers could join them as quickly as possible. After a few more minutes of preparation, Lionar Daklbel Teleported Anthony, Tulgar, and Samael to Arabel. Once Grim, Julian and Balin heard Anthony's brief message they informed First Reader Norillmir that they were temporarily needed elsewhere, and joined their allies at Arabel's north wall. Battle was joined.

The party now stood within the crushed ruin of Arabel's north gate; surrounded by a sea of enemies. Enraged orcs in black banded mail smashed through Purple Dragon lines and into the city. The pale morning sky over Arabel was growing dim. Swelling black rain clouds and swarms of fat vultures lumbered from Obold's massive force and collected over Arabel. Even though this weather stretched for miles all around, Balin sensed an unnatural presence. The wind grew more violent and the party's eyes were drawn back to the horde all around them. Even though their weapons and armor were made of crude mundane steel, the orcs drew incredible strength from their numbers and the unity with which they acted. The party had just arrived but within a second they were being terribly trampled and battered by the raging orcs. Obold had more than inspired the orcs; it seemed he had possessed them.

Samael began to throw down Acidballs from his magical necklace into the ranks of attacking orcs. Julian reciprocated by invoking multiple Horrid Wilting spells. Tulgar let out a mighty roar and flailed Gar into the surrounding orc warriors, killing 24 of them in a single swing. Anthony was initially overwhelmed by the orcs as they flooded past his position, the Sword of Cosmas flickered and dissipated. But Anthony would re-muster his concentration, invoking his divine weapon. Positive energy poured from the holy warrior of Tyr's fist as he slashed into the orcs, clearing a small opening for himself and Samael. Grim concentrated hard as well as he incanted a set of powerful arcane words for the first time. Instantly, a trans-planar rift was opened at the mouth of Arabel's gate, charging orcs were sucked in and gone. Grim watched as the rift swallowed increasing numbers of terrible orc warriors. However, his satisfaction turned to dismay when he noticed they were being pulled into the peaceful celestium of Elfhome.

The party's slaughter of the black blooded ones had just begun, and yet for every platoon of orcs they killed more and more filled the voids. The orcs clustered around each adventurer and began to grapple them to the ground and rip at their magical equipment. Julian's Blinking ring allowed him to escape and he immediately blasted the oncoming orc battalion with a Horrid Wilting. Hundreds of dead orcs fell like cards all around, but seconds later it was as if his spell had never gone off. Tulgar became surrounded by an aura of black blood and white snow as he swung Gar with furious efficiency. Although each minute he killed a hundred orcs; they seemed to be overwhelming him even more, and drew great amounts of blood in return.

Movement for the party was impossible, as they stood on the lose wreckage of Arabel's gate and the bodies of hundreds of orcish and Cormyrian warriors. Julian saw as well the many orcs being shunted away from Toril and to the foreign plane of Elfhome. He cast a whirling circle of teeth around the rift's opening. Orcs sucked in by the dimensional force were shredded apart before being Shifted to Elfhome.

The party battled hard and finally vanquished the last of the orc brigade that had made the initial charge into Arabel. Reinforcements from Arabel's other guard stations had arrived and set up a spear wall behind the party. For the first time the party made their first unobscured look at the orc army. It contained both light and heavy infantry, worg cavalry, elite berserkers, well-built siege engines, and a command force flying huge black flags. Without pause, the deafening sound of great drums filled the air, and seemed to burst the dark clouds over Arabel as cold rain poured down on the battlefield. The orc force reorganized itself quickly to respond to the appearance of epic magic and sent two large regiments waving black banners for a second charge. A third large regiment lines up along a section of still intact wall; despite the fact their siege engines were fat out of range. Shamans cast abjurations upon the units from within as they ran up the mound of wrecked stone.

The party took one last minute to heal and cast protective spells as well; they were Arabel's only true hope of surviving. As the orcs charged up the stone hill the party heard the sound of a massive arrow volley be unleashed. The party knew that the archers and siege engines were still far out of position to reach Arabel's walls. Suddenly, the wind changed directions and blew hard toward the south; the deadly hail of arrows and boulders came down upon the party and Purple Dragons with the rain. Even before the last of the volley had ended the orcs were upon them. The party was trampled, grappled, and began to be ripped apart. The Cormyrian guard had not readied for the arrow volley and after taking heavy casualties were in disarray; they were now unprepared for the terrible charge they received.

Balin cast a druidic spell he hoped never to use upon the orcs overwhelming the Cormyrian guard. Poisonous black posies came down with the rain, many orcs died the instant the black flower petals touched their evil green skin. In the chaos Julian continued to blast away at the orcs with Horrid Wilting. Anthony and Tulgar cut through the ranks of orcs with epic skill, strength, and faith. Just as things were beginning to look as though they would defeat the orc charge again, the battle would again turn for the worse. Thunder and lightning burst from the clouds upon the party, the vultures grew increasingly impatient, swooping to the ground in the midst of ongoing battle to gorge themselves on the freshly killed and dying. The war drums beat louder with every thunderbolt from the sky. Then with another flash of lightning the Eye Rippers were upon the party.

The Eye Rippers were each surrounded by crackling auras of red electricity and wasted no time in attempting to dispatch Pinehill's adventurers. The barbarian let out an epic roar of anger, which sent the hundreds of orcs rushing past the gates around him into a blood frenzy. He gripped Gris'Tarbam which dripped of blood continuously and unleashed a series of devastating blows into Tulgar. The rogue ran towards Julian and began to slash with lethal accuracy using his sword and light mace. Julian was equally adept however in evading the rogue's attacks and chose instead to single out their cleric. When he reached the cleric Julian cast a permanent Forcecage around the two and activated his Antimagic Torc, intending to make quick work of the now incapacitated spellcaster. Meanwhile, the Sorcerer flew into the air over the gate of Arabel and summoned forth an epic Gate which crackled with electricity and opened like an eye awakening from a long slumber. Grim stopped for a brief moment when he realized the Gate was about to bridge the Gruumsh's home plane to Cormyr.

Grim knew time was now even more of the essence and blasted the sorcerer with a powerful Ball of Force. The sorcerer's powerful aura of adjuration warded him easily from this attack. Grim panicked and invoked a masterfully shaped Disjunction effect upon the battlefield. The sorcerer saw this and counterspelled Grim's attempt to even the sides. The sorcerer's black Robe of Eyes shot out a ray of Disintegration and eliminated the Forcecage completely. Julian now stood unprotected by his vast array of magical equipment and the cunning rogue attacked at just that moment. Not but one second later Julian fell dead and disemboweled upon the battlefield, the rogue moved back toward Samael and Balin.

Tulgar looked up and saw in the skies to the northwest, that there was a large flight of Black Ravens circling over a patch of the King's Forest. His Uthgart brothers had arrived, but what they were doing in the King's Forest was unknown. Anthony Manton attempted to Mass Heal the party, but this would not be enough for the dead Julian nor Tulgar who could not sustain but a single round more of combat with the barbarian. Tulgar instead tactically disengaged from the barbarian, Dimension Doored up to the Sorcerer, and attacked with Gar. A powerful burst of adjuration magic and electricity jolted Tulgar back as he sustained nearly an equally grievous wound from hitting the sorcerer.Just then Arabel's northeast wall was hit with a magical blast of boulders and flame. The orc regiment which had previously positioned itself made a charge through the flaming wreckage of stone and wood, and Arabel was now in grave condition. Balin noted that this spell had come from some hidden powerful caster. The orcs spread out quickly through the north streets of Arabel into combat squads, the party would have no way of deal with this additional threat. Just then, the Knights of the Cleansing Flame which Anthony had called upon earlier Windwalked down to the northern gate, engaged the orcs, and halted their advance.

Balin was concerned about something all together different however; the party was being assailed by more than just spells from the Eye Rippers. A terrible chaos storm erupted around Balin, Samael, and Grim and Samael could not escape. Soon he died as his body was ripped apart by chaotic power. Balin shouted that the Eye Rippers were not alone, there was a 5th member! Anthony directed his true and sharp eyes into the sky and through the haze of rain, vultures, and steel, he saw a particularly mangy vulture with 6 smiling eyes staring down upon them. It would be all the party saw of this mysterious caster, for the next instant Anthony was again occupied by the imminent threats of battle around him.

Julian and Samael were dead, Tulgar wounded, and Grim nearly out of spells after a final attempted magical blast against the Sorcerer. Worse still, the Eye Gate was now almost fully dilated and the party saw for the first time what was about to step through the portal; a great fiendish army of orcs, and behind them the gigantic silhouette of a great orc. The avatar of Gruumsh himself. The party rallied for one last final burst as certain death approached.

Just then Anthony saw from the corner of his vision what at first seemed like a hopeful illusion, and then truth. A force of Cormyrian soldiers flying the distinctive flags of Castle Crag and the Red Knight; parliamentarians and Red Raven mercenaries charged over the hill. They were led by two flying casters, a caster draped in the crimson robes of a Red Raven Warwizard, and a cleric commander in full red platemail. The Cleric activated what was for the party the most powerful single spell the had ever seen cast, a burst of reddish-white light came from his hand and cloaked his entire force in an unbreakable aura. Then the Warwizard incanted, and with a single blast of insane arcana annihilated a 500 foot radius centered on the orc command force. The evoker's mage unit then unleashed terrible barrages of meteor swarms and fireballs destroying the remaining force. They continued to crater the ground mercilessly for over a minute. When all the smoke had cleared with the still powerful winds the wizard had left behind a bowl-shaped crater of molten glass and a terrain of craters around it.

Upon seeing that an entire Corp of Obold's mighty army was now completely decimated, the Eye Rippers relinquished their grip upon the party and flashed away in a crackle of electricity as quickly as they had come. The portal began to close and soon it was but a small eye which looked about for a few more seconds. It blinked, and was gone. The orcs were vanquished and the Battle of Arabel was won! Or was it?

After the disappearance of the Eye Rippers the winds began to settle, black clouds and rain faded away, and thousands of vultures began to settle upon the ground, finally feasting upon the dead. Balin rushed into the heart of Arabel and began to Heal the wounded soldiers he encountered along the way. Minutes later, the two epic casters whom had annihilated the orc Corp Teleported to the party. The Red Knight introduced himself as Isidar Fianche a Flankmaster of the Red Knight's church and Ornrion in the Parliamentarian Army. His colleague stood with his back to the party, red robe flickering like a flame in the dying wind. He stared at the wreckage of the battlefield he had just created with great satisfaction, Throm Bladeweaver.

Anthony thanked them for bringing such powerful military assistance and for helping save Arabel. Isidar explained that Lord Vorik Aris of Castle Crag had sent them with the demand that Arabel be secured in the name of Parliament. The party refused to relinquish their control over Arabel, Fianche stated that he would remain with his men outside Arabel until he received additional orders from Lord Aris. Anthony ordered Lionar Daklbel to Suzail and informs the Steel Regent of the battle and the new Parliamentarian demands. When Daklbel returned hours later he altered the party that there was to be yet another Red and Purple Council this very evening; the party was to be present as well.