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.

Slaughter and Mystery in Arabel

Session 132

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

NPCs: Alusair Obarskyr: Regent of Cormyr, Caladnei: Royal Magician of Cormyr, Unseen Servants of the Library of Suzail, Keiran Stormspear: Captain of the Guard (Arabel), 100 Caravan Guardsman, 500 Orc raiders of Obold Manyarrows, Ratharg the Werewolf: Cheiftan of the Greywolf tribe, 50 Greywolf Uthgart barbarians, Obold's Eyerippers, Glendon: Dragoneye Dealing Coster caravan manager, Nichole la Normande: Truesheild Trading Triakos caravan manager, Aymel: Apprentice of Wellstar, Wellstar: Herald of Arabel, First Reader Norillmir of Oghma: the Keeper of the Tomes (Candlekeep), Lionar Daklbel: Warwizard of the Cleansing Flame,

L 11 Mirtul 1374 - E 13 Mirtul 1374

6075 XP

In the royal Gardens of Suzail the party quickly discussed their options as to what they would investigate next. Julian volunteered to return to Alaphondar's tower above the Library of Suzail. Perhaps the High Sage had left other clues in his tower during his hasty exit? The rest of the party made their way to the Obarskyr Castle to inform Alusair on what they had found and to determine what should be done next.

Julian made his way back to the Library of Suzail and Spiderclimbed up its shadowy stone walls, the bright moonlight striking its opposite side. He reached the same window as before and after a careful inspection saw that both the window and room were exactly as he had left them 24 hours ago. An inspection of Alaphondar's personal study revealed no more information and so Julian made his way out and into a dimly lit, but luxuriously furnished hallway. After passing a parlor, and four moderately sized bedrooms for Alaphondar's arcane apprentices, Julian made his way into a much larger study room. The walls were lined with books stretching nearly to the top of its vaulted ceiling. The texts seemed of no help and Julian searched for secret chambers. He found a number small magical vaults created by Alaphondar's apprentices but their contents were benign. Julian returned to the hallway in time to avoid an unseen servant's ghostly visage pass him by. His skills of hiding were quite sharp even when caught by surprise.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party appeared before the ivy covered gates of Obarskyr Castle. The Royal Guard immediately recognized the valorous heroes and opened the gates. Without even the slightest hesitation to check the party's weapons and armor the Royal Guards respectfully sent messengers to Alusair and Caladnei and led the party to the royal receiving chamber. Quite unlike the standard princess, Alusair appeared after not much time, alert, and disheveled. Tulgar started off with a bold account of the party's adventures in the Storm Horn Mountains that they had not had time to recall during their previous brief meeting 3 days prior on the 8th of Mirtul. Tulgar spoke of the parliamentarian Castle Crag, their battle with mighty mountain giants, his takeover of the Black Raven tribe as its new chieftain, and the outstretched dragon amulets they recovered from the tribe's Giant leaders. Alusair stood in amazement, thanking Tulgar and the party profusely for their bravery and intelligence.

At the end of the hall Julian found a great magical door which he passed through with the help of his Universal Key. Up a set of winding stairs Julian was now in the highest level of Alaphondar's tower, the personal chamber of the High Sage himself. Its opulent furnishings caught Julian's eyes nearly everywhere he looked, yet he maintained his determination on investigating the mysterious sage. In a hidden floor compartment, locked with an elaborate Arcane Lock, Julian discovered what he only hoped he had not found. Vials of poison, dragon fang daggers, and a number of amulets depicting a great dragon with outstretched wings. Could Alaphondar have been the source of these all along? Lastly, Julian examined the Sage's desk and found a book which had originally been wrapped in a red ribbon and sealed in wax. This old history book was titled The Year of the Screeching Vole. In the trash set aside the desk Julian read a message written on a small tag "My good friend, I hope that you and the library find this as enjoyable as I did. -Wellstar" Julian covered his tracks quickly, blinked out of the tower's wall, and ran as fast as he could to Obarskyr Castle.

Randal continued the tale, explaining the results of their recent investigation of Lord Filfar Woodbrand's death in Waymoot. He stated truly their findings in Woodbrand's home, that his corpse was found to be nothing more than a magically transformed troll, and that the dragon bone lodged behind his throat had led them to a terrible cave lair in the Storm Horn mountains filled with dracoliches. There Randal said, they had found Woodbrand's true corpse and magical sword. He explained their investigation of the sword, Endarthar's tower, and how the ghost of Orthaneus had helped them unlock the sword's scroll. Randal's speech slowed as he stated that the scroll had led them to the Knight's Refuge, an ancient tomb of the Knight's Draconis.

Grim told Alusair many of the details concerning the Knights Draconis they had learned. Finally, Grim stated that he had discovered a surprising fact; that every High Mage in Cormyr's history had been a member of the Knight's Draconis Outer Sanctum. Caladnei entered the room weary asking how it was possibly for her to fulfill her duties if she was woken at all hours of the night. The awkward silence was broke by Julian bursting through chamber doors shouting Alaphondar! He threw an open box of trinkets, an old history book and a red ribbon upon the table and gasped for air. Grim returned to the issue of the Knights Draconis asking that Julian regain his composure before stating anything else. When Caladnei finally realized what she was being accused of he outwardly denied, laughing that they would take her to be such a great wizard. The party would not relent and pressured Alusair herself to examine Caladnei for the tattoo of an encircled dragon, the moonlight was still strong. After these proceedings Alusair returned stating that Caladnei was free of any such mark.

The party discussed the Knights Draconis more and agreed that if both the legends and evidence found in the tomb were true that it would not be wise to flush out the current members. They now turned to Julian whom told of Alaphondar, his tower, and the symbols which he had found. Grim was familiar with the history of the book and described it as an account of when The Crown of Winter was last reportedly used on Faerûn in 163 DR. The resulting effect was that a village and a Cormyrean lord's estates were destroyed in massive ice storm during high summer. While interesting it seemed in itself irrelevant to their investigation. The book itself however, Grim and Caladnei hypothesized may be a massive cipher used by the two academics for some secret correspondence.

While most of the party succumbed to the luxurious furnishings and odd hour, Julian, Grim, and Caladnei continued to furiously analyze the text and other reference sources. After hours of searching Caladnei found hidden numbers written in ink only visible under the illumination of Fairy Fire, scattered across the book's many pages. The team now set to arrange the numbers into a long sequence. Another couple of hours were spent toiling at this long code, when finally they realized the numbers were arranged to reference a chapter, paragraph, word, and letter. They arranged this second code and discovered Wellstar's message to the High Sage Alaphondar. "The 17th of Mirtul 5:23 am". The exhausted three woke the rest of the party in their excitement and agreed to pay a visit to the Herald of Arabel, Wellstar. The morning sun rose through a clear sky as Grim Teleported the party just inside Arabel's northern gate.

The party heard the unexpected yet not surprising sounds of men mustering and battle joined from outside the trade city's walls. They ran to the guard posts and announced their purpose, showing their Purple Dragon Rings as proof. Captain of the Guard Keiran Stormspear allowed them entrance to the tower, briefing the party as they rose to its observation deck. Captain Keiran explained that all day caravans from the Dragoneye Dealing Coster and the Trueshield Trading Triakos (a Sembian based company), had been leaving the city. The Trueshields had clogged the eastern gate and thus some of the remainder of the company chose to leave via the northern gate against the Captain's advice. Orcs had been seen moving in an organized fashion in the northwestern areas near Arabel. The Dragoneye Dealing Coster had been ordered to exclusively leave the city and head toward the Parliamentarian capital of Marsember. When both caravans left from the northern gate they had been set upon by a small horde of 500 orcs bearing the marks of Obold Manyarrows. In addition, the Truesheild caravan which had left just prior was being assaulted to the north east by a smaller band of tribal barbarians adorned in greywolf pelts and riding Dire Wolf mounts.

The party saw the vast damage and carnage that had already been done to the wagons and their guardsman whom had barely made it out of the gate before being swarmed by orcs and barbarians. Grim cast an intricately shaped Meteorswarm which weaved in and out of the battle, sparing the wounded guardsman. Julian cast a clever Horrid Wilting spell which showed little mercy for the orcish force. Randal and Constal Manton made their way efficiently to the ground and began to dispatch the remaining orcs.

Meanwhile, Balin had transformed himself into a great green and white Pegasus. Tulgar leapt onto his back and rode through the morning sky. Leaping off the great beast, Tulgar drew his bitter chain and challenged their leader Ratharg to an Uthgart duel of honor. Ratharg was well versed in these practices and accepted with a mighty howl drawing his great axe and charging forward. Tulgar's initial blow was weak and Ratharg returned with many more. However, through Tulgar's prowess in battle these were only glancing blows. Tulgar summoned the might from within his ancestral chain and wracked the Werewolf Chieftain with a series of incredible slashes. Ratharg's tough hide, fiery passion, and regenerative bloodline were not enough to sustain him for but one more round if by chance Tulgar were to strike again. Ratharg called for mercy and collapsed to the ground once more. Tulgar brought the Greywolf chieftain up from the ground not as an enemy, but re-born a brother, Ratharg's blood dripped into Tulgar's wounds as he relinquished his command over the tribe. Tulgar called for them to halt their attack, return to the woods to the west, and said that he would meet them later in the night for mead and feasting. The Greywolves rode back as fast as they had come leaving only the slaughtered caravan as a sign they had been present.

Later, Balin, Anthony, and Randal would tend to their wounded and bring the remaining wagon pieces and survivors back within Arabel's walls. Julian noticed at the edge of his vision 4 black orcs standing on a hill watching. Just before he could call out they backed down and were gone. The Eyerippers had seen it all, but why had they not acted? Captain Keiran quickly thanked the party for their incredible actions, then stormed away and unleashed a barrage of curses upon the surviving caravan manager. Afterwards, Julian spoke with the Dragoneye caravan manager Glendon whom stated that he had been ordered directly by the company’s owner Lord Illance to move the caravan south to Marsember. Glendon honestly could not be sure as to why a staunch royalist such as Lord Illance would want to move his company to the red city of Marsember. Nichole la Normande, manager of the Trueshield company, graciously thanked Julian for saving his life and offered to arrange a new trading alliance between Sembia and Porta Elvasious in return. Of course, Julian agreed.

Captain Keiran asked why the party had come to Arabel to begin with and they explained their desire to speak with Herald Wellstar. Captain Keiran sent two horsemen to lead the heroes directly to Wellstar's tower on the western wall of Arabel. Herald Wellstar's tower looked of old traditional wizardly design. However it was adorned on the outside by many strange and delicate mechanical contraptions, which moved with every blow of the wind. Its roof was a great metal dome open to one end, and looked to be of recent and continuing construction. Answering the door was Wellstar's apprentice Aymer, soaking wet. After some brief, rude dialogue, Aymer reluctantly agreed to contact the absent Wellstar and arrange for a meeting and tour of the tower. not more than 5 minutes later Aymer returned to the door in dry clothes and said that Wellstar had returned.

The party met Wellstar in the foyer, whose old and dusty decor implied he was a quite busy man, and not particularly fond of the arts. Wellstar, although only 30 years old, appeared far older. The party told Wellstar why they had come and Wellstar agreed to give them a tour and assist them in their investigation in any manner he could. On the second level Julian noticed Wellstar's chamber was greatly cluttered with papers. His initial quick attempts to find something which would link Wellstar official to the book were fruitless. Moreover, Wellstar's quick and detail filled testimonies were occupying most of everyone's attention. The third level contained many laboratories, careful experiments currently being done, mathematics and mechanics were all around them. Grim and Balin realized Wellstar was quite the astronomer and were impressed by his knowledge. The 4th and final level was Wellstar's observatory. Balin and Julian noted he had been tracking a particular constellation in the night sky the past weeks. Wellstar described it as the "Loke" elven for dragon. The party learned that on the date written in the Alaphondar's book the Loke would be at its highest point in the night sky, a time that the old elves of Cormynthor often referred to as the "Faenloke" or awakened dragon.

Wellstar outwardly denied being involved in the Knights Draconis and stated he had never written the code they described in the book. Facts that Anthony and Randal could not detect a lie within. However, he did admit that he had sent the book to Alaphondar, for its references to Cormyrian history, weather, and arcana. Three things the two academics shared closely. Randal and Anthony pushed Wellstar to confess something he may have been hiding but Wellstar refused. On their way down the winding stairs Randal again pressured Wellstar, and during his distraction Julian slipped back into Wellstar's chamber and discovered a couple small books of poetry amongst the chaotic papers. Perhaps Wellstar was an appreciator of the arts after all? Within one of the books was an intricate poem written in Alaphondar's own handwriting, Julian quickly copied it down and returned to the party. They left and Wellstar promised to help them more at a later point if he thought of anything more.

Julian showed the poem to the party and before discussing it any further they decided to return to the Gardens of Suzail, a more familiar place if not safer. The poem read.

Glory Undo
With Aleron’s Ivy
Sees bold bet

Myth bore a Lance
I heed, turn, went very raw in
Last Cry!

The wrong,

What was the intention of the writer? Did Alaphondar actually write it or was it copied by him from another source? Furthermore, what did the first King of Cormyr, ivy, myth, a lance, and betrayal have to do with one another? The party knew they could not go back to the Library of Suzail for the background information concerning these references. It had already been picked over and censored so carefully by Alaphondar. Julian, Balin, and Grim offered to travel to Candlekeep, the greatest and most unbiased source of knowledge and history on Ferun. They knew however, that entrance to the keep and service from the monks of Ogmha would come at a high and rare cost. The rest of the party decided to return to Calantar Keep and see if battle had broken out yet between the Royalists and Parliamentarians.

Grim once again Teleported Julian and Balin to the windswept dirt path in front of Candlekeep. The fortress was built along high crags overlooking the Sword Coast and despite its great tactical location it still communicated a purpose of peace and knowledge. Along the battlements were two monks clothed in simple brown robes, the party asked that they gain entrance and speak with the Abbot about helping them with a great riddle and poem. They entered the castle and met with. First Reader Norillmir of Oghma, the Keeper of the Tomes Ulraunt was busy and proud. After explaining their desire to learn all about Cormyr's history the poem referenced and a possible solution to the riddle, Balin offered copies of his detailed ecological field notes that he had collected over his years of adventuring as payment. Norillmir agreed that they would have it done in two days given that the party stay and help and also that Balin return every 50 years for the rest of his life to update these impressive catalogues of nature. A deal was struck, and without one second further First Reader Norillmir had every monk and book in Candlekeep flying about searching for answers.

Meanwhile, Calantar Keep was in further trouble as Constal Manton was briefed by Lionar Daklbel that the Parliamentarians had grown in size yet again and that they were currently stripping the woods and riverside of logs, constructing light fortifications and rallying for battle. It seemed as though the great purple flag of Cormyr was finally stretched too thin.

Tulgar signaled for a Great Black Raven and hours later, the Purple Dragon Guard of Calantar Keep saw the black silhouette of a Great Raven flying in from the north, behind it the setting sun of a long and tiring day. Tulgar was not done yet however. He flew into the northern wild woods and found the campsite of the Greywolf tribe. Ratharg and the tribe greeted him heartily, offering their new Cheiftan bloodmead and the last of the Cormyrian stag meat they had left. Tulgar spoke to the tribe from his heart, challenging their fears of starvation and offering them instead a mission of great honor. To hunt down Obold's rapid black tribes and destroy them with the cunning tactics and bravery that only the great grey wolves possessed. With the ever watchful eyes of their Uthgart allies the Black Ravens flying high in the skies, the Greywolves would always know the weakest point in Obold's support lines to attack. Drunk and bloodthirsty the Greywolves celebrated, the night air was filled with the cheers and howls of re-born wolf warriors.

The Knight's Refuge

Session 131

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

NPCs: Alaphondar Emmarsk: High Sage of Cormyr, Draconic Ruin Swarm.

L 10 Mirtul 1374 - L 11 Mirtul 1374

6500 XP

The party was teleported from the fading starlight of the Wyvernwater Lake to a small room somewhere underground. Its elegant stone carved relief was illuminated by the adventurer's magical auras. Cael read the walls and found them to be funeral references to Cormyrian Knights, among them, some of Cormyr's greatest Purple Dragon generals. Julian and Samael examined the only exit from the room, a silver-gilded double door with handles shaped into two curling dragons. Julian found the door to be protected with powerful transmutation, abjuration, and universal schools of magic. In addition, a familiar magical aura still lingered upon the door, Alaphondar. Without any time to waste Julian used his Universal Key, the doors lurched open.

Beyond the silver doorway was a yet smaller squared room, its carvings significantly simpler, depicting dragons and constellations with Star Metal inset into the stone walls. Balin took notice that despite the carvings old age, these constellations not only depicted the night sky above Cormyr correctly, but for this exact year and week. Randal focused upon the room's central feature, a glorious stone altar whose grandeur far exceeded the cramped space it was built in. He noted it had been built there with the same stone and craft work, and that the old knights may have used for reverent purposes by the half-kneelers built into its front. The room lacked a second door and thus Samael began to search for signs of Teleportation in the room. In doing so he noted the altar was slightly off keel, angling by a small degree toward an awkward direction. Balin determined it to be true north using the Big Dipper and found that when he focused his eyes upon the constellations the room's square lines disappeared and became an expansive dome reminiscent of the night sky.

The adventurers shifted the stone altar about its radius counter-clockwise until it suddenly locked into place directly parallel to the room's lines. Samael's keen sense of balance allowed him to perceive that the entire tomb had just shifted to a new arbitrary alignment. Balin, Julian, and Grim made numerous attempts to shift the stone into the correctly alignment again but to no avail. Their troubles in deciphering this problem were allowing Alaphondar more time to escape. Julian and Samael combined together to disable the magical altar, setting off a guardian trap within the Star-metal runes. The party was Teleported into a much larger room as they were simultaneously hit with starry light which Dispelled nearly all of their magical equipment.

They found themselves standing atop a large pile of glittering pieces which filled a great pool. Around the edges of the pool there were hundred of precious scrolls, art pieces, and offerings which delicately walled them in due to their sense of caution. Suddenly the pile came to life. The party was quickly being consumed with a flurry of gold, silver, and copper which obscured their vision and cut them deeply. It was then they realized these were not precious metal coins, but dragon scales. The party rushed toward the edge finding the pool was quickly deepening as more of the scales whirled to life in the air. Locked in, Grim cast powerful fireballs into the swarm, shaping the effects to not harm his fellow adventurers. Julian mimicked this spell and doubled the fiery damage. Cael summoned a storm of his own, an icy cold smashed into the storm shattering scales and slowing their flurry. Randal and Samael defended themselves smashing and dodging scales. The swarm continued to draw from its depth, pulling the party deeper into the pool's basin and growing in strength. Anthony Manton healed the party as Balin Firestormed the swarm around him. After what seemed like an endless tornado of scales, blood, and magic the great Draconic Ruin Swarm dissipated in millions of shattered pieces.

The party carefully crawled out of the deep pool making sure not to crush any precious offerings. Around them was a vast tomb, with hundreds of sarcophagi and relics of old Cormyrian patriots. After much searching through the tomb the party found it to be filled with the greatest knights, wizards, healers, politicians, poets, and engineers Cormyr had ever known, all Knights Draconis. Their tombs and the relics within told great forgotten tales of a Cormyr which few had known, buy many had speculated. What they had found would fill in many of the absent gaps which seemed to have been so carefully censored from the Library of Suzail. The party had confirmed what only poets, dreamers, and patriots would believe in Cormyr, the existence of the Knights Draconis.

Cael read from the journals of the earliest Knights Draconis and learned that they were in fact an organization founded by Aleron Obarskyr himself. The Knights were dedicated to protect Cormyr's three most vital assets, the Crystal Grot (a legendary cave filled with precious gems and metals), the True Obarskyr Bloodline, and the Purple Dragon. The Inner Sanctum knight journals discussed the Purple Dragon, and spoke of Her in familiar terms. They would attend to Her and the Crystal Grot directly. The Outer sanctum Knights may have never been within the grot but included many of Cormyr's greatest defenders, innovators, and leaders. Interestingly, the most highly held Inner Sanctum Knights, lacked sarcophagi or any other chamber to hold remains. Their greatest honor was to be consumed by the great dragon Herself. The party also learned that the four most important Outer Sanctum members, the High Knights were each given a single scale from the great Purple Dragon, a fifth Knight, leader of the entire outer sanctum never received such a piece.

The party cursed that they have more time to study this massive chamber, however many hours had passed and Balin told that night was again falling on the surface above. Balin and Samael tracked Alaphondars path through the tomb and found it to stop near a set of completed, but un-marked or adorned burial chambers. This particular one, built for a great warrior and lord, Woodbrand perhaps? Alaphondar would have stopped and picked something from the tombs back surface. Could Woodbrand have been a High Knight Draconis of the outer sanctum? And worse could Alaphondar now possess Woodbrand's purple scale? The party Teleported to the Gardens of Suzail. The night sky was growing increasingly familiar.