The Call of War

Session 143

Characters: Nomin, Tulgar, Anthony, Balin, Samael, Randal, Julian

NPCs: Kynwras Firsul the Watcher of Suzail, Princess Alusair Obarskyr the Steel Regent, Baron Thomdor, Warden of the Eastern Marches, Oversword Dutharr: the sheriff of Arabel, Duke Bhereu Obarskyr, Caladnei the Royal Magician of Cormyr, Lord Winter of Eveningstar, Tsharlura Blackshorne of Eveningstar, Constal Faril Laheralson of Thunderstone, Lord Thond the Mad, Constal Amsden Culver, Lord Partic Thistle the Registrant General of Cormyr, Father Akkul (Ilmater), Daneus Bloodgrace, Father Peter (Tyr), Lionar Dakulbel, Oversword Giorgi Wyvernspur.

L 17 Mirtul 1374 – E 19 Mirtul 1374

4000 XP

Back in Suzail the news of High Horn Keep falling to the orcs ravaged through the Royal Court sending the previously awe-shocked crowd back into commotion. Aluzair screamed for order, but the parliamentarians had already begun to disassemble. Minutes later, the Parliamentarian nobles were riding away from Suzail in their war caravans toward the relative safety of Marsember. The remaining Royalist nobles retreated to the bustling War Room to update their battle plans appropriately. The party was urged to attend.

With the Parliamentarians heading out, the Royalists moving down into the lower levels of Castle Obarskyr, and the news of a large orc Corp now stationed at High Horn; the party began to discuss their next moves. Nearly all of them clamored inside with anticipation to descend furiously upon the amassed orcish force and lay it to waste with their epic spell power. They however, also realized that it had been since the 16th of Mirtul that they had slept, they had run low on spells since then, and were exhausted. Even with their low resources the party figured they could deal a devastating blow to Obold. This was until the realization that they had not seen the Eye Rippers since the Battle of Arabel, when they had been struck by surprise by the waiting epic orcs. Shuttering at the thought of another Arabel incident, the party reluctantly turned towards the War Room to at least see of what use they could be there.

Gathered in a great dark hall, beneath the gilded halls of Obarskyr Castle, were a number of familiar Cormyrian military commanders. Kynwras Firsul, Alusair Obarskyr, Baron Thomdor, Oversword Dutharr the sheriff of Arabel, Lady Lord Myrmeen Lhal of Arabel, Lord Winter of Eveningstar, War Wizard Tsharlura Blackshorne, Faril Laheralson of Thunderstone, Lord Partic Thistle the Registrant General of Cormyr, Duke Bhereu Obarskyr, Lord Thond the Mad, and a host of other military leaders were gathered. As the party entered all those in attendance paused briefly, acknowledging their presence, before returning immediately to their conversations around the Grand War Table.

The party focused intently as they had finally made their way to the edge of a great table with a modeled scale replica of Cormyr. Magical overlays hovered over the wood carved structures with detailed information. A number of low ranking officers were busy moving orc units across the Storm Horn Mountains, updating Obold’s most recent move. Heavy smoke billowed from the general’s pipes and cigars and became multicolored emulsions as they drifted over the war table. Duke Bhereu Obarskyr puffed away at his pipe as he led the discussion. Obold had moved his orcish forces over the Storm Horn Mountains, crushing High Horn Keep, and butchering countless mountain villages including Hornshield and Skull Crag as he advanced. His armies were now standing on the foothills of the Storm Horns ready to advance again into the King’s Forest and across the western plain into Suzail.

Lord Winter of Eveningstar made it known that he had already begun evacuating his city towards Dhedluk to the south since Arabel was still surrounded by the Red Raven army. War Wizard Tsharlura Blackshorne of Eveningstar also made it clear that they should likewise evacuate the foothill towns of Minroe, Espar, and Tyrluk toward Dhedluk as well. There they could organize a much larger collective resistance and use the protection of the King’s Forest to their advantage. Other military advisors present argued to collect at Dhedluk was foolish because with Lord Woodbrand assassinated; Dhedluk was still without an adequate leader.

The question of then whether to also evacuate Waymoot and Gray Oak within the King’s Forest was also raised. Should they be sent to Dhedluk as well or to Suzail being that they were further south and could most likely make it before Obold inevitably arrived at Suzail. Dhedluk would need all the military help it could get however, and the extra soldiers from the south and eastern King’s Forest towns was vital to its success. Still, others in the room thought that to make a stand a Dhedluk first would be suicide. Why not continue to pull back and make one great stand at Suzail?

The parliamentarians had already evacuated the town of Stag’s Stead within the King’s Forest to Immersea, the western-most parliamentarian holding. It was now clear that the parliamentarians planned to sack Arabel quickly, reinforce it before Obold’s armies arrived, and battle back the orcs to the north with reinforcements from Castle Crag, Hullmarch, Bospir, and Yeoman Bridge. To the west it seemed the parliamentarians planned to pull back their towns to Immersea and make a stand there. Finally, to the south, the Parliamentarians were busy reinforcing Marsember, just some 150 miles east of Suzail. This would give the parliamentarians a clean battle front against the orcs stretching from Arabel, through Immersea, and down into Marsember.

There was but one catch however; they must take Calantar Keep. Without it, they would be unable to reinforce Marsember from the north as the Hermit’s Wood swamp would block all attempts from the eastern holdings. Anthony Manton smiled, it was clear why Oversword Wyvernspur was so intent now on capturing Calantar Keep. Even with the hopes of holding Calantar Keep from the Parliamentarians, it was clear that Obold would first ravage through the Royalist holdings to the west. The royalists would have to first fight off preemptive parliamentarian attacks to capture key holdings. Then they would need to deal with Obold’s 6 Corp of orcs and monstrous creatures which were estimated to be nearly half a million soldiers strong. Finally, if any of them were left, they would need to once again outlast the Parliamentarian counterattack to recapture the western lands.

With the Cormyrian military divided in half, the royalists were outnumbered at roughly 100:1 by Obold’s forces. Even with the greatest tactics, courage, and luck it seemed nearly impossible to win this fight. Nomin, who had just hours earlier killed James Cormaeril upon the Court floor, realized how important a union would be. The party listened intently, unfazed by the waning hopes of victory, thinking of the many devoted followers whom had sworn service to them through their epic travels across Ferun.

Before they could speak however, Lord Partic Thistle the Registrant General of Cormyr rose and asked the room that the Heroes of the Forgotten Forest be given honorary commissions as officers in the Purple Dragon army for the upcoming battle. Despite their reflexive thoughts that Lord Thistle would be battered down by a host of traditionalist generals, the room warmly welcomed the request. One by one, each member of the party was commissioned as Lionars in a brief ceremony by Lord Thistle and Duke Bhereu. After their commission the party addressed those in attendance, swearing their loyalty to the crown once again and stating their current plans to assist in the fight.

Tulgar stated that his Black Ravens, and Gray wolves would make haste for the King’s Forest, assist in the evacuations, and engage in guerilla strikes against the orcs as they marched through the King’s Forest. He also planned to bring the Uthgart Tree Ghost tribesmen of the Hullack Forest to their aid. Anthony Manton announced his plan to defend Calantar Keep with the Knights of the Cleansing Flame. In addition, he would pray to Tyr and ask assistance from the Fortress of the Faithful. Balin quietly let it be know that he had already been working for days on and off; awakening the great Tree Spirits of the King’s Forest. Samael promised he would return to the High Forest, and speak with the elders there whom had already been victorious in shunting Obold’s army away and to the south. He would ask for additional allied troops from the North to descend upon Obold’s army. Randal announced that he would bring all of the available acolyte monks and clerics of the Ilmaterian faith whom had been building and training at his Mountain Monastary in Tethyr. He would also pray to Ilmater to alleviate the suffering from the royalist defenders in the upcoming war.


The Duke of the Eastern Marches then turned the floor over to Constal Amsden Culver, the current leader of the Royalist Navy since the departure of Hector Dauntinghorn and Admiril Ayesunder Truesilver. Constal Amsden Culver spoke gravely of the situation currently underway in the Lake of Dragons. Admiril Truesilver was sending nearly the entire parliamentarian fleet, some 20 ships strong, toward Suzail from Marsember. Included in the attacking force were a number of notable vessels: The Sea Snake, Thomdor’s Fist, and Ansiber’s Wrath.

The Sea Snake and Thomdor’s Fist were two large, well-armed war caravels; and Ansiber’s Wrath the most feared ship in the Sea of Fallen Stars, even among pirates. Large and fast, Ansiber’s Wrath was known for its great ramming capability and has capsized quite a number of ships. In Suzail’s defence were a total of 10 ships including Constal Culver’s own, The Dragon: the largest and most sophisticated vessel and flagship of the royalist fleet. In addition, the royalists had The Blade of Espar, and the Lance of Wheloon, two small but fast anti-pirating ships.

Nomin suggested chaining off the waters such that even in the event of a complete victory the Parliamentarians would be unable to dock at Suzail. Constal Culver was unable to reassure the other military leaders of Truesilver’s threat that he would lay the guns of his fleet against Suzail and lay it to waste. Just as the naval efforts seemed not worth their time in planning Lord Thond the Mad spoke up from a corner of the room, the heavy smoke obscuring the detail in his figure. “But what of Galaghard’s Harpoon?” he exclaimed, sending a splash of red wine into a lieutenant’s coat. There was a pause in the war room for seconds as those in attendance realized the ridiculousness of his recent outburst. For the others such as the party, Constal Culver responded by stating the history of the Harpoon.

Galaghard’s Harpoon is a 100 year old Cormyrian corvette currently stationed in Suzail’s illustrious Museum of History. Originally commissioned by King Galaghard III Obarskyr for the Cormyian navy in 1232 DR., it was specifically designed to run down the fastest pirate ship in the Sea of Shining Stars, the Devil’s Cutlass; captained by none other than the feared pirate lord Marco Quintero. While its first captain never had luck capturing the Devil’s Cutlass, Galaghard’s Harpoon did manage to run down a record 11 pirate ships in its life, and still holds the record for the fastest run between Suzail and Marsember. Currently however, Galaghard’s Harpoon is more museum piece than warship. Its boards are dusty and splintered, the mast saggy, and the cannons rusted.

At that point a second not so loony member of the navy stated “But it still remains the best chance we have of fielding another ship on the Dragon Lake. If Galaghard’s Harpoon can draw fire and survive it will lessen the firepower the Parliamentarians can muster against the royalist’s other ships.” Constal Culver agreed to the wine stained lieutenant stating however that the captain and crew of such a ship would have to be more psychotic as Lord Thond himself. Julian rose as if Tymora’s hand had just swept him from his seat. “I am that mad man sir!” The room shifted about to the wily rouge whom was now standing with one foot upon the war table. “Very well then Lionar Bailer, you shall captain the Harpoon. Given of course that you can get her sea–worthy within the day” responded Constal Culver with a smirk.

Julian bolted out of the room as if shot from a cannon and headed off towards the Museum of Suzail. He arrived to find the Museum closed and locked until the recent turmoil had resolved. Julian barged in through the great door and made his way to the Galaghard’s Harpoon. It stood strong and tall, the center piece of Cormyr’s naval history section, but before Julian examined it he smashed open the glass case containing the original captain’s uniform, donned the dusty purple cap and coat and flew up to the deck. As he set the first of his weight down into the deck an ancient wood board below him shattered. Every inch of the ship was dust bitten, its cannons sealed, and the wood weak and cracked. Purple Dragon Knights rushed into the naval history room where Julian now sat as alarms from all over the Museum were still going off. Julian however announced his presence boldy and displayed his new Lionar badge. The Purple Dragon Knights stood down recognizing the adventurer. Julian then ordered them to find the finest wood, cloth, steel, and other building provisions at once. As the Purple Dragons ran off Julian drew his Liar of Building.

Back at the War Room, the tactical meetings were drawing to a close. Baron Thomdor, Oversword Dutharr and Lord Myrmeen Lhal Teleported back to Arabel to ready the city against an almost certain Parliamentarian strike. Lionar Nomin Ohtar was offered the command of the Calvary of Suzail, roughly 300 highly trained and well-equipped heavy horsemen. Nomin gladly accepted the commission and went off at once to visit them as they arose for morning formations in Suzail Arena. As Nomin arrived he found that the Arena had been turned into a practice ground for large-scale military operations: shield walls, counter-charged, archer formations, cavalry charges, and many other operations were being practiced around the clock. Nomin watched with approval as his horsemen went through their daily maneuvers.

Tulgar left the War Room as well and with the assistance of a War Wizard was Teleported to the Hullack Forest; he intended to meet again with the Tree Ghost Uthgart barbarians as win their help in the upcoming fight. Far from the early down light above, Tulgar appeared underneath the boggy dark tree-line of the Hullack Forest. He then met with the Ghostfather Tree, a petrified hollow infested with the stirring pale spirits of hundreds of owls. It was clear the Ghostfather tree wished that the Hullack Forest be extended back north to reconnect with the King’s Wood. He wished the destruction of the towns of Nesmyth and Gladehap which the tribe frequently raided.

While the Ghostfather tree questioned Tulgar’s loyalty to the Crown of Cormyr, he could not doubt Tulgar’s favor within the eyes of Tempest. He was truly the greatest Uthgart warrior there had been in ages. Tulgar swore that he would make the Tree Ghosts strong again, and with that the Ghostfather Tree reached out a spirit arm into Tulgar’s soul. For a second Tulgar felt his connection to the living plane slip as if he would die. But he held on and pulled strongly back with the spirit of Gar helping him and pulled the Ghostfather Tree Spirit inside of him. The owls stormed about within the hollows of the tree and then were finally released. The pale petrified wood of many ages lost its dull glow as the Ghostfather’s energy was now one with Tulgar. The Treeghost tribe was now his command.

Tulgar ordered them at once to make their way to the King’s Forest at help in the defense of Dhedluk, there were too many orcs to kill to waste but a seconds time more here in Hullack. The Tree Ghost Tribesmen were unique in that they were more than just fierce barbarians contained for too long within a forest turned swamp; they were spellcasters. The Tree Ghosts though brute, were far wiser and patient than their Uthgart brethren. Their spellpower would be much needed and quite well-suited for the upcoming King’s Forest battle. Tulgar felt the voices of Gar his Sky Pony ancestor, Ratharg the Werewolf Chieftain, Grezalgog the Black, and the Ghostfather Tree swarming within his mind as he returned to the gardens of Suzail. The War Wizard whom had come with him noticed a change in Tulgar’s skin as it had hardened and become tinted with a pale-gray hue; but he did not speak of it.

As the meeting adjourned, Balin returned to the King’s Forest and resumed The Awakening. Obold had what he thought was a nearly endless tide of orcs, and many powerful magicians to protect them. Balin remembered back to his many years within the High Forest and knew why Obold had not made any fierce attempts to destroy it before descending upon Cormyr. In times of great trouble, the elders would Awaken the forest, and aside from dealing with the many elven defenders, the attackers would find themselves battling the forest itself. Balin intended on making this a fight Obold would have never expected the Cormyrians could muster.

Samael chose to return to the High Forest to ask his noble family if there was any assistance the elves could give to Cormyr. With the help of a War Wizard, Samael was back in the High Forest under the great Moonbark treeline. He was warmly welcomed into the house of his youth and after much catching-up wit his family and elders he spoke of Cormyr’s need. The High Elves, whom had dealt with Obold already and considered themselves lucky not to have been tested by the full might of Obold Manyarrows, agreed to give Samael assistance. He had returned a powerful swordsman, with many epic deeds in his name already. Furthermore, the High Elves realized the importance of defeating Obold early before he could settle the southern lands and launch attacks north and west. Samael’s family commissioned him with their House Wing Fleet, a large group of highly skilled hippogriff riders (mages and bowmen). Further, they promised Samael they would relay the message to the Elven Court with the possibility of even larger forces from the north at a later date. Samael returned to Cormyr later that night with the help of the War Wizard.

Randal left the War Room and made his way to the temple of Ilmater in Suzail just outside the Garden District. His body ached with the pain of his recent battles and lack of sleep. More however, was the ache in his soul from having been away from formal prayer for that period. He rested his bruised knees upon the stone altar of Ilmater and prayed. During his ritual cleansing he prayed that Ilmater assist the people of Cormyr during this time of strife. Further, he asked for strength, and assistance from the heavens in the Great War ahead. Some time during his prayers the exhaustion overtook Randal and he lost consciousness.

When Randal woke up he was attended to by the gracious servants of the temple. Randal spoke with the head priest of Ilmater whom opened a divine communication with the Fortress of the Faithful on his behalf. Randal spoke with Father Akkul of the Fortress whom promised he would do all he could in contacting the Heavens for assistance. Finally, Randal spoke with his loyal cohort Daneus Bloodgrace whom began to immediately ready his acolytes for war. Later that evening Bloodgrace opened a Gate into the Cormyr according to Randal’s request and led many of the newly trained monks and clerics through.

Anthony Manton also contacted the Fortress of the Faithful, speaking to Father Peter of Tyr whom promised he would also do his best in contacting the Heavens on Anthony’s behalf. After much prayer at the Academy of the Consecrated Sword, where Anthony first learned the holy word, he returned with a newfound vigor to Calantar Keep. Lionar Dakulbel updated Constol Manton on the situation regarding Wyvernspur’s northern Parliamentarian army. Wyvernspur’s force had remained north, however it was far from idle. In the meantime, they had begun logging operations in the King’s Forest just 1 mile west. They were using the lumber to build great siege engines, and reinforce their position to the south, west, and north in the event the orcs broke through the King’s Forest before they could overtake Calantar Keep. Oversword Wyvernspur was a crafty seigemaster and had proved it yet again by creating a fortress all his own from the nearby landscape. Many of the siege weapons were now aimed directly at Calantar Keep. Lionar Dakulbel dryly joked that with one snap of his finger, Wyvernspur could topple Calantar Keep.

During their conversation, the two commanders noticed a familiar figure appear on the northern shore of the Wyvernwater River, Nomin Ohtar. Mounted on his epic horse, Nomin galloped toward Wyvernspur’s battlements unarmed and flying the heraldry of a diplomat. Anthony blinked down in an instant to investigate this unusual circumstance and after speaking with Nomin about his plans to befriend Wyvernspur and unite Cormyr in the face of the orcish onslaught; Anthony decided to also attend. The two were met by a number of well-armed Red Dragon Knights whom didn’t find any humor in Nomin’s attempts at diplomacy. Nonetheless, Nomin was allowed a council with Oversword Wyvernspur and the two made their way into the well-organized encampment.

They entered into Wyvernspur’s noble war tent finding him partaking in a large lunch of mutton, puddings and some of Cormyr’s famous black bottom ale. Nomin cut through the pleasantries and asked bluntly that Oversword Wyvernspur re-assess his desires for separation from the Crown. He stated that divided Cormyr would certainly be crushed; first the royalists, and then inevitably the parliamentarians. They could only succeed if united against the common foe.

Wyvernspur explained that he did not at all take pleasure in the thought of killing fellow Cormyrians with the orcs so close. However, it had been too long a time with a corrupt royalist lineage controlling the country. He asked that the royalists evacuate their citizens east of the river and make a stand with them under the Parliamentarian flags at Immersea. After much debate it was clear that Wyvernspur would not back down from his challenge. Nomin boiled with anger, but contained himself as he stormed out of the tent and rode away toward Calantar Keep. Later that day Nomin and Anthony would Teleport back to Suzail to seek shelter and sleep in Lord Thond’s dusty mansion.

The rest of the party also gradually returned to Lord Thond’s manor as the 3rd moon began to rise since they had last slept. They slept deeply, collapsed upon the white canvas sheets covering Thond’s old furniture. At midnight none of the party awoke to the calamity of ringing bells as Lord Thond’s large collection of grandfather clocks went off in unison. The next morning of the 18th, the party gradually awoke and took breakfast before returning to the War Room to update the generals as to the additional assistance they had all found. Unfortunately, when they arrived, the party found the War Room in a new state of panic. A lieutenant informed the party that the Parliamentarian force led by Roseanna Rosehelm, Blastum Bladeweaver, and Isidar Fianche had assaulted Arabel.

Highhorn's Last Stand

Session 142

Characters: Nomin, Anthony, Julian, Grim, Cael, Terus, Samael.

NPCs: Kynwras Firsul the Watcher of Suzail, Princess Alusair Obarskyr the Steel Regent, Alaphondar the Sage of Cormyr, Queen Filfaeril, Princess Tanalasta Obarskyr, King Azoun V Obarskyr, Baron Thomdor, Warden of the Eastern Marches, Duke Bhereu Obarskyr, Lord Kimba Crownsilver, Lord Gruen Bleth, Alaphondar’s son Lord Dier Emmarsk, Shael Rowanmantle, Caladnei the Royal Magician of Cormyr, Mendryll Belarod the Herald of Suzail, Lord James Cormaeril, Lamiril Cormaeril, Lord Narlan Silversword, Lady Silversword, Lord Fletcher Hawksongs, Lord Samtavan Sudacar of Immersea, Lord Sarp Redbeard of Wheloon, Royal Paige, Oversword Thursk Dembarron the Lord Commander of High Horn, Dhag Greybeard the Herald of High Horn, 100 Cormyrian archers, 300 Cormyrian blades, 10 Warwizards, 2 Mountain Giants, 1 Corp of Obold Manyarrows' Army (~75,000 orcs).

M 17 Mirtul 1374 – L 17 Mirtul 1374

5820 XP

Once the party had gathered again in the halls of Elfhold they discussed what to do with the remains of Avazgourl the Gold Dragon. Anthony Manton and Nomin lead a brief ceremony to bless the noble guardian. Thereafter, Grim disintegrated the corpse so that it should never be raised again as a weapon of the Cult of the Dragon. Grim could feel that the Weave within Elfhold had been warped once again by the terrible act. This foul act however, had twisted the Weave in a different and but more familiar way. Anthony knew they must consecrate the grounds once again, but it would take a day they did not have.

Julian and Terus’ attentions returned to why they had re-visited Elfhold, to speak with Avazgourl and ask that he grant them entrance to the ancient library of the Amartharr Elves so that they could learn more about their true enemy, Gorut. With Avazgourl now dead, they asked that Grim commune with the artificial consciousness of the Twin Sorceresses so that perhaps they could lead them to their answer. Grim attempted to re-connect with the Mythal once again but found its consciousness dormant once more due to its defiled state. Nomin became frustrated and began to search across the great marble floor of Elfhold to find a secrete entrance into the temple’s inner halls. The vast space needed to search however, would again threaten their short time.

In just 1 hour Anthony estimated the Royal court would meet with the Parliament to decide the future of Cormyr’s impending civil war. They party agreed to return to the Gardens of Suzail, but did not want to leave Elfhold in its current state without its former guardians intact. Balin informed the party that the Knightswood Nine had agreed to watch over the flooded grounds of Myth Tarna in their absence, and would contact them if any threats were seen. With that, Terus Teleported the party to the luscious Gardens of Suzail, which were filling with nobles and court guardsmen.

Unlike the normal Court sessions which were often more royal carnival than diplomatic event; this meeting was ungarnished, and Spartan-like. The usual assortment of exotic animals, extravagant food, and half-drunk fops had been replaced with stern noble faces, battle-ready guardsmen and great caravans being filled as the last of the parliamentarian nobles emptied their mansions heading for Marsember. Nomin activated his Rod of Splendor giving himself a keen purple colored noble’s garb as he entered the Gardens. The rest of the party followed suit, except for Julian whom expended a charge of his Greater Rod of Wonder adorning himself with sapphire encrusted moonspider silk pantaloons, a rare three-headed winter wolf pelt cloak, and a number of rings, bracers, and necklaces which would make even the Prince of Sembia jealous.

The party was greeted by Kynwras Firsul the Watcher of Suzail, Alusair Obarskyr, and of course Alaphondar before they were escorted to the balcony of the King’s Court. The very same place Nomin had been re-honored as a Cormyrian subject, and where the party had made a number of rousing speeches to stir faith in the Royal cause. The party hoped this evening would be as favorable.

Court was struck into order as Alusair Obasrkyr began with the usual bureaucratic introductions and motions whose irony settled upon the courtroom of guarded faces absent of humor. Of note in attendance was the Royal family Queen Filfaeril, Tanalasta Obarskyr, Alusair Obarskyr, and the young King Azoun V Obarskyr. Seated next to the Obarskyrs was Kynwras Firsul, whom watched over those seated in attendance with piercing wizardly eyes. A handful of High Knight Purple Dragons, and Warwizards stood about the room as well.

The nature of this occasion in the King’s Court resulted in a previously unseen event. The parliamentarian and royalist leaders had all abandoned their rightful chairs amongst the Court’s floor and instead sat on opposite sides of the room; red on the left, purple on the right. Powerful Royalist nobles present included Baron Thomdor, Warden of the Eastern Marches, Duke Bhereu Obarskyr, Lord Kimba Crownsilver, Lord Gruen Bleth, Alaphondar’s son Lord Dier Emmarsk, Shael Rowanmantle, Caladnei the Royal Magician of Cormyr, and Mendryll Belarod the Herald of Suzail.

Lord James Crownsilver, the fiery figurehead of the Parliamentarian movement had ensured however, that they also come with a powerful showing of noble houses. Wearing crimson suits and seated to the left of the auditorium were a number of powerful nobles including: Lord James Cormaeril, Lamiril Cormaeril, Lord Narlan Silversword, Lady Silversword, Lord Fletcher Hawksongs, Lord Samtavan Sudacar, and the bold Lord Sarp Redbeard of Wheloon.

After Alusair had forced up the last obligatory opening statements in her quivering voice, the floor was opened to the nobles for discussion. A long dragon-shedding silence followed as no noble would dare state the first obvious remark. The brash Lord Sarp Redbeard rose from his seat, glaring across the courtroom, and spoke the first word on everyone’s mind, War. After a brief, controversial speech, the floor exploded into a shouting match unlike anything which had occurred in the King’s Court before. The party listened, at times nearly clawing at themselves to hold their tongues; the hours dragged on.

Finally, there reached a point where each noble had stated his/her opinions into the thick futile air of the King’s Courtroom. With a majority of the nobles nearly about to walk out, James Cormaeril finally rose to speak.

He stated that the Parliament now controlled the majority of the Cormyrian lands east of the Starwater River, Marsember, Thunderstone, Wheloon, Castle Crag, and soon to be Arabel, and Calantar Keep. Obold’s endless black tide of orcs however, was positioned just north and west of the Stormhorn Mountains to the west threatening nearly all of the royalist landholdings. He stated that if Cormyr could not root out its corruption from within, then the enemies of Cormyr would have to purge it out through the destruction of the western lands of Cormyr. He continued saying that after Obold was through slaughtering the royalist armies, the Parliamentarian armies of the East would ride across the Starwater river with the Red Raven Mercenary army, and Sembian allies and defeat Obold’s scattered celebrating forces.

The Lords of the Kings Court held their tongues as James Cormaeril continued. But then he became too bold and casted a number of sleights into the Royal Court for their obvious incompetency, stubbornness, and most of all, for being led by a coven of housemaids and an infant (Queen Filfaeril, Princess Tanalasta, Princess Alusair). Nomin Ohtar rose to his feet as Lord Cormaeril’s words had set him on fire, this was enough. Nomin stormed down to the main level of the King’s Court with visions of his former lover laying dead in his hands; the work of Francis Cormaeril just 3 years ago. Although he had been hastily reinstated by Alusair in the King’s Courtroom just over a week prior; Nomin’s desire for revenge still burned in his heart.

Nomin approached James Cormaeril and challenged the Lord to a duel to hold him accountable for his words against Cormyr’s nobility and defend the crown’s honor. James Cormaeril, a former soldier himself, stood stiff at the challenge like hound to a hunter’s whistle. Both figures were physically equally well-matched, strong and tall; their blood boiling, their hands deathly still. James Cormaeril shouted to the court that he would silence the words of the Princess’s lapdog forever. Cormaeril continued by saying that Nomin would always die an exile after the false throne was unseated. The terms of the duel were then set as any duel to the death would be in the King’s Court. Two willing combatants, wearing only mundane clothing would each wield an identical blade, the Royal Obarskyr Vorpals.

Tables were drawn apart on the floor as Nomin and Lord Cormaeril armed themselves with the vorpal blades. The nobles in the court, Parliamentarian and Royalist alike, looked onward with excitement and horror as they all knew the same two things. First, at least one man would die. Second, regardless of the victor, it would be a brutally short duel. The two men took their stances, Alusair struck her mallet to begin, both men charged. Nomin swung first, striking too high, but slicing so fast it seemed the air was guiding his blade forward. Cormaeril glanced upward with excitement knowing that now Nomin’s life was held tightly in his grasp. Cormaeril cut four times, each one narrowly missing Nomin as he weaved through backward and sideways away from the soaring blade. It seemed as if the edge of Cormaeril’s sword was seeking his flesh closer with each stroke.

Nomin was now backed up against a large wooden table marking the edge of the combatant circle, but poised defensively for a courter-strike. He lounged forward, aiming to slash into Cormaeril’s chest, but the vorpal seemed to will itself upward and into his neck. Seconds later Cormaeril’s body crashed to the marble floor, his head rolling in the opposite direction. The courtroom stood in complete silence for what could have been minutes, with shock, elation, and dismay riding across the faces of the nobles present. Then, before an uproar of cheers could break out in Royalist nobles present in the court, a paige ran in from the west entrance.

The paige turned at first as if to leave, thinking he must have entered the wrong room by the lack of shouting. Then he simply stood idle in the same type of shock the rest of the Court hand been in, staring at James Cormaeril’s decapitated head on the bloody Court floor. The rest of the Court now had their eyes trained on the paige, and finally Lord Sarp Redbeard shouted out, “Well boy, out with it!” The paige sprung to life and stated “Sir, orcs have laid siege to Highhorn Castle.”

Hours earlier, 100 miles away from the well groomed Gardens of Suzail, High Horn Castle sat in the rocky crags of the Stormhorn Mountains surrounded on all sides by a Corp of Obold Manyarrow’s black army, 75,000 orcs strong. For those at High Horn is was not a matter of whether they would live; but simply how long it would be before the orcs could overwhelm the continuous hail of arrows, stones, and fire with sheer numbers. High Horn Castle’s pale gray windswept walls stood upon a nearly endless landscape of rocks, white topped mountain peaks, and black armored orcs. The monochrome colors of the landscape darkened as shadows grew all around the castle with the setting sun. The only color that could be seen for miles around were the purple flags flying in the mountain sky above High Horn’s castle walls.

High Horn Castle was originally ordered to be built by King Byntarth II Obarskyr some 300 years ago to be a bastion of military power positioned at the furthest point along Cormyr’s northwestern border. Currently, Oversword Thursk Dembarron the Lord Commander of High Horn, oversaw the defensive force of 100 well-trained archers, 300 blades, 10 Warwizards, and 4 trebuchet crews. Dhag Greybeard the Herald of High Horn, had seen this coming for more than a week. But with little help available from the already stretched thin Royalist army, there was nothing more they cold do. They did however, receive the aid of 5 Black Raven Barbarians whom had been following Obold’s force through the Storm Horn mountains for the past week. Each was a half-giant, wearing black leather armor, and rode Giant Black Ravens through the sky as if they had shared each other’s spirit. Oversword Thursk was normally not a man to take the help of barbarians, (whom normally gave the Purple Dragon Knights outright trouble), but these were desperate times and both forces now shared a common enemy.

The orc war drums which had been slowly beating for some time suddenly picked up a marching pace as the defenders of High Horn saw two companies of orcs advancing up the south and eastern trails; the battle had begun. The orcs moved slowly forward up the steep mountain passes pushing great siege towers, battering rams, and catapults as they went. Behind the orc company in the southern pass was a massive force of goblin worg riders. The company marching up the eastern trail was backed by a large unit of hobgoblin warriors.

Just as the archers along the eastern and southern walls unleashed their first volleys into the sky towards the advancing orcs, High Horn’s walls shook with the sound of crashing rocks as a boulder smashed through a section of the outer wall and destroyed a unit of 20 Cormyrian blades. Looking to the west and north there were now enemy units occupying two mountain tops whose peaks jutted within a few hundred feet of the peak High Horn had been built upon. Occupying the two sister peaks to the west and north were 2 units of Obold’s orc sorcerers, 3 units of orc archers, and a mountain giant. Before the War Wizards, Blades, and Archers could re-position themselves to fire upon these strategic points, the orc and giants let loose a series of boulders, fireballs, and arrow volleys into High Horn Castle killing 20 Archers, 20 more blades, and heavily wounding a number of War Wizards.

The remaining Cormyrian forces occupying the north and west walls attempted to return fire with arrows, and fireballs of their own, while the rest pulled themselves from the wreckage and fled down the battlements. The firepower from the north and west peaks was simply too much for the Cormyrian defenders to handle and the Lionar commanders chose to retreat toward the south and east portions of the castle. This way they could stay out of range of the boulders, fireballs, and arrows, and at the same time send their own artillery attacks into the vulnerable orcs advancing up the south and eastern trails. The archers and War Wizards along the southern and Eastern walls were exacting tremendous casualties on the orcs below, yet the black tide behind them seemed nearly endless.

The Black Raven Uthgart barbarians took to the skies armed with great canisters of explosive oil and began to make bombing runs along the southern pass. As the oil spread it ignited countless orcs, scorching them, and sending some to jump off the pass and fall 1000 feet rather than be burned alive on the trail ahead. Despite the fact they had killed hundreds of orcs already, Oversword Thursk knew that abandoning the north and western walls meant trouble later when they would attempt to fall back behind the inner wall. Without the human defenders in range now, the Mountain giants and orc sorcerers at the north and western peaks unleashed their attacks into the outer wall, southern gate, and portions of the inner wall to the west. Oversword Thursk cursed with dismay knowing that despite the fact they had destroyed many orc siege engines on the southern trail, the orcs would not need them to gain access through the damaged southern gate once it finally fell.

The Cormyrian forces continued to send volleys of arrows, fireballs, trebuchet blasts, and explosive canisters into the advancing orc forces. Hundreds more orcs would die in their attacks, but they simply continued to advance to the beat of the war drums beyond. The orcs piled up at the southern gate just as a massive boulder hurled from a mountain giant crashed into it, splintering it to pieces. The Cormyrian blades readied themselves to counter charge at the Lionar’s signal, and seconds later the orcs poured through. Despite their courageous attempts to hold the southern gate, the overwhelming orcish numbers began to take their toll upon the fatigued Cormyrian blades. A tactical fallback to the inner wall was ordered of all the outer ring troops including those still manning the battlements at the intact western gate. With the Cormyrian blades falling back, the orcs managed to make short work of the western gate and minutes later the entire outer ring belonged to Obold Manyarrows.

Unfortunately, the eastern gate of the inner wall had also been breached by the boulders and fireballs hurled from the northern peak. A second stand of blades was ordered to hold off the orcs as long as possible from this position as men from the inner wall’s battlements retreated toward High Horn Keep’s last stand, the ring wall. The Warwizards running low on spells had switched to the emergency scrolls they had written just for this purpose. Breaking the seal upon the first scroll meant almost certain death awaited. Obold’s orcs reorganized their ranks with surprising efficiency from within High Horn Keep’s outer and inner walls. The remaining Cormyrian force, some 200 men strong, held off the orcs for a couple more hours, as they dropped the last supplied of their burning oil, shot off their final quivers, and ran out of scrolls to cast. The Black Tide would breach High Horn’s walls, but not before its 420 defenders had killed an estimated 5280 of Obold’s soldiers.

A Dragon Slain

Session 141

Characters: Grim, Anthony, Terus, Nomin, Julian, Samael, Randal, Tulgar.
NPCs: Rorgh the Black (Death Giant, Blackguard), Berakk the Blue (Sand Giant Cleric of Tiamet), Werghret the Green (Forest Giant, Ranger), Tugargl the Red (Fire Giant, Fighter), Bezurk the White (Frost Giant, Barbarian), Draguth Endroun (High Druid of the Knightswood Nine).

M 17 Mirtul 1374 - M 17 Mirtul 1374

8600 XP

The party returned to the halls of Elfhold once more. This time however, they were met with a terrifying sight; they were surrounded, and Avazgourl was slain. Much to Terus’ surprise they were indeed surrounded. How these five massive warriors could have known that they would be Teleporting to this exact position and time was beyond him. It did not matter now though; battle was joined.


Grim remembered back to his vision within the lair of Augloroasa, and knew who these five were, the infamous dragonslayers known as Tiamet’s Talons. They were Large warriors armed with Dragonhide full platemail, each wielding great weapons too large for any man. The five Giant Dragonslayers smashed into the party with their Dragonfang greatweapons drawing a costly first blood. Could the great fiery bearded warrior in red dragon platemail actually be a 4th generation identity of Gorut? Perhaps, but for the time being it seemed they were fighting dragonslayers, and not a dragon. Samael, Terus, and Julian tumbled and maneuvered away from a number of deathly blows as they escaped the circle of attackers and began their tactical assault from behind. Anthony Manton cast Mass Heal to rejuvenate the party from their gaping wounds. Grim returned with great evocations of his own, after breaking through the epic spell defense on the Tiamet’s Talons equipment. Tulgar began to square off with Bezurk the White, a great Frost Giant in White Dragon full plate, and traded powerful strikes with their icy weapons. The Talons continued to slash and pound away at the party and soon Grim and Balin were in grave trouble. The Forest Giant’s attacks had Balin reeling in pain after numerous hits with his twin War Picks. Just before the Forest Giant could deal a death blow to Balin; Randal heroically leapt forward into the path of the Forest Giant’s furious attack and saving his life. Randal’s body would forever bear the scar of the attacks, but remained in fighting capacity holding off the Forest Giant with his own flurry of fists.

Meanwhile, Julian, Terus, and Samael had managed to surround the Death Giant Blackguard. They swirled around him with blinding speed slashing with their swords, severing arteries, nerves, and tendons. The Sand Giant Cleric came to his comrade’s aid, saving him from true death. As the battle raged onward, Nomin saw an opening to charge at the Forest Giant. He readied his steed and made haste out of the circle. Tugargl the Red however was waiting and anticipated Nomin’s move. Nomin did not see Tugargl at first, but as he turned his steed toward the Forest Giant, Tugargl followed in pursuit dealing an awesome blow to the Cormyrian Knight, tilting him off his horse. Nomin’s mount continued the charge however, and assaulted the Forest Giant with its armored hooves. Nomin returned to his feet only to be locked in a dangerous melee. He could see a great yellow smile through Tugargl’s fiery beard.

The rouges continued to outflank and maneuver the Rorgh the Black and Berakk the Blue. It was apparent now to Rorgh and Berakk that this third fight of their day may be their last if they were to continue. Just that instant, the Talons were gone in a flash. The party scrambled to their feet panting heavily and choking in the humid swamp air.

After the battle the party finally took their time to investigate the defiled temple grounds. The great gold dragon Avazgourl, whose help they sought to enlist in finding the proper texts concerning Gorut the Red Dragon, was slain. His massive corpse rested in the center of the temple, dark blood ran down into the holy circle Grim had previously rejuvenated, and soaked into the pale dirt. Julian gathered from the blood streaked marble floor that Avazgourl had been killed just outside the temple and dragged into the center later; dragged there so that his blood would soak into the dirt and marble stones, and defile them. The still air reeked of death. Even more dust than before hung in the air and choked their throats. The marble dust was from the last 2 fallen Colossal Guardians which had also been destroyed, their great earthen pieces shattered across the temple grounds. Whether the Knightswood Nine, the only other guardians of this place were still alive was unknown. Balin set out to find the answer.

Balin stepped away from the butchered dragon corpse and slipped back into the flooded grounds of the lower ruins of Myth Tarna. Walking further, the ruins became sparser, as the Vast Swamp seemed to swallow them up. Balin listened closely to the whispers of the vines and old trees. After a befriending the local plants, Balin sent a message through the vegetation to contact the Knightswood Nine. Not shortly after the trees whispered back their response. They were indeed still alive, and would meet him on his journey back to Elfhold. Balin turned and started back toward Elfhold, gliding effortlessly through the murky swamp water. Some time after, Balin was greeted by an old vine covered swamp dweller, Draguth Endroun, High Druid of the Knightswood Nine.

Balin informed Draguth of the recent battle with Tiamet’s Talons, though Draguth was aware of the death of Avazgourl. Though he was not a natural creature, he was noble, good hearted, and most of all, an old friend of Draguth’s. The power of the Dragonslaying giants was one that Draguth and the other Knightswood Nine knew they could not match. So they had receded back to the Swamp, ready to fight a guerilla battle against the Evil Knights of they attacked the Swamp. Draguth promised Balin that the the Knightswood Nine would for now on keep an eye on the ruins of Myth Tarna, especially Elfhold. Balin then thanks Draguth for all his help and returned to the company of his fellow adventurers.

The Power of Names

The Power of Names

Session 140

Characters: Grim, Anthony, Terus, Nomin, Julian, Samael, Cael.

NPCs: 2 Marble Colossus of Myth Tarna, Avazgourlchaeril the Guardian of Elhold, Artificial Twin Conciousness, Alaphondar the Sage of Cormyr, 4 Purple Dragon Knights, 3 Royal Library Acolytes.

L 16 Mirtul 1374 - E 17 Mirtul 1374

3650 XP

The party stood bathed in stone dust awaiting some glance at the great voice that had called to them from deep within the half-ruined temple. The two remaining colossal marble guardians shifted back to their places at the far corners of the temple. Sounds of a great beast stepping through the fallen stones echoed through the marble hall. The stone dust resonated with the shifting magical energy of the temple runes, and then began to glow with the yellows and oranges of a sunrise ahead of them. A Great Wyrm Gold Dragon stepped forward and announced himself as Avazgourlchaeril. At the sight of this great creature the party took to their knees almost instinctively. Anthony Manton stated his remorse for what they had unknowingly done to cross the gold dragon and asked for forgiveness. Avazgourl nodded his massive head indicating the forgiveness was granted, reflecting rays of golden starlight throughout the temple from his shining scales.

Avazgourl asked that they tell him who they were and why they had come. Each in the party introduced themselves to the holy dragon, some with more hesitation than others. At first they offered few details concerning their quest to protect King Azoun V, which drew a more pointed line of questioning from Avazgourl. At hearing this slight change in his demeanor, Anthony, Grim, and Randal knew that they had few chances to earn the good favors of this dragon and as such divulged the full information concerning their quest to find the Palaghard I Council Texts, and protect them from the Cult of the Dragon so that the sacred re-anointment ritual the Knights Draconis were to perform would be undisturbed. Some in the party whom were particularly observant noticed the many strange magical runes which adorned Avazgourl’s metallic hide. Of these carvings, some were abjurative, others told tales of ancient times, but one in particular caught their interest. Just behind the right shoulder, usually hidden by a retracted wing, was a rune of a mercurial dragon eating its own tail glowing purple in the moonlight. They realized that Avazgourl was indeed a Knight Draconis and though he did not seem to be hiding the fact as diligently as the others they had encountered, Avazgourl was no longer a neutral party in this matter.

After a long discussion, Avazgourl admitted to the party that he was a Knight Draconis. However, it was the nature of his organization, and the duty he had as a Keeper of the Secrets and Guardian of Elfhold that he could in no way allow them access to Elfhold. Further, he explained that Elfhold was still one of the most well guarded locations in all of Ferun. Attackers would have to be great trackers to find it through the wandering fey crossroads passing through the Vast Swamp, they would need great power to destroy the Knightswood Nine, Avazgourl, and the remaining 2 Colossal Marble Guardians. If somehow the attackers could do all this, then the secrets of Elfhold were locked under a great series of Epic spells traps. Avazgroul continued by saying that the location of the Crystal Grot and other key information contained within the Palaghard I Council Texts was further protected by the shear volume of information within the Knight Draconis Library of Elfhold. The Anointment was to be in just a few days, and that even a team of great historians would take years to find the necessary information within the Knight Draconis Library within Elfhold.

The party then asked Avazgourl about his knowledge concerning Alaphondar’s whereabouts and activities in the past few weeks. In addition, they also questioned him concerning lore on the Lost King and his potential identities. Avazgourl did not lie when he said that he had not seen or heard from Alaphondar. The great gold dragon was appointed to his Guardianship duties many centuries ago and has not wandered from the site once in his time. Avazgourl could not speculate on whether Alaphondar was an agent for the Cult of the Dragon, a Knight Draconis, a Parliamentarian, Royalist, or the Lost King Himself! If Alapondar was the Lost King, his longevity would explain how he could have amassed such great knowledge on Cormyrian lore and magic.

Avazgourl suggested the party use their great magical power to find Alaphondar. A statement to which almost made even Grim sneer in the Great Wyrm’s presence, for he had already tried his greatest spells of detection at Alaphondar’s initial disappearance. But Grim’s feeling of frustration quickly subsided when he set his eyes further down the Temple’s Hall to its center which opened up to the night sky above.

In the center of the temple grounds was a large dirt circle, seemingly out of place at first glance. However, as Grim walked down the hall toward it he realized that the marble temple stones had been built around the earthy site. The bare ground was as dry as desert sand even in the middle of the Vast Swamp itself. The soil was a pale brown, suitable for many types of plant growth, yet not even the slightest leaf or root could be seen. Grim recognized it as a dead magic site almost immediately as his arcane hand which had been born again from Mystra’s Essence crackled and disappeared before he could touch the still soil. Grim’s vision shifted to the temple roof above whose roof also had an identical perfect circle above the dead magic site, allowing the starlight to settle upon the dirt before him. Another great sculpture of the Twin Sisters of Cormynthor seemed to caress the great round skylight above him. Grim them realized, this mythal was still alive, but had been wronged by the destruction of the Twin Sisters themselves at this site. If he could repair the damage to the weave at this site, perhaps the Mythal was assist him in finding the location of Alaphondar? It was worth a shot.

Grim stood aside the great dirt circle and focused on the Weave around him in the Temple. It was dense, and chaotic, and resonated with an alien rhythm that soon became familiar as Grim let go of his consciousness. He slipped into a vision of the Amatharr Elves long ago. Many noble elves dressed in ceremonial garbs have visited the temple many others in common folk clothing are assembled as well. They are tense and soon panic from something outside the city’s forests grounds, something that must not get in. Great flashes of light nearly strike Grim from his vision as he focused harder on the temple’s aura. Grim barely maintained his focus, but by then the vision was almost over. He sees the Twin Sisters now, dead. Their bodies dry and thin, a pale light hangs over them. Grim’s head hurts with a painful cold stabbing pain, the pale light burning his eyes. He saw one thing recognizable in this vision, the pale brown dirt they lie on.

After his vision, Grim mustered all his wizardly energy within his ghostly hand. It glowed with determination and arcane power more so than it ever had before. He then Wished that this dead magic zone be returned to the Weave and under Mystra’s holy protection, and pledged that the wrongs committed here will be avenged. He grabbed the very Weave itself with his arcane hand and pulled it back into the dead magic zone; annihilating it forever and returning magic to the site once more. With the Weave restored Grim collapsed temporarily upon the marble floor and rose shortly after. A great hummmmm could be heard throughout the temple grounds as the chaotic magical power within the Temple was united all at once. Grim looked upon the Weave once more to see it in perfect harmony, the threads of magic were as dense as before but now logical and in a nearly undecipherable order. The Temple had awakened.

Two voices called out to Grim in unison from the Temple walls as if they had been born from the same consciousness. Avazgourl recognized them as the voices of an artificial consciousness born from the Twin Sister’s minds at the time of the creation of this site. The Twin Consciousness thanked Grim for his efforts in restoring the Temple, but that in order to avenge the Twin Sisters he would have to do more. Before Grim could ask they said to him, “Destroy the Palestaff”. The chilling words bore into all of the party’s souls, for somehow they knew these were words not to be spoken, but also words not of their present quest to save Azoun V and Cormyr. Grim called out to the Temple for help in finding Alaphondar Emmarsk so that they may finally determine who is guilty of the crimes of assassination and treason against the Royal Crown.

The Temple obliged Grim’s request and as the wise Mage looked up into the stars through the great skylight he saw them shift and form different images, in the way a crystal ball randomly creates images from the ambient light and colors of a room. Grim Scryed through the skylight and into the stars asking them to find Alaphondar. He suddenly came to the same magical barrier which had stopped him many times before, but this time, the power of Elfhold flowed through him and he shattered Alaphondar’s great spellbarrier. All at once there he was, Alaphondar was sitting in a large study in a pocket dimension of his own creation. Books, maps and loose documents covered the large wooden table he was focusing intensely on. Grim could tell through Alaphondar’s weary eyes that the Sage of Suzail was quite tired and agitated. The party meanwhile whom had been previously conversing pleasantly with Avazgourl outside on the temple grounds, looked into the temple curious of Grim’s activities.


Grim crashed out of the spell and headed straight for the outer temple grounds, stopping only for a moment to graciously thank the Mythal for its help; he would return. Grim informed the party of the Alaphondar’s whereabouts which nearly shook Nomin out of his heavy Cormyrian riding boots. “Finally, I have the traitor, we’ll see if he is in fact the Lost King” he thought. The party thanked Avazgourl for his honesty and understanding, and promised that they would return to help protect the temple if he ever called. Then Grim Teleported the party directly to the now familiar location of Alaphondar’s pocket dimension.


In their haste to arrive at Alaphondar’s secret hideaway, the party had not discussed their plans as to how to approach the mysterious figure. Would they act neutral? Treat him as a traitor until proven innocent? Would they reveal their suspicions that Alaphondar was the Lost King? The first to act was Nomin Ohtar, whom charged fully mounted on his epic battle steed toward the greatly surprised wizard. Nomin’s True Sight allowed him to see past Alaphondar’s wizard tricks used to Blurr and Displace his image. His lance struck true into Alaphondar’s shoulder, tilting the wizard off his chair and sending wooden fragments across the room. The instant however, that the Cormyrian lance struck Alaphondar and shattered Nomin was Dimensionally shifted into a terrible alien landscape. Nomin in furious anger realized that the old sage indeed had a few more tricks up his sleeves. He now wished that he had aimed his lance for a lethal blow instead, for this evil spell would certainly be something he would expect the Lost King to perform.

Without yet realizing his master was gone, Nomin’s steed reeled up and kicked Alaphondar into the bookshelves on the far side of the study, shattering more wood and sending books and pages flying in all directions. The wizard’s limp unconscious body rested underneath a vast pile of literature. Counting the furniture Nomin crushed upon his approach, Grim estimated that letting off a Fireball from the beginning may have caused less damage. Anthony rushed to the aid of Alaphondar whom was barely breathing. He would be of no good to them dead. Julian and the rest of the party made sure to bind the Sage up before allowing Anthony to Heal his wounds. Within a few minutes they had Alaphondar conscious, stable, bound, and sitting in the only remaining piece of furniture left in the study hall.

Meanwhile, Nomin was battling against hurricane-force black winds which swirled around him in all directions. The screaming winds were nearly deafening, and ripped into Nomin’s ears calling him to madness. Nomin tried to look up but he could barely lift his head against the winds, it seemed as if they had infiltrated his mind and would blow with unstoppable might in the opposite direction he intended to go, paralyzing him as he used every muscle in his body to resist. From the very top of his field of vision Nomin saw an endless landscape of black windswept plains, and what he thought for a brief second was a great dark mountain before the winds shut his eyelids so hard he could no longer open them. Now locked in the darkness of his own closed eyes, Nomin merely struggled to not be ripped apart by the insane nature of the shifting black wind.

Maniacal laughter called to him within the winds, and told him to kneel before the Supreme Throne, and serve the Prince of Lies. Nomin realized upon hearing this where he now was, the homeplane of the evil deity Cyric.
The party gathered around Alaphondar quickly, Grim in particular had seen the spell effect clearly which had sent Nomin into Cyrci’s Supreme Throne. The plane was chosen at random by the spell out of all the possible heaven’s and hells, Nomin had been sent into Cyric’s hands. Even though it seemed to have been randomly chosen, Grim could not shake the feeling that somehow Alaphondar could have menacingly chosen it at the moment he was struck. While it made for quite the impressive melee defense, (something Grim took note of for the future), he knew time was not on their side. Mere minutes in the Supreme Throne could send even the greatest of holy warriors into madness forever. Alaphondar realized who the party was and remembered them at the Gesture of Fealty well; he now sat with a smile upon his face patiently waiting their questioning. Every moment longer meant a potential eternity of madness for Nomin.


The party all began asking questions at a feverish pace, accusing him of being the Lost King, coordinating the Cult of the Dragon’s assassinations of the Knight Draconis, and many other things. But the Sage sat still taking his time to answer until they would let him free or state what their true quest was. Finally, the party realized they would not have time to barter with the Sage, and so they confessed to Alaphondar that they were tracking the Knights Draconis, to protect them from the Cult of the Dragon. They had just recently been to Elfhold, and restored a dead magic zone within the Mythal. Alaphondar then shifted his demeanor completely, from one of an incarcerated enemy to one of an ally whose comrades were in grave danger. The party spoke the truth of their quest and had not come to kill him or seek information to disrupt the Anointment Ceremony. Even still the party could not be sure Alaphondar was not the Lost King, but they had to trust him. At least for the time being.


Time was not on Nomin’s side. Every muscle ached and burned, he could feel his mind wandering. But every moment he would return with his concentration upon his standing position, “I will stand!” he thought because the wind had taken away his speech. Laughter and death screams clouded his mind; his legs were quivering now with intense fatigue unlike anything he had ever felt. The winds were louder now, though Nomin was certain he was deaf; perhaps they were coming from his mind? Minutes had gone by and now Nomin was positioned ready to kneel, his knee and shin were inches away from the hard black soil. The winds bashed down against his leg, pushing it slowly further towards the ground. Nomin could feel the air beneath his knee growing thinner and thinner. “Kneel before the Supreme Throne, and serve the Dark Sun.” he heard screaming again.

Alaphondar reversed the spell effect. Just that instant Nomin reappeared in mid air where he had been taken just minutes before and crashed to the ground. His armor was tattered and stained black, the cloth of his garb was shredded, and his hair stood on end as if he had been electrocuted. Black dried blood clogged his ears and shut his eyes closed. He was unconscious now. Alaphondar immediately went over to Nomin and checked the armor over his knees. “The soil of the Mad God does not taint his armor, he is quite a determined warrior indeed.” Anthony Manton set to work with prayers to Tyr for thanks and Healed Nomin of his conditions.

With the party together again, they restarted the talks with Alaphondar whom by this point had realized that they were fighting for the same cause. Alaphondar confessed to the party that he was in fact the writer of the Anointment Anagram, and explained that this whole time he had been working in secrecy with the other High Knights Draconis to coordinate this Anointment which the Inner Sanctum felt was necessary not only for Cormyr, but for the Purple Dragon as well. At the point of their initial meeting Alaphondar could not be sure whom to trust other than his other Knights Draconis. But now he realized outside help would be required. The party wanted to believe him, in part because of his genuine responses. But Alaphondar’s word was simply not enough in the party’s minds to excuse him of being the Lost King.

Anthony then had an idea. The Lost King signed his name in blood into the Royal Book of Cormyr after usurping the Crown. If Grim and Cael could magically analyze the signature of the Lost King and compare it to Alaphondar’s own blood it would clear him. Further, they could use the signature to test for any other blood connection to the Lost King. Alaphondar at first was hesitant to the idea, for he realized how sacred and important the Royal Book was, but it was the only true way of proving his innocent. Further, since he was the Sage of Cormyr, he was the only person other than the King himself whom had access to the Royal Book. So the party and Alaphondar agreed to Teleport into the Royal Gardens of Suzail and examine the Royal Book of Cormyr to prove Alaphondar’s innocence.


Terus Teleported the party into the Gardens of Suzail whose bright flowers and luscious vines were glistening in the light of dawn. Alaphondar made his presence known to a unit of Purple Dragons whom quickly escorted the party to Obarskyr Castle where they were allowed entrance to the viewing room just outside the Obarskyr Treasury. Julian set his eyes upon the great golden door and suffered great anxiety knowing what incredible works could be just beyond it, ones he would never see despite the fact that he could easily slip past the few security measures still ahead. Minutes later Alaphondar appeared with a number of acolytes whom wheeled out a display table containing a great book bound in dragon hide and gilded with apricot sized sapphires. Grim saw that the magical aura upon this book was one of epic abjuration and dared not analyze its properties any further.

In preparation for the analysis Grim and Cael consulted one another. With his newfound crown Redemio Niveus resonating with his two other regalia of the icemage, Cael felt ready to begin. With Grim’s help, Cael designed an epic spell to magically match the bloody signature of the Lost King with that of any other blood, and to reveal the true identities of any person whose blood was tested. Cael began his incantations and the spell went off without fail. Alaphondar, whom had been carefully searching through the pages of the Book of Cormyr allowed Cael and the party to step forward. Upon its many pages they saw the signatures, land documents, and royal documents of thousands of Cormyrian nobles throughout its long history. When they reached the page concerning the Lost King, Cael stopped and focused the spell upon the blood within the signature, it began to glow with a fiery red, as the pages of the book called out to them “Gorut” the true identity of the Lost King Gondegal.

Alaphondar was amazed and could barely turn the pages toward his own entry, for Alaphondar Emmarsk was the current Lord of the Emmarsk royal family in Cormyr, staunch Royalists and academics throughout their long history. When they reached the pages concerning Alaphondar, Cael once again focused and the blood signature of Alaphondar Emmarsk glowed purple as the book called out “Alaphondar Emmarsk”. The party let out a brief sigh of relief but just then as Alaphondar turned the page to someone the more recent noble lords they all noticed something quite surprising. Some of the modern lord’s signatures were glowing with purple lights, other lords signatures however glowed with a red light, calling out the true named of their descendents to the party.

Cael whom had let the spell’s effect broaden from lack of concentration focused it upon one of the brighter red signatures, Cormaeril. At first this was not so unusual as James Cormaeril was one of the most outspoken leaders of the Parliamentarian movement, a political group which had been using red banners to distinguish them from the royalist lords. On second thought however, the spell was simply relating the relationship of James Cormaeril’s blood to that of the Lost King’s. His was bright, but not as bright as the Lost King’s, and there were other red signatures, whom were also Parliamentarian lords whose signatures lit up with dimmer red light. Grim and Cael concluded that the color reflected a bloodline and the brightness reflected a relative purity or closeness of the relative to the bloodline. Alaphondar spoke stating that it seemed they had discovered the existence of a secret bloodline within Cormyr’s Court that had originated with the Lost King. The Lost King, whose true identity was Gorut.

With this new revalation Grim realized why his initial attempts to scry and learn about Gondegal had failed, it was because Gondegal was not the true identity. The false name had protected Gorut this whole time from being discovered. Now Grim stepped back and casted a powerful Divination asking the Weave, “who is Gorut?” The weave responded “Great Wyrm Red Dragon”. Grim whispered his newfound knowledge to the party. The birth of this false bloodline had been a second dragon. Alaphondar was in shock at the thought that there was a second dragon, an evil dragon, in Cormyr’s skies with a bloodline of his own loyal followers much the same to the Purple Dragon the Knights Draconis serve.

After hours more of study turning back the pages of time within the Royal Book, the party realized that Gorut the Red Dragon’s influence upon Cormyrian bloodlines started long before Gondegal. In fact, alaylysis of the first red signature found was one identical to Gorut’s, Sir Ignace Greatgaunt, also a dragonslayer and honorary Knight of Cormyr. The party the determined…

The Greatgaunt Era: Through is honorable actions and dragonslaying Ignace was rewarded with a Barony in the Thunderpeaks. His descendents lived a solitary, quiet lifestyle in the wealth he had accumulated. The Greatgaunts began to protect the landholdings of the Fanchon nobles (a purple bloodline line) whom had fallen upon a great series of misfortunes (Four male heirs all died as infants, mother committed suicide, Lord Fanchon died in battle soon after.) Without strong leadership the land became threatened by goblin tribes. The holdings were protected by Greatgaunt soldiers and signed into Greatgaunt land. The revitalized Greatgaunts continued to feud with the rival Auantivers for two generations (apparently originally started by the Auantivers). Following the murder of one of their family business managers, the Greatgaunts mercilessly destroyed the Auantiver’s Battlerise Castle and merged the remaining noble titles.

The Second Gernation: Through merging two other large noble titles and much land in eastern Cormyr the Greatgaunts were quickly becoming a very powerful name in Cormyr’s Court. However, they quickly fell out of favor in the King’s Court due to the bullish nature of their royals. The Greatgaunt noble family is dismantled as a result and its noble lineage is purchased by the Garravet merchant family. Prior to its dismantling however, the Greatgaunts split off two noble titles the Garravets, and the Cormaerils. After the Greatgaunt title is eliminated by the Court, another famed adventurer named Faustin Thundersword bought into the remaining title. Faustin Thundersword was in fact a second identity of Gorut according to Cael’s epic spell, whom bought back into his old title and began a new lineage from the Thundersword name.

King Dhalmass Obarskyr executes the last of the Goldfeather nobles for treason in 1216 DR, the Year of the Green Wings. The Garravet family was primarily responsible for turning the Goldfeather family in. Thus the Garravet family was given additional noble inheritances. These accusations of treason are at best partial truths, which the Garravets ruthlessly took advantage of. The Garravets eventually split their titles received from both the Greatgaunts and Goldfeathers and give birth to more modern red bloodline families Fallone and Wyvernspur.

The Thundersword Era: Sometime after assuming the identity of Faustin Thundersword Gorut bought titles from the Greatgaunt family (Red Lineage) and the failing Aurubaen family (Royal lineage). These titles are taken under the name Thundersword. After purchasing the title, the Thunderswords moved the former Auruban family keep to Marsember. There the Thunderswords would purchase the title of the Janthrin family (Royal lineage) after they apparently died of Marsh Fever (Gorut’s arrangement). Currently, the Thundersword family is the second most powerful noble family in Marsember

Using the newfound knowledge concerning Gorut the Great Wyrm Red Dragon, his secret noble lineages, and the previous knowledge concerning Gorut’s dealings with the Cult of the Dragon to assassinate key Royalist leaders and Knights Draconis; it became clear to the party that Gorut now stands ready to complete his ultimate goal. If he manages to find the location of the Crystal Grot he may slay Caelina the Purple Dragon, and deal a death blow to the Royalist bloodlines once and for all. Further, he will strengthen his own and unite Cormyr under a new red banner of fire. The true question is however, who is the current identity of Gorut? Previous identities, of Ignace Greatgaunt, Faustin Thundersword, Gondegal the Lost King, have all been dragonslayers. Nomin thinks back to his previous time in Cormyr and remembers a number of recent figures of note Del Geery of Thunderstone –famed Hydra & Dragonslayer. Also, Sir Clarke Bromley of Skull Crag has been quite noteworthy in the past few months as he has downed several dragons in the Storm Horns, and finally, the five individuals comprising Tiamet’s Talons. Alaphondar doubts that Del Geery and Sir Clarke could have the connections, intelligence, and power to be identities of Gorut. However, one of the Tiamet’s Talons would be an excellent possibility. The party had seen them once in a vision of Grim’s, selling Aurgloroasa the Sibilant Shade draconic corpses metallic and chromatic alike for gold and magic.

Alaphondar reminded the party of one thing. If they were to confront Gorut, and present a respectable challenge, he would turn into his great draconic form. While this would easily confirm his identity and guilt, a dragon of his caliber was something Alaphondar assured the party they would want to have no quarrel with. Judging by the ancient dates of Gorut’s significant capabilities for magic and shapeshifting in the Royal Book his age would have to be well over 1800 years old. For creatures such as dragons these years add more wisdom and power, enough so that if the party would ever hope to defeat Gorut they would need to know every weakness and flaw. Fortunately, few dragons live that long without being recorded in the books of history. Alaphondar promised the party he and his Royal Acoylytes would go to work immediately searching through all the literature they have on Cormyrian Red Dragons. Meanwhile, he asked that the party adventure back to Elfhold; for the Elves of the House Amartharr were renown fighters of dragons and record keepers of their kind. Since Gorut was more than 1800 years old it would have been highly unlikely for the Amartharr House elves to have not recorded anything about him. While they would be surely unable to sort through the massive library of Elfhold in the short time they had, with the help of Avazgourl they may be able to find what they need quickly. With that the party set forth again, Terus Teleported them back to Elfhold; this time, with a new question and a different ancient library to reference.