Session 41.
Neth the 22nd (Cont).
Once we were ready, Udara mentioned we should seek out Izon, the leader of the Urdefhan, as he is the one Eando Kline intended to meet with. With that tidbit of information noted, we headed out for the Urdefhan territories of Ilmurea. As we moved south, we checked along the eastern wall of the cavern to see if there might be a short cut to that region, but found none and had to retrace our steps even further south through the “Golem Gate” and then turn east.
During this time, Taraz indicated that he found the concept of allying with the evil Urdefhan as… Well, let’s go with “distasteful”, though this is definitely understatement. We had a brief discussion and he agreed that, with the greater threat of the Serpent-Folk and for the sake of Eando Kline, an alliance with “the enemy of our enemy” may be necessary. Though he was slightly mollified, he did make it clear there may come a point where he might have to reassess the need for such an alliance. I could not disagree. Ace, on the other hand, seemed all too eager to meet with the Urdefhan. As he is from a noble Chelaxian house (Thrune) and a Tiefling to boot, I suspect he is used to dealing with Evil Outsiders. I’m not entirely sure, but I think he may be poking fun at Taraz, to some extent.
We arrived at a large river flowing northward. To the south we could see the source of the river. A large underground lake is formed by water that falls from the ceiling of the chamber. About 600 feet to the east, across a series of falls, we saw a peninsula with a circular tower built upon the top of a small rise. In an effort to save us from having to travel south of the lake and then along the edge of the entire cavern, we made plans to cross the falls.
First, Ace turned invisible and then flew across the falls accompanied by his (visible) Eidolon, Kay-Es. As they approached the tower, a number of Urdefhan mounted on Skavelings (large undead bats) flew out from the tower to intercept them. We lost sight of Kay-Es as he was surrounded by the foul creatures. Only moments later he appeared by our side at the shore as Ace Dimension Doored them both out of harm’s way.
I cast forth a Fireball, engulfing all of the foul creatures as the others prepared themselves for combat. The Urdefhan chose to retreat back to the tower rather than pursue. My cohorts quickly gathered around Ace and he Dimension Doored them to the top of the tower to engage the Urdefhan directly. I chose to Dimension Door myself to a point just southwest and above the level of the tower as I could not get a clear view of the rooftop due to the crenellations. Better safe than sorry.
Once the outpost was cleared, we continued east and then north toward the dome where the Morlocks had indicated the Urdefhan leader could be found. As we traveled, we got the distinct impression this was initially a Serpent-Folk city that had been “converted” by the ancient Azlanti. We stopped to investigate a small cemetery where the graves were marked in Azlanti and identified those interred within as Azlanti Soldiers.
Just after making this discovery a number of Mummies arose from the earth. One of them demanded to know if someone (I was unable to catch the name) had given us “the key”. I answered them with an honest “no” and they accused me of lying, demanded we give them the key and then attacked. Mummies and magical fire, truly a match made in heaven (for us of course, the Mummies were of a different opinion, I’m sure).
Moving northward we found ourselves on ancient streets strewn with trash and rubble. The area had obviously seen recent frequent use by individuals who had no concept of public works or even proper waste disposal in general. We approached an area where some of the garbage piles had been set on fire and a number of Urdefhan stood around an iron cage. They were focused on poking a Serpent-Folk prisoner held within it with spears. The Serpent-Folk was either unconscious or dead, we could not be certain which. Max approached the Urdefhan and attempted to converse with them. It became quite clear that none of them spoke common, though they did not attack.
At this point, after offering a sympathetic glance toward Taraz who continued to exercise significant restraint, I told the creatures that we seek Eando Kline. After a few short discussions, both with us and amongst themselves (during which, the number of gathered Urdefhan increased) they agreed to bring us to their leader.
They set a rather vigorous pace and we soon approached a large domed structure wrapped up in the carved coils of a massive stone serpent. Oddly enough, I noted an Invisible figure skulking about the roof of the structure. I did not say anything to my companions at the time, because I did not want the Urdefhan to know.
Without slowing, they led us through the gated entryway, past a number of rooms, up a flight of stairs and finally into a large throne room. The room was illuminated by a number of glowing crystals and, seated upon a large throne of bones, was Izon himself. He was obviously Urdefhan, but bore demonic looking wings. I suspect he is at least part fiend.
He welcomed us to his realm in the blustery tone common to most self righteous rulers and asked us for the reason “outsiders” such as ourselves would enter his territory. I explained our mission which, for some odd reason provoked a loud laugh from Izon. He told us that he does know Kline and had, in fact, sent him on a mission. Since Kline has yet to return, Izon assumes he has failed. We asked what this task entailed.
Apparently Izon had a general named Belkor who has betrayed him and joined the ranks of the Serpent-Folk. Kline was to find Belkor and kill him. My disappointment with Eando Kline has grown. It would appear he has basically agreed to work as an Assassin for these evil creatures. Taraz’s perspective is looking considerably more appealing at his point.
Our options seemed to be reduced to “violence now” or “violence later”. Taking into account the threat from the Serpent-Folk to both the Morlocks and the world above, add in the fate of Eando Kline hanging over our heads and we found ourselves agreeing to the same appalling task. Bring the head, hands and feet of this renegade General to Izon and his people would join forces with the Morlocks against the Serpent-Folk. Hopefully we will find and rescue Eando Kline in the process. Izon indicated that Belkor had gone to “Thousand Fangs”, the Serpent-Folk stronghold in the middle of the northern lake. We set out at once.
Finding ourselves without escort, Taraz once again voiced his distaste with our dealings with the Urdefhan and indicated the time may very well come when our deal with them will need to be “renegotiated with extreme prejudice.” I find myself blaming Kline for putting us into this distasteful and somewhat treacherous situation (I trust these Urdefhan about as far as I could throw one). Perhaps it is things like this that got him kicked out of the Pathfinders, but considering the decidedly neutral perspective I have seen from them, I find that hard to believe. I also told my companions of the invisible figure that had been skulking about the roof of the Urdefhan’s stronghold.
Along the eastern wall of the cavern we noted a mansion that looked almost identical to the one where we rescued Udara. Wondering if this was more than coincidence, we chose to explore the building. The main entryway was largely ruined and there were a number of nest-like webs throughout the chamber. The interior layout of the mansion was identical to Udara’s mansion. As we noted this, we were ambushed by Invisible Driders.
Once they were defeated, we explored the other rooms. The chambers to either side both lay in ruin, with nothing of interest. The third chamber was obviously set up for humanoid habitation, containing a bed, chest and a desk with papers on it. The chest contained clothes and accoutrements for a female and appeared to be of Drow manufacture.
The only paperwork of note was an encoded document written in Aklo. I was able to decipher the name “Deloral Parastric” in the body of the letter as well as a reference to “House Parastric”. The document was signed by “Vedavrax Misraria” and appears to be some sort of contract. I will continue to work on it as we rest. I have created a Secure Shelter within the chamber and we shall have to wait and see if the chamber's occupant returns.
