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Message: <blockquote data-quote="gfunk" data-source="post: 574341" data-attributes="member: 1813">Session 14 “H.E.L.L. convenes” Entropy was both fearful and angry at the same time. Looking at Eclavdra's mutilated body, the sorcerer wondered why drow in the service of Lolth had bothered to send back her retainer. She sent these thoughts to Eclavdra, "I understand that drow nobles typically find it preferable to torture captive nobles for centuries rather than give them a quick death. Why do you suppose they sent you back here?"Struggling to comprehend her mistress through the intense pain, Eclavdra managed to respond, "Perhaps I was not their target . . ."Certainly, with the spells at her disposal, Entropy could easily repair the damage done to Eclavdra. However, she wondered if she should bother. One of the main advantages that Eclavdra *had* was her anonymity. In this capacity, she made the perfect spy, for she could not be easily traced back to H.E.L.L. However, her identity had clearly been compromised. "You know how Drow culture would 'reward' individuals in your plight."Not liking the turn this conversation had taken, Entropy could feel Eclavdra's intense fear, "I would be slain outright or exiled as a pariah.""The latter punishment, in your current state, would equal a quick death in the Underdark. Tell me, why should I expend the resources to bring you back to full capacity?" Eclavdra's mind raced to find an answer to satisfy her mistress, "Because I am the most loyal of your followers and there is still much I have not imparted to you regarding my knowledge of the drow and the planes."Unfortunately, Entropy was not impressed. "Surely you know that my planar knowledge rivals any on Faerun. As to loyalty, it is difficult to judge. I would say that those who died during your mission exhibited the pinnacle of fanatical loyalty. But your knowledge of the drow . . . perhaps you can tell me something that will weigh on my decision.The drow relaxed, perhaps she had a chance after all. "Save me or not, at your whim, but if it is truly the Spider Queen who hunts you, who better than I to advise you in the ways of the Demonweb?"Without responding, Entropy stepped back and began casting a summoning spell. From the Olympian Glades of Arborea, she called forth a creature which looked like an elf except for its bright red eyes and flaming red hair. Known as a Firre, this particular one was especially well-versed in powerful divine magic, precisely what Entropy needed."I need for you to regenerate her organs and restore her life force," Entropy commanded.In seconds, Eclavdra's hands and tongue were magically restored and her eyes re-formed seemingly out of nowhere. The deathly pall on her face was restored to its natural color. Regarding her cohort, Entropy said, "You may thank Arborea for your recovery. Firre, your services were greatly appreciated. On your way then."As Entropy and Eclavdra exited the tent, the sages Karl and Stephen were waiting for them. Karl's eyes popped wide open in surprise at Eclavdra's seemingly complete recovery. "Lady, Eclavdra. I'm pleased to see you so . . . whole." Eclavdra favored him with a grin, letting her tongue slide seductively over her lips to demonstrate her full restoration."Entropy regarded the sage, "Karl, have you contacted the cabal leadership?""Er . . . I have indeed, my lady. They should be arriving within the hour, though some of them are none to happy."--------------------------------------------------------------------------------The leaders of H.E.L.L. convened in a makeshift meeting area. They were seated around a small campfire, each sitting on a large pillow.Entropy took a deep breath, stood up, and addressed them all in one sweeping gesture, "My dear associates, thank you for coming on such short notice. We seem to have encountered a problem in our investigations of the Mythals in Myth Drannor . . ."Jumping to his feet, Sootheby Trell -- the half-orc representative of Thentia -- pointed an accusing finger at the sorcerer, "What is the meaning of this! It's bloody three in the morning!"Entropy responded coolly, "Unfortunately, I have been traveling in the Underdark for some time. Surface time no longer had meaning for me. I deemed this situation of sufficient gravity to require your immediate presence.""I don't answer to your beck and call Entropy! This had better be worth my time." exclaimed Trell, still upset at this interruption to his schedule.Nodding, Entropy gestured towards Eclavdra, "Lady Eclavdra, leader of the force, can explain the situation best. Eclavdra, if you please . . ."Over the course of the next few minutes, Eclavdra explained the ambush, the slaughter of her forces, and her capture and torture. Following her explanation, Entropy had several bodies of warriors and cultists brought out for additional effect. They were a bloody mess, totally dismembered and butchered.The representatives let out gasps and curses.Entropy stepped in, "As you can plainly see, the situation is serious. Do you disagree?"The leaders all nodded with the exception of Trell who spoke first, smiling triumphantly, "What I can plainly see is that I was wise not to commit my own people to this endeavor."This feedback was plainly not constructive so Entropy tried to focus the meeting, "Thoughts on this act of butchery? Possible assailants?"The half-orc shrugged, "We have many enemies, where to begin?"Sebulba, the female human leader from Zhentil Keep moved closer to Entropy, almost whispering, "Perhaps the Cult of the Dragon is stronger than we thought.""Or perhaps the traitor is among us!" accused Oliva Trekkland, representative of Mulmaster, pointing at Eclavdra.Only the mysterious "Cloak," representing Melavaunt, did not respond directly to Entropy's query. "Cloak, I'm certain this cabal would love to hear your thoughts," Entropy offered.The Cloak's cowled head turned towards Entropy, "It would seem that someone wishes us to believe Lolth is involved. That would imply it is actually drow in the service of the Spider or enemies of the same who wish to lay blame. There are other drow factions at work in Cormanthor and with the recent silence of the Spider Queen, perhaps they now seem to make their move."Entropy was impressed at the response and pressed further, "A most interesting observation. So you don't think the Cult of the Dragon is involved?"The Cloak bowed his head a moment before responding, "Perhaps, but doesn't it strike you as odd that though all members of this expedition were slain, only your loyal follower was left alive, although maimed?"This was the same argument brought up by Karl the Sage. "Yes, it is quite odd. My understanding was that they were trying to send a message to me." Grinning wickedly, Entropy continued, "You do know, of course, that a strike force gathered and directed by me slew Lolth's daughter Laveth in the Demonweb itself? I would say that the drow have good reasons to dislike me. However, this infantile display of carnage was most crude.""The drow?" asked the Cloak, "Why would the drow care a whit that you slew some upstart offspring of Lolth? Perhaps it is the Lady herself who has taken offense. Though you may have done Lolth a temporary favor by slaying Laveth, blood is ultimately thicker than water."This revelation shocked Entropy. She was powerful and respected throughout the Moonsea. In her time she had faced -- and defeated -- many powerful foes. But could it be that a goddess herself was trying to destroy her? Entropy quickly concluded the meeting, "I will see to this matter personally. I thank you all greatly for your time and input."----------------------------------------------------------------------After the cabal leadership departed, Entropy was left alone, deep in thought. The vengeance of Lolth! This was not something she could take lightly. At the same time, she wanted to be sure of her conclusions. Returning to her tent, she sat on the floor and began to concentrate. Weaving arcane phrases, she altered reality itself to open a channel to the drow goddess Eilistraee, the only good deity in the otherwise evil pantheon.Seeing the divine image of the goddess in her mind, Entropy began asking her questions:"Is a deity in the drow pantheon targeting me specifically?"YES"Is it Lolth?"YES"Is she targeting any of my other companions?"YES"All of them?"YES"Is the reason for her vengeance the death of her daughter?"YES"Does Lolth have anything to do with the Gelugon sent to the Temple of the Triad?"NO"Did the followers of Kiaransalee send the Gelugon?"YES"Was Eclavdra attacked by agents in the service of Lolth?"YES"Are they still in Myth Drannor?"NO"Do Lolth and Kiaransalee and their followers despise each other?"YES"Do any of Lolth's clergy, anywhere in the multiverse, still have their divine powers?"UNCLEAR"Is the 'big event' discovered by the Temple of the Triad the doing of Kiaransalee?"YES"Is there still an operational Cult of the Dragon sect in Myth Drannor?"YES"Are they foes or friends of Lolth?"UNCLEAREntropy broke off the connection, sweating profusely and breathing heavily. There could no longer be any doubt. She had to warn her companions before it was too late . . .</blockquote>

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