House Millithor in the City of the Spider Queen II

[Endur]

When Torellan mentions to Eilos and Quertus that he was trying to get into the Inverted Tower to ask for a description of Randal Morn, Eilos responded,

"The Inverted tower is by invitation only. Entering the tower without being invited by Solom would be a fatal mistake. As some of Dorina's invading minions discovered during the recent change of ownership.

"Randal Morn? The ruler of Dagger Dale? I have never seen him, but he has been at war with the Lords of Zhentil Keep for nearly fifty years. He must be a gray-haired and gray-bearded human.

"When the Zhentilars ruled Dagger Dale, the price on his head was 10,000 gold pieces.

"I don't know what value his head would bring today. Although his sword is supposed to be extremely valuable. 'The Sword of the Dales.' According to one legend, his sword was or is the phylactery for a Lich."

 

[Seonaid]

Narcelia nods at the Matron's response and then looks at the door, wondering how long whoever is waiting will wait before leaving.

 

[Serpenteye]

---
( before the arrival of Eilos)

Having just finished her conversation with her daughters she sits in silent contemplation when the other members of her army arrives in rapid succession. If she notices Kilcif's injury she studies him impassionately for about half a second. With most of the group assembled she taps the arm of her chair lightly and speaks. I trust your stay in L'tarannen Del'elgluth (sp?) has been interesting. Have you learned anything of importance about our gracious hosts?

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Kilcif: Bugbear/Male (Barbarian/Ranger/Rogue)

Kilcif upon entering stayed close to the door but also tried to stay out of the way of members of House Millithor. He finds the hand movements boring and quickly tires of watching them turning his attention to the watching the door as he contemplates what to the tell the matron, if anything of his encounter with the less than sociable drow vampires.

His ears perk up with the mention of the surface world as he had almost completely forgot about the trip and raid upon it.

 

[Endur]

Nobody notices any injuries on Kilcif. Kilcif is as good as new. He is not wearing anything green colored either.

As eldest son, Marckarius takes it upon himself to be the first to answer the Matron's question.

Bowing to Matron Ki'Willis Millithor, Marckarius speaks,
"Matron Ki'Willis, Torellan, Dariel and I were quartered with Zedar T'sarran in the warriors barracks area. From what I could tell, Zedar is an impressive warrior. His combat ability appears to be equal to my own and exceeds the ability of my younger brothers. The rest of the warriors in the barracks are commoners with some training and of minimal consequence. Undoubtedly many of them served L'Tarranen del Egluth and have changed their allegiance several times.

"I also visited the commoner area where my mount is quartered. There are very few mounts in the stables.

"I also noticed that the gate that leads to Maerimydra has a minimal amount of guards set on it."


Marckarius bows again and moves out of the way, to allow someone else to present themselves to the Matron.

 

[Serpenteye]

The Matron nods in Marcarius' direction and continues listening to the reports of her followers.

 

[Endur]

Eilos bows and says

"Matron Mother Ki'Willis, it is so good to see you again. I regret that I have changed somewhat for the worse due to an ill-fated experiment with magical energies that were beyond my skill. I have spent the majority of my time and effort on magical research and knows little about the T'sarrans. I do know, however, that one of Irae T'sarran allies is a powerful drow necromancer named Umaerh.

"Umaerh aided Dorina in the capture of Szith Morcane and used teleportation magic to return to Maerimydra to assist Irae T'sarran. The fact that Umaerh could use teleportation magic without worry of the Fzerness indicates that Umaerh is highly skilled. I have heard a rumor that Umaerh wages war against the forces of the fiend Kurgoth while riding on the back of a Dracolich, but I do not know the truth of that rumor."

Eilos bows and retreats to the back of the room.

 

[Seonaid]

Narcelia sits idly, listening carefully to the reports but not showing interest in any particular thing.

 

[Endur]

Several hours pass as the members of House Millithor discuss the situation they are in.

Then, there is a knock at the door. When the door is opened, a Quth-Maren is standing in the entrance to the Matron's room.

The Quth-Maren speaks in a hoarse voice, "Jabbress Dorina will see Ilharess Ki'Willis now."

Matron Ki'Willis goes off to her private meeting with Dorina while the others scatter to their various activities.

 

[Endur]

Matron Ki'Willis passes through the double doors and another pair of Quth-Maren guards and enters Dorina's quarters.

The ceiling of this octagonal room rises thirty feet off the ground. A pillar in the center stands up fifteen feet in heigh. On that pillar rests a throne made of bones, with Dorina's gaunt drow body draped casually across it. The walls of the room are covered with majestic dark tapestries. Several long tables of gleaming dark wood stand along the walls.

A female drow wearing the robes of a priestess of Lolth has been bound to one of the tables with chains. She is a strongly-built drow with wild white hair and deep black skin. A Quth-Maren stands nearby, tormenting her and ignoring her pleadings for mercy.

A male drow stands near the pillar. His inky black flesh is smooth and supple, but extremely gaunt. His stark white hair is long and neatly combed, gathered below his shoulders in a loose ponytail. His magical garment is light, open-fronted robe of forest green, which he wears over a white shirt and black breeches, maintaining a stylish appearance. A mummified drow hand with five rings hangs around his neck and heavy bracers adorn his arms.

Dorina speaks,
"This is Umaerh, one of my mother's servants. He brings word that the Dark Lady favors our efforts. My mother is making great progress in Maerimydra.

"Umaerh, leave us now. The Matron and I have much to discuss.

"Matron Ki'Willis, I see I have not introduced you yet to Dessa Sik-Morcane. She has the fortune to be the last living member of House Morcane. She is also fortunate to serve as my food source. I prefer to drink the blood of priestesses of Lolth.

"Part of the conversion process to convert to the worship of Kiaransalee involved killing and reanimating a priestess of Lolth. When the time comes for your conversion, I will give Dessa to you. I will enjoy watching you skin her alive and transform her into a Quth-Maren.

"So, what is on your mind today? Are your sons looking forward to the surface raid tomorrow?"