Legacy of Death Part IV: Darker than the Absence of Light

[TerraDave]

Lucien listens quietly to Nar's dissertation. After thinking silently through things, he blurts "Fire. We'll need more fire."

He then bounds off into the street.

You...and Ghen...find this and that. Let me know what you make or buy.

(the attached includes house rules that supersede what's in the rules as written...this is mostly to make it easier to track these items and keep them useful over a range of levels. This has also been posted on the out of the character thread. EDIT...math error fixed ).

 

[TerraDave]

Nar: the gauntlets are a challenge (as they are "uncommon") and take a few days, but 1800 gp/components latter, you finish them.

Meanwhile days pass...presumably you all make various preparations (and may gain some downtime XP). If there is anything else, do it now...

The circle is nearly complete. It clearly leads out of the mortal world and into the Aether. Nar is also just about ready for the related ritual. A variation of shadow passage (a standard planar portal ritual is still beyond even the mighty Nar at this stage), it will take about 1000 gp in components. The elf may want to start a collection.

 

[TerraDave]

one more thing...

The circle is complete.

Only now does it strike Nar, and probably some of the rest of you.

The Garden of Graves was covered with rune like patterns. The ones that make up this circle are very similar.

Almost certainly too similar to be a coincidence.

 

[Flaming Bob]

Lucien's normally scowl-ish countenance is further squished by a look of worried concern.

"Forge, did your people see any runes looked like this during the recent troubles?"

 

[ecayford]

Did my post about sending a message to my clan about what we've learned get lost? Anyway, forge does that.

 

[TerraDave]

Presumably Forge tried to contact them some weeks back. As you are now in Watercross, not Northall, and your clan is technically past the edge of the civilized wold, this is no small thing. In any case, you pay the courier an exorbitant amount (20 gp), and time passes. (EDIT: with the Wizard's magic it might be easier for Forge to go himself..though probably not cheaper...in any case, you got the response).

Eventually you receive a reply. They encourage you to continue on your endeavors.

 

[dyermaker001]

Once everyone is prepared and ready to travel, Nar-Heru will perform the ritual and open the portal.

 

[ecayford]

"Let us begin."

 

[TerraDave]

Nar completes the ritual and uses the 1000 gp in components.

The portal is open. Only shifting shadows are seen on the other side.

Forge begins to lead the party through.

 

[TerraDave]

Freezing air and a sullen darkness envelop you. For most of you, the only light is a dim and fading one from the circle you just stepped through.

If you could see, a series of fractured black columns come into view. The cracked stone floor slopes steeply down toward an archway opening onto a dead black mist, and above you a partial domed ceiling frames the sky.

The howling creatures lurching forward to attack are a more immediate concern.

Lucian reacts!