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pogre's Blood and Iron in the Mountain King's Shadow - 11/5/07 update
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<blockquote data-quote="pogre" data-source="post: 3726447" data-attributes="member: 6588"><p>Episode 6</p><p></p><p>Erik carefully began exploring the complex invisibly. He quickly found a large kitchen with a large fire giant matron cook and three ogre servants. </p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.pogre.com/winebrand024_erik_scouts_kitchen.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>Erik also passed a door where he heard numerous voices discussing in a foreign language. He suspected they were giants, but was not sure. He returned to the group to discuss what he had found.</p><p></p><p>“Was it giants talking?” Taurus, the cleric asked.</p><p></p><p>“I don’t speak giant,” Erik replied.</p><p></p><p>“I’ll fix that,” Gusil stated and cast <em>tongues</em> on Erik. “Gusil also summoned the dwarf warrioress, Gwena. “Get out the <em>loop</em>.”</p><p></p><p>“Why?” Erik asked suspiciously.</p><p></p><p>“So you can explore the room in <em>gaseous form, invisibly</em>,” Gusil said.</p><p></p><p>“Fantastic,” Erik said sardonically.</p><p></p><p>Erik invoked his ring of invisibility stepped through the <em>loop</em> and moved gaseously back to the room where he had heard the voices. He seeped beneath the door and saw a room filled with massive fire giants. There were five fire giants, one of whom was obviously the leader of the group and much larger. Their conversation mostly centered on defensive plans and concerns about the delivery of supper.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.pogre.com/winebrand026_erik_scouts_king_room.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>Erik continued under a door in the room to find another chamber with a female fire giant. Unlike the large female in the kitchen, this female fire giant was not unattractive. Surely by fire giant standards she was beautiful. She wore a formed half-plate armor and was apparently deep in prayer. Erik briefly considered materializing and ambushing the giantess, but dismissed the thought when he witnessed her stand to her full height to stretch. Erik quickly moved out of the room and headed back to his compatriots.</p><p></p><p>“I say we hit the kitchen first,” Gwena offered. The rest of the group agreed. </p><p></p><p>Erik snuck into the kitchen invisibly to begin the assault. </p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.pogre.com/winebrand025_kitchen_scene.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>The mage, Antonious, let loose a wave of cold on the ogres and giants that immediately crippled the ogres and had the fire giant cook extremely angry.</p><p></p><p>The fire giant cook charged the mage, allowing Erik to unleash a vicious backstabbing assault. Arrows from the ranger and a few solid thumps from the dwarf spelled the end of the fire giant cook and the ogres.</p><p></p><p>The group began debating their next move when a pair of fire giants showed up. Erik and others gave pursuit, but quickly lost the duo.</p><p></p><p>“They know we’re here,” Gusil observed.</p><p></p><p>“We need to prepare our defenses,” Antonious said.</p><p></p><p>“Here?” Taurus asked.</p><p></p><p>“He’s right,” Gusil concurred. “We can hold this room and force them to come at us one at a time, or two at most. Besides we may not have time to find another spot.”</p><p></p><p>As the group prepared for what they assumed would be a coming assault, Gwena heard a noise out in the hallway. She quickly popped back into the kitchen and reported that the fire giants were attempting to collapse the entrance tunnel.</p><p></p><p>Erik quickly used his ring to become invisible and headed out for the hall. The dwarf and others charged out behind him.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.pogre.com/winebrand027_giants_escape_attempt.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>“So much for plan ‘A’,” Gusil stated wistfully.</p><p></p><p>The giants had already created a large barrier in the hallway and were making fast progress at destroying part of the 20-foot wide hallway. The invisible Erik skillfully leapt over the barrier and took up a position behind the giants. </p><p></p><p>Antonious unleashed a cold of cone on the giants that also nailed the invisible Erik. The rogue never saw it coming and he felt the full effects of the spell. The giants continued battering at the hall walls trying to take the structure down. The King and Queen fire giants were quickly making their way out of the complex, while the others stood fast.</p><p></p><p>Erik and unleashed another torrent of backstabs on one of the giants, wounding him grievously. However, the rogue paid a price as the giants thumped him back and nearly killed him.</p><p></p><p>Some of the remaining giants started their escapes, but a well-placed grease spell from Gusil impeded their movement. The three rearward giants were killed, but the rest were escaping. The group gave a limited pursuit, but two things gave them pause: First, they were exhausted and had few spells, and second Erik and Gwena were badly hurt. They would need to recover before pursuing. Olaf was confident he could track the giants in the morning, so a rest was agreed upon.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>Olaf was carefully studying the ground before them.</p><p></p><p>“How far ahead are they?” Taurus asked.</p><p></p><p>“Not far,” Olaf answered. “One of them is still badly injured. He is slowing them down. They are heading into some pretty rough terrain though.”</p><p></p><p>“Maybe you just need some help,” Gusil said. Gusil called the giant eagle, High Feather. Casting <em>tongues</em> the bard entered into an animated conversation with the eagle. A short time later the giant avian took flight.</p><p></p><p>Olaf smiled and continued to follow the trail.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>“That mountain?” Olaf asked Gusil.</p><p></p><p>“That’s what High Feather said,” Gusil confirmed. “He said the group of giants climbed the mountain and went into that large fissure vent.”</p><p></p><p>“Looks like it could be volcanic,” Olaf observed.</p><p></p><p>“That would make sense,” Antonious noted. “Do you think they have come home to their larger tribe?”</p><p></p><p>“A possibility,” Olaf admitted. “But, I do not think so. I see few signs of giants about. We’re looking at a safe haven I would guess.”</p><p></p><p>The group struggled up the mountainside and found themselves staring into a dark vent glowing orange came from deep within the mountain’s interior. A hot breeze was issuing forth from the vent. Olaf led on taking the group inside.</p><p></p><p>The tunnel was large and led several dozen feet into the mountain before a chasm intersected their path. The chasm was easily climbed down and a small stream of molten rock flowed through the bottom. The heat was nearly unbearable. The group emerged from the chasm after carefully bridging the hot stream.</p><p></p><p>The tunnel continued into the mountain’s interior, finally emerging into a huge cavern illuminated by a warm orange glow of a flowing lava lake.</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps I should scout ahead?” Erik suggested. The group concurred. Erik slunk through the rocky passage and into the cavern to find a dismaying sight. Across a large expanse of lava lake was an island. The island had a tremendously large red dragon resting there. Three half snake, half humanoid, flaming beasts were conversing with the dragon, while the fire giants looked pensively on. Erik watched the exchange for some time and noticed not only was the lake red-hot lava, there seemed to be hundreds of fire mephitis frolicking in the lava. He took his report back to the group.</p><p></p><p>“We should leave,” Gwena suggested.</p><p></p><p>“I agree. We need to consider this carefully,” Gusil replied.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>The cool of the forest floor beneath the mountains had never felt so welcoming to the group.</p><p></p><p>“That was impressive,” Antonious said.</p><p></p><p>“What if those giants have the key to the door or even have the gem itself?” Taurus asked.</p><p></p><p>“What if they traded it to the dragon for some reason?” Erik asked.</p><p></p><p>The group moaned collectively at that thought.</p><p></p><p>“Maybe we missed something back in the mines,” Gusil mused. “It’s obvious we lack the strength to crash that party in the lava lake cavern, and it will give us time to plan at least.”</p><p></p><p>All concurred with the gnome and they headed back to the mines. Following a frustrating search of the mines Antonious made a suggestion. “We need to use Sargroch the Haloed’s Red Journal.”</p><p></p><p>The Red Journal was a gift from the great mage. The journal held 24 pages and anything written on a page would be seen by Sargroch, and hopefully, responded to. Antonious quickly penned the group’s situation, giving exact details of the wards on the door and requested advice.</p><p></p><p>Sargroch’s answer appeared quickly in the journal. <em>It sounds like you have everything you need to move forward.</em></p><p></p><p>Gusil bristled at the answer, “What a waste!”</p><p></p><p>Antonious breathed a muttered, “Aha!” and quickly retrieved the Eye of the Messiah from Taurus and they began studying the small book. Antonious smiled at the group, walked over to the door and spoke out, “Humility.” With a shuddering groan the door opened.</p><p></p><p>A deep, dark tunnel stretched before them. The group followed the tunnel for several hundred feet before spying a light in the distance.</p><p></p><p>“Eric do you want to scout ahead?” Gusil queried.</p><p></p><p>“I cannot see in the dark,” Erik replied.</p><p></p><p>“Fair enough, let’s move up in force,” Gusil said.</p><p></p><p>The group continued with their weapons at the ready. The tunnel opened up into a large cavern. It was clear from the walls and floor of the cavern the area was finished. Dominating their view, however, was a statuesque humanoid with feathered wings and a halo. The creature was amazingly beautiful and obviously an angel.</p><p></p><p>Taurus strode toward the angel hailing him. “Salutations guardian and servant of Helios our Father.”</p><p></p><p>“Salutations, follower of the light,” the angel replied.</p><p></p><p>“I am Taurus and my companions and I are on a divine mission. Behold we are following the word of the Eye of the Messiah, seeking the gems of the Messiah’s crown.”</p><p></p><p>“I am Pyrios. I did not expect you so soon,” the angel replied.</p><p></p><p>“Pyrios, what is your charge?” Taurus asked.</p><p></p><p>“I guard over the sacred seal that imprisons the devil, Jurditis, in the iron pits,” Pyrios replied.</p><p></p><p>“Tell me of Jurditis, did you seal him here?” Taurus asked.</p><p></p><p>“I accomplish nothing, only the power of Helios allows action. I am but a guardian. It was Traydor that sealed the devil. Jurditis is a devil noble.”</p><p></p><p>“Could you kill Jurditis?” Taurus asked.</p><p></p><p>“If so charged I would die trying,” Pyrios replied.</p><p></p><p>“Is he beyond your power? What is your rank?” Taurus asked.</p><p></p><p>“I am a member of the Third Heavenly Choir. If Helios willed it I would overcome the devil. It would be a desperate fight at least,” Pyrios admitted.</p><p></p><p>“Fair guardian of Traydor’s seal we are charged with destroying the devil noble Jurditis. We would welcome your assistance in such an endeavor,” Taurus said.</p><p></p><p>“That is not my charge. If you, servants of Helios and followers of the Eye of the Messiah, wish – you may release me from my charge and the seal will be broken.”</p><p></p><p>Taurus thanked Pyrios and returned to the group.</p><p></p><p>“So he is not going to help us?” Gusil asked incredulously.</p><p></p><p>“It is not his charge. Endangering himself by combating Jurditis is not part of his work. Think of it this way, if I ordered you to guard a caravan to the city of Founders and you chose to leave the caravan and chase a bear – would I be mad?” Taurus stated.</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, but I would be drunk on your wine and would not care,” Erik chimed in.</p><p></p><p>“I get the point,” Gusil said. “He will release the seal, but after that the angel is gone and it is up to us.”</p><p></p><p>“Precisely,” Taurus replied.</p><p></p><p>“What kind of devil is Jurditis?” Antonious asked.</p><p></p><p>“He is unique,” Taurus answered.</p><p></p><p>“Please tell me not a Duke of Hell,” Antonious said.</p><p></p><p>“No, only a noble, but we will have our hands full,” Taurus said.</p><p></p><p>“Very well,” Gusil began, “We will have the angel lift the seal and go after Jurditis.”</p><p></p><p>“Right after I get cast some spells,” Antonious said.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>The group moved down into the pits on an unusual spiral staircase crafted of stone and steel. As Erik touched down in the lower chamber a dark voice rang through the chamber, “Welcome! Now which way do you go? If you choose the wrong one, Jurditis, Duke of Hell, shall escape!”</p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.pogre.com/winebrand028_descent_into_iron_pits.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>“He’s bluffing,” Gwena stated.</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps, but there are two exits from this chamber,” Erik replied.</p><p></p><p>“Do you want to scout ahead in one direction?” Gusil asked Erik.</p><p></p><p>“Can a devil noble see invisible?” Erik asked Antonious.</p><p></p><p>“It’s possible. As a unique entity of hell there really is no way to know his powers precisely,” Antonious answered.</p><p></p><p>“Then, no thanks,” Erik said.</p><p></p><p>“Well, if we go one way we might lose him,” Gusil observed. “If we split up, we’re doing just what he wants.”</p><p></p><p>Antonious began casting a spell. The group watched while the mage finished. </p><p></p><p>“A <em>wall of force</em> over that exit,” Antonious explained, “but we must move quickly.”</p><p></p><p>The group set off at double pace down the remaining hall and found themselves in another chamber with a minor devil. A rapid combat ensued with Gwena felling the devil.</p><p></p><p>“Keep moving,” Antonious demanded.</p><p></p><p>The group went beyond the chamber and found that the tunnel veered back around into a larger chamber. Before them at a desk was a tall, dark humanoid with a leering grin. It was clear they had found Jurditis.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.pogre.com/winebrand029_confronting_jurditis.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>The devil launched vile spells at the group trying to shake their wills, but the group pushed forward. A patented, viscious, back-stabbing attack from Erik combined with a flanking thumping from Gwena quickly had the devil in trouble. Taurus’s whirling battle chain added to the fiend’s pain. Jurditis tried to run, but Olaf’s bowstring was too quick. Three arrows found their mark, finally spelling the end for the devil.</p><p></p><p>The group searched the chambers and found the first gem of the Crown of the Messiah, a beautiful white pearl. They also discovered various other magical trinkets, including a magic mirror. They also found a beautiful bolt of cloth with the name “Singer’s Mill” embroidered neatly in one corner.</p><p></p><p>They headed home for rest, recuperation, and research.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>In the two moths since the group had returned to the Silvermail Empire they had learned many things. The Singer’s Mill was an elven device that created these beautiful and rare bolts of cloth. They used the first gem of the crown and rubbing it on the humility page of the Eye of the Messiah had discovered another clue directing them to seek the mistress of the mill. It was clear this Singer’s Mill held the next gem, or at least a clue to its whereabouts.</p><p></p><p>The main group of Wood Elves in the Empire resided in place called the Watcher’s Wood. There, four enclaves of Wood Elves were nestled in a deep forest. Two of the enclaves welcomed those from the outside world for trading and other exchanges. The other two enclaves were isolated and avoided contact with the outside world.</p><p></p><p>It was decided the group would go to one of the trading enclaves and gather what information they could there.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>“You can lead us to this hidden enclave?” Olaf asked the wood elf guide.</p><p></p><p>The group had arrived at the enclave a short time ago. Following a visit with the enclave’s loremaster had learned the Singer’s Mill was associated with one of the hidden enclaves. They also learned that bolts of cloth like the one they now possessed were exceedingly rare. Such items were usually passed down through generations of elves and very rare outside the Watcher’s Wood. </p><p></p><p>The idea that the cloth might be worth thousands caught Erik’s ear in particular. The group, however, convinced him the cloth might serve as a passport to the hidden enclave. At the suggestion of the loremaster the group had sought out this guide.</p><p></p><p>“I can lead you to the territory of the secret enclave,” the scout admitted. “Their warriors will probably confront us at that point.” It was the best lead the group had and so they agreed to meet the guide in the morning to set off into the woods.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>As the party was breaking camp in the wooded glen Olaf asked the scout, “How much longer until we find the secret enclave?”</p><p></p><p>“A couple of days,” the scout replied.</p><p></p><p>As the scout spoke something caught Olaf’s trained eye and the ranger quickly raised his bow. “Drop your weapon,” a voice called out and a wood elf emerged from the surrounding woods. Olaf hesitated, but now viewing a half-dozen wood elf bows trained on him he complied.</p><p></p><p>A brisk conversation followed between the scout, Gusil, and the wood elves. Only when Gusil revealed the fabulous cloth did the guards agree to escort the group towards the secret enclave. A day or two later, deeper in the woods, a female wood elf accompanied by a pair of guards approached the camp.</p><p></p><p>The female introduced herself as an acolyte of the Song and asked the party’s business. When the group’s mission was spelled out for her, she promised to work as an emissary for the party if they would perform a favor in return. Bent over yet another barrel the group reluctantly agreed.</p><p></p><p>The favor it turned out was to reclaim a manor of a rebel elf. She had disappeared some years ago into the realms of the dark elves, but reportedly had returned to her family’s ancestral home some 20 miles to the south east. The elf’s family had always been recluses and at times actively worked against their brethren. While the manor was abandoned for many years, it now was reportedly a new base of operation for this foul elf. It was also reported she had undergone some sort of transformation in her absence and may have even brought dark elves into the Watcher’s Woods! The group’s mission was simple enough – capture or kill her.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>The group had discovered the manor in a high ancient tree overlooking a small canyon. Above the manor house was a trio of green half-troll things wielding huge dark bows. Choosing to avoid these guards, Antonious used a magical invisible eye to scout the manor house.</p><p></p><p>Indeed the manor house was re-occupied! Numerous dark elves, perhaps half-drows, roamed the chambers of the dilapidated tree mansion. The group decided to <em>dimension door</em> directly into on of the chambers. A furious combat with the guardian elves ensued. Eventually, even the green, half-trolls came down from their lofty perches to join the fray. A few minutes later the group emerged scathed but victorious over a large pile of elven and troll corpses.</p><p></p><p>Still, the group had not found the foul elf mistress described to them. They scoured the manor house, fought a huge spider on the roof, but found nothing. They were preparing to leave when Erik found a secret door in the tree supporting the manor house. Beyond the secret door was a spiral staircase descending into the darkness.</p><p></p><p>To be continued…</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="pogre, post: 3726447, member: 6588"] Episode 6 Erik carefully began exploring the complex invisibly. He quickly found a large kitchen with a large fire giant matron cook and three ogre servants. [IMG]http://www.pogre.com/winebrand024_erik_scouts_kitchen.jpg[/IMG] Erik also passed a door where he heard numerous voices discussing in a foreign language. He suspected they were giants, but was not sure. He returned to the group to discuss what he had found. “Was it giants talking?” Taurus, the cleric asked. “I don’t speak giant,” Erik replied. “I’ll fix that,” Gusil stated and cast [I]tongues[/I] on Erik. “Gusil also summoned the dwarf warrioress, Gwena. “Get out the [I]loop[/I].” “Why?” Erik asked suspiciously. “So you can explore the room in [I]gaseous form, invisibly[/I],” Gusil said. “Fantastic,” Erik said sardonically. Erik invoked his ring of invisibility stepped through the [I]loop[/I] and moved gaseously back to the room where he had heard the voices. He seeped beneath the door and saw a room filled with massive fire giants. There were five fire giants, one of whom was obviously the leader of the group and much larger. Their conversation mostly centered on defensive plans and concerns about the delivery of supper. [IMG]http://www.pogre.com/winebrand026_erik_scouts_king_room.jpg[/IMG] Erik continued under a door in the room to find another chamber with a female fire giant. Unlike the large female in the kitchen, this female fire giant was not unattractive. Surely by fire giant standards she was beautiful. She wore a formed half-plate armor and was apparently deep in prayer. Erik briefly considered materializing and ambushing the giantess, but dismissed the thought when he witnessed her stand to her full height to stretch. Erik quickly moved out of the room and headed back to his compatriots. “I say we hit the kitchen first,” Gwena offered. The rest of the group agreed. Erik snuck into the kitchen invisibly to begin the assault. [IMG]http://www.pogre.com/winebrand025_kitchen_scene.jpg[/IMG] The mage, Antonious, let loose a wave of cold on the ogres and giants that immediately crippled the ogres and had the fire giant cook extremely angry. The fire giant cook charged the mage, allowing Erik to unleash a vicious backstabbing assault. Arrows from the ranger and a few solid thumps from the dwarf spelled the end of the fire giant cook and the ogres. The group began debating their next move when a pair of fire giants showed up. Erik and others gave pursuit, but quickly lost the duo. “They know we’re here,” Gusil observed. “We need to prepare our defenses,” Antonious said. “Here?” Taurus asked. “He’s right,” Gusil concurred. “We can hold this room and force them to come at us one at a time, or two at most. Besides we may not have time to find another spot.” As the group prepared for what they assumed would be a coming assault, Gwena heard a noise out in the hallway. She quickly popped back into the kitchen and reported that the fire giants were attempting to collapse the entrance tunnel. Erik quickly used his ring to become invisible and headed out for the hall. The dwarf and others charged out behind him. [IMG]http://www.pogre.com/winebrand027_giants_escape_attempt.jpg[/IMG] “So much for plan ‘A’,” Gusil stated wistfully. The giants had already created a large barrier in the hallway and were making fast progress at destroying part of the 20-foot wide hallway. The invisible Erik skillfully leapt over the barrier and took up a position behind the giants. Antonious unleashed a cold of cone on the giants that also nailed the invisible Erik. The rogue never saw it coming and he felt the full effects of the spell. The giants continued battering at the hall walls trying to take the structure down. The King and Queen fire giants were quickly making their way out of the complex, while the others stood fast. Erik and unleashed another torrent of backstabs on one of the giants, wounding him grievously. However, the rogue paid a price as the giants thumped him back and nearly killed him. Some of the remaining giants started their escapes, but a well-placed grease spell from Gusil impeded their movement. The three rearward giants were killed, but the rest were escaping. The group gave a limited pursuit, but two things gave them pause: First, they were exhausted and had few spells, and second Erik and Gwena were badly hurt. They would need to recover before pursuing. Olaf was confident he could track the giants in the morning, so a rest was agreed upon. *** Olaf was carefully studying the ground before them. “How far ahead are they?” Taurus asked. “Not far,” Olaf answered. “One of them is still badly injured. He is slowing them down. They are heading into some pretty rough terrain though.” “Maybe you just need some help,” Gusil said. Gusil called the giant eagle, High Feather. Casting [I]tongues[/I] the bard entered into an animated conversation with the eagle. A short time later the giant avian took flight. Olaf smiled and continued to follow the trail. *** “That mountain?” Olaf asked Gusil. “That’s what High Feather said,” Gusil confirmed. “He said the group of giants climbed the mountain and went into that large fissure vent.” “Looks like it could be volcanic,” Olaf observed. “That would make sense,” Antonious noted. “Do you think they have come home to their larger tribe?” “A possibility,” Olaf admitted. “But, I do not think so. I see few signs of giants about. We’re looking at a safe haven I would guess.” The group struggled up the mountainside and found themselves staring into a dark vent glowing orange came from deep within the mountain’s interior. A hot breeze was issuing forth from the vent. Olaf led on taking the group inside. The tunnel was large and led several dozen feet into the mountain before a chasm intersected their path. The chasm was easily climbed down and a small stream of molten rock flowed through the bottom. The heat was nearly unbearable. The group emerged from the chasm after carefully bridging the hot stream. The tunnel continued into the mountain’s interior, finally emerging into a huge cavern illuminated by a warm orange glow of a flowing lava lake. “Perhaps I should scout ahead?” Erik suggested. The group concurred. Erik slunk through the rocky passage and into the cavern to find a dismaying sight. Across a large expanse of lava lake was an island. The island had a tremendously large red dragon resting there. Three half snake, half humanoid, flaming beasts were conversing with the dragon, while the fire giants looked pensively on. Erik watched the exchange for some time and noticed not only was the lake red-hot lava, there seemed to be hundreds of fire mephitis frolicking in the lava. He took his report back to the group. “We should leave,” Gwena suggested. “I agree. We need to consider this carefully,” Gusil replied. *** The cool of the forest floor beneath the mountains had never felt so welcoming to the group. “That was impressive,” Antonious said. “What if those giants have the key to the door or even have the gem itself?” Taurus asked. “What if they traded it to the dragon for some reason?” Erik asked. The group moaned collectively at that thought. “Maybe we missed something back in the mines,” Gusil mused. “It’s obvious we lack the strength to crash that party in the lava lake cavern, and it will give us time to plan at least.” All concurred with the gnome and they headed back to the mines. Following a frustrating search of the mines Antonious made a suggestion. “We need to use Sargroch the Haloed’s Red Journal.” The Red Journal was a gift from the great mage. The journal held 24 pages and anything written on a page would be seen by Sargroch, and hopefully, responded to. Antonious quickly penned the group’s situation, giving exact details of the wards on the door and requested advice. Sargroch’s answer appeared quickly in the journal. [I]It sounds like you have everything you need to move forward.[/I] Gusil bristled at the answer, “What a waste!” Antonious breathed a muttered, “Aha!” and quickly retrieved the Eye of the Messiah from Taurus and they began studying the small book. Antonious smiled at the group, walked over to the door and spoke out, “Humility.” With a shuddering groan the door opened. A deep, dark tunnel stretched before them. The group followed the tunnel for several hundred feet before spying a light in the distance. “Eric do you want to scout ahead?” Gusil queried. “I cannot see in the dark,” Erik replied. “Fair enough, let’s move up in force,” Gusil said. The group continued with their weapons at the ready. The tunnel opened up into a large cavern. It was clear from the walls and floor of the cavern the area was finished. Dominating their view, however, was a statuesque humanoid with feathered wings and a halo. The creature was amazingly beautiful and obviously an angel. Taurus strode toward the angel hailing him. “Salutations guardian and servant of Helios our Father.” “Salutations, follower of the light,” the angel replied. “I am Taurus and my companions and I are on a divine mission. Behold we are following the word of the Eye of the Messiah, seeking the gems of the Messiah’s crown.” “I am Pyrios. I did not expect you so soon,” the angel replied. “Pyrios, what is your charge?” Taurus asked. “I guard over the sacred seal that imprisons the devil, Jurditis, in the iron pits,” Pyrios replied. “Tell me of Jurditis, did you seal him here?” Taurus asked. “I accomplish nothing, only the power of Helios allows action. I am but a guardian. It was Traydor that sealed the devil. Jurditis is a devil noble.” “Could you kill Jurditis?” Taurus asked. “If so charged I would die trying,” Pyrios replied. “Is he beyond your power? What is your rank?” Taurus asked. “I am a member of the Third Heavenly Choir. If Helios willed it I would overcome the devil. It would be a desperate fight at least,” Pyrios admitted. “Fair guardian of Traydor’s seal we are charged with destroying the devil noble Jurditis. We would welcome your assistance in such an endeavor,” Taurus said. “That is not my charge. If you, servants of Helios and followers of the Eye of the Messiah, wish – you may release me from my charge and the seal will be broken.” Taurus thanked Pyrios and returned to the group. “So he is not going to help us?” Gusil asked incredulously. “It is not his charge. Endangering himself by combating Jurditis is not part of his work. Think of it this way, if I ordered you to guard a caravan to the city of Founders and you chose to leave the caravan and chase a bear – would I be mad?” Taurus stated. “Yeah, but I would be drunk on your wine and would not care,” Erik chimed in. “I get the point,” Gusil said. “He will release the seal, but after that the angel is gone and it is up to us.” “Precisely,” Taurus replied. “What kind of devil is Jurditis?” Antonious asked. “He is unique,” Taurus answered. “Please tell me not a Duke of Hell,” Antonious said. “No, only a noble, but we will have our hands full,” Taurus said. “Very well,” Gusil began, “We will have the angel lift the seal and go after Jurditis.” “Right after I get cast some spells,” Antonious said. *** The group moved down into the pits on an unusual spiral staircase crafted of stone and steel. As Erik touched down in the lower chamber a dark voice rang through the chamber, “Welcome! Now which way do you go? If you choose the wrong one, Jurditis, Duke of Hell, shall escape!” [IMG]http://www.pogre.com/winebrand028_descent_into_iron_pits.jpg[/IMG] “He’s bluffing,” Gwena stated. “Perhaps, but there are two exits from this chamber,” Erik replied. “Do you want to scout ahead in one direction?” Gusil asked Erik. “Can a devil noble see invisible?” Erik asked Antonious. “It’s possible. As a unique entity of hell there really is no way to know his powers precisely,” Antonious answered. “Then, no thanks,” Erik said. “Well, if we go one way we might lose him,” Gusil observed. “If we split up, we’re doing just what he wants.” Antonious began casting a spell. The group watched while the mage finished. “A [I]wall of force[/I] over that exit,” Antonious explained, “but we must move quickly.” The group set off at double pace down the remaining hall and found themselves in another chamber with a minor devil. A rapid combat ensued with Gwena felling the devil. “Keep moving,” Antonious demanded. The group went beyond the chamber and found that the tunnel veered back around into a larger chamber. Before them at a desk was a tall, dark humanoid with a leering grin. It was clear they had found Jurditis. [IMG]http://www.pogre.com/winebrand029_confronting_jurditis.jpg[/IMG] The devil launched vile spells at the group trying to shake their wills, but the group pushed forward. A patented, viscious, back-stabbing attack from Erik combined with a flanking thumping from Gwena quickly had the devil in trouble. Taurus’s whirling battle chain added to the fiend’s pain. Jurditis tried to run, but Olaf’s bowstring was too quick. Three arrows found their mark, finally spelling the end for the devil. The group searched the chambers and found the first gem of the Crown of the Messiah, a beautiful white pearl. They also discovered various other magical trinkets, including a magic mirror. They also found a beautiful bolt of cloth with the name “Singer’s Mill” embroidered neatly in one corner. They headed home for rest, recuperation, and research. *** In the two moths since the group had returned to the Silvermail Empire they had learned many things. The Singer’s Mill was an elven device that created these beautiful and rare bolts of cloth. They used the first gem of the crown and rubbing it on the humility page of the Eye of the Messiah had discovered another clue directing them to seek the mistress of the mill. It was clear this Singer’s Mill held the next gem, or at least a clue to its whereabouts. The main group of Wood Elves in the Empire resided in place called the Watcher’s Wood. There, four enclaves of Wood Elves were nestled in a deep forest. Two of the enclaves welcomed those from the outside world for trading and other exchanges. The other two enclaves were isolated and avoided contact with the outside world. It was decided the group would go to one of the trading enclaves and gather what information they could there. *** “You can lead us to this hidden enclave?” Olaf asked the wood elf guide. The group had arrived at the enclave a short time ago. Following a visit with the enclave’s loremaster had learned the Singer’s Mill was associated with one of the hidden enclaves. They also learned that bolts of cloth like the one they now possessed were exceedingly rare. Such items were usually passed down through generations of elves and very rare outside the Watcher’s Wood. The idea that the cloth might be worth thousands caught Erik’s ear in particular. The group, however, convinced him the cloth might serve as a passport to the hidden enclave. At the suggestion of the loremaster the group had sought out this guide. “I can lead you to the territory of the secret enclave,” the scout admitted. “Their warriors will probably confront us at that point.” It was the best lead the group had and so they agreed to meet the guide in the morning to set off into the woods. *** As the party was breaking camp in the wooded glen Olaf asked the scout, “How much longer until we find the secret enclave?” “A couple of days,” the scout replied. As the scout spoke something caught Olaf’s trained eye and the ranger quickly raised his bow. “Drop your weapon,” a voice called out and a wood elf emerged from the surrounding woods. Olaf hesitated, but now viewing a half-dozen wood elf bows trained on him he complied. A brisk conversation followed between the scout, Gusil, and the wood elves. Only when Gusil revealed the fabulous cloth did the guards agree to escort the group towards the secret enclave. A day or two later, deeper in the woods, a female wood elf accompanied by a pair of guards approached the camp. The female introduced herself as an acolyte of the Song and asked the party’s business. When the group’s mission was spelled out for her, she promised to work as an emissary for the party if they would perform a favor in return. Bent over yet another barrel the group reluctantly agreed. The favor it turned out was to reclaim a manor of a rebel elf. She had disappeared some years ago into the realms of the dark elves, but reportedly had returned to her family’s ancestral home some 20 miles to the south east. The elf’s family had always been recluses and at times actively worked against their brethren. While the manor was abandoned for many years, it now was reportedly a new base of operation for this foul elf. It was also reported she had undergone some sort of transformation in her absence and may have even brought dark elves into the Watcher’s Woods! The group’s mission was simple enough – capture or kill her. *** The group had discovered the manor in a high ancient tree overlooking a small canyon. Above the manor house was a trio of green half-troll things wielding huge dark bows. Choosing to avoid these guards, Antonious used a magical invisible eye to scout the manor house. Indeed the manor house was re-occupied! Numerous dark elves, perhaps half-drows, roamed the chambers of the dilapidated tree mansion. The group decided to [I]dimension door[/I] directly into on of the chambers. A furious combat with the guardian elves ensued. Eventually, even the green, half-trolls came down from their lofty perches to join the fray. A few minutes later the group emerged scathed but victorious over a large pile of elven and troll corpses. Still, the group had not found the foul elf mistress described to them. They scoured the manor house, fought a huge spider on the roof, but found nothing. They were preparing to leave when Erik found a secret door in the tree supporting the manor house. Beyond the secret door was a spiral staircase descending into the darkness. To be continued… [/QUOTE]
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pogre's Blood and Iron in the Mountain King's Shadow - 11/5/07 update
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