The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

After several hours, the group arrived at the Reddansyr crossroads and turned south, soon spotting the town's walls in the distance. At the gates, they were challenged by the local guards and then allowed to pass, having been advised to take themselves and their ailing companion to the Giant's Folly inn. After pausing for a moment to scratch their heads upon seeing the overturned ship forming the roof the inn, they entered and were welcomed by Ian Gryphonhawk, who introduced himself as the inn's proprietor and town leader. Rahnee was taken up to the inn's suite, the only room available, and hot soup was quickly brought up.

By the morning of Nightal 22, Rahnee's condition had evidently improved, as color had returned to her face, although she had not yet awakened. Brok-Tul, Jokull, and Veran talked about the Giant's Run mountains with Ian, then explored the small town, finding a temple of Oghma. Veran took the opportunity to inquire at the temple about Ashnakzeroth and contracted for a tenday's worth of research, results to be delivered to the Gatereach Inn in Westgate when completed. (It is well worth seeking out the servants of the Lord of Knowledge wherever they are encountered, for much knowledge can be learned that is not otherwise available. --R)

By midday, Rahnee had awakened and was informed by the others of what had occurred during the bandit ambush and subsequent trek to Reddansyr. After washing up as best she could, she joined the others in the Giant's Folly common room, introducing herself to Ian Gryphonhawk. It was evident that Reddansyr was used as a base by other adventuring companies; one such, the Scarlet Cloaks, were also staying at the inn, and there was an adventurers notice-board in the common room. (I wonder if they actually had scarlet cloaks. Would that not be a disadvantage when attempting to hide from one's enemies? --C)

After some more soup and drinks were had, the companions were able to purchase additional supplies for the road, including some iron rations. Ian mentioned that the road south leading to Starmantle, where he was originally from, had been closed due to the weather and monster attacks. Somewhat hesitantly, he also asked the group to keep an eye out for his son Killian, who had departed for Starmantle at the beginning of Uktar. Killian had wanted to try the adventuring life and had not been heard from since. Ian said he was not overly worried, but clearly appreciated Rahnee and Brok-Tul's quick agreement to keep an eye out for the lad.

 

[Carlo-One]

Departing Reddansyr, the group headed north to the crossroads, then spent a short time searching the area for the trail leading into the Giant's Run. Once on the trail, it was a good twelve hours of travel before they arrived outside the small walled village of Mountaingate. Shivering in the cold and snowy night air, they knocked on the gates and were admitted by a village guard. Once inside the small yet cheerily warm village inn, the four companions were greeted by the proprietor, a gnomish woman named Allie.

After some warm drinks and introductions, Rahnee and Brok-Tul took a room upstairs, while Jokull and Veran spread out their bedrolls on the otherwise-deserted common room floor. Once the companions had rested, Allie served them porridge and told them about the way to Clan Ironhelm's valley, while eagerly soliciting news from Westgate. She also pointed them toward Skye's Provisions, where the proprietor informed them he would pay well for winter wolf pelts; a pair of them had been sighted recently in the area.

Departing the village, the four found the trail west toward the valley of Clan Ironhelm, which wound its way past a small cave entrance. Investigating the cave, they found an old stone pillar inside with runes carved on its faces. Brok-Tul took a set of rubbings of the runes, which appeared to be similar in appearance to the runes on the statue in Ashnakzeroth's cavern, although the words were clearly different. Leaving the cave, the group hiked up a snowy ridge and, after some searching, located the way down into Clan Ironhelm's valley.

What greeted them on entering the valley was an impressive sight: a great stone arch filling the space between mountain walls, with massive gates set within and ranks of glowing dwarven statues. Two heavily-armored and armed dwarves challenged the group as they approached the gates. After formal introductions were made and Brok-Tul explained they brought news of a tomb of Ironhelm clansmen, the companions were allowed to pass into the valley and present themselves at the inner gates. Continuing through the valley, which felt much warmer than the surrounding mountains, Rahnee, Brok-Tul, Jokull and Veran introduced themselves to the inner gate guards, who listened to their tale and had them wait while a messenger was sent into the Ironhelm stronghold. The messenger returned and informed them that although they were outsiders, they had shown proper respect for the clan and would be granted an audience. (On the one hand, this is rather unusual, especially for a band of unknown outsiders including a half-orc. On the other hand, dwarves take very seriously the legacy of their clan members, and it appears that Brok-Tul was more diplomatic than usual. --R)

Time passed, then a dwarf exited from the inner gates and introduced himself as Clan Elder and Greeter Rumnaher. Formal introductions were again made and the companions' tale explained, including their shared dream and the message from Moradin. Brok-Tul handed over the set of rubbings and a dwarven waraxe taken from Ashnakzeroth's cavern as proof of their story. Although Rumnaher said he had not heard of Ashnakzeroth, he evidently took their words seriously. Rumnaher acknowledged that the copy of the runic inscription on the statue from the tomb outside of Westgate proved that his clan-mates were once there. Upon Rumnaher’s request, he was allowed by the companions to keep the copy as an important record of Ironhelm clan history. (It was good foresight that led the companions to recognize the importance of these material signs of what they had discovered in the chamber under the Seven Hills, otherwise their tale might have seemed too fantastic to be credible. --C)

The Clan Greeter said that the companions' vision of the construction of the statue and of Moradin signified that the matter should be of importance to the clan, and therefore required a dwarfmoot to debate its meaning. When compensation was offered to the group, Rahnee protested, saying none was needed, but in the end was convinced to accept some of the clan's gold as a symbol of their gratitude. (Being the usual dance of words by the good-aligned who express no wish for compensation for their deeds, yet are happy enough to receive it anyway. --R). Rumnaher inquired where a clan emissary could find them in the future, so Rahnee told him they could leave word at the Gatereach Inn in Westgate. Brok-Tul took the opportunity to also pass along Thessar's regards. The audience with Rumnaher now being over, the companions turned toward the valley's exit.

It was a dark on Nightal 24 when the four companions returned to the Gatereach guest house, clearly happy to be able to rest after their long journey. Aerikoth was filled in by all of them on the journey's events. He informed the others in turn that the previous few days had been quiet, although rumors were circulating in the city about the upcoming elections. After a night during which - for once - no one shared a dream, they reunited for breakfast at the Gatereach. Next steps were debated, with Veran indicating he desired to leave for the dead necromancer's lair in Amee Pass immediately, although he was unsure if that was the wisest course to follow. After finishing breakfast, Jokull departed to speak to Stanslav at the Quivering Thumb, while Brok-Tul went to the Mercenaries Guild to see if he could gather any new information there.

 

[Carlo-One]

In Search of Ashnakzeroth

Later that day, with Jokull still out and Veran having departed to post a message to his monastery, the boy Tabor showed up at the Gatereach guest house with a package for Aerikoth from the mage Gondeth. Aerikoth gave the lad a gold piece for his trouble and turned to examining Gondeth's writings, which contained the results of his research on Ashnakzeroth. Meanwhile, Rahnee and Brok-Tul discussed their upcoming wedding.

That night, Veran returned and confirmed plans with Aerikoth, Rahnee, and Brok-Tul to travel to Turnton and then on to the former lair of the necromancer Zagath near Amee Pass. They would be missing the former Purple Knight, however. While the others were at dinner, Jokull returned to the guest house and left a somewhat cryptic note in Rahnee's room that said urgent business in Westgate would keep him from joining them on the trip to Turnton. Aerikoth expressed his interest in examining the ruin where Zagath had lived, since he had not been able to do so the previous time he had journeyed to the area.

The morning of Nightal 26, Brok-Tul took inventory of his equipment in preparation for their journey, remembering after some fruitless searching that he had left his magical sword and a set of armor with High Cleric Carlin in Turnton to be blessed. At breakfast, Rahnee reminded Aerikoth that the results of Gondeth's research had not yet been shared with Veran. Aerikoth mentioned that Gondeth had come to some conclusions and had offered some speculations as well, passing Gondeth's papers to the monk. Veran read the papers, imprinted with Gondeth's wizard sigil at the bottom, with intense interest:

"Notes on Ashnakzeroth:

For the past tenday, I have researched all of my available lore, including the dark tome which you provided me, and have reached the following conclusions, presented in order of certainty. Do with this information what you will.

-- Certain: Ashnakzeroth was a mage of great might in the era of Netheril.

-- Mostly certain: Ashnakzeroth either created the first human lich, or was himself said lich. Based on what you have shared with me during our discussions, I believe he ended up as one, regardless, and was worshipped in ancient times by some unsophisticated dwellers of the Dragon Coast, eventually becoming one of the Seven Lost Gods. His material form was almost certainly destroyed by the events precipitated by Karsus' Folly.

-- Speculation: Ashnakzeroth's spirit could have survived, even if the magic binding it to its undead form had failed. Such a spirit would be incorporeal and no doubt suffer major shock and loss of power from the experience. Such a spirit might be able to eventually reconstitute itself, at least in part, if sufficiently powerful and if aided by either its own prepared magicks or those of outside forces."

Veran was particularly taken with the portion on the potential reconstitution of Ashnakzeroth, commenting that their trip now appeared to be even more important. Rahnee agreed that there was apparently some connection with the defeated necromancer Zagath, there being entirely too many coincidences for the situation to be merely a flip of Tymora's Coin.

(The wizard Gondeth did a great service in researching and exposing the history of the abomination. His speculation was also well-informed. --R)

(Although this is now well-known to the Order, it is still of great significance. It gives me a shiver to think of these first steps being taken in understanding the threat posed by the abomination. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

After returning to the Gatereach guest house and equipping themselves, the companions headed for the road outside South Gate which lead toward Turnton. After some hours' travel, they were attacked by two great wolves in the wooded area near the Glees crossroads. Brok-Tul took several wounds in the fight, but the animals were killed without anyone else being harmed. (These crossroads appear to attract hostile creatures, as the party is regularly ambushed there. --C)

Continuing on, they reached the northern outskirts of Turnton after another three hours. Once they had been challenged and recognized at the gates, the guard captain saluted the three heroes of the battle of Glees – Aerikoth, Rahnee and Brok-Tul – and was introduced to Veran. Asked by Rahnee for news, the captain commented that the town was doing well, although fell beasts continued to roam the countryside, with commerce among the Baron's holdings down as a result. Rahnee mentioned that they had run into huge wolves on the way and the captain commented that those and more were now common on the road north. The Baron's guard no longer sent out individual patrols, but traveled in large numbers with caravans once a tenday.

The four stopped at the Traveler's Cheer Inn for the night, Rahnee generously paying for individual rooms for all of them. The innkeeper Karl was somewhat embarrassed at having to ask for payment, since he normally provided free rooms for her and the other heroes of Glees, but greatly appreciated Rahnee's coin in light of the recent drop in trade. The morning of Nightal 27 they enjoyed the inn’s hearty fare, porridge with honey and sweet butter for breakfast, although the taste was somewhat overwhelming for Veran's palate. Rahnee inquired about Baron Pahar, and was informed by Karl and two baronial soldiers who were loitering nearby that he was inspecting some new defenses and would likely be out for another two days.

Brok-Tul, Rahnee, and Veran then paid a visit to High Cleric Carlin at the temple of Helm, while Aerikoth busied himself in the town. Once the three had finished with Carlin, they emerged into the daylight to meet a waiting Aerikoth, then headed out of town and turned northwest, the way to Amee Pass. As the group approached the pass, Brok-Tul dropped back out of sight in order to cover their back trail. The other three made their way towards the pass entrance, passing in silence the remnants of Baron Pahar's former outpost, now only marked by an old guard platform. After hiking for three hours, they reached the fork and confirmed that the western side remained blocked, the boulders having been placed there by the Sess goblin tribe. The eastern side of the fork, where two ettins had previously laired, was confirmed to be open. Aerikoth, Rahnee, and Veran followed it until the path ended in a dark, forested area.

Rahnee and Veran expressed feelings of dark foreboding, but were nonetheless ready to move on and explore the area, when a small goblin figure emerged from the shadows. Through a combination of broken speech and gestures, the Sess scout - for that was what he was - managed to convey to the three adventurers the danger posed by lurking spirits in the forest and the need for a shaman to combat them. As best as the others could understand, the goblin was a scout left behind by the Sess tribe to keep watch on the dangers of the forest. Rahnee, Aerikoth, and Veran decided to move back into the pass and camp for the night.

 

[Carlo-One]

At the camp, the Sess warrior introduced himself as "Hunt-Good-Bad-Things" and shared the group's fire, speaking in broken Common about some of his clan's legends. One legend referred to "Ashnakzeroth-taglanonik" - meaning (according to the goblin) "It Rise in Dark." As the goblin was speaking, Brok-Tul arrived and confirmed that nothing was threatening their back trail. Introductions to the Sess scout were made and the four adventurers took turns standing watch as the others slept.

In the morning, the adventurers struck camp and headed back for the forest, while "Hunt-Good-Bad-Things" volunteered to wait for them in the pass and bring word back to his clanmates of their fate. Although it was daytime when the four reached the forest, it remained unnaturally darkened. Soon after they began to penetrate the area, they had their first encounter with a spirit, which was summarily dispatched to its final rest. Several other individual ones were encountered and the party was attacked by a group of them in the northwest part of the forest, near some old ruins. Their enemies were accompanied by a human-looking figure that cast several spells before entering the melee. After an intense fight, the spirits were defeated and the spellcaster - a curst - was also put to its final rest. The spirits caused little damage to the adventurers, although Veran suffered the chill touch of one that sapped his life energy.

While Veran said words to speed the spirits on their way to final judgment, Rahnee knelt by the body of the curst and uncovered a small, weathered book. After some further exploration of the area and the defeat of another group of spirits, the party's attention turned toward the old entrance to Zagath's lair, now covered by a rockfall and a network of vines. Aerikoth stated that the vines were the result of a druidic spell. Brok-Tul's efforts to clear the vines with his sword resulted in a notched blade as it clanged off the stone underneath, while Veran's attempt to torch the vines sputtered.

After reading the curst's journal, Aerikoth declared that it was likely the crazed druid Yane, whom Aerikoth had encountered previously; it appeared that anything dying within the confines of the darkened forest rose as undead. (This is a powerful indication of a baneful presence in the area. --R). Yane, before dying, had apparently collapsed the ruin's entrance in an effort to save the forest, although the circumstances were unclear. His journal also made reference to explorations of the old ruins, including the discovery of powder from a shattered gem, and cryptic words about "blood magic." (A sad but nonetheless brave and noble end for the forest's druid, who did everything he could to combat the spreading evil. --C). Veran, occupied with his thoughts, mused about the possibility of the shattered gem having contained the soul essence of a lich. Following some prayers and a minor ritual, Brok-Tul told the others that Helm was satisfied with what they had done in releasing the dead druid from his curse. The half-orc cleric also seemed to have undergone some sort of internal change, as he thanked Helm for his new insight.

Aerikoth, Rahnee, Brok-Tul and Veran left the darkened forest and headed back into the pass, where their Sess goblin acquaintance was waiting for them. Rahnee informed the Sess scout that they had successfully broken some of the forest's curse, although she still advised caution for any who would enter it. Aerikoth commented to Rahnee that hers was perhaps an over-optimistic assessment, but that the "creature" might not understand anyway, making a misleading tale warranted. After Aerikoth had finished speaking, Brok-Tul turned to the goblin and told him that the forest spirits had been laid to rest and that Helm said their work was done for now. The goblin scout saluted the adventurers for their deeds and departed to return to his tribe, while the others began the trek back to Turnton.

 

[Carlo-One]

After arriving in Turnton, the four encountered Jokull at the Traveler's Cheer inn; the former Purple Dragon had accompanied a caravan from Westgate that had just arrived in town. Innkeeper Karl made their rooms ready and Veran, looking pale, went up to his immediately. Aerikoth also retired for the night. After checking in on Veran, Brok-Tul returned to the common room to, along with Rahnee, fill Jokull in on their adventures.

In the morning, the group breakfasted on hot oatmeal and then, with the exception of Aerikoth, decided to go to the temple of Helm. At the temple, Rahnee, Brok-Tul, Veran and Jokull filled High Cleric Carlin in on what had happened in Amee Pass. Veran's life energy drain unfortunately could not be counteracted by Carlin's magic, as the priest of Helm did not have a suitable spell available. Rather than wait any longer in Turnton, the group decided to make for Westgate, collecting Aerikoth on the way out of town.

Near the crossroads to the village of Glees, the five adventurers encountered the woman who called herself Melissa. Instead of immediately attempting to ambush them as she had in the past, this time she awaited them in the middle of the road. Summoning several skeletal warriors to her side, she asked the party if they wished to speak with her before continuing their travels. Veran angrily denounced her for violating the dead, barely containing his rage while Brok-Tul, Jokull, and Rahnee engaged Melissa in a tense conversation.

Melissa told them that "the Master" was impressed and wished to know more about them and their intentions, offering to reach a bargain with them. After repeated questioning, Melissa said that the party would know the name of her Master as "Ashnakzeroth" - a fact which surprised no one. Melissa termed him a generous master, one who only wished to be left alone and could grant them great power for a small price. Jokull indicated they would listen to her proposition, while Veran continued to verbally excoriate both her and her master. (The former Purple Dragon plays it smart, wishing to gather additional knowledge about their enemy, while Brother Veran's temper unfortunately gets the best of him in this situation. Of course, it is easy to keep calm thoughts when faced with abomination that is only words on a page, rather than having to look it in the eyes. --R)

Melissa explained that her Master had suffered an unfortunate reverse some moons ago, when certain magics that had been prepared were interrupted before they could be completed. He now required the fresh blood of a mage to complete his project, which would allow him to grant his followers more power. Due to what her Master termed the strange harmonics of magic, because Aerikoth had been present when the previous ceremony was disrupted – in other words, before the necromancer Zagath could sacrifice a mage that had been captured from Baron Pahar's outpost – Aerikoth's blood would be preferable. However, the Master understood that this might not be acceptable to the group, so the blood of another mage would suffice. While Jokull and Brok-Tul were exchanging conversational barbs with Melissa, the discussion came to an abrupt end as Veran, unable to contain himself any longer, shouted "Judgment comes for all, yours comes now!" and rushed to attack her. (The battle-cry of the Order! --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

Seeing the monk coming, Melissa chanted a few words and lightning sprung from her fingertips, lashing its way through the party. As she ran toward her nearest skeletal guardian for protection, Aerikoth summoned a great wolf to his side and the remainder of the party attacked. During the melee, Melissa vanished for some time, letting her skeletal warriors fight for her, but she reappeared in order to cast bolts of force at the party. This proved to be her undoing, as Aerikoth turned his magics from the skeletal warriors, who appeared resistant to his spells, to target her instead.

Falling to her knees, Melissa attempted to surrender, but too late, as Aerikoth's summoned wolf savaged her, although she killed it with a last blow from her knife. The wizard tossed in a final fireball to char her corpse. Meanwhile, the others finished their desperate battle against the undead warriors, who had slain a weakened Veran and left Brok-Tul bleeding on the ground. Brok-Tul was revived on the battlefield by Rahnee and they moved to help Jokull finish off their remaining opponents, assisted by a second wolf summoned by Aerikoth. All, save for the wizard, were bloody and battered once the last bones of their foes had clattered to the ground. After taking a few moments to staunch the worst of their wounds, the party took possession of the corpses of Veran and Melissa and turned back towards Turnton.

The guards at the gate quickly let the party in once they reached the town. The guard captain informed Rahnee that Baron Pahar had returned, so she and Aerikoth went to Pahar's manor to fill him in on events while the others went to the temple of Helm. High Cleric Carlin, fetched immediately by the temple priest on duty, was taken aback by what had occurred, but agreed to try and raise both of the dead: Veran because of his loyal service, and Melissa because she had information vital to their search for Ashnakzeroth. Carlin asked Brok-Tul and Jokull to concentrate on thoughts of their companion, including his courage and defense of their cause, while he began the ritual to raise Veran. After Carlin had spent some time concentrating on the ritual, a holy light appeared over Veran's body and the monk raised his head slowly – weak but alive! (Followers of Kelemvor's path are conflicted over the practice of raising the dead in such manner, some being uneasy at this apparent interference with Judgment. Yet should the person be worthy, and Kelemvor be willing to relinquish for a time his dominion, it is not prohibited. --C)

After Brok-Tul and Jokull had finished welcoming Veran back to the realm of the living and Brok-Tul had healed the monk's wounds, Carlin spent some time speaking alone with Veran. Once they returned from Carlin's private chamber, the conversation turned to what should be done with Melissa – or Deedee, as Carlin informed them she was originally named. The High Cleric indicated that he would have relatively little time to speak with her spirit in the Fugue Plane, time needed to convince her to allow herself to be raised. Therefore, he asked the others to recount as much as they knew about Ashnakzeroth and Melissa's relationship with it, in order to be best prepared.

Brok-Tul, Jokull, and Veran reviewed their encounter at the crossroads with Melissa and their previous discoveries involving Ashnakzeroth. Veran, somewhat reluctantly, also agreed to guarantee Melissa's safety if she returned, stating that if it were Kelemvor's will, he would not oppose it. Regarding Deedee (Melissa), Carlin seemed regretful, rather than wrathful, that her rebellious youth in Turnton and decision to follow Zagath had turned out so poorly, the cleric instead reserving his wrath for the necromancer. (The story of Melissa/DeeDee is indeed tragic in nature, although she chose her own path rather than having it forced upon her. Much suffering would have been avoided had she not sought power in the company of Zagath. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

High Cleric Carlin prepared to begin the ritual to raise Melissa, warning the others that it would likely take much longer and be more onerous than the one undertaken to raise Veran. His words proved true, as the time he spent in the ritual stretched on and he began to show signs of strain. Brok-Tul cast several blessings on Carlin, which seemed to stabilize him for a short while. However, after additional time had passed, beads of sweat broke out on the High Cleric's forehead and he cried out briefly.

The priest on duty whispered something to Brok-Tul, who approached Carlin and put a hand on his shoulder. The touch seemed to break the trance Carlin was under, as the ritual was interrupted and Carlin's awareness returned to the room. Carlin chastised Brok-Tul for interfering with the ritual, although he appreciated the concern shown for him by the half-orc cleric. Carlin told them he had learned some things while in contact with Melissa's spirit, but had to retire in order to rest and contemplate his experience before re-attempting the ritual in the morning; Carlin believed their second chance at raising her would be the final one.

The companions spent the night at Baron Pahar's manor, then returned to the temple in the morning to witness Carlin's second attempt at the ritual. The High Cleric of Helm once again appeared to struggle while in a trance-like state, briefly crying out, but after a time a holy light appeared and Melissa's body shuddered, weakly beginning to breathe. Carlin directed the under-priest present to find clothing for Melissa and take her into Carlin's chamber to begin her healing process. Looking weak but determined, Carlin then told the group that he wished to share with them things he had learned during his ordeal to revive Melissa.

During the previous ritual, she had been quite resistant to returning to Faerun; Carlin speculated that the extra time in Kelemvor's dead realm had helped convince her that the living one would be less pleasant for her. (Kelemvor's peace is the most final, in truth. --C). Carlin also learned something about her connection to Ashnakzeroth. It appeared that the abomination had granted her some of its own strength, which is where her magical abilities derived from. It had done the same thing with Zagath, when he was its servant. Correcting Brok-Tul's idea that she might be an avatar of a deity, Carlin called it the equivalent of sorcery, with magical ability being fused into the subject's blood. As long as both she and Ashnakzeroth lived, the High Cleric believed there would be some connection between them through her blood.

In response to questions from Rahnee and Jokull, Carlin indicated that he did not think Ashnakzeroth had direct control over Melissa as a result of their connection. Rather, it had seduced her to be a willing follower through promises of power. Rahnee then asked point-blank how Carlin was able to convince her to return. The High Cleric, after reaffirming Veran's pledge not to kill Melissa, stated that he believed she still intended to aid her master, perhaps seeking to dupe them while playing the innocent. Carlin's main argument in convincing her to return had been that she could do nothing to aid Ashnakzeroth while in Kelemvor's halls. Carlin said that her words were carefully constructed during the bargain she struck with him while in the Fugue Plane. Although she promised to provide information on Ashnakzeroth they would find useful, Carlin thought her promise might be double-edged. (It is dangerous indeed to have a serpent be your guide into a swamp. --R). When Jokull asked how dangerous her magic remained, Carlin answered by saying that her innate ability appeared small, speculating that she had been aided by magical devices provided by her master.

 

[Carlo-One]

The High Cleric intended to nurse Melissa slowly back to health, giving him time to try and create a bond with her as well as extract the information they needed in order to find and defeat Ashnakzeroth. Carlin thought that her relatively helpless condition might give him some measure of control as well. Believing that attempting to interrogate her at that time would be pointless, he suggested that the party journey to Teziir and seek aid from Thyxlys Jon, the head of the Temple of Helm. Carlin said that the best diviner on the Dragon Coast was also rumored to be in Teziir, but he did not know who or where they could be found; Thyxlys Jon might be able to help find this wizard.

Aerikoth at this point queried Carlin about his ultimate intentions for Melissa. Carlin confessed that he did not know, expecting that her fate would not be determined until after Ashnakzeroth had been dealt with. This prompted a discussion between Brok-Tul and Jokull over what would be a suitable fate for her, perhaps bonded service to Turnton for a time, although Jokull expressed doubt that she could ever be trusted. Before the companions left, Brok-Tul accepted a letter of introduction to Thyxlys Jon; Carlin had not seen him in two years, but called him a good and strong man.

The journey to Westgate this time was relatively uneventful. Shivering in the cold weather, except for an apparently imperturbable Aerikoth, the companions briefly drew up at the sight of skeleton bones near the Glees crossroads; however, they quickly determined that the bones, those of the defeated skeletal warriors, would never move again. Once inside the city walls, Rahnee and Brok-Tul raced each other to the warm entrance of the Gatereach Inn, Rahnee beating her large companion by a helm's length. Once inside, Jandrico Swift and Janatha brought hot tea to the tired adventurers. Rahnee asked the innkeep about the city of Teziir, explaining they might be headed there. Janatha excitedly asked if she could go along and visit her family, informing them that had grown up in Teziir and was the daughter of Queron Ulanthar, one of the city's greatest merchants. (Although not mentioned specifically, Janatha's origin must have been something of a shock to discover. One does not expect a child of a wealthy Dragon Coast merchant to be occupied as a serving girl in a Westgate inn. Of course, there is more to her story, as shall be seen. --R)

After chiding a belatedly repentant Janatha for pridefulness, Jandrico explained that he would not allow her to make the trip without a proper escort, but if the party was willing to accompany her, he would let her travel with them. Rahnee asked Janatha if she could be ready the following morning, and the wide-eyed girl immediately ran off to start packing her things. Once Janatha had left, Jandrico reminded the adventurers that their lease on the guest house was up, it being Nightal 30, and asked them if they wanted to renew it. All agreed that it would be a good thing to do and each contributed 80 gold for their share of the next month's rent. Jokull pondered aloud if during their journey they might be able to find Seriawan of Teziir, the person who they understood was responsible for purchasing the Hidden House. After finishing their tea, the tired adventurers went to the guest house to sleep on the last night of the Year of Wild Magic.

 

[Carlo-One]

The Road to Teziir

After a dream-filled night, the companions slowly regrouped for breakfast at the Gatereach, where they discussed the road to Teziir and prospects for the Year of Rogue Dragons. While Jandrico went to assist Janatha in finishing her morning chores, the group discussed their next moves. Brok-Tul expressed his desire to return to Turnton to make a large donation to the temple of Helm, apparently prompted by a dream he had experienced the previous night. Rahnee pointed out that they could stop at Turnton on the way back from Teziir, which satisfied the half-orc priest. Tracking down the person who had purchased the Hidden House was also mentioned as a goal for their trip, along with obtaining more information on Ashnakzeroth.

Having finished her chores, Janatha raced upstairs and returned dressed in a well-made set of traveling gear that drew a compliment from Rahnee. Heartfelt goodbyes were exchanged with Jandrico, then Janatha eagerly departed the inn along with the rest of the party. Once outside, Rahnee instructed Janatha to stay close to either Veran or Aerikoth and do exactly what they said. Aerikoth, noticing that their new companion was weaponless, reached into his robes and offered her a dagger to use for protection. Janatha hesitated at first, but accepted after Aerikoth, Jokull, and Rahnee encouraged her to take the weapon. The group headed for Trader's Road and turned west along it, the sun at their backs providing needed warmth on an otherwise cold day.

After a day's travel, the party reached the Reddansyr crossroads area, arriving well after night had come. A light snowfall and Janatha's complaints about sore feet seemed to indicate that it was time to rest for the night. Moving towards the crossroads, Brok-Tul was challenged by a mercenary sentry at a camp on the side of the road. The half-orc identified himself and his companions - "Helm's Shadows" - as being from Westgate.

The camp turned out to be that of Losifan Urdo, an officer of the Mercenaries Guild, who recognized their company name and invited them to share his fire for the night. Jokull set up a tent close to the fire and Janatha needed little encouragement from Aerikoth to enter it and go to sleep. Additional introductions were made, Losifan recognizing Rahnee's family name as that of Waterdeep nobility. He also observed that Janatha did not appear to be the mercenary type, inquiring as to who she was. Rahnee explained, with studied indifference, that they were escorting her to her family as a favor to a friend. Losifan, who acted as the gracious host, invited the others to sit by the fire and swap stories. Two of his mercenary guards stood watch while the other four slept.