The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

Carlin returned, saying that he had spoken with Melissa, who understood that she would soon speak with him and the party together. Brok-Tul took the opportunity to remove the small box containing Clan Ironhelm’s gift and show it to the High Cleric, who was somewhat astonished at the amount of divine energy radiating from it, although he could not ascertain its nature. Brok-Tul explained that they believed its purpose was to either destroy Ashnakzeroth or allow him to be destroyed. Carlin commented that it appeared as if the bell was meant to meant to be rung with the hammer in Ashnakzeroth’s presence. The cleric then placed the hammer and bell back in the small box and returned it to Brok-Tul.

Carlin told the group that he had more information he wished to share with them, before they spoke with Melissa. According to the cleric, in the days that he had sat and spoken with Melissa, she had perhaps become more “herself” or at least more like the person he knew when she was growing up in Turnton. He meant that she was less obsessed with "the Master" and more human. She still referred to Ashnakzeroth as "the Master" but it seemed to be more out of habit than feral devotion, as was the case previously. Belle commented privately to Rahnee that Melissa could simply be acting. Continuing, Carlin said that he was convinced Melissa remained the key to discovering Ashnakzeroth's whereabouts and, hopefully, his weaknesses. He also believed she would be willing to help, although he did not fully trust her and advised the group not to either. Rahnee commented that there was little question about that.

Belle, although somewhat hesitant to speak, then asked Carlin what he thought if Melissa would do if she were simply let free. The cleric admitted that he had not thought about it, since he did not consider it an option. He stated determinedly that he had raised her for the sole purpose of destroying Ashnakzeroth through her, which would be done. (The determination of the cleric of Helm is praiseworthy. Abomination must be destroyed and there is no room for mercy for those who support it. --C). In response to a comment from Rahnee, Carlin said that he believed that the time to defeat Ashnakzeroth was growing short, based on his conversations with Melissa. Brok-Tul interjected doubtfully that the lich had waited longer than most dragons age and he thought it could handle a few years more. Carlin explained that Ashnakzeroth had recently succeeded in making himself corporeal, which he had not been able to do for aeons. Now, he was able to gather power to himself, for Helm knew what purpose.

Rahnee commented that from what they had seen, Ashnakzeroth did seem to be progressing toward some kind of plan. Carlin turned to go and bring back Melissa, but before he could move was interrupted by Brok-Tul. Somewhat nervous, the half-orc began by saying that previously he had spoken of his intent to marry Rahnee. Carlin said that when their task was over and done with, he would be happy to officiate. Brok-Tul continued by saying that he was prepared to do his heart and spirit's most to defeat this evil, including placing Rahnee, himself, and his friends in danger, or death. However, he did not want to wait for the afterlife for Carlin to marry them. Rahnee kneeled, joined by Brok-Tul, and said that what her half-orc lover was trying to say was that they wished to be joined in marriage before they walked into the jaws of death.

After asking them to rise, Carlin placed a hand on Brok-Tul’s shoulder, asking to speak with him privately. The two exited the side chamber and then returned some time later. Brok-Tul took a golden ring off his finger and extended it to Rahnee on his palm. “Cake can wait. I already have all the bond I'll ever need” said the half-orc, then asking if she had a similar ring. In response, Rahnee raised her hand, pulling a gold ring from it, which Brok-Tul accepted, gravely placing his ring on her finger afterwards. Brok declared his love and said that they could wait and have the party after they destroyed Ashnakzeroth. Rahnee asked him if it was his free will, which he indicated it was. Rahnee drew her sword and knelt at Brok-Tul’s feet, holding her sword up to him across her palms.

Rahnee announced that their love bound them in life as they were bound in death. With her sword, she bound their strength, and he would always find her at his back. Grinning mischievously, she then declared that, maybe by the time they had finished this up, that “blasted merchant” would have her wedding leathers finished. (Carlin showed wisdom by convincing the half-orc to wait for his full reward. Tragedy becomes doubly so when there is a formal bond, not just a promise. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

As Rahnee climbed to her feet and resheathed her sword, Brok-Tul looked around to the rest of his companions, face calm and eyes steady. Carlin went to fetch Melissa while Rahnee and Brok-Tul exchanged some private words. The cleric returned with a demure-looking woman that Brok-Tul greeted, asking how she had been. Melissa, smiling sweetly at the half-orc, declared that she was better now and thanked him for asking.

Carlin asked if the party wished to speak first or have Melissa do so. Tapping a tusk absentmindedly with his finger, Brok-Tul said that he was listening. Melissa began by saying that she was willing to guide them to one of “the Master's” towers, should they wish to go there. From there, she knew that they could reach the Master, although she did not know exactly how. Melissa explained that the tower was where she had served her apprenticeship, so she knew its location, although not all of its secrets. She stated that the others would not be able to find it on their own, as it lay deep in the wilderness, away from civilization. She declared that, as she had been told by the High Cleric, perhaps she could atone for her past, by helping the party.

Carlin asked if the party wished to speak first or have Melissa do so. Tapping a tusk absentmindedly with his finger, Brok-Tul said that he was listening. Melissa began by saying that she was willing to guide them to one of “the Master's” towers, should they wish to go there. From there, she knew that they could reach the Master, although she did not know exactly how. Melissa explained that the tower was where she had served her apprenticeship, so she knew its location, although not all of its secrets. She stated that the others would not be able to find it on their own, as it lay deep in the wilderness, away from civilization. She declared that, as she had been told by the High Cleric, perhaps she could atone for her past, by helping the party.

In response to questions from Brok-Tul and Veran about what awaited them in the tower, Melissa said she was sure there were undead there, having seen some of the Master's work firsthand in the tower. There was also a portal to the Master's mountain fortress inside, which is where she believed Ashnakzeroth to be. Melissa explained that he had lost part of his regained strength in the party’s battles with him, including what they had done in the darkened forest. Yet, she declared, given time, he would regenerate his power. She did not know what lay beyond the tower's portal, only that it led to the Master's mountain fortress. At least, she qualified, that is what he had once said to her, and it was the only way to reach him that she knew of. Melissa declared herself willing to be the party’s guide, to show them what she knew of the Master's tower and its dangers.

Carlin at this point addressed the group, saying that it had taken some time to get to this point with Melissa. The High Cleric believed that she understood her apprenticeship to Ashnakzeroth was, in the end, hollow and empty of promise. Brok-Tul asked Melissa if she both trusted them and wanted to trust them. She countered by saying that she had offered her assistance, which entailed placing her trust - and her life - in their hands, of her own volition. Brok-Tul smiled gently in response and told her that he appreciated that, declaring that he thought it would work out well. Carlin stated that he had not coerced her in any way. In response to a question from Melissa, Brok-Tul indicated that he was ready to depart for the tower now, Rahnee nodding in agreement. Carlin told Melissa to change into her traveling clothes while he finished speaking with the others.

Carlin declared his admiration for Brok-Tul’s faith and presented him with a scroll and potion bottle, saying that they should be used wisely and only in time of need. Aerikoth interjected with a question, asking Carlin if there were any reason for having Melissa accompany them after she had guided the party to the tower. Carlin pondered a moment and said the decision was entirely up to them; she could be either a help or hindrance afterwards. Carlin then went to check on Melissa while the group discussed the supplies they would need for the trip.

Carlin and Melissa later met them in the main temple chamber, Melissa dressed for traveling. Carlin asked her if she was ready and she replied in the affirmative, squeezing his hand and thanking him for what he had done for her. Goodbyes were then said between Carlin and the rest of the party, who stepped out of the temple exit into the day’s sunlight.

 

[Carlo-One]

Ashnakzeroth’s Tower

Belle drew her bow and strung it, while Brok-Tul unlimbered his massive maul from its shoulder-loops. Rahnee, somewhat ironically considering their previous fatal encounter, directed Melissa to stay near Veran so the monk could protect her from harm. Weapons ready, the group departed Turnton, heading north for Westgate.

After three hours of travel, the party arrived at the Turnton/Glees road fork. Carefully scanning ahead, they were able to spot a pair of owlbears emerging from the forest to attack them. The monsters were quickly defeated, the only damage being a deep scratch received by Brok-Tul. Moving on, the group continued their journey to Westgate, arriving on the snowy southern outskirts of the city after another eight hours. All agreed the best course of action was to head for their warm guest house.

At the guest house, Aerikoth declared that he was retiring for the evening and would see the others in the morning. After the mage had gone up to his room, Melissa innocently inquired if she should stay with Veran that evening. Rahnee indicated that there was a spare room next to his and escorted her upstairs to the room, the first on the right-hand side of the corridor. Belle was placed in the room opposite Melissa and was asked to keep watch.

Some time after all had gone to bed, there was a commotion on the upper floor. Aerikoth was eventually awakened by Veran and joined the others in the corridor. Belle explained that Melissa had opened her door and triggered an improvised alarm set by Belle. Melissa had said that she had wanted to go out for some fresh air, but did not want to trouble the others and instead went back in her room. Veran thought that she might actually have been telling the truth, although was unsure. Belle and Veran stood watch for the remainder of the night, in case Melissa tried anything else, but nothing more of note occurred. (I suspect that Melissa was probing them to see what boundaries had been set for her, both with the 'innocent' question about bed arrangements and the attempt to leave her room. The party has been careful so far to keep her under control. --R)

The morning of Hammer 14, the group gathered in the Gatereach for breakfast. Brok-Tul introduced Melissa to Jandrico as their new guide. Rahnee mentioned that they would be traveling that day, so asked for a hearty breakfast for all, with the exception of the usual bread and water for Veran. Melissa reminded Veran of an earlier promise to expound on his doctrine, which the monk obligingly did, including answering her questions about those who “cheat death” such as her former Master. Brok-Tul and Rahnee chimed in occasionally as the group finished their breakfast to the sound of weighty philosophical discussion. (Ah! To have such a conversation with a representative of the enemy must have warmed Brother Veran's monastic heart. Discussions around our monastery's refectory are certainly vigorous, but are often preaching to the choir, as it were. --C)

After a quick stop back at the guest house to grab their gear, the party headed for Trader’s Road, taking it west towards the Reddansyr crossroads. Belle had insisted on going on ahead alone, saying that she had some “difficulties” in Reddansyr and preferred to make sure things were safe for her before rejoining the party. Although the day began bright and sunny, by the time they had reached the crossroads fourteen hours later, the night was thick and the rain cold. Turning south, they arrived at the town of Reddansyr a little while later, cold and tired. The militia at the gate let them pass and recommended a bed at the Giant’s Folly.

 

[Carlo-One]

Once inside, the party negotiated with innkeeper and town leader Ian Gryphonhawk for three rooms; Aerikoth took one for himself, while Rahnee and Brok-Tul shared the suite and Veran and Melissa shared the last available room. (It seems that her relationship with Veran is not fully antagonistic. Curious, but perhaps a good sign for her. --C). All slept soundly, any dreams they had fading away before morning.

Breakfast at the inn on Hammer 15 was relatively simple fare, some oatmeal with cinnamon and butter. Rahnee took the opportunity to ask Ian about the boat on the roof of the inn. Ian clarified that the boat actually was the roof. The innkeeper had some time ago won a bet with a passing giant, who had to drag the boat all the way from the coast. Ian had thought that the boat would make a good inn and also add some notoriety to the place.

Belatedly realizing that the fact that the road south to Starmantle was closed meant that they could not get to it from the town, the party bargained with Ian for him to open the way to them. They told him that they were not going all the way to Starmantle, instead searching for a tower south of the Reddan River. Ian thought there was less risk to them if they were not traveling the length of the road, so agreed to let them onto it, with the proviso that they should inform him if they heard anything about his son Killian, who had left town as an aspiring adventurer. Ian accompanied the group to the south gate and ordered the militia members guarding it to unlock it and let the party pass. He wished the party luck, saying they were going to need it.

After a few hours, the group approached the bridge crossing the Reddan River. They cautiously made their way over the bridge, then Melissa directed them to turn right and head for a gap in the treeline. Rahnee stealthily scouted the way ahead, returning after a few minutes to inform the others that two beasts with lion bodies, wings, and barbed tails were in a forest clearing ahead of them. Veran, Aerikoth, and Melissa all recognized the description as being that of a manticore. Veran warned that the beasts could shoot the spikes from their tails as an attack. Rahnee came up with the plan of her luring the beasts back to the others, after shooting one with an arrow.

The plan certainly worked, as the beasts roared and chased after Rahnee, who ran as fast as she could around the trees and back to the group, but not before her armored back was filled with manticore spikes. Once the rest of the group engaged the beasts, however, they soon fell, as Aerikoth’s summoned dire wolf assisted Brok-Tul and Veran in melee. Brok-Tul spent most of his healing magic on Rahnee, who cursed under her breath as she removed the spikes.

Deciding they needed to rest after the battle, the party stationed Brok-Tul on watch while the others slept or studied, save for Aerikoth, who summoned his familiar Zeluth and sent him winging southward. Brok-Tul took some souvenirs from the manticore corpses before taking his turn to rest while Rahnee stood guard and Aerikoth spent time studying his spell book. Zeluth returned as the party was moving to break camp, landing on Aerikoth’s shoulder and communicating silently with the wizard. Aerikoth informed the others that Zeluth had flown south and encountered some broken hills, although had not flown far enough to find the tower they sought. There was some debate over whether the party should spend the night in the forest clearing, eventually resolved in favor of pushing on to the tower. Rahnee made sure to blaze a trail behind them, so that Belle could catch up eventually.

 

[Carlo-One]

After about four hours of travel, the party emerged from the broken hills and saw a tower looming ahead of them. The moonlight gleamed eerily off of its walls and the surrounding rock, while a low-lying fog circled the base of the tower. Rahnee carefully scouted ahead, slowly circling the base of the tower while sticking to the shadows around it. A large metal door appeared to be the only way inside. The others took up a position close to the door while Rahnee opened it and moved silently inside.

Aerikoth cast a stoneskin spell on Brok-Tul, in case combat was imminent. Rahnee shortly returned outside and described the stone entry chamber, including a “skeleton trap” where a pile of bones had assembled itself into a skeleton warrior when she drew near. Melissa said that the tower, when she had been apprenticed there, had ground and upper floors, but nothing below ground. It was decided that for her own safety, Melissa should stay outside while the rest of the party cleared away any dangers. Aerikoth’s raven familiar, Zeluth, kept an eye on her as the others entered the tower. (I believe it was more for the party's perceived safety from her that she remained outside, I suspect. --R)

Inside, four glowing red pillars dominated the room, with a pentagram inscribed in the middle of them. Rahnee pointed out the animated skeleton in the back corner, which was quickly dispatched. A search of the room saw that battle repeated another three times, with animated warriors appearing in each of the room’s corners. Aerikoth studied the pillars while the others moved to open the room’s eastern door.

Behind the door was a large chamber containing pots, workbenches, and other things suggestive of a wizard’s laboratory. A faint echoing of hammers could be heard, although there was no visible source for the sound. Moving back across the entry chamber, the western door was opened to reveal a ghoulish meeting chamber, a throne of bones placed at the head of a long table. Veran and Brok-Tul examined the ancient bookcases that lined the wall, but found only dust.

Moving along the corridor north from the entry chamber, the group explored two other rooms off of it, both of which were apparently torture chambers; one contained a series of iron maidens, dried bloodstains on their spikes, while the other held a cage suspended from the ceiling, a skeleton within bearing mute testimony to Ashnakzeroth’s cruelty. Exploring further, they found that the corridor ended in a “T” junction, with both the eastern and western ends terminating in stairs leading upwards. At this point, Veran suggested that they retrieve Melissa and headed back towards the entrance, while Brok-Tul volunteered to take rearguard. In the entry chamber Veran almost literally ran into Belle, who had just arrived. With obvious relief, she put down her bow at the sight of the monk.

 

[Carlo-One]

Veran returned with Belle and a nervous-looking Melissa, who inspected the pillars and pentagram in the entrance and stated that the portal was not fully activated. In response to a question from Rahnee, she admitted that she was not sure how to accomplish that, “the Master” not having shared his greatest secrets with her. Melissa confirmed that the stairways they had found led to the upper floor of the tower and speculated that the key to activating the portal might be found there.

Walking down the corridor, the group paused outside the torture rooms, where Aerikoth pointedly observed to Melissa that they appeared to have seen recent use. Brok-Tul declared that it made sense, the “spike-boxes” probably having been used to create the skeletons that Melissa used to attack them previously. Melissa quietly stated that they had actually been the work of the necromancer Zagath, her “experiment” having been in the other room. She explained that she had wished to see if a prolonged death energized Ashnakzeroth’s blood magic more than a quick one, determining in the end that it did not. (The true evil of Melissa in service of her master is bared at last. --C)

Rahnee deliberately did not comment and directed Melissa to stay near Aerikoth while the rest of the party went up the stairs. Melissa called out a warning before Rahnee could get too far, indicating that they should be very careful on the eastern side of the tower, the Master having warned her not to open the door there. The party then went up the west stairs. Melissa admitted once they reached the upper level that she had not been allowed past the doors on the western side of the tower either. (Snakes should never be trusted, regarding what they do or say - or, in some cases, not do or say. --R)

Examining the runes on one of the doors, Aerikoth was unable to read them, although he said they appeared to be a warning of some sort. The party readied itself for combat and entered the door, Rahnee in the lead. Past the door was a large, dark chamber with a throne and statues dimly visible at the other end. Moving ponderously toward the party was a large golem-like creature, which appeared to be made of various dead things put together.

The party engaged the creature, Brok-Tul and Veran standing toe-to-toe with it while Rahnee and Belle shot arrows at it and Aerikoth cast spells. The arrows had no effect on the creature, nor did the wizard’s magic, forcing the group to rely on their melee weapons. Bolstered by his divine magic, Brok-Tul was able to inflict some damage on the creature while avoiding its attacks. Veran, however, fell to a mighty blow from one of the monster’s fists and was bleeding to death on the ground. Brok-Tul shouted to Belle to drag the monk out of harm’s way, but the monster - whether it understood Brok-Tul or simply reacted to Belle’s movement - at that moment turned away from Brok-Tul and slammed Belle to the floor, killing her instantly.

 

[Carlo-One]

Daringly, Rahnee darted into the middle of the battle, applying a healing kit to Veran and managing to get him to his feet and out of the way. Aerikoth meanwhile had summoned a dire wolf, one of the wizard’s favorite tactics. The animal then moved to assist Brok-Tul in battling the golem. Between the two of them, they eventually wore down the monster, which collapsed into a pile of dirt and rotted flesh.

After catching his breath, Brok-Tul asked the others if they would agree to have him use their raise dead scroll on Belle. Veran and Rahnee concurred, while Aerikoth for his part by then was on the other side of the chamber, examining a glowing pedestal. Brok-Tul began praying to Helm for strength and faith enough to return Belle’s soul, entering a deep trance before reading the scroll. Veran knelt and prayed quietly while Brok-Tul finished the magic incantation. Melissa at this point came into the room, looking somewhat awestruck at the sight of the battle‘s aftermath. Aerikoth came over to her and commented that it had been a hard-fought victory. Belle’s body stirred then, responding to Brok-Tul’s divine magic, and Rahnee helped her to stand. (I am not fully comfortable with an act that in effect challenges the rule of Lord Kelemvor over his own domain. However, when the raising of a companion is done with respect and the full knowledge of its import, I cannot object to the idea. --C)

While Brok-Tul and Rahnee explained to Belle what had happened, Aerikoth returned to examine a jewel in the center of the pedestal, accompanied by Melissa. The others, helping a still-shaken Belle, joined them soon afterwards. Aerikoth stated the that jewel, which gave off an intense cold, was magical in nature and would be well suited to be a lich’s phylactery. Aerikoth said that they had two choices: to take the jewel with them, to examine later possibly with the help of others, or to attempt to destroy it. There was much debate over what they should do with the jewel, but no resolution of the matter before the group decided to rest for the night.

By early in the morning, all had awoken, having been troubled by their dreams that night. Melissa said that she was not surprised that “the Master” had invaded her sleep, given her connection with him, and that it appeared he was now able to do the same with the others. She said he had always been a master of dreams, having enslaved the Ironhelm dwarves originally using such techniques. The tower was a place of power for him, so his abilities were likely enhanced, allowing him to enter the dreams of the companions while there.

Rahnee commented that their dreams had all been driven by a desire to have them give Aerikoth up to Ashnakzeroth, and she wondered what Aerikoth’s dream had been about. In response to a question from Rahnee, Melissa explained that the Master needed Aerikoth’s blood to complete his rise to power, Aerikoth having been present near the original ritual conducted by the necromancer Zagath. The magic from the ritual, disrupted by Aerikoth’s companions at the time, had been transferred into the mage’s blood, as the closest living receptacle. Veran commented that an offer had been made to each of them in their dreams, Aerikoth confirming that he had been made an offer as well. Belle said that she did not remember an offer, only someone coming towards her with a knife, after she tried to intercede in a sacrifice. (I have to wonder about the nature of the offer made to the mage, whose blood was desired by the abomination. Shared dominion with Ashnakzeroth? Perpetual life in death? In any case, he does not seem to have been so foolish as to accept it. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

After taking some time to prepare themselves, the group decided to examine the gem on the pedestal later, leaving the room and moving down the corridor to the other room on the second floor of the tower. Belle asked Melissa if she knew what was inside, but Melissa said that she had never been allowed there. After some defensive spells were cast in preparation for a confrontation, Rahnee checked the door for traps; finding none, the party moved into the room, which proved to be empty of any threats. Both Rahnee and Belle, however, immediately recognized it as having been where their dreams had taken place.

Looking around the room, Brok-Tul commented that it appeared almost exactly like the entry chamber on the first floor, with its four rune-covered pillars. A bloodstained altar lay at the far end of this room, however, along with some crumbling statues. Brok-Tul called upon Helm and swung his maul at the altar, evidently seeking to destroy it, but the weapon rebounded as it hit the solid stone. Rahnee recommended that the half-orc cleric cleanse it instead, while Melissa counseled that its purpose should first be determined, a course of action supported by Veran. (Another example of their growing closeness, or at least an alignment of views. Brother Veran is admirable in restraining any hostility for her past actions. --C). For her part, Melissa could shed no further light on the room’s purpose. Brok-Tul repeated his experiment with the maul on one of the stone pillars, with similar results. Belle, while examining the pillars, noted that Melissa had mentioned blood magic being used by Ashnakzeroth, speculating that perhaps blood caused the pillars to become active.

With other avenues of investigation having been exhausted, Aerikoth had made his way back to the first floor entry chamber, accompanied by Veran, and cast a comprehend languages spell on himself, in order to read the runes on the pillars. The others soon joined them, telling him about their speculation regarding the need for a blood sacrifice to activate the pillars above. Aerikoth informed them that he had determined the portal was powered by the pillars on the upper floor.

After returning to the upper chamber, Aerikoth examined the runed pillars and was able to confirm that the portal required blood to activate it. Each pillar required blood and the amount in total would be equivalent to that contained in a humanoid. Melissa said she believed the ritual would require magic to energize it as well, since the Master's rituals always needed an external force to serve as a catalyst. Eyes gleaming, she said that she thought she had enough power remaining to complete the ritual.

Veran, scowling at the thought of blood sacrifice, nevertheless raised the point that perhaps not all of the blood needed to come from the same donor; in other words, instead of killing one of their number, they might each give a small amount. Aerikoth confirmed that the writings on the pillars said nothing about the blood having to come from a single source.

 

[Carlo-One]

Before beginning the ritual to activate the portal, the party decided to return to the room with the magical gem, in order to examine it further and, if appropriate, take it with them. Knowing that the gem radiated intense cold, Brok-Tul had prayed for a spell to protect him from the elements the night before. Rahnee passed her bag of holding to him, so he would be able to place the gem in the container once obtained and thereby nullify its cold effect. Aerikoth asked for some additional time to examine the gem, casting a spell in order to divine its magical nature. After casting the spell, he stared intently at the gem, his eyes narrowed, his right hand hovering over it as he focused his attention.

Exhaling as he ended his concentration on the gem, Aerikoth confirmed to the others that it was indeed a phylactery, albeit an unusual one. The wizard determined that the magic inside it would allow whatever spirit was held within it to reconstitute itself fully, at any distance, if the gem were broken. Brok-Tul, only half-listening to the mage’s words, hefted his maul and declared his intent to destroy the phylactery, but was halted by Veran and Aerikoth, who warned the half-orc that destroying it might result in a fully-restored lich appearing shortly afterwards. (The half-orc regularly courts disaster with his impulsive behavior. I hope he properly appreciated his companions saving him from himself. But given later developments, I doubt it. --R). Belle, partly as a question, stated that breaking the gem would fully restore the lich, yet destroying him would cause his essence to return to the gem. Aerikoth thought that at least part of Ashnakzeroth’s essence currently remained within the gem, since the creature was not yet fully reconstituted, still evidently needing Aerikoth’s blood to empower its physical form.

Brok-Tul, somewhat confused, then asked if they should just take the gem with them. In his usual dry voice, Aerikoth said that they could instead destroy the gem presently and do battle with a fully reconstituted lich that was believed to be a god back in the days of early Netheril. Brok-Tul commented that in his old line of work, that was known as "Plan A", prompting Veran to say that he would prefer to hear "Plan B."

Aerikoth continued, saying that if they defeated the creature after going through the portal, that would result in it being trapped in the phylactery for weeks or perhaps months, giving them time to contain it or find a way to completely destroy it. Rahnee and Brok-Tul favored giving the gem afterwards to the dwarves, as a form of just revenge for Ashnakzeroth’s previous enslavement of their clanmates. His spell protecting him, Brok-Tul reached out and seized the gem, triggering a flash of blue light and intense cold, then placed it in the bag of holding.

Somewhat grimly, the companions returned to the nearby ritual chamber and prepared to do what was necessary to activate the portal. Brok-Tul, having a stoneskin spell cast on him, was unable to donate blood to the cause. Despite some needling from Belle, Melissa also declined to give her blood, saying that she doubted she would have enough energy left to complete the ritual if she did so. Brok-Tul had the idea of summoning a wolf with a spell in order to do the bleeding for the companions. Aerikoth confirmed, however, that humanoid blood was needed for the ritual, according to the runic pillars.

Rahnee was the first to go, stripping off her bracers and rolling back her shirt cuff before slicing her forearm with a dagger. She bled for both herself and Brok-Tul, who called upon Helm to heal her after she was finished. Veran went next, pausing afterwards to take a long drink from his canteen while Brok-Tul tended to his wound. Grimacing, Belle went last, Brok-Tul bandaging her arm when done.

Once all of the blood had pooled on the altar, Melissa directed the others to stand away as she attempted to energize it. Brok-Tul expressed his faith in her to be strong and for them all to do the right thing, as she entered into a trancelike state. Crying, “Come to me, power of the Master! Do my bidding, once more!” she cast a beam of energy at the altar. Soon afterwards, a black, swirling cloud appeared over it and then disappeared in a burst of golden energy. Turning away from the altar, the companions started downstairs, to see if the ritual had succeeded in opening the portal. Veran stayed behind briefly to meditate on the situation. (Brother Veran must have struggled mightily to reconcile the needs of the situation with his training and sense of what is just. Participating in an ancient, evil blood magic ritual left more than just an external scar, I would think. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

Battle and Aftermath

Once below, the group carefully approached the portal room. At the center of the four runic pillars, a glowing red portal was now visible. Knowing that they might never return to the tower, the companions made ready to enter. Rahnee sent a prayer to Tymora, while Belle knocked an arrow and watched Melissa carefully. Veran arrived and declared himself ready to proceed. One by one, they all entered the portal, Brok-Tul going first. (Although rash, I cannot say the half-orc is not brave. --R)

Although they had prepared themselves for the sudden journey, the place they arrived at was nothing like they had expected. The portal, which was apparently one-way, had deposited them on a rocky shelf high in what appeared to be the Giant’s Run mountains. In front of them, a chasm yawned, crossed by a narrow bridge, beyond which rose the towering walls of a citadel. Glowing giant skulls dominated the stonework at the far ends of the walls, while a pair of large gates stood in the center.

While the party was still taking in their surroundings, the image of a large figure appeared before them, barely humanoid in appearance. Darkness seemed to wrap itself around the figure, which then addressed them. Ashnakzeroth's image, for it was a magical projection of the abomination, said: “So, you have brought the wizard to me.” Brok-Tul smiled grimly in response, while Rahnee said “He is with us, yes.”

“Let him come forward, then” spoke the illusory projection. Veran restrained himself with effort from attacking it while Rahnee let her sword swing free, Brok-Tul tensed himself, and Belle rested her fingers on the drawstring of the bow. Ashnakzeroth's image said, “I promise it will not hurt. Come, wizard. Enter my citadel and fulfill your destiny. Your blood will power my return to godhood, and I shall reward your companions.”

Brok-Tul protested, “Wait. We want him unharmed” while Rahnee answered the lich with a challenge, questioning its promise - “As you have rewarded others?” The image replied, “Did not my servant explain? His blood is needed for this task,” earning the retort from Brok-Tul “Yeah, and we want him safe.” As the lich’s image spoke, Veran murmured to himself. “I will not fear, for fear is the little killer. I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me.” (Our training teaches us not to ignore fear or pretend it does not exist, but to master the challenge by letting go of it. It is only through acceptance that it can be banished. --C)

Ashnakzeroth's image looked to Melissa, who reacted with a shudder, barely being able to stutter out “Mmm...aassster.” Rahnee replied to the lich, “Oh, she explained quite nicely. Quite thoroughly as well.” Brok-Tul felt moved to support Melissa, saying “Melissa has been very helpful...and, she has been a good friend. With the light of Helm, she has found faith to be rewarding, too.”

The abomination’s image then turned and focused on Aerikoth, saying “Oh, you will come to me, wizard. There is no other way off this mountaintop, besides the portal in my citadel. Your friends will deliver you to me, or you will all die here.” Rahnee, giving a small smile, added, “Or someone will.”

Aerikoth glanced back at Melissa and then returned his gaze to the creature. “As I told you once, creature. We shall see,” he replied. Rahnee stepped forward towards the image, challenging it again, saying “Does friendship surprise you?”

The illusory image replied, “I have unbarred the way, creatures of flesh. Bring the wizard to me for my sacrifice, and I will send you home with rewards beyond your dreams. Friendship is irrelevant. There is only power. And death.” Unfazed, Rahnee said, “You only think it is irrelevant. But you are wrong. As you were wrong in the dreams you walked in.”

As Ashnakzeroth's projection faded, it left these final words behind: “Today, you look on the face of death, if you do not give me what I ask. I await you within.” Veran gave a wry grin as Rahnee said “Well. That went well.”