The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

Aerikoth interrupted before Vendalus could speak further, saying he wished to inquire something of him and this Brother Millerjoi. In the letter, the wizard noted, Veran had asked to research any documents that the Order believed to be relevant. The monk informed Aerikoth that they had done such research as was possible. The implantation of the lich's soul in a gem was expected, although this one seemed unusually potent, from what they understood, and they had no additional information on how to safely destroy such a gem. Shanni asked if whatever it was therefore was still trapped in the gem. Aerikoth, keeping his unblinking gaze on Vendalus, said no, it having been destroyed by a way he was still unsure about. The wizard mentioned that there were some intriguing effects in the aftermath, as he put it. (This is a useful reminder that there are some loose ends related to the Ritual of the Hand, previously described in these chronicles, as conducted by High Cleric Carlin outside Turnton. The lich's erstwhile apprentice, Melissa, was somehow affected by it. I do hope we discover more about the matter. --C)

Still solicitous of his new guest, Jandrico put a plate of griddlecakes and water down for Brother Vendalus, who acknowledged the innkeeper’s kindness and started eating in a deliberate fashion. Apparently satisfied that the monk would not keel over from hunger and exhaustion, the innkeeper turned to other business and left the adventurers to discuss Vendalus’ words further. The monk focused on eating, while Shanni recalled some previous run-ins with undead in Westgate and Dermot wondered what was so urgent about the prophecy now. Aerikoth expressed his mistrust in general of prophecies and further asserted that Clan Ironhelm owed Veran nothing. Despite this, Darrow then told the monk that, although he could not speak for the others, he believed they should look into the Night King business.

Having sated his hunger, Vendalus acknowledged to them that the Order had not taken Brother Veran's original work on the prophecy very seriously, as it had seemed like the leftovers of a madman's ravings. However, he admitted that was what genuine prophetic work sounded like occasionally. In any case, despite their doubts, the Order gave its blessing for Brother Veran to travel to Westgate. The matter of the lich was worrisome, yet seemed to have been resolved, concluded the monk, declaring that would be Brother Veran's legacy. (Although this is not in fact the end of the story, by no means do I wish to detract from Veran's deeds, including his confrontation with the fear of facing what was once one of the most powerful abominations on Faerun. Brother Veran visited Kelemvor's realm more than once while on his path to Judgment, which I would not care to do. --R)

Returning to the matter of the prophecy, Vendalus said his Order had no new information on it, but recent events had concerned them. In response to a question form Shanni, he said it related the return of an order of vampire rulers to the Dragon Coast. With a glance at Aerikoth, the monk stated that he did not put great stock in prophecy either, but they had heard troubling things as of late. Dermot encouraged him to speak further and Vendalus explained that most recently, a traveler from Westgate had been delivered to his monastery, near death. They were able to help him recover from his illness, which they discovered was part of a process of turning him into an abomination, as the monk called it. A slave to a vampire, it seemed. The victim stated that he remembered little, but that he was brought to a place where he was...converted. He was not alone, either.

Dermot prodded for further details, but was told there were few enough. Vendalus said the man had spoken of previously residing at a place called “The Shore” but could say little else about where exactly he had been, or what had been done to him. Darrow cursed while Dermot’s face darkened at this. The ranger related how they had heard a bit about the coastline around Westgate, where people had been going missing and odd skull totems had cropped up. The monk finished his tale of the vampire victim, saying that apparently he managed to escape by stowing away on a ship, then made his way to the Dalelands for refuge, arriving about a tenday ago at the Order.

Brother Millerjoi, the head of the Order, had hoped that Veran could find allies and investigate this undead threat, as prophecy or no, the rise of a vampire clan was a threat to them all. Vendalus explained that they were a small Order and did not travel outside the Dalelands often, but the matter was deemed important. The monk said he was thankful that he was able to find the adventurers, especially one of Brother Veran's former companions. With that, his exhaustion seemed to catch up with him, and he excused himself to find Jandrico and rest in the room promised to him, saying he needed to make his ablutions.

 

[Carlo-One]

The four adventurers decided to attend to their separate affairs that morning, regrouping in the early afternoon at the Gatereach. Jandrico Swift took a deposit of 100 gold from each of them for the guest house lease, promising to include personalized furnishing requests for their individual rooms. Shanni eagerly asked for a nice soft bed with a snuggly quilt and a tub of her own, as she and the others handed the coin over to the innkeeper, who then left to see about the purchases.

In response to a question from Shanni, Darrow confirmed that he had been able to touch base with their elven friend, Lomilith the wizard, who was still at the tavern they had met him in. The dwarf mentioned the elf had asked after Shanni, who seemed pleased to have been remembered. As Aerikoth had not met Lomilith, Darrow summarily explained that he was a third-rate wizard they had encountered at the Black Boot in River Gate, who was concerned about disappearances of people in the Shore district. The dwarf related how Lomilith thought the cave/sewer entrance they had found there was being used in the disappearances.

Dermot mentioned that he had looked up old stories about the first Night King and suggested that the Lathander temple might know more about the subject, as according to some, they had beat the old Vampire the first time. Both Shanni and Darrow were up for accompanying Dermot to the temple, although Shanni irreverently said it would just perhaps be to stick out her tongue behind them. Aerikoth observed that he had not had the best interactions with priests and their ilk, as the wizard put it, but he would accompany them.

Joking about the rain, which Darrow pointed out seemed to follow Shanni around like a small dark cloud, the four took the long way to the Lathander temple, forgetting at first that it was in the West Gate and not the Temple district. When they arrived, the priest on duty was finishing a religious discussion with a woman, while some other Westgate citizens were exchanging whispered rumors, earning a frown from the Lathanderite.

As the priest approached the group to welcome them, Darrow playfully punched Dermot in the shoulder, but apparently harder than the ranger was used to, as he reflexively hit Darrow back. The priest, slightly taken aback, wondered if they had a dispute among them that needed resolution, offering to assist. Darrow, who had been unfazed by the exchange, said it had just been a friendly punch on the arm and offered his apologies. Dermot went along, but wheezed a bit and under his breath told Darrow to be more careful.

The priest looked a little skeptical, but introduced himself as Jotan. As the adventurers reciprocated, he eyed Aerikoth's staff and the various weapons and armor visible, then asked if they sought potions or other aid from the temple. Dermot took the lead in explaining their interest in the old history of the fight against the Night King, Shanni nodding along in an eager-to-know manner. Jotan, appreciative of the fact that he had a willing audience, held forth on the history of the subject.

He related how before the founding of the Dalelands, the Night King had emerged from the Westgate catacombs and in a single night of blood, claimed the city for himself. The Night King never appeared in the daytime and wore a porcelain mask to cover his features, always, even at night. It soon became evident that it was a clan of vampires, let by the Night King - named Orlak - who had taken the city. Dermot interrupted, asking if it was more than one, and was informed that the court was all of the undead, it was told, and their servitors.

The priest continued, saying how the rule of the Night King had endured for more than a century of terror. Eventually, it could not be denied what the nature of the Night King's dynasty was. Yet none could stand against him, until Dawnknight Gen Soleilon and his companions came to Westgate, from the Vilhon Reach. Sent by the divine inspiration of Lathander, in Jotan’s words, Gen put the vampires to the sword and exposed them to the light, ending the reign of the Night King. Gen stayed to found the Soleilon dynasty of Westgate, which ruled for a long and prosperous time.

Despite the ending of the tale, the priest cautioned that it was rumored certain powerful items held by the Night King were never recovered. Symbols of his authority. Which meant that perhaps, the threat was never completely destroyed. One must remain vigilant against the dark, the priest concluded, and not forget the role of the Light.

Dermot expressed an interest in seeing whatever writings the temple had on the Night King, which drew a slight frown from Jotan, who explained that normally one must be of the Morninglord’s order to access temple records. However, the priest was willing to speak to Lady Sunrise Tylanna of the Seventh Rose, the head of the temple, who he suggested might hear their petition favorably – if she knew more of their motives.

At this, Dermot withdrew a short distance with his companions and conferred with them in a low voice about what they should do, suggesting they could just lay out all their information to the temple. Neither Aerikoth nor Darrow could see why they should not, although Shanni was more cautious, suggesting they should just say they read it in a scroll somewhere.

They returned to the priest and Dermot began explaining they had run across some related information in a scroll, but was interrupted by Aerikoth, who queried if they were to speak to the priest or to Lady Tylanna about the situation and their interest. Jotan said that he would listen to their petition and then present it to the Lady Sunrise Tylanna, to hear her judgment on it. Dermot was explaining about hearing about a prophecy from a Kelemvorite when Aerikoth interrupted again, suggesting they move to a move private area, and the priest led them to a study.

There, Dermot continued by explaining something of the background of Helm’s Shadows, as the company was called, and how it had defeated a lich with the aid of a Kelemvorite, before the ranger’s time. Jotan appreciated their intention to fight any vampire menace and recalled how Brother Veran, who he confirmed had previously been with the company, had conducted a rite with a fellow priest named Oravan at the Shore, some time before. Apparently impressed with their request, Jotan suggested that they return in four hours, as perhaps the Lady Sunrise Tylanna would be able to speak with them then.

 

[Carlo-One]

The Shore

Shanni, being rather impatient, with that left the temple, saying she would spend some time lurking by the known Shore entrance to the underground sewers. That left Aerikoth, Darrow and Dermot free until sundown, when they would be expected back at the Lathander temple. They decided to make their way towards the Shore themselves and get the lay of the land along the way.

In the streets of Westgate they could hear rumors flying around about what had happened to House Cormaeril, although apparently with little sympathy for the Cormyrian exiles. In discussing previous run-ins with vampiric undead, Aerikoth recalled to the others their previous encounter with Tuli, the vampire spawn, at the slaver’s isle – the one that Lady Roaringhorn dispatched. In the West Gate district, they ran across some dilapidated-looking buildings near the Leaning Man inn that belonged to House Cormaeril. Curious, they decided to enter one, although they first had to satisfy some watchful onlookers. They then got past the locked door, thanks to Aerikoth’s chime of opening, only to find a disused warehouse with a thin layer of dust over everything.

Discovering nothing of real interest, they left the now-open warehouse behind and continued on to the Shore. Aerikoth pointed out the house of Thessar the Warrior at the district border, noting that he had assisted Aerikoth and some of his companions previously. They also walked past Lilda’s Festhall, perhaps the only other structure of note in the area. Dermot recalled how the last time he was there, they kept finding little piles of bones in odd corners; the ranger was unsure what to make of it.

Moving further into the district, they came across several of its poor inhabitants, who reacted suspiciously to the presence of those they considered to be rich outsiders. Darrow showed a local man and woman some gold, however, and their attitudes improved. The dwarf questioned them about the cave on the hillside and the woman replied that they stayed away from it at night, because of rats...and worse. Darrow pressed her further and she looked to her companion, who said that word was out not to go in the cave.

The local man further mentioned that he had seen a couple figures enter the cave one night, carrying a sack large enough to hold a person, although he didn’t know what was in it. The man said he knew nothing more about them, despite repeated questions from the three adventurers, particularly Aerikoth. However, he was able to recall that it had happened perhaps a tenday ago. His female companion became fearful and agitated at the lengthy questioning, but both of them ended up satisfied with a gold coin apiece from Darrow. (No doubt they were concerned about being viewed as snitches, or worse. The spectacle of a robed wizard with a magical staff, accompanied by two armed and armored warriors, must have been unusual for the neighborhood. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

At Dermot’s suggestion, the three then headed over to Thessar’s house. Once they arrived, Aerikoth rapped on the door with his staff and a gruff voice from inside asked what they wanted. The wizard announced himself and asked if they could have a word with Thessar. After a moment, the door opened and a jovial-looking Thessar welcomed them into his home.

Aerikoth reminded Thessar of his companion’s names and the old warrior recalled that the last time they were there was after the rescue of the poor lass, meaning Shanni. Thessar was pleased to hear that Janatha had eventually been found as well. With perhaps a bit of a twinkle in his eye, he observed that they must have been busy since then, as he had heard about what happened at Cormaeril Castle. With a straight face, Darrow said it was a shame.

Despite Thessar’s excellent hospitality, Aerikoth continued, they were not there for a social call, which did not surprise their host. The wizard told him they had a strong suspicion that there was a plague within the city brought about by parasitic undead - vampires. He mentioned encountering a spawn of the creatures on a slaver island while searching for Janatha. Thessar exclaimed that this was unwelcome news. Aerikoth indicated his companions had more experience with the Shore area and had uncovered something. Dermot and Darrow mentioned previously encountering bone piles that self-animated, also hearing that things weren’t well on the Shore.

Thessar said that things had never been “well” there, by most folk's standards, although those bones sounded like something different. The old warrior observed that the Shore had been used as a dumping ground for a lot of things. Folks also disappeared from time to time, but that was the hard life. However, what the adventurers had said might explain why a chill had settled over the area, he continued. People were less friendly and there had been more disappearances. Folk there were afraid, more than usual, and even Lilda’s festhall was getting less business. Aerikoth observed that it made sense for a group of vampires, to avoid detection, to prey upon those that no one would miss.

According to the old warrior, under normal circumstances the Shore Patrol – the local gang of thugs – would take care of any real trouble. Bastards they were, but they wanted the district for their own. However, he had not seen them come around much at all in the last month or so; before, they would keep a close eye on outsiders. Aerikoth took this as a sign that they may already have been dealt with, or perhaps even recruited. The other thing Thessar mentioned was that everyone knew they were just doing the Night Masks' dirty work in the area.

Thessar appreciated their warning, saying he would start keeping his old magic weapons close at hand. He could offer no help in terms of contacting members of either the Shore Patrol or the Night Masks, but was interested to hear that the adventurers had a meeting lined up with the Lathanderite leadership, wishing them luck with that. He recommended that if they were looking for clerical help, they might want to track down the Tyrrans as well, as the former Croamarkh, Durgar the Just, was supposedly building an abbey to Tyr. In response to a question from Aerikoth, Thessar told them that he had heard it would get built out by the eastern city gates.

Calling himself a poor host, Thessar asked if they wanted some ales and of course received a positive response from Darrow. He broke some out from his stash and they got caught up some more on recent happenings, including the departure of Rahnee from the company. The old warrior said he appreciated their caring about what happened on the Shore, which precious few in the city did.

 

[Carlo-One]

Late afternoon on Ches 28, the three adventurers departed Thessar’s house and Darrow headed back to the Gatereach, to check on the arrangements Jandrico was making for assistance with his brewery in Tallwell. Shanni then appeared, sauntering up to Aerikoth and Dermot to inform them she had been keeping an eye on the folk they were talking to. After complaining about having to keep kicking the rats away from her hiding place by the cave, she observed that they didn’t look like they wanted to talk any more. Aerikoth shared, in a deprecating manner, what they had been told about two individuals carrying a large sack entering the cave. Shanni indicated that she might have found it, describing it as an empty sack large enough to take a body and having dried blood all over it. She had decided to go no further into the cave, given the circumstances, and returned to find the others.

The three decided to take a closer look at the site where Shanni had found the bag, to see if Dermot’s tracking skills could yield any more information. They made their way to the cave and past the door to the sewers, where Shanni pointed out where the bag was lying. Aerikoth cast a simple light spell to illuminate the area, allowing his ranger companion to carefully search for signs and oddities.

The ranger observed that there was only one, days-old blood splotch area on the sack, which would fit with the idea of a single big thing being carried. He wondered where whatever was being carried had got to, guessing that someone had dumped a thing there and someone else had picked it up. he also found it odd that they had left the sack behind. Dermot concluded that it had been there a while, but there were a lot of signs of passage through the area, so it was hard to pick out anything further.

As the ranger bent down and collected a little bottle from the sack, Aerikoth asked if the others recalled their trip to Starmantle, when they were looking for Janatha, the kidnapped daughter of Teziir Council Member Queron Ulanthar. Dermot sniffed the bottle’s stopper and confirmed that it was a healing draught, a strong one, before joining Shanni in nodding. The wizard reminded them that they had journeyed on the ship called Sea Sprite and had found a stowaway named Errend. He had told them how he was living in the Shore and had been drugged and ambushed after showing up for an offer of work, then ended up in a place he thought might have been a temple, along with other captives.

Aerikoth graphically recalled Errend’s story, how one by one the others had been dragged off to a different area, with the sound of wet screaming heard afterwards. He managed to escape or was rejected, for whatever purpose, and that was why he had decided to stow away on a boat - to get out of Westgate as quickly as he could, having little to no money. The wizard concluded by saying he was curious if this was what had happened to their stowaway, indicating the bloody sack.

In response, Shanni mentioned having found a temple down in the sewers during a previous excursion, but thought it was to Umberlee. Dermot grimaced at the tale, saying that he had no idea whether it had anything to do with vampires, but something was rotten down there. Aerikoth acknowledged that there might in fact be no connection, but also remembered hearing rumors of the parasitic undead almost since his arrival in this city.

The three agreed they should continue tugging on the thread, as Dermot put it, and the ranger moved down the tunnel towards the next part of the sewers, listening at the door he came to. Aerikoth offered to cast a stoneskin spell on the others, who thought that would be a good idea if things got bad. Dermot said he thought someone or something was moving past the door, that did not sound like a rat. The ranger then tried the door and was surprised as several zombies came through to attack them. Shanni cursed and drew her weapons, she and Aeirkoth battling their new foes from a distance as the wizard summoned a water elemental into the fight. Unfortunately its drown attack was ineffective against the living dead, but Dermot was able to use his magic weapons to dismember them.

Once that was done, the ranger admitted that maybe it did have something to do with the undead. Aerikoth again offered to cast his stoneskin spell and this time Dermot accepted it. (A rule of adventuring should be that when your wizard offers to cast a spell of protection on you, you accept it without argument. --R) Looking over the now-unmoving corpses, Dermot thought that they seemed to be wearing uniforms and observed that they might have found the Shore Patrol. Shanni agreed with this assessment, thinking that those were their colors.

The large sewer area was at first confusing, but the three adventurers soon found another group of zombies in a corridor including one that had strong magic protections. They attempted to channel their attack using some vine growths as obstacles but were unsuccessful, nevertheless again defeating their slow-moving opponents, aided this time by Aerikoth summoning a large bear. Between the undead corpses and the usual sewer filth, the three felt like they were having a nasty time of it, threatening to lose their lunch.

The moved into the next chamber and Dermot checked it over, poking at cracks in the walls and searching for something beyond the ordinary, as Shanni watched along the corridor and flitted her eyes around the room. However, they came up with nothing. Aerikoth observed that the zombies must have been guarding the way for a reason and that the individuals that brought the sack within the sewers must have had a way to bypass the undead.

Dermot, frustrated at the results of the search, eventually looked up and noticed a pull chain. He shined his torch at the chain and spotted some old blood on it, saying he was curious about where it went. The ranger then married his words to deeds and put the torch in his mouth before starting to haul himself upwards. After a short time, he called down to say that it came up in the district with the temples, then came back down to inform his companions that it was near the old spot that Aerikoth’s friends had, called the hidden house. (This "Hidden House" has a rather cursed history in the chronicles, originally having been the burned-out location for a shrine to a dead god. Furthermore, Aerikoth was away obtaining the deed to it for his companions when they decided to go after Baron Hallton in Tallwell and two of them, Brok-Tul and Veran, were killed as a result. This was made even more ironic because Brok-Tul was the one who had most desired to convert the house into a shrine to Helm. No doubt the place bodes further ill for the party. --C)

The three discussed the implications of what they found, then decided to exit the sewers. Shanni easily scrambled up the pull chain, followed by Aerikoth, who ascended slowly and weakly, breathing heavily as he emerged onto a street in the Temple District. Dermot came up last and offered words of support for the wizard, acting exhausted as well out of sympathy. After a moment to recover his breath, Aerikoth indicated he was ready to go on.

 

[Carlo-One]

Searching for Allies

Close upon dusk, when the company was expected back at the Temple of Lathander, Darrow rejoined the others in front of it, arriving just as Aerikoth was finishing cleaning the group with his prestidigitation spell. The dwarf surmised where they had been and wondered why he couldn’t smell them. Shanni grinned and said that the wizard should use that spell on Darrow more often.

As they entered Morningstar Haven, Dermot and Shanni briefly explained that they had found the Shore Patrol, now converted into restless dead. The priest on duty immediately spotted them and escorted them to Lady Tylanna’s private chamber. After knocking three times and opening the door, he formally ushered them into the room and the regal-looking high priestess curtsied gracefully in response. They were asked to present themselves, which they did somewhat bluntly, mentioning that they were known as Helm’s Shadows. Lady Tylanna welcomed them and then dismissed the priest to tend to their flock in the temple space, noting somewhat ruefully that she wished they had more priests available.

Dermot somewhat awkwardly started to explain why they were there, but was quickly interrupted and assured by the high priestess that her priest had related their tale to her earlier. She indicated that she would have more questions regarding it, but first needed to salve her curiosity about the company itself, saying that they did not appear like a band of Helmites. Darrow chuckled and cracked a joke at this, while Dermot admitted that she had them there, explaining that he thought there were two founding members who were Helmites and named it, but had died. Aerikoth clarified that the name for some reason had remained; previously, there had been a converted priest of that god, but he was now deceased. Lady Tylanna was satisfied with this, saying that she had nothing against the followers of Helm, in any event.

They then turned to more serious topics of conversation, with Darrow and Dermot reviewing the prophecy being pursued by the monk of Kelemvor about vampires returning to rule Westgate. Shanni and Dermot mentioned the necromantic incidents at the Shore and confirmed they had seen the undead menace firsthand. The ranger said they had heard it was the Lathanderites who had dealt with the mess the first time round, so felt it was worth asking for help or advice.

Lady Tylanna observed that they were referring to the original cleansing of Westgate, by the Dawnknight Gen Soleilon. She stated that it was he who drove the original Night King from his throne, with his companions, and then built much of the city we know today, including the sewers below. It was said that the vampire threat had been eradicated, but the Night King's fabled items of power were never recovered. During the Night King's rule, as the legend went, he had catacombs beneath the city where the vampire lords ruled. She understood they were supposedly destroyed to make way for the new underground tunnels, yet it happened over a millenium ago, so who could say. Dermot inquired if there were any records, maps, or accounts surviving from that time, with Shanni pointing out that “new buggers” had moved in, as she put it.

The high priestess at this point mentioned that they were not the first ones to have expressed fears of vampires and an undead menace to Westgate to her. Dermot expressed his surprise at this, while Shanni more crudely asked why Lady Tylanna wasn’t helping them more, if that were the case. The high priestess appeared shocked at the mouthy rogue’s words, as Shanni continued to complain about doing all the work and then having to beg for help, while being kept waiting by the priest.

Seeing the high priestess’s uncomprehension and then growing ire, Dermot attempted to smooth things over, saying that it had been a trying day, with them still unsettled from facing walking dead in the sewer. Lady Tylanna pointedly replied that perhaps his companions needed some time along to recover, noting their impatience. The ranger in return emphasized the importance of their business, which the high priestess acknowledged, suggesting that they seek out the Ascetic of the Broken Ones, who lived in the southwest corner of the West Gate district. She said she was also going to suggest they look into the crowd at the Purple Lady, which was a well known conversational salon in the city. However, she did not believe they would fit in with them, given that patience and a certain skill at conversation would be required to gain information from the patrons there, pointedly looking at Shanni.

Darrow cheerily thanked the high priestess as Dermot tried to extricate the group politely, asking if they should bring her any further proof they might dig up. Ignoring further barbed comments from Shanni, Lady Tylanna said she would welcome further word of their deeds and what they came across, acknowledging that they were the first group to have obtained direct evidence of an undead threat. Perhaps the Morninglord would be able to render some more direct assistance in the future, she said, as Dermot awkwardly thanked her and moved to usher Shanni out of the room. The petite rogue instead tossed out a last comment and flounced out on her own. The ranger gave an apologetic look on the way out and Darrow shrugged, smiling amiably as he ambled through the doorway. (I must admit, should the rogue have behaved in such a fashion with the head of our Order, she would have been summarily tossed out. The fact that in response Lady Tylanna chose to ignore rather than punish indicates to me that she perhaps believes she may also need the company as allies. She had alluded to her lack of priests earlier, a forthright admission that the faith of Lathander was not particularly rich or powerful in Westgate. --C)

Aerikoth remained behind for a moment, as Shanni grumbled and complained to the others outside the chamber. The wizard warned the high priestess she should be aware that House Vhammos were deeply involved in nefarious actions, slavery and what he believed was something darker and worse. In response, she thanked Aerikoth for his words, only wishing that they had come as a surprise, and said that as a knowledgeable person he was welcome any time, curtsying to him to end the audience.

 

[Carlo-One]

Following the high priestess’ directions, they made their way through the West Gate district to the southwest corner, Shanni still occasionally grumbling, until they came to a narrow door near a sewer entrance; the Jolly Warrior inn was also in sight. This matched the description of the house occupied by the Ilmater monk, so they knocked and were greeted by Than, a student of the Ascetic One. Dermot mentioned they had been sent by the Lady of Lathander, ignoring Shanni’s eye roll in response, and the student accompanied them inside.

The interior of the house was sparely furnished and contained another student, Millan, who was by the door. Their master had been seated cross-legged in the back of the room, but rose and moved noiselessly over the floorboards as the three adventurers entered his home. The monk stated that he was known as the Ascetic of the Broken Ones, or the Ascetic One, bowing to them in welcome.

The companions introduced themselves, Shanni expressing her hope that the monk would see the urgency behind their business more than the last lot, as she put it. This brought a smile to the Ascetic One’s face, as he said he found it curious that they had sought out a monk for fast action. He then dismissed his students to wander the city and return in an hour, instructing them to tell him afterwards what they had learned. (While this was almost certainly a ploy to get his students away from what subsequently might be considered a distressing and private conversation, I have to admire the monk's panache. It has only occasionally been equaled by some of the more senior members of our Order. --R)

After they had left, Dermot informed him they had heard rumors of vampires and missing people, it having been suggested that the monk might have a finger on the pulse of the issue, so to speak. The Ascetic One declared that these were weighty words and resume sitting cross-legged on the floor to meditate while they shared their knowledge. Darrow took the lead in explaining about the now-deceased monk of Kelemvor’s research of a prophecy, which hinted that a vampire king might return to rule Westgate. Once Darrow had finished, with Aerikoth and Dermot’s approval, Shanni then interjected that for their group, the business had started about two tendays ago, after encountering a self-animating pile of bones.

While acknowledging the existence of the prophecy, the monk observed that they seemed to have more material concerns as well. Dermot explained about the word of missing people on the Shore and the disappearance of the Shore Patrol, whom they had found subsequently as walking dead in the sewer. The monk termed this a grim fate for the gang, but perhaps not undeserved, although he was sure the brother of Kelemvor they mentioned would view it as an abomination. Dermot concluded by mentioning they had been sent to the Ascetic One’s abode after going to the temple of Lathander for assistance.

The monk expressed his surprise that they had won the trust of the Lathanderites so readily, saying that he was not known to many. Shanni snorted and said that it sounded more like they were trying to pass the problem on. The Ascetic One countered, asking what they would then have the Lathanderites do to their foes, whom he he had not heard named. Darrow joked that getting an ale at least would be a start, then Shanni agitatedly reiterated their concerns with what was happening with the undead in the city. The monk made the observation that they wished to strike directly, like a sword thrust, but it seemed that they did not even know their enemy yet, seeing no face to their problem.

Declaring he needed a moment to meditate upon this, the Ascetic One closed his eyes as Shanni let out an exasperated sigh. The monk folded his hands in his robes and closed his eyes, breathing slowly as he turned his attention inwards. The others stood watching for several breaths, until he opened his eyes, staring ahead calmly as he stated that he might be able to offer them a chance to strike at the unknown enemy. Darrow, Dermot and Shanni showed their eagerness for him to continue, while Aerikoth simply stared back, with an unblinking gaze.

 

[Carlo-One]

The Ascetic One told them that he knew of a hidden place, outside the city, where he went once long ago as part of a personal trial. It was once a place of evil, and he expected that it remained so. Dermot and Shanni were bemused by the description and Shanni questioned how this could help them. The monk said that he would prepare a map for them, so if they returned in the morn, he would give it to them, with what else he could recall that might be of use. Aerikoth asked why the monk had need of this personal trial, a question that the Ascetic One found refreshingly intelligent, although he would not share much beyond the fact that the Ilmater monk needed to find the depths of his own suffering. The wizard then added some acerbic remarks on faith-based practices being of little value to others. (The trials of a monk are often misunderstood or incomprehensible to outsiders. Why would one voluntarily take on suffering? This seems to be a major point of conflicting philosophies. Although our Order does not emphasize the concept of suffering to the extent of Ilmater's, there is still a recognition that to achieve anything worthwhile, one must sacrifice something, sometimes at a profound level. --C)

Despite Aerikoth’s philosophical criticisms and some more complaints from Shanni about the quality of the help they were receiving, the Ascetic One did not seem fazed, only warning them further that the place would be several hours away and could be dangerous, so they should be well prepared when they went. Darrow and Aerikoth thanked the monk, as did Dermot, although with an audible question mark. As the adventurers left, Shanni simply looked irritable and stalked out of the house, much as she had done at the Temple of Lathander. Once outside, she expressed at length her unhappiness with their religious interlocutors. After a few minutes, the others talked her into continuing on with their search for information. (Or perhaps the "petite rogue" simply ran out of steam. --R)

Following a decision to split up for the evening, Darrow, Dermot and Shanni shortly after midnight arrived at Aerikoth’s home outside West Gate, looking for the wizard. They were first noticed by his raven familiar Zeluth, perched in a nearby tree, who cawed at Dermot meaningfully. The ranger then knocked on the door and was immediately met by Aerikoth, who asked if something was amiss.

Dermot in response asked if anyone knew who was in the Hidden House these days, saying that someone was there now. Aerikoth recalled that large vermin typically resided there, adding that a priestess of the deceased goddess of illusion named Marise had been obsessed with the place, a former temple to Leira. Dermot explained that earlier that night, he had decided to watch over the sewer grate in the Temple district. The ranger didn't see anyone come out of it, but observed a pair of folk drop in on the Hidden House. They then came out complaining of the lack of "cattle", mentioning that maybe there'd be some in a couple of days. He tried to track them, but lost them. However, the ranger had noticed someone let them into the House, so he wanted to go see what was there.

The others were in agreement, Aerikoth saying that the talk of cattle made him believe it was the parasitic undead servitors looking for food for their masters. Shanni tried to recall whether one of the former company members had owned it and Aerikoth explained that the house belonged to Lady Roaringhorn, as she possessed the deed to it. Her husband, the late Brok-Tul, had wished to convert it to a temple of Helm. The wizard did not believe anything had been done by her since Brok-Tul’s death. Dermot remarked that it looked like she had squatters, to which Darrow replied that eviction notices were served free of charge, the dwarf being eager to go find them a fight.

 

[Carlo-One]

Finding Victims

In the dark of the early morning of Ches 29, the four adventurers made their way through the streets of Westgate to the Temple District. The Hidden House was tucked away in a corner, a long-damaged placard out front the only indication of its presence. They eyed its entrance from a short distance and Shanni wondered if they should scope it out further before knocking, but then agreed with the others to have Aerikoth quickly cast some protection spells, then enter in order to surprise whoever was there.

Dermot stepped up to the door and knocked three times, waited a beat, then knocked a fourth time, a pattern which he had observed with the earlier visitors. His companions hugged nearby walls, in order to be out of view, and Dermot shushed Darrow as he heard movement by the door and it opened. The ranger stepped in quickly as two pale-skinned rogues expressed surprise that their visitors had returned, only after seeing him realizing their mistake. Darrow, Shanni and Aerikoth came in close behind their companion and were attacked by the two, who refused to surrender despite being outnumbered. A short, sharp fight ensued and the apparent door guards were slain, Dermot sustaining some damage in the process despite the wizard’s stoneskin protection.

Disappointed at not being able to gather any further information from their opponents – although Darrow pointed out that they had started it – the party began to search the main floor of the burnt-out former temple. Dermot examined and looted a body of its dagger and coin purse as Shanni hurriedly shut the entry door behind them. In response to a question from Aerikoth, Dermot confirmed that the two they had killed were not the visitors the ranger had seen enter the building, but looked an awful lot like them. After a moment’s consideration, Aerikoth observed that they were like Tuli, the vampire spawn they had encountered while seeking Janatha.

Darrow called for an examination of the stairs heading down and after it was deemed to be free of traps, the four headed into the dark cavern below. Past the doorway, Dermot called attention to the fact that it stank down there, worse than the sewer, a fact not lost on his companions. Moving forward, they emerged from a rock-hewn corridor into a larger space and encountered hellish-looking wolf spirits, as Dermot identified them, which fought with more than animal tenacity before being defeated, leaving the ranger and the dwarf cursing their wounds.

Shanni was the first to spot several coffins by the far wall and the four companions had a moment to prepare, with Aerikoth casting additional spells, before they were assaulted from different directions by more pale-skinned vampire spawn. Darrow was paralyzed in the middle of the combat, but the others were able to finish off their enemies. The dwarf apologized for being out of the fight and moved to bandage Dermot, as the ranger had taken more wounds for the cause. Shanni and Darrow then tackled the task of destroying the coffins, the petite rogue going it at with verve, cursing the hated undead. She however still found time to slip some looted greatswords into what appeared to be a too-small bag. (Praise to those who destroy the abominations, wherever they may be found. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

Dermot moved further into the cavern and then called to the others, who rapidly came to where the ranger was standing, in front of several humans imprisoned in wooden stocks. All of the people were alive, if barely conscious, but appeared unable to move or speak, due to their bonds. Shanni, impatient with her companions, yelled at them to let them out, which impelled Darrow and Dermot to action. The dwarf began undoing the stocks on one prisoner as the ranger took out a hatchet and tried hacking around the hinges on another. Shanni took the obvious route – for her – of picking the locks, looking very concerned.

At Aerikoth’s suggestion, they started pouring some healing potions into the mouths of the victims, Dermot alternating this with the contents from his personal liquor flask. One man, the first to recover, expressed his surprise that they were not his tormentors, not comprehending fully what was going on. Darrow attempted some levity and Dermot reassured him further, continuing to share his healing draught and strong booze combination. Shanni, who had finished picking all of the locks, told him that they were his saviors, like as not, and that it would be a good idea to try to get up and walk as fast as he could.

The other captives started to revive as well, so Dermot began asking the first man some questions, including why they were there. The victim was evidently still disoriented, but revealed that they had been fed upon, rubbing his neck and thigh as he spoke, then healed afterwards to keep them alive. A female prisoner started looking around and crying out for her baby, as the adventurers attempted to organize their new charges and get them moving towards the upper floor. Shanni went over to comfort the woman, as the others debated whether to investigate the only door exit from the chamber. Darrow volunteered to guard it and Aerikoth joined him, while Dermot and Shanni escorted the weak, staggering former prisoners upstairs. (Although I am admittedly cynical about much of what people choose to do in this world, including the true motives of adventurers, moments such as this can render clear our vision about what is true righteousness, as we walk on the Path to Judgment. --R)

With some effort, they all made it to the entranceway, where the first man to revive spotted the sprawled-out corpse of the vampire spawn. After being assured that they had killed it, he hobbled over and kicked the corpse, earning a grim nod of approval from Shanni. Dermot told the group they could go to the Gatereach Inn, which one of them said he was familiar with, and say they were with the adventurers. The ranger then offered them the four money pouches he had taken from the vampire spawn corpses, which worked out to one for each of the victims. After taking moment to organize themselves, a thuggish-looking man who knew the way to the Gatereach took charge, leading them through the door to the outside.

Dermot and Shanni returned below and informed their companions that the ones they had saved were on their way to the Gatereach for shelter. The petite rogue confirmed that the door was not trapped and told Darrow to just give it a shove. Beyond was what looked like a mining cart railway to Shanni, snaking around long underground corridors. It terminated in a ruined chamber lined with rubble and four coffins, which Aeirkoth pointed out was the number of vampire spawn they had fought. The wizard also recalled that it was the former altar area for the temple to Leira. Dermot enlisted Darrow’s help in moving some of the rubble, which appeared to be what remained of the altar, but found nothing underneath.

Searching the cavern room, they noted that a door which had appeared to lead to an up-sloping tunnel had been blocked by falling rubble. Shanni also showed interest in the nearby large pool of water, which looked like it could have had a bridge across it before, but there appeared to be nothing left of it. The four adventurers concluded that they had discovered what they could in the Hidden House, which the vampires evidently had been using as some sort of supply depot, as Dermot recalled from overhearing the previous visitors’ conversation. Shanni cursed and said that the Lathanderites had better pay attention now, while Aerikoth concurred that there was now proof for Lady Tylanna, in the form of living witnesses and the remains of the parasites, as the wizard put it. (I am unsure what the Lathanderites were supposed to do about this hitherto unknown den of vampire victims. The rogue appears to have much anger towards the undead - quite understandable - but also a need to blame others as part of it. Perhaps something in her past? --C)