Wraith's Whispers - CoSQ (Update: 4/5/04)

[Wraithdrit]

"Yep, its just a damned statue..." Durgaden shook his head at what they had thought was a stone golem and then looked at the sarcophagus. "Lets get this thing open and get out of here." He shoved hard, but the lid did not budge.

Tanerus stepped up and lend the dwarf a hand. He threw his back into it, his small boots scraping on the floor over and over as he tried to find traction and move the hefty lid.

All of it was to no avail. Amador strode up and quipped, "Need a hand fellas?" Durgaden glared at the elven priest.

"Shut yet trap and help." The dwarf's face was bright red, his muscles straining.

Amador smirked and put a shoulder against the lid and pushed as well. Finally there was movement, and the heavy lid slid to one side.

Durgaden yelled, "Heave it up and over!" The three combined to finally toppled the lid. Looking down at the corpse laying in the sarcophagus, the trio frowned a little. Amador raised one hand to cover his noise and mouth. The corpse was old, turned gray, partially rotted away. The thing that really turned their stomach though was the look on its face. Some form of horror or madness had striken this person in its finally stages of death. Its face was twisted and horrible.

Then its eyes snapped open. From where he was in the corridor, Will heard his three friends yelp. He glanced over to see them all jumping back from the edge of the sarcophagus.

Darkness welled in the three companions heads. Their vision tunnelled and their knees became weak. Amador thought he could hear the wails of the dead and dying, he knew that he could easily close his eyes and join them...

But as quickly as it started it ended. Amador called out loudly, "No!" He grabbed his holy symbol and thrust it towards the creatures, his legs finding their strength once again. The holy symbol was warm in his hands and he yelled out to his diety for protection.

Durgaden had already slumped forward, but before he collapsed he too was able to shake off the effects the creature's gaze had. He lifted his axe and growled out, "What on earth is that?!"

Tanerus stumbled back, shaking the vision of the foul creatures madening visage from his memory. Even when he regained his senses he continued to backpeddle. His head shook from side to side. Undead were on the short list of things that Tanerus hated above all else.

The creature wailed at the sight of Amador's glowing holy symbol. It writhed inside of the sarcophagus, its arms flailing up to try and protect itself. Durgaden began chopping quickly. He severed one hand, cut deep into the things chest, then hacked three times into its head till it split open like melon. The creature slumped back to the bottom of the sarcophagus, death replacing undeath.

Amador lowered his holy symbol, letting out a breath. One eyebrow lifted and he pointed at the bottom of the sarcophagus. "Its a false tomb, there is a trap door in there."

Will's eyes went large when he saw the form that Amador and Durgaden lifted out of the sarcophagus. "That was a bodak!" The two companions dumped the creatures remains into the pit. "Very deadly... its gaze has been known to kill."

Durgaden glanced at Will and nodded, "Not anymore it isn't..."

Tanerus stepped back up and examined the trapdoor. "Its not trapped." They lifted it up and found another set of stairs spiralling down into darkness.

Will spoke up. "We should rest before going down there."

Amador quickly agreed. "I have little energy left, I'm afraid another few fights like that and I will be unable to heal our wounds." A watch schedule was set, and soon the companions were resting easily. They awoke and prepared to head out.

Tanerus led the way, followed by the rest of the companions. The staircase led into a small domed chamber. The far wall held a door of stone. Carved into the door was a bas relief of a middle-aged man wearing robes. He was casting some sort of fiery spell. At his side was a book and a wand.

Will swallowed, "Thomas Flamesculptor..." He cast a soft quick spell and scanned the room quickly, "No magic in this area..."

Tanerus swung the door open, was about to take a step inside when Will called out, "Stop! That floor... in the corridor... its magic..." He concentrated a bit harder, "Its an illusion."

Amador stepped off the stairs and to one side, "We better prepare for more combat, we obviously have not reached the end of this tomb yet."

Will nodded and began to recite the words of his shield spell. Pain blasted through him as something massive struck him in the shoulder. He stumbled back but managed to keep the spell up.

Amador was also hit by something unseen. He stumbled back, then lashed out with his sword at whatever it was that was attacking him. Without seeing his target he was afraid he would not be off much help.

Tanerus rolled to against one wall and came up with his sword in his hand. His eyes darted about the room, looking for the source of the danger.

To Amador's left Durgaden reached into his magical backpack, muttering, "Dust..." A small bag rose to his grasp. He popped the tie that held the back together and threw it out ahead of him. Directly between him and Amador a vapor form took shape under the Dust of Appearance.

Will cast another spell and his eyes flashed brightly. "Invisible Stalkers!" He could now see his opponent, and wasted no time in casting a spell at it. Lightning shot from his hands, ripping over the creature. It screamed in pain.

Now that Durgaden and Amador could see their opponent they wasted no time in hacking the creature into small bist of vapor. Tanerus tumbled up to behind the stalker that still menaced Will. He plunged his sword into its back and twisted. Though the creature had no vital organs to disrupt, the halfling's blows were enough to send it back to its own plane.

The room went quiet again, nothing but the panting of the companions trying to catch their breath could be heard. Finally Tanerus lowered his blade and moved toward the open door. "I so want to get this over with, I can climb along the wall..."

Will shook his head, "I have a better idea... here." He tossed the halfling a potion. "Its a flying potion." Tanerus caught the potion and quickly imbibed its contents. His feet came up off the ground and he floated about a little, testing the potions effectiveness.

Tanerus flew across the corridor to another carved door. He soon pulled it open as well, finding it untrapped.

He paused and noted to his companions, "I hear wind from the pit below, serious wind..." He looked down and back and now that he could see through the illusion, was easily able to see a set of spikes on the wall of the pit some five feet below the surface. He spun to look at the opposite wall, finding an opening there. He lowered his hand and felt harsh winds whipping from the opening. "Oh... devious... if you fall in, the winds push you into spikes on the wall, then you fall down the pit... probably to more spikes."

Durgaden frowned, "Whats in the room, Tanerus!"

The halfling finished admiring the trap and flew into the room beyond. "Its a big room, looks round, like the last few... oh... another sarcophagus, and some sort of large construct beast... a golem I'd say..."

Will called out, "Whats it made of?"

Tanerus flew a bit closer, but it was his nose that gave him the answer. "Clay... definately clay." He wrinkled his nose at the smell and flew a bit closer.

Durgaden growled, "I should get in there..."

Will put a hand on the dwarf's shoulder, "We have a potion of levitate, but lets wait and see what else he finds out... it could be another trap."

Tanerus flew closer and closer. When he was about twenty feet from the golem it lurched to life, moving slowly around the sarcophagus. Tanerus drew it back from the sarcophagus then darted up and over it. He threw himself at the lid of the sarcophagus and was surprised when it slid aside for him.

Inside was an ancient corpse dressed in robes. In its hands it clutched an ancient gold bound book. A circlet say upon its head, and its belt pouches were full.

Tanerus looked down and chuckled, below were he would have been standing if he were not flying a trap door had opened up. He could see that benath the trapdoor was a horizontal shaft. He could hear the wind rushing past the opening.

But he had more immediate problems to deal with. Quickly he snatched up the circlet, book, and belt of pouches. He bolted upward and turned to see that the golem had stopped halfway toward him. He lowered a little and the golem started forward. He raised back up and it stopped.

Tanerus figured he could outrun the golem so began to fly higher to stay out of its reach.

Durgaden growled, "Thats it, I'm going in there." He drank the potion of levitation and started to move sideways along the wall, levitating above the illusionary floor.

But the golem had something else in mind. It backed up then slammed the door shut.

Tanerus paused and looked down at the golem, the closed door, then back at the sarcophagus. He turned and flew straight towards the sarcophagus at full speed.

Durgaden yelled at the shut door, "I'm coming little buddy!"

The golem began charging toward where Tanerus would land. At the last moment Tanerus shifted and flew straight through the trapdoor into the wind tunnel. He arched and began flying straight into the wind. Even that little turn cost him a trip twenty feet down the tunnel. The trapdoor opening was now twenty feet in front of him. He turned full force into the wind, flying as fast as the spell would allow him.

Using the speed of the fly spell, he was able to control his horizontal movement in the wind tunnel. Short burst after short burst he would slow himself a little to let the wind rip him further down the corridor, then kick the spell back in full force so as not lose control of how fast and how far he went.

The force of the wind was more than he had ever felt. His hair and clothes whipped him hard, his cheeks were pushed back, his mouth forced open. His eyes were wide with pain and concentration, but he managed to maintain control. Finally he saw the first wall of the pit pass beside him. He was in the pit itself. He pulled up and popped free of the wind, shooting up through the illusion before he finally stopped still, floating in the air in the middle of the corridor, clutching the treasures he had found.

Softly he croaked, "Got it." He lifted the book a bit higher and his companions smiled. "Now can we go?"

Durgaden smirked and pushed back along the wall. "Aye lad, lets go."

The group was glad to finally see the dwarven companions they had left at the entrance. Durgaden turned to one he recognized, "Seal off this staircase."

"Yes sir!" The dwarf saluted and began giving orders to the others.

Will held the book gently in the crook of his arm. He finally had it, after all this time, the book was his.

Durgaden carried the circlet, the Chamberlain's Circlet, to Gregor. After giving him several orders he offered the Circlet to Gregor. "You are the best one to serve as me Chamberlain... and you will rule while I am away."

"Away m'lord?"

"Aye... my companions and I travel to stop whatever it is the drow are planning. We will get back those items that were stolen."

"M'lord, you honor me. I will serve the kingdom with all my ability." Gregor let the tired adventurers retire to their rooms. It had been a long two days of adventure in the crypts, and in the morning they planned to head back out.

Gregor had told them where the Underdark tunnels led first. "There is a military outpost of the Tethyamar kingdom directly east of here. Its high in the mountains, an old griffon rider nesting aerie."

Durgaden had nodded, "That will be were we go next then. Send for as many friends and relatives as you can Gregor, let them know the mines are in our hands again and that we need all the help we can get."

Gregor nodded, "Of course m'lord."

It had taken several hours but finally the companions found what they knew had to be the entrance to the bottom of the aerie.

Tanerus whistled, "Now there is something you do not see everyday." A massive underground lake lay before them. Glowing mosses lined the walls, lighting the entire cavern. A huge long land bridge led up from where there were to across and above them, leading to another opening out of the upper portions of the cavern.

The middle of the bridge had long ago been collapsed and replaced with a wooden bridge. Eitherside of the land bridge was sheer dropoff, leading into the cold waters below. At the far end of the land bridge a set of stairs led off eventually into the lake itself. Beneath the cold waters, an ancient dock could be seen. Obviously the water level had risen here some time ago, covering the dock.

The most spactacular feature of the underground lake though, was the twin waterfalls. One cascaded down the side of the cavern, the other came through an opening in roof of the cavern. But unlike most waterfalls, this one travelled backwards! Water flowed up and into the shaft above.

Amador shook his head, "Water doesn't flow up naturally."

Will nodded, "Some powerful magic to make that thing flow backwards."

Tanerus nibbled on his lip, "Think it is some kind of water supply for the levels above?"

Durgaden nodded, "The griffons and their riders would have needed water somehow..."

Tanerus moved to the wooden part of the bridge then stopped. "This bridge is not connected to the stone in anyway, its just sort of laying on top."

Durgaden frowned, "Is it sturdy?"

Tanerus looked back, "Aye. Seems to be. We should only cross one at a time though. And walk softly... don't want to bounce it out of its perch." Tanerus scrambled across quickly and turned to look back.

Durgaden shrugged and moved forward. About halfway across he looked down between the wooden slats of the bridge and frowned, "Why is the water moving like that?"

A massive water elemental stood up from the depths of the water. Its stood quickly from straight beneath the bridge, leading with its two massive hands, slamming up into the bridge.

Durgaden screamed in surprise as the bridge he was on was tossed up into the air with little effort. Tanerus, Amador and Will were helpless to do anything but watch as the dwarf and the bridge fell into the icey cold waters below.

 

[Wraithdrit]

"No!" yelled Will, taking a half step forward. His brain raced through the various spells he might use to save the fallen dwarf, but he could not come up with anything in the few seconds it took for the elemental to slosh its way along the stoney bridge toward where Will and Amador were at.

Durgaden bobbed to the surface, kicking and struggling against the weight of his gear. He was not able to swim anywhere, but at least he was tredding water fairly well.

As the elemental closed Will finished the first damaging spell he could think of that would hurt this thing. A bolt of lightning shot from his extended hands, ripping through the elemental. It howled in pain and slammed one hand into Will, causing the mage to stumble.

Amador began to cast but a tentacle of water shot forth from the elemental and slammed into the cleric. The thing had a larger reach than they thought.

Tanerus loaded his crossbow and took aim. The bolt flew true but seemed to pass harmlessly through the water.

Durgaden found a piece or two of the bridge and grabbed hold, using it to help him stay afloat.

Will backpeddled away from the beast, and nearly stumbled back into the lake when he reached the edge. His foot skidded to halt, knocking a few rocks off into the water far below. The mage flailed his arms a bit, gaining his balance. He could not outrun this thing, but maybe he did not have to. Crouching a bit, the mage threw out another quick spell. Black tentacles sprouted from the water all around the elemental.

Enraged the elemental swept its massive fists through the tentacles. With one sweep it cleared half a dozen tentacles out of its way. With its second it came from the other direction. It cleared the rest of the tentacles from its path and still had the reach and momentum to slam its fist into first Amador and then Will. Amador crumbled under the strength of the blow, his knees already weakened from his first hit moments ago. Will collapsed forward to his knees, coughing blood, his ears ringing from the force of the blow he had just received.

The elemental was not done wreaking havoc. It moved lightning fast. Its third and final sweep of a massive fist sent Will sprawling to the side. He landed in a crumbled heap, one arm hanging off the bridge.

Tanerus watched in horror as his companions crumbled to the ground. Durgaden was in the water and Will and Amador were both down on the other side of the gap that the wooden bridge once spanned. He lowered himself and pulled the hood of his magic cloak up, dissappearing from sight.

The elemental swam toward Durgaden and lowered into the water, forming a swirling vortex that rocked Durgaden loose of the debris he held onto. As the waves crashed into the dwarf he spun and gripped his magic hammer tight. If he was gonna go down, it would be fighting.

Tanerus saw his chance, now that the elemental was distracted. He ran full speed at the gap and lept easily over it. He landed in a roll and came up running a potion in each hand. He arrived at Will first, popping the cork and pouring the potion down the mages throat. Will's eyes snapped open and he coughed then began swallowing. Tanerus grabbed his hand and put it around the poition and whispered quickly, "Drink it all."

He raced over to Amador, skidding to a halt on his knees, the cork already popped from the potion. He lifted the elves head and gasped softly at the feeling. He was lifeless, his eyes were closed and Tanerus could not feel any sort of beating of the elves heart. "Oh gods no... not now... not after all this..." He poured the potion down the elves throat, hoping that maybe just maybe he was in time.

Amador's body spasmed and he began drinking of the lifegiving liquid. Tanerus beamed, "You're not dead! Now get up and do something, Durgaden'll die if we don't help."

Will was already on his feet. "See how it likes to tangle with this..." He pointed at the water near the elemental. A bright flash of light was seen and when it dimmed it was replaced by a glowing Orca! The celestial whale turned on the elemental, lashing out and biting it hard. The vortex dissappated and the elemental took its humanoid form again. It lept at the Orca and the two mighty sea creatures battled for dominance.

Tanerus jogged up to Will just as Will pulled out a wand. He tossed it to Tanerus and grinned, "Just point it and say Analthia." As the halfling levelled the wand at the elemental, Will cast his own spell. Orb after glowing orb slammed into the elemental. It ignored the attacks though and slammed both fists into the Orca one last time.

Amador slipped up to beside Tanerus and Will and watched, there was little he could do to the elemental. He laid one healing hand upon Will's shoulder. The elf's words were strong, had already healed himself a good bit.

Durgaden continued to kick his feet trying to stay afloat as much as possible, but it was a losing cause in the frothing water of the battle. His hammer slammed into the elemental again and again. He saw the elemental's blows finally destroy the celestial whale, sending it back to its own plane. The elemental spun on Durgaden, howling out its anger and frustration.

From the bridge Will cast another magic missile spell, "I'm running low... this thing is taking huge amounts of energy..." His orbs plowed through more of the elemental as it raised both meaty fists.

Durgaden stopped swinging, he looked up and could see the elemental's fists lowering toward him. His face set in grim determination and he pulled his hammer back for a final blow. But fighting in water was hard, and he could tell his blows would fall too late. The elemental fists streaked toward him. He decided he would not close his eyes, no... he would watch death come.

Inches from the dwarf the fists were intercepted by glowing orbs streaking from Tanerus' wand. They exploded through one fist, through its torso and through its head. With an unearthly howl the elemental exploded into a shower of pure natural water.

Durgaden yelled out in surprise and happiness. He was still alive. Somehow he was still alive.

Will grinned at Tanerus and nodded. "Nice shot."

Tanerus grinned and tucked the wand away in his belt, "Thanks. Got any more extras?" Will chuckled and shook his head.

Amador called down to Durgaden. "Hold on, Durgaden... we'll get you out of there." He fished out his rope and tossed one end down.

As Durgaden grabbed the end of the rope and began to hoist himself up he chuckled and muttered to himself, "It was time for me bath anyways..."

 

[Wraithdrit]

Just fyi. I'm working up a website for this and other writings of mine. Expect to see it before next Monday. I will still post logs here, but they will be archived on the site, and the site will include game info, character writes ups, NPC writeups, calendar, etc for the game.

 

[Wraithdrit]

New Website, with new update.

Alrighty, the Wraith's Whispers website is now 'live'. It has all the logs, Character information, and some NPC details. I plan on adding more to it, like Specific NPC stat blocks for some (dead) npcs, timeline info, and maybe even PC stat blocks.

Oh and there is an update there. Its Chapter 23. I'll post it here in a minute.

 

[Wraithdrit]

Chapter 23

Darkholm Tower
City of Shade
Harvestide, 1372, A Few Hours Past Midnight

Clariburnus frowned at the map layed before him on the table. His finger tapped the spot over Tethyamar, then traced a line between it and a spot to the south and east of Dagger Falls. His gaze shifted to where a small obsidian carving of the City of Shade sat atop the great desert on the map. He licked his dark lips and turned from the map to walk to a shelf lined with books. Dark fingers raked from spine to spine as his eyes scanned the titles.

Finally finding the tome he sought he pulled it from the shelf and set it on a small table to one side. He flipped page after page, scanning the words of the ancient journal. He stopped on a particular page and read through the description of what even back in the days of the Netheril Empire was considered an ancient relic. His eyes closed as he remembered the fateful events of the past twelve hours.

He had just finished debriefing his agent when the large group of imperial guard had arrived at the tower's doors. His presence was requested. The Lord of Shade knew that it would only take a single scribe telling him to get Clariburnus to appear before him. By sending a squad of his personal guards he was making a statement. He was not happy.

Clariburnus did not waste any time arriving in the throne room and he kneeled as low as he could before the inky darkness at the throne.

"I just got word from Wyyruth. The drow are proceeding as planned, they seem uncocerned about the Heroes of Tethyamar."

Clariburnus frowned, "I hardly think they even know they exist, much less are headed their direction."

"So they have entered the Underdark?"

"Aye, my lord. In a month this will be nothing but a memory."

"Are they strong enough to handle the task ahead of them?" The dark lord stood and strode down the steps toward Clariburnus.

"Only time will tell."

"Very well. Make sure you stay on top of this. Find out where they are..."

"I know their exact location my lord. They are beneath Eagle's Hold as we speak." Clariburnus swallowed and waited for the inevitable reaction.

"Eagle's Hold? The Netherese outpost?" The dark lord released Clariburnus' shoulder and walked away from him up the steps.

"Aye my lord. After the fall of the Empire the outpost was used by the dwarves of Tethyamar as part of their defenses."

The dark lord paused and looked back at Clariburnus, "And now?"

"We have not had anyone inside, but the assumption is it shared the fate of Tethyamar."

"Overrun by the horde. Interesting. You know they are there now?"

"Aye."

"Good. You are dismissed."

"But m'lord..." The blast that hit Clariburnus in the chest was enough to knock him back ten feet. He slid to a halt at the feet of another shade. It was the Lord of Shade's chamberlain. The shade looked down at Clariburnus and smiled darkly.

"I don't suggest you question him again."

Clariburnus stood and spun on the Chamberlain. He grabbed the smaller man's robes and hefted him to him. "I do not suggest you tell a Prince of Shade what to do." He tossed the Chamberlain aside and strode out of the room.

The Chamberlain smiled as he brushed himself off. "I think that boy's temper will be his undoing on day." He muttered softly to himself, "Shar willing."

The dark lord had settled back into his throne. "I do not trust these 'Heroes'." The contempt in his voice was obvious.

"And they have the gem?"

The dark lord fumed, "And the Book."

"How is the book related, unless..."

The dark lord nodded, "Yes. It as well."

The Chamberlain whistled softly, "That does present a challenge then."

The Lord of Shade turned more fully toward his Chamberlain. "See to it."

"Very well my lord. But what of Clariburnus' new 'friends'?" He knew the answer, but had to ask.

"I suppose we will find out what they are really made of." The dark lord smiled. The look was enough to make even his Chamberlain get a small lump in his throat.

He swallowed it away and tried to smile, "Of course, my lord."

Clariburnus opened his eyes and blinked away the memories. Another knock on his door and he stood and walked toward it, shaking the mental cobwebs from his thoughts. One of his guards stood on the otherside. He held a scroll out to Clariburnus. "This came for you, lord."

The prince took the scroll and unrolled it, noting the symbol of Shar embedded in the wax seal that held the scroll shut. His presence was requested at one of the minor shrines in the eastern side of the city. Curious as to the nature of the summons he quickly made his way to the small shrine. The open sided building was empty, a few small sacrifices still sitting in the offering bowl on the altar.

Clariburnus looked down at the altar top and saw incense was still smoldering in a small brazier. The smoke drifted up in a lazy flow that hung in the air. He breathed in the scent and smiled, it reminded him of the High Temple in the center of the city. He let his head lull back and let out a long sigh. It had been a long day already. His eyes opened and he looked curiously up at the vaulted ceiling of the shrine. The drifting smoke of the incense barely filled the very top portions of the vaulted area. He looked back down at the incense. It was barely burned.

The shrine had been set up to look like someone had been here some time before and merely left the incense burning. Instead someone had lit it not moments before he got there. If that were the case they would still be here praying.

Clariburnus spun quickly summoning his glaive forth as he spun. He sliced at the air in front of him, knocking an arrow out of the air in mid flight. Four men were converging on his position already, a fifth was holding back, knocking another arrow into his bow.

The Prince was a blinding blur of motion. He thrust his glaive out at the first of the men as he charged up the steps. Dusky skinned humans, these men were residences of the City but not true shades themselves. Only a small portion of those living in the City where actually shades.

The glaive was knocked aside by the man's shield, but Clariburnus had really only intended the blow to distract the opponent long enough for a simple incantation. As the words slipped from his lips Clariburnus let go of the glaive with one hand and held his palm toward the rushing men. Flames spewed forth in a fan shape rippling over the first two assailants.

One dived to the side, his jacket on fire, the other dropped his weapons and screamed as his head caught flame. He fell backward down the steps, burning and smouldering the entire way. When he reached the bottom the magical flames had turned him into nothing more than a smouldering pile of burnt flesh.

The other two kept coming. Clariburnus ducked the swipe of one's blade and brought the handle of his glaive in to block the blow of the other. He spun the glaive, twisting the blade from the man's hand. As the blade twisted up and twirled in the air the Prince let go of his glaive with one hand and snatched the sword out of the air.

The one human left with his sword out was outmatched, but fought well. Clariburnus tucked his glaive behind him and used just the sword to battle man, it was much more efficient in this close of a space. The prince was a master swordsman and began to push the man down the steps. The assailant he had stolen the sword from shifted off to the side and pulled a small secondary sword from a sheath behind his back.

Clariburnus stopped, the sword pointing at the one down the stairs, the glaive pointed at the one to his side. "I highly suggest you use this opportunity to flee." He twisted as a pair of arrows flew at him. Both missed cleanly, but the distraction was enough to bolster the confidence of the two close to him still. They rushed in. The prince spun and the sword dissappeared in a flash from his hand. Taking the glaive in both hands he sliced it across the suprised face of the one wielding the small sword. He fell dead, tumbling down the steps.

The second swordsman rushed up the steps and slashed at Clariburnus' side as he did. The blade skipped off the prince's cloak as if it were made of stone. The startled swordsman stumbled back a step or two. The prince turned and shook his head, "I warned you." He held out a hand and spoke several soft words. Lightning shot from his hand and pierced first the swordsman and then the archer standing forty feet behind him. Both men jolted from the power then crumpled to the ground smouldering and twitching a little.

Clariburnus resummoned the sword from his hand and tossed it to the side and put his glaive away into the magical glove. He walked over to the swordsman who was just finishing shedding the burning armored jacket. The attacker reached down for his sword when the prince's black boot slammed down on top of it. "Who sent you?"

The man stammered, "M'lord, we had no choice..."

Clariburnus nodded. "I know. Thats the way it works around here. You also know that if you don't tell me who your death will be not only slow but very painful."

The man shook his head, "I can't m'lord. He has my family. Please... be merciful."

Clariburnus growled, his shadowy self was warring for control. He tried not to shake the man too hard as he snatched him up. He couldn't contain it, the shadow burst forth to control his mind. He flung the man at the shrine. He landed hard against one of the supports. The support cracked as did the man's back. He fell with a yell, whimpering and trying to hold his back. Clariburnus lifted him back up and growled, "Who!?"

The man sobbed, "I can't..."

Clariburnus flung him at the altar. The man slammed into it and tumbled over the top, then crumpled and rolled down several of the steps on the other side. He was barely moaning when the prince of Shade reached down to pluck him up one more time. The Prince stepped into a shadow with the man, dissappearing from sight.

He walked back out of the shadow in the entrance hall to the Chamberlain's palace. The Chamberlain stood talking to one of his underlings. He quirked an eyebrow as the Prince entered and flung the broken swordsman at the Chamberlain's feet. "One of yours?"

The Chamberlain shook his head and shrugged, "I don't recognize him."

Clariburnus thrust a finger at the Chamberlain, "I highly suggest you stay out of my business and away from me."

The Chamberlain held up his hands, "I honestly don't know what you are talking." His smiled enough to let Clariburnus know he was lieing.

The broken swordsman reached a bloody hand up to paw at the robe of the Chamberlain, "Please lord, spare my-" The Chamberlain's staff snapped against his head, flashing with dark energy. The swordsman's head crunched as easy as ripe fruit.

Clariburnus smoldered with rage. He turned and stormed out. The Chamberlain smiled and turned to his underling. "Now send them... he's used his shadow walk for the day. They will be on their own." The underling nodded and scurried off to fulfill his master's request.

 

[Wraithdrit]

More side story...

Serin sighed and looked down at the valley beneath them. Brilliant idea she had, taking an over mountain route instead of going around to the north. Everyone knew that if you could find away through the mountains it would be the fastest way from Tethyamar to Dagger Falls, she figured it was a good time to find it. It had not occurred to her that if such a route had existed the dwarves of Tethyamar would have blazed the trail long ago.

Now here she stood, atop a fifty foot cliff, overlooking a lush valley with another fairly sizeable cliff on the other side. To the right and left of the valley were even higher cliffs, far off to the right, one mountain top held an ancient set of Netherese ruins.

Serin glanced back at her prisoner. The priestess sat quietly, her hands fidgeting with the tattered end of a scarf. It was Harvestide and in the mountains it was getting cold already.

Serin cursed knowing that if she had only taken the established route she would be sitting in Dagger Falls by now, enjoying some warmed cider, maybe even enjoying the company of someone who was not either under her command or under her watchful eye.

"Sgt Serin... we found a way down." Private Hultin jogged up, smiling a bit. He seemed rather excited. Serin could not help but smile. "And there is a way up the other side. Its all very well overgrown, has not been used in a long while, but it should be passable with a bit of work."

Serin nodded, "Good job Private." She turned to the others, "You heard him. Form up. I want Hultin and Ferill up front. Vert and Crencon, you take the rear, keep your eyes out, these parts are fairly wild. Probably orc country."

"And where do you want me?" It was Alethra, the Banite Priestess. The priestess was smiling darkly.

Serin frowned, "You are with me. Just remember your oath to King Tethyamar."

Alethra snorted, "Don't you mean 'King' Alepounder?" Her emphasis on the word King made it obvious what she thought of the Kings newly found title.

Serin grabbed Alethra by the shoulder as the priestess stood. "Whatever, just walk." She shoved the Banite forward. Serin could not really stomach the thought of returning this priestess to her people, but she was not about to go against the King's orders. How many of her own kin had this priestess ordered slaughtered? The Zhentarim were no better than the orcs they often hired to do their dirty work. Benevolent dictatorship, thats what the elite in the Zhentarim liked to the think of themselves as. They held an iron fist over their people because only they knew what was best for them. Right, thought Serin, Fzoul knows best. At least when the Zhentarim where under Senemmon there was some intelligence at the top. With Fzoul now in charge it was all for Bane and nothing else. It made Serin sick to think about it.

Lost in her thoughts, she was not really paying much attention to the trail they were led down. Her bow was in her hand, an arrow was nocked, but she was not really ready for the explosion of moment that hit her like a run away horse. It was proceeded by a howl, that gave her just enough warning to look up before a massive brutish orc slammed into her, throwing her to the ground.

Ahead and behind her the cries were repeated. Startled militia men could be heard yelling. Hultin died instantly when an orc sprang from its hidden perch amongst a tree and landed on Hultin, axe first. It turned on Ferill in a flash. Ferill back-peddled and managed to duck under his attackers first blow. He never saw the second orc come at him from behind. He just felt the sharp pain in his back and chest. He looked down and saw the tip of a spear thrust from his chest. His eyes closed and he died a moment later.

Two militia men in the middle managed to bring their bows up and loose arrows at the front two orcs. The orcs fell to the ground dead, a pair of arrows sticking out of each orc's chest. To the back Vert heard the whoosh of the thrown axe and managed to duck, but the axe sailed into Crencon, embedding in his shoulder. The wounded militiaman stumbled to his knees as another orc ran up and sliced with a massive greataxe. The blade was not very sharp, more ripping his head off than really cutting it from his shoulders.

Vert took advantage of the orcs momentary distraction and stepped in, stabbing the orc in the gut with his short sword. The orc howled in pain and let loose of his axe as Vert twisted and dug with the short sword. Vert's hand was covered with gore and orc blood as the beastial humanoid fell to its knees in front of him. He heard the howl of another orc coming from behind him. Spinning he only barely managed to parry its attack.

The militiamen in the middle turned their bows in either direction, trying to get shots off as more orcs burst from the brush. Two more orcs fell, but there were too many of them. The bowmen dropped their bows and tried to get their swords out but the last two orcs got to them too quickly. Both men fell dead, their chest's opened up by the orc's swords.

On the ground, Serin wrestled with the brute that had knocked her down. It brought a knife down, fast and hard at her head. She barely managed to dodge to the side. She grab at his wrist and the two fought for control of the blade.

Vert called out to Serin, "There are too many of them!" He parried another attack and skittered to one side as another orc joined the one attacking him. It was just him and Sgt Serin left, he thought.

Serin groaned against the weight and strength of the orc. She could smell his disgusting odor and it made her want to gag. She did not have time to think about it though, fighting for her life with the angry brute. A loud sickening thunk sounded above her and the orc's eyes rolled into the back of its head. Alethra stood over Serin, holding a bloody rock.

Serin yelled, "Look out!" Alethra lept forward over Serin, the orc coming up behind her caught nothing but air with its sword swipe. Serin hefted the unconscious orc off of her and grabbed his knife. She spin it in her grasp and flung it at the oncoming orc. The knife buried in its throat. The orc sunk to its knees then crumpled to the ground, blood gurgling from its mouth.

Vert parried as fast as he could, but the two orcs were moving to flank him. Once they did, he knew he would be dead. He moved to keep a tree between him and one attacker. That successful he lashed out at the other orc after parrying another attack. His blade sunk into the orcs shoulder, but did not penetrate enough to take the orc down. It howled in pain and stumbled back while its companion darted to try and take advantage of Vert's over extension. Its blade swung down hard. The blow severed Vert's wrist, his hand and sword fell to the ground with a soft thump. Vert screamed and stumbled back, his free hand gripping the end of his bloody wrist.

The two orcs move forward, slower, almost cocky. The wounded one raised its sword to deliver a final blow. With a soft meaty thunk an arrow stabbed through its elbow. The orc screamed and dropped its sword. Another arrow seemed to sprout from the side of its head. The orc fell dead at Vert's feet. Serin pulled another arrow out of her quiver.

The other orc spun on her and howled out its rage, charging at her. She held her ground and nocked another arrow. Instead of aiming at its chest or head, she let the arrow fly when her bow was still aimed low. The arrow ripped through the orc's knee, sending it sprawling to the ground in front of her. She buried a second arrow in its chest, pinning it to the ground. When it tried to continue to get up, she buried a third arrow in its head. It finally stopped moving.

Alethra was already wrapping the scarf she had worn around Vert's wrist when Serin got there. Alethra did not even need to be asked, "He is going to live for now, but if we don't get him some healing soon, he will bleed to death out here," the priestess informed Serin.

"We are still half a day from Dagger Falls, if we are lucky."

"He won't make it that far."

"Can you do anything more for him?" Serin knew the answer.

"I've done all I can without calling on Bane's aid." Alethra smiled up at Serin. One of the other militia men groaned, there were others still alive, but they too would die soon without Alethra's aid.

"Why should I trust you? You'll betray us the moment you can. Besides I do not have a holy symbol of your god handy."
Alethra pointed to the Banesword strapped to Serin's back. "That will do. But I will only help you if you let me go afterwards. I give you my word that I will not attack you or your men this day. I will help you out of this valley, then I will head north, returning to my home, with the sword."

Serin growled in frustration. "Fine. Bargained well and done. Now heal him!" She pulled the sword carefully from her back and tossed it to Alethra's feet. She quickly nocked an arrow and muttered, "One false move and I will put an arrow through your head." She leveled the bow at Alethra as the priestess picked up the sword and smiled. She unwrapped it, revealing the symbol to Bane on its hilt. She intoned a dark prayer and put the severed hand up to the bloody wrist. Muscles shot from bloody stump, attached to the hand and drew it back in. Vert screamed in pain and passed out. Serin pulled back the string and prepared to loose.

"Bane's healing is not all light and harp music, Sgt! Interrupt me now and he WILL die." The priestess kept going, the skin of his hand seemed to crawl forward to cover the wound, till finally nothing of the wound remained. Vert's face went from an expression of pain to no expression at all. "Almost finished... " She cast one more spell of some sort and Vert seemed to sleep gently finally. Alethra stood and looked at Serin. Serin still had the bowstring pulled back. The hatred in her eyes was so deep Alethra could not help but smile. She walked half a step forward, placing her chest an inch from the end of the arrow. "I have others to attend to Sgt. So either break your word and kill me or lower the bow and get out of my way."

Serin lowered the bow and frowned. She regarded Alethra for a few moments then nodded. "Fine..." She would have to release the priestess now. She had given her word, and the priestess had kept her part of the bargain. Serin hoped that the Heroes of Tethyamar would forgive her. She looked at the fallen comrades around her. Most of them were dead. The few that lived were hurt badly. All because she wanted to be the one to find the over mountain route. She had been a fool, she thought.

As the few survivors gathered themselves for the rest of the journey, Serin determined that when she made it back to Dagger Falls she would resign the militia. Maybe King Tethyamar would find it in his heart to forgive her, but she knew she was not fit to lead people. Maybe he had a place for her in his new kingdom.

 

[Wraithdrit]

Session 9 - Log 1

Durgaden took several minutes to get out of his gear and wipe down his armor, shield and weaponry, making sure that rust would not settle in. In the meantime, Tanerus had dropped his magical bag, lightening his load enough that he was able to swim better. He dived into the water and began to swim around, looking to see if the elemental had left and victim’s corpses intact.

The swimming was not as easy as Tanerus had anticipated. The bottom of the basin seemed to glow and water was flowing in from an opening there. Tanerus tried to swim closer to the opening, but the out flowing water kept pushing him back up. He bobbed back up the surface and swam over to examine the now underwater dock and the other underwater exit from the room. It was obvious that the water level here used to be much lower, at the level of the dock. But something had caused the water level to rise dramatically, cutting off the lower exit from the room. The tunnel led off to the southeast, leaving the massive chamber near the dock. It sloped downward, and as Tanerus got closer he could tell that if he continued forward he would probably be swept into the tunnel and out of the room.

He turned and swam back toward the dock, noticing that a small skiff was tucked under the dock and tied to one of the dock’s posts. He cut it loose and shoved it from beneath the dock.

Above the party watched the halfling swim to and fro. Durgaden looked quizzically at the skiff when it popped up out of the water. “What on earth is that?”

Amador looked at Durgaden with a smirk, “It’s called a boat.”

Durgaden frowned. “I know that. Where’s it gonna go? There are no ways out.”

Tanerus clambered into the boat and rowed over to beneath the rest of his companions, “Climb on down. We can use the boat to get over to the stairs, that way you guys don’t have to try and jump the part of the bridge that is out.”

Will nodded, “Works for me.” The group slid down the rope and into the boat. When they got to the stairs, Tanerus drove a spike into the stone and tied the boat off. The group began the long climb up the steps. They passed through the exit into a long tunnel of stairs that led upward into darkness. Farther and farther up they went. Step after step the group drudged upward, wondering if the steps would ever end.

Will commented between breaths, “Steps are uneven, its for better defense, hard to run up them.”

Durgaden growled, also half out of breath, “They ain’t dwarven built.”

Will shook his head, “No… they are Netherese.”

Amador nodded, “The dwarves must have taken advantage of this place already existing.”

Tanerus called a halt, “The stairs open up ahead.” He went ahead to scout, then came back after a few moments. “Spiral stairs now…”

Amador groaned, “More stairs? May Corellian strike down whomever thought of these stairs.”

Durgaden grunted, “Seems pretty solid idea for defense… let someone try to raid this place from the Underdark.”

Tanerus coughed lightly, getting everyone’s attention, then continued. “Stairs spiral out around the column of up flowing water.”

Will nodded, “The enchantment that causes that water to raise has got to be on the magnitude of Elven High Magic.”

Amador whistled, “Similar to Mythals? That is some enchantment. Takes multiple high mages to cast.”

Tanerus cut back in. “The water is not flowing up as much as it used to. There is smoothing in the stone around the center of the stairs. The water doesn’t reach that point, so couldn’t cause it now… the water column used to be thicker.”

Will smiled, “And thus the higher water level below.”

Tanerus nodded, “That was my thought.” The group continued forward till Tanerus called another stop. The rest of the group joined him at a certain step. The halfling pointed the beam of his hooded lantern at a step a few steps up. “See the crack in the railing?”

Durgaden frowned, “What cra-… oh, yeah, I see it now. A trap?”

Tanerus nodded, “Aye. The railing drops away, then the floor, in sections.” He followed the curve of the stairs with his lantern all the way around to directly above them. “All of this above us would pivot down. I’d make a huge spiral right into the pit.”

Durgaden looked over the edge of the railing. Far below he knew there was a lake, but it was well out of sight. “Impressive trap.”

Will nodded, “Don’t think the water would break your fall either. From this high, it would be like landing on stone.”

Tanerus pulled forth a set of tools and began pounding spikes into the cracks in several places. “This won’t hold it long, but might hold it for a few moments, and it certainly won’t hold a lot of weight.”

Durgaden growled, “There must be a mechanism to stop it.”

Will shook his head, “Not on this side.”

Amador nodded, “Guards would be posted above at all times, so you would just need to call to them… mechanism must be up there.”

Tanerus looked at the wall, took a breath or two, let one out and grabbed a hold of the rock. He began to slide along the wall slowly, carefully climbing along. He was about halfway around the spiral when a hand hold he chose flaked off beneath his fingers. He cursed softly as he fell back. His fingers scraped off the rock, unable to find another purchase.

His foot landed solidly on the stone, a foot and a half from the wall. Beneath him there was a load click followed by several louder clicks that spiraled down to the beginning of the trap.

The rest of the group saw the first section of the trap start to pivot toward the center, till the spikes were reached. The heavy stone sections of stairs and railings leaned hard on the spikes. The metal of the spikes groaned, bits of stone flaked from around them.

Tanerus wasted no time. He knew the trap was heavy enough to rip through his spikes soon enough. He looked at the wall, thought of trying to climb back up it, but decided that his best bet was to just run. He took the steps as fast as he could bolting upward.

Below the first spike gave. The railing pivoted out, locking into place. The second and third spikes gave with the sound of rending metal ringing up the spiral staircase. The rest of the party held their breath as section after section of railing started to pivot away, followed by section after section of stairs. Tanerus ran, and ran, curving around the spiral staircase. Beside him he saw the railing pivoting away. He knew the floor would be just behind it. At the last possible moment, he leapt, the floor falling away beneath him. He landed on solid stairs, but his hands scraped against smooth stone, his legs dangled loose beneath him.

Amador winced and half turned away, he knew he couldn’t help, and he didn’t want to see Tanerus fall helplessly to his death.

Will whispered softly under his breath. “Come on Tanerus…”

Durgaden took a half step forward. He would never reach the falling halfling, but he could not just stand and watch him fall.

Tanerus’ could not get a grip on the steps. He started to slip backward, then his hand finally found the first solid section of railing. His fingers hooked the stone and he pulled as hard as he could. At last he scrambled up onto a small landing. He panted, lying on his back, his eyes closed. His heart pounded in his chest.

Durgaden called up to him. “You alright?”

Tanerus huffed gently and sat up and turned to look down at them, “Yeah, fine. No problem.” His eyes turned to focus down the shaft past the column of water. They had been climbing steps for an hour at least. He knew if he had failed, he would be dead. He swallowed and stood, examining the landing. There was a door ahead of him. He pulled his tools out and started to examine the door.

Below the halfling Durgaden turned to Will. “Impressive trap. We need to get the boys to build one of those in the mines.” He beamed, the danger to Tanerus forgotten now that the halfling was all right.

Will just shook his head in amazement. He was shocked that they group had gotten this far. After all the dangers they had faced, not a single member of their crew had died.

If only he had known that it was not to last…

 

[Wraithdrit]

Session 9 - Log 2

Tanerus called down from above, “There is a door here… might hold a way to reset the trap.” He examined the door closely and determined it was not trapped. He opened it and gasped softly at the sight before him. Ancient corpses lay scattered about a small room. All were in a state of advanced decomposition, all except one. On the far wall was pinned a single figure. Four arrows pierced its body in various places. One pierced its left arm, one pierced its right arm, one pierced its left shoulder, and one pierced the figure in the stomach.

The figure seemed to have not decomposed at all. Tanerus immediately brought up his sword and kept it at the ready, not trusting the situation at all. He noticed that the figure was wearing full plate armor, and though it had a helmet on, the helmets faceplate was open. The creature’s skin was a dusky gray. It was not the gray of decay, but a skin color that Tanerus had never seen before. The figure still had the rest of its gear as well. A cloak was clasped around its neck, a shield strapped to one, a bag tied to its belt and a bastard sword was still clasped in his hand.

Tanerus glanced around the rest of the room and noticed in the close right hand corner there was a massive stone box with a large level built into it. The lever was covered in cobwebs, but the cobwebs dangled loosely from the lever, not attached to the wall like Tanerus was expecting. It could only mean the lever had been moved recently. Tanerus called over his shoulder, “There is a lever up here, stand clear!”

He glanced back at the still figure and started as he thought he saw the figures eyes move. Quickly he shoved the lever back to its previous position, and then noticed a small locking lever so he slid it in place.

Below in the stairwell the stairs slowly reset to their original position. When everything was back to its proper position Tanerus called down, “It should be safe!”

Durgaden frowned and muttered, “Should be?” He tentatively stepped forward then leapt back. Nothing happened so he repeated the test a few times till he stood firmly on the staircase.

Will smiled, “Guess he figured it out.” The group quickly went up the stairs to the small landing that led to the door. When the others saw the figure they all seemed a bit worried.

Amador frowned, “I do not like the look of it.”

Will cast a quick spell, “There is magic. Lots of it. His sword, his armor, a ring… but those arrows, they are all magical. They have put some sort of enchantment over him… I think it’s a stasis field of some sort.”

Durgaden walked up and poked at the figure in the chest with the end of his axe. “What is it?”

Will shrugged, “Some form of outsider I would say.”

Durgaden frowned at it. “Looks part elf… maybe a half drow?”

Will nodded, “Seems right. But with something else mixed in.”

Amador had heard enough. “Kill it.”

Tanerus lifted an eyebrow and looked at Amador quizzically. “We don’t even know whose side he is on.”

Amador growled, “Its drow, what does it matter.”

Tanerus corrected, “Part drow.”

Durgaden frowned, “Well lets just relieve him of this…” He reached down and started to try and tug the sword from the figures grasp.

Will quickly hissed, “Stop! Every time you disturb it, the enchantment weakens.”

Durgaden left the sword alone and grabbed the shield arm instead, “Lets at least have a look at his shield.” He swung the shield forward, bending the arm at the elbow. The front of the shield was painted to show a beautiful naked female drow dancing in front of a full moon, holding a bastard sword. Her hair flowed down around her to cover various parts of her.

Amador frowned. “Eilistraee, Goddes of the Dance. One of the few… ‘good’ drow gods.”

Will seemed surprised. “Good drow? So she opposes Lolth. Could be useful.”

Tanerus took a few steps back, “Lets just leave it be.”

Will shook his head, “We need all the help we can get.”

Durgaden looked back at the part drow and reached for the sword again. “Well he ain’t wakin’ up with that in his hand.” He started tugging on the sword again.

Will frowned, “Pull out the arrows… the arrows.” He was not about to get close to it. He glanced nervously up and down the steps.

Durgaden sighed and ripped three of the arrows out. Each arrow seemed to disintegrate when it was pulled out. There was only one left. “I ain’t wakin’ ‘im with a sword in his hand.” He grabbed the sword, planted a foot the arm and yanked hard. The sword popped from the gauntleted hand and the last arrow shattered into dust. The figure groaned and fell forward, landing with a dull thump on the floor. The arrow wounds oozed blood.

Slowly the figure stirred. Durgaden growled at it from where he stood above him. “What are you?”

Slowly the figure shifted to a seated position. “I’m a … paladin… of m’lady, Eilistraee.” He brought his free hand slowly up and touched his chest. The hand glowed and a few of his wounds began to close. The pain in his eyes receded. “Pray tell, what year is it?” His accent was strange to say the least.

Durgaden frowned, “1372. How long you been hanging on that wall?”

The half-drow looked up at the dwarf, “Couple hundred years it would seem.” He opened and closed his mouth, trying to swallow away two hundred years of cottonmouth. His limbs were heavy, but the strength was gaining in them slowly. “And who are you?”

Durgaden stood a little taller, “Durgaden Alepounder Tethyamar. And ye?”

The figure blinked at the word Tethyamar, “I am called Mytrym. So the kingdom did not fall?”

Durgaden shook his head, “It fell alright, but we have taken it back over. My companions and I. We are hunting drow that stole from the ruins of the kingdom. You know anything about them?”

Mytrym smiled, “I know a bit about them. I was here looking into whether or not they were aiding the horde in the attacks on Tethyamar. Last thing I remember was a fey’ri wench leading a pair of archers and a mob of goblins against me. The goblins were no problem, but the archers arrows, as you can see… were enchanted.”

Will frowned, “She didn’t happen to have long black hair, small horns, bat wings and wear lots of red and purple.”

Mytrym frowned, “Aye she did… you know her?”

Tanerus growled, “Ah bugger it all, that’s Tursa. We let her get away.” Tanerus quickly explained their encounters with Tursa.

Mytrym continued to frown, he knew the name, but his memory was hazy. “I think that was her name, I must have… known her from before the battle as well. Yes, I seem to remember I knew her, but I don’t know how.”

Durgaden thought a moment. “We could use your help, Mytrym. We are going after some drow that is collecting items from different places. They already have a gnome crystal, a dwarven axe, and elven circlet.”

Mytrym frowned, “The drow are collecting items from various races? This is not good. Not good at all. Yes. I will help you. Maybe I can run into this... Tursa again with you as well.”

 

[Wraithdrit]

Session 9 - Log 3

The Aerie
Harvestide, 1372


The small group once again ascended high up into the mountain. The steps once again stopped in a small landing, a doorway opening to a long hallway ahead of them. Durgaden noted, “I feel the air moving and a chill. We are near an opening of some sort.”

The group moved cautiously in, Tanerus in the lead as usual. The halfling stopped at side doorway, glancing into a small chamber. “Lots of old tackle here.” Ancient large saddles, bridles, bits, and harnesses lined the walls. The leather was old and cracked, not having been taken care of in a couple hundred years. All the metal parts were rusting away and the group quickly decided to move on.

The hallway ended abruptly in another open doorway, but this one was mostly blocked. The door stood wide open, but a massive stone slab had been leaned against the door from the other side. There was enough space around the edges that air flowed through, but not even Tanerus could squeeze through. He checked quickly to make sure the slab was not rigged then moved out of the way.

Durgaden and Mytrym stepped up and threw their shoulders against the slab. Their boots scraped along the stone, trying to find purchase. Finally the slab shifted and fell forward with a massive thud.

A blast of cold air blew past the group as they stood looking in awe at the massive cavern in front of them. To the left side water flowed down into a basin and then flowed back out down a drain. To the right and ahead the cavern opened up.

Cautiously the group began moving forward, fanning out to see what they could find. Tanerus shifted to the right and stopped. Snow spilled out of the massive side cavern. The place was huge, and the even the side cavern could only barely be seen into with the light sources the group was using.

Tanerus leaned down and looked at the snow. “What’s snow doing inside?” he muttered softly to himself. His question was never answered. In the middle of the cavern between Durgaden and Mytrym fog started billowing into existence. The fog grew unnaturally fast, filling most of the massive chamber.

Durgaden growled, “I can’t see a thing!”

Mytrym had put his sword away in favor of his bow in the large cavern. He raised it and scanned the fog around him for assailants. He could not sense any evil nearby, but he had a bad feeling about this whole thing. “This was the griffon cavern back when I came through. We landed down ahead of us.” He quietly called upon the divinity of his lady Eilistraee. He felt her favor wash over him, strengthening his muscles.

Tanerus backed up, away from the snowy section of cavern. He cocked his head to one side, listening. Will was casting something. But beyond that there was something else, something he could not quite discern.

Amador shifted to one side. “I don’t like this… I don’t like this at all.”

Will’s spell finished and the fog began to recede as quickly as it formed. Then they all heard it, massive quick steps, the crunching of snow, into the light from the snowy section of the cavern charged a massive dragon.

The thing screamed out its anger at the intrusion, and halfway through the scream the pitch shifted and with the sound came blowing ice and snow as the dragon breathed its deadly breath weapon in a huge cone that covered Tanerus, Durgaden, Mytrym and Amador.

Tanerus threw himself to one side, barely managing to escape the blast completely. Durgaden, Mytrym and Amador shielded themselves as best they could.

Amador reacted first. Before the blast of cold was even ended he raised his hands and called upon the might of his deity. A huge column of flame erupted around the dragon, bathing it in fire. The creature cried out in pain, its head whipping side to side.

Mytrm raised his bow, muttering another prayer to Eilistraee. The arrow glowed with the power of his goddess and he released. The arrow slammed into the beast’s breast, penetrating deeply.

Will could not see the beast yet, but he knew well enough what was happening. He opened the Book of Eternal Flame and flipped to a marked page. He began reciting the incantation for a fireball, reading the extra words from the pages of the book, strengthening the spell. It cost him time though. Normally the spell would already have been released to streak toward its target. Will held it back though, using the books knowledge to grow the spell stronger.

Durgaden lowered his head and charged forward. He swung his axe in a wide arc and slammed it into one of the beast’s legs. But the blade did not bite. It bounced harmlessly off the outer scales of the dragon’s thick hide.

Tanerus lifted the hood of his cloak and slipped into hiding. He moved slowly towards the dragon’s flank, examining its side, hoping he could find a weak spot in the hide.

The dragon recovered from the flame strike and was not about to be out maneuvered. It reared up and lashed out at both Durgaden and Tanerus. Apparently it could see right through the halfling’s enchanted cloak. The dragon was unnaturally fast, striking out with claws, a bite, its wings and its tail. Durgaden and Tanerus were both battered, but both held their ground for now.

Amador called upon the power of Corellian again, this time he ripped open a blast of holy energy across the beast. Again it roared in pain and surprise. Mytrym threw his bow to the side and charged forward, pulling forth his sword. Tanerus weathered the mighty blows of the dragon and lashed out with his short sword. He found a small hole in the scales and drove the sword deep into the beast’s side. Durgaden could not find a good spot for his axe to bite though; again and again it bounced off the dragon’s thick scales.

Then fire exploded above them all, enveloping the dragon’s head in bright flames. The dragon reared back in shock and anger. Its head was blackened, its bluish white scales marred by the intense fire. A few of the horns atop its head had been blasted off by the shock of the blast. The creature was definitely hurting now, but not out of the fight by a long shot. It launched itself into the air. Durgaden’s axe found a small hole as the creature crouched to leap and he capitalized on it, opening up the dragon’s side as it leapt into the air.

The dragon flew forward and then toward the far side of the cavern. It spun and beat its massive wings to stay aloft, turning to stare at the young wizard that had cast the so very painful fireball at him. The dragon belched forth another cone of wintry death. The shards of ice and blast of cold slammed into Will. The wizard stumbled back and nearly dropped the book when his hands went numb with the cold. The blast also caught Amador. The priest stumbled to against one wall, using the wall for support as the blast washed over him.

All the elf could think about when the blast ended was the pain he was feeling. He called upon his deity, healing himself of some of the many wounds the ice had ripped open.

Mytrym watched the dragon streak overhead. He was not about to let the beast get away. He turned and leapt into the air after the creature. His cloak whipped out around him, turning from fine cloth to a massive set of wings. He flew after the dragon. As he did he called upon his lady, a glow of warmth flowed over him, closing a few of his wounds.

Durgaden cursed as the dragon fled from him. He gave chase, his short legs pumping, his magic boots propelling him forward with each step. He pulled out a hand axe as he bounded forward and threw weapon at the hovering beast. It hit the currents of air the dragon’s wings were causing and deflected harmlessly to one side.

Will shook off the effects of the cold and closed the book, letting it fall to his side. The book was connected to his belt by a leather tether. He fell into the practiced movements of another fireball. The small pea shaped flame rocketed toward the dragon and exploded in mid air around it. But this time the spell seemed to just bleed off the dragon’s scales. Its innate resistance to magic had finally protected the creature.

Tanerus slid to a corner where he could see the dragon but have plenty of cover. He pulled out a wand of fireballs. Will gave him the wand after the fight with the water elemental. He pointed the wand at the dragon and called out the command word. Nothing happened. His mind raced through the methods Will had explained. He must have missed one of the syllables of the complex command word.

The dragon was not about to face Mytrym in the air. It rocketed away from him, turning and flying into the darkness of a massive tunnel ahead. The paladin landed and quickly uncorked a potion. Durgaden, Will and Tanerus all did the same. Amador healed himself as well. Several tense moments went by.

Amador slipped into the dragon’s lair, looking for something that might help them in the fight. He cast a light spell so he could see. His heart sunk. There in front of him were all manner of coins, a few weapons, some armor. It was all covered in a thick layer of ice. There was no way it would aid them in this fight.

Durgaden and Mytrym both continued to drink potions, healing themselves of several of their wounds. They watched the cavern opening, waiting to see if the creature planned to return. Will moved up, casting a shield spell up in front of him, just in case the dragon got too close. Durgaden pulled his crossbow out and loaded a bolt. Mytrym retrieved his bow and stowed it away.

Durgaden suddenly called out, “Its back!” His dwarven site saw the thing just before the others did. It charged out of the cavern ahead and stopped, its jaws snapped open and it breathed once more. Will was blasted nearly off his feet. Durgaden and Mytrym weathered the blasts and charged forward. Durgaden stopped just long enough to raise the crossbow and release the bolt. It skipped harmlessly off the beast. Mytrym reached the dragon and slammed his bastard sword forward, but he too could not find a good purchase between the scales and the blade bounced off harmlessly.

Tanerus once again tried using the wand. This time it succeeded. A small ball of fire flew forward and exploded behind the dragon. It roared in pain but ignored the small halfling in favor of the two warriors in front of it. Amador released a pair of arrows from his bow. One of the magic arrows sunk into the dragon’s neck, the other flew wide.

Will backed off, hoping he was out of range of the dangerous breath. He looked up at the ceiling and smiled as he cast his next spell. A huge chunk of the cavern’s ceiling softened and turned to mud. The massive rain of mud crashed down on the dragon, slamming into it. Will chuckled, “Resist that…”

The dragon stumbled in the mud and then shifted to one side. It looked down at Durgaden and Mytrym and opened its mouth, breathing out its deadly breath yet again. Durgaden reeled from the pain, but stood his ground. Mytrym dropped to one knee, but quickly stood back up. Both warriors could barely stand. If they did not stand though, the beast was sure to launch into the rest of their companions. The fight would be short lived then.

Durgaden’s weakened arm hefted his axe up. He held his shield ahead of him and set his jaw so as his teeth would not chatter in the cold. He could feel that his breastplate was frozen to him in places. His limbs did not want to move, but he was not going to go down without a fight. Ice hung from his beard. He opened his mouth and yelled, “For Tethyamar!” He leapt forward and buried his axe in the beast’s chest. Blood arched from the wound and the dragon stumbled. Its head whipped around, its scarred and burned eyes focused on the dwarf.

Mytrym leapt into the air, his wings billowing out again. The dragon’s head launched down toward Durgaden, but Mytrym got in the way. He slammed his bastard sword into the creatures muzzle, knocking its head to the side, but not really hurting it.

Tanerus loosed another fireball from the wand. It exploded behind the dragon, enveloping its back half in flames yet again. The creature roared out in pain, shifting its weight side to side, trying to escape the flames. Durgaden’s axe came loose and the dwarf stumbled back a little. The dragon turned towards the dwarf a bit more, turning its flank to flying Mytrym.

Mytrym was in pain. His armor was covered in flecks of ice. The blood of his ancestors usually kept him from feeling pain from fire or ice. But the dragon’s breath weapon had taken a toll on him. The old arrow wounds ached, and every movement was difficult. He knew he had to stop the beast here though. If it made it to Will, Tanerus, or Amador, his new companions would be dead. He saw the dragon shifting, brought his shield up, trying to defend himself.

Durgaden saw the dragon rear up, he too held his shield high, trying to block the dragon’s blows. A wing shot forward and slammed into Durgaden from the side. He cried out in pain, stumbled and fell to his knees on the ground. The other wing slammed into Mytrym, sending him spiraling toward the ground.

The paladin landed with a sickening crunch. He managed to half stand when the dragon’s tail whipped forward and took him off his feet. He landed a few feet from Durgaden. The dwarf started to lift his head. The paladin did not move.

Will thought the dragon almost looked like a rearing horse. Its front paws clawed at the air above his too prone companions. He searched his mind for a spell, but nothing he could think of would be able to save them.

Amador ran forward, stopping to begin casting a spell. It was a long spell though, designed to summon aid from another plane. He watched in horror as the dragon came down.

Tanerus could feel the wand heating back up in his hand. He pulled it back, began reciting the words necessary to belch forth another fireball. He knew he was too late.

The dragon’s front paws came crashing to the ground. The cavern shook from the shock of it. One paw slammed down on Durgaden. Will saw the dwarf crushed beneath the massive weight. A claw pierce one leg, another his back, and one had gone straight through his head.

The other paw crushed Mytrym. The paladin lay on his back beneath the massive paw. Claws pierced his neck, chest and thigh. His eyes stared lifeless up at the dragon.

Tanerus finally felt the fireball rip from the wand. It exploded around the dragon’s head. The beast’s back legs stumbled, its eyes blinked one last time, then it collapsed back, its massive head fell to the ground resting between the bodies of Durgaden and Mytrym. With one last huff the dragon’s eyes also glazed over in death.

The three remaining companions ran forward. Amador was able to lift the massive paw from Durgaden. He rolled the dwarf out from under it and then fell to his knees when he saw the stare of death in the dwarf’s eyes.

Tanerus ran up to the paw that had fallen on Mytrym, but when he got there, he saw the paladin was staring up at the ceiling, dead. The halfling sighed and shook his head.

Will stopped a ways away and stood in shock. He stared at the massive majestic creature that lay dead and then shifted his gaze between his two dead companions. It had finally happened. He knew sooner or later one of them would fall. He could not bear to look on the scene of death before him. He turned and walked away.

 

[Wraithdrit]

Session 9

Will remained quiet all throughout the night. He did spend some time using a well-placed wall of fire to melt through the ice on the dragon’s hoard, dispelling it the moment the ice was thawed. He also took some time to extract a few of the more intact teeth and claws from the dragon’s corpse.

Amador spent the night in prayer over the bodies of his two fallen comrades. He had laid both bodies out in comfortable positions and anointed both bodies with holy oils and sprinklings of blessed seeds from the deep forest. All night he prayed to Corellan to allow his friends either an entrance back to the physical realm from the great gray plane, or at least some measure of peace in whatever afterlife they found themselves in. He was not quite sure where Mytrym’s soul would end up, but the half-drow had at least shown he was courageous and willing to stand with him and his companions even against the direst of threats.

Tanerus spent the night sitting quietly by the small pool in the corner of the dragon’s lair. The sound of the water was enough to drown out the prayers Amador softly intoned. It was not that Tanerus minded the prayers, but they reminded him of what had occurred and the last thing he wanted right now was to think about the loss. Amador was strong, and Tanerus knew that in a few short hours both companions might be standing once again. Idly the halfling picked up stones off the cavern floor and tossed them into the water. The rest was welcome, even if the circumstances were not.

Morning finally came and Amador prayed for another hour, feeling the powers of his god flowing gently into him. He finally stopped and moved to kneel next to Durgaden. He started the ritual that would return the king to life. He prayed long and hard, pleading with his god to guide Durgaden back. Finally his prayers trailed away. He swung his head to one side looking to Tanerus and Will.

They could see the despair on the elf’s face. “I’m sorry my friends. His soul is content in the afterlife… Durgaden Alepounder Tethyamar is truly and forever dead.” He swallowed the lump in his throat and turned to Mytrym’s corpse.

Will turned and walked away. His right hand held the Book of Eternal Flames tightly. He had what he wanted. He finally had it. But what was the cost? Had it truly been worth it in the end? Sure the book contained rituals and spells he had never even dreamed of. It also had new ways of making his existing spells more powerful. Durgaden was dead though. He was the King of Tethyamar. Now that he was gone, what would become of the fledgling nation? Will had hopes of seeing Tethyamar grow and become strong. His family could create a wonderful link between the dwarven kingdom and Dagger Falls. Now there was a good chance none of it would happen. Would the Durgaden’s dream of Tethyamar fall with him?

Tanerus sat down beside Durgaden’s body. The halfling reached up and tucked a lock of hair behind his ear, nervously fidgeting, not knowing what to say or what to think. He had seen death many times. Companions had died in his arms, but nothing had prepared him for this. In just eight short days, this group had someone managed to come together against all odds and free Tethyamar from ancient evils and the blight of the Zhentarim. But now Durgaden was dead, and Tanerus was no closer to find the gnome’s treasure than he had been when he lost it. It was out always just out of his reach.

A loud cough interrupted Tanerus and Will’s thoughts. They turned to see Mytrym sitting up. He was coughing up blood, blinking repeatedly and leaning heavily on Amador. Amador supported the half-breed’s weight, and then offered him a sip of water. “Easy Mytrym, the return from death can be a rough one. Sip this slowly.” Mytrym’s hands shook as he took hold of the water skin. He was a strange color naturally, but even that seemed pale now. Amador spoke soft words to Corellon. His hands glowed softly and poured healing energy into the drained paladin.

Slowly the color returned to Mytrym’s features. He set aside the water skin and laid his own hands upon his partially healed wounds and aided Amador in healing them. He looked to Durgaden then to the others. He looked confused a moment, then the realization hit him. “He stayed in the afterlife.” He bit his lower lip then nodded slowly. “I’m truly sorry my friends. I know he meant a lot to you.”

The companions had nothing to say. Finally Will broke the silence, “We should return his body to Tethyamar. We will take as much of this as we can.” He motioned to the dragon horde.

With that the group set about loading up what they could. A liter was made for Durgaden, and the companions took turns carrying either end. The trip was slow and arduous, but soon enough the great underground gate of Tethyamar loomed ahead. Tanerus looked at the others, “I’ll go ahead and warn them… give me a few minutes.”

Tanerus returned a few minutes later, followed by a small group of dwarves. Chamberlain Stoutbeard led the small group. His face was a bit pale, but his jaw had a determined set to it. The dwarves took over the carrying of the liter and chanted ancient dwarven songs as they carried their dead king into Tethyamar.

Later that day Gregor summoned Amador. “We have a problem. The King died without naming any heirs. We need you to call upon his spirit.”

Amador informed Gregor, “I know you worry about the kingdom, but don’t you think Durgaden went through enough? Leave his spirit at rest.”

Gregor shook his head, “I can’t damn it. Without a named heir this place will fall apart. You have got to contact him!”

Amador nodded holding his hands up in surrender, “Alright, I’ll do it, but just once. Make sure you know everything you need to ask of him before I do so.”

Gregor nodded, “We just need to know who he wants to rule Tethyamar and what to do with his things. Oh, and then there is the book…”

Amador nodded. Ever since they returned from the dragon’s horde Will had locked himself away in his room. He had come out only a couple of times, and each time he carried the book with him wherever he went. Will was even quieter now than he had been before Durgaden’s death.

Amador and Gregor went to Durgaden’s body and Amador intoned the proper prayers to his deity. He spoke for a few minutes with the spirit then turned to Gregor to relate what he had learned. “The King’s wishes were easy enough to discern. You are to be crowned King. His possessions are to be used to aid the kingdom. In this case he wants anything we can use to help track down and stop the collector to be used as such. Anything else he wants turned over to you. The book can remain in Will’s possession as long as he serves Tethyamar. If he ever leaves the service of the kingdom, Durgaden wants the book to remain.”

Gregor nodded, “So be it.”

By the afternoon everyone had heard the news. The companions had gone through Durgaden’s things with Gregor, pulling out those items they thought they could use. The rest Gregor took for storage in the kingdom’s armory. Finally Durgaden’s body was laid to rest during a small ceremony led by Amador. He did not know much about dwarven tradition, but he followed the guidance he had received by Gregor as well as what could remember from his own teaching on dwarven customs and culture.

Mytrym found Gregor in what he become the king’s study. “Your liege… can I have a moment?”

Gregor looked up at the newcomer and nodded, “Of course…Mytrym right? What is it?” He had heard of how Mytrym had fought side by side with his king, and was willing to trust the half-breed till he proved that the trust was not warranted.

Mytrym set a large bag on the desk. “I want this returned to you. It’s my share of the findings in the dragon’s lair. I think you and your people could benefit from it far more than I could.”

Gregor looked in the bag and was a bit shocked. “This is a lot of money. Are you sure? We can certainly use it, but won’t you need some?”

Mytrym shook his head, “I trust Eilistraee to provide for me. It is yours. Thank you for your time.” The paladin bowed, turned and walked out, leaving Gregor stunned and not really knowing what to think.

A couple of hours later Will walked in on where Amador, Mytrym and Tanerus were discussing their next step. Amador looked up at Will, “Ah, there you are Will… we were thinking that in the morning we would return to finish clearing out the Aerie. That way Gregor could have it staffed soon and we would have a waypoint between here and the next step of our trip into the Underdark. What do you think?”

Will looked at each one of them, and then spoke softly but clearly. “I’m not going with you. I’ve decided to stay in Tethyamar.”