4709 Sarenith 19th Xin-Shalast

very early AM
Svevenka guides the pcs to the edge of Xin-Shalast. The pcs find that their rune weapons and sihedron items allow them to bypass Xin-Shalast's defensive barrier known as the Occluding Field.


Sunrise
Svevenka leaves the pcs on the outskirts of Xin-Shalast. As soon as Svevenka least a strange fleshy chameleon-like humanoid named Morgiv begins ranting about Andrian as being the prophesied "chosen one" who will defeat something called the "Hidden Beast" and will lead his people the "Spared" out of the darkness and into the light. Andrian agrees to help.

PM
Morgive leads the pcs to his people and a feast is held in honor of the Chosen One and his companions.

very late PM
The pcs sleep under the protection of the Spared.

4709 Sarenith 18th somewhere in the mountains

AM to PM
The pcs wait for night fall and the full moon.

Late PM to AM the next day
Svevenka shows the pcs how to use the light of the full moon to see the hidden road to Xin-Shalast. The road exists partially on the plane of Leng and can only be seen by moonlight. The pcs then travel to Xin Shalast.

4709 Sarenith 17th somewhere in the mountains

The pcs rest in a cave provided by Svevenka while they wait for the full moon.

4709 Sarenith 14th-16th somewhere in the mountains

The ghost of Silas Vekker leads the pcs through the mountains. On the afternoon of the 16th the pcs meet a fey winter spirit by the name of Svevenka. Brunt gives her an adamantine dagger and she agrees to guide them to Xin-Shalast. She says that this requires a full moon and so the pcs must wait until the next full moon in two days.

4709 Sarenith 12th somewhere in the mountains

Late AM to Early PM
The pcs track down the ghost of the dwarf Karivek Vekker and a battle ensues. The pcs quickly defeat the lone spirit.

Just as the pcs are about to return the body of Karivek Vekker to his brother Silas a strange demon creature that keeps repeating "wendigo" attacks the pcs.


In the cramped quarters of the cabin the beast has no chance and is quickly slain. Unknown to the pcs is that a wendigo is attracted to any instance of cannibalism because the feed on the cruelty and guilt as well as flesh. This particular wendigo was responsible for the blizzard that trapped the pcs and the blizzard that led to the cannibalistic destruction of the Vekker expedition.

The pcs finally give Karivek's body back to his ghost brother Silas and the two reconcile releasing Karivek's trapped spirit. Silas agrees to guide the pcs to Xin-Shalast but he also admits that a snow fey called Svevenka is the one that guided the Vekker brothers. Svevenka will have to be persuaded to take the pcs the rest of the way.


Late PM
The pcs rest in the Vekker cabin.

4709 Sareneth 11th somewhere in the mountains

Very early PM
Just as a blizzard sets in the pcs find the cabin of two dwarven minors from Janderhoff; Silas and Karivek Vekker. The pcs find that the dwarven expedition resorted to cannibalism and their ghosts haunt the cabin causing disturbing visions that tip the pcs towards insanity. Finally the pcs find a pile of cannibalized dwarf bones and they are attacked by several insane dwarf ghosts.


There ensued a brief but furious battle with the pcs hemmed in by the small size of rooms in the cabin. The ghosts mind controlled Dawk and forced him to attack Riley. Instead of facing the certain danger of Dawk's blade Riley chose to teleport blind out into the blizzard. Unfortunately the window he teleported through was used as a lookout and so Riley fell 60 feet into the snow. Unable to see Riley followed the cliff face in the wrong direction and would have been lost in the storm. However the pcs finished off the cannibal ghosts and this seemed to cause the storm to abate. The pcs then had a long conversation with the dwarf ghost Silas Vekker.


Silas offered to help guide the pcs to Xin-Shalast if they would retrieve the corpse of his brother and help put his spirit to rest.

Late PM
The pcs rest in the Vekker's cabin.

4709 Sarenith 9th-10th

The pcs travel through the mountains on their ghost horses. The pcs see disturbing visions of aberrations through the corners of their eyes that disappear when looked at directly.


The barriers between worlds is thin here and the demi-plane of Leng is just out of reach. Leng is the meeting point of the plane of dreams and the plane of madness also known as the far realm.

4709 Sarenith 6th-8th the Storval Plateau

The pcs rest for 3 days in the foothills.

4709 Desnus 25th-Sarenith 5th somewhere on the Storval Plateau

The pcs travel through the mountains and onto the Storval Plateau on their ghost horses. The pcs are chased by a number of monsters and outrun them. However they are forced to battle a pair of earth titans and defeat them with some difficulty. Later they are chased down by a green dragon which they defeat and force to serve as scout.

4709 Desnus 24th somewhere in the mountains

The pcs rest in the white dragon's cave.

4709 Desnus 23rd Runeforge

Early AM
The pcs rest in Sandpoint and gather supplies for their journey.

PM
With the help of Brodert Quint Riley casts a ritual that gives him control of Sandpoint's wrathwell. Riley uses the wrathwell to teleport the party to the fabled Runeforge. After a few minutes of planning and orienting the pcs decide to the wrath portion of the Runeforge complex. When confronted by the powerful Wrath Guardian the pcs decide to leave Brodert Quink and Bruntalmar behind and bluff their way through the wrath complex. The pcs work out the teleportation circles and bluff their way to a room with dead flesh of berserker demons and they return with enough demon flesh to create a number of wrath weapons. As the other pcs begin working on creating wrath weapons Brunt and Brodert head towards the Lust complex and and attempt to bluff their way past the Lust Guardian. Unfortunately Brodert succumbs to her carnal temptations and dies in the throws of passion. Brunt continues a short way and then decides that being alone in the lust wing is just to dangerous and he returns. After a brief 2nd attempt Brunt decides that he can do without a sin weapon. The other pcs finish their rune weapons and decide not to teleport back to Sandpoint and instead they decided to travel overland to the general location of Xin-Shalast. As they leave the Runeforge they encounter with a huge white dragon sleeping on his treasure pile.


A deadly battle ensues but despite the dragon's size and power it is overwhelmed by the tenacious pcs.

4709 Desnus 22nd Sandpoint

Midnight
The pcs bypass the two groups of 100 goblins on guard and sneak into the cathedral via the little used graveyard entrance.



Inside the cathedral the pcs sneak up on the hill giant and tiefling leader and kill them nearly soundlessly in their sleep.



Then they approach the small ogre tribe but are unable to slay them all before they awaken.



A firewall cast by Riley and Brunt's spectral soldiers hemmed them in at first. But then the ogres broke free and attacked the pcs from their undefended flank.


Unfortunately for the ogres this was too little too late. Weakened from their firewall burns they were quickly cut down by the pcs. However the goblins had heard the disturbance and investigated and began an alarm.

Early AM
The pcs heard the goblins massing for attack and wisely chose to use the firewall as a defensive rampart against the goblins. After the pcs shifted position the goblins sent wave after wave against the pcs only to have them immolated in the firewall.


The last few dozen goblins gave up the attack and retreated. In their frustration and desperation they released the demon Malfeshnakor.

4709 Desnus 21st Sandpoint

Midnight to dawn
Andrian scouts Sandpoint and discovers the enemy's positions and numbers. He also meets with important npcs and gathers what information he can in brief conversations.


Early AM to late PM
The pcs decide to wait in the forest and rest until night fall.

4709 Desnus 20th Sandpoint region

Late AM
The pcs travel to Sanpoint on their ghost horses and scout the general vicinity. They decide to wait for nightfall and then send Andrian in to scout out the situation.


Very late PM
Andrian enters Sand point and begins skulking about.

4709 Desnus 19th Thistletop

Just after midnight
The pcs decide to disembark at the Thassalonian head near Thistletop because the harbor of Sandpoint is occupied by the enemy. The pcs find no enemies there and manage to glean some loot they did not acquire on their first assault many months ago.




Sunrise
The pcs find that there is new bridge with burn marks and other evidence that indicate Malfeshnakor has had assistance escaping from the island.

Early AM to late PM
The pcs decide to hole up in the head for a day and rest before traveling to Sandpoint.

4709 Desnus 10th to 18th the ocean sea

The pcs travel by ship from Korvosa to the Sandpoint region.

4709 Desnus 9th Korvosa

With the help of Neolandus, the pcs organize supplies for their trip and arrange for passage on a ship to the Sandpoint region.

4709 Desnus 8th Korvosa

AM
The pcs finally arrive in Korvosa and are greated with a hero's welcome. The pcs slowly travel to Castle Korvosa.

Early PM
The pcs meet in Council with Neolandus and Cressida. The pcs to meet with an expert on Thassalonian magic from the Acadamae and he gives them much information including the general locations of the Runeforge and Xin-Shalast as well as a poem written in ancient Thassilonian with a translation in Chelaxian. The sage tells them to give the poem to Brodert Quint of Sandpoint who should be able to give them additional information.

The Scribbler's Rhyme

If magic bright is your desire
To old Runeforge must you retire!
For only there does wizard's art
Receive its due and proper start

On eastern shores of steaming mirror
At end of day when dusk is nearer
Where seven faces silent wait
Encircled guards at Runeforge gate

Each stone the grace of seven lords
One part of key each ruler hoards
If offered spells and proper prayer
Take seven keys and climb the stair

On frozen mountain Xin awaits
His regal voice the yawning gates
Keys turn twice in Sihedron
Occulted Runeforge waits within

And now you've come and joined the forge
Upon rare lore your mind can gorge
And when you slough the mortal way
In Runeforge long your work shall stay


It is decided that the best course of action is to locate Karzoug the Runelord of Greed and kill him leaving his army leaderless.

4709 Desnus 6th-7th sea

The pcs travel by ship back to Korvosa.

4709 Desnus 4th-5th swamp

The pcs travel through the swamp to return to their ship.

4709 3rd Desnus Marshfens

AM
The pcs continue to plod through the swamp towards the Sunken Queen.


Early PM
A small group of boggard frogmen threaten the pcs and tell them to turn back. A brief battle ensues wherein the boggards are crushed and routed.



late PM nightfall
The pcs finally arrive and they find another group of boggards worshipping at the Sunken Queen monument as if had religious significance to them. The pcs briefly attempt a negotiation but end up involved in fierce battle with them instead. After defeating the frogmen the pcs began planning a way into the Sunken Queen. In his great wisdom Bruntalmar chose to cast his magic hand ritual and the hand pointed to the secret door. Saved from attempting the swampy pond the pcs entered the Sunken Queen on dry land. They quickly came upon a couple of boggard soldiers and put them down. The pcs quickly figured out that in order to get to the top of the building they would have to swim and climb through the now empty elevator shafts. Next the pcs encountered four erinies known as the Furies arguing and decided to negotiate. Andrian made common cause with erinies due to their hatred of being slaves to Queen Ileosa. At first the erinies only agreed to provide information and free passage but
Andrian promised to give the devils the Tower of the Elephant. In exchange the furies agreed to help the pcs in battle against Ileosa. The furies flew the pcs the last distance to the top level where Ileosa was hiding. Andrian drew first blood from Ileosa and Riley immediately knocked her out of her blood ball hiding place with a force missile spell.


Dawk laid into Ileosa with Serithiel and crown was destroyed and the young queen was slain before she could counter attack. The pcs looted her body and rescued the infant prince and then exited the Sunken Queen.

4709 2nd Desnus Marshfens

The pcs follow the swamp map to the Sunken Queen which was provided by Yara Porphyria.

4709 1st Desnus at sea

The pcs continue traveling by ship to the Mushfens and the Sunken Queen.

4709 Gozran 30th at sea

The pcs travel on a ship toward the Marshfen and the Sunken Queen.

4709 Gozran 29th Korvosa

Just after midnight
The pcs complete their resting and preparations for the assault on Castle Korvosa

Very Early AM
Under cover of darkness the pcs penetrate the castle's defenses. Sabina Merrin and Bruntalmar enter the castle through the front entrance. Sabina seemed to still be in command of the Grey Maidens and Bruntalmar used Andrian's magic hat to seem to be a Grey Maiden himself. The rest of the party snuck in and used the secret door provided by Neolandus.

Sabina Merrin used her authority over the Grey Maidens to get herself and Bruntalmar down to the first floor secret entrance to rejoin the balance of the party. Using the map provided by Neolandis the pcs quickly made their way to the 2nd floor via the castle's main stairs. They then held a brief strategy session in Sabina's former bedroom with a silence aura provided by Brunt. As planned a stealth sub-group continued on to Queen Ileosa's nearby bedroom. Under the very noses of two of the Queen's guard Andrian, Laori, and others snuck up to the Queen's bed. Andrian plunged his dagger into Ileosa's heart which caused her to explode in a shower of blood. The pcs were then engaged in a brief battle against Yara Porphyria and Ralth the necromancer in the next room and the two guards in the Queen's room. For a few brief moments Rolth's power was a challenge to the party. However even Rolth could not withstand the combined powers of the pcs. After Rolth fell Yara saw the hopelessness of the situation and surrendered. Meanwhile Sabina took command of the Grey Maidens on the second floor and sent them to hold the stairs against the Red Mantis assassins approaching from the third floor. Then Andrian gave an inspiring speech to the mob organized by Cressida and this horde quickly overwhelmed all opposition.

In exchange for the mercy of exle Yara Porphyria told what he knew and suspected of Queen Ileosa's plans. Apparently the Queen managed to collect a number of the artifacts made from the body of the dragon Kazavon and had shipped them west into the Marshfen swamp to a place known as the Sunken Queen. Yara conjectured that the dragon's spirit was planning to double cross Ileosa, bring itself back to life, and make the new born prince his familiar. Yara was also forced to pass his tower and possessions to his supposed heir, Andrian.

4709 Gozran 28th Korvosa

Gozran 28th AM
The trap was set and a crowd gathered at Vendra's for the perfume sale. Just as Trifaccia was confronting the supposed Scarni thugs, Blackjack showed appeared. A duel between Blackjack and Trifaccia ensued.


Blackjack easily defeated Trifaccia and the the Scarni thugs fled in fear. Trifaccia was taken captive and interogated.

Late AM
Sabina Merrin flew around Korvosa on a huge black dragon challenging Blackjack to a duel and claiming that she knew that he was really Vencarlo.

Early PM
The pcs heard of Sabina's challenge and went to the open air stadium to do battle. Sabina forced the dragon to land and a vicious melee ensued. At first it seemed that the pcs would be overwhelmed by the giant black dragon. However Andrian leaped upon the dragon and did battle with Sabina upon its back.


In short order Sabina was defeated. When roused Sabina asked that she not be forced to battle the dragon. A strange request so the pcs ordered her to attack the dragon. Strangely Sabina complied and the dragon's rage was focused on her alone. The party's healers were able to keep Sabina on her feet while the rest harried the dragon. Soon the dragon was seriously wounded and attemped escape. Before it could leave the ground Cressida called for a coordinated rush and the dragon was slain.

Late PM
The pcs returned to the resistance' hide out to rest.

4709 Gozran 26th-27th Korvosa

The pcs use their influence with the perfumer Vendra to create a trap for Trifaccia. They plan to draw a crowd with a sale as that seems to be what triggers the Trifaccia sightings. The advertise and organize the sale so that Trifaccia is sure to know of it. The "sale" is set for the 28th.

4709 Gozran 24th-25th Korvosa

The pcs lie low in the catacombs these two days and begin to plan and organize a trap for Trifaccia.

4709 Gozran 24th Korvosa

Very early AM
The pcs attempt to enter into Korvosa's grave yard quarter under cover of darkness. Cressida uses her hippogriff to ferry some of the companions into the city and things go well at first. However after scaling the wall Brunt is attacked by one of the few remaining plague zombies and the noisy battle alerts the guard. Brunt makes it to the catacombs while the watch fires are lit.

AM
The pcs and the resistance managed to hide and rest in the lower catacombs with the resistance while the grave yard was searched by the Gray Maidens.

PM
Another council is held and Cressida insists that the resistance must lie low at least two days because of the above incident. During the council the pcs agree to follow Brunt's plan to set a trap for the supposed vigilante Trifacia.

4709 Gozran 23rd Janderhoff and the road to Korvosa

Very early AM
The pcs and their allies finish their council and head to bed and sleep late for the journey ahead.

AM
The pcs are quickly packed and ready to go thanks to preparations already completed by Neolandus. They push on and recast their spirit horse ritual in order to avoid the river fairies. They hope to sneak into Korvosa under cover of darkness before sunrise.

4709 Gozran 22nd Janderhoff

Early AM
The pcs get up early to push straight through to Janderhoff.

Very Late PM the pcs arrive in Janderhoff and are greated by Shalelu Andosana. Shalelu puts grief behind her and a counsel is held. In attendance are the pcs, Shalelu, Vencarlo, Trinia, Cressida, and Neolandus.

Items discussed:
1. A goblin army is just a couple of days march north of Sandpoint.
2. Ileosa is in labor and the resistance wants to attack while she is weakened.
3. Xanesha is in Ileosa's inner circle but is now willing to betray her because Ileosa will not serve Xanesha's master.
4. The resistance is headquartered in the catacombs beneath the graveyard.
5. The Korvosan guard has been disbanded in all but name.
6. The people are required to give Ileosa one vial of blood.
7. Ileosa has been collecting dragon artifacts.
8. Xanesha, Rolth, and Yara comprise the queen's Council of Mages
9. Devils roam the castle.
10. The Red Mantis has been give part of Castle Korvosa as their headquarters
11. There is a secret sally port on the first floor of the castle.

4709 Gozran 21st Kaer Maga

The pcs navigate the treacherous social climate of Kaer Maga.

4709 Gozran 18th-20th Belkzen

AM
The pcs leave Scarwall and head towards Kaer Maga on their swift phantom steeds.

4709 Gozran 17th Scarwall

just after midnight
Being that Laori Vaus and Dawk Gunchar were unable to leave Scarwall due to the castle's curse, the pcs decided to travel to the 3rd floor and barricade themselves in Kavazon's bedroom.

very early AM
Their sleep was interrupted by two boneclaws but Dawk drew upon his power as an anchor to drive one away and the other was quickly overwhelmed and slain.

AM
After completing their rest Bruntalmar's astounding ability to navigate indoors brought them right to the chained spirit and former castellian Mithrodar whose death would finally break the curse that haunted scarwall.


The pcs began a furious assault wherein Mithrodar's skeleton minions were quickly decimated and those that remained were cut off from their master when Dawk used his own anchor powers to block the survivors with his own skeletal troops. The pcs drew first blood and never gave Mithrodar a chance to recover so he was quickly overwhelmed and slain. The curse on Scarwall was lifted and the imprisoned spirits were freed.

Late AM
The pcs made their way to the top Zon Kuthon's star-spike tower. Laori Vaus was able to create a passage through the solid wall and the pcs were finally able to enter the fabled tower. After descending two floors the pcs encountered a strange looking undead angel thing.

The creature named Ildervok asked who among them had agreed to become the new curate of Zon Kuthon's spike. There was some discussion among the pcs and Laori's name was put forth but she refused. Andrian then dissembled that they needed to go back upstairs first but Ildervok followed suspiciously. Thinking quickly Riley offered Gaedren Lamm's undead head as the new curate. Of course Gaedren also refused but Andrian indicated that he intended to destroy the head if it did not cooperate and so Gaedren acceded to be the new curate of the spike to save his "life". After the Ildervok teleported Gaedren away to meet with the god Zon Kuthon himself the pcs continued searching for the sword Serithiel.

On the next floor the pcs found a well-like hole filled with a thick blue-green mist. After some experimentation Qual Kek decided that the mist would allow him to float to the bottom of the shaft and leaped down. He was correct in his guess except that the mist ended 50 above the next room and thus he fell 50 feet and was seriously injured. After some discussion the pcs decided to risk jumping down through the mist and although they were all injured no one died from the impact.

After reorganizing the pcs began to search the caverns near the spike's bottom. They soon heard chanting and came upon a group of humanoid lizards bowing and worshiping something, some creature, in an underground lake.



Upon hearing the troglodytes chant the name, "Rovagug" the pcs attack without mercy. Before the pcs slew all the surprised trogs their "god" levitated out of the water and attacked. Their god was some sort of transparent ooze and was extremly resistant to damage. Furthermore it was able to attack with its pseudopod at distance and the pcs were forced to answer with missile weapons alone. Thinking quickly Riley began hammering it with his enhanced force missile spell and each casting drove the creature too far away to bring its tentacles to bear. In short order Riley's force missiles drove so many holes into the creature that it discorperated. Andrian retrieved the glowing sword Serithtial and the sword was placed in Dawk's care. The pcs returned to their base camp to rest in order to leave the next morning.

4709 Gozran 16th Scarwall

After much needed rest the pcs once again entered Scarwall. Andrian employed his grandmother's enchanted harrow cards to choose the best route to locate the shadow dragon anchor Belshallam. After passing through the courtyard safety yet again they located the dragon and attacked.




Belshallam summoned a vast horde of skeletons to hold the pcs at bay but the mindless undead were cut down almost as quickly as they are summoned. With the skeletons destroyed and the dragon surrounded the battle quickly became one sided and Belshallam was slain. However before the pcs could catch their breath the skeleton of Kazavon's high captain Castothrane attacked with another horde of skeletons. Castothrane used his hellfire power to burn any pc unlucky enough to come within reach. Soon it began to look as though the pcs were over matched and in danger of being overrun and slain. The fresh skeleton horde was quickly reduced but the undead minions provided a distraction that Castrothrane exploited to the near ruin of the pcs. Just when things were looking hopeless the pcs managed to force Castothrane out into the hall and his ability to overwhelm the pcs dwindled as his access to them became limited by the terrain.



With team work the pcs quickly turned the battle around and soon Castrothane was the one being overwhelmed by pcs superior numbers. Finally Castrothane, the last of the spirit anchors, was destroyed and as a result the curse of Scarwall became very weak. The pcs retreated and the curse attempted to repair itself by making Laori Vaus and Dawk Grunchar its new anchors. Now Laori and Dawk are unable to leave Scarwall but have gained the power to animate the ubiquitous bones and to command the lesser undead. The pcs are unwilling to leave their comrades behind and they begin to discuss their next move.

4709 Gozran 15th Scarwall, Belkzen

Early AM
After resting the pcs re-enter Scarwall yet again. This time they head to the first floor area they had vacated the night before. The pcs and the priests of Zon Kuthon debate strategy for crossing the open court yard. They decide to send in their stealthers first to open the door to the 2nd floor opposite them. Andrian, Laori, and the imp successful cross court yard though they do cause the gargoyles to begin speaking to each other in their strange language.


Next the non-stealth members (excepting only Sial and Bruntalmar) make a run for the door and finally the gargoyles fly down from the ramparts to attack. A desperate battle erupts but the endangered pcs manage to reach the door and safety. However Sial and Bruntalmar are trapped on the other side and attempting to cross the courtyard seems suicidal.


The two clerics decide to spike the doors closed to avoid being overrun. The party is now split with the clerics on one side of the court yard and the balance of the party on the other.

After some discussion the main group decided that it would be wiser to risk a crossing of the court yard again rather than to split the party. The main group talked the imp Jogub into sneaking back across the court yard invisibly to request that Bruntalmar and Shadowcount Sial attempt a crossing with support from their side. Then followed a heated argument between Bruntalmar, who wished to comply with the request, and Sial who thought is suicidal and ludicrous. Shadowcount Sial was only persuaded because Brunt threatened to cross and leave Sial alone with the undead.

Bruntalmar burst through the door and sprinted for the far side of the court yard so quickly that he caught the gargoyles off guard and managed to escape. Although Shadowcount Sial was only a few seconds behind Brunt he was not nearly so lucky. After only a few steps Sial was surrounded by the gargoyles that Brunt had startled with his mad dash. Sial fought desperately but was dragged down and ripped to pieces by the claws of the gargoyles. The last sounds Sial heard was the mocking voice of Laori Vaus telling him he could make it.



No one shed a tear for Shadowcount Sial's untimely demise and eventually the party began searching out the rest of the second floor near the star tower. The party discovered 5 small rooms for priests of Zon Kuthon and the curse caused the spirits of the dead to attack the party. Instead of engaging as expected the ghosts passed through the floor. Apparently the ghosts had run off to warn the guardian of the this level a mummy named Prelate Aruth.

After a long battle in confined hallways the pcs led by Andian defeated the five spirits and the mummy-priest Aruth. The pcs found a stair case leading down to the first level area near the star tower. After looking around a little the pcs opened the door to a large diagonal room wherein they found a gem encrusted disembodied skull that levitated into the air and hissed, "STEAL YOUR SOULS". Apparently the pcs have discovered the anchor they were looking for, the Bishop of Zon Kuthon Zev Ravenka.



The animated skull of the former bishop floated in the air and a furious battle erupted. Andrian charged the demilich and in turn Zev Ravenka summoned a small army of skeletons and charged the pcs. For a time it seemed that the pcs were doomed, out numbered by skeleton warriors and out gunned by the soul stealing powers of the demilich. However the pcs were still protected by the ritual of the Sun Shaman and were thus able to resist the soul stealing powers of the demilich. The turning point in the battle came when Riley cast a spell that temporarily rendered the demilich inert and Bruntalmar destroyed Zev Ravenka's skeleton minions with his turning power. The pcs exploited this opportunity and destroyed the demilich and defiled its phylactery. The battle exhausted the pcs and they decided to retreat and rest. Fortunately the gargoyles were off hunting and they were able to pass through the courtyard unmolested. Once back at their base camp the pcs attempted to rest though a gargoyle disturbed Andrian's turn at watch and Bruntalmar drove off a foray by a small party of orcs.

4709 Gozran 14th Scarwall, Belkzen

AM
After a long rest the pcs reenter Scarwall and again everything is strangely quiet. The pcs retraced their steps and met no opposition at first. After some searching the pcs found the 2nd floor area above the main gate keep where the murder holes are manned. The pcs found four giant minotaurs skeletons in the barracks and engaged them in battle.



While the thus occupied the pcs were attack on their flank on the stair side by two great undead humanoids with huge claws.

A quick firewall spell by Riley sent the two mighty creatures in full retreat. After a brief search the pcs then found stairs leading to the third floor. The pcs opened a small room and discovered a spiky devil standing guard near a gong. Before the pcs could slay it the creature rang the gong and the pcs were surrounded by gargoyles and another spiky devil. Just as pcs were gaining control of this situation the boneclaws returned and attacked the unprotected flank still on the 2nd floor.


Trinia Sabor was very nearly slain but luck and a timely rescue by Andrian spared her a gruesome death.


With Andrian's leadership the pcs won this three fronted battle with some difficulty. The pcs then rested and gathered their strength to push on exploring the third floor of Scarwall.

The pcs searched the third floor and eventually found a number of small towers and one large tower. In the large tower the pcs found a large bed and a small throne. Riley cast a spell of magic detection and found that there were magic items buried in the mattress. When the mattress was ripped open a great quantity of coins was discover with the few magic items. As the pcs were pocketing the treasure a voice from the ceiling encouraged their greed while threatening their lives. A few moments later a huge ice devil by the name of Nihil and her two spiked devil henchmen dropped from the upper level of the tower and attacked Bruntalmar. A furious battle broke out wherein Nihil used her frost spear to stab at the pcs over the heads of her spiny assistants while invisible imps appeared at the party's rear and attacked.



The imps were no match for the pcs but bought the other devils time. At first it seemed that the devils might win the day but then Shadowcount Sial cast a barrier blade wall that slashed away at the devil's feet. With nowhere to retreat the devils were forced to fight within the deadly blades. With the imps slain Nihil was soon left alone and outnumbered and was therefore quickly slain. A single imp surrendered to Shadowcount Sial and after Sial ordered the imp to chew off its own fingers to prove its loyalty. After this Sial cast a ritual to bind the imp to him to affirm its loyalty and allow it to leave the cursed castle.

PM
The pcs and their allies then began to debate whether to continue or to retreat and rest but decide to push on. After a complete search of the third floor the pcs continue to explore and end up on the first floor. They find a long and narrow room occupied by 5 more of the minotaur skeletons. The huge minotaurs are not able to take advantage of their number due to the narrow nature of the room and the pcs take advantage of this never fighting more than two at a time. After a brief battle the minotaurs are slain. When the pcs realize that the next room is open to the sky and the flock of gargoyles they finally decide to retreat.

Late PM
The pcs have returned to their base camp to rest for the night. Shadow Count Sial decides to "interrogate" the imp to find out what he know. Sial claims that the creature knows more than he says. Bruntalmar tries to intervene but Sial refuses to end the "interrogation". After a great deal of torture Sial asks Laori Vaus for her assistance and finally the imp cracks and tells what he knows. Apparently the star shaped spike tower is actually an ancient artifact created by the god Zon Kuthon to trap the dreaded "rough beast" Rovagug in the center of the planet following Rovagug's defeat by the ancient gods. Should the pcs destroy a part of the tower Rovagug could be released (ie door). At the very least it would hasten his freedom and another world destroying war of the gods. The only other way to gain entrance to the tower is to defeat all the other anchor spirts (the shadow dragon Belshallam, the skeleton captain Castothrane, and Bishop Zev Ravenka the demi-lich) and finally their chained spirit leader Mithrodar. This alone will break the curse that binds Scarwall and seals the door to the tower. With this information to ponder the pcs rest for the night.

4709 Gozran 13th Scarwall, Belkzen

Early AM
Laori Vaus and Shadowcount Sial argue over who is best suited to "question" the orc prisoner. The orc is hog tied during the debate. The Legend-That-Walks ends the debate by freeing the orc telling the priests of Zon-Kuthon that the orc can sleep in his tent. This turn of events seems to be quite acceptable to both priests and Sial even mentions that he will pretend not to hear the squeals of pain coming from Legend's tent.

AM
The party rests in the orcs' gatehouse ruins.

Early PM
The party again enters Scarwall but this time they are unopposed. The portcullises do not drop and the doors are all open. In the first large room after the gate keep, the pcs are attacked by an undead creature that is a bone amalgam of an entire military unit. The bone pile grabs Krojun and beats him relentlessly with weapons and bony fists but the party's healing powers keep the Shoanti alive. Furthermore the party uses Krojun's distraction to wear down the huge undead thing. Krojun outlasts the creature and the pcs win a hard fought victory. After a brief rest the pcs enter the next room which is decorated with rotting tapestries. A ghost animates from the skeletal corpse of some ancient knight. A curse briefly effects Andrian and he briefly attacks Laori but quickly shakes it off. The ghost seems to be the cursed spirit of the hero that killed Kazavon. The spirit of Mandraivus animates nearby bone pieces and they attack the party as fully formed skeleton. In a brief but furious battle the ghost is slain with minimal damage to the pcs. However after the exhausting battle with the bone legion the pcs decide it is best to retreat and rest and return another day. As they organize the retreat Shadowcount Sial suspected that the bone legion might reanimate and he decided to perform a ritual to prevent such an event. The pcs return to their base camp on the shore and spend the rest of this day and the night resting.

4709 Gozran 12th Belkzen

Early PM
The pcs attempt to sneak past the orc fortress nearest Scarwall but were spotted. A small army of orcs charged out to slay the pcs but are blown to bits by the pcs' explosive pyrotechnics.

Late PM
The pcs finally arrive at Scarwall. The pcs parley with a small force orcs guarding the dilapidated battlement on the shore side of Scarwall's causeway. The orcs allowed the pcs to pass clearly not expecting them to ever exit Scarwall alive.



When the pcs attempted to cross the causeway their ghost horses became slightly more substantial and turned on their masters but were easily slain. When Legend-That-Walks reached the door to the castle a portcullis dropped trapping him inside the castle's gate house. The castle's main doors swung open and skeletons attacked the trapped Skoan Quah warrior. Meanwhile the orcs left the battlements and moved to block the exit from the causeway. The pcs decided to attempt to lift the portcullis to free Qual Kehk. Krojun attempted to lift the heavy portcullis but failed despite his great strength. Andrian leapt forward and somehow managed to get the portcullis up freeing Qual Kehk embarressing Krojun. The pcs then fled before the hoard of advancing skeleton archers while arrows fell like rain upon the hindmost. Krojun insisted on serving as rearguard and received multiple arrow wounds in the arms and shoulders.

Carufinwe saw that the party was surrounded by orcs to the rear and skeletons to the front and thought to abandon the causeway to swim for safety. Then a great wake appeared and the elf was attacked by something deep in the murky lake. Carfinwe was pulled under the surface but fought his way free only to find himself in bow range of some twenty skeleton archers.



Despite a number of serious arrow wounds the elf managed to reach Scarwall's shore but his attacker, then revealed as an aquatic great grey worm, emerged from the dark water and bit him in half, quickly swallowing both pieces.

Meanwhile the other pcs, led by Andrian and Riley/Rizzle, began their assault on the blocking orcs. After an initial exchange of missiles the pcs quickly discovered that these particular orcs had a tenacity and battle madness unknown to them.


As the battle flowed back and forth there were many times wherein a pc was surrounded by the orc berserkers and was nearly slain, only the healing powers of Shadowcount Sial and Bruntalmar prevented death. Wisely the pcs changed tactics and instead of trying to kill the berserkers they merely knocked them off the causeway to be eaten the ravenous great grey worms. When the skeleton horde was close enough to begin firing into the furious melee, Riley cast a wall of fire blocking the archers' advance. After finishing off the last few orcs, the pcs fled to the safety of the mainland gate castle.

For a time the skeletons continued to advance into the wall of flame and were consumed. Some 5 dozen of the mindless undead were slain before they were ordered to break off the attack. After the skeleton retreated, Shadowcount Sial and Laori Vaus searched the downed orcs for signs of life. They managed to find one orc that seemed likely to survive "questioning" and took him captive. This orc looked a little more human than his fellows.............

4709 Gozran 7th-11th Cinderlands to Belkzen

The pcs and their allies employ their spirit horses to cross the Cinderlands and then cross deep into the orc lands of Belkzen at breakneck speeds.

4709 Gozran 6th Cinderlands

The pcs are seen off by the entire surviving Sklar Quah tribe and receive the honor of the special "Ritual of the Sun". This ritual will last until the pcs succeed in their quest to retrieve Serithial. As pcs say their goodbyes two black and red garbed priests of Zon-Kuthon arrive and offer assistance. The two seem to hate and distrust each other.

Shadowcount Sial is a handsome middle aged Chelaxian human that claims to be a priest of Zon-Kuthon. Laori Vaus is a graceful and pale shaddar-kai with many tattoos and piercings and is some sort of holy assassin. The pcs decide to allow both to accompany them on the quest for Serithial.

4709 Gozran 5th Cinderlands

Very Early AM
The Sun Shaman holds the ceremony of the "Blessings of the Ancestors" wherein the spirit of Andrian's grandmother Zellara is summoned from beyond the grave. At sunup she enters Andrian's body and recites a cryptic poem. Andrian has received flashes of insight from the past and the future but has no memory of the poem.

Zellara's Song

Fate of Steel-Serithial
Her cage for years sustained
Four enthralled in lost Scarwall;
Undead to keep her chained.
A spirit first, red war his thirst
Still stands at post of old;
A second foe, infernal soul
Waits high in tower cold.
In kennel's grime third bides his time
Then vents his killing breath.
And on a stone 'mid ash and bone,
The final dreams of death.
The spirits worn and battle torn
And locked in their damnation,
The Chained One's hold at last grows old
And ushers in salvation.
Yet hope remains amid the chains
When blade's stone cage has crumbled
Friends to dread and the death of the dead,
Keys to Kazavon humbled.

4709 Gozran 3rd-4th Cinderlands

Very late PM Gozran 3rd
The Sun Shaman holds a council with pcs and tells them the history of the Crown of Fangs. Apparently the Crown of Fangs are formed from the teeth of a mighty blue dragon by the name of Kazavon. Kazavon was a mighty warlord-tyrant in the service of the god Zon-Kuthon. Kazavon crushed every army sent against him and seemed invincible. The a mighty hero by the name of Mandraivus took up the great sword Serithial and organized a band of powerful allies. Mandraivus wisely sought to slay Kazavon without facing his army. One of his allies was the Sun Shaman of the Sklyar Quah. The dragon was slain but his body tried to regenerate itself. In order to prevent this the creatures corpse was burned and dismembered. Mandraivus asked each of the surviving allies take a piece of Kazavon away with them so that the dragon could not reform. The Sun Shaman left with an armful of the creature's teeth and formed it into a crown which was hidden away in the deep recesses of the Skylar Quah's pyramid. Then the Chelaxians arrived and stole the Shoanti's land and built their castle atop the great pyramid and there the queen must have found it.

Very Early AM Gozran 4th
After the council was completed the Sun Shaman called for a feast and dancing to celebrate Qual Keck's great feat. After a couple of hours of celebration the Skylar Quah encampment was attacked by a small army made up of Red Mantis assassins and their mercenary gargoyle allies. It was dark and their was much chaos as the Red Mantis set fire to tents and slew indescriminately. The pcs had a difficult time with the gargoyles because as soon as they wounded one the creature would turn to stone and would begin to regenerate its injuries.



Soon their the pcs were surrounded by gargoyles in stone form while wave after wave assaulted the camp. The legendary Cinderlander fired on the pcs from the safety of his flying gargoyle ally. However even this could not save him from the dagger of Andrian and the bow of Carufinwe and he was soon slain. Then just as the fight was seeming to teeter in favor of the Red Mantis, the dreaded assassin captain Cinnabar challenged Andrian to a duel. Seemingly outmatched Andrian managed to defeat the renowned Cinnabar through a combination of cunning and luck. With Cinnabar dead the Mantis assassins fled and thus the Skylar Quah were able to fall upon the inert gargoyles and smash them to bits. The Skylar Quah took heavy losses but the tribe won and avoided a near annihilation.