Hy Brasil Dark Ages: session II report

Cinioc dal Bran bestowed his protection upon Varys and gave him leave to purchase goods from his household. Taking the three young warriors, Varys sailed for the Isle of Skellig to see what fate had befallen the monks there. Upon the rocky isle was the abandoned monastery. Sheep had been slain by a beast, and the monks seem to have succumbed to some terrible plague. In the scriptorium, Edward read some notes left by a monk. The note spoke of a pagan tomb beneath the church, and a treasure taken by the abbot. This gilded umbo of a Celtic chieftain was thought to be the source of the curse that spread among the monks. 

Varys and the young warriors entered a cave beneath the church and passed through several chambers, where killed weapons and votive offerings were left. Finally, they came to the central tomb where the bones of the old chieftain lay among the pieces of a chariot. Near the remains was the abbot, who had succumbed to the sickness. It seemed he meant to return the umbo to the tomb, but died before he could do so.

Varys took the umbo from the abbot's death grip and replaced it among the bones. The young warriors thought this an honorable decision. On the way out, Varys and his men seized many barrels of foodstuffs and loot from the monks. As they sailed away from the Isle, they saw a black wolf stalking the shore. 

Later, back at the crannog of Cinioc, Varys learned that Queen Aiffe, wife of King Finbar, was rumored to possess the power to transform into a black wolf. Varys had also learned about the port of Bon Ehryc and the Cashel of Ardgail, prince of the shore. This powerful and popular chief was the brother of the king. Having secured Cinioc's protection, Varys drew closer to the center of Celtic power on Hy Brasil.

Hy Brasil Dark Ages: session 1 report

Varys the Angle, once a slave, freed himself and his fellow thralls and seized the Karvi of his masters. They sailed upstream into the marshes of Hy Brasil, a strange isle known to the Britons and Romans. Varys and his crew met Cinioc, a chieftain whose crannog was the greatest on Grey Snake Loch. Cinnioc told Varys to seek counsel from the Druid House to the west. This Varys promised to do. The traveller also made a mighty boast to slay the enemy of Cinioc, a Christian landowner named Gwydd dal Connel. 

At Cinioc's hold was a young warrior called Talorc who expressed interest in Varys' vessel. Varys allowed the young warrior to lease the vessel while he was away in the west. 

Varys also bargained for the use of one of Cinioc's slaves, a Britton called Edward. This young man's knowledge of the Celtic tongues and customs would prove valuable to Varys.

At the druid house, Varys was instructed that a sacrifice would be necessary for the gods to ensure his protection on the Elder Isle, and the Christian, Gwydd, might make a worthy sacrifice. 

Varys and his men continued to the steading of Gwydd and, using a cunning ruse, captured Gwydd's son, Owen and burst into the hall. Varys slew Gwydd in single combat and took Owen back to the crannog of Cinioc. 

On the way back, Varys met several young warriors travelling to go raiding with Talorc in a new vessel. Cinioc reprimanded the youth for his plot and paid Varys 60 pieces of silver owed for the vessel's lease. 

The three young warriors wished to plunder the monastery on Skellig Isle. The monks of the small isle had not lit their beacon fires in over a week, and it was believed they had already been victims of a raid by northmen. 

Cinioc gave Varys hospitality and the right to trade among his people as well as the right to claim his protection in the local ports. 

Year's End

Early in the year 1373

So began the fourth year in the saga of the Heroes of Harrowhoff. It came with much change. Filip was laid low, Vortigen dwelt silently in his swamp, and word came that Kronstadt had been sacked, the Temple of Law dismantled, and Sava’s bones hung from the city walls.

The tigress Sikana, sent by Brieberus, brought ill tidings to the heroes. She claimed that thousands of Northmen had landed north of the Shadow Mountains and burned their ships—an ill omen. Nevertheless, the heroes had pressing matters below and resolved to confront, once and for all, the Serpent-Eyed Sorceress of Demogorgon.

Through the mirror the heroes went, with a charmed beholder and phase spider in tow. The battle was fierce and terrible, but the heroes prevailed—killing five of the sorcerers and driving one away. The power of Demogorgon was dealt a righteous blow, and perhaps this marked a turning of the tide.

Disturbing rumors about the Northmen continued—it was said that smoke rose from Hal’s Hill. The heroes went to investigate and found Northmen there, harassing some surviving hobbits. These men served the warlord Volkar the Boar. It seemed he and two others, the warlords Karst and Torsten, were to marry Mora, Carat, and even Morcarat herself. It was the power of the Ice Witch that had brought this great host across the sea.

The heroes traveled to the hill fort south of the Shadow Mountains to treat with Karst the Bear. This warlord was missing his betrothed, Carat—whom the heroes had helped escape her pursuers. Enraged, he was easy to manipulate. He agreed to march on Rilm, if his brother Torsten would join him.

To the great fortress above the gorge the heroes went. They infiltrated the keep and found Mora a more willing companion to her new betrothed—the young and strong Torsten. The heroes charmed Torsten, rendered Mora a babbling fool, and, through the power of the Dragon’s Eye, trapped her. It was now Lyral who inhabited the body of Mora, daughter of the Ice Witch.

Dolyra the Drow charmed the warlord, and he agreed to march with his brother’s host to Rilm. They were to make war against the mighty Volkar. It seemed that a confrontation between the Heroes of Harrowhoff and the dread Morcarat was near.

The Lord of Tandis Hill

The final week of the year 1372

The heroes of Harrowhoff entered the castle to investigate Lord Fillip. Inside, they discovered bottles of blood—likely taken from victims in the town. Determined to root out the remaining vampires, they descended into the Fifth Deep. There, they slew one and pursued another down to the Sixth Deep, where they confronted the ancient vampire, Lord Galarak.

A fierce battle ensued. Lord Galarak and most of his retinue were slain. One surviving vampire revealed that Fillip might be cured by the blood of his ancient vampire clan.

Seizing the blood, the heroes made their way to the great hall of Tandis. There, Fillip awaited them, accompanied by his powerful retainer, Hugo La’Pegase. Throy joined the heroes to confront his lord.

The battle began, and Throy attempted to pour the ancient blood into Fillip’s mouth—but was seized by Fillip’s wicked grasp. The charmed Hugo was cut down by some of the heroes, and Throy was withered into a husk by Fillip’s necrotic power.

The heroes barely managed to compel Fillip to drink the blood. The lord of Tandis writhed and suffered as the blood took hold—but he survived, and the darkness was lifted from him.

Fillip looked around and saw his beloved retainers slain. The mighty lord fell into sorrow and asked after the great Bishop Visefrin, who remained in the West.

The day was won, and the lord was saved—but the cost was almost too high to bear.

Chaos Ascendant pt. I-III

The first three weeks of the final month of 1372

Waiting at Harrowhoff was a new would-be slayer, Papio, an aging veteran of the Camlanish legions. The heroes of Harrowhoff were dismayed to find foul rumors swirling about them, spread by agents in the growing town who wished to sully their reputations.

The heroes used their mirror transportation to delve into the 7th deep. Beyond a secret crusader cache, they encountered two flaming salamanders with fire spears, charming one and slaying the other. In the great portal chamber, they found Sir Hugo la Pegase, wearing a ring of chaos and ushering drow through a portal from the Underdark. After a battle, Hugo was freed from the ring's influence and recalled seeing prisoners being driven south in the dungeons.

The heroes pressed on, eventually finding themselves in an octagonal room with six mirrored walls. From behind the enchanted glass, the six serpent-eyed sorcerers appeared. Protected from spells by their glassy shields, the reptilian magic users began a dire battle. A few of the mirrors were destroyed, but the heroes fled by pulling a magic leaf that transported them to the woods of Brieberus.

The old wizard knew nothing of the mighty sorcerers, but he advised them not to take sides in the conflict between Morcarat and Carwellan.

The heroes left for Tandis the next day. The following week, they investigated the town to find the "silver-tongued rogues" responsible for their slander. They learned that three musicians and a comely dancer had been performing at the Inn of Ill Omen, spreading foul rumors. The heroes waited in the streets and confronted the players, who all turned into bats and flew off into the night. When the heroes returned to Harrowhoff, they found that some livestock had been slain. The next day, Visefrin prepared holy water and sharpened stakes, and the heroes delved into the dungeon's fifth level. In the Court of Chaos, they met the dancer. The vampiress commanded shade-like undead and engaged the heroes in a terrible battle, draining a great deal of vitality from the drow warrior, Dolyra. The heroes eventually slew the vampire by driving a stake into its heart. They quit the dungeon without finding the others.

The following week, a rumor spread that someone had thrown open the dungeon doors, allowing a brigade of goblins to attack the men of Castle Tandis. The heroes investigated the first level, retracing the early halls for the first time in years. They found new secrets and lost tombs, eventually discovering the royal tomb where some of Lord Fillip's forebears were buried. There, in a heavy cloak in the darkness, was Lord Fillip himself, now a vampire. The heroes battled their liege lord, who was fully in the thrall of chaos. Lord Fillip charmed Papio, eventually becoming ethereal and escaping through a small vent in the ceiling. The heroes returned to the surface, certain they had discovered the traitor who had allowed the goblins within the walls.

Welborn spoke to Constable Throy, telling him that their liege was now a vampire and a servant of chaos. The holy bishop Visefrin confirmed this, and Throy left his post to go into hiding at Harrowhoff, fearing he would be charmed or worse if he remained. The heroes returned to their freehold, unsure of how to proceed, for Tandis was truly ruled by evil. Visefrin took his acolyte and went west to seek wisdom among the holy sages of Arimur.

Gathering Darkness

the 27th day of the 11th month - the 6th day of the 12th month 1372

The heroes flew on their mounts to Rilm to meet Morcarat. They were welcomed into the tower of ice by her daughters and given audience with Morcarat herself. Morcarat confirmed that she had a great task for them, and it seemed that Carwellan spoke true about Morcarat's aims. The Ice Queen wished to send the heroes through the phlostigen onto the Astral plane to seek Carwellan's pocket dimension. She confirmed that she indeed wanted Carwellan dead, but did not reveal her motives. 

The heroes stayed the night in the tower and took the opportunity to explore a bit. They found corridors and rooms filled with glassy eyes, perhaps scrying devices. They were careful not to climb too high beyond the fortress on the 5th level. 

The heroes returned to Tandis and arrived at Harrowhoff for the first time in months. They found the domain in turmoil. People from the growing population had been going missing in the night, bodies had been unearthed from graves, and two of Fillip's knights, Hugo la'Pegasse and Tod o' Tandis, were missing after delving into the dungeon.

The heroes investigated a recently plundered gravesite, and there met two rogues who were attempting to steal a body. They caught these men who led them to ambush their masters, foul lizardmen from the Cult of Demogorgon. They slew the lizards and followed some more into the secret cave leading to the 5th deep. 

Within the court of chaos, they found a terrible charnel house filled with Tandis dead unearthed from their graves. Here, an Evil High Priest, was creating an army of ghouls. They slew the ghouls and the evil priest and took a strange black ring from the priest's pale finger. They left the dungeon, unsure about what else had crept into the 5th deep. 

Over the next week Visefrin communed with the gods.

Where in her castle does Morcarat keep the Libram of Kryon?

It is in a secret vault on the tower's 9th level

Who did the Evil High Priest serve?

He, and more like him, serve Lord Galarak, a powerful agent of chaos.

Would Carwellan suspect a double-cross?

It will be difficult to conceal the truth from one such as him. 

As the week progressed, more foul rumors emerged, and disturbing reports trickled into Harrowhoff

Lord of the Violet Isles

11th - 14th in the 11th month 1372

Visefrin, now as a gnome, Welborn, Heironymous, and Sir Feek made their way through the early winter of the Verdenleaf. They sought lands closer to Tandis from where they might summon their fearsome flying mounts. They were lured from the trail by cries and came to the aid of pagan hunters. One of their kin was being carried off by a flying "ice devil". 

The heroes pursued in swift chase, Heironymous using the Crown of the Dragon Lord to imbue him with flight. The chase ended at a dank, steaming cavern surrounded by sodden ground. Within, they battled giant frogs and found ancient stelas bearing writing. This strange cave had once been a temple to a Mer-goddess. Passing a partially buried sarcophagus, they pressed into a watery cavern and battled slimy aquatic trolls. 

In the final chamber was the great statue of the Mer-goddess, an offertory bowl in an outstretched hand. Above the surface of the flooded chamber, an orb of clear blue water spun and splashed, and from the ether appeared Pa'Tom, a portly moon-faced sorcerer dressed in bright colors. 

Pa'Tom bade them enter the portal of water and visit his master upon the Violet Isles. The kidnapped pagan girl was released, and after an offering to the Mer-goddess, Imra, the heroes were changed into mermen for a time. They swam through the portal and emerged from a deep lagoon, not far from hilly islands. The entire sphere of the firmament was close and swirling with brightly colored matter encroaching from the void beyond. The colors of the sky rendered the isles in a still, violet twilight. 

The heroes spent the night on a beach in the company of other jovial merfolk militia, and the next day, restored to their forms, travelled up the hill, where they met Carmet, a son of the Magus whom they were to meet. Together they pressed on to the Crystal Palace.

Within the grand castle, they met the hospitable and amicable lord. Serving a great banquet were six vat-born men who, like Carmet, resembled exactly their so-called sire. This lord, whose name was Carwelan, told them many things. He told them of his history with Morcarat. She was his student, and she was herself vat-born, modeled from the form of another. The Magus claimed that Morcarat wished him dead and would attempt to employ the heroes to this end. He suggested instead that the heroes aid him in a great heist of Rilm, the tower of ice. His goal was to steal the all-powerful Libram of Kryon and deprive Morcarat of her mightiest spells. 

Carwelan gave the nine amulets of non-detection to the heroes so that they might avoid the Ice Witch's scrying. He also gave them five scrolls of flying. The next day, the heroes departed and returned to the strange cave west of Verdengard, where Pa'Tom would wait to rendezvous with them again. Carmet traveled with them.

Visefrin communed with the gods.

What is Carwellan's intent with the Libram of Kryon?

He wishes to use the Libram's most powerful spell to return his beloved to him

Can Carwellan detect us with these amulets?

Yes.

Which is the lesser of two evils: Morcarat or Carwellan?

Both are capable of great good and great evil. Both have their parts yet to play in the eternal wars against Chaos. 

Eye of the Dragon

1st-7th day in the 11th month 1372

Having left Kronstadt, on their way to Fire Eye Mine, the heroes met Mora and Carat. These twin simulacrums of the ice witch claimed that their mother had a lucrative opportunity for the heroes. 

The heroes pressed on to the mine and learned that kobolds had slain miners who dared to explore the deep caverns. Beyond a pool, Welborn found an ancient stone door beyond which was the tomb of Soral the Dragon Lord. Fearing what could be hiding within, Welborn and Fidlthid turned back to rejoin the party. 

Unseen, the heroes pressed into a massive cavern occupied by scores of kobold miners. It wasn't long before a fight was underway. Dozens of kobolds and their hobgoblin masters met their bitter end. Beyond another tunnel was the kobold shaman and the rest of his flock. They stood before a great stone relief of a dragon, and in its eye was set a great ruby. The kobolds agreed to flee the mine, but the shaman warned of a wicked curse that would befall any who dared to claim the gem. 

Aided by magic, the heroes pried forth the Dragon's eye, and as it rolled toward the bag of holding, it brushed Lyral's hand. Her soul was transported into a ruby chamber, while her body was now possessed by the Dragon Lord, Soral. Soral wished to claim his golden crown from his tomb, and he led the party forward. Subtle was this magic, and the heroes did not yet know that it was not Lyral who rushed toward the chamber. Welborn used a mighty scroll to part the water, and the heroes wiggled their way into the antechamber. Heironymous, of course, was changed into a gnome to squeeze through. Once inside, the heroes paused for a blessing by mighty Visefrin, as the false Lyral hurried into the crypt. 

By the time the heroes entered the chamber, Soral the Dragon Lord had already donned the golden crown and taken flight. From the shadows, a great undead dragon emerged prepared to do its master's bidding. The fight was swift. The dragon blew its icy breath and slew Sir Fidlthid and Visefrin where they stood. Welborn used a scroll of power to disintegrate the undead monstrosity. Soral, in the body of Lyral, was quickly slain. Soral's powerful shade again entered the ruby, and Lyral did battle with her own form to drive him out and destroy his soul. She began to wait in her ruby limbo. 

The heroes gathered their treasure, too shocked yet to mourn their honored dead. They prepared the bodies and pulled a leaf from the magic branch, and appeared in Verdengard. There, they were met by the mighty Breiberus, who agreed to prepare the rituals of reincarnation. 

During the night, Heironymous and Welborn used the wizard's library to learn of the Eye of the Dragon. Built to house the soul of the terrible dragon lord, Soral was tricked into his prison as his body withered, sealed beyond the stone door. The eye was an item of great power, and any who touched it risked the possession of their body by the soul within. Perhaps, they thought, Lyral's soul might yet live within. 

The next evening, all the occupants of Verdengard attended the ritual of reincarnation. As Visefrin's body was touched, a humble gnome appeared from the misty woods. 

As Fidlthid was touched, no creature came forth. The great hobbit hero was in the golden halls of Valhalla, sharing tales and mead with the many heathen heroes who reveled endlessly. Perhaps it was his will to remain there. Nevertheless, the realm lost a great hero that night. 

A funeral procession bound for Hal's Hill made ready. And Visefrin, small yet mighty, communed with the unknowable divinities of Law.

Will those who have been baptized remain loyal, or does this new form jeopardize the congregation’s faith?

Your new form may diminish your authority over all men. You will be doubted, but through this test, you will be humbled and may yet arise brighter than ever. The new churches you have made in the wild lands are built on foundations of sand.

Are there any forces that could return me to my former appearance?

A great miracle awaits a great deed. Cleanse the deep altar at the dungeon’s utmost depth. Consecrate and make holy this befouled altar, and your form will be returned to you.

Are there any smiths capable of tailoring the Crusader’s armor to fit my smaller stature?

There is yet one. A giant of ancient blood who resides in the cave atop Snarfell Peak may have the skill, but this is not without risk. 

Demon's Tower

Having contacted a higher plane, Heironymous confirmed that Calanis was waiting in the Demon's tower, a grim location long rumored to be home to an evil wizard. The group set off toward the barrow hills to seek their new foe. They battled through many horrors on their way up the tower, and finally confronted the image of Calanis and two fire elementals. The heroes endured a fireball cast by the image that slew Sir Feek and his henchman. The rest survived but barely. Finally, Heinymous opened a secret door behind which Calanis was hiding, and he was undone by a feeblemind spell.

Calanis was seized by the party. On a floor below, the heroes encountered a djinn who was bound to the tower. He asked that the crystal skull be destroyed, thus freeing him. Lyral destroyed the skull, and in return, she was granted a wish. She wished for her sister to live again. 

Later in the week, the party scryed the sister of Lyral. She now lived as a wretch on the wicked streets of Zagra. Visefrin grudgingly agreed to pay Pagovin his tribute, but told the messenger that his lord should expect a visit from the Bishop of Tandis. 

Calanis

20th day in the 10th month 1372

Another week passed in Kronstadt, and the heroes learned of the new high priest of Valka, a man named Calanis. Calanis had ousted the former priest, Pomek, who had become a fugitive. The heroes located Pomek, who claimed that Calanis was a terrible wizard who had charmed the other priests with sorcery. Taking Pomek's ke,y they decided to put a stop to the wickedness of Calanis. Later that night, they met a sellsword called Stanek of Nightspass who was eager to join them. 

The next day, they entered the rear of the temple and eventually met Calanis, who unleashed several hellhounds on them. The battle was fierce, and Sir Feek fell to the wicked hounds. Calanis eventually escaped through sorcery, but the heroes seized the spell book, Time Diamond, and the scrolls containing eldritch knowledge. 

In the heat of battle, many charmed acolytes of Valka were slain, and afterwards, Bishop Visefrin pushed over the brazier of Valka and declared the temple was to be consecrated to the new gods. This was supported by Governor Sava, who declared himself to be Margrave of Kronstadt. Visefrin baptised over 500 in the city. Scouts were dispatched into the hinterlands to hunt the evil wizard. Many other things occurred in the following week that will not yet be recorded in this chronicle. 

Escape from Kasliminapurin pt. I & II

9th - 13th day in the 10th month 1372

The journey through the underworld continued, and the heroes found themselves before the Drow city, Kasliminapurin. On the shore of the Sunless Sea, the heroes met Dolyra, a Drow exile who claimed to know a way to the overworld. In order to seek it, the heroes were to sneak through the city itself. On the way, they went on a witchwood boat, pursued by Drider slaves of the Spider Queen.

They found themselves in a smuggler's district. Many of the heroes were obscured by magic, but Fidlthid and Sir Feek went in as slaves and were made to battle a grotesque giant in a foul arena. Later the heroes learned that Dolyra had unfinished business with a sorceress called Tyris. The party agreed to help her with her vengeance and they climbed Tyris' black tower and slew her and her spider minions. From there they stole into the dark streets and made their way beyond the city into the Darkpass

The heroes chose the lower branch of the pass and battled foul beasts along he way. Two days later, they arrived at a Drow spider temple, and after a skirmish, they made their way down to a deep pool and beyond to the Elf Stair that led above to the Temple of Lobab in the realm of the wood elves. They continued on to Kronstadt with Dolyra in tow. 

Katabasis pts I & II

 The 16th day in the 9th month - the 8th day in the 10th month 1372

The heroes of Harrowhoff delved once more into the 7th deep, having positioned the magic mirror in a secret chamber in the heart of the cult's lair. In the great portal chamber, they slew a fearsome shadow dragon and opened the portal themselves after learning its secret word. 

They found themselves in a deep and awesome cavern covered with strange fungi and razor-sharp stones. They had entered the fabled Underdark. They entered the realm of the Deep Gnomes, who decreed that they must stay for many years in their sanctum, so that the Drow would never learn the location of their stronghold. They aided the gnomes in recovering an elder stone, with which they could channel their magic. After this endeavor, they negotiated their release from the Kingdom of the Deep Folk and then wandered for 8 days through the Underdark seeking a way out. 

They had learned that the portal master was a terrible creature known as a Mind Flayer. This powerful foe had been sending creatures through the portal and into the dungeons beneath Tandis. The Mind Flayer had removed the crystals from the portal, effectively trapping the heroes within the Underdark. 

The heroes travelled through forests of mushrooms and over razor-sharp ridges, never knowing their exact destination. Eventually, they encountered some Drow patrols and found themselves upon the shore of a vast subterranean sea with black stone bridges spanning it that led to a great island upon which a Drow city stood. Its glowing citadels and dizzying spires alluded to the power of its queen. They stood before Kasliminapurin, City of Spiders.

The Scaled Halls

9th day of the 9th month 1372 

The elf, Potasias, arrived at Harrowhoff, and joined the heroes there in a delve beneath Tandis. In the Court of Chaos, they encountered a pair of vile harpies. One was slain and one was charmed by the sorcerer, Herionymous. The heroes made their way deeper into the dungeon and arrived once more on the 7th deep. They encountered a pool of ooze and a group of cultists bringing foul meat to some goblins. The heroes slew most of these cultists, and Sir Feek compelled one of them to his service. Disguised as cultists and bearing the massive litter of meat, the heroes entered an enormous hall filled with a hundred goblins eager to feed. With sword and spell the goblins were slain.

Beyond the goblins' room, the heroes found another chamber filled with recently summoned ogres. Past them was a massive portal of chaos. Heironymous conjured a wall of iron to block the portal and the heroes slew the ogres and cultists. Beyond the wall of iron, an unseen creature attempted to enter the fight, but the heroes did not linger. They gathered what treasure they could and made their way once more above, satisfied that they had dealt yet another blow to the cult and their operation. 

On the way back up, they encountered a terrible phasing spider of terrible aspect. This beast was charmed by the sorcerer Welborn. Both the harpy and the phase spider were taken back to the tower of Harrowhoff. 

Fidlthid tutored the elf in the ways of men and began to train him in the arts of battle. 

Wellborn began to research a way by which he might ride the ethereal plane on the back of the spider. Such a feat yet eluded him, but in the process, he learned much about the ethereal plane. It was said that this plane mirrored our own in many ways, and that it was populated by spirits, wraiths, ghosts, demons, and other strange creatures. Perhaps a talisman or charm made from such a creature may help him enter the plane on the back of the spider. 

Heironymous, inspired by the harpy, began to research a spell with which to charm multiple foes

The Bishop of Tandis communed with the gods

What powers do the Eye-Tyrants possess?

They possess terrible magics that issue from their many eyes

What lurks beyond the portal that Heironymous sealed?

Beyond the portal was a most terrible foe - a Shadow Dragon from the depths. She now haunts the dungeons, bound to her masters' will

From the first circular room in the 7th deep, in which direction is the altar where the Crusader's Helm is located?

Northeast

Beyond the Gates pt. II

 31st day in the 7th month 1372

The heroes entered the ziggurat and endured numerous hazards. Lyral claimed the ring she had long sought on the second level - the ring of three wishes. On the third level, the heroes met Ilnorus, a vampire lord who guarded the fane of Orcus. Thorne was killed, and Lyral Shadowhand claimed the wicked sword. The vampire charmed Lyral and turned her and the black blade against her erstwhile companions. The fight was terrible, and Lyral was struck down, but the vampire lord was driven away.

The heroes then claimed the ring and wished that the Hand of Vecna would appear before them - this it did, but connected to the arm of Ilnorus. Another battle ensued, and Ilnorus was once more defeated, and Fidlthid hacked the Hand from the vampire's arm. The heroes wasted no time pulling a magic leaf and returning to the Tower of Brieberus. 

Two more wishes were used: One to revive Lyral and one to destroy forever the hand of Vecna. 

Breiberus claimed that as long as one wish remained in the ring, it would serve as a deterrent to Vortigen, who no doubt would divine that the heroes had claimed such a power. 

Visefrin communed with the gods

What lies in the 8th deep of the dungeon?

It is the realm of the Eye Tyrants

How do we get to the 8th Deep?

It can be accessed from the level above

What weaknesses does the cult of Demogorgon have?

Their love of chaos is their weakness.

Beyond the Gates pt. I

 The 13th-30th days in the 8th month 1372

The heroes of Tandis set off at full strength into the east, seeking once more the portal to the Red World. Along the way, they ran afoul of a goblin lair and lost several henchmen, but they pressed forth and parleyed again with the Grey Princes. From there, they entered the portal and found themselves upon the Red World amid the stinging sand and demon winds. 

They entered Tamegor and quickly found refuge with Lyral Shadowhand, who was to accompany them through the caverns beneath the Flaming Wastes. The following day, they set off, not wishing to wander the city itself.

From an old undercroft, they entered the caverns and travelled north through the darkness for five days, battling the terrain, elementals, and finally a demon of shadow and flame, which they slew in a cavern of boiling pitch. They finally emerged into the red light of the overworld and spied their destination. Only the top tier of the ziggurat stood above the sands, which had long ago buried it. They planned to rest one more night before entering the wicked Temple of Orcus.

At the grim campsite, Visefrin attempted to commune with the gods

While on our expedition, has Tandis remained safe from attack?

Tandis is, thus far, as you left it

We passed through the Dunlands but did not stop. How has the winter storm affected them?

Almost all the Dunmen have fled east to the lands of the Astoradians. Their king still occupies his keep at Dunmorg.

Is Lyral able to be trusted?

She serves chiefly her own objectives, but will not stand in your way

Wanderers on the Red World

1st Day in the 8th month 1372

The heroes traveled east once more to seek the location of the Hand of Vecna. In order to compel the Grey Princes, Thorne, brother of Taran, claimed the Black Blade. The Blade bestowed terrible power upon him, and wickedness began to twist his mind. Nevertheless, the Grey Princes parleyed with the keeper of the sword and revealed that they had long ago ensconced the Hand in the Ziggurat of Orcus upon the Red World. After much hesitation, the group entered a portal of red stone high in the tower of the necropolis and found themselves on the wind-blasted Red World not far from the Iron Gates of Tamegor, the wicked city. 

In the city, they met Lyral Shadowhand, a former Zagran assassin, now inkeeper in the city. The heroes learned that she too sought a relic inside the ziggurat - a ring which could "right many wrongs".  To earn her trust, Lyral sent to recover a treasure stolen from her. On the way back from the task, the heroes were ambushed by Black Talon orcs. It seemed that Vortigen's forces already had a foothold upon the Red World, yet it was unclear if the evil wizard knew the location of the artifact he sought. 

Through a captive orc, the heroes learned that Voritgen's forces upon the Red World were led by a powerful creature called Bormal. Upon their return to the Goblin Skull Inn, Lyral promised to join the heroes if they were to seek the Ziggurat. The Ziggrat was located beyond the terrible Flaming Wastes, known to be impassable. Lyral knew another way - through great caverns that lie beneath the wastes, accessible from Tamegor. This route too would no doubt be fraught with danger. 

The heroes left the Red World and traveled to Verdengard. Brieberus was hesitant to allow the brother of Taran to stay in his tower while in possession the terrible blade. 

Upon his return to Tandis, the bishop communed with the gods.

Will the Black Blade make Thorne so evil that he will turn on us?

The wielder of the blade will serve his own purposes and those of the sword. If those purposes are misaligned with your own, he will oppose you. Trust him not.

Does Vortigen have more forces on the Red World?

The Red World is a realm of demons and chaos. Our omniscience does not extend to such a place. 

Are there measures that can be taken that could make my priestly spells effective beyond the Flaming Wastes?

Our powers do not govern the Red World. 

Beyond the Battle of Tandis

The 25th day of the 7th month to the 1st day of the 8th month 1372

The forces of Vortigen descended on Tandis. From land and air they came, and it was up to the heroes of Harrowhoff to drive them back. An army of orcs was magically tangled by plants and boldly met by Fidlthid and his riders as Welborn unleashed a creature of fire summoned from the brazier. Visefrin and Taran rode wyverns to meet Vortigen's airborne forces and clashed with a sorcerer upon a black dragon and two wyvern-riding wraiths. Heironymous struck down dozens of lizardmen who climbed the castle's battlements. 

Even this great force proved no match for the heroes. The flying beasts and their riders were slain as were many orcs. The survivors routed and fled into the wastes. During the battle, the gatehouse of the castle was destroyed by a powerful spell unleashed by the dragon-riding sorcerer. After the dust settled, Lord Fillip promised captaincy of the castle to Fidlthid upon his death. Heironymous recovered a black mask from the fallen sorcerer. When he donned the mask, he was shown a dark vision of Voritgen, and he nearly fell to chaos. 

The heroes had learned of the black blade capable of commanding the grey princes, and off they went to seek it beneath the necropolis. At grim castle Lichgate they found that Eligal, the necromancer, had been turned into a spectre, and that the Rama dagger was missing. From Lichgate, Wellborn recovered Eligal's staff and his grimoire. 

Into the necropolis, the heroes crept, bypassing the Princes themselves. They entered the foul crypts below and began their search. Taran fell to a cloud of poison gas that spewed forth from a sealed sarcophagus. Deeper and deeper they travelled until they found a secret tomb beyond a graven image of a sword-wielding warrior. They had found the tomb of the black sword. 

As they opened the tomb to reveal the sword, a horrible creature emerged from shadow. It was a great undead eye tyrant that spewed dire spells. A terrible fight began. Feek claimed the sword, but was taken by chaos and turned the powerful blade on his allies. Welborn too, turned on his fellow heroes, influenced by a powerful spell cast by the eye tyrant. Several retainers fell in the battle, but the heroes prevailed and managed to free Feek of the blade's influence. The heroes secured the sword and teleported back to Verdengard. Despite the bishop's prayers and blessings, Taran was gone.

Heironymous studied the mask to see if it could be unbound from Vortigen's malign influence. It seemed this artifact was forever tied to chaos, and like the black orb, it was a conduit of Vortigen's power.

The staff of Eligal proved to be a Staff of Withering, capable of maiming foes unlucky enough to be struck in battle.

Eligal's spellbook contained the following spells

Level 1: Ventriloquism

Level 2: Magic Mouth, Mirror Image, Invisibility, Detect Invisible

Level 3: Hold Person, Dispel Magic, Protection from Normal Missiles, Rope Trick

Level 4: Wall of Ice, Polymorph Other, Remove Curse, Wizard Eye

Level 5: Teleport, Hold Monster, Animate Dead, Passwall, Feeblemind

Visefrin again communed with the gods

Is there a worthy champion to claim the black sword in Tandis, or among our allies?

Any who would dare wield such an artifact will eventually become wholly corrupted. Even if a champion were to overcome the blade's influence temporarily, servitude to chaos awaits them. 

What are Vortigen's plans after his defeat?

His immediate plans are clouded by his inestimable power. Darkness alone emanates from the heart of his domain.

Did we pass the second artifact that Vortigen seeks while inside the Crypt of the Grey Princes?

The Grey Princes, as you call them, are bound to protect the artifact. They, like you, will do everything in their power to prevent the artifact from falling into the hands of Vortigen. As such, they have ensconced the artifact in an even more remote location beyond our ken. The black sword alone will compel them to reveal its location.

The Fall of Thrandur

 25th day in the 6th month - 18th day of the 7th month 1372

Having received two wyvern mounts from the eagle riders, the heroes set off to the East seeking the frozen lands cursed by Morcarat. They wished to end her tyranny, but first, they sought the council of Brieberus. The Green Wizard cautioned restraint and suggested that despite Morcarat's capriciousness, she may prove an essential ally against the forces Vortigen. He told them too that Thrandur, a servant of Vortigen, would make a more worthwhile foe in the Shadow Mountains. 

Into the frozen wastes they went and upon their wyverns they flew to meet Morcaract high on the mountain of Rilm. Morcaract told them of Thrandur and his forces in the castle Mafelond. She told them too that Vortigen had claimed an artifact of terrible power and sought yet another ensconced beneath the necropolis of the Grey Princes. The Ice Maiden claimed that Vortigen would soon strike. 

The heroes returned to the pass and found that their horsemen had been ambushed by Thrandur's forces. Into the treacherous crags they climbed seeking the castle Mafelond. They encountered and destroyed a garrison of orcs and later arrived at the mighty fortress. 

Invisibly they flew onto a bridge between two keeps and entered secretly the hall of Thrandur. In a firelit hall, the heroes found Thrandur and his companions. A wicked fight took place and eventually, the heroes were victorious. They left the Thrandur and his companions dead and the garrison leaderless and freezing upon the mountainside. Fidlthid was struck down during the fight but was restored by the mighty power of Visefrin. 

The heroes hurried home to Tandis to begin mustering their defenses if indeed Vortigen Blacktalon was to strike at the heart of them.

Visefrin communed again with the mighty gods.

When will Vortigen Strike?

He will strike soon. His forces are already poised to pour from the foul swamp. 

What forces will he use to strike?

His foul army will attack from land and sky. Beware the winged beasts that match your own, and beware the sorcerers who ride them. 

How can the Grey Princes be defeated?

The power wielded by the princes is terrible indeed. A fight with them would no doubt result in the breaking of some of your companions. The princes will bend the knee only to the wielder of the black sword lost in their crypts beneath the necropolis. However, any mortal who touches this sword risks utter corruption.  

The Mountain Queen

6th - 18th day in the 6th month 13372

The heroes set off to the east seeking the Lost Canticles. A day's journey brought them before a great camp of Northmen. These men, led by the warlord Sven, were on their way Southwest to make war against the people of Stilfrot. Sven had learned that his wife, the shieldmaiden Sigrid, had been made queen of these barbarians living in the foothills of the Cloudfall Mountains. Sven had long sought his runaway bride and wished to take her back to the lands of the Jun. 

The heroes departed and after some time arrived in the Wyrmswood Forest. They discovered a ruined temple within the forest and began to explore. There they battled a massive Purple Worm who swalled the diminutive Welborn whole. The gnome managed to free himself with a mighty barrage of magic missiles. 

Visefrin recovered the relics of two forgotten saints, and the heroes proceeded into the teetering tower to seek the ancient text. From the base of the tower, another great worm emerged. The heroes battled it bravely, but the elf, Sybael, was stung by its tail and perished. 

Atop the tower, Visefrin placed the relics and with a blinding flash, the book appeared. With these canticles, Visefrin would learn the powers of the ancient clerics. 

On the heroes traveled further south into the land of the barbarians. They arrived at the stout steading of Stilfrot nestled in the fertile foothills of the Cloudfalls. Visefrin had earlier sent ravens with bits of the Jun garments. This warning had worked as Sigrid was already preparing to evacuate her people to their mountain fortress. 

The heroes accompanied this long procession into the peaks and waited for Sven's forces to arrive. On the second night, they came and Sven issued a challenge to his errant wife to face him in combat. This she did and on the perilous causeway above the cliff they met in battle; Sigrid was equipped with a magic mace and mail by the heroes. The queen defeated her husband and cast him down the cliff to his doom. Sven's warriors then pledged fealty to the Mountain Queen.

Sigrid was impressed with the power of Visefrin's gods and 1,000 barbarians & Jun warriors were baptised by the bishop in the days that followed. The heroes had made a powerful new ally in the South.

Once the great sacrament was done, Visefrin communed with the gods.

How has Brieberus been affected by the eternal winter storm?

The eastern reaches of the wood are covered in frost and snow. His tower grows cold and shadows in the forest grow long. Creatures heretofore unknown to the wood have come.

Has the Rama Dagger claimed hold of the necromancer? 

No. But powers terrible and ancient surround him seeking to claim the dagger for themselves

What troubles the people who live in the ruined city to the east?

Shade-loving creatures of chaos have taken root in the dark places of the city. The men there are kept from the knowledge their ancestors once wielded.  

Doors of Shadow & Flame

30th day in the 5th month 1372

It was noticed in the realm of Tandis that a storm was gathering far to the northeast, a storm that seemed to linger, unnaturally still, in the distance. Again the heroes delved beneath the castle seeking the seventh level of the dungeon, where the Cult of Demogorgon dwelt. There they found a massive chamber attended by foul magic users who ushered forth a brigade of hobgoblins from a black stone portal. The heroes, who had charmed a great hydra gave battle, but the hydra was turned against them by the wicked sorcerers. 

It was a terrible clash in which many of the heroes were wounded and the stalwart man at arms, Dangelo, perished. Onward, they continued into the strange level characterized by foul serpentine motifs. Beyond they found a pair of Fire Giants. One was cast away by the wand of fear while the other was slain by sword and spell. Beyond a massive door, the heroes found a portal of fire that led to some dark stone keep occupied by a half dozen more of those horrible giants. They seized the treasure surrounding the portal and reached the surface. 

A powerful scroll recovered contained the following spells: Lightning Bolt, Disintegrate, Part Water, and Contact Higher Plane

The spell books used by the cultists contained the following spells: sleep, magic missile, hold person, detect invisible, phantasmal forces, charm person, dispel magic, and charm monster

Heironymous began construction on a staff capable of accepting powerful enchantment. This endeavor would cost him at least 1,000 pieces of gold. 

Again mighty Visefrin communed with the gods.

What is the source of the black clouds in the distance?

Those lands have been plunged into an eternal winter conjured by the sorceress, Morcarat.

What realm do these heathen giants with coal-like skin occupy?

Their keep is high in the mountains that bind the Red Steppe north of the Snarfell range

Has the necromancer used the Rama Dagger?

The dagger yet whispers in the dreams of the necromancer. It has not yet severed any soul by his hand.