The Well of Souls

7th - 30th day in the 5th month 1372

The soul-severed elf and the rest journeyed eastward to seek the counsel of the Green Wizard. Brieberus told them some of the history of the Rama Dagger and the Well of Souls. The dagger was used in conjunction with the Well to create powerful undead horrors in the service of a once all-powerful necromage. It seemed the only way to recover the elf's soul was to siphon it from the dagger and then draw it forth from the well. Breiberus told them that the well was located somewhere in the Barrow Hills, not far from the Necropolis of the Grey Princes - who themselves, were once victims of the Rama Dagger. 

Into those blasted and dead hills, they went, and beyond a grim pass, they arrived at the castle, Lichgate, home of the necromancer, Eligal. Eligal expressed interest in possessing the dagger, and Sybael promised it to him in exchange for information. Eligal told them of the approximate location of the cave beyond which they would find the well.

Into the cave they went, seeking words of power to activate the well. They found traps laid by the ancient priests of Valka, who had sealed away the well centuries before. Eventually, they collected both command words and activated the well of souls by plunging the Rama Dagger into a stone podium. Sybael eventually succeeded in drawing forth his own soul but was forced into a cruel battle against a simulacrum of himself. This shade slew him, but Visefrin was successful in raising the elf from the dead with his soul once again intact. 

On the way back, the heroes handed over the Rama dagger to Eligal, no doubt happy to part with it, but unsure of Eligal's intentions with such an object of necromantic power. 

The heroes returned to Tandis without further tribulation. Upon their return, they learned that the Court of Love had decided that Leea was to marry the young Brandinus of Pridilane. In the following week, Visefrin communed again with the Divinities of Law.

The Grey Princes were once red-haired heathen kings from the north. Egelrik, named king of Dunmorg shares these features. Is there a threat of him sharing the same fate as the Grey Princes?

The dagger threatens any mortal who meets its edge. The Grey Princes, however, were promised power by the necromage and went willingly to the altar of sacrifice 

What relic do these Grey Princes guard?

They guard the eye of the ancient necro mage, an artifact of terrible power hidden in the crypts beneath the necropolis. This is the task to which they are eternally bound.

Does the necromancer have ill intentions with the powerful Rama Dagger?

The Dagger easily corrupts the hearts of men, and the necromancer's lust for power over the Princes all but assures his corruption.

The Tourney

1st day of the 5th month, 1372

The lords, ladies, knights, gentry and commoners gathered at the tourney grounds for the Pageant of Honor and the Joust. The heroes Sybael and Fidlthid distinguished themselves well, but Sir Teord of the Golden Tor won the day.

Down the heroes went into the dungeons seeking to melt the Pillar of Ice and claim the sword within. This they did with the White Flame Torch. The magic ice melted revealing the brilliant sword, Alimor, Flame of the North, which spake commanding Fidlthid to rid himself of the Rune Blade if he was to be counted worthy of wielding the mighty blade of law.

The heroes continued down into the seventh deep. There they found wretched guards of the Cult of Demogorgon. One who surrendered before the mighty heroes spoke of portals, and chambers full of foul monsters feasting. He mentioned also the Six Sorcerers who rule over the cult, confirming some of what the Golden Sorcerer had claimed. 

On they went and encountered six Crystal statues which crumbled before the mighty Bishop, Visefrin. Later they found a ghastly stable of ghouls and slew a score of them.

After the delve, Sybael, the soul-severed elf asked Throy about a homestead in the lands of Tandis. Throy agreed to grant him a farmstead for a payment of 2,000 gold pieces. This farmstead would be henceforth known as Eldergleam. Sybael, who was slashed by a ghoul below, found that his wound took a great deal of time to heal. 

Wellborn began to formulate a new spell and Taran began researching Silver Dragons. She found lore about such creatures to be quite sparse. Luckily, the silver dragon, Pelidrod lived nearby in the watery cave. Perhaps more could be learned from him, despite his disinterest toward the rest of the world.

Visefrin again communed with the mighty Divinities. He asked: 

What creatures lurk in the Swamp of Skulls?

Men, orcs, necromancers and their foul minions, dragons and demons, lost souls and abominations, all servants of Vortigen Blacktalon.

Where is the Well of Souls?

Sealed beyond a cave in the Barrow Hills. Seek the council of the Green Wizard.

Is the talking sword, Alimor trustworthy or does it have ill intent?

The Flame of the North is boastful and proud, but a true champion of righteousness. Elderstyg, the Rune Blade, on the other hand, desires only blood and glory. It has already begun to resent its wielder for it has been long deprived of battle. 

Den of the Serpent

25th day in the 4th month 1372

The Court of Love had arrived. Courtiers, knights, lords, ladies, and their retainers all took up residence in the once unremarkable domain of Tandis. Empress Cimburgis and the other grandees gathered at a great feast in the Tandis hall. Leea's suitors were proclaimed to be Sir Hugo LaPegasse and the young Brandinas of Pridilane. 

Constable Throy informed the heroes that a renowned musician was missing. It was soon discovered that five replacement musicians were villains bent on mayhem. Through cunning and enchantment the heroes learned that a foul plan was afoot to be perpetrated by none other than the Serpent Assassins. 

The heroes retraced the steps of the musician having learned that his disappearance was related to the plot. This led them to the Inn of Ill Omen. Heironymous was approached by a woman who told him she had seen the musician being taken into a fire-damaged house. The heroes departed while Sybael followed the woman to a discreet doorway in an alley. The two did battle and using the Rama dagger, the elf slew the woman who had proclaimed herself to be Asyri, a Serpent Assassin. The Rama dagger ripped her soul screaming from her body, but it took Sybael's soul as well. The elf then discovered a secret stair beyond the door sought by the slain assassin.

The party reconvened and searched the derelict house. They met the strange beggar Bimdar who told them he had heard hammering and chiseling from below for some months. The heroes proceeded below and after slaying a giant snake, decided to head to the alley and the secret stair beyond.

Down they went and surprised the serpent assassins lying in wait. With sword and spell the heroes made short work of their foes and snuffed out their well-laid plans months in the making. They rescued the captured musician and learned that he once had dealings with the foul assassins. The heroes returned to the feast and reveled. The elven lady, Elaris became a lady in waiting in Leea's court, a great honor. 

Later in the night, Sybael confessed to Visefrin that his very soul was now possessed by the Rama Dagger. 

Wellborn and Heirnymous began to research the venom and poison favored by the Serpent Assassins. It was their hope that they could use it to conjure up an antidote.

Visefrin again communed with the mighty divinities

Who hired the Serpent Assassins?

Vortigen Blacktalon, the dread wizard of the Swamp of Skulls

How can Sybael's soul be restored?

Only the fabled Well of Souls has the power to draw forth souls from the cursed dagger, but beware. The Well has great and terrible power.

How may the Rama Dagger be destroyed?

It can only be destroyed by the breath of a Silver Dragon.

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The tourney was to be held the following week. Fighters readied their steeds, armor, and fit colorful crests upon their helms.  

The Golden Sorcerer

18th Day in the 4th month, 1372 

The throngs continued pouring into Tandis before the Court of Love's arrival. Again the heroes delved. In the 6th deep, they found many wretches who led them before the Golden Sorcerer. The heroes made a deal with the sorcerer giving him the Star-shaped Medallion in return for Jean and the book, The Locked Room. The Golden Sorcerer claimed that the cult of Demogorgon occupied the level below and that it was led by 6 powerful magic users. The Golden Sorcerer declined offers of an alliance; he claimed he was off to seek a Golden Realm beyond our world. 

The heroes pushed further into the deep darkness, exploring tombs and slaying undead monstrosities. They eventually found a pillar of ice that encased a magic blade and later, ran across a foul demon which was slain instantly by a lightning bolt loosed from the mighty centaur-warlock, Heironymous. 

To the surface, they returned with the suitably thankful Sir Jean. 

Wellborn, Taran and Heironymous eagerly returned to their workshop. Taran discovered that precious gems were instrumental in the creation of magic ink and the amethysts the heroes recovered would serve nicely. The magic ink was nearing completion. 

The magic users also began to study the nature of the glowing silver dust recovered from the dungeons and found it to be the dust of a Unicorn's Horn, a very potent component. 

Visefrin, Bishop of Tandis again communed with the mighty divinities

What is the location of the Crusader's Helm?

It is in shrine to chaos in the 7th Deep. It has been lain upon the altar of a foul demon 

What is the location of the Crusader's Shield

It is secreted away in the deepest darkness untouched by Chaos. It is hidden within the labyrinthine walls of the 8th Deep. Beware, above all, the 8th Deep.

Are there any fighting clerics in the world, such as myself, who could be persuaded into joining our group?

There are none like you left in the world and few who would dare to follow your path. Men claim that the days of Crusaders and Saints are in the past. You must be a beacon if you wish to call the elect to your side. Claim the Relics of the Crusader, and begin the Order anew!

Court of the Troll King

 The 11th day in the 4th month 1372

Again the heroes delved deep beneath Tandis keep seeking the missing knight. Visefrin's mighty auguries guided them once more to the 6th deep where they fell under wicked ambush by many trolls. The heroes were betrayed by a captive wretch and the trolls fell upon them from all sides. The foul horrors fought savagely but were outdone by sword and spell. Into a star-shaped chamber the heroes charged and beheld a gleaming gem upon a marble podium. This once grand room had become the stronghold of a great troll; the Court of the Troll King was a terrible thing to behold, yet again the heroes prevailed. They drove the King and his foul mistress below and commanded them to carry news of the heroes' victory to their masters.

The heroes claimed the star-shaped stone that shone with brilliant light. It was a medallion of great power that could be used to read the minds of men. This, they were told by the troll, was the prize sought by the golden-robed sorcerer. 

The heroes turned back, leaving Jean to his uncertain fate. The hydra again accosted them as they made their way toward the Court of Chaos, but a boldly summoned stirge was sent to cover the heroes' retreat, and Taran's haste spell sped them toward the daylight beyond.

In the following days Visefrin once more communed with the mighty gods of Law.

Here are the questions of the bishop and the answers given by the unknowable divinities:

Does the man in the golden robes want something in return for Jean?

Yes, he has long desired the star-shaped medallion.

What is guarding the lost canticles?

Mighty behemoths that cause the earth to stir and stones to sway

What powers does the crusader's armor possess?

None that are not known to you already. Seek also the crusader’s helm and shield to gain the armor’s true power

Into the Dark

 4th day in the 4th month 1372

The heroes delved into the dungeons beneath Tandis for the first time in months. They sought Jean of Manglian, the missing knight. Visefrin communed with the gods and learned that Jean was alive, but held captive by one in Golden Robes. 

Into the fifth deep they trod and went further down into the 6th level. There they met the shade of an ancient wizard who posed to them a riddle, promising riches if they were correct and death if they weren't. They gave an incorrect answer and were enveloped by a wicked blast of ice that killed Taran and several hirelings. Thankfully, the mighty Visefrin restored life to the magic user. 

They abandoned their query and returned to the court of Chaos. A massive 7-headed hydra burst into the chamber as they made their escape. 

In the downtime that followed Sybael petitioned the lord for a homestead. Throy told the elf that if he were to distinguish himself at the coming tourney, the lord may grant him such an honor. 

Wellborn made good progress in fabricating ink suitable for scribing magic scrolls. All that was needed still was the medium, likely the ink of a giant squid. 

Heironymous continued work on the potions distilled from the blood of the Frost Giants.

The Journey Home

The 15th-28th day of the 3rd month 1372

The heroes bade farewell to the elves of Tanglewood and returned to Kronstadt. There, they made contact with the sellsword, Valdimar, who promised to take them to a glittering castle full of treasure—for a price. Fidlthid paid the man, and off they went into the high mountains. There, they found a bridge spanning a great chasm and the massive glittering castle beyond.

On the bridge, they battled large wolves whose breath was magic ice, and they made their way into a courtyard where two massive frost giants rose from beneath large snow drifts. After a tense parley, the heroes were taken into the hall before the Frost Giant Jarl. 

Filthid returned to the Jarl his dagger which he had previously purchased from the wretch, Syral Mora. Taran's honeyed words afforded them favor among the giants and as a reward, the Jarl allowed them to climb the high tower to meet his wife, Runa, a seeress. 

The beautiful Runa inhaled deeply from her burning brazier of herbs and gave her auguries. She said that the men of the Dunlands were to war with one another, that the elven couple would have a child, that many enemies were poised to strike from the shadows, and that the futures of Sabira and her child were shrouded in darkness. 

The giantess also intimated that she was unhappily kept in her tower by the Jarl, and one of her husband's thanes, Hrolf, would gladly overthrow the Jarl.

The heroes returned and spoke to Hrolf and he agreed to challenge the Jarl if the heroes would join him in battle. Hrolf issued his challenge and the battle was on. The heroes slew the Jarl as Hrolf and his man battled the other thanes. In the end, Hrolf made Runa the queen of the household, Runa gave the heroes her earrings of emerald and gold, and Valdimar (who had been caged for attempting to steal) was released. The heroes had made a powerful ally of Runa, who agreed to make more auguries in the following year's winter. 

The heroes traveled west and at the mouth of a pass, they saw a great ruined city of tumbledown stones. Within they met frightened wretches who made their home among the ruins. It seemed these people were troubled by other denizens of the city and wished someone to aid them. This the heroes promised to do when summer arrived. The heroes returned to Tandis some days later. 

Bishop Visefrin inquired about the knight who had descended into the dungeon. Sir Jean and his men had gone below weeks before and had not been seen since. Boraint also told Visefrin of a ruined temple, known only as the Forest Temple. This place was rumored to contain The Lost Canticles, a folio of powerful prayers lost to the faith. Boraint believed he knew the location of this ruined temple. 

Herionymous took to his laboratory to begin work on some new magical concoction and Wellborn saw to his household. 

Taran entered Tandis village armed with charm spells. She sought information about any enemies that may have been embedded among the villagers. The imminent arrival of the Court of Love, the many new building projects, and visiting pilgrims had all contributed to an increase in population. At the Inn of Ill Omen, she made contact with several members of the local demi-monde. They reported strange men and one pointed out a small serpent sigil carved into a table where they had been sitting. The informants did not know where these men were staying, but claimed they were likely to return.