Chapter Ten: Seeking out Power (preparations and plans)

Armed with information on the location of their Starborn Signature Items the heroes hunker down for a time in Crescent City. There are more questions than answers at this time and many things to do . . .

• One item is known to be in the old Testing Maze beneath the now defunct Thieves Guild. How do you get in and retrieve this item?
• Several items (the rest of them?) are in a vault in the Central Bank. How do you get into the bank and retrieve these items?
• Lord Malthus, the governor of Crescent City, has met with the Starborn and seems to have taken to heart some information about the drow threat. He has also arrested three of your fellows and held them for a day . . . what is up with that?
• Vigilence Derrick, the leader of the Church of Malthus, met with Alev and Casey, and they had a pleasant exchange. He seems genuinely interested in doing what's best for Crescent City and the Church of Marius and was most disturbed by information about the drow threat. Will you try to get help from the churhc?
• Seebo has attempted to make contact with Lord Raglan by asking about him in the Merry Jackdaw tavern. Thus far he's gotten no where, but he has confirmed that there are peopel there who know Lord Raglan. Will contacting any of the thieves guilds help you?

Rumors still abound about war throughout the lands. Most of these rumors can be discounted as there is no firsthand information about fighting anywhere except on Chillhame. You have heard nothing from Lady Arigane in nearly a month . . . what are the drow doing now?

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Chapter Ten: Seeking out Power (to Crescent City)

May 16

Late on the afternoon of May 16 the heroes come upon the remains of Greenroot's village. It appears that the vargouilles from the haunted plantation have struck en masse. There are no living swamp elves around, but plenty of headless bodies in evidence.

Moving on the party comes to another swamp elf village where they hear tales of the spreading meance of the vargouilles. Rygorh gives a stirring speech for the benefit of the swamp elves in hopes that they will take up arms to defend themselves. Several of the elves, impressed by Rygorh, take up their belongings and decide to accompany him in the future.

Another two days and nights of paddling brings the Starborn to Crescent City. They avoid the guard fort in the swamp bypassing it at night with help from Rygorh's swamp elf followers.

Once in Crescent City they use the Orb of Azurite to locate the local node. It is on the topmost floor of the city hall which used to be a temple to the elven god Brith:

The town hall is a palace-like structure with slender towers and high, thin windows. Anyone who has seen elven architecture before recognises the style instantly. Alcoves above the main entrance hold statues of human figures representing law and order, though it is obvious that they were not the original occupants; the style is very different.

The heroes make an appointment with Lord Malthus and seek entrance into the node above. Lord Malthus is a genial man who takes to the Starborn with ease. He talks with them at great length about the troubles in Chillhame and the heroes' exploits. Deep into the conversation they realize he is pumping them for information. Eventually he grants access to the node where Casey is raised from the dead. The guards and the governor are flustered by the event . . .

The party makes its way back to their ships where Seebo, Tilk and Ashton have been putting things in order. They determine to use the ships as their quarters for the time in Crescent City.

The next morning a handful of city guards arrive at the ships and demand that Seebo, Tilk and Ashton come with them to see Lord Malthus. They do not get to see the governor. Instead they are imprisoned . . . for a while. Lord Malthus calls on Tilk and sets him a fine meal and speaks with him at length about the Starborn. Tilk is very open and honest with the Lord Malthus and ends up telling him things that the others preferred left unsaid. In the meantime the other heroes make attempts to "rescue" their "kidnapped" friends. Several attempts at locating and eventually saving them fail as the city guards refuse to grant access and the heroes wisely refuse to spill the blood of town guards.

Tilk is released early in the afternoon. Seebo and Ashton follow many hours later having been kept in isolation with no food or water all day and into the evening.

The next day a page delivers a pair of "fruit baskets" to the ships for Seebo and Ashton along with a "thank you" note from Lord Malthus. Seebo and Ashton toss the baskets overboard.

The next couple of days are spent investigating rumors, running down information about the bank and Ombar Lutz, the rogue's maze and other such. Casey and Alev spend a good half hour in conversation with Archbishop Vigilence Derrick who offers them help and protection in exchange for their information and promises of assistance in "cleaning up the city." They have not yet made answer to the Archbishop.

Seebo spends some time trying to contact Lord Raglan at the Merry Jackdaw. He has confirmed that the guild leader is known to people there, but has yet to make contact. He promises to return . . . and does. So far no dice.

So, armed with information on where to find their Starborn items and trying to find the best way to go about obtaining them the heroes settle down for an extended stay in Crescent City . . .

So, what will you do next?

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Chapter Ten: Seeking out Power (rumor recap)

The following is a recap of rumors and information you have learned in Crescent City. Some of this information may be new:

• The swamp elves have been slaves for as long as anyone can remember, though there are rumours of an uprising.
• There are four competing crime lords running the city – Lord Raglan, Jimmy the Tailor, Little Reginald and Dark Mariah. If you commit a crime on their turf without their permission, then you are in a lot of trouble.
• On each crime lord's territory, there is one tavern where the crime lord's men rule the roost and can drink in safety; the landlord is in cahoots with them and will provide alibis and hiding places when needed.
• Lord Raglan's tavern is the Merry Jackdaw, Jimmy the Tailor's is the Pig and Hammer, Little Reginald's is the Chandler's Arms and Dark Mariah's crew drink at the Lifeless Lass.
• Lord Raglan's lieutenant, Jackary, is some kind of a vampire.
• Lord Malthus is the official governor and he seems to be doing very well so far, though nobody is entirely sure how.
• When the authorities crushed the old Rogues' Guild ten years ago, the King and Queen of Thieves hid some special treasures away somewhere in the testing maze under the guild house. Nobody has ever found it, though plenty of people have tried. The guild house is a hospice now, sacred to Saint Cecilia.
• Among the treasures hidden away by the King and Queen of Thieves was an artefact that they stole from the crypt of a hero who fell in a battle over a thousand years ago. According to legend, he was slain in battle but came back from the dead to help his comrades.
• There is a haunted plantation up the river somewhere.
• There is a whole plantation up the river that is completely deserted. The owners just fled one day without ever explaining why. Since they never sold the land to anyone, it is unused and the mansion house has gone to rack and ruin. If you go there on a dark night, you can hear screaming.
• The deserted plantation belonged to the Valjean family.
• When the Valjean family abandoned their plantation and headed overseas, they did not take their eldest son Michel with them.
• The King and Queen of Thieves survived their deaths somehow, though nobody has any idea where they are today.
• The central bank has some artefacts stored in it that have been there for centuries.
• A serial murderer is doing away with people. He mutilates the bodies in some horrible way.
• The serial murderer takes his victims' faces.
• Dark Mariah is half-drow; that is where she gets her dark skin tone.
• The crime lords have an agreement with the guards, meaning that their people can usually get away with petty crimes, so long as nobody is badly hurt.
• Lord Malthus is the official governor and he seems to be doing very well so far, though nobody is entirely sure how.
• There is a tavern in the centre of town called the Laughing Lord, which is the only neutral territory in the city as far as the crime lords are concerned. They meet there if they ever want to have a face-to-face discussion.
• The building that is now the Town Hall used to be a temple to the elven God Brith; there are rooms in there that nobody knows about.
• There are people in the city who are preparing to arm the swamp elves for revolution.
• The old Rogue's Guild was double-crossed – an insider let the authorities in, though nobody knows who or how.
• The central bank has some artefacts stored in it that have been there for centuries.
• The old rogue's guildhouse is now a hospital dedicated to Saint Cecilia of the Church of Marius. It is on Lord Raglan's territory.

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Chapter Ten: Seeking out Power (death touch)

May 11, 998 CE

Newly armed with information from Severil Blackthorn, the Ragged Man, the Starborn set out to return to Crescent City and seek out their birthright . . . their Starborn items of power.

There is some discussion as to what exactly they should do first. Some seem intent on seeking out the haunted plantation, others want to go to the bank in Crescent City to make a withdrawal, one wishes to go immediately into the Rogue's Maze and still others think they should investigate the crimes and goings on in Crescent City. All of these arguments are tossed aside when Casey is struck down in battle . . .

After having left the Temple of Kharad the Starborn spent a couple of days by boat getting back to Father Abstinence's mission. They stayed a night or two there and rested up and then moved on. Still without a clear idea of the next step, they knew they must go west. Either they would travel straight on to Crescent City or they might move north to the plantation.

About two out from the mission and still some hours east of Greenroot's village several of the sharper-eyed Starborn spotted a drow in the weeds ahead. The drow quickly ducked out of sight and attempted to make an escape. The heroes peppered the drow with arrow and magical fire, but he did not die and was lost in the swamp. Neil cast fly and heads up to find the drow. He sees a dozen or so setting an ambush.

Neil makes back to the party and advises them of the situation. The heroes decide to move into combat. Neil flies up for a closer look and sees that the drow are making an escape into the thicker parts of the swamp to the south. Seebo tracks the drow while the rest of the heroes follow along about half a mile behind.

Seebo finds the drow making camp and returns to his compatriots. The Starborn gear up, buff up and move in for the kill. Unfortunately, the drow seemed to be ready for the heroes. Several of them vanish under cover of invisibility and archers takes shots at the approaching heroes.

As the heroes break into tactical groups an enlarged Duergar with a massive dwarven warpike makes an appearance as his pike pierces through Casey's gut. She is near death and backs away while Neil heals her. Rygorh and Seebo manage to cut down several of the drow soldiers, while Tilk and Dinah charge about the place doing what they do best . . . decapitating enemies with their massives swords. Even Kettle gets into the action with a nice feint and quick kill shot on one of the drow archers.

The massive Duergar takes a few more staps with his pike and nearly kills Neil. The heroes fear that the tide may be turning for the worse. Suddenly, Alev unleashses a massive burst of fire on the dwarf and he falls dead. The day is saved . . . almost.

The drow who have shed their flesh and their skeletons rise to fight again! A priest must be here . . . but where? The question is answered when three heretofore unseen drow appear. One is a whirling mass of steel and death . . . she slices Casey quite badly. Another is a wizard who drops a massive fireball within the group burning several of the Starborn, but none significantly. The worst of the foes is a priestess of She who appears next to Casey, mutters some foul words to her diety and lays her hand on Casey. Casey falls dead in an instant as the foul power of death flows through the priestess's hands.

Seeing one of their comrades falls instills a fire in the rest of the Starborn. They make quick work of dispatching the rest of the drow. Neil uses healing magic to keep the enemy wizard and cleric from dying . . . they have prisoners and a fallen comrade.

All of the arguments end . . . for now. They must make for Crescent City to find the Starborn node and raise their fallen friend.

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Casey: Frustration at Every Turn

Okay. I was wrong. I'll admit when I'm wrong. That stupid elf WAS evil and he WAS alive. I really thought we were just going to find a book. It would've been a lot easier had we found a book with some real information in it. The information we got out of the elf was skewed at best. He begrudgingly gave us information because he wanted to live longer. Live longer!!! Why in the world someone would willingly live a thousand years and with no life to speak of is beyond my comprehension. What an idiot!

The information we gleaned from him wasn't of much help in my opinion. We received an orb that only contained three powers left to it. Apparently it used to hold a lot of powers but because he wanted to live forever he drained it of its proper strength. Rumus did receive his Starborn item in the process, but we have yet to give it to him because he has taken to doing research and has basically disappeared. The elf also gave us little information on where our Starborn items are. They are in a magically sealed vault inside the Crescent City bank. It would've helped if he'd had the key to that vault.

Dinah and I attempted to discover the family tree of the man who put the Starborn items there, but the sage we paid couldn't find any information. At least Seebo will be able to get his. How hard can a person of his ability have going through a maze? And I did get two magical scimitars from that Dervish Drow. That's some compensation for death.

It still seems to me that we're at a crossroads. We have a governor who isn't very helpful at all. We cannot find any information on the bank vault, the man who put it there or his family. We also have a very corrupt city that is probably so foul and infiltrated with Drow that we will all be seeing our deaths sooner than anticipated.

Why does it feel like the followers of the Devil always have more information and we can't seem to get any?! They are always one step ahead of us. Why aren't our gods bending over backwards giving us information?!

There I go again; cursing what we do have. I should feel more grateful that we at least found a node, even if we have to fight to get to it. It's just so difficult to feel grateful when we have to fight for everything and it seems the Drow just snap their fingers and receive.

If I was one for over-indulging I would go get drunk and ignore the world around me. I think that's what we need is a day or two of vacation. No thinking, no arguing, just have a shindig the likes of which my father use to hold. I know that that idea will be pooh-poohed, though.

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PC Fiction: Chapter Ten

This is an archive of the past player-posted fiction from Chapter Ten:

• Casey: Death, Friendship, Love
• Casey: Frustration at Every Turn
• Seebo: Disappointments
• Neil: 101 Questions
• Seebo: Reflections on Pride
• Seebo: The Crime I Didn't Commit . . .Yet
• Chronicles of Rygorh: Starborn/Heroes of Deceivers
• Casey: I'll Keep Quiet
• Journals of a Hunter: A Harsh Reality
• Alev: Recovering the Orb of Azurite
• Seebo: The Thieves, the Bank and the Treasure
• Chronicles of Rygorh: Personal Changes

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Casey: Death, Friendship, and Love

Death is not fun. Actually the dying part isn't fun. I've never been so injured or in so much pain. Feeling a pike slam through my body and then getting sliced by scimitars is not something I want ever repeated.

I did learn something from this experience; that I can be great if I live long enough to be like the Dervish that killed me. I was amazed to see myself in action, so to speak. What made her so great was her invisibility. She sneaked up on me and slashed me down. I wonder when our spell casters will learn that spell! It definitely will benefit our party.

Watching the dancing; her dancing was beautiful. I'm sort of shocked that I can find beauty in something that felled me. I wonder if my friends see that beauty when I do it or am I clumsy? I should ask one of them how it appears to them when I dance. I feel the need to know now that I've actually been in battle with another Dervish.

I am told that the cleric who landed the killing blow on my person we now have in custody. My friends avenged my death, though. Apparently the Dervish Drow carried two magical scimitars that are now in my hands. I'm sure that these are not my Starborn items, yet they will serve until we can get our items in the bank.

Dying was not what I assumed it to be. I didn't see any angels or gods and goddesses waiting for me. I must assume that is because it was not a true death in the sense that it was not really my time to leave this god-forsaken hell we're in. The whole experience put an even deeper sense in me that we must win this war for the greater-good, whatever that might be.

My comrades managed to get me into the Crescent City node, but I was confused by the many officers that were standing about watching! It seemed as if half of the corrupted city were there viewing the gods in action. Knowing what it looks like it's no wonder they backed away from me like I was the walking dead. It does look very strange to see what was once dead arising. I found out from Tilk that it was the governor and his guards and it made a little more sense. The node is at the top of the city hall. In my confusion upon waking I believe someone stated that the elves built it up here. Right now it doesn't seem a very good place to have one. Our meetings with the law haven't been real helpful thus far.

While Rygorh, Kettle, Alev, Neil and Dinah were talking to the governor, Tilk slipped me a note. My death was very difficult on him and he has pledged to protect me. From what I could gather from that note I do believe he was pledging his love for me. I'm not sure how to feel about that either. The task ahead of us is foremost in my mind. A personal relationship that is more than friendship would make this more difficult, especially should one of us die permanently. I also have the arranged marriage looming ahead of me if my family and betrothed survive this war we are fated to fight.

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Religion in Ashfar: Brith

When the star goddess Nuith first attempted to create a light for her children on earth to see by, she gave birth to the goddess Lumiya, the moon. Although the elves saw well enough by the silver light of Lumiya, it was too changeable and faint for the other creatures and so Nuith focused her will and created the brilliant light of Brith, the sun.

Brith is the sun god of the Callistan pantheon and the chief deity of all. With the exception of the insane god Jubb and the two principal drow deities, Arkady and "She", the other gods acknowledge his authority and obey his commands.

He appears as a powerfully built male elf, armoured with golden chainmail and bearing a double-handed sword that shines like the sun. In place of his original left hand is a mechanical one made from mithral.

Brith is worshipped by all elves, but especially by warriors and nobles.

Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Domains: Good, Law, Fire, Sun
Favored Weapon: Greatsword

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Religion in Ashfar: Nuith

The goddess Nuith is more of a primal force than a deity. She is the starry heaven itself, from which all else emerged. The elves believe her to be the mother of all earthly life, whether evil or good. That which is 'of Nuith' is necessary to existence. Alien forces, such as the drow, magical aberrations or demons from other planes, are not 'of Nuith'. They are to be feared and guarded against.

Nuith does not have clerics. She is too distant and universal to be worshipped at all. According to legend, she only intervenes in the lives of mortals through her other children, the Starborn. These are avatars of individual stars, whose destiny it is to protect the world against the forces from outside that threaten it.

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Chronicles of Rygorh: Private Reflections

I spent the first part of our journey on a skiff with Alev and Aston. We had some very interesting conversation. Mostly point and counter-point exchanges concerning the various philosophies of Law vs. Chaos; yeah that is a real revelation there: the two of us discussing this topic. It was however a very illuminating conversation. It's amazing how much we are alike and kind of made from the same stuff except he continually clings to the Ideals of Order. It is a shame really; after getting to know the man I think he would be a very good servant to the Goddess if he could get over this love of order he has. He is a very strong willed person and a powerful ally in a fight always-good qualities within the order. Sigh, at one point while trying to illustrate the importance of Law he brought up an example that my wife could be raped then what . . . To this the vision of an attractive young redheaded acolyte of the flame found its way into my head. Shaking my head, I simply responded then that person would pay with his life, however, that's meaningless since I will never marry.

After our conversation ended, I sat quietly thinking of the world and how close we were to losing it all. This group gathered by some obscure Elven Goddess by the merits of us being born of the stars it really is an interesting and powerfully daunting place to be. Every one and every thing depends on us; we have got to find a way to win this. Hmmm, glancing back towards Alev, I wonder what they would say if they knew how I had spent my life raising armies of peasants to fight for their freedom. Sigh, would probably cause a bunch more issues. Shit I still have to deal with the one phase I mentioned to them at one time "Chaos and Havoc" . . . Then my thoughts turned towards the plight of the Swamp Elves; poor people ridden into the ground by years of slavery and now they stand defenseless against an overwhelming foe, poor people . . .

---

The High Priestess stood at the top of the dias looking down on the four figures prostrate on the floor before her, sacred flame dancing behind her. Glancing around the circular chamber at the assembled priests standing shoulder to shoulder against the walls chanting. "Who gives testament to the Goddess, in favor of these four souls?" She states loudly, a gruff voice exclaims "I Do Mistress of Flame" as the man who spoke raises his head and pulls back his cowl revealing the Half-Orc's features. "Very well, Rygorh, may it be on your soul should they fail to serve," responds the high priestess, "On my very soul" states Rygorh simply head bowed. Turning back to the four forms that lie as still as death itself and raising her staff, "who shall be a cleric of the goddess come forth kneel before me state your avatar and receive the mark of the Goddesses fire upon your flesh!" Elainia rises from the floor and kneels in front of the priestess and stares into the sacred flame solemnly, reaching back to expose her ankle states simply "The Phoenix." At this word, the staff in the hand of the High Priestess bursts into flames and sends a shard of pure fire streaking to the exposed flesh of the girls ankle. Then as suddenly as the staff burst into flame it goes out and grows cold again leaving the unmistakable tattoo of a phoenix on Elainia's ankle flesh around it still red from the heat. Elainia rises, tears still streaking her cheeks from the pain of the ordeal, "Elainia, Cleric of Firinna go join your brethren of the order."

The next two go forth and receive their prospective marks one upon his back and the other upon his shoulder, now it was the young Rygorh's turn. Standing he made his way up before the High Priestess then kneeling and looking up he drops the hood of his robe revealing his cleanly shaven head. While watching the dancing flame he says "The Red Dragon" however instead of the jolt of searing pain he expected, he hears the voice of the High Priestess, "Why such an evil creature?" Surprised by this the young man looks to the Priestess conducting the ceremony, an awkward silence falls on the chamber, then states proudly "Though evil the Red Dragon is a creature of Power and Grace, a symbol of fire, chaos and war, a creature that flies free, rules the skies and inspires fear." Standing unmoving for a moment the High Priestess nods and says "Very Well" Rygorh's head suddenly feels like its engulfed in fires, tears running down his face he can feel the flames run down the back of his skull and slide around his neck. What feels like hours lasts a mere moments then as quickly as it began it is ended, Rygorh stands ears still ringing from the pain and moves to take his place against the wall among his people as a Cleric of Firinna.

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Chronicles of Rygorh: The Ragged Man

Once the conversation was over, well not over we just stopped arguing about it for the moment. Traveling down the other tunnel we overcame some obstacles and killed, or re-killed if you will, the final bride retrieving the last of the gems we needed. Proceeding directly up to the top level we began preparing for combat when one thought struck me, we did not come here to kill the Ragged Man. I spoke up to the group and suggested while we prepare for the worst we came here for information and we cannot get information from a corpse. I figured I am the best suited for negotiations so I convinced everyone to allow me to speak to him when we enter, possibly Kettle cause he seemed a pretty good person for negotiations. It was decided that someone small would open the doorway and Kettle, Alev, and Me would speak with him and attempt to avoid a fight.

Well once the door was, open everyone's weapons came out and for once I think we were actually prepared for anything. There sat this ancient elf, holding an orb that he said was ours however, the evil bastard used most of its power. This sorry ass evil son of an ogre was the sole survivor of the last war and he was supposed to wait for us and prepare us for this fight. That flaming idiot sat here so far away from Chillhame when he could have had his tower or pyramids near the Tump and spoke us day one. With some information, we could have prepared better and defended Saragost without all the guesswork. Sorry ass self centered Elves, Humph, now I am wondering if Starkweather John really died from wounds in the final battle or if this sorry ass Elf killed him. Well it will serve no point in dwelling on this now, we need to act, Rumus has his Item and we know how to find the others. We must all now gird ourselves for battle; once we all have our weapons then we can take the fight to the enemy. As soon as this Evil Bastard died, the top of the pyramid opened up and it was time to begin traveling through the swamp.

Of course, as soon as we headed out and began our venture back the arguments began again. Sarcasm, insults were flung around and generally a state of unease bordering on a total undoing of our entire team effort. Alev wanted to take care of the Plantation on the way back, I must say at first I argued against that however after thinking about it he is right. Seebo wanted to go straight for the maze, I cannot say that I blame him, and supported his argument since we know where the maze is. The most obvious destination is to go after the vault and equip everyone then the maze however, I do not think that the vault will be that easy to find. Nothing so far in this expedition has been, as it seems, we do know where the maze is and may be the quickest and easiest. I did have issue with Alev speaking in an accusatory tone that we left the entire city defenseless to come here and seek out our Items. He wanted to go back, immediately play local law enforcement, and seek out a murderer assuming that this murderer was somehow Drow related. At lease everyone else seemed to be of the same opinion as me concerning this, unfortunately we cannot waste time trying to right every wrong that we come across not when we have bigger fish to fry. Then of course, the entire issue with the mission of law in the middle of the swamp came up again, why I really do not know. It really is a minor affair however Casey takes it as a personal affront that I do not wish to stay in the place, not certain why she cares that much where I sleep. I for one am getting tired of the arguments it seems we all need to grow up some and try to get along. I have always been the type to speak my mind and give my opinions; I feel that I have come along way in trusting these people and trying to be less abrasive in my speech however that seems to do nothing to curb the arguments. I am on the verge of doing more like Tilk, just sitting back with my mouth closed and let everyone else decide what they want to do and if we die we die and the world is lost.

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Chronicles of Rygorh: Leadership, Why?

The fight was finally finished, "By the nine planes of hell me and Ashton nearly killed the damn girl!" Those plant things, whatever they were, were some of the toughest opponents we have fought. Once they had the paladin within their deadly grasp it seemed I could not hit the damn thing without hitting her. By the arrows sticking out of her, Ashton was having the same issues. Well, finally they are dead. I am just hoping that my companions do not think I took advantage of the situation. They all know how I feel about order seemed that neither Ashton nor myself could strike a blow without hitting her.

Looking around and making sure that the paladin was healed I heard someone exclaim, "Fog, fog coming from the coffin!" Looking down I noticed this thick cloud of white, impenetrable fog billowing out of the glass coffin which quickly filled the room. Soon I could see nothing but this white haze in my face. Such frustration I had never known. I could hear blows being struck across the room and what sounded like Neil’s voice calling for assistance. Ashton next to me, although I could not see him, was yelling that he cannot see what to target. I told him to just stand fast and wait for his shot. I heard Seebo shout something that I didn’t really make out but responded "Everyone back out of the room down the hallway and make it come to use where we can see. I heard consent from most of the room but that was suddenly broken by the sound of Alev, he was chanting and casting something that I could not make out however suddenly a rush of air cleared the room of the dense fog and we could see again. Before I had a chance to look around I saw two arrows streak across my vision to the right and figured Ashton had found his target. Turning I saw the creature a Mummy had risen up from the casket and was now standing in the corner. Laughing I thought bad choice as me, the Paladin and Casey all cornered the bitch and hacked her to pieces.

Soon after the battle, Seebo suggested that we all wait here he though it best that he scout out the area ahead before we head there. At first I was against this Seebo had already risked his life at the altar and I did not want any harm to come to him. Ashton leaned over and assured me that he would be fine, his skills were better than I could imagine. So Seebo disappeared down the corridor and we sat and waited. After a few minutes of me and Alev arguing the points of Law vs. Chaos Neil exclaimed, "Wow look, there is Seebo!" Glancing up I could see him swimming on the outside of the force field that held the waters at bay, "what in the name of the Goddess," I thought. I immediately began calling for someone to break the gem in the floor so we could bring him back in however he seemed to be motioning us to follow him, so we did. Upon returning to the stairs back into the temple Seebo just sat there, floating and I looked to the Dwarf and said, "Break the damn thing!" This time he looked at me and said "Yeah!" running forward and smashing the nearest gem on the floor which disintegrated the force field and the following gush of water pushed us all down the steps back into the temple. We soon made our way back to the center chamber where the small island that housed a pyramid stood.

We decided that it was time to take a break before moving on, Seebo was tired from his swim, Neil and myself were low on spells. It was during this time that Seebo brought up the topic, which I knew, would most certainly lead to a huge argument. Seebo thought that for our remaining time within the temple Kettle take over as the leader of the group. This led to a massive debate of which created more chaos than I could have had I tried. Just a brief synopsis I of course argued down the point, Alev spent his time attempting to mock me with sarcasm and I could swear he was trying to anger me. Kettle and Seebo argued that the other was most suited to lead; Casey felt that she should resume the leadership and Neil wanted his Deity to lead. Oh, and of course the Paladin just chimed in how we needed order meanwhile I could see Ashton sitting back laughing at us. In thinking back, it must have been a comical scene. Sigh, Leadership a topic that will most surely come up again, I still prefer the diplomatic approach where everyone states their opinions then we vote on what to do next. I guess I need to think about this and figure out a way that we can decide something that will please everyone to some extent.

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Chapter Nine: the Ragged Man (the haul)

So, here's the treasure you all recovered . . . how do you intend to divide it?

Aboleth Horde

• 1,500 gp
• aquamarine (600 gp)
• citrine (50 gp)
• moss agate (12 gp)
• arcane scroll (disguise self, endure elements, ray of enfeeblement)
• small-sized undead bane heavy mace +1
• potion (endure elements)
• potion (mage armor)

Temple Treasures

• oil of keen edge (750 gp)
• decanter of endless water (9,000 gp)
• two golden ankle chains (400 gp each)
• falcon shaped necklace in gold and lapis lazuli (800 gp)
• two bracelets of gold and silver wire set with tiny diamonds (200 gp each)
• scarab of protection (8 charges left) (25,333.33 gp)
• ten sapphires (300 gp each)
• two diamond fangs (1,500 gp each)
• two emerald eyes (3,000 gp each)
• Rumus's signature item: Headband of Intellect

Dragon Horde

• 18,000 sp
• 11,000 gp
• two silver-inlaid peals (2,500 gp each)

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Chapter Nine: the Ragged Man (meet the man)

The mist coming from the glass coffin provided brief cover to the mummy inside who pounded mercilessly on Neil for a moment. A quick gust of wind from Alev cleared the air and the melee fighters waded into battle. The mummy found herself cornered and crushed rather quickly as Dinah's greatsword and Rygorh's holy longsword ripped through the undead creature's damage reduction. Casey's slashing blades were less effective.

Having crushed the mummy, the Starborn then spent a great deal of time discussing plans for the third bride and the Ragged Man himself. While not conclusions were reached a great deal of arguing ensued.

Seebo set out to find the source of some noise in the force tunnels while the others hung back. While on his own Seebo suddenly found himself in the swamp . . . outside of the dungeon as one of the crystals powering the force field maze failed. He swam around to motion the others back towards the temple. Kettle smashed the force crystal nearest the temple offering Seebo passage back into the temple with eveyrone else.

The heroes decided to rest for the day and replenish spells to face the final bride and the Ragged Man.

On the morning of May 10 they set out to face the last of the enemy brides. The door leading east of the massive cavern of vines refuses to give to sheer strength, but Neil manages to prise it open using the Sceptre of Life (found in the mummy's tomb) and channeling divine power into it.

As the door opened a massive rush of water from the Cavern of Vines pushed the heroes into the hall beyond. For a moment all appeared to be lost as Neil, Seebo, Casey and others hurdled down the hall towards a bottomless chasm. Dinah, with Kettle and Alev's assistance, managed to get the door closed and save her fellows.

Neil sets Kettle aflight, and Kettle and Seebo use their tools to set up a rope bridge across the chasm. Moving foward down the passage they find a curious room . . .

Before you is the entry to a shrine or tomb of some kind, surrounded by a ring of burning torches that give off no heat. The entryway to this structure is a simple dark aperture, with a curtain of blue beads on silver wire closing it off. Above the aperture is a silver plate on which an inscription gleams.

Kettle surmises that the inscription reads "The Fairest" and inspects the mirror to see a beautiful elfin woman beyond who is applying make up and brushing her hair. A great deal of discussion and attempts to move into the room beyond results in little until Rygorh breaks the mirror. A super fast action battle results in one dead vampire . . . Alev's scorching ray and Neil's holy smite were too much for the creature.

Now armed with the jewels of each of the brides the Starborn decide to rest up again before facing the menace of the Ragged Man.

The next morning the Starborn set out to meet the Ragged Man. They prepare for battle and move to the top of the pyramid. With weapons ready and a great deal of spells in place the burst into the top most chamber of the temple:

A hellish, throbbing blue glare lights this pyramidal chamber, its source the orb in the room’s centre. The light ripples like water, pulsing rhythmically as a heart.The sloping walls here are thickly matted with thorny briars. They are growing out of the very stone, as if the plants were merged with it somehow. The briars waver and twitch, writhing slowly like slender serpents. In each corner of the room stands a sturdy column, reaching from floor to ceiling.You see that the pulsing blue orb is held in the withered claw of a figure, sat upon a throne of carven stone. It is dressed in the ragged remains of a high priest’s robes. The skin, too, hangs ragged on the body, hanging in limp folds like wallpaper that has rotted and begun to peel. The head nods in time to the pulses of the light.

"So. At last, it is time. It is… strange. I have held this desiccated flesh for centuries and still I crave another minute of life. In the name of mercy, grant me another minute to breathe this foul air… to feel agony, for it is better than feeling nothing."

The Ragged Man answers questions as best he can:

• The other signature weapons have not gone far. They are in Crescent City. One is secreted in the old Testing Maze where the King and Queen of Thieves once held court. The others were bought by a merchant, Ombar Lutz, and are locked away in a vault in the Central Bank.
• His name used to be Severil Blackthorn, a member of the troupe led by Starkweather John. They fought the last survivors from the drow army a great many centuries ago on the island of Chillhame and were victorious, though at a great cost. He was killed in the battle but restored to life in the stone circle called the Tump. Returning from death to life convinced him that Kharad had singled him out for special duty on earth. Only a priest who had known both life and death could properly administer the rites of Kharad, who comprises both in one deity.
• The sphere he holds is called the Orb of Azurite. He was supposed to seal it up safely, until the new Starborn could come and claim it. That was meant to be his sacred duty. Instead, he warped its power to extend his own life, populating the Temple with strange entities, creating his undead Brides and establishing magical traps.
• The Dark is rising again. Whenever there is an Equinox of Heroes, the Starborn and the Host are forced into conflict, which decides the fate of the races who dwell upon the earth.
• The Orb's power is greatly reduced now, because he has been draining it away. It should, however, still be able to help them. It gives the bearer the ability to sense the nearest Node, if there is one. It also confers the power to detect the Host and the creatures sent forth from the Dark.

Eventually the Ragged Man succumbs to the Starborn . . . he gives over the Orb of Azurite and collapses in a pile of dust. The upper level of the ziggurat opens up revealing a gorgeous morning in the world above. The Starborn gather their things, including treasure liberate from the temple and a dragon horde beneath the swamp and set out for Crescent City . . . What will you do next?

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Chronicles of Rygorh: Swamp, Misery and a Mission?

After traveling through this swamp for a few days I can see its effects taking a toll on my companions. Some are acting out of character for themselves while others are mysteriously silent. Neil has even lapsed into silence, a thing that I do find disturbing. I sit here listening to the song of the rain as it falls on trees, in puddles, and striking objects of various sizes. It seems to be making its own foreboding tune. Everyone has gone into this mission we came upon, however, I cannot bring myself to enter such a place. It does not make any sense to me: a mission devoted to this law cult out here in a place devoid of law and nowhere near any civilization? There must be more here to it; why build a mission here? Maybe I am becoming too cynical for my own good; however, we have been surprised way too often for my taste. Ever since our meeting and this track has begun nothing is as it seems.

Looking around I can see Ashton perched in a tree as the rain increases and he keeps watch, a very diligent young man with nothing left in his life except for what he can make for himself. "Hmm, a feeling I know all too well," scanning the area again my eyes find the mission once more. "I hope everything is alright with my companions. Surely they would have called out if something went wrong." Looking up, "Damn rain! Cant even make a proper fire in this oppressively bleak environment."

At a call from Ashton, I notice a figure in the rain, through the mist I can make out a shadowy silhouette of a short stocky person heading through the rain right towards us. I can see Ashton as he draws back on his bow and fades into the tree's foliage. As I watch this person approach, I can hear the distinct clanking of plate armor through the rain; figuring it best to be safe I loosen my sword in its sheath drawing it ever so slightly. Standing I can now make out the bearded face of a dwarf. "Hmmm now this is an odd place to find one of these sturdy warrior folk," I do not have much experience with these folks but from the few I've met and the stories I've heard it is easy to respect such a rugged race. Calling out to him in greeting in order to let him know I see his approach as well as to put Ashton at ease, he comes up and relates a brief story of confusion and lost memories . . . a story and feeling that I too am very familiar with. He is Starborn; against my better judgment I decide to accompany Kettle into the mission so we can talk more.

Once inside and after have to deal with the ministrations of this idiot father whatever his name is we make introductions and explain to Kettle the whole equinox tale.

After remaining at the mission for the next couple of days we set out on the final leg of our journey to the Temple of the dead god. Still not sure what to expect when we get there, I am beginning to doubt that his Ragged Man could really be Starborn. Why would he be in such a place? I can't help but wonder if we are heading into a trap or not. Up till now all of the information that the Lady has given us has proved fruitful. What if this information was planted in order to mislead us, and she unknowingly passed it on or have we drawn the wrong conclusions from her message. Hmm, I wonder if she still fights on, or if that sanctuary has fallen? It has been quite a while since we've heard from her. Then turning a bend in the river I could see it, a massive pyramid structure surrounded by a moat of sorts . . .

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Chapter Nine: the Ragged Man (under the swamp)

(this is the last update from the marathon session on 3/25)

May 9, Temple of Kharad

In the morning Kettle and Tilk each attempted to shake of the effects of the spectre's draining touch. Neil casts restoration on Kettle ensuring him success, while Tilk must depend on his great fortitude to see him through. Alas, he is only able to partially recover from the experience and permanently suffers loss of his life force (one permanent level lost).

The heroes head back underground to investigate the doors that they know lie inside the great cavern of vines. Neil casts water breathing on the Starborn and they head under . . . they first head for the partially opened door heading south. Tilk and Dinah work together to wrench open the door. What they find beyond is most interesting:

This arched tunnel is like no other you have seen in the Temple. The floor is of stone and seems to be mundane enough but the walls are absent altogether. Instead, the swamp itself is above and around you, glistening like a soap bubble, held at bay by some invisible force field in the shape of a half-cylinder. You can clearly see the mass of water, mud, roots and weeds pressing down on the field. There are even fish and other living creatures moving around out there, startled at your appearance. In the centre of the floor, some 20 feet ahead of you, is a single flagstone in which a crystal rod is embedded, lying lengthways along the tunnel. It glows with a weak green radiance.

The adventurers move into this strange tunnel complex and discover a maze of sorts. Inside the maze they encounter a great plant beast. With a bit of planning and coordination they best the creature rather quickly. Seebo's plan almost worked to perfection. He's likley to tell everyone about his plans in the future!

Continuing into the maze they find the endpoint:

This spherical chamber has a central raised bed of flowers and plants. You recognise many of the plants from the marsh, growing with lush life, as well as many bizarre growths that may have come from other worlds or even other planes. In the centre of the riot of plants, almost hidden, is a coffin of glass.

Here the heroes find a pair of shambling mounds which attack on sight. This battle was quite touch-and-go as the shamblers managed to grapple Dinah and Seebo. While the creatures crushed the hapless heroes their friends tried desperately to apply healing magic and kill the dangerous plants. Eventually great heroics (and some spent action points) win the day as the shamblers fall to blade and spell.

As the heroes get their bearings, clean off weapons and move to inspect the glass coffin, a cloud of vapor begins to pour out of the coffin . . . what new evil is this?

Everyone roll initiative!

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