Charles Plemons' Blog

Game summary for December 13, 2007; present characters included Ashkor (half-bronze dragon lizardfolk barbarian/battle sorcerer/dragon disciple/fighter), Carn Fodelfex (whisper gnome cleric), Eolas Windmaster (moon elf duskblade), Iapetus Hasur (hu-charad giant rogue/scout/vigilante), Lady Aridarye Phylund Brokengulf (human aristocrat/harbinger/ranger cohort), Lyrin Sinbal (simian incantatrix/ring sage/warmage), Syvarius Strongbow (moon elf archer-ranger/peerless archer), and Taravin Truesilver (human gray guard/paladin of honor/pious templar).

Along with Darl Quethos and company, the Mercenaries returned to the Portal of Storms. There, they were challenged to a single duel by one of the wild watchers, Sayren-Lei. Taravin accepted the challenge and engaged the fey druid. The wild watcher quickly turned invisible and began riddling Taravin with spear thrusts. The other wild watchers felt the fight unfair and allowed Lyrin, Iapetus and Ashkor to join the fray. The fighting was intense, and Taravin lost his life; however, the Mercenaries proved victorious. Afterward, the fountain of dreams appeared, and all present drank from its waters.

The group found themselves, minus Taravin, at Skull Gorge during the first war on Kyuss’ armies. They watched as Dragotha tore through entire legions and thousands of worm-dripping undead unleashed their fury upon the living. A group of druids, the wild watchers before their transformation, entreated the party for aid in slowing the advance of Kyuss’ minions long enough for them to stash Dragotha’s phylactery in Kongen-Thulnir. Lashonna, present but seeming not to recognize the party, turned into a silver dragon and flew off to stall Dragotha and his flying minions. The party agreed to help and waged war against an onslaught of Swords of Kyuss. After Lyin blasted most of them blind with sunburst, a flowing, oozing mass of bone reached the ridge top. This undead boneyard snatched Syvarius in its maw, pinned him down, and ripped every bone out of his body, slaying him instantly. After a fierce pitched battle, Eolas succeeded in disintegrating the boneyard. As the abomination dispersed, the Mercenaries watched as Dragotha killed Lashonna.

The image faded, and the party was back on Tilagos Island. Gone was the extradimensional land of Last Resort, as well as the storm that had so long protected the secrets of Tilagos. Taravin remained dead on the ground, but Syvarius was somehow restored. Aridarye had heard of Kongen-Thulnir and knew it to lie somewhere in Skull Gorge, right under the nose of Dragotha. Quickly the team gathered their gear, their dead, and teleported to Skull Gorge. Of Darl and his allies, there had been no sign.

Game summary for December 6, 2007; present characters included Ashkor (half-bronze dragon lizardfolk barbarian/battle sorcerer/dragon disciple/fighter), Chuck Ahammer (shield dwarf master thrower/rogue/thunderthrower), Iapetus Hasur (hu-charad giant rogue/scout/vigilante), Lady Aridarye Phylund Brokengulf (human aristocrat/harbinger/ranger cohort), Lyrin Sinbal (simian incantatrix/ring sage/warmage), Morak Beardfist (shield dwarf fighter/rage cleric), and Taravin Truesilver (human gray guard/paladin of honor/pious templar).

Using find the path, the Mercenaries made their way to Thornvale where they discovered a massive thicket almost impossible to hack through. During some aerial scouting, Ashkor and Iapetus discovered a cave emitting fog or steam up on one side of a mountain. The team climbed and hacked their way around to the mountainside and discovered tracks going up to the cave and then hurriedly leaving. Dried blood accompanied the retreating trail.

The party moved up to the cave and cautiously entered. About forty or fifty feet into the cave, they found the source of the steam—a chasm plunging into the darkness with hissing steam bellowing forth. The heat was tremendous. Undaunted, Ashkor and Iapetus jumped the crevasse and landed on the far side. Suddenly, a massive, thick-hided monster with glowing red eyes burst from the covering clouds, its ten-foot tusks aimed for the two adventurers. It snagged and flipped Iapetus up into the air and hurled him into the chasm. The vigilante plunged into the depths and slammed into a lake of boiling water, sinking 20 feet below the surface.

Chaos erupted as the party fanned out and Ashkor soared into the crevasse to save his friend, his wings beating furiously against the scalding updrafts and blood pumping from a terrible goring. Lyrin leaned out from behind his allies and caught the monster in waves of exhaustion, visibly tiring the creature. In retaliation, it nailed him with a disintegrate ray. Taravin bolstered his ally, but it was only through the intervention of Fate that Lyrin survived the attack. The beast moved further into the darkness and swirling steam and disappeared from sight. The team took the opportunity to cross over the chasm and spread out for an assault. The glowing lantern-sized eyes reappeared in the steam, and a series of cloudkill effects poisoned the air. Despite these obstacles, the party pressed their advantage, with Chuck leading the attack with a barrage of magical hammers. Meanwhile, Ashkor grabbed Iapetus when he swam up the surface, and the two made their way back up the chasm. Beardfist and Aridarye unleashed some healing to offset the effects of the burning-hot air. Then, the dwarven priest slowed the monster with a frigid prayer.

With a yell of exaltation and suffused with righteous fury, Taravin plunged into the swirling cloud to bring the fight to the monster. It roared in defiance as the paladin slipped between the great tusks. At the last moment, Taravin twirled Lightbringer over and slammed the point into the middle of the creature’s forehead. The holy blade sliced the evil skin and bone like parchment, and the smite-empowered charge drove the blade deep into the beast’s brain. With a squeal of shock, the monster shuddered and collapsed, dead from the paladin’s brutal attack.

With the nightmare slain, the party nursed wounds and searched the cavern. Slow clapping erupted as the party stuffed their packs with loot. The air shimmered and shapes materialized—Darl Quethos and his evil minions had arrived! The soft-spoken priest of murder, flanked by devilish allies, proposed a truce. He suggested they combine forces in search for the knowledge of Last Resort. He claimed enough blood had been spilled and his interest did not include a fight with the party. After a conference, the Mercenaries agreed to return to the wild watchers and present themselves as one group, successful in all four Trials of Tilagos.

Now the enlarged party moves toward the wild watchers hoping to learn the secrets of Tilagos. The first few hours of travel have been peaceful. Chuck strove to remain hidden for a time, but Darl eventually suggested they could move faster if their sneaking companion would come out and travel at normal speed. Not long after, Lyrin made mention to Darl that the invisible kenku traveling with them might as well show itself as well. Although conversations have been infrequent and conservative, the groups are starting to learn about one another as well as display what they had learned through various magical means. Darl again applauds your tactics against the nightmare beast and recounts how several of his allies were knocked into the chasm, forcing them to grab them and regroup.

Darl is openly seeking the eye of Myrkul. With it, he believes he can install himself as the highest priest of Myrkul’s remaining faith. It does not take long to learn some about the loud and boisterous efreet genie, Malhazar. The flaming creature claims to be an exile from the Plane of Fire, where he came too close to overthrowing the Sultan of the efreeti. The truth of his statement could be suspect, but he says he has never met his equal in use of the blade. His flaming black horse, Black Fire, hovers a few inches off the ground rather than galloping along the turf.

Not much can be determined about the female kenku other than she wears the robes of Myrkul’s faith and carries a variety of blades and a repeating crossbow. She moves with a fluid grace and always appears to be staring at, or studying, members of the Mercenaries. The kenku’s silence is rivaled by that of the twin monks, Jalagar and Sabir. They never stray far from Darl and appear calm and alert. Neither carries a weapon, but that somehow makes them seem even more dangerous. Sabir amuses himself by plucking buzzing mosquitoes and flies out of the air and squishing them.

Finally, there is Darl’s scout, a great horned devil named Nalhazzarath. It seethes with undisguised hatred for everyone present, especially Darl. It is obvious it would like nothing more than to strangle the lot of you with your own entrails. However, whatever binding Darl has worked on the powerful devil is thorough and strong. You shudder to think what rites the Myrkulite had to enact to enslave a devil that makes other devils quake in fear. After sizing up Darl’s team, you feel any one of you could go toe-to-toe against any one of his allies, except this devil. You suspect you could bring him down if you could all confront him at once, but with Darl’s other allies supporting him, the devil may be unbeatable. Perhaps your uneasy truce will prevent you from finding out.

So, allied with a cancer of evil, the Mercenaries press on. The Age of Worms must be stopped, and a key to that is slaying Dragotha. Will the Mercenaries learn what they need from Last Resort? Will Darl’s team prove a problem now or in the future? Will the portal work for a return trip, or will another exist have to be located?

Game summary for November 29, 2007; present characters included Ashkor (half-bronze dragon lizardfolk barbarian/battle sorcerer/dragon disciple/fighter), Chuck Ahammer (shield dwarf master thrower/rogue/thunderthrower), Eolas Windmaster (moon elf duskblade), Iapetus Hasur (hu-charad giant rogue/scout/vigilante), Lady Aridarye Phylund Brokengulf (human aristocrat/harbinger/ranger cohort), Lyrin Sinbal (simian incantatrix/ring sage/warmage), Morak Beardfist (shield dwarf fighter/rage cleric), Syvarius Strongbow (moon elf archer-ranger/peerless archer), and Taravin Truesilver (human gray guard/paladin of honor/pious templar).

The courageous Mercenaries plunged into the Doomshroud Forest and soon found themselves in an alien landscape. The trees were dark black and oozing a viscous sap. The bark was leathery and bizarre. The team plodded through the underbrush into the evening before deciding to make camp. As night fell, a depressing keening reverberated from deep in the woods, filling the longing shadows with additional gloom and despair. Figuring this must be the mournful song of the Doomshroud, the team used magic to refresh themselves and pressed on.

Soon, the team came across a clearing with a single massive tree in the middle. Chuck was overcome with sorrow and attempted to go into the clearing, but Morak broke the compulsion, and Iapetus shrouded the team in silence. The tree swayed as it sang a dreadful song from its gaping black maw. As the team approached, it ripped its roots up from the ground and turned to face them. It spoke, but no one could hear what it said. Wasting no time, Syvarius unleashed a volley of arrows, which all but bounced off the plant’s bark.

The tree retaliated with a weird effect, but it failed to slay anyone thanks to the standfast ability of Taravin. The worst damage was to Ashkor, stunning and weakening him for a short time. Lyrin, Morak, and Eolas began a series of fiery attacks, which badly burned the tree. Aridarye used one of her most potent attacks, a resonating bolt, to batter the plant as well. Chuck and Syvarius had trouble harming the monster with their ranged attacks. The tree was now in flames and in dire shape; however, it revealed a horrific surprise. Using the dark connection it held with its grove, it melted into the earth and exploded upward in the midst of the group. It pounded Syvarius with its branches, shattering bones and beating him to the threshold of death’s door.

With one companion down, the team prepared to deal with the threat now in their midst. It was then that Eolas, Scourge of Tilagos, unleashed a mighty sword swing powered by true strike and laden with channeled pyroburst. His blade struck home and cut deep into the tree. As the tip plunged into the trunk, the flame spell within erupted. The explosion was astounding, with fire shooting forth from the back of the tree and fragmented wood spraying into the forest beyond. With a final despairing cry, the ancient monster fell dead at Eolas’ feet.

In the aftermath, Syvarius was healed of his injuries by the cleric of Moradin. Then, the grove was searched, and a small fortune in gold and items was recovered. Within the treasure trove was a gleaming, ornate adamantine rapier known as Pride of Princes. The heavily enchanted blade was snatched up and some debate has begun on who should wield the prize.

With two trials complete, Morak communed with Moradin to find more information about Darl Quethos and his team. The group quickly departed after learning he was earnestly seeking the completion of the remaining trial. For days the team marched, moving from the thick forest out into the plains. On the way toward the mountains, and the Thorn Vale, Syvarius discovered the tracks of Darl and his team. Some time had passed, and the group surmised this was the path taken when Darl and company sought out the Roc King. The group continued on, and when within a day’s travel of the mountains, they finally sat down to rest and recover their mana and strength. Morak again communed to learn more of their enemies.

Will the Mercenaries reach the Thorn Vale in time to claim the victory for themselves, or will Darl succeed in slaying the nightmare, forcing the teams to work together to present the trials completed? Perhaps the Mercenaries will stage a full assault on Darl’s forces to buy time before having to engage the nightmare. Maybe Darl will attempt that first. Only time will tell as a confrontation with the murderous priest draws nigh.

Game summary for November 20, 2007; present characters included Ashkor (half-bronze dragon lizardfolk barbarian/battle sorcerer/dragon disciple/fighter), Eolas Windmaster (moon elf duskblade), Iapetus Hasur (hu-charad giant rogue/scout/vigilante), Lady Aridarye Phylund Brokengulf (human aristocrat/harbinger/ranger cohort), Lyrin Sinbal (simian incantatrix/ring sage/warmage), Morak Beardfist (shield dwarf fighter/rage cleric), Syvarius Strongbow (moon elf archer-ranger/peerless archer), and Taravin Truesilver (human gray guard/paladin of honor/pious templar).

The Mercenaries started debating how to proceed with the Trials of Tilagos. In an effort to gather information, Morak used a commune spell, and Iapetus used speak with dead to talk to a minotaur slain by Krathanos. They determined that Darl Quethos’ team had already acquired the living feather of the roc king and thus completed one trial as well. The Mercenaries were unable to discern what Darl’s group was up to now. They used find the path to locate the Doomshroud Forest and set out toward it.

On the way to the forest, the team passed through the hunting grounds of a girallon behemoth. The monstrous four-armed ape quickly charged toward the group to snag a meal. The Mercenaries sprang into action, with the team fanning out as Aridarye used magic to increase their capabilities. Meanwhile, Syvarius used bloodfreeze arrow to paralyze the monster in its tracks. The Mercenaries made good use of the precious moments to close in with the monster and unleash additional spells upon it.

During the commotion, the ground shuddered, rippled, and erupted, as a massive landshark burst forth. It savaged Lyrin and nearly tore him apart. Only a bit of luck helped him survive the mauling and flee the ravenous beast. Ashkor slew the girallon and turned back toward the landshark. The enormous rhino-shark, maw dripping with Lyrin’s blood, spun about and torn into Iapetus. The rogue was wounded but provided a good distraction for Taravin who charged in behind the beast. Aridarye blasted it with a resonating bolt while Ashkor sliced deadly swathes through its hide.

Despite grievous injury, Iapetus held his ground. With Taravin and Ashkor keeping the landshark occupied, Iapetus lined up for a killing blow. At precisely the correct moment, he plunged Stalker into the space above the creature’s eye and drove the blade into its brain. Instantly, the bulette crashed to the ground and died.

With the hunting monsters slain, the team investigated the hole left by the landshark. A small cavern system was exposed, and a quick exploration revealed an interesting find. In the very back, encased in old dried dung, lay the skeleton of a druid eaten long ago. Several items of power survived the digestion and had been deposited here. The items were quickly claimed, including the eagle-motif scimitar named Talon.

After exploring the caves, the Mercenaries turned back toward the Doomshroud. After a short while, they arrived at the edge of the forbidding forest. What horrors lie within, and what in the world is its mournful song the Mercenaries are tasked with silencing?

Game summary for November 15, 2007; present characters included Chuck Ahammer (shield dwarf master thrower/rogue/thunderthrower), Eolas Windmaster (moon elf duskblade), Iapetus Hasur (hu-charad giant rogue/scout/vigilante), Lady Aridarye Phylund Brokengulf (human aristocrat/harbinger/ranger cohort), Lyrin Sinbal (simian incantatrix/ring sage/warmage), Morak Beardfist (shield dwarf fighter/rage cleric), Syvarius Strongbow (moon elf archer-ranger/peerless archer), and Taravin Truesilver (human gray guard/paladin of honor/pious templar).

After the encounter with the displacer beasts, the Mercenaries pressed on through the night to make up ground. They used lesser restoration to fight off fatigue and moved through the morning as well. Eventually, they spotted a ruined keep in the distance, with half a dozen winged humanoids flapping about. As the team moved closer, the creatures—gargoyles—beckoned them forward. Taravin spoke to the gargoyles, and they stated that Krathanos the Conqueror awaited a group of heroes to rescue him. Within a few moments, a massive titan emerged from the keep, his booming voice announcing himself as Krathanos.

The Mercenaries attempted to bargain with Krathanos for his belt. At first, he demanded they free him from Tilagos Island, but it soon became apparent they lacked the means. He showed them the head of a minotaur he had killed a few hours earlier. Then, he proposed the team trade Eolas and Taravin to him in return for the belt. They party considered the trade until it was made clear Krathanos intended to eat them. During their conversations, Krathanos behaved erratically and somewhat crazed. Aridarye hoped to secretly communicate with the gargoyles and began casting private conversation. The casting provoked a violent response from the gargoyles and the titan, and a fierce battle was joined.

Chuck and Syvarius found their hammers and arrows of little use against the armored and powerful titan, so they soon turned their attacks upon the gargoyles. As thrown hammers and streaking force arrows flew forth, the gargoyles began their own rain of terror, firing volley after volley upon the Mercenaries. Krathanos sprang forward and swung his massive adamantine hammer, shattering the blade of Eolas. Then, the titan blasted the team with a chain lightning. Iapetus began a system of strategic spring attacks against the titan, while Taravin charged and smited the brute. Aridarye and Morak assisted their allies with a series of enhancing spells. Meanwhile, Lyrin started testing the resistances of Krathanos with his combat spells.

The dozens of gargoyle-fired arrows and devastating strength of Krathanos rocked the Mercenaries back on their heels. Taravin went down under a furious pounding of hammer blows, only to be saved through a bit of divine luck and the healing prayers of Beardfist. More lightning ripped through the team, and several party members had to scatter to avoid the onslaught. Unarmed, Eolas turned to his duskblade spells and finally succeeded in enfeebling the titan. Chuck and Syvarius continued to trade injuries with the gargoyles, and Lyrin bought some time with a well-placed incendiary cloud. Taravin scrambled to relative safety while Aridarye began singing a discordant song of discouragement to distract and hamper her foes.

The tide of battle began to turn as Lyrin caught a trio of gargoyles in a raging inferno of evoked flames while Eolas did the same to another gargoyle and Krathanos. Morak was sent spiraling into an extradimensional maze, but his quick thinking led him almost immediately to the exit and a swift return. Taravin crawled about and found a bow to use from a gargoyle the archer and hammer-tosser had slain. With fight still in him, Krathanos stepped back and dispelled some of the protective magic from the party members. Morak tried to distract the titan with his magic while Eolas unleashed more fiery explosions. Suddenly, Krathanos toppled as Eolas’ fire burned through his body and boiled his brain. Overcome with the traumatic injury, the titan perished. As his body slammed into the earth, the gargoyles appeared to shake off some kind of compulsion and immediately wheeled about on the wing and flew off to parts unknown.

With the grueling battle finished, the Mercenaries collected the belt of Krathanos as well as his treasures. Morak used make whole to fix Eolas’ sword and then cast transition of arms to pull the magical power from one of the weapons they found into the Eolas’ blade. Although the magic was somewhat different, Eolas was back in business. The Mercenaries rested from the ordeal and prepared to set out the next day for another Trial of Tilagos.

Game summary for November 8, 2007; present characters included Ashkor (half-bronze dragon lizardfolk barbarian/battle sorcerer/dragon disciple/fighter), Carn Fodelfex (whisper gnome cleric), Eolas Windmaster (moon elf duskblade), Iapetus Hasur (hu-charad giant rogue/scout/vigilante), Lady Aridarye Phylund Brokengulf (human aristocrat/harbinger/ranger cohort), Lyrin Sinbal (simian incantatrix/ring sage/warmage), Morak Beardfist (shield dwarf fighter/rage cleric), Syvarius Strongbow (moon elf archer-ranger/peerless archer), and Taravin Truesilver (human gray guard/paladin of honor/pious templar).

The Mercenaries continued searching for the portal’s crystalline keys and found the green crystals guarded by a half dozen ropers. The stalagmite-like creatures began lashing and grabbing party members in an effort to make them into a meal. Some well placed spells and attacks soon made short work of the strange monsters. Five were slain, and the sixth was sent to a random plane by Lyrin’s prismatic spray.

The team found they could not repair the shattered blue crystal using mending, so they made camp and prepared make whole the next day. The spell successfully restored the crystal, which they then used to open the portal. On the other side, a vibrant verdant demi-plane stretched out. No sun appeared in the sky due to the overcast cloud cover, but mountains loomed in the distance, hills all around, and a thick forest spilled out through the south. Within moments, a quartet of strange elemental fey creatures appeared and spoke. They indicated the party had found Last Resort, an island stronghold of the Order of the Storm. The knowledge they seek is held in the fountain of dreams; however, the party must prove themselves mighty heroes to gain access to the fountain. Once the knowledge is gleaned, it will return not only to the party, but to the world; thus, it is vital that the drinkers be heroes able to handle the problems associated with the release of this knowledge back into the Prime Plane.

Although the fey did not answer many questions, they did indicate the Hand of Myrkul was already here and had set out to complete four trials—the same four trials they now posed to the party. The trials consist of one challenge from each of the guardians.

1. From Tylanthros — Claiming of Krathanos’ Golden Belt
2. From Beskawahn — Silence of the Doomshroud’s Mournful Song
3. From Thadimar — Death of the Thorn Vale Nightmare
4. From Sayren-Lei — Harvest of the Living Feather of the Roc King

With their challenges proposed, they watchers stepped into the trees and disappeared. With little to go on, the party began seeking the belt of Krathanos. They succeeded in determining it lie somewhere around the southern forest, so they set off with all haste.

During their travel along the forest edge, they attracted the attention of a hunting pack of displacer beasts. Not just any displacer beasts, these brutes were massive elephantine mutants known as pack lords! Four of the six-pawed cats swept in through the trees to slash the party with their tentacles. A brutal fight ensued, with the displacement effect of the monsters posing a challenge for landing accurate blows. It was soon apparent area of effect attacks were much more effective. Layers of fire storm and flame strike effects from the party casters weakened or killed the creatures, allowing the team to finish off the remaining beasts. An errant flame strike set a tree on fire, but the Mercenaries succeeded in putting out the flame before it spread and became a roaring blaze.

With the hunting party destroyed, the Mercenaries turned their attention, and feet, back to the south.

Game summary for November 1, 2007; present characters included Ashkor (half-bronze dragon lizardfolk barbarian/battle sorcerer/dragon disciple/fighter), Carn Fodelfex (whisper gnome cleric), Eolas Windmaster (moon elf duskblade), Iapetus Hasur (hu-charad giant rogue/scout/vigilante), Lady Aridarye Phylund Brokengulf (human aristocrat/harbinger/ranger cohort), Lyrin Sinbal (simian incantatrix/ring sage/warmage), Syvarius Strongbow (moon elf archer-ranger/peerless archer), and Taravin Truesilver (human gray guard/paladin of honor/pious templar).

After revealing the information regarding Heskin and his betrayal to Darl Quethos, Lashonna offers to use greater scrying on the traitor. She produces a lock of his hair, which she collected while he was in her service, and casts the spell from a scroll. The scene revealed showed Heskin bound to a ship mast in the midst of a terrible storm. A pair of fiendish humanoids moved through the scene, as did a giant of red and bronze skin and a fiery corona. Suddenly, Darl Quethos himself walked into view of the sensor and began taunting Heskin. When the wicked priest of Myrkul realized a scrying sensor was present, he used the hand of Myrkul to kill Heskin and end the spell effect.

At that moment, the Mercenaries were ready to have Carn cast greater teleport onto the ship and begin a battle with Darl immediately. After some discussion, the team realized that had no provisions for survival if the ship sank after defeating Myrkul’s priest. They set out into Mintarn and purchased a number of magical devices to allow underwater breathing as well as a folding boat. Although none of the group know how to sail, they decided having a vessel they cannot captain is better than being stranded with no ship at all.

The Mercenaries suspected Darl and his cronies of being within the 10-mile-radius storm surrounding Tilagos Island. They waited a few hours to give the high priest and his team time to reach shore, and then they used the cover of Iapetus’ invisibility and a greater teleport from Carn to arrive on the ship deck. Much to their surprise, the ship had run aground on some jagged rocks surrounding the island and ripped in half. Darl and his gang had left already, judging by the tracks, but nearly ten orcs busied themselves nearby collecting timber from other wrecks; the Mercenaries assume they intend to try and make a seaworthy craft.

Still invisible, the Mercenaries entered a huge maze located further up the beach. They soon found an area with smashed marble statues strewn about intermingled with fresh blood. Beneath one statue lay a shattered blue crystal, which the party immediately collected up.

Soon the team found a large pool of murky water guarded by a swaying octopus tree. Carn used numerous fly spells to move the invisible party past the tree. Whilst flying overhead, Aridarye noticed a faint red glow in the midst of the pond thanks to the effects of a lucky break spell. The team took note and decided to investigate later.

Within a few minutes, the Mercenaries located an obsidian disc carved with Druidic script, which read, “Return my eyes to me, and I shall gaze through the storm.” Three eyes carved into the disc surrounded a trio of indentions. Surmising there must be a key of some sort, and following the tracks of Darl’s team that came and went from this area several times, the Mercenaries went back to investigate the red glow.

The octopus tree proved quite mobile and aggressive. It first tried to consume Iapetus, who was able to slither free and plunge into the water. Aridarye was not as fortunate and wound up in the carnivorous plant’s maw. Meanwhile, Eolas, Lyrin and Taravin viciously assaulted the tree to distract it. Ashkor and Carn used dimension door to reach the bottom of the pond and found red crystals, which Ashkor collected. Eventually, the octopus tree was beaten sufficiently to collapse and drop Aridarye. Lyrin blasted the heap with spells but was unable to slay it. No matter what he hit it with, it quickly shambled back upright. Finally, Lyrin and the rest of the Mercenaries fell back, and the tree did not pursue them.

Using Syvarius’ superb tracking skills, the team followed the trail left by Darl’s goons. Where will it lead? Is the key to the portal nearby, and can the Mercenaries catch Darl’s forces before they gain the knowledge hidden in Tilagos Island?

Game summary for October 25, 2007; present characters included Ashkor (lizardfolk barbarian/battle sorcerer/dragon disciple/fighter), Eolas Windmaster (moon elf duskblade), Lyrin Sinbal (simian incantatrix/ring sage/warmage), Morak Beardfist (shield dwarf fighter/rage cleric), Syvarius Strongbow (moon elf archer-ranger), and Taravin Truesilver (human gray guard/paladin of honor).

The evening festivities begin with “The Harlequinade Mortificatio”, wherein animated skeletons act out scenes of death by poisoning and foul play. After the play, the Ominous Fabler leads the guests to the Balcony of Expectorance for the Handsome Slaughter of Curious Avians. Many of the guests compete at the game; they fire repeating crossbows at groups of ten corollaxes. The Tyrant slays six on his attempt, but Eolas succeeds in slaying seven. He wins the 1,000 gp purse and the disfavor of the Tyrant.

The Fabler then takes the group down into the basement and a fighting arena for Lively Sports and Baiting. The Tyrant unveils some master/slave rings and challenges anyone to fight him via proxy. Lyrin accepts the invitation, and the two gain control over a pair of cockatrices. The monsters are released into the arena along with a dozen cats. Tarnheel and Lyrin run about turning cat after cat into stone statues. In the end, Lyrin wins a majority of the statues, 7 to 5. For his efforts, he is awarded a golden egg.

Back out in the garden, the Fabler introduces another morbid game, the Bowling of the Devious Heads. The Tyrant hurls the blackened skull of Jack, an executed criminal. The remaining guests toss the skulls of other slain criminals in an effort to get their skull as close to Jack as possible. In the end, Syvarious succeeds in landing closest. He is rewarded with a necklace with a small silver skull with ruby eyes.

Finally, the dinner begins and Lashonna arrives. The first course consists of a silver goblet with a live green scrubgrub. Despite its appearance, it is surprisingly tasty. The second course is a strange blackbird pie. It isn’t bad, except for the blackbirds. For the third course, Tarnheel’s recipe for tojbasarrirge is served. This disgusting meal is made of a tojanida stuffed with gritty basilisk steaks, which are stuffed with tangy arrowhawk breasts, which are in turn stuffed with a fully boned stirge with three olives on its proboscis. Some of the characters choke a bite or two down, others simply choke. The Tyrant eventually realizes how truly dreadful the dish is and orders it taken away. The fourth course is better, if not more frightening. Jelly-like purple worm aspic is served. It is found quite tasty despite the danger of deadly poison. The meals ends with an 8-foot-tall cake topped with a marzipan likeness of Tarnheel. As the cake is set down, it splits and the tiny statue falls, shatters, and the head lands in Eolas’ lap. Tarnheel swells with fury, but the Ominous Fabler succeeds in somewhat smoothing over the situation.

Afterward, a great dance commences. Tarnheel sits on his throne and broods while the other guests try to make the best of the event. Taravin and the elves try to talk to Lashonna, but she indicates there are too many ears about and invites them to her home in two days. Meanwhile, Tarnheel gets bored with the event, and is still angry, so he dismisses his guests and leaves for his chambers.

In a few days, a carriage comes for the Mercenaries and takes them to Lashonna at Mistwall Manor. The place is opulent and extravagant. The beautiful elf reveals the journal of Balakarde as well as her interest in the Age of Worms, Kyuss and Balakarde. She tells them what she knows of Kyuss’ general, Dragotha. The once great dragon is now a dracolich who has lost his phylactery. This has kept him cowardly and hidden for hundreds of years; however, something has him stirring and eager to rescue Kyuss from his prison. Lashonna suggests the party seek out the one place that may hold the secret to locating Dragotha’s phylactery, Tilagos Island. With a new mission before them, the party begins discussing the situation with Lashonna. What more will the elven noble reveal, and who is this mysterious rival she mentioned, Darl Quethos?

Game summary for October 11, 2007; present characters included Ashkor (lizardfolk barbarian/battle sorcerer/dragon disciple/fighter), Iapetus Hasur (hu-charad giant rogue/scout/vigilante), Lady Aridarye Phylund Brokengulf (human aristocrat/harbinger/ranger cohort), Lyrin Sinbal (simian incantatrix/ring sage/warmage), Morak Beardfist (shield dwarf fighter/rage cleric), and Taravin Truesilver (human gray guard/paladin of honor).

The Mercenaries hit the streets of Mintarn seeking information and regal clothing for the upcoming gala. Their inquiries again led them to the burned out Church of Blessed Deliverance. Outside the ruin a posted sign indicated the area off limits by order of the Tyrant. Using tremendous stealth, Aridarye slipped into the shadows and over to the ruins. Using magic, Aridarye was able to describe the interior to Iapetus. The group—except for the paladin, Taravin—attempted to follow Aridarye into the ruins, but Morak proved less than stealthy. Within moments, a single Blessed Angel appeared and ordered the dwarf off the premise. He apologized for the trespass and left with Taravin. The Blessed Angel then entered the ruins and appeared to look right over the party. She turned and disappeared. Spooked by her hellborn appearance, and unsure if she had actually seen them, the remaining Mercenaries quickly fled the building.

Later, the party was confronted in the middle of town by a pair of hobgoblin mercenaries, B’Kruss and V’Juss. The boisterous B’Kruss wasted no time in insulting and taunting the party into a series of competitions between himself and the group. The first consisted of a race from the market square up to the Toilway and back. Brave Morak volunteered for the race and mounted a borrowed horse. B’Kruss rode his own mount, a nasty dire boar named Gristlegape. The race was neck-and-neck throughout, with the hobgoblin warrior winning by a snout at the very end.

After the race, B’Kruss regaled the party with a tale of a time he lept a chasm to behead a deadly dragon. He then challenged the party to leap from roof to roof of a pair of three-story buildings. To make things interesting, they filled the alley below with debris and weapons. Again, Morak volunteered for the challenge. It was quite a sight when the stubby-legged dwarf and the hulking hobgoblin raced across the roof and jumped into the air. Unfortunately, they collided in mid-air and plunged into the junk below. Immediately, they tried—and failed—again. On the third try, Morak succeeded in the jump, and B’Kruss fell.

Not to be outdone, B’Kruss challenged the party to the Mindless Courage of the Dreadful Mauling. An area was cleared, and B’Kruss declared the challenge could be won by pinning Gristlegape for 18 seconds before B’Kruss could do so. Taravin was able to pin the beast in 36 seconds, while it took B’Kruss 42!

The hobgoblin and the party decided to try the jumping challenge again, which Morak again won. Then, they attempted to wrestle Gristlegape again. The result was B’Kruss gored into unconsciousness. With their victory secured, the party enjoyed the accolaides of the crowd and the amusement of the whole event.

In the days following the challenge, the team investigate the new temple of Bane under construction. They also visited the temple of Tempus where some of the party paid their respects to the god of war.

Eventually, the day of the gala arrived. A troll-pulled carriage picked up the party and took them to the event. The met a number of guests but found Lashonna was running late. In the meantime, the Omnious Fabler invited the guests to present their gifts to the Tyrant. This custom was completely unknown to the party, so they quickly threw together some of their trophies and delivered them with a convincing story that somehow amused the Tyrant.

After the presentation of gifts, the group was led to an outdoor stage. Now the Mercenaries have opportunity to mingle with the guests and enjoy the first of the gala’s festivities. What awaits?