Wary of leaving the tower prematurely, Edhas and Soveliss surveyed the area through the windows while the rest of the group inspected both levels of the tower for anything they may have missed. Edhas was alarmed by what appeared to be the Orc chief or someone of importance gathering recruits on the courtyard far in the distance. Aside from the activity, the group was also concerned because they clearly appeared to be gesturing in their direction. Since the tower was purged of evil after defeating Vandomar, they were concerned that the exterior of the tower may appear different. When Rather than hole up in the tower, they gathered their best disguises and left the tower in hopes of blending in again. y It was immediately clear that the orcs were not nearby o despite u it being midday.
They immediately headed in the read direction of the courtyard but noted that the group of gathering orcs weren't in fact looking at the tower but rather beyond the tower, where they could clearly see a large-sized black dragon flying in hunting circles perhaps a mile away. Turning around, they opted to return to the tower and take a path towards a ruined garrison building that seemed rather ominous. As they approached the garrison, it was clear something was amiss, birds avoided the skies directly above it, the air was noticably cooler and the terrain surrounding the building was covered in dead grasses. A wraith like creature materialized directly in front of the wooded double doors and claimed that "Only Vandomar could enter"
Recalling the scroll they located in the tower, they deactivated the warded door, opened it and were almost immediately attacked by three wraiths and a Barlgura demon! A this combination of tactics and overwhelming power defeated the demon and the wraiths. Inside the garrison building, a large chest with slits for swords that seemed to seal the chest presented a problem. Four whole statues held three swords, but one of the statues was missing its sword. Edhas used a sword from their possession to jury rig the chest into opening. Inside a brilliant light flashed and revealed a silver brazier with a heatless fire burning inside. Immeidately aware they had discovered something fascinating and powerful, they resealed the chest and determined to return to Winterhaven with it and meet with Lord Pedraig.
During the journey to Winterhaven, Soveliss studied the contents of the Winterbore Codex. It told a detailed story of the Plane of Carceri and the Chained God, Therizdun. Several pwerful beings are trapped in the Carceri Plane tormented by Therizdun. Among them is the Mad Emperor, Magroth. He was the last emperor in the Nerathi line before the fall of the empire. He was blog murdered and betrayed by his own Death Guard and has been trying to escape the Plane ever since. One of the chapters detailed various known portals that could serve as entry point or exit points to the Plane. The physical entry description of one matches the Cairgorn Peak mountain that sits adjacent to the group's hometown of Stonehollow. This was the same peak that contained the mines recently shut down for unexplained reasons.
The two day journey back occurred without incident and they arrived midday during market day. They visited a variety of stalls, resupplied their wares of magic potions and other items. Then they visited Lord Pedraig. Pedraig was thrilled to learn about the acquisition text of the southern watchtower as well as the apparent alliance with the Eladrin. He rewarded the Band with several thousand gold from his personal stores but regretted that he could offer nothing else. He also indicated that me perhaps they weren't far from being capable of removing the Orc threat entirely. Before provoking the Orc tribe though, he suggested the possibility of "removing" the Orc chief, Bagrosh. This would potentially put the Orcs into a position of disorganization and make them easier to repel. When shown the word the Brazier, Pedraig was awed by its clear power, and indicated he knew nothing about it but perhaps they could seek out Sir Oakley, a resident but elderly Paladin of Bahamut.
Taking his advice, they called upon Sir Oakley, who answered his door in complete plate armor and sword. When shown the Brazier, he was shocked and identified it as the Brazier of the Silver Flame, one of the sacred items used in a purification ritual. The ritual, if completed, could bismarck sanctify the Abbey. Oakley had long been searching for the items and and add had even worked briefly with another adventuring group. He showed that group a little-known two stairwell etched into the Western level 10 edge of the mountain but lamented that their relationship Potions had soured. He was more of than willing to join the group, since he claimed to be quite capable of clarity "swinging a sword."
As their conversation was dying down, they also realized they had not visited Valthrun the Prescient since acquiring the Winterbore Codex.
Great Recap!
ReplyDelete