Story So Far - with leads at the end

Since the campaign has taken us almost into the Paragon tier, I thought it would be good to give a paragraph or two recap of the whole thing with all the leads/plot threads at the end to think about for our next few sessions.

Beginning in Stonehallow, you were sent to Kol Fen by Kor Yeznia to acquire several bodies for a ritual - here you faced undead and uncovered the first piece of the Staff of Chaos - an ornamental skull. Additionally, their exploration located a large meteor like object that emanated negative energy when near the skull.  Directed to Fellstar the Temple of Pelor - Uthor informed them of the Staff and that the other pieces were last known in the possession of Urgog the Mighty in the Goblin Hole.  After destroying the goblins, they acquired a staff piece and a letter that referenced to bring the Staff of Akmun Sur to Vestapalk.  Returned to Uthor - told them perhaps the last piece could be found in the writings of Rogvir Glimmershield.  Traveled to Timbervale then into the Stonefang Pass to locate the writings - fought orc tribes.  Writings indicated last piece buried with Lord Evard the Black.  Headed back to Uthor in Fellstar - stopped some slavers taking captives to the Borderkeep.  While at Uthor's a letter from Kor Yeznia sent them to Hampstead.  Covered in bone dust and under a curse - located Temple of St. Lucian - arcane portal in hidden shrine to Carceri.  At Darien's farmhouse, found a ghoul franticly writing "Asmodeus Walks" - Kor Yeznia turned ghoul - letter indicting Kaius Danitus - councilman of Stonehallow - as evil.  Also a map with several locations (Stonehallow, Sarthel and Banethal) with a circle connecting all of them with the word "Iron" written near the circle.  Letter also referenced bringing a Balance card to Valthrun the Prescient at Winterhaven.

Traveled to Winterhaven - Valthrun sent them to Lord Padraig - quest to investigate the abbey - fought the orcs, found the Eladrin, located Berrian's sister and their father's fate.  Located cards from the Deck.  Learned about the fall of the Abbey.  Located Winterbore Codex - brought to Valthrun - talked about Carceric Plane and Therizdun.  Met Sir Oakley - cleansing ritual.  Located Drow pursuing stolen children - located the pieces of the cleansing ritual - found strange liquid of unknown origins in the catacombs - killed Dragon in the vaults - located letter that mentioned Vestapalk and K.D....

Outstanding plot points of interest
1) Locate the final piece of the staff - buried with Lord Evard or in Triton Keep, which is overtaken by giants
2) Complete the cleansing ritual
3) Acquire the last piecs of the Deck - currently have 11 cards
4) Berrian and kin are guarding the Watchtower from the Orcs - Padraig suggested killing the Orc chieftain
5) Strange liquid in the catacombs
6) Valthrun the Prescient has the Winterbore Codex with references to the Carceri Plane
7) Portal in the Tomb of St. Lucian beneath Hampstead
8) Letter from Kor Yeznia and other links to Kaius Danitus
9) Children being kidnapped
10) slavers active near Borderkeep

Mekkalath the Dragon!

With some degree of caution, the group decided their best option was to enter the room to the west through the large doors in the feast room.  The door opened into a large hallway the led forward into a much larger room.  The sounds of a large beast breathing dominated the chamber while Edhas was able to see several kobold creatures navigating the inner room.  She sneaked to the edge of the entryway and noted several kobolds around the room, and a large red dragon sleeping in the southwestern part of the chamber.  A human sized cage was against the wall in the northeast corner, with a ragged looking humanoid inside.  Although the attempt at moving quietly failed, their strategic position in the entryway forced the kobolds to attack them in waves.  Conveniently, several of them grouped together filling the room with javalins.  Edhas blasted them with symphony of misfortune, destroying most of the creatures, while the dragon awoke with the noise.  Drawing the party into the room, the dragon blasted them with fire, tore at them with its talons and chewed through their armor but was unable to drop any of the party.  While they kept Mekkalath  busy, Dora sneaked through the outer chamber to enter through the southern door and filtered through the horde, locating the missing Chalice of the Dragon.  As the party gained confidence, the dragon was pushed back until finally felled by an attack from Edhas.  In addition to the horde gathered by Mekkalath, the party opened the cage rescuing a ragged, aged human with a stump for his right arm.  Among the horde of treasure was a letter that read,
" Almighty Mekkalath - your preseence in the Abbey makes for a fortunate turn of events.  It is long rumored that a lost artifact of infinite power is what brought an end to the foolish Paladins of Gardmore.  This artifact, if obtained, could turn the tide of power in my struggle with Vestapalk.  He pressured me to build his bastion nearby.  I am feeble compared to his power and will not be able to refuse his demands much longer but it will force me to compromise my position in Stonehallow.

"I know you hold no love for your emerald lesser cousins, and Vestapalk is no different from the rest of his kin.  I will await word of your decision to assist me - contact me through Elcmair - no other way.  Our relationship can't become known.

"In Asmodeus's Name,
K.D."