Session 087: The Defeat of Morgoroth the Black Report

General Summary

After defeating the dust creatures they tried to pull the ropes and were not able to get within 6 inches of the rope. Luca attempted to climb the rope which was not possible as he could not grip it.
He then attempted to polymorph into an insect and walk into the path near the rope and an invisible force prevented him from entering. It was decided to head to the unexplored room on the other side of the building. They found the book and Luca put it in a backpack.  Then they went to the  unexplored room.  Where they found another shard & a great many dead bodies.   Heading down they placed the shards in the mirror after shattering the orb.  Morgoroth's story was completed.     Shard 01: The Coming of Morgoroth        

In the bright days before Morgoroth darkened the land of Avonleigh.   Before that fair world slipped into the Domain of Dread there existed an order of paladins known as The Circle. Avonleigh and its surrounding forests were protected by this renown group of champions, all of whom were devoted to the cause of law and order. Then on a stormy night when the skies raged against the land, he appeared - Morgoroth, Bane of Goodness and Light.       "I must keep going. I must. I... What is that I see before me, the white gold of The Circle. Yes, there I shall find shelter, and salvation,if the gods please. By the gods I shall atone for the murders I have committed, the atrocities that stain my soul. By the Gods I will, I will atone."       Making the furtive sign of the evil eye, the servant ushered the strange mage into the private chambers of Ferran Shadowborn, the leader of The Circle. That noble paladin listened to Morgoroth's words, and listened well.       "Hear me out Lord Ferran, hear my cause before judging me, that is all I ask."   "I have granted you an audience man, and I will listen to your tale. Now tell me your troubles, for I see that much has befallen you."   And so Morgoroth told Ferran Shadowborn of his past. And the mage did not stint at painting the picture black. But the noble paladin saw the suffering that wracked Morgoroth and Ferran knew the man longed only to escape the evil of his ways and begin a new. The leader of the mightly   Order of The Circle asked the mage to swear an oath of allegiance.   Morgoroth readily agreed, vowing to repent his past wickedness. In exchange Ferran granted the wizard a parcel of land, here in fair Avonleigh, and that is now Morgoroth came to live peacefully in a world free of his troubled past.

    Shard 02: The Building of Tergeron        

The very night that Morgoroth bid ado to his new liege he entered the forest that was to become his home. In the deepest part of the forest, just at midnight, he began to chant. All through the night he performed his macabre rituals, calling on the mysteries of magic he alone controlled. Morgoroth the Black to no heed of the storm around him as he worked his magics upon the land. <"Fantastic" sounds of a magic spell and wood cracking> At dawn the mage stopped, exhausted but triumphant. Before him stood Tergeron Manor, the estate that magic had built in a single stormy night."At last a home to call my own. Oh, I will prove worthy of these good people here in Avonleigh. I pray the Gods I will."Rumors of the house's sudden construction whispered through the land of   Avonleigh. Before long the tales which were spread included stories of ghosts haunting the manor house and Morgoroth's wood came to be called the "Phantasmal Forest." - how rightly so.

    Track 3: Morgoroth, Ferran, & The Circle        

Like all wizards Morgoroth was mysterious and aloof. To Ferran, however, he proved to me a friend and trusted counselor. The mage's sage advice never failed the paladin. The rest of the circle did not fully trust the moody Morgoroth. None dared speak against him however, for it was clear he held the esteem of Ferran. Years passed and Morgoroth's excellent service allayed the fears of The Circle's members.       Not even the presence of wailing spirits haunting the "Phantasmal Forest" caused the paladin's disquiet. For were not spirits simply a natural part of a wizard's setting. Indeed Morgoroth kept the lost souls under control, and they never bothered fair Avonleigh.

    Track 4: Forbidden Love        

Now Ferran Shadowborn had a sister named Aurora. She was as lovely as the dawn after which she had been named. Her skin was pale with the flush of roses and her hair was the golden glimmer of sunlight on corn silk. Moreover she was blessed with a pure soul, free of envy. No man had yet touched her heart, and she longed only to serve her church.   "By the gods, the feelings that well up inside of me when I see her. Her grace, intelligence, beauty... I fell in love with her the moment t hat I saw her, as trite as that might sound. But who would not, she was always unfailing kind to me. But she loves the church not me, and she is to be its high priestess."   "I dare not tell Morgoroth of the longing that stirs in me at the sight of him. Oh, how can I? I am soon to take my formal vows as high priestess. All my life I have prepared to be a priestess to the gods. How could I give myself instead to just one man? If he were to ask though, I fear I would, with a joyous heart."   The would-be lovers resisted, so neither declared their love. Aurora took her vows to high priestess, swearing he life to celibacy and the church, and all the while she prayed she would find comfort there. Morgoroth likewise turned to other distractions when his feelings grew too much to bear. He spent long hours researching new magic, or questing with Ferran. The lovers met every now and then, in the course of Morgoroth's business at The Circle. Though theirs eyes were filled with longing, neither spoke of it, each falsely assuming they meant little to the other. Aurora was still kind to Morgoroth, and the wizard still cordial to his benefactor's sister. But the tension and longing mounted between the two.

    Track 5: Morgoroth's Bane    

<"Fantastic" sounds of a magic spell>   "Blast! I'll never, never master this spell. Aurora how I wish you were here. I would tell you of the terrible life I've led. How I've tried to atone for my wicked ways since coming here to fair Avonleigh. If you were only mine, I would be the happiest of men. If we were back in my homeland, I would simply claim you for my own and slay anyone who would deny me. Ah, what a love it would be. But here I must abide by your rules, and I will. I will atone. Perhaps a walk will clear my head of these unobtainable fantasies. No, it is almost sunset and the ghosts will be out. I cannot bear you spirits; you spite me, mock me. Reminding me of the evils that I have done, yet some of you were evil as well. My execution of you was brutal, was just. Why will you not let me live in peace, why? Why? Why?"

    Track 6: Morgoroth's Bid    

"How long must I be in such torment? How many months, nay, years must pass before my love for Aurora dies a natural death? Will it? Will my love ever die? Or will it continue to haunt me like the spirits in the wood? I can bear this no longer. I must see her and confess my love.   She will never speak to me again, but envy even that is preferable to this torment."   That night Morgoroth went to see Aurora. After a few words of polite conversation the pair fell quiet. Then Morgoroth tentatively reached out and tentatively took Aurora's hand.   "I love you Aurora. I've always loved you. And though I know you could never love me, I..., I had to tell you of my feelings. You see I cannot bear it anymore, but please do not be offended by my directness. I ask for nothing, only that you know."       Aurora tore her hand away and fled the room. Morgoroth convinced that Aurora was horrified by his declaration, left the temple slowly in a state of deep despair. The young high priestess, meanwhile, entered her private chambers.   "Oh, what have I done? I love him so much. I must... I must stay true to my vows. Perhaps he never meant his words. Why has he waited until now to speak? Did he sense my desire for him? Did I lure him into speaking?   I have been so evil. He is not to blame, only I am. I should never see him again, never tempt him with my longing glances. But how am I to live without his love. I must devote myself to penitence, through prayers all problems are resolved. And I will learn how to banish these evil thoughts from my heart."

    Track 7: A Shadow Of The Past    

The despondent Morgoroth withdrew to Tergeron Manor and for more than a year he and Aurora shunned each other. Morgoroth's heart grew bleak, but still he held to the new ideals of goodness that Ferran had instilled in him over the past six years. Then a strange, foreign night arrived in the fair world of Avonleigh. The man demanded an audience with Ferran Shadowborn and the other members of The Circle. Ferran requested Morgoroth and Aurora to attend the meeting, for he often sought their counsel. As always the pair avoided look at each other. Indeed Morgoroth pulled his hooded cloak over his brow to keep from seeing the vision of Aurora, but it did not prevent him from recognizing the wayfaring knight.   "Lambert. It is Lambert, the man who drove me from my home."   "I beg the indulgence of the court Lord Shadowborn. I seek a mage, a most despicable wizard of black magics and an even blacker heart. Alas, I know not his name."   The knight when on to list the crimes this mage committed in his homeland. Morgoroth knew it was only a matter of time before he was discovered. He looked about The Circle; saw the faces of the paladins grow dark with anger and discreetly left the counsel.   "They will discover soon enough that I am the wizard that Lambert seeks,but what am I to do? I will not suffer that knight's condemnation of me. I will defend my right to redemption."   So Morgoroth returned to Tergeron Manor and shortly after Lambert caught up with the mage. With nary a word the knight raised his axe and attacked. Morgoroth respondedly instinctively with spell he'd hoped never to use again. The battle was long and bitter, in the end however Lambert was no match for Morgoroth. The knight fell dead at the wizards feet.   "Your mission is complete Lambert and you have not died in vain. You have made clear what I am, and what I will always be - a necromancer - a practitioner of dark magic, servant of evil. Indeed the spirits have known it all along and soon Ferran and the others shall know as well and they will come for me. Well, let them come. I will be ready."

    Track 8: Ferran's Choice    

Lambert's words had left The Circle stunned. Incensed by tales of the wizard's evil and convinced that Morgoroth was the one that Lambert had come seeking the members of Avonleigh's counsel made plans to drag the wizards from his lair. Alone of all The Circle's members Ferran Shadowborn counseled patience, trying to call the other paladins.       "The man came here intent on making a new life free of the evil in his homeland. While I do not know all the details of Morgoroth's past it is clear to me that he is a man that had done much evil, but seeks salvation.   He came to me six years ago and I asked his allegiance then, in turn he vowed to reform. Tell me, am I to turn my back on him now?"   The counsel members grew silent and none would speak.   "The wizard Morgoroth has been me no harm Brothers. Is there one who will bear witness otherwise? Has he ever been less than faithful to our order?"       The paladins of The Circle, all men of honest and good faith could not argue the noble knight's words. And so it was decided that Ferran would ride to Tergeron Manor and speak directly to the wizard.

    Track 9: Lambert's Fate    

Ferran Shadowborn reached the gates of Tergeron Manor, his heart heavy and filled with misgivings for he could see that his friend Morgoroth was loosing the battle that raged within him between good and evil.   "Morgoroth. Morgoroth, open the gate and let me pass. I come here in friendship. Do not fear me. I believe in your innate goodness. I am here to help you. Let me counsel you, as you have counseled me so many times. What is this? The gate opens. Some sorcery?   But, I will enter, Morgoroth. For you I... By the gods, the knight Lambert, now a living, rotting corpse. Rest poor soul. Rest in everlasting peace. But now to find Morgoroth."   The noble paladin, Ferran Shadowborn, stepped inside Tergeron Manor, but whatever became of his was never to be known.    Most certainly he was slain by the black wizard or his minions. Whether Ferran's spirit rests in peace or roams the Phantasmal Forest in misery, none can say.

  Track 10: Morgoroth Strikes    

Morgoroth did not wait for the remained of The Circle to attack, not while he still had the advantage of surprise. Instead the wizard entered the temple of Aurora Shadowborn just as the high priestess and her attendants were saying the evening prayers.   "Gods by your benevolence, continue to shine. Morgoroth."   "Yes, Aurora, it is I, and now you will truly be mine."   The evil wizard cast a powerful enchantment on the young high priestess and Aurora fell unconscious into Morgoroth's waiting arms. Before anyone could even move Morgoroth uttered another incantation. The wizard and his captive misappeared. Upon hearing the news of Aurora's capture, and thereby knowing that Ferran Shadowborn had fallen to the wizard's power, the remaining eleven members of The Circle dissolved that Morgoroth be destroyed without hesitation. Immediately they donned their armor and girded their swords and set off for Tergeron Manor.

    Track 11: Obituaries        

Three of the knights were slain before they even reached Tergeron Manor for the Phantasmal Forest had become a nightmare world of hostile ghosts and vicious undead, all under the control of the necromancer Morgoroth.   Two more paladins died at the gates to Tergeron Manor, slain by a pack of spectral wolves. The six remaining knights, all that were left of the once mighty Order of The Circle entered Morgoroth's manor home and as with the noble Ferran Shadowborn no trace of these men has ever been found.

        Track 12: Transformation        

On the night the Order of The Circle perished a strange storm swept Avonleigh, much like the savage tempest that marked Morgoroth's arrival some six years before. All night the winds blew and rain thundered down and nature berated the land. Trees fell to the earth, broken like twigs.   All the people of Avonleigh cowered in their homes, certain their world was being ripped apart. In a way they were right. For in the morning when the people joined forces, intending to mob Tergeron Manor there was no sign of the Phantasmal Forest or of Tergeron Manor, only a gently rolling hill, mocked with the debris of the night's storm. The evil wrought by the necromancer Morgoroth was vile indeed, so cruel and malicious were his deeds they had caught the eye of the Dark Powers of Ravenloft. These evil forces wrapped their spectral might around the wizards home and tore it from it's roots transporting Morgoroth and Tergeron Manor into the Demiplane of Dread.

    Track 13: Thirteen Shards    

Morgoroth was quick to realize that he and his home had been magically abducted by someone, or something, with tremendous powers. Ominously the still form of Aurora had been placed inside a glass coffin, which to spite   Morgoroth's frenzied efforts he could not breach.   "I shall find a way out of this dreaded place and I will free you of the cursed coffin. I used a spell of my own creation once before to escape Lambert and his men, and I will use it again.   Morgoroth set out to enchant a freestanding mirror in his parlor, intending that the mirror should act as a portal out of the land of mists.   But the spell did not act as planned. The mirror exploded into thirteen enchanted fragments which became ethereal and were scattered throughout the manor house, by the blast, regaining their substance elsewhere. <"Fantastic" sounds, and "Aargh!">   "What is happening? What is happening to me? The gods..."   Morgoroth's so closely tied to the enchantment, also turned ethereal and scattered throughout the house. His very essence imbued Tergeron Manor with an evil sentience. The transformation corrupted Morgoroth, robbing him of his last shred of sanity. Now, decades later, Aurora still lays death-like in her coffin, waiting for someone to free her from Morgoroth's spell.

                      Upon installing the thirteen shards Morgoroth the Black, master of Necromancy & Darklord of Tergeron Manor stepped out of the mirror. Luca threw at him twinned disintegration spell.
Morgoroth summoned a four armed gorilla zombie, a humanoid zombie, & a dragon zombie.
After a tough battle Morgoroth was defeated & sent back into the mirror.

The party made their way back to the bell tower & found access to the tower above it.
Their was a crystal coffin holding a woman in a white dress & she was alive.
After ringing the bells the coffin shattered & freed her.
The silver table she was on turned into a portal and Adon, & Aurora were sent into it. Luca joined them.