Tia's Travels

Tia’s Travels
 
I am the first-born daughter to Enilam and Anaya ir’Maartel. I bear the mark of the storm contrasted by obviously magically enhanced red hair. My mother passed away a season later from complications lingering from my birth. Father remarried nearly a decade later to Vatine ir’Lehnt. Vatine brought Father another daughter, Drusila early in their marriage. The age differences between us made it difficult for them to bond, but I never wished harm on my half-sister. Enilam’s legacy is that of his forefathers with the family being close enough to royalty to have all wants and needs provided but limited in the amount of power ever attainable by the family. The ir’Maartel family commonly remarked that “A kept kin, is only kin to the enemy of the powerful,” believing that the family was pressed into their weakened house in order to hold them down. In reality, the ir’Maartel family has raised arrogance, selfishness and frivolity to their name. They are to be avoided at celebrations and public events as they retain enough power to make “offenders'' pay for their atrocities. Just nod your head and smile and be sure never to turn your back on an ir’Maartel. Much of this changed with Enilam’s wedding to Vatine. The strong willed and generous new wife and mother started a sponsorship program with the family’s wealth and provided financial assistance to the Queen’s petitioners. Vatine has other motivations but has managed to get into the Queen’s good graces.
 
 
University
I attended both the Library of Korranberg in Zilargo and Wynarn University. On the record, I left Korranberg to pursue seismic anomalies in relation to elemental stability at Wynarn University for an opportunity to study in the field. Off the record my father had to seal my Korranberg records and pay my professors to recommend me for a unique field study program sponsored by Wynarn University. I had a knack for manipulating young men into whatever she wanted. I used her status, beauty and wealth to coerce and cow those around to treat me as a queen. I excelled in my studies, but the after-hour’s activities are what landed me at Wynarn after a vote from the Korranberg counsel of five.
 
They called themselves the Ginger Perfects. Daughters of rich families, beautiful and very dangerous. The Ginger Perfects were comprised of; Lady Flerentia ir’Maartel, Lady Illia Thul and Lady Sotanya ir’Medani. We were perfect students by day and homewreckers by night. Though we would never have been directly caught, there were rumors we were involved with the following charges: property damage, petty theft, grand theft, practicing restricted alchemy off university premises and assault. It was also rumored the girls were the source of marital disputes for several professors. This selfish and cruel intentioned pack wreaked havoc at Korranberg.
 
 
The Sweetheart
I met Tharivol Xilocient in my third and final year at Wynarn University. Tharivol, an elf from Valinar, was employed by the University to improve their library and cataloging capabilities. It was an instant connection, and I never looked back. I was swept off my feet and in touch with my emotions (perhaps for the first time?) and quickly lost touch with my friends.
 
When it became clear Tharivol and I would be married, I prepared a writ of forfeiture signed and witnessed hours before the wedding. The writ detailed my retaining only a modest land holding, all rights and privileges of a noble born lady for the remainder of her life. Any heirs would be of noble birth, but without title until such time as the ir’Maartel family determined rights were deserving. I retained my own name and referred to my estate under her birth name. The writ was accepted, signed and witnessed by Father. He promptly presented the writ back to me as a wedding gift. Enilam ir’Maartel left the event shortly after the ceremony and society would permit a leaving.
 
 
The Dig
On leave from regularly scheduled weather services for the last six years to handle the oversight of an archaeological dig revealing an incredibly pure Triclinic* that seems to call to nearby Elementals (not Earth) and they fight each other for domination of the crystal.
 
*The Triclinic is believed to be an anomaly in nature. It is a crystal grown of Eberron, Khyber and Siberys in a particular pattern which aligns magical frequencies and has varying impact on environmental surroundings. I studied the writings and theories surrounding this type of formation in my studies at Korranberg. My knowledge, coupled with an innate ability with elementals made me a prime candidate for the mission.
 
Sent by house Lyrander to maintain balance and assist the artificers in extraction and study as well as acting as an elemental handler. The Triclinic was to be extracted and brought to Edsen Warhelm, personal program sponsor at Lyrander. Something went wrong in the extraction and everyone from the dig perished from an explosion. My husband Tharivol Xilocient perished in the blast. Houses Lyrander and Medani found me among the dead and brought me back to Aundair. The following are believed to have perished in the tragedy.
12 elemental remains,
11 scribes, scientists, and sorcerers
Lyrander Airship Captain and crew
House Medani lost.
15 guardians
4 construct artificers
 
Upon reaching the dig site, the houses found the Triclinic missing. For the next 3 months, I spent every day and most nights in formal inquisition, without being charged for the tragic events impacting both Lyrander and Medani. Both houses cooperated to the fullest with their knowledge, at least to the general public. On a personal level, Sotanya made arrangements to raise my husband to be accessible via a special “speak with dead” on demand via a special crystal. She and Father both have repeatedly tried to reach me since the accident, but I cannot reconnect with them. I can barely put two sentences together without erupting into rage or tears.
 
 
The Child
For the next six months Lyrander attempted regression therapy on me, to no avail. During the therapy, it was discovered that I possessed latent psionic abilities. The abilities are subtle, but the real cause for the sudden abilities was believed to be my pregnancy. House Lyrander went to great lengths to rehabilitate me. The ir’Maartel family also brought in great healers. In this state and before regaining consciousness from the disaster, both my house and father decided my pregnancy would be kept secret from me and the general public. I was kept in a general haze about my physical condition and the child was magically removed from my womb at the end of gestation. My grief from her Tharivol’s death and raising crippled me. I suspect nothing of a pregnancy.
 
The child, currently being cared for by Drusila has been named Gerod and under the guise of Drusila’s own family. Gerod is assumed (by the family) to be the son of Tharivol, but the deathless has not been told of his son. The ir’Maartel family was not pleased by raising Tharivol (for this special speak-with-dead magic) and had intentions to remarry me to a pure blood Lyrander. Luckily or unluckily, my friends moved quickly to take control of their past leader’s destiny.
The accident happened in 997 Vult [December].
I was comatose for a couple months when Drusila was implanted with my child in Olarune [Feb].
Soon afterwards I awoke, and my regression therapy took place between Therender [Mar] and Rhan [Sept] of 998.
The child was born in Nymm (June) of 998.
You are basically at the 6-month mark after regression therapy ended as it is Therender (March) of 999.
 
 
Campaign Start
Flerentia is a big fish in a little pond. I made it out of the pond and into the sea and became lost. She’s lived two very separate lives and enjoyed each life for different reasons. With her husband so recently deceased, she has found herself at a crossroads. Continuing forward on her path of love, compassion and beauty or returning to her much longer history of cynicism, narcissism and arrogance. Flerentia has not dealt with her husband’s death and un-death. Some days she isn’t sure if she wants him by her side. The pain is too great of never knowing him as a living breathing being again. Her friends keep telling her to retreat for a year and make no decisions until she can face the pain completely. Flerentia can see only keeping herself occupied until exhaustion as her only option for well-being. She will interact with Tharivol but it is a strained interaction at best. She is unaware of Gerod’s existence and the family does not intend to tell her until Flerentia emerges from her grief-stricken haze.
 
 
Fairhaven - Therendor 6, 999
You stare off into the brilliant sky over Fairhaven from the ir’Maartel residence. The sky is painted in oranges, pinks and yellows by the setting sun. A slight knock at the door intrudes into your consciousness. “Lady Flerentia, Aerilan d’Lyrandar is here to speak with you.” You absently nod your assent knowing that Aerilan, your House Lyrandar assistant and attendant would not be turned away; at times, you wonder if he might more rightly be described as your “handler” given that he’s been present daily since you awoke from the accident, always managing your affairs and encouraging “growth” and healing in whatever ways he deems appropriate. You long for the day that he would be released from your service.
Aerilan steps into the room and gives the socially appropriate greeting and bow. As he begins speaking, he glances about the room, noting any elements of disorder or disorganization, and immediately sets about adjusting, fixing and reorganizing as necessary. “Lady, I hope your day was restful. An Orien Courier came in this afternoon, and I was instructed to convey the following message from the Twelve [the organization that serves as the center for learning for all the dragon marked houses]:
“Lady Flerentia ir’Maartel, our desire is that this letter finds you well. A matter of urgency leads the Counsel of Twelve to request your presence at Rekkenmark in two days’ time. Information has surfaced that may lead to the recovery of the Triclinic and a joint task force between the Twelve and the nation of Karrnath is currently being assembled. Your particular talents and history would be invaluable to this task, hence the summons. Travel arrangements have been made. Please see the attached documentation for specifics.”
You notice Aerilan’s unease (in which you take no small delight) as he delivers this message.
“Lady, I’ve also been informed by your father that I am to be relieved of my duties assisting you. Instead, one Henry ir’Vannek has been assigned to assist you with your travels.”
You can’t help but note the disdain in Aerilan’s voice…or is that jealousy? You ruminate on this briefly before you are struck with the reality that, for better or worse, Aerilan’s service has ended and you must now face the world, whether you’re ready or not.
 
Rekkenmark - Therendor 11, 999
I arrived in Rekkenmark safely. Upon entering the waiting area outside the audience chamber I noticed quite a few individuals of lesser stature than myself. Names were called and individuals would traipse into the chamber. When all names are called, the remaining group of us are called into an audience chamber together and a recognizable gentleman, Breyse Horacht is (The war criminal that raided Cyre, Aundair and Thrane coastal cities and burned one to the ground in 961.) there and quickly exits into a side chamber when we enter. We take audience with a stern and grumpy Regent Morana Wynarn. A speaker from ‘The Twelve’, for House Lyrandar; Belldaire speaks on the need to chase down the last known possessor of the ‘triclinic’. The thief/fence Bawldron was last spotted at Fort Bones. We are introduced to “Hans of the Northern Isles'' who is to escort us to apprehend the fence. We are to meet at a ship called “The Crimson Runner '' after dinner. House D'Cannith presented me with a jewelry box with a Planar Attunement Stone. The stone is thumb sized and provides information as to the instability of the planes. The stone has three facets of information representation: color, sound and temperature. Colors represent the progression towards an event. The stone was gray and eventually went black during the Mabar event. Humming indicates cosmological movement. Heats up in manifest zones. Henry and I left the hall of audience for a lovely meal. Apparently, Jorgen was performing at the establishment. Henry purchased two bottles of wine in an attempt to get me to like wine. We loaded up the ship and Hans gave me his quarters. Other ships are in port but damaged from the last storms. Captain Scarlet makes a speech about the rules on her ship. Wretched creature. I am required to endure this.
 
 
Travel - Therendor 12 - 18, 999
Near Thronehold
A great deal of House d'Deneith activity is going on in preparation for the Nymm summit. We continue by boat and pass Mournland. There seems to be movement in the mist.
Near the Mournland
 
 
Therendor 13
The borders are foggy and there is a barrier to my natural ability to detect weather. It is completely blocked from my senses. It seems to be both Arcane and Natural. Days pass with no activity or problems with weather.
 
 
Therendor 17
I began designing new clothes for the wretched companions with which I have to travel. If I am going to be seen with these people, I want to, at least, detract from their ill manners, foul language and ignorance. I began with Captain Scarlet first. In the midst of this, Rolan Smyth begins questioning the companions to find out what their tie is to this mission and why they were called to service. When I was questioned, Henry was evasive on my behalf and I never had to speak.
 
 
Fort Bones - Therendor 18, 999
Just north of Fort Bones we take a long boat to shore and ride toward it.
 
 
Fort Bones - Therendor 21, 999
On the ‘fence’ trail
“Welcome to the Edge of the Sword” – Fort Bones. The planar attunement stone is black (Mabar due in a couple days.) Hans asks for Zarina, the commander. We ask questions about Bawldren and were given the following information:
Spotted in Fort Bones a week or week and a half ago. (Circa Therendor 8 to 11)
He stayed less than a day.
Got supplies for 10 days.
Asked for directions to Deckilune.
Traveling alone.
Was reported by a merchant halfling named Taladin (or something similar).
The fence was at ease and confident and seemed to have complete awareness of his surroundings.
We left ‘Fort Bones’ in haste.
POINT OF INTEREST: Research Taladin name for wandering merchant halfling.
 
 
Deckilune - Therendor 23, 999
Necro Arsenal
On our way to the town, the walking dead were spotted on the road meandering around. Once they saw us they began their slow trudge towards us. While the party dispatched with the stragglers, Alendi questioned me about why I might be on this mission. I shared that my area of study is geology and my training can assist in tracking down the Triclinic.
We camped for the night and on the second watch were attacked by zombies. Some of the corpses are older and have mud on their clothes. We continue on toward Deckilune. When we arrive, it is just a husk. There is smoke coming from burnt out houses and zombies walking. We head to the center of town to try to find a point of origin/fire or event of some kind. I was able to find the remnants of a lesser fire elemental. The fire elemental left no traces of a binding. NOTE: None of the zombies are charred.
 
Kavwyn detects a great evil on the other side of town. We leave on the opposite side of town in order to lead the zombies away from the evil and we circle back on the opposite side. We come to an old decrepit graveyard. There are 8 figures visible. Some of them are zombies and some are skeletons. The graveyard is gated but one of the gates stands open. Our plan is to plink away at the enemy through the fences/gates of the graveyard. As we approach, several are clearly dressed as Karrnathi warriors. Hans looks confused and attempts to command them to yield, and they do not. Combat begins.

Is it possible to trace the remnants of elementals across great distances to gain a sense of frequency?
Could the elementals be tied to the astral event of Mabar, or any cosmological event? Yes.
Could this be indicative of mortal tamperings with a cosmological event? Most likely, yes.
Is it just a trail of Triclinic residual energy? This is also very possible if the Triclinic were used regularly during its transport.
Research historical references to other crystals which might have had dual properties. Obviously the Triclinic is thought to be one of a kind, but perhaps there were dual property crystals in the past.
The skeletons were difficult to identify or to determine anything unusual about them. The zombies had no dirt on them. The magic is different between the skeletons, zombies and the Karrnathi. The battle lasted a long time. All of the graves have been disturbed. The graves were dug out by those entombed in them. One of the musoleum’s doors is open. The location where the Karrnathi came out of could be this one, but the doors were bashed inward. There is a rune on the crypt depicting this as a Necro-Arsenal, according to Hans.

We entered what appeared to be a generic tomb. One door which would have previously been hidden is ajar. The living guards here were hacked to pieces. There is blood everywhere. The new guard-zombies shambled towards us. Henry takes one down and Kavwyn makes the other run. Then enter ghouls. The vast majority of tracks are entering the crypt. Then later, there were a handful of tracks that left out the main entrance. Alendi finds a lab and opens a book, and it blows up in her face. Standard lab necessary for a Necro-Arsenal.

Rounded a corner and fought more Karrnathi. Combat lasts a long time, and several are significantly injured, and Hans is paralyzed and Kavwyn unconscious. We manage to drag everyone back to the storeroom next to the laboratory. There was a man hiding there, Merren is his name. He was in the alchemy lab 2 days ago when the dead began turning on their masters. Merren says there are roughly 5500 soldiers in the vault.
 
<some notes missed about the party’s exploration while I stayed with Hans and Kavwyn in the storeroom.>
 
Rolan and Henry worked out a deal and Rolan scouted the entire place. Merrin died from a ghoul ripping out his throat. Around 100 of the skeletons clawed their way out of the legion vault. Rolan found a hovel, built close to the Necro-Arsenal while following the undead tracks. The hovel had a desk with lots of books and journals in it. The hovel leads to the outside, above ground. There were a couple of entries laying open on the desk. Something to the effect of:
“...plots afoot around the princess.”
“We must move against Haydith within the next couple months.”
There was also dried blood (later determined Elven) mixed with crystal and glass. On the desk are three clawed holders where no contents were being held. The crystal is Siberys. One of the journals was missing. This could have been a relay station of spy information. Hans demands that we go to Vulyark. From there we transport to Korth. Henry ensures a letter from me to ‘The 12’ about our findings and whereabouts gets sent.
 
 
Korth - Eyre 2, 999
Meeting a King
Once we reach Korth, King Kaius III summons us to meet him. He appears calm, patient and disinterested. He thanks us for our service and “hires” us to discreetly find out the threat against his sister. He indicates that we shall travel to Wroat and use my sister to get in good with the princess and begin our investigations. Order of the Emerald Claw was implicated with the threats against Princess Haydith.

Our cover story is that we have been hired as Sir Jurneya ir’Hauptroch’s security staff for his journey to Wroat as ambassador of Karrnath. We left the King and had only a few hours to prepare. During the journey, there seemed to be quite a bit of babbling about the Daughters of Sora Kell treaty.
 
 
Wroat - Eyre 6, 999
Arrival in Wroat
We arrived in the city and escorted the Ambassador to the Brokenblade Castle and ultimately to his estate in the city. Henry and I managed to separate from guard duty and set out to pay a visit to my sister. Upon arrival, Aundair Ambassador, Willum ir’Defoe greeted us and indicated that Drusila was out with Sotanya (Taria) for the day. He made plans to have lunch the following day and ensure Drusila would be available. He then excused himself to care for their young son. After leaving the estate, I continued my work on designing new clothes for these people. Being seen with them in public in their current state is distressing.
 
 
Wroat - Eyre 7, 999
Drusila
Henry and I attend a luncheon w1ith Drusila and Willum. Henry brings the ir’Defoe’s a fine bottle of Aundairan wine. Drusila is a completely different person than I remember. She is the perfect wife, perfect noble, and the epitome of an esteemed member of the court. She calls Sotanya (Taria) and Princess Hadith her friends. She mentions their son is napping.
 
She was the only one left. My only stability. The only person I could trust with any kind of secret, for better or for worse. Everything has been taken from me. Why? Why? The world should just leave me to die. I should have died with him. Sotanya is not to be trusted. What is this that Drusila says...she feels more herself than she ever has, and the praise be all to Sotanya? I have no one. I am alone. Why did I live? When will this facade be over so that I can return to my chambers and let go of this emotion? I have only Henry...who is PAID to protect me. No one is here by choice. I need to get out of this mess. This is not my sister. I want my sister back. Sotanya what have you done to my life? I want Tharivol...
 
Later...
I don’t even remember the carriage ride back to the servants' apartments. I don’t remember how I got here...hugging my wash basin heaving tears. Someone closed the door. It is Henry. Maybe he would be here if he weren’t paid? Maybe he can be trusted? I cannot get up; the emotion is too much. I have no strength to take my own life but why live in this torture.
“Are you done yet woman? I have questions that you are going to answer for me...'' gruff speaking Henry. Henry begins interrogating me on Drusila’s life, existence and school. He claims that Drusila died in the war. He showed me a letter of Drusila’s writing which was sent to Henry along with her rapier. He claims to have gone to the military academy with her. I denied all of this and ferociously pointed to the facts of Drusila’s life that I know, Morgrave – Wild behavior after dropping out, brought home by Enilam and Vatine, Married off to Willum. Henry demands answers. Some laughing is heard outside of my door. Henry stabs the door with the rapier. Henry continues to push me. I stood and began screaming I cannot tell him whatever it is he ‘wants’ to hear and to get out of my quarters. Henry storms out slamming the door. Shaking, I climbed into bed and drew the crystal from underneath my clothing. Tharivol is summoned. I spent a great amount of time crying, sobbing in the presence of my long dead Tharivol. When the sobbing lessens in frequency, Kavwyn knocks on my door. Exhausted and unthinking, I open the door. Kavwyn asks after my health and offers to be a good listener and provides a story of a time when he provided a listening ear to a friend. I noticed a note beneath Kavwyn’s feet and invited him in to sit and talk. I unfolded the letter, from Rolan indicating that the detective believes that “Taria” and Sotanya are the same person and to see if I can get any information out of him. I introduce Kavwyn to Tharivol and briefly cover that he is a version of Tharivol after his death. The crystal was given to me by Sotanya to ease my pain after his death in an accident some time ago. I dismissed Tharivol and asked Kavwyn to join me for coffee. We sit and talk about Sotanya. Memories, favorite flowers, colors, personality. I acted under the guise of helping Kavwyn move the relationship to the next step by proposing, but he wants a ring befitting his revered lady.
 
 
Wroat - Eyre 8, 999
Shopping for Rings
The next day, Kavwyn and I shop for rings, and I asked him to be my escort to send an order to Tia’s Travels. When we return, we are told that we must provide security for the Ambassador during the following day’s parliament session. I purposefully donned a green dress and did not attend the Ambassador in his box, nor did I attend directly. I stationed myself outside of the hall and fiddled with the crystal from House Cannith. (Truly a terrible guard/guardian for the ambassador. This work is not for those of my kind.)

Alendi returns from one of her standard disappearing acts with information on the crystal shards found at the hovel in Deckilune. The blood is elven, and the crystal is confirmed to be Siberys and of a cut known to be used by the spy network.
 
Kavwyn and I continued our shopping, and I loaned him the money to purchase a large ruby ring.
 
Some days later, (Eyre 8-9) I attended a lunch with Sotanya, Drusila and Haydith. The conversation is kept fun and light for the most part. Sotanya is somewhat reserved; it is clear that Drusila and Haydith clearly see Sotanya as the leader and wisdom of this clique. I promised to make Haydith an extravagant dress. The ladies speak of an upcoming evening party and invite me to bring my friends. I attempted to mask rolling my eyes, perhaps a bit unsuccessfully and quickly covered by indicating they are not exactly friends. I apologize in advance for any offensive behaviors that might be revealed of these mercenaries and thieves. The party is set for one week from this day. Sotanya and Haydith make to leave, and I hugged them both. I spoke softly to Sotanya in a sudden burst of emotion and thanked her for the special gift. Sotanya and Haydith excuse themselves and leave Drusila and I. Drusila introduced me to her young son and permitted me to play with my nephew for a while under her watchful gaze.

When I left the Aundair Ambassador’s estate, I felt energetic and with purpose, though still extraordinarily untrusting of Sotanya. I started planning for formal dinners together with the heathen mercenaries and thieves to teach them some level of comfortability in interacting like a noble.

Soon thereafter, the evening party attire arrives, and I flutter and bounce in preparation for the party. I am actively calling the group “comrades” to avoid calling them what I really think of them. Each is required to try on their outfit and allow me to make the necessary adjustments and show them the inner workings of how the materials will move with their movements. Alendi is the most adaptable and spent time dieting and exercising and the dress actually needed to be taken in.

During Henry’s fittings, he apologized and expressed his confusion at the entire situation and asked her for my side of the story. We talked for some time. I am very relieved by the apology and without pondering it, I have let Henry back into my confidence.
 
 
Wroat - Eyre 18, 999
Party Night, No sleep ‘til...
With everyone adorned in their fineries, I am somewhat distracted with the new designs and am able to forget the uncouth and offensive behaviors of the comrades. It is true that the candy of the eye can distract from a black soul.
The group arrives at the evening party. The party separates within the multi-level great library to mingle with the crowd. Henry gives Willum another fine bottle of Aundair wine. They briefly chat and make plans to toast a glass together later in the evening. After some time has passed, music becomes more prominent, and couples begin to form on the dance floor. Sotania, confirmed as Taria, asks Kavwyn to dance. Henry asks Drusila to dance and the princess remains on the 2nd level of the hall talking with Captain Scarlet. Suddenly there are cries of horror near one of the fireplaces. A fire elemental has burst forth and is catching the draperies, tapestries, floor and walls on fire. At the same time, a window bursts inward and a great air elemental moves into the hall. It is then noticed that several dark cloaked assassins have entered the fray and are making their way to attack the Aundair hosts of the party, the Ambassador and his wife. Drusila draws her rapier from Henry’s waist and engages two assassins. I moved to protect Willum seeing that two assassins from the door move to engage him. The fire elemental begins moving towards Willum and I. Kavwyn and Sotanya (Taria) attempt to get away from the air elemental and cannot move. Willum, Drusila and Henry continue fighting the assassins. I loosed a shot off on the fire elemental and damaged it and then I moved to the center of the room at Sotanya (Taria)’s back. Kavwyn dashes to the fire elemental and traps it beneath the crystal punch bowl. The fire elemental goes out. I muttered to Sotanya (Taria “Just like old times.” Sotanya (Taria) mutters back “We’ve been in worse predicaments.”
We stood and watched the fire elemental go out....I felt traces of the binding released. The air elemental continues its path down the center of the room and seems to get stronger. The lights are out in the room. Sotanya (Taria) and Drusila are knocked unconscious. Henry pushes onward into the chaos to defend Willum and throws an assassin and a table across the room into the swirling winds. The damaging winds are throwing everyone off balance. And suddenly, nearly as quickly as it began, the room is quiet and dark. Moments later it is readily apparent that the princess is gone. Alendi, Captain Scarlet, and Rolan are asleep by magical means on level two of the library. Jorgen is bleeding to death in a pool of his own blood.
Were the elementals headed for me? If so, why? I do not have the ‘triclinic’.
Two parts here - they were headed for the strongest triclinic. If Sotanya had one, most likely her. If not her, then me because of the embedded crystal.
Were the elementals headed for Willum, Drusila, Sotanya (Taria), Henry or Kavwyn?
I suspect Sotanya had a triclinic which is why elementals went both directions.
Henry later indicated that he saw surprise in one of the assassins' eyes when they saw the elementals. Alendi briefly talks of “Brecks'' being at the party. Rolan loses his calm and begins questioning Alendi at length. Tempers flare. Sotanya (Taria) takes control of the situation and scrys to find Haydith and sees two men carrying a wardrobe near the lightning rail station. Henry leaps from the window and summons his steed and rides off. The rest of us travel by horses on loan from the ir’Defoe’s stables. When we arrive, we find the rail station has been shut down and the authorities have just arrived. As we begin to look around and search nearby, there is a loud boom and an airship catches fire and explodes at the Lyrandar tower. The infamous Black Ship arrives and is loading passengers. The party separates each into their own mode and method of getting to that ship. Faster than anticipated the ship is loaded and moving away. Rolan found Alendi bound, gagged and beaten in an apartment of a nearby tower. Captain Scarlet is arrested for harassing the Lyrandar guardsmen. Kavwyn heads to the Karrnathi Ambassador’s estate to inform him of the situation. Suddenly guards are called in to stave off the dead in another area of town. Henry and eventually Kavwyn help Wroat fight off the dead where the authorities let them.
 
 
Wroat - Eyre 19, 999
Sotanya’s Scrying
14 hours later, Sotanya (Taria) has spent all night tracking and preparing for us to get Princess Haydith back. She has imbued a Khorvaire map with a tracking dot marking the location of Haydith based on a pair of earrings that Sotanya (Taria) gifted to the young princess. Sotanya (Taria) says a few words over my crystal (Tharivol) and indicates she will be in touch. Henry obtains passage through Orion, even though Wroat is locked down. We are teleported and then taken to a lightning rail to Nowhere. Upon the rail are officials from Wynarn. Several of us were questioned and I was asked to recreate a mapping of the party hall. When the comrades are together, they walk through the details of the event and this is when more information comes out on Brecks and Alendi’s history with him.
Is Tharivol really dead? The magic of the arcane crystal now permits Sotanya (Taria) to speak to me (one-way), which is a different kind of magic than imbuing the crystal with the interactive soul of a physically deceased elf. Could he just be somewhere, in someone’s care waiting for my mind to unlock key information from the accident? Why would The Twelve (Likely testing some facts they possess, which I do not.) send an emotionally unstable geologist into the field knowing that she had likely no skills to handle the crystal if it was obtained? Why send me after a fence who was believed to have already moved the triclinic? Or how about a contingent of Lyrandar, Cannith and Medani representatives capable of bringing down a thief. What am I missing? The houses directly involved with the dig....
While on the lightning rail, we are contacted by Sotanya (Taria). She overheard a conversation occurring in Haydith’s presence. They are headed to Thaliost, Thrane.
 
 
Travel - Eyre 19 - 21, 999
My Dreams: Eyre 21
Nightmares haunt your sleep. Images of marching undead and burning cities haunt your dreams. A ghostly image of Tharivol is superimposed over the images and he intones the following verse in an earily hollow voice:
 
“From the darkness they will come, four by four; They will come from the deep to devour, corrupt and enslave; Theirs is a legacy of ashes, of death and rebirth, of departure and return; They hear the echoes of war and they come.”
 
As Tharivol entowes these versus, ever fluid, ever changing dragonmarks weave their way through the air, some blue/green, others black/red. As he proceeds further into the verse, they begin to intermingle and entangle with one another, almost struggling against one another. As his words trail off to silence, the marks fade as does all light in the vision. All that is left is darkness. In the midst of the blackness, a harsh while still somewhat melodic voice booms. A crimson light some distance away silhouettes 5 figures. Your perspective zooms in towards the central figure while the other four figures remain in darkness. The central figure’s facial features become illuminated by the wicked crimson light. The petite features of an elven face come into perspective. A starburst like dragonmark of white and silver stands in sharp contrast to her ebony colored skin. Your perspective zooms in further towards her eye and you wake with a start. In a cold sweat you wake up, clutching your breast. The fant scar that remains from the explosion aches and burns, but slowly fads as the dreams slip away.
 
The Queen's triclinic, could the chip/cracked area be embedded in my body?
Could this be the draw of the elementals?
Proven a few times, they tremor against their bindings or move toward me.
Do the elementals also move towards others? During the party; Drusila, Willum, Sotania, Kavwyn also.
Is this why the scar from the accident ached, as if my body was remembering?
Or perhaps the scepter is merely seeking to right itself; restore the missing piece.
Or does it somehow tie me to the dark queen’s use of the triclinic.
The Triclinic the Queen had was the one with a fracture. The fragment of that crystal was embedded in Flerentia during the expedition.
 
 
Travel - Eyre 21, 999
Startled Awake on the Lightning Rail
I awoke to an explosion on the lightning rail and was thrown from the train just outside of Thaliost. The bindings failed and the cars flipped off of the rail and crashed. The air elemental was near me though I was passing in and out of consciousness. The comrads made short order of the air elemental and Kavwyn began helping everyone he could lay his hands on...Henry tried to talk sense into him but Kavwyn would not listen. Most of the group heads to the first available inn called “The Silver Flagon''. Once Kavwyn is finished at the crash site, he rides Kabot through town and Thranish soldiers stop him, take his horse, imprison him and then execute his horse. Somehow Sotanya (Taria) created a distraction and unlocked Kavwyn’s cell so that he could escape. [This is actually just Alendi disguised as Sotanya.]
Detective Rolan obtains local maps.
Alendi hands a greater and lesser healing potion to me. I accept and do not ask questions.
Based on my knowledge, the next coterminous event is Lamannia, the Twilight Forest, period of fertility.
The dead begin attacking Thaliost. Thranish guards do not permit Henry to assist so he goes to the south and begins helping with the rioting civilians. We manage to pull together and somehow position ourselves to see the black ship come into Thaliost and head towards a private estate with a tower. The Princess is seen walking the plank from the ship into the tower and doesn’t seem to be acting a prisoner. At the same time, legions begin showing up at the gates of Thaliost. The Thranish begin sending guards to the gates as quickly as they can. Henry calls in the Aundair army.
 
 
Thaliost - Eyre 22, 999
Finding the Princess
We take to the sewers in hopes to find a way up the tower to get to the princess. We traveled up to the 8th level of the tower and found guards which were quickly dispatched. When we reached the princess’s room, she told us that her brother brought her here to Thaliost and that she is not in any danger. She wants to show us “the dragon”. She seems sorry that people died at the party but she really doesn’t seem to understand what is going on.
 
 
Thaliost - Eyre 26, 999
Assaulting a Princess
Captain Scarlet PUNCHES the princess in the face with her foul contraption of a hand. Kavwyn charges the princess and heals her at his own expense. He passes out. The princess wakes and begins shrieking. I gave Henry a look as he pointed to the passage and I left immediately. The ridiculousness of it all and the filthy sewer and the punching of a young girl, I stormed down the secret passage. Apparently Captain Scarlet, in addition to being a hideous mortal being is also a traitor. King Kaius III will want the pirate’s head for this! I pushed onward all the way to the sewer hoping Henry makes it out alive, maybe Kavwyn too, even though he’s in love with a dangerous woman...he’s too innocent. Neither deserve to be associated with the likes of a traitor.
 
 
Thaliost - Eyre 27, 999
Henry & Kavwyn’s discovery
Later the group will find out that Henry and Kavwyn went further up in the tower and obtained maps and markers and incriminating evidence including the following note found in the tower:
 
Brecks,
Head to Thaliost and hold position until you receive further instruction. The Queen will move our forces into position and initiate the assault. The rest of the Five are occupied so you must not fail us; as you know, the Son of Khyber is not forgiving.
-The Traveler
 
 
What Queen? Leading the assault on Thaliost? From the graveyards?
The Queen is the drow woman with the Silver and White dragonmark.
She has a large Triclinic in her scepter and is leading the rogue necro arsenal found later by our task force.
The “Five” As Nations
We knew that Wroat had some attack of undead as we left for Thaliost. Or is it referencing the 5 people tasked with keeping the 5 nations busy? Or the 5 intended to be the new leaders of each nation? Each would certainly be preparing or finishing preparations for Thronehold.
Aundair – Henry called in the military to Thaliost. Though Aundair has other internal affairs that could distract, we should inquire as to any simultaneous undead attacks. Eldeen Wolves. (Though Aundair seemingly has much less going on than the other nations, this could be due to our Queen being clever about covering unnecessary chatter about unimportant matters.)
Breland – Undead attack, Lightning Rail shut-down in several places. Lyrandar explosion. Black Ship transport. A number of serious issues in Sharn. An avalanche blocking Orien rail routes, Missing Prince, Kidnapped Aide which could have been exposed to highly secure information, soldiers missing from the war just walking back into the world after being missing for 20 years and not looking any older.
Cyre – Has been “occupied” so this would actually lead me to believe that;
Either the group or persons involved are responsible for the Mournland (or)
The references to “the Five” does not mean the 5 nations.
Karrnath – Princess kidnapping. Likely concerned with the Necro-Arsenal's activating. (or likely story) I would be willing to bet that somewhere, there was an undead attack in Karrnath but we shall never hear of it. That would make Karrnath appear as if they had lost control of their arsenals on a grander scale. Other aspects of curiosity would be the possible corruption of the Twelve, the ships (and cargo) lost in Scion’s Sound, the semi-mundane goings on in Karrn Bay which imply Karrnath would be able to recover treasures untold in the coming weeks (filled coffers always good for war preparations), the Dekilune Necro-Arsenal (which likely could not be covered up due to our involvement). Though the nations are busy enough, perhaps this has not come to inquiries yet from the other nations or their ambassadors.
Thrane – Thaliost prior to the recent activity also seemed relatively quiet but then quickly became the hot-bed of activity. The black ship, Brecks, the dragon, the dark queen, not to mention the political implications of Thrane essentially hosting these activities, while an undead attack is occurring. Other lesser news would be the poisoned cider, the possibility of having a Lyrandar air-ship route established, any others?
The Five as people
The Son of Khyber (Dane) – Leader of the Aberrant Dragonmark House
The Traveler (Brecks)
The Traveler is also one of the Dark Six
Could they be inviting another war while the nations are still reeling from the last?
Makes sense that the Traveler doesn’t necessarily consider itself part of the Dark Six.
Could also be individuals posing as the dark six.
The Queen
The Mistress of Pestilence
Title? - Speculation: Brannon d'Deneith?
 
Thaliost - Eyre 28, 999
Kidnapping a kidnapped Princess
We managed to get the princess out of the tower and to a safe house that Alendi knows. The place exists beneath a seedy jewelry store of some sort. I tore into Captain Scarlet’s actions in the tower in an attempt to make her see how much worse the situation is now that Haydith will not trust the group. I insisted Scarlet be bound and gagged for when the princess wakes. It is the only hope for trust or understanding to come to the princess if she sees that the others do not condone the actions of the pirate woman. When the princess wakes, I do not leave her side. Kavwyn heals her. I offered her water and food and began to soothe her with quiet words and explanations separated by motherly kindness. The princess remembers the party, there was fire and screaming and she woke up with two men who treated her well and told her that they were keeping her safe at the orders of her brother. Haydith sips a bit of water and then drifts off to sleep. When she does, she mutters that she met a dark elf woman with a pretty gem.
Did the captors tell princess Haydith which brother? Does it matter? Anyone involved would speculate that it is a lie told to make the princess feel at ease. Pretty gem does not necessarily mean the triclinic. Make no assumptions.
Confrontation with Brecks
Suddenly, Brecks shows up asking for the princess. A fight breaks out. I locked myself and Haydith in binding winds and focused my energy inward to protect Haydith. A mechanical, acid spitting dragon is brought to the hideout and several party members almost die...multiple times. The shop gets essentially leveled but the Aundair reinforcements arrive and Brecks, his aberrant marked cohort and the dragon leave relatively uninjured. As it turns out, Brecks, a former member of the same organization as Alendi, knew of this safe house.
 
 
Wroat - Dravago 3, 999
Lyrandar Debrief
Upon leaving Thaliost, I was summoned by House Lyrandar. (It is unlikely the others were summoned unless to corroborate my report, save for the traitor perhaps. I paid no attention to the others after leaving Thaliost.) During the Lyrandar inquisition, I provided them with the information from my vision, which was dismissed as an unimportant dream, though knowing Lyrandar like I have come to know them, they will follow up on that lead, time permitting. I told the interviewers the details about the Necro-Arsenal, my time in Karrnath, the goings-on in Wroat (including the names of those involved) and the tracking down of the Princess in Thaliost. Anything else happening among the group was not relevant to my “debriefing”. House Lyrandar was polite, perhaps even kind. I wonder what they have written in their files regarding me. It was an enormous waste of time.
Wroat - Drav. 11 - Nymm 6, 999
Case, Witness & Testimony
We are asked by Queen Aurala and Morgana to build a case to prove there should be no war and to calm the Thranish complaints. The case put together and lead by Henry and Detective Rolan covered the following topics:
Events surrounding the princess being kidnapped from Wroat, Aundair Embassy.
Speculation on Charming the princess
Testimony of Rolan Smyth
Brecks Association with a known Terrorist organization.
Aberrant marked individuals in association with Brecks.
House Lyrandar attacked (Wroat)
House Lyrandar previous issues with the Black Ship: Wind Whisperer.
Mabar Coterminous Event
Cosmologist:
Standard energy, occurrences, impact on mortal behavior, anything supportive.
Length of the event.
Behavior of this unique event.
Necrologist:
Types of energy, control of dead, extent of power necessary.
How does the Karrnath military control their legions?
Can this control method be overwritten or trade hands?
Necro Arsenal: Distance from Thaliost.
Evidence: Maps, Markers, Note found in the tower in Thaliost where the Black Ship docked.
House D'Cannith estimation on the necessary power to craft the Mechanical Mega Acid Dragon. (witness not actually called)
Accusing the Son of Khyber and indirect mention of house Tarkkanen.
 
 
Campaign Razor 1.5
A little less bitch and more inquisitive and enterprising. No longer as obsessive with the who, but more likely to obsess over the why. Split emotions remain for her sister and her best friend Sotanya. She is very protective of Kavwyn and Henry. She now blames herself for everything that has happened to the comrades. There is a speck of attraction to Henry that she has misinterpreted in herself as pity for his history with Dru. She knows she should probably be completely forthcoming about her suspicions about the embedded Triclinic fragment but is finding it difficult until there is proof.
 
 
Razor 1.5 - Silvercliff Castle
Wroat - Lharvion 1-11, 999
Task Force
Henry, Kavwyn, Jorgen and I are summoned to the Lyrandar Enclave. Notably, there are many air ships docked and quite a few repairs are underway to restore the tower. The summons was held in a room with a beautiful and lavish table which hosted each of the dragonmarks. The following were in attendance.
Risa, House d’Cannith (stern red head)
Brannon d'Deneith (older gentleman with obvious military involvement)
Esten d’Lyrandar (Young captain of The Silver Zephyr. Has an earring.)
Tylana d’Phiarlan (Elven female who looks like the most capable person at the table. Also, the best dressed.)
This group wants us to go as a task force to investigate a stronghold and collect as much information as necessary. First, the group wants to give us a history lesson.
 
History Lesson
The Children of the Dragon Below were all driven mad by Khyber power. The war of the Mark was over a thousand years ago. Tarkkanen got the aberrants together with the Lady of the Plague. Sharn was destroyed and the ruins were cursed. In current times the aberrants are numbered less and have been manageable. Now it would seem new aberrants are appearing everywhere under House Tarkkanen led by the Son of Khyber. Three drawings were shown to us of traitors that are wanted by nearly everyone in the 5 Nations and information on their whereabouts:
Brecks, Ex-Agent of Breland (The 4 representatives are aware of our past involvement.)
Elsen (Who is this person?)
Sotanya (Taria) - (The 4 representatives are aware of our past involvement.)
It is clear to me that they know of only one of her faces, but several of her commonly used names. I made mention of the vision which occured on the lightning rail to Thaliost just before it derailed, and Risa questioned this information. I indicated the report should be on file in the Lyrandar records after our return from Thaliost and my debriefing to the House. This seemed to surprise and perhaps annoy Risa, though no one else from the representatives had any reaction.
 
The Mission
The black ship Wind Whisperer has been tracked to Silvercliff Castle in Thranish territory. Aundair has approved this mission’s flight path. Our mission:
Survey the forces of the stronghold
Obtain numbers and pertinent information to the movements and forces.
Find out what the control mechanism is for the “Karrnathi” soldiers.
We are given a few hours to collect our things and depart with Captain Esten on his Silver Zephyr ship. I returned to the Ambassador’s home only to learn that the ir’Difoe are away on pressing business matters. I returned to my quarters and summoned Tharivol and asked if Sotanya (Taria) had been in contact with him. He looked puzzled and replied “No, why would she?”. I explained that she had changed or altered the magic on the crystal and created a means for her to send me a message and had done so once over the last month. I asked him to please let me know if he is contacted by her, as unlikely as it seems. I added that he should give her a message; “They have your face.” After putting Tharivol away on the necklace, I packed my things and returned to the Lyrandar Enclave. This time, the only saving grace is I feel somewhat responsible for the care of Kavwyn and I consider Henry a friend, of sorts. I am extraordinarily glad that Captain Traitor shall not be joining us and cannot wait to feel the wind on my face again. The storm calls to my soul.
 
 
Wroat – Lharvion 1, 999
Leaving
Arriving at the enclave, the beautiful Silver Zephyr is a dark gray ship with Silver Inlay. What a magnificent ship. As I stepped onto the ship and greeted Captain Esten, the elemental began to hum and whir against its bindings. Captain Esten looked surprised and continued his returned greeting. I offered my services as necessary. I am unsure of the look that was returned to me (was it surprise or irritation, Captains do take these things so seriously) but the words were “Thank you for the offer.”
 
It was then the captain introduced us to a late arrival that would be joining us; Nim (Alendi). This late middle-aged human with his silver-streaked hair and the annoying jingle of glass bottles wearing a trenchcoat was already a cornucopia of aggravation to one’s senses even before my eyes settled on his nose. I guessed from the start that this one would replace Captain Traitor for the duration. We have over 110 hours of travel ahead of us, this shall not be interesting. Nim’s response to meeting us was that he was hired to “watch” us but then he stammered and said he meant “help us”. To Thrane, to the East we go. It stormed for over 18 hours. It was wonderful.
Arrival at Silverclifff Castle
On the morning of the 4th day (arriving later that day Lharvion 4), Tylana d’Phiarlan calls us together to meet. As she began to speak, Nim just got up and left? Tylana d’Phiarlan eyed his back as he went but made no move to go after him. Instead, she finished her thoughts.
The keep is fully manned by the remaining Karrnath soldiers that went “missing”.
Tylana d’Phiarlan will be joining us on the ground for this mission.
A contact from House Jorasco will meet us near the access way.
Then, Tylana d’Phiarlan sent for Nim. Tylana d’Phiarlan asked each of us to describe our skill sets which had us chosen for this mission.
Her choice of words is curious, I realize the four representatives sent to speak with us were not likely the ones making decisions to engage Henry, Kavwyn, Jorgen and I, but you would think a person like Tylana d’Phiarlan would not let this kind of thing slip.
I gave a brief description of my scientific qualifications and associations with storm magic and each companion in turn described their own, (thought to be) usefulness to the mission. Tylana d’Phiarlan seemed genuinely surprised that not one of us was trained in any type of spy related skills.
 
She is correct in her assessment, why would we be set for this mission with very little chance of success? Nim, as if reading my mind, voiced this aloud. I had apparently ignored his return to the meeting, and it surprised me to hear his voice, and even more so to smell the stench that wafted from his mouth. Disgusting. I replied to the human that perhaps we were chosen to fail intentionally.

My only concern after that was the safety of Tylana d’Phiarlan, the captain and crew. Sending the untrained to gather information and avoid being caught could get them killed, and that is simply too much. Needless loss of life due to the politics within House Lyrandar, or the Twelve, or even the Brelish government is unfair in this situation. These people, no matter their stature obviously knew nothing of us and why we were chosen. I believe Tylana d’Phiarlan may have felt the same for her decision when we arrived at the rondevu point with House Jorasco, indicating we were to stay where we were on the beach.
Silvercliff – Lharvion 4, 999
In the field
When she returned, Tylana d’Phiarlan indicated she had operatives already inside, but they had not reported back for some time. We were to stay at the sea cave entrance and wait for her. We waited an hour, and she did not return. At Henry’s instruction, we entered the cave system. Immediately Nim began complaining about the walk, the caves, why we were there, we should turn back, etc. Why would we endanger ourselves, etc. After realizing that he was making more noise than a hungry baby, I may have raised my voice at him. I do not recall the specific details of what might have been said. It is important to avoid wasting the mind on such things.
 
We traveled sometime in the caves and ventured left at a split in the system. This path took us to an underground lake, where we were attacked by large crab creatures. Nim must have trailed behind as he was nowhere to be found, though we later heard his screaming as a cloak type creature had engulfed him. Kavwyn, being who he is, set about knocking himself out for the healing of this lesser creature. (Nim, not the cloak creature, in case there was confusion.) Henry, Jorgen, and Kavwyn dispatched the large crabs, but each of us suffered much in this interlude. Staying true to my own strength in battle, I lost consciousness perhaps 12 seconds into the combat.

When I awoke, Nim was back to complaining and decided to climb up to another level. We cross the path of 6 skeletons dressed in Karrnathi soldier attire. Again, Kavwyn, Jorgen and Henry take down the skeletons, though this time, I stayed conscious.
All of this is really too much. A year ago, I would not have been in this predicament.
 
 
Silvercliff – Lharvion 4, 999
In the Stronghold
The combat with the skeletons over, we rested for a time. It was then that Tylana d’Phiarlan found us. She had been scouting and determined there were a dozen or so patrols of six in the lower cave systems. She had been trapped and unable to move for some time as the patrols had unknowingly pinned her into a spot where she could not get away from them. When our combat with the skeletons began, it pulled patrols away from her location and she was able to make her way to us. She had not located her operative. We continued until the caves brought us to a lower hall with an open door. It was lit by torchlight. This arsenal was smaller than other arsenals. The lower hall had around 500 skeleton troops shoulder to shoulder.

We traversed higher into the stronghold and heard Brecks voice but only in fragments. In Brecks’ disgusted voice.
“The queen is meeting with that wretched creature. This alliance is a wretched idea. Keep the troops on high alert.”
“There seems to have been a problem in the lower halls, double the patrol. There may be more scouts trying to get in.”
We continued up into the stronghold (perhaps seven more levels?). When we reached the courtyard, through the vantage point of the windows, it was easy to see it was packed with inactive soldiers as well. We counted nearly a thousand in this space. Based on this new information, another arsenal, possibly two was activated and brought here.

Across the courtyard there is a door open and a light on in the higher halls. Tylana d’Phiarlan gives me a dragonshard to call Captain Esten for extraction. She let us know that it must be done from a high place in order for him to receive. Tylana d’Phiarlan is going to find her operative. We separated and crossed the courtyard among the inactive troops by using Kavwyn’s idea of the skeleton hats/helms. After crossing the courtyard, we saw a grand stairwell up and could hear voices. Instead, we took the left side hall and found a side room that was lit with no one in it. A servant's stair was located and seemed to reach the same voices that we heard from the grand stairwell. Nim, finding usefulness instead of complaining, had a tiny mechanical spider and he sent it into the servants' stair to spy. This is the information that was relayed back to us.
Near the front, center of the sporadically decorated room, there is a dais. A chair is there, in a place of authority. There is an altar on one side and a desk on another. There are 4 large braziers burning a lime green flame. An ebony skinned female elf, scantily clad and poised in the chair. She has a scepter across her lap. The scepter holds a Purple/Orange/Red crystal. The crystal was at one time larger. It has an inclusion in it. An unknown language is being spoken with a Hag like green and drooping skin with pustules on her face. The translation came back as.
“...Daughters do not appreciate your threats...” (Daughters of the Sora Kell)

The “Queen” is writing something, stops and the crystal flares and a flaming skull with red eyes comes up out of the brazier and the queen sends it out of the room. She is marking on some kind of map. Shorthand notes on 6 different areas. There are other notes, but it is difficult to determine what they are, communications between the houses? Communications between cities? The crystal is the triclinic. My dream is now confirmed as true and predictive. We have the controller; it is the triclinic. It can store enough power to command forces such as these, and likely more.
 
We continued up into one of the spires and in heavy cloud cover, signaled to Captain Esten and began a descent down. I pulled together additional fog until we reached the beach. Just before dawn, Tylana d’Phiarlan emerged from the shadows and we ascended to the ship via skiff. Returning to Wroat and meeting with the Lyrandar Enclave, we gave our report on Lharvion 8. Rested on Lharvion 9.
Smyth Detective Agency
 
 
Wroat - Lharvion 9, 999
Lightning Rail to Sharn
The enclave began making plans for attack and would not need us for a few days. Tylana d’Phiarlan gave us an address to locate Rolan. We decided we would need Rolan’s help in the coming days given our limited skill set with the intelligence mission. Henry, Kavwyn, Jorgen and I traveled by lightning rail from Wroat to Sharn. (approximately seven-hour trip one way) It took us some time to reach him based on the information Tylana d’Phiarlan got for us, but we were able to find his detective agency in Lower Dura, along and above the dagger river. Nearby boom arms and sky docks were busy. (Strike resolved?) A small two-story office space “Smyth’s Detective Agency''. Rolan is inside. His office is an absolute disorganized mess. A man is meeting with him. Black clothing, nice cloak, quick to smile, and a thick eastern accent. His name is Nicolae. Nicolae’s spell-casting shop in Malleon’s Gate was ransacked. This is a rough area of town. Locals reported that a ghost terrorized the Golden Goblet (a goblinoid tenement). People said that a ghost broke off from the Mabar Dolurrh (procession of the spirits) event and began attacking early this morning. We don’t think this is related to the case. Nicolae wants to clear his own name. He explains his wards and gives us a rock to open the shop. The locals don’t like him, that is for sure. We did get to see the river of souls marching! Henry and Rolan investigated at The Lifeless Lounge as well as at the necromancer’s shop. “Dugan Dugan'' the sheriff was not helpful. “Gaslek'' a male medusa is the true warlord of this district. During the investigation we met a woman of the night, Jaela, who was almost killed by a ghost attack in one of the drinking houses. I gave her a card to be the first of the Alendi line of apparel. Jaela kept trying to get Kavwyn to purchase her wares. Gruntak, a local, threw a table at it and it passed through the ghost. The ghost then disappeared. We tracked the ghost to a barrow of sorts?
After the fight in Sharn
 
 
Lharvion 10
It was a horrible fight and Henry was nearly killed, well, not really killed but he was aged significantly. We were able to get him and Jorgen to House Jorasco while a master healer was available and the two comrades were restored. Noobu was the culprit of the B&E at Nicolae’s shop.
 
 
Marked for Death
Summer 2017 - Eberron Vol.2 Marked for Death
Sharn - Lharvion 11-15, 999
Kavwyn, Henry & I have a mini-adventure after Kavwyn volunteers to obtain Sending Stones. We rescued him.
 
Sharn - Lharvion 16, 999
Kythri’s Chaotic Masquerade
ACDC performance
Each guest gets a # (Ladies Even, Men Odd), dance partners were picked from a hat.
Hidden pearls, one black pearl hidden among common pearls.
Magic potion drinking game
Contortionists/Acrobatics
Storytelling
Color Theme; Green & Silver
Party Invitation List
This list does not include each of the party members “+1”
Steve - Kidnapper of Kavwyn
Weevil - Kidnapper of Kavwyn
Aerilan d'Lyrandar
Belldaire d'Lyrandar
Brannon d'Deneith
The ir'Defoe's
Dugan Dugan - Sheriff of Malleon's gate.
Captain Esten d'Lyrandar & Crew
Henry ir'Vannek
Nicolae
Risa d'Cannith + Reanna (tie to Rolan) - Her niece.
Jaela
Jorgen
Kavwyn Korden
Rolan Smyth
Sotanya d'Medani / Taria
Tylana d’Phiarlan
Illia & Celdwirn d'Cannith
Enilam & Vatine ir'Maartel
Provost Dannad Mourain, Morgrave University
Anthropologist Guthra Maranech, Morgrave University
Yarrick d'Lyrandar
Princess Haydith Wynarn
Sir Jurneya ir’Hauptroch’s
Professor Ardo Ipswitch, Library of Korranberg
Professor Srinia ir'Vadalis, Wynarn University
The Xilocient's
 
Party Notes
Mass illusion.
Rolan dances with Reana.
I danced with Brannon d'Deneith. He actually seems way more likable now that he's in this social setting. He wanted to ask me who I really am. About my desire to be affiliated with my house, etc.
Jaela asks Kavwyn to escort her outside of Sannid's fine international cuisine. She asks to be taken to a sky carriage. 4 thugs attack Kavwyn. Kavwyn attacks and does a loud boom of thunder which shakes Jorgen and b from their social revelries. They are 120 feet away. The thugs decide after we start towards them to leave.
Kavwyn and Henry go after Jaela.
Brannon says the 12 want to meet with us. They give me an address within the Dragon Towers district. Meet in the morning.
 
 
Sharn - Lharvion 17, 999
Ashblack
Dragon Towers Guild Hall district. Where all the trade halls and house towers are. Moderately sized estate for the twelve. We are in Cannith south. (seat of power in the south for House Cannith). Merrix - power here for Cannith. Lyrandar - The Silver Zephyr (Captain Esten's ship is there.) The representatives of the 12 in attendance.
Risa (Reesa), House d’Cannith (stern red-head)
Brannon d'Deneith (older gentleman with obvious military involvement)
Esten d’Lyrandar (Young captain of The Silver Zephyr. Has an earring.)
Tylana d’Phiarlan (Elven female who looks like the most capable person at the table. Also, the best dressed.)
Our Party
Vorik d'Orien (revealed as Alendi)
Rolan Smyth
Jorgen
Henry ir'Vannek
Kavwyn Korden
House Tarkanan has a base in Sharn. They know that there is one called the Son of Kyber that apparently leads the forces in Sharn. House of Thieves, Kidnappers, etc. Suspect they were involved in the kidnapping. They suspect Taria/Sotanya is associated with them. Start here. Lower Durra. We were given 4 Sending Stones. I kept the dragonshard used for speaking with Tylana from the Silvercliff Keep mission.
Mission: Find out about the house, about their house holdings, Son of Khyber. He is an aberrant, kill him.
Henry and I head to Malleon's Gate. Nicolae's shop is boarded up. There's blood on the ground, but nobody. The shop was not boarded up by him. Looks like it was robbed, but not systematically. Nicolae nowhere to be found. People (non-goblins) ruffled Nicolae up and carried him out. Jaela hasn't been around for at least 2 days. The other prostitutes tell us about after we left, Jaela stopped working the corner. Shortly after she left, Nicolae was next.

Rolan, Jorgen, Kavwyn and Jurian go to the warehouse district and meet with Steve and Weevil. Rolan lets Kavwyn go alone to take Steve and Weevil out to a diner. Two individuals (one a half-elf the other human) cast sleep and the whole room is out, except Kavwyn. Then they hit him with a spell that does significant damage. The first guy, cast sanctuary on himself then slit the throats of Steve and Weevil while making eye contact with Kavwyn. The other guy remains outside. The one inside the diner cast darkness. Kavwyn bursts out of a window. He waits a full minute and then goes back in. Kavwyn is arrested for the murders of Steve and Weevil.

Red Asp Venom is from the Talenta plains. The poison that was used on the blades that killed Steve and Weevil. The captain of the guard hands the case up to Magistrate Kevin.

Henry & Rolan have a falling out over the handling of Kavwyn's situation. Henry and I go for brunch across from the guard station and Kavwyn is released. As Henry was yelling about the situation, we noticed him walking down the street.

The half-elf was the same one from Drusila ir'Defoe's party that cast a sleep and nearly killed Jorgen.
Received sending from Drusila: “There has been an explosion on the airship I was supposed to leave on today. I am ok. I'm at the Aundairian Embassy in Ambassador Towers.”
Response to Drusila: Love you sister. Warn Houses, Provost Mourain, Guthra Maranech, Hadith, and our friend. Many attacks on all in contact with my group. Great danger.

We go back to Malleon's Gate Nicolae's shop. Rolan investigates. Not enough blood to be a death, but the attacked party was dragged out. Rolan asks around and the goblins don't want to cooperate because they are scared. Jorgen casts Heroism. "They went down deeper Ashblack probably. Down that street to the right. 3 of them + Nicolae. 3 days ago. Lharvion 14th."

Jaela is in the Ashblack. Per Vorik d'Orien.
 
Head to the Embassy, Ambassador Towers. In the same place as Dragon Towers. Embassy district. The embassy accepts us and takes us to a back room. We see Drusila ir'Defoe and Princess Haydith. Someone pulled her off the ship and asked about her papers. Before she caught his name, he left. Human, short sandy-blonde hair. He was not in the wreckage. Need a manifest of the ship. Name of the ship was "The Red Roper ''. Guards have not interviewed her yet, she asked. Regent Morana asked if Princess Haydith was okay right after Drusila contacted her.

Port Public Docks in Ambassador's towers. Question the guards. They came running as soon as the explosion happened. Booked for Wroat. House Jorasco Enclave is where the witnesses that survived were taken.

Traveling in the street. A young sandy-haired human man says, “Excuse me Miss, you dropped something.” Hands me a periodical and in it is a note: "Behind Tavik's Drought 10 Minutes." Slight middle-aged human, waiting in the back alley. He says he's a friend. House Tarkanen has it out for us. "I'd do something about that, nasty folk." Active in Ashblack. Southern Region Smithy Keldoran's Forge, in and out of the ruins near the forge. 20 of assassins around the city, all targeting people we care about.

Tharivol's Crystal revealed to the party. Questions asked, answers given. Talked about the accident. Get the group back on target. Vorik reveals himself as really being Alendi. HOORAY… Everyone was surprised. We head to the Ashblack.

Alendi (Vorik) located a secret entrance that goes deeper into the bones of Sharn. We go via that route. We hear scraping of metal and movement of rock.
4 Changelings - 2 Killed - 2 escaped
3 Warforged - 3 Killed
1 Stone Golem - Killed
1 Special Caster - Escaped

Alendi scouted ahead and found a scepter of Khyber. It is a weapon of smiting that specifically empowers aberrant dragon marks. The mines are labyrinthian and the edges of buildings that are buildings of Ashblack. Ancient ruins of Sharn. Mining relics of the War of the Marks. Some are Khyber + Syberis and some are Khyber + Eberron. There were 6 preserved items - of value - magical
(Flerentia) Decanter of endless water - crystal
(Flerentia) Elemental Gem - deep purple - Earth Elemental (single use)
 
 
Sharn - Lharvion 18, 999
Dragon Towers Crash
Whoever kidnaped Kavwyn
Steve & Weevil were not very organized or prepared for the kidnapping. They could have easily been hirelings just to stall Kavwyn. If they were stalling to keep Kavwyn from the party, I think this is proof enough that they were hired by Sotanya, maybe even personally. Doubtful these hirelings were employed by House Tarkannen or the Cabal. Everything done for the Overlord has been very well thought out and executed for the most part. The only caveat is if they were directly hired by Jaela. If they randomly selected Kavwyn, then no further speculation other than these are dumb humans (given how Kavwyn is adorned rather itimidatingly) that were hoping for money?
 
Is the group that saved Drusila and gave us our lead the same group that Sotanya is in?
This is highly likely but there is no evidence. Sotanya’s organization would not let on that she has been missing but they surely would keep tabs on our group given how we have been acting at the behest of the 12 and there doesn’t seem to be any other unifying force among the houses. They would however provide vague information in hopes to use us as a catalyst. Though I think they are crazy if this is the case given how our group tends to cause further chaos in trying to “help”. (A minor annoyance to House Tarkannen at best.) This is important to note because as of Barrakas, we are now listed as terrorists and if the only unifying force among the houses is the 12, and our missions were given by them, we have evidence of our employ and can share this information publicly and drag the houses even further into the mud and fertilize the already existing seeds of distrust and perception of dereliction of duties (especially Lyrandar). We may be able to use this to our advantage and select houses may be open to helping us in order to either.
Avoid evidence of our employ reaching the public
Continue efforts against House Tarkanan and Overlord
Obtain info for which they won’t be able to obtain w/out treachery/duplicity of Brannon d'Deneith.
Help spin perceptions appropriately for the houses.
 
Henry & Dru at the party
Jealousy of the impact Dru has on Henry. Angry that her sister was Henry’s first love. Wondering at the fact that while she and Dru are so far apart in years, they are not so far apart in how they treated men in college. Self-loathing over not being a better role model for Dru. Guilt over the jealousy and anger because I love Henry and know my own affairs of love have been tumultuous and troubled. Guilt over her own childish emotions.
 
What we need to share with Agents
Updates on Nicolae. Additional attacks on Kavwyn and description of the half elf that was also in Wroat that put people to sleep. The leads we got on House Tarkanan from mysterious contacts. Numbers expected 20 assassins in the city. 60+ numbers overall. Someone saved my sister from the airship explosion. Catalog the shards for the five. Go back down into Ashblack. Alendi has people comb the dragon towers.

Risa just didn’t know the size and ranks of aberrant marked House Tarkanan forces. Reana brings us a gift case from house Cannith with oils and potions. Enchant weapons +1 for an hour.
3 potions of cure wounds (1d8 +5)

Henry buys me a disguise. We go down into the Ashblack and into the Labyrinth. There is a depression and there are war-forged, house agents, 2 mages, as well as a stone golem. Alpha strike: Steal the chest, fireball, call lightning, flying snakes, and mass craziness. Jaela cast a stinking cloud and party communication went offline. Jaela took down Alendi and me, then Dimension Door took me and left the fight. (Knowledge Tia does not have as she is kidnapped. - Thora. Jaela is always well dressed. Been mining relics. The neon purple potion might be the way the aberrant marks are being given to people. The Marks are being manifested intentionally. They detect that I am in the Dragon Towers. Thora is the key to the information they need. She is a noble woman with a spacious mansion not far away in the towers.) When I awoke, I was tied to a table in an upright position. She recognized the halfling Decklan, also bound, still asleep, who has a dragon mark on his neck. He's the healer agent that typically travels with Tylana. She also sees a fey next to her. The ceiling is glass, and I can see the tower of Lyrandar. The place is clean and finely appointed. She can see on a fourth table a creature that I believe was house Dennith, flayed and CLEARLY had a dragon mark.

The Son of Khyber comes in and tells me that he knows I am pretending to be asleep, that it will be over soon. Eyes of a fox. He sucks all of the life out of the fey as he describes as "My first ''. Jaela then taunts me while the Son of Khyber is draining the fey creature. Jaela says that I am such a good judge of character (sarcastically). She says that another changeling will just replace me in the city, and no one will know I am dead. Thora is there and she is boiling down the skin of the house Deneith person into a neon purple liquid. Jaela is wearing the dress I had made for her, (The Alendi dress.) The Son of Khyber kills the halfling as Alendi arrives. Alendi shifts into changeling form and reveals an aberrant dragon mark and then greets the Son of Khyber as 'brother'. A mental conversation goes on between the two of them. Then a portal opens on the balcony and Henry, Kavwyn, Rolan, and Jorgen. Rolan gets a sending from Reanna and says: "hold on, we are coming". (Captain Esten?) sails his ship into Thora's estate and we are rescued. We are taken back to the estate of the 12's estate, the 5 agents are hanging out with us. House Juresco brought in. I tell Tylana everything. Including Alendi calling the Son of Khyber brother”.
 
 
Sharn - Lharvion - 19, 999
Sharn Tower Crash
Interviewed by Aeris d'Lyrandar. The gnoll agent of Droaam was Vince's character from a previous campaign.
Brannon
Risa
Reana
Esten
Tylana
Brannon d'Deneith leading the briefing. Son of Khyber was born as Psion Dane d'Deneith and served the house for years. Manifested the mark (aberrant) before he went to Dal Quorr. Traveled to Dal Quorr. When he came back, it was not him anymore. Something else had taken his body. This information was only later revealed by d'Deneith. He and a warforged man went on that mission. The warforged is now unknown. He didn't answer to his name Dane upon returning. He returned 2 to 3 years ago. Military man. Soldier. Favored child of d'Deneith. Strategic thinker. Knows all the pieces on the board. (Think General of the organization).
Reflection: Why during the arcane engine dark ritual did Dane cry out that it wasn’t what he wanted if he were already possessed by the Overlord? If he’s been possessed for 3 years, why did he cry out?
Reflection: Why did he go to Dal Quorr in the first place?
Brannon located power centers across Khorvaire. Closest; Flamekeep in Thrane. Silverclifff castle with the Queen. They call her "The Pale Lady". The western reach of Eldeen Reaches on edges of Byshek mountains in foothills called Winterhome. Brannon said, “We’ve heard some of the communications about Winterhome but we don’t know what is going on there.” The Twilight Demesne: Goadra Gap, north of Noldunthrone is another power place. West of Frostmantle.
Flamekeep, Thrane
Silvercliff Castle, Aundair
Winterhome, Byshek Mountains near The Twilight Demesne.
Goadra Gap, north of Noldunthrone, West of Frostmantle.

Brannon: “We don’t know what is in Winterhome, we know there is a small village. We don’t know what is there. We do know what is at Silvercliff. This will be a coordinated attack. We are to mobilize and hit with Aundair forces. Aundair has said they will commit sufficient forces to take Silverclifff Castle.” Tylana, Esten, Reana provides us with additions to our resources.

Reflection: Reanna might be the only one who can help us get around the “terrorist” perception. She was witness to the twelve’s briefings and was there when Brannon gave all the information about Dal Quorr.
 
 
Aundair - Lharvion 20-23, 999
Silvercliff Castle
Land at night with the Aundair forces.
Troops are set up. 8 regents of Aundairan militia foot troops, 144 troops.
2 flights of phantom knights (total of 18). Commander Alivera.
Installed devices to attack by air.
 
 
Aundair - Lharvion 24, 999
Alivera Suranda
Arrive 20 min later at the sandbar and head toward the sea cave. We climbed up the ladder. The Ladder pulls away from the wall. 3 people fell gently (feather fall). One person is almost charmed to think they should go through the cave singing. Alendi climbs up to the top and comes face to face with a Bodek. Halfling named Valinous. Hiding in a well. 75,000gp. Climb tree while Alendi moves the barred front gate. Henry jumps and carries me to the wall. Then walks out with a big twisted weird giant, Fomorian. We successfully take down the Pale Lady (Queen). Loot:
+1 wand of war mage DMG p.212 (+1 on spell attacks) - ignore ½ cover when making a spell attack. (Flerentia)
Staff of fire (Flerentia)
Thrane - Flamekeep
From Thrane - Flamekeep investigation goes well, we should have more information about the bound one.
Investigation into the plague
Is the plague affecting livestock and crops?
Is the bound one patient zero here in Thrane?
Failed to gain more information out of the Traitor.
Breland - Sharn
“Numbers increase; all goes well.”
 
Aundair - Silvercliff
Note from the Son of Khyber to the Queen; “Why do you tarry with orders, what are we waiting for?”
Observation: None of the notes are from "the traveler" (Brecks)
Maps (intel and evidence)
Notations on the map at Winterhome around the mountains - possible necro-arsenal
Old map of Cyre - Historical. Encampment? Still here? Lots of notes.
Map of Silvercliff and environs and troop stats for Aundair and Thrane across the river.
I burned this map and told Henry about it to tell the Phantom Knights Captain.
Fly to Korth with the Queen in tow.
 
 
Korth - Lharvion 26, 999
Leave for Goradra Gap
Taking the Pale Lady (Queen) to Korth. The Twelve gladly accept the prisoner. Shackles are returned. Deposit 1,285gp in the bank. Tylana stays in Korth. She will help in any way she can. Stop by on the way back out to other areas.
Goradra Gap - Glitter Deep Mine. Dwarf - Mark of warding - Kelark d'Kundarak - greets us here. Gives us a tour.
Small platoon goes with us. Soft glowing crystals light our way. Travel while Kelark gives us the history of the mine. After around 30 minutes, we get to a place where it branches out. The crystals disappear. A Luminescent stalagmite. "She's the star of Khyber - She's the Glitter Deep". Blue, white. Changes colors with every coterminous. Seems to coordinate with the type of coterminous. There is a resonance point in the crystal (the crystal that is not really a crystal). Jorgen plays a song at the stalagmite. When we ask to see deeper, Kelark doesn’t allow it, and he says they aren't having any trouble with monsters or House Tarkanan. We are taken back to a holding area (guarded). Rolan talks to several people and gets that people are worried. Kelark came after 2hrs to tell us that Bruun is in a meeting. Then another couple hours Bruun is ready to see us. Kelark takes us to see Bruun. (One Guard outside the room). The room looks like a store with massive amounts, Crystal, Metals, and artifacts. Large obsidian table for 850gp.

Bruun tells us about recent events. Cave collapses, aberrant creatures, shortage of materials, shortage of people. Creatures of Khyber. Bruun won't do anything or let us help, even after Kavwyn healed his gingivitis. Parker Smyth disappeared in Karrnath. Alendi found him in Mournland. He's been missing for 6 years.
 
 
Twilight Demesne - Lharvion 27, 999
Glitterdeep
Dream sequence.
"You find yourself sitting on the terrace of a grand country estate in the Aundairian countryside in the warm morning sun. Servants are busily caring for the grounds and amongst the vineyards picking the first harvest of the season. You see movement off to the side as Henry arrives with a chilled mimosa in one hand and a glass of fine red from your own vineyard. Henry leans down and gives you a kiss on the forehead. Life is good."
Morning arrives and it seems others have had dreams. Kelark arrives to tell us that we have been granted access into the depths. We are granted a guide to go with us. Her name is "Mena". Spend an entire day weaving through tunnels. This other party they have come across has humanoids, elves, and they aren't sure what they are looking for or why they are here. Open area, luminescent moss and a small trickling stream. Now it is humid.
Ioun stone - Lesser Restoration found in the stream.
We come to a fissure and get across it. Then we come to a vast cave system. We fall into a vision. I can sort of see that it isn't real and the same dream sequence from before goes awry.
"As you attempt to shake yourself out of the dream state, the vision begins to shift…
Henry hands the glass to you and breaks the silence of the morning, "…this isn't going to work. You are not able to focus on anyone but yourself and your issues. You haven't let go of your husband. You haven't healed your wounds. You are exactly like the rest of your family." Henry turns on his heel and you hear his boots click against the fine marble as he walks off. After just another moment of silence that feels like it extends into eternity, the deafening silence is broken as the ground begins to rumble and shake around you. Cracks in the earth appear amidst the earthquake and a wicked red glow emits from the growing crevasses.
A vast cavern with fighting among the following: Beholder, Mind Flayer, Grell, Drow, Dolgrun
 
Treasure
(Tia) Ioun stone of absorption - use reaction to cancel spells of level 4 or lower. 16 spells less

We take an alternate route, that isn't carved or magic. It has been bored out of the rock. Higher and Higher. Step out into the mountains. Very clearly made air ship dock here. Reana sends up a signal flare to Captain Esten. An airship was recently docked here. 21 History Check - Felt a great presence - all aberrations come from Dal Quorr, 10,000 years ago, Kings/Queens of that realm. There are very few remaining on Eberron. Came from Xoriat. Travel back to Korth 1.5 days.
 
Travel on the 28th arrives mid-day on Barrakas 1.
 
 
Korth - Barrakas 1, 999
Stolen Gifts
The twelve grant "use" of a magnificent sword called "The Cleanser '' by Keldrith d'Deneith in cleansing the aberrant marks in the war of the marks. Said to have slain Hallis Tarkkanen himself. Tylana jumps on the boat as we arrive, and we immediately leave for Flamekeep. She gives gifts for use:
The Cleanser: Not actually authorized for gifting to us….as we find out later Brannon wasn’t pleased.
Staff of the Magi Absorption
Zero charges
Then it charges up and these can be used as Sorc points.
We will arrive in Flamekeep on Barrakas 3.
 
 
Thrane - Barrakas 3, 999
Flamekeep Arrival
Arrive at Flamekeep towards the evening. We smell a lot of smoke. We see plague pyres burning bodies. We dock and offer our services. A guard goes to check on this. 10 to 15 minutes passes. We are cleared in customs. They take us to the Silver Hearth tavern. This is where we will be staying. Bartender "Duncan". Kavwyn, Jorgen, Rolan, and "Decklin" (Alendi) go out into the city.

Henry ir'Vannek;
"Henry Vannek, by the light of the silver Flame, and the order of Bishop Mendus of the cleansing Flame you stand accused of the crimes of Heresy, Fraudulence of nobility, Perjury, Murder, Theft and Micreant Malevolence. In the presence of Man and God, you are under arrest. Surrender yourself or face the final justice of the cleansing flame!"

Paladins of the silver flame; flame justice is the one that reads from the scroll. Inquisitorial cells at the Silver Flame holding place.
 
 
Flamekeep - Barrakas 4, 999
Belan, Pilgrim of Cleansing of the Silver Flame. Two afflictions; Sewer Plague (1-4 days) and Sight Rot (The dread spot). Hospital set up in the library. Dismembered warforged.
Archbishop Maria Delores - Archbishop - We wait for an audience. There are dozens of people there. She looks like she's carved from alabaster. One patient prays to the Mistress and goes back to the Silver Flame. I call out to the storm to the countryside in hopes to improve their crops. I contemplate bringing the ocean to Flamekeep to wash the earth clean of them all. Reanna visits me regularly. I take a break from the storm and begin systematically analyzing the books and numbering systems. History
Organization structure, layout. Scrivani the Lesser - efficient system. Legacy
Church records and church history, no founding, no heterodoxy and no outdated theology.
No sections pertaining to interactions between Thrane and Aundair, or Thrane and Cyre
Medicinal sections are clearly incomplete, basic medical treatises none of which touch disease.
Simple anatomy is here, some herb studies, home remedies.
No magical treatises here. They should be here but nothing on even being a cleric.
End of the day, back at the inn, no one has seen Kavwyn. Reana and I go back to the Basilica church and inquire about Kavwyn. No one has seen him.
 
 
Flamekeep - Barrakas 5, 999
Kavwyn Missing
Alendi goes out into Flamekeep alone.

Information from Alendi's Investigation
The story is already spreading about a paladin of Vol that cured people and ended up sweating blood and then said he had to rest as he was exhausted. The arch-bishop Maria Delores is likely in one of two places:
Private section of the library beyond the 2 doors.
Quarters in the Upper Cathedral
There is a cot, desk with a stock standard holy book, and a small silver flame shrine. The room is devoid of all extravagance, and has zero personal effects, not even clothes. Brecks - "I don’t think you want to go there without your little friends." helping Alendi. Information that Arch-Bishop Maria Delores is actually the Mistress of Pestilence.

Speculation: Queen, Son of Kyber, Mistress of Pestilence, Traveler? (The traveler is Brecks) Why are they doing it? Causing a crisis to establish control over the Silver Flame. Further the causes of bringing down house unity. House Tarkanan is the obvious scapegoat for ALL the Houses. Good positioning among the nations. Draws Thrane into itself. Separates them further from the nations. Droaam would be busy with a plague. The houses are also at odds, Lyrandar under fire constantly.
"The Flame in Shadow" - Forbiddence
Victory Day? Thranish holiday where they celebrate the eliminations of Lycanthropes.
Summoning, binding, and demonology
Bishop Mendus of the Cleansing Flame, the one that commanded the arrest of Henry.
Dungeons downstairs.
"Strength In Darkness" - Dungeon Portal
Sounds of screaming. Sounds of Meat getting cut.
In each of the cells, there are bodies of Henry, Kavwyn, Decklin, etc. but it is always an illusion.
End of the Hallway.
Kavwyn thinks she (archbishop has a lizard face)
5 Children with glittering dark eyes - invisible.
I got stabbed by a changeling that appears as a dead Henry.
Taria/Sotanya – Being held on a lab table by the Mistress of Pestilence. Diseased but breathing.
Alendi saves our lives with teleportation to Esten’s ship.
A mass explosion on the ship; Captain Esten dead.

Test out the marks.
Cover the evidence.
Tylana – new Khyber Shard given to Flerentia

Brannon (the 12, now known as part of the Cabal)
Thrane has marched on Aundair
Droaam attacked Breland
The twelve were attacked somewhere between the 1st and 3rd of Barrakas. The tower is in rubble.
He knows the sword is gone.
Sending - proceed to reaches
The Queen (Pale Lady) escaped.
 
 
Research
Notes that she (Pestilence) or her assistants have jotted down. Lots of research on Bellshalore (shadow and flame) escaped bindings and was loosed in the Thranish regions. Lore: 30 overlords since beginning of time. Sacrifice of couatls, selfless good, bonded to the silver flame, access to the mortal plane, once the door was opened. 100K years. Flame existed but couldn’t' communicate with mortal creatures. The sacrifice ended the age of demons. This bounds all the overlords. The act opened the door to allow the silver flame into Eberron. The Flame existed but couldn't communicate to flawed creatures to hear its voice. In 299 there was an eruption in Flamekeep. The flame erupted with an unrelenting malevolence radiating from it. A rakshasa broke the bonds from sacrifice of the couatl. Tira Mirone had a vision of a rainbow serpent, beast in the east, Galifarian forces- freed malevolent "Coinendger" sword and cousin of "Moinure" and Tira watched as the winged serpent and demon fight. The demon beat the couatl. Tiara and Coinenderg (sword) jumped into the fire and sacrificed herself. It became a cool silver flame. Tiera remained within. The sword is bound with the Tira and the Couatl all binding the demon. Number of other files on overlords. A lot of other research. Eldrantulku the oath breaker has a lot of notes. Ancient shrine - in western Byshek mountains not far from Winterholm. Eldrantulku is the spirit of discord breaker of friends of lovers. Not a force of war, but a force of Ambition, jealousy, power. Drift into the background and cause princes of dragon marked houses to turn on one another…. if he ever got out….it wouldn't be noticed. So, the people supporting Eldrantulku are trying to build conditions, House Tarkanan Cabal. Are xyz met, engineered = Overlord will be released.

Flip side: Z is living. In a mix of time, there are individuals working on both sides of the prophecy.
Eldrantulku release triggers when a mighty empire tears itself apart from within.
Correspondence
Many messages between the Son of Khyber and Mistress of Pestilence; frustrations and confusion. Why is Tarkannen wasting resources? Doesn't make sense with overthrowing houses and taking over. "All will kneel before us" direct quote from Son of Khyber.
Speculation
Son is host to an overlord.
Bellshalair - release would be good study for the Mistress of Pestilence.
The significance of dragon marked people; those who bear marks are significant of those who unravel the prophecy.

Four days to reach Eldeen Reaches.The Son of Khyber is in Cyre.
 
 
Passage - Barrackas 6, 999
New Terrorists
Sotanya stirs. Kavwyn hugs her.
After Sotanya conveyed Hadith's position to us (via Tharivol’s Crystal), she returned to Flamekeep. Some of her possessions were there. When she attempted to get away, she was found out. Some of them are legit (?????), but ‘they’ are being used. Using the Son of Khyber.

We asked; Who are ‘they’?
Sotanya replied; “Don't know.”

Aberrant marks of Tarkannen more powerful than she's ever sensed. They are going to try to use him to their ends, to some bound creature. She grabbed a volume of Myst and Darkness. (The dark tome, which is now mine.) She points to a chest and walks over. She starts messing around with the chest and pulls a false bottom. From it she pulls out a cover, we are creeped out by this volume. I think there may be an answer here, before she came.

We asked; Did Brecks find you?
Sotanya replied; “Yes.”

Passage
We stop in Passage on the way to the Eldeen Reaches. We are wanted in every nation as suspected terrorist. Our accounts are seized. We get a newspaper and Aundairian wine (4 bottles of wine)

Alendi gets a changeling flower of Xen'drik for Kavwyn to give to Sotanya. Sotanya mentions that she's heard a lot about Alendi from Brecks. "It would be there for right now…." (?????????????) Sotanya; “Brecks is the one that let me know. He has one as well. You aren't alone. You are not an aberration.”
 
Kavwyn proposed to Sotanya. She said yes.
 
Thirteenth house.
Kyber Crystal to me from Tylana.
Ritual to bind him (Eldrantulku) if he gets free:
Cause an eclipse or make it nighttime. Sun black out.
Scroll of imprisonment
Fog
Diamond 1K

The Pale Lady put a spike in Henry's mind, and he can be tracked. Also, sometime after we dropped her off, the Twelve's home is in ruins!
Eldeen Reaches - Barrakas 10, 999
Aberrant Village
Henry and Kavwyn sparr. Arrive at the reaches, near Winterholm. Quiet little hamlet? Look upon the horizon. War is brewing across Khorvaire. Whatever WE do, determines the fate of the continent.
Reana, Sotanya, Henry, Kavwyn, Rolan, Jorgen, Alendi, me

Eldeen Reaches
Fey magic is pretty active right now. The little girl has an aberrant mark on her neck. The winter court continues to descend and cause problems with farms. The fey damages crops. When they send people into the mountains, they don’t return. Eldar Hammond burgomaster. The fey have been harassing them for over a year. The ruins are a hot spot for Fey, go to the shrine. The Silver Flagon Inn. Many of the adolescents and children have aberrant marks. Reanna is very upset. Roland tries to calm her. ALL of the children have aberrant marks. "The Giver" gave it to you. They just noticed it one day. The kids had different experiences. It is considered a gift. They try not to get angry. They feel a burden of responsibility. Their parents are intentional about expressing their emotions. When they lose their tempers or extreme emotions. They just DON’T get angry. Accidents that occur; burned down buildings, people dying of disease, magical accidents, etc. The boogeyman is real. Started a year or so ago. Superstition for things people can't define. The only real dangers are the Fey.

We slip out into the night. The stone is beginning to warm up. Takes us 2 hours at night. We found an area for camp. There is one more person here, a fey enchantress. She asks us a bunch of questions. “What are we doing here? Why are we here? Where are we going? We don't know what is coming do we? We will soon.” She leaves.
Eldeen Reaches - Barrakas 11, 999
Mournland Portal
No dreams. Travel up the trail. Arrive at the ruins. Intricately carved. Terrible beasts. Story being told. Emerging out of darkness. Grand mural and statue looming in the carving above all. Central dais area. The figure is looming over the wars and murals and such. Languages that we can't read. There is an individual with its back facing us and hands clasped behind its back. On the edge of our light. Older man, long cloak. As he moves, we realize that we recognize him, Brannon d'Deneith. “Aren't they beautiful? It was millennia that we carved these. All across the realms, once we found out where he was bound, so that wherever in the world he was bound, we could return to our master.”
We go through the portal.

Darkness, Sulphur, and a smell of death. We pass through smoke and ash and come out through mist. We are now in Mournland. We look around beyond smell and sights, we are assaulted by the screaming. Son of Khyber on a make-shift throne of triclinic crystals and he's just screaming. The mark is growing on his skin. Three brilliant points of light, framing the headpiece of the throne. One of them is from my accident.

There are people just standing around watching. House Tarkannen agents just stand around watching. Jaela is standing near the throne. The throne has a vortex of energy. This is an arcane engine. Usually contained in the heart of a creation forge but it hums with energy. We also see the Queen standing there. They don't seem aware of our presence. This appears to be the remnants of a palace. We Fight. The House Tarkanan folk turn into aberrant monsters. Jaela disappears into the mist.

Son of Khyber battling with Alendi with Titan strength. The Son keeps saying things like "No, get out of my head, I don't want what you want, no."
Tentacles rise from the ground.
A full eclipse.
Fog rolls in heavily.
The Son of Khyber is bound to the throne.

The mists overtake us. We wander for a long time, darkness and fog. It is getting grayer. Mists recede. There is a long wall of mist. There is a keep flying the colors of Cyre. It is a warm day. We walk. We pass a news stand.
Galifar gazette - Dane ir'Tarkannen cracking down on war-forged rebels. Barrakas 11, 999 in the Upside-down.
 
 
Mists of the Past
Dolurrh Cyre - Barrakas 11, 999
Strangers in the Mist
The banner flying above the keep is the Cyre crown, but it is different than it is supposed to be. The difference appears to be a creature like the one we saw and eventually killed in the caverns of the Glitterdeep. (the beholder). Looking back at the mists we see booming explosions on what would be the other side. We walk to the keep and get 3 rooms at the tavern. The Innkeeper asks us if we are staying for Salvation Day. Henry pays for the Inn and covers for us. I studied the planar attunement stone and the general surroundings. Planar/Demi-Planar marking at the mists. Same odd / unsettled wrong feeling about the mists. Planar Attunement Stone: Ice cold and fogs up. Alendi focuses her energy and locates.
Parker Smyth is in Metrol City.
Jaela is in the Eldeen Reaches.
We know that the formal day of Mourning was in Alarune but the current newspaper says that it is Barrakas 11. While resting at the inn, I cast Misty Step to test magic. She was quickly overwhelmed by the pure source. It seemed stimulating and more powerful here. She experienced ecstasy and a racing pulse, but no other negative effects were noted.
 
 
Dolurrh Cyre - Barrakas 12, 999
Green Mile to Metrol
Alendi’s Intel: Today is Salvation Day. The day that Cyre's people were saved. The day the "Barrier went up". We learned that warforged troops can pass through the barrier and that King Dane ir’Tarkannen says the war is still going on outside of the misty borders. Henry begins casting water breathing on us as part of our party’s preparedness. Me and Henry continue research and experimentation and determine the following types of magic do seem affected: confluence of Alteration, Conjuration, Necromancy are all stronger here. Henry analyzes the magical influences. Casting negative energy. I cast shatter, no elation effect.

We decide to walk to Metrol to find Parker Smyth. As we walk, most people are traveling toward Metrol, but there is one group that is going the opposite direction. We see the river not far off. (River Malendor) Of the movement of this opposite group, about 30 people? Look a bit like soldiers, but as they get closer, we note they are Warforged. We take steps to hide dragon marks and make sure that we are somewhat disguised. The warforged pay us no mind. Jorgen senses something off with the warforged. Something about their eyes seems off but he could not tell what specifically is off about them. We head into Metrol city, and it is beautiful. All of the masonry is exquisite. There is a lot of excitement in the city. The Lord, King Dane ir’Tarkkanen is going to speak. (Implies that Tarkkanen is a noble house, not a dragon marked house). We do see several individuals wearing black outfits with red trim, and they have red aberrant marks displayed/peeking out from under their clothes. All of them look dangerously similar. Alendi tries to pickpocket some papers out of one of the soldiers' pockets and is immediately caught and thrown in a jail cell. We go to get some street meat and some guy notices Henry and Kavwyn's armor. Eight dudes are drunk and want to brawl. Jorgen convinces them that there is nothing to worry about here with his wonderful song. I try to convince them they are part of a traveling acting troupe. Alendi gathers info in jail: the people are trying to get a glimpse of Dane's wife (the Queen) and the Royal Vizier.

[Trumpets Herald]

Beginning of the parade, there were no human troupes. Line upon line upon line of gleaming warforged of all different kinds. Large and small. Titans leading the way. Upon the castle platform, we see warforged guards come out. A red-haired woman comes out and steps off to the left. See a pale lithe figure garbed in robes step out. I recognize who it is immediately and pales at the sight (Tharivol Xilocent). A beautiful woman steps onto the platform (Sotanya). Then a grand man with gleaming black armor steps out onto the castle dais, King Dane ir’Tarkannen, the man that was chained to the chair. Now he seems to have grown in stature, very large. The dress is my first Alendi dress, but I don’t recognize the woman at all.

"It’s been 5 years since our artificers raised the wall. It’s been 5 years that Cyre has remained protected from the ravages of the last war. You all are to thank for your hard work. For the industry of being able to continue to send our troops into the fields to crush our enemies. This day is about salvation, about all of our salvations."
 
Dane ir'Tarkannen turns from the platform. All 4 people leave the stage: King Dane, Queen Sotanya, Grand Vizier Tharivol, and the red-haired woman in the Alendi dress.
 
Alendi is working back into the crowd and two dark shadows fall over top of her and then a line of explosions happens almost simultaneously. The titans are exploding from the inside out. The crowds are going crazy.

Kavwyn immediately runs into the crowd to help people. Henry rips a cloak off of a man and casts phantom steed and moves to get me away. Rolan watches the explosion/chaos. He notices 2 figures actively watching. He sees them make hand gestures to each other. Military signals for advancing. Amidst the chaos, Rolan hears folks are blaming the swords of liberty. Henry notices flying war forged heading to the edge of the city and then hears explosions. Alendi sees figures making a beeline for the edge of the city and then war forged are flying to the edge of the city as well. Brecks, Sabre (Parker), & Mace (Danny). We got to an Inn - "The Thirsty Wench" and Henry booked 3 rooms. I crash out to sleep. Alendi finds 'the safe house'. Lots of conversation about the 'swords of liberty'.

Alendi’s Intel: Brecks appeared in Cyre 5 years ago, recognized Alendi and appears to be leading the Swords of Liberty. He seemed very confused that we were here. Brecks thought we were all dead. Alendi can get us to Breck’s airship.

Rolan & Parker are reunited. Parker is working for Brecks and is at the safe house. Parker was on a special forces mission to Karnath, and they got waylaid in Cyre. He had been missing for 6 years. A sweeping fog of mist just crashed over the battlefield. He described his skin being torn from my bones, burning in his throat and hands, then he felt nothing, and then he awoke and some on the battlefield were dead, others were alive. The remnants of his troop crawled away, but the barrier had been erected which protected them from the world. There was a king, the new leader of Cyre, responsible for the barrier to end the world, to protect them. Cyre continues to mass produce troops to send into the barrier, but Parker can't get back. He watched one of his friends turn to ash and bone trying to cross through the barrier. Rolan learned of the Warforged’s red eyes, they are upgraded and move very fast. Rolan comes to get us.

Alendi teleports us to the Black Airship along with Parker and Danny. All of them are wearing the remnants of Brelish uniforms. Brecks woke here on the ship. No one else was with him. It was 994 at that time, the same date that he had disappeared. He struggles to piece things together. It is very foggy for him. In 994, his role as a Dark Lantern, he knew there were troops up north that had been pinned down, so he gathered them together. The Son of Khyber is somehow the king, he somehow rewrote history? Remnants of house Tarkannan are actually thriving and in power here. He doesn't understand how it happened. There was a merger of politics and the aberrant marks. Because of Brecks' role in the final fight, he was deemed a traitor.

We learned that Brecks has tried to reach out to Sotanya, but she thinks that Brecks is an illusion there to torment her. Brecks tried to reach out to Sotanya 4 weeks after he landed in Cyre (994). He has experienced nothing but near death at the palace. She recognizes Brecks but she is not herself. The Warforged are just unexplainable. The king sends them out into the mist, but Brecks doesn't know what happens. Going into the mist, people feel like inferno, he speculates this is why the warforged can pass through.

In Brecks’ time with House Tarkannan, there was a faction not quite aligned with the rest of the house. He uncovered that they (Cabal) were working towards another goal to release an overlord. The Son of Khyber was one of absorption, he could steal the essence of things and absorb them into himself. Brecks doesn't want us to confront Dane. He is not Dane. They (the Cabal) channeled the overlord into Dane, some of the essence of Eldrantulku. Dane is not mortal and is not Dane. Some want to fight, so Brecks leads the Swords of Liberty. He stays on the fringe and tries to survive. There are only 30-ish members.

Alendi tries to locate Tharivol but does not sense him here. Even though we saw him on the platform. Can’t scry for the grand vizier, not unexpected.

Things to do
Figure out if the mists will hurt us
What is going on with Sotanya and all the people on the platform
Avoid the warforged
Get out of the mists without the other creature / overlord getting out. (Along with the innocents)
Figure out who is real or dead.
Find the creation forges.
 
Brecks flies the ship towards the wall of mist so that Kavwyn can perform a test. Rolan composed a message for Henry to send to Reana. Henry reached out to send it and hit a barrier, the barrier reached back and tried to take control of Henry. With some difficulty, Kavwyn and Jorgen help him resist it. It is intelligent and tries to find out where we are. Kavwyn walked out into the mists, we tied a rope onto him. The mists come alive and try to enter Kavwyn. A great malevolence. Very unpleasant.
I realized that 1023 will be the next coterminous with Dolurrh (Realm of the Dead).
We know that the Cabal of House Tarkanan was seeking to summon an Overlord and bind it to Dane. Dane didn't want this. We used the prophecy to imprison the overlord. We used the Cyren fog as part of the prophecy.
Possibly the fog is an entity separate from the Overlord and is exactly his prison.
We decide to perform a sending to Sotanya via Henry. "Kavwyn says hello, wants to know if she still remembers 4 bells in Korth and would ask that you come meet him at capital park at noon."
 
 
Dolurrh Cyre - Barrakas 13, 999
Feed the Birds
We went into a park in Metrol for the noon meeting. Increased military presence in the city. Also seems that the Salvation Day revelries did not continue. Kavwyn and Henry go into the park together.

Kavwyn sits next to a peasant woman.
Sotanya: "Why are you here?"
Kavwyn senses a refrained hesitancy.
Sotanya when asked by Kavwyn about seeing her on the platform; “I didn't want to believe it was you.”
“Prison of deceit and death.”
Sotanya has “tried to escape but they always find me”.
"How are you going to find your way out?"
Reverse engineer the ritual to get us back out. "it’s a good idea"
"They have the book" Sotanya is going to get the book for us so that we can figure it out?
She has lost all hope, all freedom, all power.

Sotanya thinks that the people here are indeed alive/real. Whatever happened here…the ritual reincarnated them. The prison and Cyre combined. If we can free the people, we could return Cyre. Possibly the overlord too. "Give me 3 days.”
 
 
Dolurrh Cyre - Barrakas 16, 999
Of Mist & Darkness
On the 3rd day, Kavwyn sits on a park bench and awaits Sotanya. She arrives and comments that she doesn’t believe it is really him. Brief conversation. “There was a night a long time ago where I was seen, thank you.” She leaves behind a pouch. It is a bag of holding with the dark tome in it.

After handling the book and reading the first few pages, it is going to take me 80 hours to attune to it. Sotanya had marked the page with a piece of material that I gave her as a bookmark on the ship when she first studied it.
I studied the bookmark and found out if it has magic cast upon it.
The Attunement will take 5 days with 16 hours of study per day. Completion expected by Barrakas 21st.
Meanwhile - Alendi is laying down some intel possibilities to infiltrate the castle on Barrakas the 18, 19, 20. Brecks tells us that they have 15 creation forges here in this imprisonment.

Rolan has a long conversation with Parker.
 
 
Dolurrh Cyre - Barrakas 21, 999
Darkness Within
While I worked on attunement, the group discusses and plans for other possibilities to reverse the ritual:
Unmake the ritual - free you all
Possibly subvert ritual to find a loophole/ritual - select few could go with
Escape the ritual
Do nothing
Fight the long game here in Cyre to trash the creation forges.

After completing the attunement, I am visibly changed to others. She looks frailer and sicklier than just days before attunement. Her eyes have changed from vivid green to inky black. Her personality is somewhat different, though difficult to say if she is just moody. The dragonmark upon her back looks agitated with angry red marks outlining it.

When asked about Tharivol and getting him out of the kingdom of deceit, she shrugs and says, he’s not really alive anyway, it’s not really him.

"Your alignment is one step closer to evil. Your pupils are now permanently inky black. If you move farther than 10' from the book, you go blind and deafened until you are within 10' again. Increase 1 statistic by +2 (Charisma), decrease another by -2(Constitution). The skin around your mark looks angry and irritated. Also gain:

Immune to disease, charmed, frightened, blinding, deafened, petrified, and stunned.
Mark of Darkness - Advantage on Charisma (persuasion) checks made to interact with evil creatures and Charisma (intimidation) checks to interact with non-evil creatures.
While you are attuned and holding it, you can use an action to cast the Dominate Monster spell on an evil target (save DC18) 1x per day.
You can reference the book of Vile darkness whenever you make an intelligence check to recall information about some aspect of evil, such as lore about demons. When you do so, double your proficiency bonus on that check.
Dark speech - you can use an action to recite words from its pages in a foul language known as dark speech

The Book of Vile Darkness remains with you only as long as you strive to work evil in the world. If you fail to perform an evil act within the span of 10 days, or if you willingly perform a good act, the book disappears. If you die while attuned to the book, an entity of great evil claims your soul. You can't be restored to life by any means while your soul remains imprisoned.
 
 
Dolurrh Cyre - Barrakas 24, 999
Deaf & Blind
 
I pulled Henry aside and told him about the cost of the tome, in brief. I think Sotanya has also suffered greatly by parting with the book. I emphasized that separating from the book has a significant cost physically, mentally, and spiritually. I asked Henry to make sure no one takes it from me because I will become blind and deaf immediately. I am positive that we will adjust to this change and am not at all worried or distraught. We enjoyed our night together. I slept, (for the first time in many years), soundly and peacefully.

At some point, Kavwyn takes the book from my things. He wants to know what the heck is wrong with me, why I don’t care about Tharivol being in Cyre and leaving him behind. He knocks on the sleeping quarters door and Henry wakes, but I do not stir. Henry wakes me with a hand on my shoulder. I looked around but not at Henry, with a look of fright on my face. Kavwyn walks in the room. As the book reaches the threshold, I can again see and hear. My face twists in anger as I wrapped myself in the coverlet. Kavwyn prattled on about taking the book from me because He's worried about me and the shift in personality since attuning with the book. I tell Kavwyn that taking the book from me has consequences. I speak to him as if he were a child and try to explain that the book contains my soul and that parting with the book not only prevents me from executing the ritual but could also mean the loss of my soul forever. Kavwyn maintains that this information is utter nonsense, that a soul cannot reside in a book and that it is having a bad influence over me. I twist the information to bring to light that Sotanya is likely suffering the same symptoms which are now possessing me, since she too had been attuned to this book, but he does not believe it. The discussion continues but no real resolution is reached. Kavwyn gives the book back to me but tells me he will take it away from me again.

Meanwhile the group plans to obtain more information through the warforged. Rolan, Alendi, Henry and Jorgen go to accost a Warforged to see if they can obtain additional information. Kavwyn and I stayed behind.

I talked to Kavwyn about his darkest thoughts. He's afraid of Sotanya being caused pain by him trying to help her. With a half-smile, I listened to his thoughts and fears. She draws inspiration and quietly makes plans to use his fear of failure against him should it be needed at a later date.
Jorgen turns a warforged into a bunny and they take it to another location in order to question it. They find out that outside of Cyre, there is only "the dead" (Dolurrh) as far as the eye can see. Mountains, plains etc. as far as the eye can see and only the dead exist there. Warforged, when created, are likely having the dead pulled into them upon creation as Dolurrh would pull in extra dead when created? Its original orders were to go out into the "world" and find the rebels.

Need a Triclinic in order to perform the ritual.
 
 
Dolurrh Cyre - Barrakas 25, 999
A Smyth Goodbye
Alendi is going back to the palace with the goals to find the Triclinic and make a connection with Sotanya. Slips in after the Grand Vizier Tharivol, into a throne room antichamber. Tharivol sits down and begins writing. Alendi is invisible and watching this happen. In the throne room, on the throne are 2 triclinics. (One was destroyed in the battle.) Alendi ‘anchors’ to the throne room and goes to find Sotanya. (Further up into the castle)
It was thought that the triclinic associated with the dig site in Xen'drik was destroyed by us when trying to stop the arcane engine, that it was shattered, and this is why I was almost killed. Why was it described as the crystal from my accident? If I used the crystal from her accident in the ritual, would that just have been an illusion and misdirect from Eldrantulku?
The bedroom is super dark inside. All the blackout curtains are drawn. Empty bed. See an individual sitting in the corner. A person sitting down with their head between her knees. Her shoulders are shaking, when Alendi reaches out to her, she stops shaking. Alendi says hello and then says Kavwyn's name, and she stands and throws a vase at the door and says "Stop it! Get out of my head!" Alendi extracts herself safely from the castle. Alendi then takes Kavwyn in and reaches Sotanya to grab her. Alendi creates a doorway and Sotanya and Kavwyn escape. Alendi goes back into the throne room to get a triclinic and pries it loose but not before the Son of Khyber sees her take the triclinic.
Alendi gets back to the ship and Brecks begins his descent. I waited only long enough to use the elements to descend from the ship and Kavwyn moved to join me. I begin the ritual while Rolan holds Sotanya on the ship along with Parker and Brecks. Kavwyn walks to the end of the tunnel as my casting continues. A storm of purple lightning on the horizon escalates quickly. As Kavwyn gets to the other side, he spots 3 new figures behind the group: the Son of Khyber, Tharivol and the red-headed woman. The red-headed woman speeds off somewhere. Tharivol casts a great spell of dehydration on the group, but I am excluded from the spell that he casts.

Jorgen creates difficult terrain to impede the Son of Khyber and his allies’ movement. Nothing is damaging the Son of Khyber. Alendi makes some magical doorways which will gate people where she wants them to go. The ritual completes and the pathway is open. The Son of Khyber’s skin cracks and it becomes apparent that his entire body is covered from head to toe in an aberrant dragonmark. Henry grabs me and charges to the other side. Kavwyn goes back to the battle. Rolan grabs hold of Sotanya and with help of the gate gets to the other side. I cast Message to Tharivol and asked "why". Tharivol replies with "I'm sorry. He made me. I will see you again." As we are escaping, with the doorway closing, there is no sign of the red-headed woman and Brecks is still on the ship. Parker leaps through the doorway and from the other side only ash and bone are seen on the other side. Henry calls back at the Son of Khyber; “When you get free, we’ll be waiting.” (or something similar). Even from a distance, a half-smile forms on the Son of Khyber’s face.

Parker Smyth is gone.

Sotanya says "I'm sorry, I couldn't get you the triclinic like you asked me to."
 
I have an addiction to the magic of dolurrh, Necromancy.
 
 
The Price of Truth
Talenta Plains - Barrakas 25, 999
(Actually Rhan 30, 1002)
Southern Hospitality
We need to get somewhere safe and figure out the state of things. All the while we were fighting to prevent the coming of an Overlord, the five nations were falling apart. We know that we have been marked as traitors, but to what degree? Knowing will help us to understand if we have any allies left among the rubble. We head south into the Talenta Plains looking for a safe place to rest, far from Fort Bones and the eyes of the houses and the 5 nations. Rolan finds a newly built halfling village and we enter; Kavwyn, Sotanya, Henry, Tia, Rolan, Alendi, and Jorgen. We are all so very weary and lost. One young lady is making baskets on the outer end of the village and Kavwyn stops to talk to her. She tells us about a safe place to stay, the ‘hospitality house’ which is a longhouse structure at the village center. The basket maker sells Kavwyn some of her wares and we enter the hospitality house. The keeper’s name is Mabu, and they let us rest while they prepare food for us. I noticed the house sigil of Ghallanda (which is known for hospitality). We are likely safe here. It is warming and delightful, truly food for everyone, though my soul doesn’t belong to me, it still comforts me. Mabu gives us three large huts at the edge of the village and Henry sets up a Private Sanctum with alarms set in the event we are actively being sought through divination magics or even the mundane. We rest, and I may never have slept so hard in my entire life. There were no dreams to haunt me and no interruptions. Maybe the book won’t be so bad after all.
 
 
Talenta Plains - Sypheros 1, 1002
Time Dilation
The planar attunement stone is white and cold to the touch indicating Eirian Eternal Day is remote. The sun is shining, and it is a beautiful crisp day, but something feels off, perhaps it is the tone in which we left Dane’s Cyre. A Korranberg Chronicle is delivered to our huts. I poured through the material and learned the following.
We learned that the date is really Sypheros 1, 1002. Three years and 2 months have passed here while we were stuck in the Overlord’s prison.
Aundair is investigating an entire village that was murdered on the edge of the Eldeen Reaches.
Tensions are high between Aundair and Thrane.
A new Tower of the Twelve is being dedicated.
 
Alendi begins divining the location of allies and enemies in hopes to learn additional information.
Reyanna is in the Cannith Enclave in the Ashblack district of Sharn.
Tylana is in the Dreadhold Prison (Kunderak) in the Lhazaar Principalities.
Brecks is in the Mournland. (Dane’s Cyre)
Brannon is not located.
Drusila is not located.
Captain Esten is at the Lyrandar Enclave in Wroat.
The Pale Lady (The Queen) is in the Dreadhold Prison (Kunderak) in the Lhazaar Principalities.
Tharivol is in the Mournland. (Dane’s Cyre)
Jaela is not located.
The Red-Haired Lady (who called herself Jaela to Sotanya) is in Mournland. (Dane’s Cyre)
 
Several ‘Sending’ were used to try to reach people and gain more information.
Reana is under house arrest but protected by Merrix D’Cannith.
Sotanya awakens and we all chat about what has transpired. She tells us of a safe place we could go; Farlnen Island to Lady Illmarrow’s castle. We talk amongst ourselves about the next course of action we can take to learn more. Ultimately, we decide that going to Winterholm is probably the safest until we have more information. I have no way to get us to Farlnen without any real solid information.
Eldeen Reaches - Sypheros 2, 1002
House Vidalis Atrocities
Remembering the ruins not far from the hamlet of Winterholm, we teleport successfully to the place where Brannon d'Deneith had given us a monologue about these evil ruins built in reverence to the overlords and ultimately led us to the ritual to bring forth Eldrantulku by the Cabal within Tarkannen.
 
I cannot imagine what Sotanya must be feeling. For us we can count the time in days since we were here. Sotanya was in Dane’s Prison for years. She may not even remember being here.
 
We travel down to the village and hold for Alendi and Rolan to scout ahead. We feel like we are being watched. Rolan investigates through the ruins of burned and collapsed homes. He found something but he cannot make out what it could be under the rubble. He continues to scout and finds footprints of a teenage human melted into the rock. He comes back to get us. We follow the footprints into the woods. Eventually we start realizing the enchantress is again watching us. She glares at me, obviously taking in the book’s presence. She asks what we want with Lineya (the only survivor). We learn that the tamers brought their mage monsters 6 Thelanis moon cycles ago. I am not sure what that would be in our measure of time as the Faerie realm is so very different. Perhaps 6 months in Fey time and 3 years for us? Lineya must be nearby as the enchantress tells us that the child doesn’t want to speak to us but conveys through the enchantress that she does want revenge.
 
Fey Mischief
Alendi leads us back to our spot as Rolan continues to converse with the enchantress. When Rolan returns to us, we make plans to have Alendi create a distraction so that we can get into the rubble and see what is beneath the crumpled home where Rolan believes something is to be found. Alendi takes on a ghostly visage and playfully taunts the guards of Aundair, leading them away from our location. We stealth into the rubble and Henry and Kavwyn make quick work of the heavy lifting. There is an owlbear beneath the rubble. It has a trainer's harness on it, along with the sigil of House Vidalis. Henry and Rolan collect one of the House symbols, claws and information on the wounds as evidence.
 
Rolan wants to see what information Aundair has so he slips into the Command tent and learns.
This is a legitimate investigation.
Read a copy of the Tharashk report which sited a “Roaming Flock of Owl Bears”
None of the information points to any harnessed creatures or ties to Vidalis.
 
We decided that we cannot be the ones that reveal the ties to Vidalis because of our status. The evidence would be considered tampered and corrupted. Instead, Alendi steps in again and takes her ghostly shape and toys with the Aundair soldiers, tossing papers into the air all the while leading them to the owlbear. She stays long enough for them to ensure they find it and find that it is House Vidalis. We gather again and begin discussing what is next. After some discussion, we decide to take Sotanya up on her offer to go to Castle Illmarrow. Sotanya creates a hallucinatory terrain dreamscape for me.
 
 
Farlnen - Sypheros 3, 1002
Lady Illmarrow
I am able to Teleport us safely to the Farlnen docks. Alendi cloaks us in invisibility. The shore is rocky and there is a high concentration of Iron here. Snow covers so much of the landscape, but it is all very inhospitable to our non-cultist of Vol eyes. I take a rock from the shore so that I can more easily return. A group of undead come down the steep steps to attack us or greet us, we are very hesitant, but Sotanya steps forth and one of the undead takes off a wrapped helmet and one of our friends from Rekkenmark 999 greets us warmly, Hans of the Northern Isles. He takes us to rooms and lets us rest. Later we learn that Lady Illmarrow would like to meet with us for dinner. Illmarrow has a Qabalrin Wheel clock with the 13th month, Crya on it. I’ve never seen this kind of clock, only read about them. It should be noted that Crya is actually the moon associated with the Blood of Vol. It makes sense this clock is here, and it interests me greatly. Kavwyn decides that he wants to go to church, and I ask to tag along out of interest in their culture. It was interesting, but I just do not see the appeal of formalized religion. I met the clergy that led the service, Abector Vito who is very plainly a vampire. He is currently visiting the church and leading its services.
I dressed up for the dinner, but the others really did nothing to clean themselves up. Disappointing. Lady Illmarrow looks like a young elf, but as with most elves, she has a profound depth visible in her eyes. She has a Dragonmark which does not have a true pattern, and the colors are off. Eventually I recognized it as the Mark of death. She wore a beautiful green dress. I felt guilt at wearing the same color as the Lady of the house, this could easily be considered rude. We have dinner with her and tell her that we are seeking a safe place and information of the goings-on within the 5 nations and the dragonmarked houses. She seems to take an interest in our story and offers her network of information (through the Emerald Claw) to obtain key points of information we need. She does offer an interesting bit of information about the Island of the Changelings, the Gray Tide led by Prince Kell. She doesn’t have much more information than this, but it is the first I have heard of it. Here are the areas for which we need information:
Tylana D’Phiarlan
Drusila ir’Defoe
What happened with the war that was starting with Aundair and Thrane?
Any dirt on the houses?
The Pale Lady / The Queen
After Dinner Drinks
As we conclude our dinner, Lady Illmarrow asks me to stay behind and talk with her. She takes me to an antechamber and offers me a dry red wine. She is so easy to speak to, so wise and very insightful given that she just met us. Obviously, she noticed the book I keep with me at all times, and clearly, she noted the eyes, how could she not? We spoke for a time, and I shared with her a bit of my pain and fury over being used by the dragonmarked houses. She told me that long ago the dragonmarked houses destroyed her family and she wishes them ill. She asks me about the ‘hunger’, and I freely tell her about the addiction to the energies of Dolurrh. Why did I tell her? It just came out of me like a summer storm.
 
The Spell Engine
She asked me to take a walk with her and we continued talking. She took me down a winding stair and into a room with a spell engine. Immediately I could feel my body leaning toward it and my mind began racing. The hunger nearly took me but before I could lose myself, she spoke quietly and calmly, instructing me to ‘go ahead, take a drink’. I did. It was perfect. I immediately felt like myself again. Maybe the book’s influence is not affecting me as much as I thought? She told me that I can use this any time I need it to help keep the hunger sated. While I was reveling in the ecstasy of the necrotic energy, we continued to talk. I was like a child, with a bumped knee being coddled by a mother. Come to think of it, my actions are explainable. I had no mother. She perished giving birth to me. This woman, I simply must have taken kindly to her because of that empty place in my heart. I do not even remember how it came up, but she mentioned Tharivol and that she could summon him again if I desired it. She was the one who created the original crystal! I thank her profusely. It was at this that I dumped what felt like my entire life upon this regal woman. I told her of the details of the betrayals from Lyrandar, the death of my husband driving me to the brink of insanity, the constant missions from delegates of the houses and all of my failings. I even mentioned the burden of the book. What it had done to me, probably had done to Sotanya, and how my friends were already plotting to take it from me by force. I asked for another crystal, and she will do this regardless of my decision on the book. Lady Illmarrow offers to help me break from the book if she can keep it to learn its secrets and she will continue to allow me access to the spell engine. She offered that if we needed to use the book, she would still allow us access. I assume this is in understanding of its powerful use with binding an overlord. I asked for a day to think about it. Going back to our room, I tell Henry everything. I am leaning towards keeping it, but the sorrowful look in Henry’s eyes crushes my heart as I’m describing the spell engine and my addiction, and Lady Illmarrow’s offer. I want to get rid of it and keep it. I cannot stand his worry and sadness. It hurts me. I guess my selfishness knows no limit.
 
 
Farlnen - Sypheros 4, 1002
For Vanity & Henry
Henry wants to go with me to see Lady Illmarrow, and to see the spell engine. The words I keep saying are that ‘I am going to do this’, but somewhere in the back of my head I hear a younger version of me saying that it must be kept, that I can handle the book and keep it from handling me. I’m approaching this 10-day mark where it is required for me to commit an act of evil and I cannot do it. My focus was on Kavwyn, but I just can’t do it. He’s so innocent and Sotanya needs him. Is just thinking this an act of good? Will the book just disappear or does it enjoy the slow corruption of its owners. I would imagine it is the latter. My hands are shaking, I cannot let Henry see. I really hope my eyes return to normal. I don’t like unnerving everyone I come into contact with or need to persuade to do something. Being charismatic is important to me. If I don’t look my best and feel my best, then I cannot be my best. I called for a zombie butler to find out if Lady Illmarrow would be okay if Henry came along to see the engine and ask some questions about the separation process. The zombie communicated to her (assuming mentally) and she agreed to it.
Inquiry
Henry and I go to meet Lady Illmarrow and she agrees to take Henry to see the spell engine. He asks her questions about what to expect in the process to sever the book’s connection. She indicated it would be very difficult for a few days and most definitely my sight will be lost for a time but should eventually come back. The Lady asks us to come back in the afternoon to give her time to prepare for the ritual.
 
Alendi wishes me to teleport her to Last Point, but I cannot, there is nothing known to me of this place. It is too dangerous. I asked her to wait to discuss it once Henry and I visit with Lady Illmarrow later today.
Ritual
The ritual went as smoothly as I could have expected. I am in quite a bit of pain and cannot always control the way my body is reacting, but Lady Illmarrow saw to me having a long drink of the dolurrh Spell Engine to quell the beast within. I was out of commission for several days with shakes, seizures, and irrational thinking. The blindness remained for 3 days. My eyes have not recovered, I remain lost.
 
 
Farlnen - Sypheros 7, 1002
Friends & Family
My vision is restored but my eyes have remained black. I am happy and angry at the same time. I want my face back. Henry tells me it is just a face, and it isn’t who I am. I hear his words but am not satisfied.
Hans provides a report of the initial information he was able to obtain from the Emerald Claw.
Tylana D’Phiarlan was imprisoned 3 years ago (999) in the Deepward of Dreadhold where the most dangerous of criminals go to die or remain bound for eternity. Given her status in her house as well as the information she has collected, they could not kill her but chose to ensure her silence. She was imprisoned by her own house.
A basic dossier was provided on Dreadhold. We learn that it is a highly secured prison and the Deepward is located down a 100’ pit into the bowels of the prison. There are a series of Private Sanctums set up across sectors to prevent easy teleportation from ward to ward. Hans will see if additional information is available. Other noted prisoners are.
Briar Greensinger - a ‘folk hero’ of the Eldeen Reaches and western Aundair who led a rebellion.
Saeria Lantol - Old elf lich
The Pale Lady (o.k.a ‘The Queen’) was apprehended 3 years ago and sentenced to Dreadhold. No further information is available.
Drusila ir’Defoe and her young son disappeared 2.5 years ago and is considered a missing person of interest. Willum has not remarried. All that is known is that a scuffle occurred in the Lyrandar Enclave lounge within Wroat and it is believed she was kidnapped.
When war became evident between Aundair and Thrane, the dragonmarked houses threatened to place sanctions on the two nations which would have crippled them economically.
There is a rumor that House Jorasco threatened to remove support from Thrane during the plagues (Mistress of Pestilence - Maria Dolores) to extort Thrane for financial gain. The rumor says there is a physical letter (evidence) from Jorasco in Thrane.
Rumor that Houses Lyrandar and Medani had conspired to control the Twelve and been part of an enormous cover-up to obtain a Triclinic crystal.
 
Operation Freedom
We began discussions about breaking Tylana out of Dreadhold, her imprisonment for ‘knowing too much’ as well as the feasibility of getting her out. Henry is wary of Tylana. He thinks she may not actually be an ally, that she is perhaps playing a different game, maybe even unrelated to the machinations of Brannon and the Overlord. We have known her for a ‘short time’, and she was part of the house representatives that were regularly part of our debriefs and mission assignments. I trust her. It may seem a mundane and minute reason, but Tylana was genuinely surprised that Brannon had selected us for the Silverclifff mission, (Reference Lharvion 1, 999). When we were assigned the scouting mission by Brannon and the other 3 representatives, she showed no sign of disagreement with Brannon or the others. When we embarked upon the Silver Zephyr, she did inquire as to our particular skill sets, and when we had less than the basic skills necessary to infiltrate, there was confusion. It was genuine. Of course she would keep her mouth shut, she’s a spy. I suppose it is possible that she is a good actress, but at that moment, it was assuredly a ‘lost composure’ reaction, not a ‘response’. I doubt we shall ever see this kind of ‘reaction’ again.
 
The Lady’s Favor
We ask for Lady Illmarrow and Hans’ contacts to try to continue the information gathering and she agrees provided that we will knock the houses down a peg and challenge the status quo. She tells us if we decided to go to Dreadhold that she would like the favor of releasing Saeria Lantol. Saeria is an old elf maiden Lich who was the leader of the “Talons of Ice'' in the year 545. She has been locked up in the Deepward for hundreds of years. Cell D34, this in trade for the information, but Lady Illmarrow is not at all forceful on the topic. After her story about the houses murdering her family, I understand her hatred for them. Perhaps releasing her friend will help ease her troubles. Tomorrow we should find out from Lady Illmarrow if Saeria’s phylactery is on this plane as it would be easier to explain the situation to her and if she would allow us to kill her in the cell so she can return to us.
Cannith South Invitation
In Rolan’s sendings to Reanna, she says that if we “come to Cannith South, Merrix d’Cannith will protect ‘him’”. Rolan wants to go to Sharn, but the sending did not ensure the safety of the rest of us. As a group, we discuss what our first move should be and if we have enough information to at least start to gather more information. Much of the group is against getting entwined with the houses again so soon and I believe it to be a trap. As a last option, sure, but to become embroiled in their games without having taken steps to find Dru first, I cannot in good conscience leave my sister and her family in trouble. As a group we agree we have a few leads to follow in Wroat.
 
Alendi locates Elsen Warhelm, (the original sponsor of the Medani/Lyrandar mission to Xen’drik wherein all those on the mission died except for Flerentia ir’Maartel.) Elsen is currently in Stormhome. Alendi forges papers for each of us so that we can move about slightly freer than wanted terrorists. My alias is Tatani Qheet. I am posing as a half elf seamstress traveling to Wroat to take measurements for some wealthy ambassador’s wife that demanded she have her measurements taken for a fifth time to fix a dress for ‘some rich people party’ in a week. Jorgen helps me to disguise my hair in a dark brown/black hue so that I draw less attention, and my eyes are less unsettling. Even my friends can’t help but admit that I am hideous. I must stay focused on Dru, lest I lose myself completely.
 
Wroat - Sypheros 8, 1002
The Silver Earring
Teleportation to the central park near Parliament Wall was successful and we did not need to travel far to find a seedy Inn where we can maintain some level of anonymity (the Drunken Gorgon hotel). I took a small soap as an anchor for future teleportation to Wroat. Henry prepares a private sanctum to prevent scrying on our location. Rolan prepares to read through the reports on Drusila’s kidnapping. Alendi will be scouting the ir’Defoe’s home and determining if Willum is being watched, what guards are stationed in the ambassador’s home and any other helpful information about the family. Alendi and Rolan also wish to scout the Lyrandar Enclave, the scene where she disappeared. I prepare a missive for Captain Esten d’Lyrandar, and I will also need to visit Willum to find out what he may know. I wrote the following letter Captain Esten to ensure he is tantalized enough to come out from wherever or whatever he is currently doing in Wroat;
 
Captain Esten,
My name is Betty Whitt. A recent friend of mine has a dire need to meet with you. It is my understanding the two of you were once, long ago, friends. She is seeking information that only you would have access to share with her. Please come alone to Wynarn Park North, to the large oak tree, today, Sypheros the 8th at early teatime and await the meeting with your arms crossed if you were followed. My friend is anxious to see your handsome face and that sexy earring of intricate silver, if I might be so bold on her behalf.
Thank you for your kindness,
Betty Whitt
 
I paid a messenger to send this missive to Captain Esten and asked Henry, Kavwyn, and Jorgen to be there in the park with me in the event we are betrayed.
 
When we arrive at Wynarn Park, Henry, Kavwyn, and Jorgen spread out and are ready if we are betrayed. I nervously watch every path leading up to and beyond the tree. Esten in all his handsome arrogance saunters into the park and leans up against the tree casually and his hands are at his sides. I walk toward the tree and he’s smiling, until I get close. As I approach him, the color drains from his face and he whispers “Tia?”. I put my arm around his waist, smiling and ask him to walk with me to protect us from those who might be watching. After a moment he follows my lead and eventually relaxes. He shares his story of looking for us in the Eldeen Reaches, of finding Reanna, of going through a formal inquisition with d’Lyrandar and Brannon d'Deneith, of losing his ship and becoming a pon that is not a part of any of Lyrandar’s plans. He has been cut-off and left with only his status and namesake, but with no ability to captain or to sail. It is clear to me he is profoundly sad in this state. I share with him the information on Brannon, my detailed account of the Dolurrh Cyre, the time differential, Dane Tarkannen’s possession by Eldrantulku, the Overlord and that he is coming back to this plane of existence, at some point. He knows nothing of Drusila’s kidnapping. I tell him not to speak of any of this meeting. We agree, if he ever wants to meet, he will place a symbol I would recognize as his, on the Oak Tree and I will get word to him on where we can meet. I kiss his cheek and give him a small squeeze before we part ways.
 
Dereliction of duties
Rolan’s investigation reveals that Brannon led the inquiries, investigations, and evidence analysis of Drusila’s kidnapping. Rolan finds inconsistencies and again a dereliction of duties from House Tharashk’s investigations. There were multiple organizations and governments involved in the investigation, but no leads were uncovered and while the case is cold, due to the nature of Dru’s position and nobility, she remains a missing person even after 2.5 years. After an exhausting analysis of the paperwork, Rolan realizes that all of the reports have been scrubbed. The only lead he has is the name of two investigators: Liam d’Lyrandar and Kelvin d’Tharashk. Liam came to investigate from his home in Stormhome and the Tharashk investigator lives here in Wroat. Rolan’s next step is to meet with the Tharashk investigator and see if he can ascertain any additional information. Alendi is going to investigate the Tharashk investigator’s office while Rolan takes him for lunch.
ir’Defoe reconnaissance
Alendi’s investigation of the ir’Defoe home seemed as expected. She noted no special forces or outside agents watching the home. She did however make mention that the baby’s room had been turned into storage and the pictures/art that remained in the home were only of Willum and Dru, there were no pictures of the baby. Alendi took personal effects from Drusila and Gerod’s rooms.
Willum’s Grief
That evening, just before bedtime, Alendi takes me to the ir’Defoe’s and we go up through the nursery to Willum and Dru’s room via a secret passage. Alendi made us invisible. I tried to talk to Willum, but his reaction was cold, angry and violent. He called me a witch. He believes that my jealousy of Dru led me to murder my sister and abscond with the child. Willum attacks me multiple times. He threw a decanter at my head and stabbed me. I tried to reason with him, but he would not listen. I cast levitate on him to protect myself. Someone has put these lies into his head. He screamed at us that the child was mine, the whole family knew and yelled ‘why do I continue to lie?’. We managed to leave before the guards could reach us after we released him from the weaves of magic. I cannot stop crying. I do not understand.
 
I love my sister. I love my new nephew. I may have missed his life, but this is hardly my fault. How could Willum believe such lies? Brannon d'Deneith must have gotten to him. An easy enough way to tie up Willum and ensure if I ever tried to call on the family for help or for a visit that I would be easily taken care of by Willum’s guards, or even the nearby Lyrandar Enclave. Why do the tears continue? It is not Willum’s fault. He’s angry and grieving. I do not pretend to know Dru so well as to assume that she loved Willum in return, but he definitely believes Dru to be dead. Another family tie shredded before my eyes. Will there be no one left at the end? I do not want to die alone.
 
Tomorrow we will go to Sharn and try to meet with Reanna and Merrix. Alendi is going to anchor in the woods at Wroat so that we can escape if we need to. It won’t be close to the hotel we booked but could still be advantageous if we need to get out of Wroat quickly as well.
 
 
Sharn - Sypheros 9, 1002
Merrix d’Cannith
Mid-morning, Rolan visits Kelvin d’Tharrask of Wroat, one of the investigators in the abduction of Drusila ir’Difoe and offers to take him to lunch but Kelvin just wishes to drink. Rolan takes the man out drinking which affords Alendi peace and quiet to search Kelvin’s office papers to try to get more information. Alendi’s investigation reveals more information about one of the other investigators on the case, Liam d’Lyrander and Kelvin’s paperwork indicates that Liam “...came down from Stormholme...” which provides us a possible lead on Liam’s residence.
 
Just after high sun, we teleported to Platinum Heights and walked to Cannith South. When we were close enough, we popped into the north tower, and I took a stone from the street below to ease future teleportation. Reanna greeted us. As she guided us into the enclave, she spoke of her memories and recounted the story from her perspective. It is clear her memory has been modified, with the village of aberrant dragonmarks, Brannon d’Deneith. She doesn’t remember the confrontation with the battlefield of monstrosities. Merrix and Risa brought Reanna here for recovery after Captain Esten rescued her. It doesn’t seem that Reanna has any of the crucial information which could clear us -- what I had hoped would clear our names. She was the only one, the only hope we had. Yet more grim news. Reana took us to a chamber to meet with Merrix.
 
The tense conversation revealed that Merrix had indeed extracted the full story from Reanna and then removed memories which would have left her troubled and in conflict. He clearly thought of us as criminals, but at the same time saw us as an opportunity. Merrix sent Reanna away so that we could speak freely. We had nothing to lose, so we shared our story up to the point where we walked out of the mists after years had passed. We intentionally left out where we had been keeping residence, though we did share what we found of the investigations on the village of Winterholm and the failings of House Tharashk’s investigations and summation that ‘roaming bands of wild owlbears’ had destroyed Winterholm and its residents. We ask for information surrounding Tylana and Dreadhold and if there is a way to get people out of the prison, or any information he could share with us about the prison’s many protections. He tells us of the Amulet of the Silent Word which is used by the guardians of the prison to allow them free passage through alarms and wards. Merrix knows the true identity of Brannon d’Deneith and would like him taken down to restore The Twelve, and the balance of the dragonmarked houses -- not to mention the personal ambitions of Merrix being brought to fruition should he be the one to reveal Brannon’s deception, gaining power and favor from the other houses. We do not trust Merrix but have little choice open to us as long as the populace views us as terrorists and criminals. He will craft one of these amulets for us to utilize in our plan.
 
We leave the enclave and eventually get back to Illmarrow Castle. I have been lost in thought most of the day, trying to put together what, if any, information about Drusila and young Gerod’s abduction we might find among Liam d’Lyrandar’s investigations. Hans had briefed Sotanya on information he was able to gather for our initial inquiries.
Reanna sent many messages to Rolan offering the help of House Cannith South.
Kavwyn’s Father invited him home in an offer of help.
Biggles sent messages to Yorgen offering help.
Aerlian sent messages to me offering help.
Liam d’Lyrander is working for Edsen Warhelm
Dreadhold has a workshop in the upper levels, held by Lord Advern. This workshop has a teleportation circle.
Iris d’Lyrander (Scarlet) is looking for us and a ‘mutual friend’ has asked for her help.
Princess Haydith has been looking for us for 2 years.
 
It was only after the reports were in where I found myself thinking more about Stormholme. Sypheros the 18th & 19th marks the Feast of Storms, a Sunset to Sunrise party to celebrate and pay tribute to Fury (of the Dark Six). The entire island hosts a masquerade, and it is often a retreat for students as well as societies most elite and unreachable. Perhaps this could give us a guise to find Liam and get more information!
 
Additionally, after hearing the name Edsen Warhelm, my memory is drawn back to the expedition in Xen'drik. Edsen Warhelm was the sponsor of the expedition and would have suffered some financial loss with the tragedy. Perhaps I could find answers to the oldest questions about my own life...but for the moment, I turn my attention to throwing together costumes to disguise our infiltration into the Feast of Storms.
Sharn - Sypheros 10, 1002
Preparations for Stormholme
Sotanya, Alendi, and I teleport to Silverhearth in Flamekeep so that they can obtain information from Thrane, as well as information on how to defeat Eldrantulku. We got a room, and Alendi set a new anchor then teleported me back to Illmarrow Castle. I began designing costumes.
Kavwyn - Red / Black - Horned Devil mask theme. Black and red harness, black shirt, tight trousers, thick buckled boots, long flowing black cape with entirely too much material (lightweight so that it billows with the smallest of movement or breeze).
Rolan - Green / Black - A plain theme. Black tricorn hat, simple green mask, dark green sleeveless shirt, thick green cape lined in black, tight black trousers and black shoes.
Henry - Purple - Lightning Mask themed. Purple mask with lightning streaking diagonally down the front, dark purple cross-belts with no shirt beneath, dark blue pants, and a mid-thigh length purple cape.
Jorgen - Green / Purple - Laughing drama mask theme. Green shirt, purple pants, purple suspenders, black shoes, purple/green drama mask with the green half glittered.
Alendi - Translucent, pale white - Peacock mask theme with half of face exposed. The fabric used is stiffened to mimic feathers which intermingle with Alendi’s hair. The dress is a fine gray with threading removed to make it translucent. Nearly floor length...has a ghostly look to it.
Tia - Black / Red - Bat mask theme. Stiff black collar (scalloped edges like a bat’s wing) shirt extends down my back to fully cover my dragonmark, affixed with an ultra-light red floor length blood red cape. Front bust is covered with 2 layers of entirely sheer red fabric which terminates just above the lower curve of the breasts. Black tight boy shorts, black thigh-high stiletto boots borrowed from Sotanya, and a laminate red glitter mask (smooth) in the shape of a bat.
Days pass as we prepare for the Feast of Storms. We argue over our plans to find Liam amongst the myriads of masqueraders at the event. We expect we need to get high up into the elite districts in order to infiltrate the society's most wealthy.
 
 
Illmarrow - Sypheros 19, 1002
Hell, hath no Fury
 
Teleporting from Farlnen to Stormhome, we reconnected with the traitorous pirate, Scarlet and her new friends, Lady Olena Rose (Thranish Templar), and Brother Rowan.
 
In Stormhome, we split up. Henry, Kavwyn, Jorgen and I travel up the districts to get to the heights where the wealthy residential areas exist, assuming that Edsen’s estate is there. Alendi disappears to gather intelligence. Rolan stays at the docks. Rolan talks with Lady Olena Rose and learns of the templar’s mission. The Flamekeep’s visions of the Overlord trying to get out. How Henry is a traitor no longer. The story of Scarlet, Lady Olena Rose, and Brother Rowan seeking us and following a cold trail for years.
 
Those of us on the more direct route to the heights reach the upper town party. We found Warhelm’s estate, and I attempted to charm Security Chief, Liam d’Lyrandar (who is bedazzled with a sparkly butterfly mask and a pop-star’s white jumper). He invites me into the study and offers me strong spirits. I had concerns it could be drugged, but was confident I could deceive him into thinking I was drinking it. Unfortunately, he kept his eyes on me. Trying to buy time for Henry, Kavwyn and Jorenger to arrive, I talked to Liam, but he was not interested in just talking and wanted to get right to it. I took a small sip, and that was enough…I couldn’t fight the drug’s effects and quickly became groggy. The next few moments are a blur, but Henry and friends made it in time and a battle started. It was difficult and I could not shake loose of the effects as my friends endeavored to control the situation. I think Kavwyn must have abolished the poison because the the situation became extraordinarily clear as Henry uncovered evidence of a cover up and tortured Liam for information as he says, “If you touch me, Drusila and the child will die.” Kavwyn enacts a Zone of Truth, and we learn the following from Edsen’s files in his study.
The dig in Xen’drik for the Triclinic was all a ruse.
No one was supposed to survive the dig.
Houses Lyrandar and Medani were wresting control over the 12 through blackmail.
A seal on the documents of a Kraken embracing a Storm Cloud.
After the failed expedition in Xen’drik, dealing with the fallout of Flerentia ir’Maartel living through the explosion and in a coma.
Flerentia’s latent psionic power.
Flerentia’s pregnancy.
The transfer of the unborn child to an artificial host for later transfer to a live host.
The host being my sister, Drusila and her caring for the child.
Going rogue from Lyrandar and acquiring Drusila and young Gerod for leverage over me.
 
Edsen Warhelm enters, 4 statues animate and attack. As we battle against the powerful man, my mind is racing between equal parts of shock and comprehension. Slowly as if the battle itself was taunting my ignorance and being used by my own house, my son, all of the loss in my life in recent year(s), I could only hear an inner anger boiling up within me. Let it all burn.
 
I fought against the urge to release the anger as it pooled in my chest, a deep and hot burning to gain revenge upon this world of corruption and against myself for being a means to an end….and surviving. Torn between wishing I was dead, but what that would have meant for my son. My son. Mine? Gerod? Mere moments passed and the anger swelling within me would not be contained. A storm appears from nowhere and electricity accumulates within dark clouds condensing into a dark energy. The dark energy takes shape into an enormous entity that begins unleashing the storm upon everything around it, including the towering estate and the partygoers enjoying revelry. My anger has born into the celebration of the Fury, a being of myself and yet not of myself. Edsen is killed, but I am having difficulty calming myself.
 
Henry makes the call for us to retreat as Alendi arrives at the scene. We kept Liam alive for questioning and proof, along with all of the discoveries found in Edsen’s study. Alendi teleports us all back to Illmarrow and upon arrival, Liam laughs and says, “That bitch and her child are back in the house.” Alendi immediately takes off alone, back to Stormhome. Henry sends a message to Sotanya and to Rolan to meet Alendi at Edsen Warhelm’s estate in the heights.
 
Somehow, Alendi gets Drusila and Gerod out of Warhelm’s estate and back to Illmarrow. Drusila is unconscious. Kavwyn heals her. We travel back up to the castle as Alendi tries to contact Rolan, instructing him to find shelter and she will fetch him on the morrow.
 
We found out later from Rolan, and the media that an unknown hero joined the fray against the ‘Fury’s curse’ and nearly single handedly (the mage brigade helped) took down the creature in a heroic display. Sotanya found Rolan, made him invisible and they were able to slip away without any outside inquiries.
Illmarrow - Sypheros 20, 1002
Regrets
As Drusila and Gerod are resting, we discuss the previous day’s events with a heaviness in the air. Many innocent lives were lost. Much knowledge was gained.
 
Curling up on the floor in Drusila’s room as she lay unconscious. I can see clearly the disdain on their faces for what was wrought of my anger. Bearing the guilt and responsibility that Kavwyn, Henry, Jorgen most likely feel, but I am at the root of this equation. Rid of the book’s influence, I still managed to command an act of great evil. None could stand in my way or still my own fury. I am no better than those I seek to vanquish for their own evil deeds. I am no hero, I am nothing. How has this become my life, a part of who I am? Could I have quelled my anger given foresight into what outcomes its unleashing wrought? No, it is clear to me that I am a storm. I have only the chaos within me. There is no good within. The only boon to my stability is the friends and victims of this cover-up by the dragonmarked houses. There is blamed to share among us all, but I am making things worse for us. Can my love for these people be enough to stop the storm, I fear it is now proven, it cannot. I am a danger to this world, to them, and to my family. The dark corners of my mind creep into prominence without me realizing it. I cannot be saved. No ritual, spell, or prayer can save me. I want to blame Edsen. I want to blame Lyrandar. I want to blame them all, but it does not matter in the end. I cannot rise above what has been done to me and choose the good path. Where is it that I read “...chaos is not lawlessness, but realizing that men, like trees, have their ways, and to lay laws upon them without acknowledging this is to cut them down and bury them in plank-sized boxes…” Something from my scholarly studies? My sister lay unconscious, my son across the room. But is he my son if Dru gave birth and raised him as her own. Even her life was burdened by my own. She had no freedom. Did she willingly choose to aid? My love for her swells. Should I leave them? Am I a danger to them? Yes. I bring only pain and suffering to those around me, and yet I cannot leave this room. I cannot leave them alone. I must stay. Gods be damned - if any powers of good exist, please let my sister wake and in good health. Please let them carry on their lives without me bringing them additional harm. Please.
 
Still, the wheels turn on an interplanar level and we must press on to prevent the Overlord’s return. To do so, we need more information and allies. There are still so many questions unanswered and unexplored planar influences. Dane and Brannon have not and will not stop, so there can be no pause for reflection and calculation. Hans gave us an update for our mission into Dreadhold prison; Saeria Lantol’s (the elf lich) phylactery is on this plane and we can dispatch her so that she can reform and regain her freedom.
Illmarrow - Sypheros 21, 1002
The fury of Merrix d’Cannith
We checked-in with Merrix and caught his wrath for the events at Stormhome. We learned that thousands of people died. I tried to explain what had happened. My lack of self-control seemed to infuriate him even more. He raged at us for some time before settling down to business.
 
Houses Cannith and Jorasco collaborated to invent a gestation machine. More cover-up.
 
Merrix also copied an amulet which bypasses the wards and alarms of Dreadhold Prison. Our plan, or rather Kavwyn’s plan, is to turn all of us to stone. Kavwyn will remain alive, inside of Kabot (also turned to stone) while he is shipped into Dreadhold as ‘cold storage’ with us in tow, commissioned by a wealthy lordling prior to his death. (That is the story to be told.)
 
Drusila wakes but cannot feel her legs. She is fatigued and there is no time to talk with her as we must make preparations and leave for Dreadhold. I told her that I know about Gerod. I warned her of Willum’s state-of-mind and reminded her of his obvious love for his family. I let her know that we must leave to take care of something, and we will be back soon. She can stay here and recover and have time with Gerod in a safe place. We must see to her legs. Why can’t she feel her legs?
 
Lady Illmarrow sends a gift to Henry and me, for me to wear. It is a ring with a large, faceted Khyber Crystal affixed on a band of silver. The servant indicates the Lady will arrange time to teach me how to use it to curb my addiction to the energies of Dolurrh in a couple of days.
 
Ring of Devouring Fury
This ring was gifted to me from Lady Illmarrow to assist in controlling the hunger for the pure magic of Dolurrh. She must cast these spells in order to retain control over the inner storm.
Vampiric Touch (3rd) At Will
Soul Cage (6th) At Will
Regalport - Sypheros 22, 1002
A Noble’s Notary
Regalport was to be the staging point to obtain permission, turn to stone and then begin the flight to Dreadhold as statues.
Illmarrow - Sypheros 23, 1002
Addiction Control
While the rest of the group traveled, Alendi and I teleported back to Castle Illmarrow. Lady Illmarrow teaches me how to use the energy to quell the dolurrh hunger through the Khyber crystal ring. Once the lesson is complete, we begin the staging process for our subterfuge and infiltration into Dreadhold. We are turned to stone.
Dreadhold - Sypheros 26, 1002
Dwarves are Assholes
We arrive at Dreadhold. A week passes while the dwarves make fun of us.
 

Dreadhold - Aryth 2, 1002
Dwarves are still assholes
Kavwyn frees himself and we begin the de-stoning process. Kavwyn smells so bad. Disgusting. I tried prestidigitation, but he needs a hot bath, lye soap and a thick bristled scrub brush to rid himself of the stench of excrement.
 
This portion of my journal is sparse due to the nature of what we came up against and our focus on a speedy rescue. As more information is recalled through discussion with our party, it will be added.
The command crystal is keyed to Kunderak
Alendi charms a guard.
Cell doors - Alarmed, Arcane Locked, Adamantine door to the Lift, but there are wards active.
 
Through much trouble we make it to the bottom.
Giant arcane construct - blind sense out 60’
Kavwyn is permitted to pass the giant construct (because of the amulet).
Kavwyn goes through the cells and finds Saeria Lantol (elf lich) and Tylana (cell D22).
Tylana is tightly bound and gagged/silenced.
Jorgen dimension doors to Tylana’s cell, dispels the lock and alarm and unlocks it. There was a mundane poison on the door. Kavwyn abolishes the poison.
Tylana’s manacles and shackles are adamantine. Eventually she’s freed.
The lich’s cell has no window and no food slot (of course). Kavwyn finds his way to her by passing through other cells. On is way he meets Briar Greenwood (the leader of a terrorist cell from the Eldeen Reaches).
Kavwyn explains to the lich who sent us and how he wants to return her to her phylactery. She nods in agreement and he ends her.
Kavwyn wants to release Briar Greenwood. Henry and Kavwyn begin arguing over the release of this terrorist.
The construct initiates combat and an alarm goes off.
Jorgen dimension doors Henry out.
Briar teleports himself to the party.
Alendi ascends to get the lift activated.
We get everyone but Kavwyn back to the lift.
The dwarf yells that he can’t activate the lift during combat. Alendi convinces him to start it.
Henry tells me to Vampiric Touch him while we are on the lift so I can maintain control. I resist but give in when I almost lose Tylana, who is still trying to get her bearings.
Briar casts expeditious retreat on Kavwyn and Briar climbs the chain quickly.
The charmed dwarf is trying to help, but other Kundarak are answering the call of the alarm.
Alendi distracts the guards by describing the alarm in the basement, but the dominated dwarf wakes up and stops the lift. The patrol sees Kavwyn.
Alendi grabs all of us, leaving Briar behind. She makes us invisible and we begin moving as quietly as we can.
We traverse a boundary point between sanctums and have difficulty getting out of a control room to ascend further to be able to teleport.
Kavwyn takes out the behemoth construct and rejoins us just when we need him in the control room. We survive and make it out into the upper levels.
Tylana insists on stopping at an office where she grabs a folder of papers then moves a wall hanging to reveal a safe. She cracks the safe and takes a lockbox.
We safely teleport to Illmarrow, leaving behind Briar Greenwood.
We rest.
 
 
Illmarrow - Aryth 6, 1002
Tylana & Discredited Houses
Tylana’s story over a large glass of strong spirits went like this. She returned to Korth and gave a full report to the Twelve. There was an investigation into Last Point - Free Nation, the King/Lord Kell. Cabinet of faces. She was apprehended by Phiarlan and imprisoned in Dreadhold. She didn’t learn anything more. (That she’s willing to share, of that much we know about her.)
 
We now have a good amount of evidence on many of the houses which will support Merrix’s career and hopefully exonerate us.
Lyrandar & Medani’s Xen’drik expedition and the cover-up. (Technically Cannith and Jorasco also aided by contributing the gestation machine(?))
Vidalis’ slaughtering innocent children born with aberrant marks.
Kunderak’s impenetrable/inescapable prison was compromised and the Warden exploited contracts to sell the statues in cold storage.
Phiarlan - Tylana has this evidence. Probably in part why they imprisoned her in the first place, her knowledge of the 13th house.
 
Kavwyn offers an atonement ritual to help me feel better and try to rebalance me. I accepted and the ritual went off without a hitch. I actually felt something at its completion. There was something akin to a snap of the fingers inside my mind and I felt very much like myself again. (Alignment restored to original.)
 
 
Illmarrow - Aryth 7, 1002
Early morning at Illmarrow Castle, we get a message from Merrix; “Where the fuck are you? Where is the asset? Did you get what you were doing?”
 
We decided to ignore his inquiry as we recuperated from our time in Dreadhold.
 
We learn that Rakshasa have a unique mechanism to disguise themselves requiring a Khyber crystal. They are weak to blessed and holy weapons. Rakshasa reads minds. To kill a Rakshasa, you must kill it on the plane where it currently resides, then find and kill it in hell.
 
To bind a Lord of Dust, you must find the original binding for that Lord. Given the timeline, we would need to talk to the Dragons.
Scarlet and her crew fly us to Port Kell. Port Kell at Last Point has a strong diversity of races. It is a fairly large port. The weather is balmy and hot. The landscape is speckled with hills and thick jungles. Scarlet gives me a dirty deck rag as a Crimson Runner teleportation item. We go shopping!
Alendi meets a changeling named Landon.
Over drinks, Henry speaks of his decision to retreat in Stormhome and what it means about him as a leader, as a man.
Kavwyn and Rolan speak to him about it privately.
Landon of Six - there is a 13th house. They reside here in Last point. They support bringing down Brannon. When the vote comes, Landon promised the 3 houses (that we do not have dirt on) would vote favorably for us. (Sivis, Tharrask, and Deneith)
The 13th house has no desire to join any formalized or acknowledged house status. They want to live in relative freedom from the constraints society would put upon the changelings, or the chaos and fear it would seed into the common man.
 
From Port Kell we sail to Cork. We decided we would sail to Sharn to meet with Merrix and catch him up on some aspects of what we have learned.
 
 
Metrol - Aryth 11, 1002
A Mission to Metrol
Upon meeting with Merrix in Sharn, Westgate, Cannith South, he has another mission for us. Somewhat of a payment for the services he will render to clear our names. We agree to the mission and try to prepare accordingly.
Recover the creation forge heart from Cannith Lab level D.
Obtain a dosses of the colossus WX5
Collect associated notes and research with the forge on D Level Lab
We use a basket from the Halfling Golandra location to teleport to get us as close as we can to Metrol’s location in our plane. We make it through the crossing through the Cyre River.
 
We walk, and walk. We crest a hill and a fresh battlefield of only the dead but the bodies are fresh, bloody, and viscera is everywhere. A large hunched figure picks up a cadaver and attaches it to its body. The creature sees us and attacks. It did not take long for Rolan, Kavwyn, Henry, Alendi, and Jorgen to put it down while Sotanya and I remained defensive. Shortly after the battle, the Dolurrh hunger began to dominate my mind and body. With no living creature to fight, there was only Henry. (Vampiric Touch).
 
I hear a voice in my ear; “You have returned..who do you think you are? A hero? You are a coward and a fake.”
 
We come to a well paved road and see Metrol in the distance. We walk, and walk. Entering the front gates, there is so much devastation. It is so familiar.
 
My hunger continues to grow.
 
Suddenly soldiers yell; “Invaders, get them!” The soldiers and their captains weren’t real. Kavwyn jumps off of Kabot to protect people, then they disappear. We realize that Sotanya is missing. Walking deeper into Metrol, a giant Warforged comes to life. It was a hard battle which led to us getting inside of the warforged and killed its power source.
 
My hunger continues to grow.
 
We attempted to retrace our steps and see where she might have gone. We reached Dane’s room. It was untouched. There were candles lit. It was peaceful. There was a woman holding an infant. The woman looks out of the window and suddenly everything turns to ash. We reached Sotanya’s Room. Something feels tight in our stomachs. This is her room…a demiplane of her room. She isn’t here. There is a long hallway and over a hundred rooms. All of it has the misty edge of a demiplane.
 
My hunger continues to grow.
 
We checked each and every room. It seemed to be going somewhere.We reached an underground laboratory akin to what we expected of the Cannith Lab. There is a creation forge here, and it is alive! This seems to be out into the real Mournland, no longer a demiplane. The spell engine is exposed. Sotanya is feeding on the Dolurrh energies. Mocking laughter sounds and swells all around us. It is the Son of Khyber’s voice. Henry restrains me. Jorgen tries to charm me and fails. Rolan hits me with a charge of paralysis from his wand and it fails. Rolan hits me. I tried to thunderstep away from them to Sotanya, to the spell energy but Henry counterspells me. I misty stepped to Sotanya’s side and began feeding on the creation engine. Weaving with Sotanya into its energy. Henry puts up a wall of force to separate us off from the spell engine. We collapse. The group managed to get the creation forge core and carried Sotanya and I back across the Cyre River into the material plane.
 
 
Metrol - Aryth 11, 1002
Merrix Check-In
Teleport to Cannith South tower in Sharn. We updated Merrix. In three days we are to meet him in Korth at the Tower of the Twelve and enter with him.
 
 
Korth - Aryth 13, 1002
Discord
We traveled to Korth and entered the Tower of the Twelve with Merrix. Thrask guy asks for a pen. Merrix hands him a pen as the meeting begins. The first topic begins:
The shadow schism - dirt on Phiarlan.
Merrix then brings the topic to bear about the terrorists (us). Very savvy politician.
Everything seems to go favorably. Each house is called out for their machinations and how few are innocent.
Suddenly we hear; “Kashtar Hoc and Servant of Eldrantulku!” and the pen Merrix gave to the Thrask guy pops. An anti-magic burst of energy occurs and Brannon is revealed in his Rakshasa form. Suddenly servants in the hall are also revealed as devils with pitchforks.
 
Rolan and Cog burst through the tapestry from a hidden observation room and attack. Alendi teleported Sivis, Thrask, Phiarlan, Golanda, Medani, and Jorasco out of the room. Merrix was never really there so Cannith will be safe. Henry speeds himself up and as Brannon tries to cast a spell, Henry counterspells it. Brannon then tries to cast a spell on Henry but it fails to land. Kavwyn casts something and Brannon and 3 of his servants willingly leave. That was not part of the plan Kavwyn!
 
Brannon peppers the tower and the surrounding cityscape of Korth with destruction and chaos as we are forced to split up, some staying in the audience chamber and others pursuing Brannon. The audience chamber was eventually cleared of devils and Lady Olena Rose saved my life by stabilizing me as a particularly hard hit took me down as I was protecting the Lyrandar Scion. No sooner had the hall been emptied of the infiltrators than the tower cracked and began to crash onto the city below. Rolan, Cog, Kavwyn and I saved many from the tower while the battle between Brannon, his minions and our comrades continued outside.
 
Brannon retreats/disappears. As we were getting the last of the people we could find out of the tower, we were apprehended by Karnath soldiers. We were taken to the palace and eventually marched in front of Regent Morgana in King Kaius’ throne room. Princess Haydith rushes into the room and hugs me; “You are alive!”. Morgana thanks us, but wants a detailed debriefing, which we ask to have a closed meeting with her. We talk to her in a sanctum room and give her all of the details she asks of us. We are provided rooms and I spent the evening with Princess Haydith.
 
Lady Olena Rose wants the vile book from Lady Illmarrow. Kavwyn keeps assuring her that the book is safe with the Lady and there is no need for concern. Lady Olena Rose was not convinced.
 
 
Illmarrow - Aryth 14, 1002
Drusila
We return to Castle Illmarrow and share what has occurred. Kavwyn tells Lady Illmarrow about Lady Olena Rose and her desire to obtain and lock down the book, but that he took care of it and everything is fine. Is it Kavwyn?
 
Tylana decides it is time to depart as she has much to do and information to gather. She gives me a hair ribbon so that I may find her if we need to teleport to her.
 
Drusila is nearly fully recovered, her legs are becoming stronger and feeling has returned. We talked privately for a long time in her chambers. Many tears were shed. I apologized for all she must have suffered in silence, either by choice or family duty. Dru agrees to discreetly sell my belongings from inside my Fairhaven estate and start a foundation for the families of the deceased from the tragedy in Stormhome, under the ir’Defoe house name. I tell her that the information learned changes nothing, that she is and always will be Gerod’s mother. I ask that someday, when the world has all but forgotten me from the papers and media, to come back and be an Aunt sometimes. She agrees. Gerod is doing fine but Dru does not like the island or the weather and wishes to get home.
 
Sotanya leaves without speaking to Kavwyn.
 
 
Illmarrow - Aryth 15, 1002
Terrorists no more
The generous Lady Illmarrow provides tickets to Wroat and a private car so that she may return to Willum and deal with the local authorities on her own time. We go with her to Wroat, and we meet Willum, together. He apologizes and I leave my sister and nephew to catch up with Willum. [Section to be added for reflection.]
 
From Wroat, we travel to Sharn early in the evening to meet with Merrix again. Rolan’s family joins us at the Cannith tower. Merrix says our names are cleared. He expresses great concern with the creation forges being active in the Mournland. Kavwyn & Henry offer to lead a team into the Mournland. Merrix flat out says that I shouldn’t go there ever again. Merrix will think about it.
 
Rolan proposes to Reyana and she accepts. In two weeks there will be a wedding and a party.
Sharn - Vult 1, 1002
True Love
The two are married on Vult 1, 1002. The wedding was beautiful and the bride radiant. Rolan deserves this happiness. A man of true heroism and virtue.
 
I begin planning with Kavwyn how we can begin resurrecting the dead in Stormhome to try to pay penance and write my wrongs. It will be exhausting, expensive, and will likely bring me more heartache and regret, but these families deserve happiness.
 
Henry has been withdrawn and down. He is with me, but not here as we try to think of happier times and find rest without rushing off to prevent an apocalypse. I am worried about him. He can find no peace and cannot open up about it.
 
 
Glitterdeep Mine - Olarune 1, 1003
The Singing Stone
Still no word from Sotanya. Two months pass after Rolan & Reyana’s wedding. I (with Kavwyn’s help) convince everyone to get together to help me with something at the Glitterdeep Mine, at the singing stone and I propose to Henry, giving him a ring of gold with stones hinting at an Aundair flag. Kavwyn pressures us that he’s ordained and can perform a wedding ceremony, right now. Henry withdraws a bit and acquiesces to Kavwyn. Jorgen plays a memorable love song and the stone seems to sing with us as we are married. With my truest of friends present, I could only have asked for Kavwyn’s love to return to him and Henry’s burden be lifted. There must always be hope. Always. Tomorrow begins a new day and maybe, just maybe, I can bring joy and stability to families in Stormhome once more.
Clouds Over Stormhome
Stormhome - Olarune 28, 1002
Penance
 
Of the 2,000 slain by the storm’s fury;
50 were pregnant women
500 children ages 1 to 14
70 elderly (over the age of 65)
1280 functional adults
 
Set up a meeting with Eris d’Lyrander in the Tempus spire in Highwash, Pinnacle Ward. I explain my fault in the matter of the tragedy of Stormhome and what I intend to do to bring stability and try to restore some families. Seeking anonymity, a place to stay, avoidance of Lyrandar and bureaucracy. We cannot tell anyone or speak of it. Eris speaks of an artifact with which individuals can be returned through intense grief of the city. The Heart of Fury requires channeling through a triclinic. Eris provides a disguise, place to stay, a triclinic to focus the wish. Henry and Kavwyn cannot be involved, for safety’s sake.
Meanwhile, Alendi is researching Rakshasa and finds information about a stronghold in the demon wastes.
 
Recall that before Tylana was captured by Phiarlan, she was investigating the Demon Wastes but could not get close enough to the stronghold, as she said.
 
Rolan creates a special Inquisitor organization which investigates the influence of the Rakshasa and Lords of Dust in power houses and organizations. Merrix backs Rolan’s plan. The new organization is called The Silver Tooth.
 
 
Stormhome - Dravago 2, 1003
The Silver Tooth
Rolan was contacted by Dara d'Lyrandar (from the Cliffwash district) who had a missing child, Lia d’Lyrandar. She was acting strangely around two weeks ago and then disappeared. (Dravago 14). Dara gave Rolan money to investigate. He found that Lia frequented the Jester’s Rest.
Visited Harstell?
Cliffwash Estate Dawnside Ward, Alenis & Aedry d’Lyrandar
Closure of the Harpy & Lichen? - Wheezing Plague
Good friend Nadia & Liza also frequented the Cackling Diviner and the Kelp-n-Knight.
Jorgen, Henry, and I visited Jester’s Rest and talked with Dell, a plucky server. We ordered seafood platters and for bar food, it was pretty good! We got to know Dell a little bit and mentioned that we were here a couple days ago and met fun gal, Lia and promised her we’d come back to introduce her to our friend Jorgen thinking they would be a good match! She wasn’t very helpful but we did learn about Addercap purple mushrooms, which Henry purchased a big bag of mushrooms from the establishment. The planar attunement stone was showing some Lammania or Thelanis influence here.
 
 
Stormhome - Dravago 3, 1003
Mabar is back?
Mabar is impacting this, like a disturbance, not coterminous. When the mother of darkness came?
 
We found a ghoul in one house, a sword snake lady and a dead kid in another house. We follow a trail of strange activity and come to a huge estate. It is moss strewn and neighbors say it just started appearing one day but gets worse every day. We investigate together. There are 3 portals here, a large one in what was the child’s room.
We try to dispel the 3 portals opening.
We start destroying them.
Cog got sucked into the large portal and Kavwyn jumped in after Cog to save him.
Alkilith, Cabbage head lady, Lady of Rot, Zuggtmoy
Fire works very well on the porta and the estate.
Somehow Kavwyn is able to get back.
 
The resurrections are causing a thinning of the material plane. We informed Eris and no further resurrections will take place.
 
Teleportation List
Tylana - personal hair ribbon, Aryth 14, 02
Crimson Runner (Scarlett) - dirty rag, Aryth 7, 02
Farlnen Beach - pebbles - Syph 3, 1002
House Cannith (south) - Street rock - Syph 9, 02
Port Kell - Shiftweave, Aryth 7, 02
Ruins near Winterholm - Syph 2, 02
Parliment Wall, Wynarn Park - Wroat - Syph 8, 02
 
 
Barrakas 3, 1003