Return to the Tomb of Horrors
Off upon the trail
On the road to Kirstendall
Sir Goddard: All that way just for a book? Seems a horrible waste.
Conner: Books are never a waste
Sir Goddard: Well, I suppose they are useful for personal hygiene
Albion (interrupting Conner's forthcoming tirade): He's very good with a sword.
Outside Molnar
"I beg of you brethren of the Council, we must act and act now!"
"Now, now, there's no need for haste."
"If we do not act soon, it will be too late!"
"We know you don't understand this, but it's the cycle, good, evil, law order"
"I understand the cycle, but the cycle demands life, then death, then rebirth, not unlife!"
"Our decision has been made."
The group returned to Kale's Place in great haste, for they had read of Desatysso's Journal on their trek back and suspected a great evil was afoot. Based on what they had read, it seemed possible that Desatysso, knowingly or not, might have opened a gate to some dark world of the undead. There was no telling how long such a gate had been opened or how it could be closed, but it was clearly something they would have to attempt themselves.
While most of the players rested comfortably in the Inn, their humble servant, Albion, made inquiry after Sather, the woman mentioned in the journal. Kale's memory was again less than adequate. He knew someone named Sather, or thought he once had, but the memory was dim. He thought a friend of his named Barliman, in the town of Molnar might have more information. Since Molnar lay only a few days out of their way on the trek to the vast swamp, Sir Goddard reacted warmly when Albion suggested they stop their on the way.
The mission's objective and itinerary set, Albion set about the simple task of arranging their journey. He spoke briefly with some friends at the merchants guild and, after several hundred gold coins changed hands, he was able to secure twenty men, including guards and drovers, three wagons, and ample mounts for both the company and their retainers. It was agreed that they would depart at first light. The guildsmen thanked Albion for the work they had done in slaying the dead a week earlier and Albion promised to convey their gratitude to his lord.
Returning to Kale's, he spotted two men in the tavern who were slightly out of priest. One was Taragan, a priest of Lathander, the god of Morning and the other was Silvar, a priest of the god of travel. Seeking what blessings he could bring to the group, he approached the pair and asked if they would be willing to bless his master's caravan. The two asked politely after the business of the caravan and, upon hearing something of what had gone before, they asked for permission to accompany the group. Sir Goddard graciously accepted them into the company.
For the next several days they traveled the well-guarded road for Kirstendall to the pass and then to the village of Pittsfield. Not wanting to overwhelm the villagers, it was determined that Conner, Albion, Captain Stone and Silvar should approach them first, while the others would circle the town and wait for them. The plan was working well until they noticed that there was no smoke from any chimney in town. A closer look revealed doors and shutters banging in the wind and not a living soul could be seen.
Albion, deciding to choose discretion over valor, insisted they retrieve the rest of their company before they investigated. Entering in force, they found the town completely abandoned. There were a few slaughtered animals, but not one person could be seen, nor one corpse. There were some signs of violence, but it was clear the villagers had offered little resistance to whatever had taken them. Their investigations led them to the stable where they found the crude image of the devourer scrawled in fresh blood upon the door. Inspecting it revealed only that it had been drawn with a clawed hand.
Fearing for their safety, the company and their retainers huddled together near the stable. Taragan used a charm which sent them all to a safe place for the night, despite Conner's strenuous objections. In the morning, they left with great haste, hoping to reach Molnar by early afternoon. They were partially successful, for as they approached Molnar, so did many of the villagers approach them. The villagers had the look of great fear on them and so determined were they that nothing, not gold, not the promise of safety, not even veiled threats could make them stay. They revealed only that there was some plague in Molnar and they planned to escape it.
Arriving in the village, the heroes found it in a mild state of panic. Many were packed and more were packing. None had much time to speak with them, but they did find out where Sather lived. While Conner, Captain Stone and Silvar talked with her, the others spoke with what townsfolk they could find who were not too busy packing. Of the disappearances there was little explanation, save that some folk had died of the plague. The barkeep believed that Fadiel, a ranger of some reputation, was in the area and would know more.
Sather spoke little of her old life and was clearly in great distress. When pressed, she said only that Fadiel would know more and begged the group not to go there. When Captain Stone told her he would go no matter what, she told him he would die and would brook no argument. The conversation over, the group returned to the inn to rejoin their brothers in arms.
After further discussions with the innkeeper, it became clear that most of the townspeople meant to leave and leave soon. Recognizing their great need, Albion suggested to his Lord that they send their men and wagons with the villagers and press on themselves. Surprised at this uncharacteristically generous offer, Sir Goddard acceded to his retainers wishes. The guards were armed with blades of silver and instructed to take the townfolk as far as Kirstendall. Conner made a wish that they be protected from evil and they were blessed by both priests. The group prayed that it would be enough.
For their part, they headed south by southwest, skirting the great forest and searching for Fadeil. They found him and his careworn face caused them great concern. He had spent two weeks battling evil creatures of the night, and he looked worn and haggard. He had spoken with the Druidic Council, but they were not yet ready to act. With some trepidation, he agreed to show the company to the location of the City of Death, a town dedicated to necromancy and constructed on the very bones of Asherak's tomb. He didn't know, but suspected that if the Amulet of the Void was anywhere it would be there.
He let them to the edge of the vast swamp, where he entrusted Albion with a magical arrow which would reveal the correct direction to him. Following the arrow, they travelled for four days through the swamps. The hazards were primarily natural in origin, sinkholes, quicksand, stinging gnats and leeches, but they were attacked once by a crystal ooze. Fire and ice both proved ineffective and only the powerful spells of Taragan and Conner saved them. The following day, the city hove into view.
It was large, far larger than they had imagined, and it stunk of death. The very walls appeared to be of bone and the gate was a hideous, beast which rolled down it's tongue to let the worthy pass. They watched for most of the day, hoping to learn the passcodes which would grant them entrance to the city and trying to disguise themselves so as not to look out of place. At last they crossed the peat bog and moved to the gate.
Sir Goddard could sense some dark menace crawling just beneath the surface of the bog, and when they got closer they saw that the gate, if it was not a living thing, was not quite dead either. When challenged for the sign, Albion displayed the visage of the Devourer and, after a tense moment, the gate allowed them entry.
If the exterior of the city was threatening, the interior might have been Hell itself. The smell of death was stronger and they gate led straight into a fresh cemetary. Although a detailed examination could not be made, no one was willing to wager whether the disturbed piles of earth were caused by internments or exhumation. Asking for directions, they found an inn with little trouble.
They made their way upstairs and, following a brief discussion, it was decided that Marduke would take Albion and attempt to get the lay of the land. The others, it was felt, would seem too out of place. Rather than risk discovery in this vile city, they again invoked the power of Lathander and retreated to his secure shelter for the evening, leaving Marduke and Albion to their task.
Conner: He makes it his business to know a little about everything.
Captain Stone: I won't be drinking tonight
Lou: Make a con check
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