It had been a quiet handful of days before the Healer's Guild Initiation ceremony. For this night, I cast a Ward on the Tavern to ensure our safety, or so I thought. Bear and Ahmed stood guard as I cast the spell. As usual, Jomar began a game of cards, this one called “Black of Jack.” To my delight, the barbarian woman Andro M'Chai has joined us in Drakesbridge. She and I had fought together while guarding caravans during my journey here. She joined Jomar, Nala and Josian in their card games. She is, of course, made uncomfortable by Celestial magics and the Ward makes her distinctly itchy. Josian shared some news of Gloomwood. There seem to be more undead there along with necromancers. I suspect that the newly erected Life Circle is one cause, given the attacks we suffered during its casting.
Lady Nala Strongbow read a proclamation from Duke C'Moggan of Alyria. He congratulated our group on our efforts a few weeks ago in the erecting and protection of the Resurrection Circle. He pledged the support of the City-State of Alyria to Drakesbridge in its prosperity and safety. Also of note, he bestowed the title of Knight upon Sir Senior Harper Josian Marinko for his brave act of holding back further undead attacks from reaching the ritual circle at risk of his own life. After the pronouncement was read, I was able to get a word with him. I asked him that if was going to singlehandedly hold off an undead attack, would he consider next time bringing one or two of the town guard? He took this with good grace and a chuckle. Finally, His Grace did not appear himself, as he was too busy at home but sent three bottles of C'Moggan's Best Mystic Wood Elf wine. We now have quite a bit.
During our celebrations, Ambassador Snorri of Redmarch entered the Tavern, ill used and bleeding from his chin. His hair had been turned white and his beard had been forcibly shaven. For those unfamiliar with dwarven custom, they consider their beards to be representative of honor and pride. The wounds refused to close and oozed blood steadily, the result of malicious magic. I suggested he seek out a Celestial scholar with sufficient knowledge of ritual magics, as a ritual can reverse that kind of casting. He told us that this had been done as a warning to any who would oppose Gloomwood. He had been on a mission to provide aid with a few other dwarven companions. Slavery is illegal in Redmarch, but they are being oppressed by Gloomwood. The group was providing supplies such as first aid and clothes to an anti-slavery resistance. The group was slaughtered to a dwarf with the exception of the Ambassador by forces form Gloomwood. He told us the undead acted strangely, unlike the mindless ones we are used to seeing. Lady Nala has sent word of this attack on to Alyria. Snorri asked our group to aid him in a mission which I am not able to speak of at this time, for our safety.
Apparently Josian overestimated his tolerance or underestimated the wine. He fell asleep on the table after beginning to slur his words. Eventually he stumbled into one of the rooms to sleep. We had a few more visitors that evening, beginning with a rat skaven by the name of Charles, who preferred to be called Chuck. He was in for a drink, and Jomar asked to see his coin before letting him in and serving him. Masacha chased the poor skaven around a few times, saying she was only playing, but he appeared very nervous.
The next visitor was a very strange figure who cast some spell of chaos to desecrate the area outside the Tavern door. He made a hole in the Ward which was edged by foul purple ooze, and walked through. His very presence seemed to fill us with dread, and his manner was very odd. Since he was hooded we couldn't see much of his face except blackened veins in stark contrast to pale, pale skin. The stranger was stopped by our swords, and kept saying he just wanted a drink. I asked Masacha to cast a Cure Light Wounds on him to determine if he was undead, but the spell had no effect so he was not. Later we learned that only spells of great enough power had the ability to affect him. He kept muttering incomprehensible things, but we did pick out “no more cats” a few times, although he didn't seem to notice Masacha. Jomar tried to get him to relinquish his weapon, but he was having none of that. Thinking to subdue him, I suspect, Jomar slipped a nausea poison into the stranger's drink. He shrugged off the effects, but then yelled and launched with sword drawn at the Gypsy. Jomar tried to Pin him but he easily ripped free.This was when we found out that some blows and spells such as Flame Bolt had no effect. Though there were many of us assailing the stranger he did not fall.
Bear suddenly collapsed, his spirit immediately appearing in the Resurrection Circle. After Ahmed traded a few blows, there was a flash of light and suddenly he was on the floor. The stranger threw back his hood to reveal horns similar to those of a Mystic Wood Elf. The battle's fierceness prompted Lady Strongbow to cast a couple Cause Serious Wounds spells and for a moment I forgot that this is not illegal where we are. Those powerful spells were felt by the tainted elf. She Webbed the creature, and then something else strange happened. As Jomar and myself prepared to close on the being, Ahmed leapt up and placed himself in front of the stranger, protecting him. He yelled that we were not to harm the Unseelie, and that he didn't know why. He insisted that we allow the dangerous Unseelie to leave the tavern. I had believed Ahmed to be under the effects of a Charm spell, but we found out differently. Ahmed cut the Unseelie from the webbing, and the crazed being fled the Tavern. Ahmed told us that Lord Law had spoken to him, demanding that he protect the Unseelie or die. We suspect that Bear had been given the same demand and had chosen death over protecting the chaos tainted being. Lady Strongbow was disconcerted by her use of chaos magic, but then got a distant look. She then said “I'm on my way, My Lord” and left.
Now that the fight was over, I entered the Healing Circle and began resurrecting Bear. Lady Strongbow returned, saying that she had spoken with Lord Law and had an explanation for some of the strange events during the fight. When the resurrection was complete, she explained that Lord Law wished to make the Unseelie part of the tests for the position of Captain of the Guard. He charged the contestants to capture the Unseelie, whose name I learned is Pheliks. They are to bring him back alive, a challenge indeed. Jomar and Bear are still candidates and so we discussed this for a long while. I was told of a time previous to my arrival in Drakesbridge where Lord Law rescued some of my companions, and compelled them by Geas to a blood debt that would eventually be repaid. Tonight that debt was called in for Bear and Ahmed. Asking Masacha I found she still bears a Geas from that time.
There were many repeated questions about why a being of Law would want to capture a being of Chaos rather than have him killed. It seemed obvious to me that it was for study, perhaps to learn how to remove the Chaos taint or somesuch, but some were unconvinced. Spindle Firebow entered and joined the conversation. He had recently been on the outskirts of Gloomwood and echoed what Snorri had mentioned earlier about some undead that didn't “smell right.” Spindle explained that the Unseelie are distant relatives of the Mystic Wood Elves whose blood has been tainted by the chaos that infests Gloomwood. It grants them power, which is why he was able to shrug off many of our attacks. He seemed surprised that we would try to capture Pheliks alive and jokingly suggested a pit trap. This led to a discussion of possibly trapping the being rather than trying to subdue him with blows. I also suggested that we might find a way to lure him in with something that appeals to him, but finding that is problematic. We talked long on how to capture Pheliks but not much progress was made. Eventually Spindle took his leave, after promises to lend assistance gathering information or something that might aid us.
As tales were told and plans debated, a kobold entered through the hole in the Ward, yipping. Andro cautioned us to be on the alert. The dog like creature did not speak, but responded to my offer of a treat. He begged for more but I told him I had no more. It attacked Ahmed with a cruel dagger, but was unable to harm him, fortunately. With our combined efforts, the troublesome thing was quickly dispatched. Examining the dagger, we drew the conclusion it was an assasin, which led us to question who might try to kill Ahmed.
This question was soon answered. We were set upon by a few waves of goblins. The fighting was fierce, but we fought more as one than a few weeks ago, and were victorious. Finally, a hobgoblin with an ornate shield and bodyguards entered. There were two stitched up goblins with them, bulging at the chest and laughing maniacally. The leader was the same goblin from House Mor who had lost the competition for the Tavern Contract a few weeks previous. He had lost face and coin as a result and was determined to get them back. He challenged Ahmed to a duel, the winner to take the Tavern. Strangely, that was the only term laid out. With his shield and sword, the Mor goblin was able to defeat Ahmed who only had a sword. Jomar leapt to protect his fallen comrade. They argued, the goblin saying we should not interfere in what he called an honor duel and Jomar stating that with Gypsies if you tangle with one you tangle with all. There were questions about the assassin. Ahmed launched himself at the goblin again, but was defeated again. The Mor goblin ordered his people to attack.
One of the stitched goblins launched himself at Bear. The warrior fought bravely, and as he dealt mortal blows to the goblin, it exploded. Although singed, Bear was still able to continue the fight. Seeing the other trapped goblin advancing on Jomar, I cast a Flame Bolt. It exploded harmlessly away from everyone. Jomar attempted to heal himself from a few nasty cuts but was hard pressed by the leader. Seeing that he needed some space to retreat, I cast Pin on the leader and Jomar was able to heal some of his wounds. Finally, we defeated the leader and his lackeys. Bear wanted to finish the leader off, but Jomar stopped him so that he could bind and question the creature. We learned that he had lost money and face and had hoped to regain both by regaining the Tavern. He threatened to come back with elite, magically enchanted goblins called “eldritch goblins” who are intelligent and able to cast spells. He would burn the Tavern to the ground and rebuild it to regain control. Freeing a hand, he ripped out his own throat, and I'm sure his spirit went to another Circle to resurrect. I'm also sure we will be seeing him and his people again.
For now, we contemplate how to capture an Unseelie.
Joining us in the tavern were three new companions. Traveling together were the Human Earth caster Sorrin of Alyria and the irrepressible Moraiwe, a Mystic Wood Elf. Sorrin is a member of the Order of the Dawn, which promotes seven ideals. He himself promoting the ideal of Hope. I will have to detail this in another scroll. It is good fortune that sends them our way, since it is my belief that Hope is instrumental to the rebuilding of Drakesbridge. Also joining us was the courageous Pendar, a Biata from Baddira, who carries a sword, shield and alchemical mixtures. It was fortunate that they arrived when they did, as Bear and Ahmed were indisposed.
We set out on the mission for Ambassador Snorri of Redmarch. Now that it has been successfully completed, I may divulge that it was to provide aid and supplies to the aforementioned anti-slavery resistance. We guarded a caravan transporting these supplies. We were set upon by some of the red adder-snake folk and were forced to defend ourselves. Moraiwe found a ring on one of the slain snake folk that made anyone who held it hear whisperings in their mind. After defeating a handful of them, a tougher and more intelligent snake man appeared who we were able to speak with. Sorrin was able to draw him out quite a bit and this conflict turned into a possible alliance. He was the Red Adder, thought to be long dead. He spoke of the others as his children, and said that they had been hunted for their famous vendom, which the bandits use to make the Red Adder's Poison. He had been under the impression that Redmarch had been aiding the bandits in their raids on the Adder's children. Sorrin was able to convince him of the truth, that Redmarch and ourselves were opposed to, rather than aiding the bandits. The Red Adder gave Moraiwe the ring to hold, saying it would help protect us journeying through the swamp but it turned out to be a mixed blessing. He explained that it allowed the wearer to hear all the voices in the forest, but this would drive any mortal mad after too long wearing it. As it turned out, once Moraiwe donned the ring she was unable to take it off until later that evening. It did help us as promised, since the Adder's children shied away from the ring and we were troubled with no further conflict with them. Unfortunately, Moraiwe became more and more addled as the day wore on. It made me really miss the Celestial Circle in Ravenholt, and is another reason for me to continue in my Formal Magic studies. In any case, the supplies have been delivered and hopefully will make a difference for Redmarch.
The next task we set upon was Jomar's as part of the challenge for Captain of the Town Guard. We were to find and return Pheliks the Unseelie alive and unharmed to Lord Law. To this end, Sir Josian Marinko offered to contact a Gypsy by the name of Madam Sparkles. He said she might be able to aid us in our search and provide information on how to bring Pheliks back. We ate our noon meal as the Harper made contact. Madam Sparkles appeared just over an hour later, as colorful in dress and speech as Jomar. She told us she could help but that it came at a price. She said “cross my palm with silver,” meaning that we had to form a literal cross on her palm with 5 silver pieces. Rattling her tambourine and pacing, she told us that she could send us to the place where Pheliks was, and provide aid. She drew the multi-arrowed mark of chaos on Jomar's brow, saying that this would aid and protect him. She warned him not to smear it in the slightest. She also told us to protect him at all costs as he was the key. Then she opened a shimmering magical portal to the outside of a Fortress of Chaos. Jomar was very hesitant. I scarcely blame him, being as new as he must be to such strange and powerful magical effects. In a bold move which was perhaps hasty in hindsight, I asked who was with me. Seeing most of the group was ready to follow, I strode forward into the portal as did the others. These are the very kind of impulses that Elenabaldueil warned me to keep in check.
The Fortress of Chaos awaited us on the other side. We were challenged by two stone statues in front of two large doors. The statues told us that one door led to the Labyrinth and the other led to Certain Death. The words haunted me as if I had heard them somewhere before. There was a similar riddle I had read somewhere where one statue always lies and one always tells the truth, although the answer for this riddle seemed to be different. We were given five questions which much be answered yes or no. We asked a few questions but then chose the incorrect door and were all shocked by a magical electric charge for our trouble. Fortunately we lived to pass through the other door which led to a labyrinth of passages. Fortunately Jomar's mark guided him in the direction of our quarry. We were beset by Chaos Ogres and fought a tight battle amidst the passages. Demonstrating Hope (or perhaps lack of Prudence as later pointed out), Sorrin tried to charge in behind the beasts. Masacha had to perform a Field Resurrection on the brave but dead man.
After besting the Chaos Ogres we made our way into the heart of the fortress. In the middle of a large room was a throne. Pendar sat on the throne, which made a few of us nervous, but nothing untoward seemed to happen except that she became slightly disturbed. Moraiwe, being a somewhat capricious sort and still under the effects of ring also sat on the throne. She came away slightly more confused than before. Sorrin placed himself in front of it so that no one else would sit, but Jomar felt that he might be able to glean something due to the mark on his forehead. Sorrin stepped aside and the Gypsy sat upon the throne, after which he uttered threats from what I assume were the inhabitants of the fortress. Another voice used Jomar to tell us "You will all fail... you will not find that you seek... you wil die... you will die..." More Chaos Ogres entered the room. These proved to be tough but they were beaten as were their fellows. Pendar chased the last foe down, after his weapons were shattered. The beast was determined to flee, but in his panic did not escape into the tunnels. He ran round and round until Pendar's sword took him down.
What followed was a greater challenge in the form of the Ravener, a being whom I had heard was nearly impervious to our blows and magics. This first meeting did not fill me with joy. Beside his feet lay Pheliks, unconscious, who was seemingly free of the chaos which had run through his previously blackened veins. We fought the Ravener, who dealt vicious wounds to our company. I myself fell to his blade. Eventually only Pendar and Masacha were left standing. Fortunately, the Ravener was not quite thorough when trying to slay Masacha and she was able to assist myself and others. I'm not sure what happened entirely in the mayhem of battle except that eventually there were only a few of us in the room with two dead, Jomar and Andro. Sorrin and Pendar I believe were able to drag Pheliks away, and someone healed him so that he was able to walk on his own. He was terribly frightened and confused but we were able to convince him to come with us back to Drakesbridge.
The portal which had stayed open for our return was not the smoothly rippling oval it had been when we came to the fortress. Due to Jomar's death, it was now pulsating and slowly closing. We crossed it and experienced one of the most painful experiences of our lives. It felt as if a great boulder had rolled me over, all but crushing me. Every little bone and muscle ached fiercely, but there was no rest to be had as Masacha and I needed to resurrect our companions. We crawled over to the Healer's Circle and were able to successfully lead the spirits of our fallen companions back to life. Andro seemed eager to return, but I sensed some hesitancy from Jomar. He was upset at the journey back from the Door of Death, but this is to be expected from his spirit suffered.
He directed his anger unjustly at Pheliks, striding toward the frightened Mystic Wood Elf with sword drawn. Sir Josian and myself stood bodily in front of Pheliks, and reasoned with the angered Gypsy. Sir Josian pointed out that he himself had suffered death twice at the elf's hands and still gave his word that the elf posed no threat. I pointed out that we had achieved a victory in rescuing the elf's spirit from the grip of chaos. Jomar reluctantly backed off. Pendar used her talents of the mind to heal the rift that had formed in Pheliks' mind. By the time we finished our evening meal, he seemed much more at peace.
Bear and Ahmed joined us after the sun set. Two zombies attacked the tavern that evening. Through a note they carried we learned that there was a Banshee in the area that Gloomwood sought to bend to their purposes. The two zombies had been ordered to secure this Banshee but must have been more attracted by our living presence in the Tavern. Again, that foul wood sought to use the force of despair against us. At first I wondered what we would do about it, since Healer's Guild members cannot aid undead. However, it was pointed out that Banshees are created by horrible events which tie them to the place and cause of their death. If we spoke with this Banshee we might discover the event which kept her at her barrow and find that which could offer her spirit permanent rest. This was something that was very much in line with our purposes, and would remove the Banshee from the arsenal of Gloomwood. The group traveled in its entirety to the barrow after Josian provided guidance on its location. We fought zombies that emerged from the walls of the ruins and put them to their final rest before finding the Banshee deep within. Bear used his knowledge of tactics to discern that a female speaking would prove beneficial. Without hesitation, Pendar stepped forward. She able to speak with the trapped soul, who told us she is against Gloomwood and of her spirit's pain.
The Banshee's tale was tragic and moving. A few of us were in tears as she related how she suffered brutalization at the hands of a male foe and his forces during the war 200 years previous. Her son of only a few summers tried to fight them off but of course he was not able to. He was brought outside and she heard his screams as she died from the wounds she had suffered at the hands of the men. To find her rest, she told us we had to find the bones of her long dead son, scattered in the forest to the south. After finding his small skull, we returned it, only to be sent out again. She required the bones of his limbs as well. After a long search, we were finally able to find bones from all four limbs and return them to the Banshee. We watched, horrified and tearful, as she cradled the bones of her dead son. She told us a bit about the undead of Gloomwood, that they are different than the usual sort. She told us not to waste our healing spells on them as they would not be harmed as other undead are by the powers of Earth. She was seemingly more at peace as we left, and should find her rest soon.
Upon returning to the Tavern, we were sobered by the night's events. Our friend Spindle joined us. He had searched the crypts that he had promised to explore but found there was no longer anything of use there. We discussed the Banshee's information about the Gloomwood undead. The festivities were somewhat dampened. The Banshee's tale was related to those who hadn't been with us. We sang and passed around the drink, but our spirits were weary after the hard day and night in the barrows. We were told that Bear will have another test given to him by Lord Law as part of the trials for Captain of the Guard. The other troubles that we have faced were momentarily put behind us as we remembered the victories of the day and sought our rest.