Grey Brotherhood Campaign

[Belarrin]

Chapter XIX
The Tablet of Destiny

8 Nethelen – Tirenius and Bombor are standing watch on the first night shift when volleys of crossbow quarrels suddenly fly from the darkness. The two pilgrim captains are hit, one slain, and Castinus is awakened by a bolt piercing his flesh. The barrage is followed by a dozen charging orc spearmen. They fell nine pilgrims, including one of the captains, and overrun one of the campfires before moving in to slaughter those in a second. One orc closes on the Brother’s campfire and spears Griffin, killing him.

The Brothers rally, as best they can, with their many incapacitated members rushing to their wagon for cover. Meanwhile, their hale members engage the enemy along with the pilgrim explorer, Omas Ulrukan, and his surviving pilgrims though several more fall.

Tirenius kills an orc with Mage Missile while Augilor sets up a defense nearby, killing another orc just as it closes on Ravila the Crone. Hyglak begins the counterattack. As he severs the head of an orc with Death Drinker, the beastman screams in horror… inside Hyglak’s head… and the Jutlander feels a renewed vigor drawn from the orc’s spirit. He steps forward to cleave through two more. He’s followed by Augilor and some of the pilgrims who slay a couple while Skandara slips into the darkness and, under the cover of night, drops two with her bow.

But while the charge of the orc spearmen has been shattered, their crossbows continue to inflict heavy losses. Five more pilgrims fall as they try to form a defensive line.

Hyglak realizes their only chance is to rush an enemy line he cannot see and he runs into the darkness in the direction of their fire. He’s followed by Bombor carrying a torch while Skandara creeps forward more carefully, looking for targets.

Another volley of crossbow bolts fly from the darkness. One strikes Hyglak, but he doesn’t even notice it. Now, it is the orc’s turn to be alarmed. Their chief bellows and rushes him only to miss. Castinus and one of the pilgrim captains rush to support Hyglak and Bombor, but the chieftain is joined by his two champions who fell both the dwarf and the pilgrim. Meanwhile, Tirenius is hit by a bolt and loses his spell.

But the Brothers’ blood is up. Castinus guts one of the champions while Hyglak beheads the chieftain and kills the other champion. Seeing their leaders fall, the orc crossbowmen flee into the night. With so many wounded and fallen and the darkness still shrouding their foes, the Brothers let the remnants retreat.

Ravila tends to Bombor and finds that one of his eyes has been damaged. Griffin, however, is slain and his body is laid in the cart alongside Jena and Mandonio. The pilgrims are tended to as well. Of the original twenty-four, only six are still hale, nine are seriously injured, and nine are dead. Omas tells the Brotherhood that their pilgrimage must, of necessity, be ended and they will return to Siadanos. The Brothers have the same road, but desiring to bring their dead quickly to the temple, don’t dare travel at the pilgrim’s slower pace.

9 Nethelen – The next morning, the Brothers part ways with the pilgrims. By this time, the orc whispers in Hyglaks’ mind have faded along with the bolstered of vigor. Not much later, he senses that his sword hungers again, but its appetite is to go unsated for a time as the day passes without incident.

10 Nethelen through 29 Nethelen – The next day, the Grey Brotherhood reaches Siadanos. They immediately head to the temple where they hold a company meeting regarding the fates of their fallen. The Brothers have drafted a charter on such matters whereby all those injured in the service of the Brotherhood will be tended to at company expense. Should a Brother fall, his fate shall be determined by a consensus of his fellow brothers. Similarly, should a henchman fall, his fate shall be decided by the consensus of the entire company.

With that in mind, a vote is held concerning Griffin who was slain during the orc attack. The henchmen are split with Bombor, Heraus, and Ravila believing he should be revived while Augilar, Avaro, and Skandara dissent. Hyglak is the only Brother to vote that Giffin be allowed his final rest, so the young man is raised by the Reverend Mother Madelyn. He opens his eyes to a body made whole. Not only that, but his flesh now reveals an inner light through a slight halo. Raemon declares it to be his mark as a Demon Slayer.

When she sees the bodies of Jena and Mandonio, now five days deceased, Madelyn says, “I think they would be better off if they kept their eternal rest.” The company holds a vote and, on both counts, only Griffin and Heraus argue for revival, both having been filled with hope at the momentous nature of Griffin’s return. Castinus observes concerning Mandonio, “He was brave, he was magnificent, however I do not believe that he would have returned to us the same way.” The Brothers hold a torchlight vigil over the cremation of their fallen comrades and have their ashes interred in the “Hall of Heroes” at their villa.

Over the following days, the company returns to the temple for the mending of hurts. Avaro’s lost eye and destroyed jewels are restored. He lurches suddenly upright and clutches at the priestess, crying, “The pool of dark water below the capital city. It’s a portal to darkness and hell!” Then he falls back and, awakening again, is troubled, wondering “What did I say?”

Augilor’s missing toes and Bombor’s flesh and eye are repaired, though the confidence of both are shattered. Heraus’ lost arm is restored but his connection to the divine is diminished. With the henchmen seen to, Andravus has his foot restored. It is done with such vigor that he feels no need for rest at all. When Raemon’s foot is repaired, his voice becomes like rolling thunder, booming should he even try to whisper… fortunately, this is not often.

As the restored members of the company begin their convalescence, the treasure taken from the temple is brought to the Tower of Knowledge. One of the scrolls is of Beast Growth, though it is written in elven. It is traded for a Scroll of Perpetual Light. The other is a Ward Against Undead, written in Ancient Zaharan and is given to Tirenius for both safe keeping and effective use. The unknown potion is of Swift Sword and is given to Hyglak. The mace wielded by Ur-Namu is determined to have magical properties though their exact nature is unclear. At the temple, it is confirmed to not be cursed, so Raemon claims it, passing on his other mace to Heraus. The raiment of Zakiti is determined to be the War Dress of a Priestess of Nasga. It is enchanted with powerful magics, giving its wearer protection like that of plate armor. However, with a very tight midriff and painfully high heels, it is certain to be uncomfortable for any who dares don it. The Brothers also take it to the temple and confirm it isn’t cursed. Priestess Madelyn inspects it gingerly, replying, “There’s no curse on this, but I feel that I have sinned even by looking upon it.”

The Brothers also show the Reverend Mother the stone fragments they’d recovered beneath the Sinister Stone. She exclaims, “Where in all the celestial sphere did you find these?” After Raemon recounts their adventure, she reveals that they are fragments from the Tablet of Destiny. “When Ammonar created the world, he inscribed all that is and ever will be onto a graven stone tablet, but Iskara, the Queen of Chaos, fought him and in the struggle the tablet was shattered and fell to earth. The fragments can be used to cast any ritual spell. This is tremendously valuable for the war effort. We need to send this to Aura, to the great temple there.”

The Reverend Mother is quite insistent that they be sent to the imperial capital, declaring they are of grave importance for the war effort, if nothing else. The Brothers, reluctant to gainsay her, are nevertheless disheartened by the sudden seizure of such precious items earned through blood and hardship. They know that while all eyes are on the war with the Skysos, there is, in fact, another war emerging here as evidenced by the Sakkara Temple, the undead of the Lusuan Forest, the expansion of the Viamir Marshes, the rumors from Dragon’s Tor, and Avaro’s vision of evil within Cyfaraun.

After some deliberation, Castinus asks if the priestess will accept the fragments in trade for the magical healing the Brothers have received. Raemon also requests a letter of reference that can be used whenever the company interacts with a temple so they will know the Brotherhood’s good reputation and sacrifices on behalf of the realm. Reverend Mother Madelyn agrees and the Brother’s fame and renown grow as champions of Law. They feel the divine favor extending toward them for such gallant deeds and noble sacrifice.

In the market, Castinus sells the pearl necklace, but is unsuccessful finding buyers for the other goods. They purchase a seventh mule, Trotter, two Argollëan wolfhounds named Gnar and Audar (Dusk and Dawn), and six Dwarven underterriers. Funds from the venture are disbursed in the amount of 775gp per member as well as 3,875gp going to the company fund. Upon the receipt of shares, Avaro resolves to continue with the company. “The gods have given me a vision. Clearly I cannot leave your service until this is accomplished.” Bombor also decides to remain, being rather fond of the hunting dogs the company just acquired. Ravila, however, decides that she has grown too old for such daring adventures and retires to her home in Türos Tem, a far wealthier woman. This is a heavy blow to the company, leaving them bereft of their precious healer.

Over the remaining days, the convalescence continues. Tirenius begins scribing three new spells in his spellbook: Hypnotic Sigil, Frostbite, and Shrouding Fog. Hyglak concludes training in riding and buys a lance. Andravus continues his studies of survival. Castinus spends some time rumormongering. Hearing the company is planning to head to Cyfaraun for recruitment, his contact says, “There’s this group of young wizards that have recently shown a lot of interest in the rats of the city. Isn’t that the oddest thing for wizards to care about? Are they like working on magically exterminating vermin or is it like some mad rat cult? I don’t know, it’s just like the weirdest thing!”

The Brothers are also happy to see the pilgrims limp back into town under the steady leadership of Omas Ulrukan. Though dejected, they are grateful for the intervention of the Grey Brotherhood in the battle against the orcs.

So ends this recounting of the Grey Brotherhood’s campaign to purge the evil within the Zaharan temple of Sakkara. But their deeds are not yet done.

END PART I

[Belarrin]

Chapter XX
Isk Says We Should Take a Left

30 Nethelen – As final preparations before heading to Cyfaraun, the Brothers pick up Hyglak’s masterwork plate and shield as well as Tirenius’ darts commissioned from Torrad Radokh. They also set new commissions for a masterwork cavalry helm for Hyglak and a masterwork short sword for Castinus. These will be completed in seven weeks on 15 Genethelen. They leave their seven mules behind and purchase barge fare down river. The journey is uneventful and they arrive safely in the capital of the Borderlands and take up lodgings again at The Mink in the Old District.

31 Nethelen – Castinus assesses the market and determines the demand for monster parts, grain and vegetables, hides and furs, rare wood, and semi-precious stones. The other Brothers begin posting recruitment for a priestess, a blade dancer, a bard, an assassin, and someone skilled in precise shooting.

32 Nethelen – Castinus finds a buyer for 12 stone of the monster parts for 864gp. Andravus posts advertisements seeking a Rank III writer to compile the Annals of the Grey Brotherhood. Raemon heads to the Solar Citadel. Bearing the letter from Reverend Mother Madelyn, he is ushered in to meet Rector Drusus who then introduces him to Patriarch Arëtar. They have no requests for the Grey Brothers but, pleased by their deeds, say the doors are always open and that they are interested in the doings of the land.

33 Nethelen – Castinus sells 12 stone of monster parts for 984gp but, in exchange, the Brothers must guard a shipment of supplies when they next travel to Siadanos. The Brothers continue their studies: Hyglak in Leadership, Raemon in Military Strategy II, Andravus in Survival, and Tirenius in Healing II. Zeodana Draka responds to the postings and is rehired by Raemon.

34 Nethelen – Castinus sells the final 8 stone of monster parts for 576gp. Zeodana tries on Zakiti’s enchanted corset and, after numerous falls, consents to wear it but declares she’ll need a week’s practice.

3 Vinethelen – Castinus rumormongers: The Tomb of the Night Captain has been desecrated and the patriarch is covering it up. Castinus asks about the rat problem and is told that decades ago there were cultists of a horned rat, a demon lord, that terrorized Cyfaraun, spreading lycanthropy. The terror was ended by the Captain of the Underwatch, aka the Night Captain, who killed all the heretics though he never found the source of the evil. The rumor is that when the rats return, so will the Night Captain, but it isn’t going to happen now because the patriarch let the temple get destroyed. Castinus also sells the fox cape to Dominos for 1,600gp and the black sapphire for 500gp. Dominos refers him to Lazar’s Jewelers where he sells the jade wyvern for 1,650gp. At the Tower of Knowledge, he sells the potion of passion for 1,250gp and buys a potion of healing for Hyglak. Castinus can’t find a buyer for the viper’s poison and deduces that such activities are considered illegal meaning he’d have to go through less reputable sources such as through the Argollëan Family.

Toothy Tureno responds to recruitment efforts and is hired by Castinus.

7 Vinethelen – An elven nightblade by the name of Aria Damaris responds to the Brother’s recruitment and is hired by Raemon after turning down an offer from Castinus. Venisimo the Magnificent, a best-selling novelist from Tirenea is hired by Andravus to convert his crude journal entries into an epic worthy of the Grey Brotherhood. The cost is 4gp a page, 100 total, of which he can complete three pages per day. Andravus sets up a fund to ensure he is paid for his work even if the company is out adventuring.

8 Vinethelen – Scavenus Omir the Rat Catcher and his dog Isk answer the call and are hired by Castinus on condition that Isk receive barding like the wolfhounds. Andravus also purchases spiked scale barding for Zelicus. Scavenus is an expert on the sewers of Cyfaraun. He lectures the company, explaining that after the Aurans conquered the city, they engineered the sewer system to follow the natural paths of ancient Cyfaraun’s buried streets though some break into cellars, crypts, and basements. Sluice grates pierce the streets every block in the Old District and provide easy access because the Argollëan Family maintains them. Scavenus recommends staying away from The Mink and the thieves’ district in the southern part of the Old District because the Family doesn’t like others prying around or causing trouble. He explains that a great deal of sludge runs through the city. He discourages running or charging in it and, especially, getting knocked down as it can cause nasty fungal infections. The sewers also reek and cause headaches, shortness of breath, and bad vision.

9 Vinethelen – With advertisements out for a priestess still not yielding a reply, the Brothers reluctantly decide that they can’t bide forever. They enter the sewers in the northern part of the Old District near the docks at a point approximately the furthest from the Argollëan Family’s area.

They head away from the river to the southeast. After about 30’ they pass a branching tunnel to the northeast. Shortly beyond that is an empty chamber with ancient elven writing on its walls. After another 30’ down the sewer, it branches, continuing both to the southeast and the southwest. The Brothers press on to the southeastern sewer. After approximately 65’ they come across what appears to be a recently cemented over hidden door. Tirenius says, “It’s some kind of slime or something. It’s got to be.” He’s right as a moment later, the creature attacks.

It leaps on Toothy Tureno and dissolves his armor and clothing. Arrows fired into it do damage but also dissolve. Tirenius casts Frostbite, but sadly it is immune to cold damage. Griffon and Hyglak strike it with spear and hand axe with Hyglak landing the killing blow, but their weapons dissolve as well. Toothy, now without clothes, stumbles away and falls bodily into the sewage. Using water skins, they sluice him off as best they can and Andravus loans him his cloak as a covering.

Gradually the Brothers succumb to the deleterious effects of the noxious fumes of the sewers though at least Toothy does not appear to have become infected by his fall into the muck. In a reenactment of the Bitter Wars, it becomes a battle of wills with only the dwarf and elf holding out until the elf finally is overcome.

About 50’ after the battle area, the sewer turns to the southwest and widens. This was evidently a major street in the ancient city and is now a major sewer line. About 30’ down, the Brothers encounter a corridor that has been barricaded with tuff, rotting timbers, and old furniture. Deeming it would take three hours to break through with proper tools, they mark it and move on. Advancing another 190’, they pass underneath a larger than normal grate with access to the streets above before reaching a T-Intersection. Unsure of which way to go, they ask Scavenus who, in turn, asks Isk. Isk growls to go southeast and the Brothers agree. Yes, the Brothers are taking route recommendations from a dog.

After another 130’, the Brothers reach a four-way intersection. The path to the southwest is smaller than those to the northeast and southeast. The Brothers head northeast, thinking it might link back to the blocked passage. Another 45’ ahead, they find four dog-sized giant centipedes feeding on sewer sludge. The Brothers advance with what might accurately be described as excessive caution, and easily fell all four with Andravus killing three and Skavenus killing one. Without Ravila and her skills, they can’t extract any valuable components. Nor do they have a metamphorae, so they just throw the bodies into a bag in the hopes of some value later.

The Brothers advance another 95’ to a point where the sewer widens. To the west, steps lead to an elven ruin. To the north is what might loosely be described as a ‘beach’ of a natural cave. To the northeast, the corridor appears to bend and then turn southeast into the darkness. Turning up the steps, they see scattered coins, perhaps as many as two hundred in number, covered in slime.

Deciding they aren’t that destitute, the Brothers leave the coins behind and investigate the cavern. Skandara detects a secret door and confirms it isn’t trapped. But as she works, seven skeletons rise from the cavern waters. Raemon rebukes six of them before Zeodana wades in, killing two. Heraus and Bombor also kill two, and Tirenius one.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXI
We are Not Interlopers

9 Vinethelen (continued) – Hyglak opens the secret door Skandara found to reveal a small room surrounded by tuff that appears to follow the line of an ancient wall. Searches for further secret doors within fail and the Brothers depart. They close the door, contemplating its use as a future storage closet. Before heading back to the surface, Andravus suggests taking a second look at the scattered coins and muck on the stairs up in the nearby elven room.

Andravus prods the pile with a spear to reveal fifteen ‘murder maggots’, known to burrow into the flesh and devour their victims from within. Horrified, he backs away and Castinus lights military oil to kill them. Unfortunately, Castinus’ aim is dreadful and it splashes at his feet. The maggots rouse and Tirenius casts Slumber. For their efforts, the treasure proves to be a mere 74gp, probably from the purse of the maggots’ most recent victim.

The Brothers head back to the nearest grate and clamber up to the city. They emerge right next to the merchant guild house on the northern edge of the emporium. Filthy from the sewers, they head to the public baths in the Tower District, purchasing clothes for Toothy and replacement weapons lost to the grey ooze on the way.

They arrive at the baths during the patrician women bathing period. Therefore the men wait while Skandara, Zeodana, and Aria enter. In the warm room they meet Hesta Faunus, an extremely attractive woman with some elven heritage who works with her brother Liber Faunus the proprietor of The Mink. Skandara recalls that Liber is one of the most dangerous men in Cyfaraun and the chief smuggler of goods into the Old City. They are almost certainly members of the Argollëan Brotherhood. The second is a Rornish woman named Valara, the head of the local order of blade dancers. She won her position at such a young age because she led a crusade to drive beastmen from several mountain passes in Krysea. The promotion has deprived her of opportunities to serve in the field where she feels most useful. The third is Lady Adara Drakomir, daughter of Councilman Drakomir.

As they enter, Hesta shares a rumor that Prefect Basilio is hiring assassins to murder merchants he suspects of smuggling goods. She declares (apparently missing the irony) that there is no rule of law in Cyfaraun. Zeodana steers the conversation to rumors of rats. Hesta tells of young wizards running around the Old City sewers. She’s not sure if they’re magically exterminating vermin or part of a rat cult. She deduces it probably isn’t the Brotherhood of Knives because, last heard, they don’t have wizards. Skandara offers to carry a message for Hesta to her brother since the Grey Brotherhood is lodging at The Mink. Hesta declines but is interested in hearing Skandara’s tales of adventure on the high seas.

For the men, the bathing is less intriguing as they join the plebian classes during their bath period. On the return to the inn, they sell the centipedes at the Tower of Knowledge for 24gp.

That evening at The Mink, the entertainment is Ursa the dancing bear accompanied by her trainer Demetrios of Krysea. Skandara is sent over to Hesta Faunus in the interests of arranging an introduction for Castinus, but the two women hit it off too well and she appears to completely forget about the Venturer as Skandara and Hesta head upstairs. The thief returns somewhat later without comment.

As an alternate plan, Castinus sees Bellos who they’d met on 22 Esevelen and strikes up a new conversation. Bellos introduces him to Aranth Faunus who assists Liber Faunus and manages The Mink. Castinus tells of the Brothers’ intention to investigate rat problems in the sewers. Both Bellos and Aranth assure him there is no such infestation. Castinus delicately explains that the Grey Brothers desire no conflicts with others using the sewers. “We are not interlopers.”

Bellos advises that he happens to know some members of the Argollëan Family and can relay messages. Everything in the sewers belongs to the Family and if the Brothers find anything of interest there, the Family will want a cut. The Family is particularly interested in ancient antiquities. Castinus agrees that the Brothers will look the other way should they see any warehouse traffic in the sewers. Bellos warns him that the Argollëan Family is in a war against newcomers, the “Sand and Bones” based in the Festival District. The Brothers will need to pick a side if they expect to remain in the city.

Hyglak buys the entertainer, Demetrios, and his bear Ursa beer and a honey mead and asks if there is any interest in adventuring work. Demetrios declines, citing health issues, but is willing to train dogs, horses, bears, wolves, and lions. He doesn’t linger in any one town long but Hesta Faunus always will know where to reach him should the Brothers want to send him a message.

Castinus calls a company meeting. Concerning the conflict between the Argollëan Family and the Sand and Bones, the Brothers conclude that they’ve already picked their side and are content with the choice they’ve made. They decide on the morrow to return to the barricaded area they found about halfway through the day’s exploration where evidence of rats seemed most common.

10 Vinethelen – The Brothers go to the market and hire ten laborers willing to work in the sewers and to being led to the work site blindfolded. The offered rate is five times the usual (1gp apiece). As the company is about to descent into the sewers, they’re accosted by a patrol of the City Watch on a skiff. They, once again, demand a bribe, then go on their way.

After a short distance into the sewers, the laborers are unmasked so they can travel more easily. As the company rounds the corner near the barricade, they see eight men and women in filthy clothes who are navigating in the dark without torches. Castinus identifies the Grey Brothers and demands that they also identify themselves. The leader, a heavily scarred man who looks like he might once have been a gladiator, refuses, but names himself as Abimbola (from Ulruk) and demands that the company leave their turf.

The Brothers feign compliance and head down to the next turn of the tunnel. After waiting about ten minutes, they return to the barricade. Andravus searches the area and finds muddy footprints near where Abimbola and his people were loitering that also head to and from the main sewer tunnel. There are also many rat prints. The company suspects wererats.

The company forms defensive positions around the barricade with scouts and flank guards on two sewer routes, heavies near the laborers, and archers in the center. The hired hands set to work tearing down the barrier. After several hours, Skandara espies four bombardier beetles approaching from the northwest. She falls back and the company engages as they turn the corner. Tirenius downs two with Slumber while Andravus slays the other two.

Hyglak, the only one wounded, is treated with comfrey and laying on hands as the workers resume their labors. An hour later, they break through the barricade. A moment later, there is a loud gong followed by a swarm of rats erupting from the rubble. Four of the workers are engulfed and slain. Volleys of military oil are thrown into the swarm. When Scavenus attempt to throw his oil, it explodes and he is engulfed in fire, searing Zeodana as well. Andravus leaps on the rat catcher and throws him into the muck, risking disease to douse the fires. Tirenius casts Slumber, putting the surviving rats to sleep. These are slain as the military oil continues to burn. Aloe and laying on hands are used to bring the injured members to full health. The surviving laborers are brought to the nearest grate and sent to the surface. They are given a bonus and funds are set aside to pay the families of those who were lost as well. The Brothers then turn their faces back to the now open path ahead.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXII
Sponsored by the Soothing Touch of Aloe

10 Vinethelen (continued) – Having dispatched the rat swarms and seen the surviving laborers safely to the surface with bonus pay, the Grey Brotherhood pushes past the demolished barricade. The area beyond contains ancient elven ruins mixed with walls of tuff. A short distance in, they are set upon by a second rat swarm. This one is quickly dispatched by several volleys of military oil and a frenzied stabbing of swords, though Castinus, Heraus, and Raemon all suffer minor burns from the oil. They are tended to with aloe… ahhhh the soothing touch of aloe.

Pressing on, the Grey Brothers march in a column two wide down the winding corridors until they come to a branching intersection. Andravus determines that there are many small vermin prints leading to the left while much larger ones head to the right. Suspecting the people they met in the hallway of being wererats and a source of the infestation, they head right.

They are immediately attacked by three wererats surging from the darkness. Raemon and Heraus, holding the front, go on full defense. To their alarm, the Brothers realize that mundane weapons are of no use against these fell creatures, but they screech in agony when doused with holy water. Augilor and Avaro each slay one using this blessed liquid. Zeodana casts bane-rune on her glaive and promptly dispatches three more, but as each of the vermin fall, another charges forward to take its place. Then, fell chanting is heard from the darkness beyond and Zeodona is driven to her knees as she vomits blood out of her innards.

Hyglak rushes forward and grabs her ensorcelled glaive and joins the fight. Under heavy attacks, Raemon and Heraus are being born down with grievous injury. Nearly felled, Raemon backs off and his position is taken by Augilor. Meanwhile, Griffin lobs a torch into the darkness, illuminating a wererat thaumaturge long enough for Skandara to sink an arrow into it. But a wererat arcanist emerges from the darkness to stomp on the torch, obscuring the enemy rear line again. Now the thaumaturge’s vile chanting is joined by the arcanist’s. Castinus, however, throws military oil in the direction of where the torch had fallen and engulfs the arcanist in fire.

Meanwhile, the thaumaturge attempts to sunder the bane-runed glaive not once, but twice. A wererat fells the mighty Heraus and, stepping forward, assaults Augilor on his flank and downs him too. But dropping the glaive in favor of Blood-Drinker, the Jutlander steps into the gap. “The line has not broken, Hyglak stands ready!”

Recovering from her fell ensorcellment, Zeodana casts bane-rune on Andravus arrows before retrieving Heraus’ magic weapon and joining Hyglak. The pair carve into the wererats but bow fire against the thaumaturge struggle to find their mark against the mesmerizing swirl of its enchanted cloak.

But as the Brothers finally appear to be turning the tide, a massive wererat hero charges forward armed with an exceptionally elegant elven blade… only to miss. The morale of the vermin shatters and they begin to flee. The so-called wererat hero scampers away, barely managing to stay upright as it careens into a tunnel leading south and out of sight. But Avaro picks up the bane-runed glaive and drops a wererat as Hyglak goes berserk and slays another clearing the path for Zeodana to charge the wererat arcanist and kill it. As the thaumaturge turns to run, Andravus finally lands a shot with his silver arrow that staggers the creature, but it follows after the wererat hero.

Two other wererats follow the thaumaturge and the hero before Griffin runs into the wererat room, cutting the final three off from escape to their den. They flee northward instead, though Skandara manages to wound one as it retreats.

In the wake of the battle, the downed warriors are tended to. Heraus, unfortunately, has suffered a wound that pierced through a gap in his helm and into his brain leaving him permanently addled. He’ll need two weeks of bedrest before he is fit to fight again. Augilor fares much better, with only a long scar along his jawline where he deflected a strike. Raemon comments that, but for the soothing treatment of the aloe, he would’ve been overcome by the injuries he sustained from the rats. Ah, the soothing touch of aloe.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXIII
The Return of the Half-Hand

10 Vinethelen (continued) – The Brothers dare to divide their party, a feat of audacity that will cost them in the end. Right next to the location of the battle with the wererats, they find the ruin of an old elven room, now cleaned which holds eight sleeping cots, two jars of elven spices and a chest. They leave Raemon, Skandara, Aria, Toothy, Scavinus, and Griffin here to loot the fallen foes and then protect the heavily wounded Aguilar and Heraus.

Andravus finds the blood trail of the wounded thaumaturge and the rest of the company forms up behind him as they follow the tracks to the south. They are quickly thereafter assailed by another swarm of rats. These creatures are quickly dispatched but unfortunately they also blotted out the blood trail with their hundreds of tiny feet. The Brothers press on and find that the tunnel splits. One branch quickly leads to a dead end while the other opens onto a room holding a large urn full of ashes.

Skandara is called from the rear guard to help search for hidden doors. Initial efforts are unsuccessful until Avaro notices an odd alignment in the wall near the urn. Opening the door, they know they’re on the right track as Andravus picks up the blood trail again. They press southward down a narrow corridor that opens onto a larger room with a hideous altar of a horned rat on the far end. The four wererats from the previous battle are all there. Andravus quickly puts an arrow into the wounded thaumaturge, felling it as the Brothers charge into the room. Two more wererats are quickly slain leaving only the enormous wererat hero. The Brothers encircle the creature, attempting to slay it but the creature is fierce and bestial. Wielding its elven blade with masterful prowess, it fells Avaro, Zeodana, and Hyglak.

Fearing they are about to be overwhelmed and knowing they need a healer, Tirenius sends back Zahak to fetch Raemon, Griffin, Aria, and Toothy. Before the reinforcements arrive, the wererat hero is finally brought down by Bombor. As the creature falls to the ground, his rat guise falls away to reveal Abimbola, the ex-gladiator the company had met earlier in the sewer tunnel.

Raemon tends to the wounded. Avaro is in shock having had his nose severed and his palate cloven. Hyglak has once again lost three fingers from his right hand. Half-Hand rises again! But dreadfully, Zeodana has been cloven in two at the waist, and, though briefly alive dies quickly as the company no longer has any source of magical healing.

At Castinus’ suggestion, Raemon also tends to Abimbola who is revived having only been dazed and suffering from some smashed fingers. The venturer starts the interrogation while Andravus and Raemon begin smashing the horned rat altar and pouring holy water on it.

Abimbola refuses to talk, initially, until Castinus forces a sprig of wolfsbane into his mouth. Becoming more terrified of the venturer than his own fell master, the wererat hero speaks freely once he is promised his life. He says they are in the Temple of the Horned Rat. If someone prays at the altar, currently being destroyed by Andravus and Raemon, they are turned into a wererat.

The wererats are led by Mentenus Cavië, Provost and Master of Summoning at the Tower of Knowledge. This is a dread secret as such acts are forbidden by the tower. He says they sometimes surface in human form to meet with Mentenus at the Tower of Knowledge. Sometimes Mentenus comes down to the altar under the full moon. The Brothers happened to strike the wererats at a shift change so they all were present and all were killed except those who fled the battle.

Abimbola says his sword is named Lann Dhuile which means Leafblade. Three times per day, when its name is spoken, the bearer can strike critically for an hour. The thaumaturge’s cloak he believes to be enchanted with wards of protection. He mentions the treasure already found by the Brothers of elven spices and coin in a chest. He doesn’t believe the chest is trapped. He says that there is another chest in Terkinos’ quarters along with some mink furs.

He reports that Mentenus is convinced that a “nethercity” exists below the sewers and Abimbola and the others were tasked to find it. They’ve searched for months and months. Mentenus has a map of the sewers but instructed Abimbola to steer clear of the Argollëan Brotherhood. He doesn’t believe that Mentenus has any other followers in the Tower of Knowledge. Abimbola was once a gladiator in Cyfaraun, purchased by Mentenus to become a bodyguard two years ago, and then converted into a wererat.

As the interrogation continues, Aria hears a cry from the northwest. Suddenly remembering their companions they’d left “secured” near the old battlefield, they rush back. Toothy arrives first, catching one wererat who deals him a grievous wound. As he engages in melee, he can see the bodies of Scavinus, Augilor, and Heraus beyond, each having faced desperate odds but dying on their feet. Aria joins Toothy and fells the vile creature with her silver dagger. The other two wererats, however, have escaped. Doubtless they are beating a hasty retreat to warn Mentenus.

The Brothers check their fallen. Scavinus, fortunately, is alive having only suffered a puckering wound, but Heraus and Augilor were slain. With heavy hearts, the Grey Brotherhood gathers their dead, along with Abimbola, their prisoner, and prepare to leave the sewers.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXIV
We get the Books, the Bodies, and the Booty and we Get Out

10 Vinethelen (continued) – As the fallen are tended to, the Brothers question Abimbola further. He reveals that there are also two secret doors to the warren where supplicants can be brought in, but since the members of the cult are all wererats they typically just transform to slip through the barricade. Castinus offers terms to him. In exchange for testimony against his former master, the Brothers will see that he is returned to the arena where he made such a name for himself. There, he will pay off a blood debt for the cost to raise Zeodana who he personally slew. However, the Brothers are willing to pay the cost to remove the curse of lycanthrope. Abimbola is indifferent to removing lycanthrope as he enjoys its benefits but also advises that he doesn’t think it can be cured for someone who accepts it voluntarily. However, he agrees to all the other terms. In his quarters, he opens up the chest to reveal a large quantity of coin. The Brothers gather that, along with the elven spices and the bodies of their fallen.

Abimbola leads them to Terkinos’ quarters where they secure another chest of coin along with some mink furs. This room also contains a magically sealed door that only Mentenus can open… or some hard work with an axe. Bombor happily begins this effort and the door is destroyed. Within Mentenus’ chamber, they find a partial map of the sewers that Andravus happily secures. There are also many research notes written in a nearly illegible scrawl. In a quick perusal, Tirenius finds one where Mentenus instructs the wererats to avoid the Argollëan Brotherhood until such a point as they determine the Nethercity must be located in their territory. The room also contains a magically sealed chest. The Brothers gather up the notes and the chest and beat a hasty retreat from the sewers. That is, it would have been hasty except that every member of the company including Abimbola are encumbered carrying books, bodies, or booty.

Unfortunately, as they near the sewer grate, they encounter a carrion horror. The company hastily sets down their heavy burdens and forms a line of defense with Bombor and Griffin at the fore as the creature lumbers toward them. Bombor is paralyzed by its tentacles and then lifted high overhead to a certain gruesome fate. But Andravus manages to sever the tentacles, freeing him, while others in the company wound the creature severely with military oil. As the horror, sensing its own danger, begins to withdraw, Griffin leaps forward and drives his blade through an eye and into its brain, killing it.

The Brothers collect their belongings again and climb to the city streets above where bustling townsfolk studiously ignore them, doubtless thinking they are part of the Argollëan Brotherhood. It is mid-afternoon as they head to the Solar Citadel where they meet with Rector Drusus. Castinus informs him of the wererat cult and, though initially skeptical, Drusus acknowledges that the matter is of grave importance and brings them to Prelate Romus. Romus proves to be a condescending and insufferable bureaucrat, though at least he professes to agree that the Brothers’ findings are significant indeed. He insists that he must study the recovered texts that were recovered from the lair. When Tirenius eagerly offers to work with him on the matter, Romus curtly refuses and demands the Brothers depart. He instructs that the company should return at noon the next day. The Brothers are hesitant and even a little suspicious, but this is the august Temple of the Winged Sun which is ostensibly the pinnacle of nobility and good. Without just cause to distrust Romus beyond his odious personality, they reluctantly consent.

Before departing, however, they ask after healing for their fallen comrades, a task that would require the attention of Patriarch Arëtar. Romus waves them off, telling them to visit the priestesses at the Temple of the Empyreans. When Drusus advises that the patriarch is available and the Brothers report that one of the fallen is a mighty paladin of the Winged Sun, the prelate reiterates his refusal. For Romus is one of the all-too-common breed of men who, once having made a statement, will never reconsider or recant no matter how obvious his error might be even if it doom him and the entire world to oblivion. For such small minded and weak men perceive that adjusting to circumstance, admitting error, or demonstrating the slightest edge of mercy is a sign of weakness. Thus they are a poison to everything they touch no matter how well-meaning their hearts might be.

Rector Drusus is clearly troubled by the prelate’s hard-hearted indifference, but is a man of great nobility and character who also understands that there are times when one must obey without complaint, no matter how much it troubles his soul. Thus he aids the Brothers insofar as he can without violating the prelate’s orders. This enables him to tend to the wounded, if not the fallen. Hyglak’s hand is restored, though it now creeps toward his weapon whenever his focus shifts, suggesting he might be as much of a danger to friend as to foe when the battle heat takes him. Avaro’s severed nose and cleft palate are also healed, blessedly with no ill effect.

Drusus also kindly escorts the Brotherhood across town to the Temple District and the Temple of the Empyreans. On the way, they pass through the Old District where a shabbily dressed man suddenly bursts out onto the street before vanishing down another alley. Not long after, a member of the City Watch emerges in pursuit, but has clearly lost the trail. The Brothers are torn, balancing their tentative but perhaps critical relationship with the Argollëan Brotherhood against their desire to uphold themselves as upstanding citizens. In the end, they hold their tongues and the miscreant escapes. A short while later, the thief approaches and tells them he’ll make sure the Argollëan Brotherhood knows that the company understands who runs the Old District. He advises to tell proprietors of The Mink that they are a friend of Zeodic.

At the Temple of the Empyreans, they bid farewell to Rector Drusus and meet with Matriarch Aundëmë. They tell her of their venture in the sewers and introduce themselves as the selfsame Grey Brotherhood that had given the Tablets of Destiny to Priestess Genelen. Hearing that, the matriarch is more than pleased to assist them and also asks if they, who have spent so much time in the Viaspen Forest, are aware of the location of the Shrine of the White Lady. She says that there is one among her parishioners who is suffering grievously and might be healed at the shrine. The Brothers are reticent, knowing the secret power of the shrine but also its vulnerability to the forces of chaos. Yet they have much respect for the Keepers of the Hearth Fire who have tended so frequently to their wounded. They agree to discuss the matter after their fallen are seen to.

Zeodana is raised first. The blade dancer breathes again, though her connection to the divine has nearly been severed. Traumatized by the experience and her near doom, she decides to quit the party after they venture to the Shrine of the White Lady (for that seems very likely) where she might be healed. However, she is convinced to remain when she is given Lann Dhuile, ironically, the very blade that felled her. Heraus is tended to second and, as he returns, he finds that he has become an ascetic for whom all food and drink now lack any taste. Though troubled by his fall, he consents to remain with the company. Augilor is seen last and, as he breathes again, finds that he has become extremely sensitive to bright light and sharp noises. He determines that the adventuring life is not for him and resolves to return to duty in Türos Tem after visiting the Shrine of the White Lady. With their fallen aided, the matriarch also dispels the enchantment on Mentenus’ chest revealing gold inside, which conveniently goes to pay the price of tending to the restoring life and limb.

The Brothers now speak in earnest with the Matriarch Aundëmë who reveals that the troubled soul is none other than the Prefect of the Borderlands, Justirius Tavicus Basilio himself! Six months ago, his neck was broken while riding and he died. The wife of Basilio is Lady Syrena, a close childhood friend of the matriarch. At her pleading, Aundëmë raised the prefect. He returned but unfortunately now hears whispers from beyond the grave that are slowly driving him to madness. He is currently unfit to rule, though this has been hidden from the council. In his stead, Lady Syrena and the Court Magus Essir guide the council, though Syrena is suspicious that Essir might be seeking dominion.

The city if further troubled by the machinations in the Council. While the Ambador family stays loyal, Councilman Drakomir is the nephew Exarch Drakomir who rules Southern Argollë and is filled with ambition. Should the prefect be removed due to his condition, Drakomir would assuredly take his place and then all the Borderlands would be ruled by that family at a time when darkness seems to be rising everywhere.

Recognizing that this is a mission of the gravest importance, the Brothers consent to carry out the task though they advise that they won’t be able to set out for two weeks as their wounded convalesce. Matriarch Aundëmë is grateful and says that she will send word to Lady Serena to prepare her husband for the journey. She also offers lodging for the company at the Temple of the Empyreans with the wounded staying in the hospital and the hale in the barracks.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXV
You Have Earned a Friend in the Tower of Knowledge

10 Vinethelen (continued) – The Grey Brothers decline the offer for the Empyrean Temple barracks and lodge as a group at the hospital, occupying nine of the wards on the second floor and keeping a watch through the night. Though only a truly despicable person would dare defile such holy ground with an assault, the Brothers are under no illusions as to the opponents they have roused against them. Before retiring, they set their plans for the next day in an attempt to account for as many contingencies as possible.

11 Vinethelen – As the day dawns, Castinus and Raemon, along with Abimbola, head to the Imperial Courthouse where they hire the services of the most auspicious attorney present, Ikenius Valen. At Valen’s office, Abimbola is formally deposed including notaries and witnesses.

As the noon hour approaches, Andravus heads to the Solar Citadel as a penitent, mingling with the crowd in the temple. Around the same time, Aria takes up station in the plaza outside the church and skulks, keeping watch. Only Castinus and Raemon attend the meeting with the suspicious prelate. Meanwhile, Tirenius remains at the hospital and pens a detailed letter of the company’s encounters in the sewers of the Old District for the Argollëan Brotherhood. The other hale members of the company remain with the mage and stand guard.

These precautions prove unnecessary as the meeting with Prelate Romus proceeds without incident. Indeed, Romus glows with self-inflated ardor as he recounts his study of the recovered documents, declaring them to be filled with chthonic lies and heresies. He advises that, the previous evening, he personally accosted Mentenus Cavië at the Tower of Knowledge. Cavië was truly repentant and accepted Romus’ cleansing magic that purged away his lycanthropy. “We have saved one of the empire’s finest mages from a terrible fate.” Romus proudly announces that the Grey Brotherhood has a close friend and ally in the rescued Cavië. The Brothers are less enthused and far more skeptical, though they keep this to themselves.

Raemon asks if Cavië’s repentance is sincere to which the prelate replies, “His contrition is as sincere as my own faith.” Alarmingly, Romus didn’t see it necessary to report the incident to Patriarch Arëtar, declaring this but a minor matter that will be mentioned at their next meeting. Romus’ eyes glint with ambition as he tells Castinus to bring him word of any other heresies the Brothers unearth.

Andravus joins Raemon and Castinus as they leave the Solar Citadel and they link up with Tirenius at The Mink where inquiries are made regarding a meeting with Liber Faunus. Unfortunately, going through conventional communication methods will only secure a meeting after four days, so the Brothers track down Bellos. As a representative of the Argollëan Brotherhood, Castinus sells him the recovered spices and furs at a small loss, that loss being a greasing of the thieves guild’s palm. Tirenius also gives Bellos his letter and the merchant assures them he can secure a meeting with Liber within a day or two.

The Brothers spend the remainder of the day securing supplies in the market.

13 Vinethelen – After a day of quiet recovery, study, and planning, the Brothers send Aria out on spying hijinks and Toothy out on carousing hijinks. Neither of these henchmen are expected to be done with these tasks by the time the company must depart for the Shrine of the White Lady so upon their conclusion, the two can wait in town.

Tirenius spends some time forming a cabal of street urchins to carouse for news, particularly focusing on any rumor of threat to the Grey Brothers. Castinus successfully gauges the market and astutely assesses the supply and demand of all its products. Andravus makes a copy of the sewer map recovered from Cavië’s secret room. He also visits the Empyrean Temple where he donates 400gp to Mityara and 400gp to Naurivus.

As the week progresses, Raemon continues to keep an eye out for a priestess to join the company while the Brothers spend time studying. The exception is Castinus who passes the days in the emporium establishing relationships with various vendors. On his way there, he comes across a gaggle of disabled veterans of the legions berating passengers for alms. Castinus attempts to find one who is skilled at driving and animal husbandry. Unfortunately, none are, so he merely gives them alms. They tell him that decapitated bodies of vagrants and lepers are being found floating in the river near the south wall. The City Watch isn’t looking for the killers. The beggars don’t know who it is, but are terrified.

At ‘Sheer Luxury’ Castinus meets the proprietor and purchases a fine tunic. She tells him that her best cloth maker, Pesca, has vanished and worries at her fate… or that she’s setup shop on her own in some other town. At ‘Galen’s Apothecary,’ he meets Galen and commissions the import of horsetail from Arganos as well as securing more of the soothing aloe. Galen hints that, with the right references, he might have other wares of interest for sale and purchase. At ‘Wagons and Wheels’, Castinus meets Giander and purchases a spare set of draft tack. Giander asks if Castinus is planning on heading to the Dark Wall. It is a rocky menacing region that was the site of many battles during the Empyrean and Beastman Wars. Caravaneers report that great flocks of wyverns live in the mesas and cliffs where they prey upon horses and men alike who dare journey in that region.

14 Vinethelen – Castinus, Tirenius, and Raemon, along with Abimbola, meet with Liber Faunus in the back rooms of The Mink while Andravus lurks nearby just in case there is trouble. Castinus gives a full briefing of what happened in the sewers and provides the copy of the map that Andravus made. Liber is wroth, declaring that the Family went to a great deal of effort to ensure that there were no maps of the sewers other than their own. He also asks if the Brothers believe that Cavië is truly cured. No. Then we believe the Prelate is corrupted? Of that, the Brothers are less certain, though there is worry.

Liber asks the intention behind the Brothers bringing all of this to him. Castinus replies that the Grey Brothers seek to be friends and allies of the Family. He also presents Abimbola and the plan to get him back into the arena. Liber has, indeed, heard Abimbola’s reputation as a feared gladiator who earned his freedom. Castinus speculates that Abimbola’s value in the arena is 3,000gp but the Brothers only seek recompense of 900gp for the harm Abimbola personally caused them. Any other funds can be profit for the Argollëan Family. Liber asks Abimbola, “And you will agree to go back into the arena?” “The Grey Brothers fought with honor. They could have killed me and instead they have given me a second chance. I accept it.” “Honors a bad thing to have, but I get where you’re coming from – Usually gold is worth more than honor.” The deal is done. The Brothers can bring Abimbola to the merchant guild house the following day and exchange him for the funds.

Liber Faunus agrees to send the Brothers word should he hear any rumor of a move against them. He also confirms that poison can be sold at Galen’s Apothecary without further need of introduction… though perhaps such a thing might be necessary if purchases are desired.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXVI
That was Brutal

15 Vinethelen – The Brothers visit Matriarch Aundëmë at the Temple of the Empyreans. As they arrive, several members of House Drakomir storm angrily out of the building. The matriarch herself appears troubled but is pleased to speak with the company. They discuss their planned journey. Andravus describes the anticipated route downriver to Siadanos then by road to Türos Tem before turning northward into the Viaspen Forest. The matriarch is pleased that it will include Türos Tem as she now has a way to conceal the true meaning of the journey. It will be advertised as an inspection of the border forts by the prelate including a dinner with his trusted friend and ally, Legate Valerian. The matriarch also agrees to arrange a meeting with the prefect’s wife, Lady Syrena.

Before parting her company, Andravus asks the matriarch about the nature of lycanthropy. He poses the question: can someone who has willfully become a lycanthrope be cured of the disease? She replies that it depends how far along the progression has gone. It is impossible to cure one who is naturally born into it, but it may be possible for those who have been transformed. Unfortunately, she has no further insights as the city has been free of wererats since the Captain of the Night Watch dealt with them centuries ago. She suggests talking to the patriarch of the Winged Sun as he takes particular interest in those old stories (the very man, ironically, that Prelate Romus decided not to tell).

Back at the hospital, Hyglak meets with his henchmen, Bombor and Heraus. He praises their deeds and awards them each a 50gp bonus.

The Brothers return to the hospital where the hale members resume their studies as the others heal. Given their suspicions of Mentenus Cavië, they establish a guard shift of three rotations. The building is square in shape with stairwells at the four corners and corridors that connect them with wards on each side. The center of the hospital contains a courtyard where an ever-burning flame blazes on the lower level. The Brothers take up quarters in the southern half of the second floor. The remainder of the floor is empty with all other residents on the lower level. The Knights of the Winged Sun are happy to provide two guards per shift as well.

18 Vinethelen – The Brothers are invited to Star Lake next to the prefectural palace for a picnic dinner with Lady Syrena Basilio and Matriarch Aundëmë. Castinus and Raemon attend while the other hale members remain behind to continue their guard over those in recovery. The pair ask Lady Serena if there are known factions acting against her husband. She replies carefully that there are some she suspects, but none she is presently prepared to name. Regardless, they are unlikely to attack during the journey as most are unaware of what has happened to the prelate and the remainder are convinced that his affliction is incurable. Castinus asks for help locating a priestess willing to join the Grey Brotherhood, advising that the last one decided to retire in wealth after a successful career. The lady glances at the matriarch and assures the Brothers that a volunteer can be found. “A volunteer?” wonders the matriarch, to which Lady Syrena replies, “Yes.” “Of course, my Lady.” The matriarch assures the Brothers that a ‘volunteer’ will join them when they depart Cyfaraun.

20 Vinethelen – Tirenius finishes study on his new spell, “Magic Lock.” He also completes gathering fifteen street urchins who he forms into the “Brothers Arms” and sends out carousing for rumors.

21 Vinethelen – During Bombor’s turn on night watch, the dogs in the company begin baying and sniffing the air nervously. The dwarf prepares for mischief as the others are roused by the noise of the dogs. They begin donning their armor and Tirenius casts “Magic Lock” on his door. A short while later, the door to the northeast stairwell explodes and three hell hounds emerge, their muzzles wreathed in flame. Two of the hell hounds advance, one down the western corridor and one down the eastern. The third disappears back down the stairs.

In the eastern hallway, the Knight of the Winged Sun charges forward along with one of the company’s faithful bloodhounds but the hell hound breaths fire on him, felling him and then the dog. Andravus manages to inflict a wound upon the creature as it slays a second bloodhound. But it then advances down the corridor to fell Bombor before cleaving onto Andravus’ trusty dog, Zelicus, and then onto Andravus himself who collapses within a gout of fire. As the flank wavers, Raemon steps into the corridor and casts “Holy Circle”, driving the hell hound back.

Meanwhile, events in the western hall fare somewhat better. Skandara finds her mark with an arrow inflicting a grievous wound upon the hellhound as the Knight of the Winged Sun holds his ground, if barely. Tirenius unleashes Mage Missile followed by a mighty strike by the knight. Then Gnar, the trusty war dog, leaps forward and tears the hound’s throat out.

From the southeast stairwell near Raemon, the crusader hears a yelp of surprise as the third hell hound is blocked by his magical barrier. Driven back, it instead clambers up the southwestern stairs where it is met by a blast of Tirenius’ Mage Missile, a ferocious bite from a bloodhound, and a deep wound from Griffin. “I’ve killed demons before!” A second Mage Missile from Tirenius fells it.

The first hell hound, driven back by Raemon, rushes to the western corridor where it fells the valiant Knight of the Winged Sun and then blasts Castinus with its fiery breath. The venturer wavers but holds his ground as Griffin rushes down the hall flinging his spear. The projectile buries itself deep in the hell hound’s shoulder and the fell creature lets out a cry of agony as Audar, the second war dog, lunges forward and kills it.

A moment of calm falls, but it is soon replaced by rushing Brothers seeing after their companions and a host of priestess including Matriarch Aundëmë herself, drawn by the attack on their hospital. Raemon checks on Andravus and finds that the explorer’s lungs have been blackened by the blasphemous fires, crippling him. Bombor fared better with only a burn scar upon his cheek. The two Knights of the Winged Sun prove to have been truly blessed by Ammonar. Despite appearing to have taken the brunt of the hell hound attack, they both recover. One lost the smallest finger on one hand while the other is unscathed, having suffered from only a momentary shock. Andravus’ trusty companion, Zelicus is also tended to. One of the dog’s eyes has melted from the heat. The other three bloodhounds, unfortunately, perish.

With Matriarch Aundëmë on the scene, she promptly brings Andravus before the eternal flame and tends to his ailments. Under her blessed magic, the explorer is purged of his afflictions but needs a week of bedrest. Andravus, grateful for the healing but infuriated by the assault on such holy ground, tells the matriarch that the hell hounds had been sent by Mentenus Cavië who Prefect Romus promised was cured of lycanthropy and now an ally. She replies, “This is a serious accusation you level against one of our most prestigious citizens.” She suggests the Brothers take the issue up with the patriarch. The Temple of the Hearthfire doesn’t interfere in matters of the Solar Citadel. If the Grey Brotherhood doesn’t feel like justice has been served by the patriarch, then the next recourse would be to turn to the inquisitors of the Temple of Justice.

In his fury, Andravus wants to bring charges immediately, but his temper cools under the council of his Brothers. Their focus must be on the prefect now and such matters can be tended to upon their return. At that point, the Grey Brotherhood will have gained a very strong ally, indeed. Instead, Castinus works with Tirenius on a new scheme for the “Brothers Arms” street urchins. Rather than carousing, they will begin a campaign of graffiti and slander with slogans such as “Death to rats!” and “Mentenus Cavië is a rat!”

23 Vinethelen – Castinus arranges for a wagon so Andravus can finish his recovery on the first leg of the journey to the Shrine of the White Lady. Tirenius also plans to ride in the wagon so he can continue his studies.

They pass a bard who serenades passersby with a song titled “The Sinister Stone of Sakkara,” a recounting of the glory and valor of the Grey Brotherhood. His lyrics are confused, however, as there are many references to the Brothers’ parents coming out of retirement. Hyglak tosses him a gold coin and encourages him to keep singing. Seeing the warrior’s shield, the bard realizes he is in the presence of the mighty Hyglak himself! “I thought you only had half a hand?” “I got better.”

24 Vinethelen – The Grey Brothers gather at the south gate where they meet Prefect Justirius Tavicus Basilio. He is mounted and has six cataphract prefectural guards with him as well as his wife and the matriarch. The prefect mumbles to himself and appears focused inward, muttering “No, I’m not going to kill them! Shut up, no!” Gaining control of himself, he looks up and greets the Brothers warmly, thanking them for guiding them to the sacred shrine. Turning inward again, he says, “Yes, I am grateful. No I don’t want to keep talking to you!” Then, “Does no one else hear them?”

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXVII
You Killed My Dogs!

24 Vinethelen – As the Grey Brotherhood prepares to set out, Matriarch Aundëmë introduces them to Hyapsara, the priestess who eagerly “volunteered” to join the company. She enters service to Raemon with a nervous sweat upon her brow, but the Brothers try to make her feel as welcome as possible. Castinus holds a final meeting with Aria who will be in charge of those of the Brotherhood left behind in Cyfaraun. She is given 300gp to deal with any expenses that may arise and the company agrees to give both her and Toothy their usual share of any profits earned on the expedition despite their absence.

Departing Cyfaraun, it is near midday when the company passes a caravan of guards leading a line of hobgoblin captives. The caravan leader is none other than Maximus Arjenturon with whom the Brothers have had indirect dealings in the past. Castinus greets him and Maximus suggests the company meet with him when they return to Cyfaraun.

25 Vinethelen – The day’s travel is uneventful and the company pushes on in a short forced march to gain the walls of Türos Quell before sundown. They are housed by Legate Caros Lubo. The prefect and his wife retire immediately for the evening, but the Brothers give a little coin to the kitchen to ensure the prefectural guard receives the anticipated feast that is due their station. They are very pleased.

26 Vinethelen – Resting after the forced march of the day before, Castinus spends some time assessing the market of Türos Quell and astutely gauges the supply and demand for all varieties of goods.

27 Vinethelen – Not long after departing the fort, the company hears a bleating sound from out in the marshes. Because they are on a critical escort duty for the prefect, the Brothers decide not to investigate. Lady Basilio is concerned, but the company assures her they are likely just goats. They’ve had such an encounter before. However, as they travel by a pasture, a shepherd asks if they’ve seen any missing sheep. The Brothers advise him of what they heard in the marshes. The shepherd is disheartened, knowing how perilous it would be to go into the swamp after them. Though it would be good to protect all the peoples of the world from its near-infinite perils, alas there are moments when the Brotherhood must weigh time and cost.

As the company continues its journey, those in the main caravan see a disturbance from Scavinus and Griffin who are scouting ahead a couple hundred paces. Griffin is unhorsed and falls to the ground while Scavinus rushes for the cover of some bushes and cries out in warning. The Brothers tell the prefect, his guard, and the priestesses to hold back with the wagon along with Castinus, Tirenius, and the incapacitated Andravus. Hyglak bellows, “Grey Brothers, charge forward!” and leads the remainder of the company in an assault against what proves to be a brigand ambush. The enemy archers have taken positions on either side of the road in five clusters of trees.

Raemon casts “holy blessing,” imbuing many of the company with righteous fervor. Then Bombor charges forward and, as he comes parallel with Griffin, endures a withering volley of bow fire from at least half a dozen archers… that all miss. He advances to the closest group of foes on the east side of the road and dismounts to engage. Three hunting dogs follow the dwarf and leap upon one of the bowmen, slaying him. Hyglak, likewise, advances and fells the final two in the group. Meanwhile, Augilor, Heraus, and Avaro charge into a second group to the west of the road, felling all five with Avaro only suffering minor wounds.

As the slaughter of the archers heats up, brigand cavalry emerge from beyond a rise to the east. One gallops into the company’s rear and deals Raemon a grievous wound, unhorsing him. Augilar, however, comes to the crusader’s rescue, driving a lance through the brigand’s back, killing him.

Hunting dogs rush a third group of archers further down the road. One of the brigands drops his bow and guts one of the loyal hounds with a taunt of “Good dog, good dog!” but another dog reciprocates by tearing the archer’s throat out.

Taking several brutal arrow wounds from the fourth group of archers, Hyglak drops his lance and charges forward with Death Drinker to fell one of the archers and restore his health. Avaro attacks the fifth group of bowmen and slays both. The final two archers fall to a pair hunting dogs.

Dismounting in the fray, Zeodana rushes forward to engage the brigand leader who wears plate armor and sits masterfully upon a barded horse. She’s joined by Heraus, still mounted, who charges into the fray. Gnar and Audar the war dogs and three hunting dogs assault the cavalry as well. They savage a brigand sub-commander, but are all slain as a second brigand rides to the rescue. The sub-commander turns to his companion. “Thanks for dealing with those dogs, now onto…” But whatever future plans he may have had are ended as an arrow from Skandara punctures his face and he topples to the ground.

Most of the brigand cavalry, meanwhile, mass against Heraus and he is felled by their leader. Augilor rides to the rescue, slaying one of the cavalry, but he, in turn, is also seriously wounded. With a cry of, “You killed my dogs!” Hyglak joins the fray dealing a grievous wound to the brigand leader. They are joined by Avaro, Zeodana, Raemon, and the two surviving hunting dogs. After the dealing of many wounds, one of the hounds leaps up and tears the throat out of the brigand leader. Overcome, the final two brigand cavalrymen throw down their weapons and surrender.

Checking on their companions, the Grey Brothers determine that Heraus in shock and will need one night’s bedrest. He has suffered a gruesome scar that turned his face into a hideous mass. Griffin will need a week’s bedrest and his hand has been ruined. The two dogs stand over the bodies of their fallen pack members and howl in grief.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXVIII
Stick with Me and You’ll Go Places!

27 Vinethelen (continued) – In the wake of the battle with the brigands, the Grey Brothers question the prisoners. Unfortunately, those in leadership were slain. The survivors only know that someone hired them in Cyfaraun and promised a rich reward if they brought back Prefect Basilio’s head. The prefect, or perhaps the voices haunting him, urge the execution of the prisoners but the Brothers decide to bring them to Siadanos where they can be turned over to the gladiatorial arena. Before departing the field, the Brothers pillage the armor, weapons, and mounts of their foes. It is time to begin gathering equipment for a larger army. Two noteworthy items are found on the bodies. One is a scroll case on the brigand chieftain’s body while the other is a masterwork arrow with eagle fletching on the corpse of the archer leader. It may be that the single arrow is magical, intended to slay the prefect, but that is unclear. The sun nears the horizon as these activities are completed, so the company camps a short distance away.

28 Vinethelen – As the company sets out again, Andravus is thrilled to leave the wagon and resume his place as a scout, having recovered from the wounds inflicted in the hell hound attack. Heraus is also back in action after the previous day’s battle. It is a long day of travel that passes without incident, but a forced march brings them to Siadanos before dark. Lady Basilio worries about Prelate Theremus Augilian meeting her husband in his current state. Therefore, instead of staying at the palace, they lodge at the Grey Brother’s estate.

29 Vinethelen – While happy to tend to Paladin Heraus, Matriarch Aundëmë is reluctant to restore the awkward Griffin’s injuries but Andravus manages to convince her, if barely. Heraus recovers without side effect, but Griffin finds that he is sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, a condition exacerbated by his own halo. The matriarch takes this outcome as evidence her warning was sound.

30 Vinethelen – Though Prefect Basilio avoids staying with the prelate, an offer for a feast presents a greater challenge. Regrets are sent on behalf of the prefect, offering the excuse of an assassination attempt, however Lady Basilio attends along with the prefectural guard. She is also accompanied by Castinus as a representative for the Grey Brotherhood. Avaro and Augilor are disappointed not to attend, particularly Augilor who fusses until it is decided that the pair will also attend as Castinus’ guards. Avaro comments, “I can’t believe the squeaky wheel actually got the grease.” Speaking of grease, most of that ends up either dribbling down Augilor’s arms or smeared across his face as he proves to be a messy eater.

During the meal, Prelate Augilian tells Castinus of a hobgoblin problem. They are based out of Dragon’s Tor and are raiding villages and merchant caravans in the area. He is also concerned about the undead in the Lusuan Forest. He concludes that it would be a great service if the Grey Brothers could deal with these problems while the Imperial Vanguard is away.

3 Genethelen – The company sets out on the road to Türos Tem. Andravus leaves Zelicus at the villa to continue his recovery from his wounds. Alas, the hound suffers from acute separation anxiety. Meanwhile, Hyglak names one of the other two surviving dogs Harold.

4 Genethelen – Near evening, a sparrowhawk is sighted. Zeodana declares this a mark of good luck, the raptor being the blessed bird of Ianna. Alas, in retrospect, I’m not so certain the sparrowhawk shared that luck with me… but it did with the prefect and in the big picture perhaps that’s more important. I’m trying to tell myself that.

5 Genethelen – The day dawned hot and sweltering, despite the lateness of the season, compelling our heavily armored warriors to shed several layers of their armor. Really, sparrowhawk? Late in the day, as the company approached the crossroads west of Türos Tem, a rain of arrows assails them from the north side of the road. It is a perfectly executed ambush as Andravus and Scavenus, leading the column by a hundred paces, caught no sight of the assassins lying in wait. Arrows fall among the main company, with a startling number missing their mark but Bombor is downed by the initial volley. More assassins rush from the underbrush to attack the scouts, wounding Scavenus and felling Andravus while a second volley of arrows drop Skandara. Fortunately, the prefect is behind the wagon. Less fortunately, he and his guard are unaware of what has happened and… are curious.

Once the initial surprise fades, the Brothers leap into action. Augilor, Avaro, and Hyglak, along with his trusty dog, Harold, charge the main group of assassins and begin to carve a path through them. They are swarmed by the thieves which shift to assail them from all sides. But with the help of Tirenius and a Slumber spell, the tide begins to turn.

A smaller contingent of three thieves lurk on the south side of the road. Raemon manages to paralyze one while Zeodana closes to melee with a second. Just at this moment, Prefect Basilio advances from the cover of the wagon demanding, “What’s going on?” The third thief sees his primary target and, running to an ambush point, looses an arrow that wounds the Brother’s charge.

Raemon rushes over to shield the prefect from attacks. He fends off one, from the north, but the same thief in the south leaps over the Brothers’ wagon to fire a second shot against Prefect Basilio from and angle where the crusader cannot shield him… but misses. Several of the prefectural guards follow Raemon’s example and circle their liege as Hyglak and the heavies continue carving through the main group of bandits. Their leader appears to be about to flee when a Mage Missile from Tirenius slays him. The rest of the brigands surrender.

In the wake of the battle, the wounded are tended to. Andravus suffers a puncture wound to the throat that leaves him with a rasp while Bombor’s arm is shattered to the point of requiring amputation. Both also need two weeks of bedrest. Skandara fared a little better with an ear torn off and only one night of bedrest.

The brigands are then questioned, including their leader who had been felled by Tirenius but was brought back by healing. His wounds prove to be much less significant, at least for the moment. His jaw is scarred and he suffers from shock. Under harsh interrogation by Raemon, the man wets himself and confesses his band is affiliated with the Sand and Bones guild of Cyfaraun. They work the wilderness contracts. Their contact is Jonus Krusaro, chief of the enforcers for the Sand and Bones. The bandit leader doesn’t know who hired the Sand and Bones. The task was to assassinate Prefect Basilio and bring his head in exchange for 11,000gp. Krusaro told the brigands the prefect’s travel route and that he would be journeying by wagon. They left Cyfaraun about a week ago and have been lying in wait for a day and a half.

Jonus Krusaro is described as a Krysean man with a curly black beard, bald head, and broken nose. He has “short man’s syndrome” and is wider than he is tall but makes no noise when he moves. Both scary and tricky, he probably hired two or three groups for the same job with the knowledge that he’d only have to pay one. Once the deed was done, they were to meet Krusaro at the White Lotus brothel because their usual place, the Silk Pony Inn was too hot. The White Lotus is a small and dirty establishment with only a couple rooms.

As the interrogation concludes, Raemon casts Cause Fear, breaks the man, and demands repentance. The prisoner does so. Perhaps Ammonar is satisfied, but Andravus feels an appropriate punishment must still be meted out for daring to attempt the murder of one’s liege (and possibly, also, a mix of anger and shame at being overcome so easily in the opening moments of the battle). Prefect Basilio agrees and has the three prisoners crucified. As they hang, dying, the prefect comments, “Huh, the voices have stopped!”

The Brothers salvage the brigands’ equipment, including a potion and a scroll case, then complete their journey to Türos Tem. Matriarch Aundëmë is kind enough to restore the wounded members of the company in the temple. Unfortunately, the first two are less than entirely successful. As she tends to Bombor, his arm grows back, but other things also grow while some parts shrink… and he becomes Bambi Breth. Curiously, aside from his voice going up a register, there is no apparent physical difference. For Andravus, his connection to the divine has been lessened, reducing his will. Perhaps this is punishment for his bloodthirsty condemnation of the assassins? Both of them still need two weeks of bedrest.

Skandara, on the other hand, clutches at the matriarch as her ear is restored. “I’ve seen a sublime vision! There’s something evil lurking underneath Cyfaraun. Slumbering dead in the thousands and soon they’ll wake. We’ve got to stop them!” She becomes so committed to the Brothers’ cause that her morale is unflagging despite the injury she sustained.

Prefect Basilio tells Raemon, “It is by Ammonar’s hand that my life was saved. You have my gratitude… and the voices gratitude.” After some internal discussion, he continues, “The voices say that I should tell you that after you die, I’ll be sure to give a donation to your family.”

The Brothers decide to examine the potion and the two captured scroll cases given the serendipity of having a matriarch nearby should they be cursed. Tirenius goes out alone to the center of the fort’s parade field and investigates them each in turn. The potion provides piercing protection. The first scroll has a note in common that says, “Sell this to the Tower for big gp.” The actual scroll has “Fan of Flames” and “Mage Missile.” The second scroll is a treasure map. It is ink on parchment spotted with water stains. It shows a small hamlet called “Forest’s Edge” near the Viaspen but is otherwise unremarkable.

The Brothers try holding it up to the sunlight and pass it over a flame without success. Raemon suggests dampening the map and they do so carefully on the back side to avoid smudging the ink. It immediately reveals an X on one of the buildings and the word “4,000.”

As they leave the parade field, Skandara senses that Andravus is still feeling gloomy. She tells him, “You know, boss, I’ve never met a boss who just has so much good luck for everyone who works for him.”

Andravus replies, “Stick with me and you’ll go places!”

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXIX
But I don’t see the Imperial Vanguard here, do you?

5 Genethelen (continued) – The Grey Brothers ask Lady Basilio if anyone in Cyfaraun knows of their true purpose and destination. She replies that the Captain of the Prefectural Guard and the Court Magister know the ostensible reason for their journey, but no one back in the city knows their actual mission. After consulting with her, the Brothers also ask Legate Drusus if he is willing to aid them by sending out four diversionary companies, one back toward Siadanos, one south to Türos Luin, one east to Türos Aster, and one south across the river. He is unwilling to send anyone beyond the river due to the danger, but consents to the other three.

The Brothers also broach the subject of their reward with Lady Basilio. Knowing that the Sand & Bones Guild put a price on her husband’s head of 11,000gp, she proposes double that. The Brothers agree that this is a reasonable payment and also ask for an Imperial Charter. She replies, “An Imperial Charter? The Imperial Vanguard already has a charter for the Borderlands.” Then she chuckles. “But I don’t see the Imperial Vanguard here, do you?” She concludes the conversation by praising the Brothers’ wisdom in asking for terms now. After all, “If there is one thing I have learned in politics, it’s that no one ever has gratitude for long. We will certainly do our best, but you are wise to ask for a boon when you could.”

6 Genethelen – The day is sweltering again as the company sets out. In the heat, they only manage to make the shelter of the Viaspen Forest before dark.

7 Genethelen – As the company enters the woods, they are approached by a dozen feral mountain curs. Emaciated and menacing, the beasts advance threateningly. The Brothers form ranks and first Skandara, then the others, toss jerky from their rations at the dogs. As the animals all gather together, hungrily devouring the food, Tirenius casts Thunderclap, killing or knocking them all unconscious.

Continuing their journey, they come across a grove of pomegranate trees from an abandoned elven forest garden. The Brothers pause and gather up over forty pounds of fruit, more than making up for the rations lost to the feral dogs. Before departing, they pour one out for Gwynfor.

As they approach the Shrine of the White Lady, the Brothers pause a quarter mile away and begin to make dispositions as to who will approach the shrine and who will remain behind. They don’t want to leave a clear trail of horses leading to the destination and also wish to minimize who knows its location. This means leaving the prefectural guard behind. Andravus has an uneasy feeling that there may not only be a danger in the forest but perhaps one at the shrine itself as well. He asks Skandara to scout ahead on her own. It is a potentially dangerous assignment, but the thief is willing. In gratitude, Andravus gives her a 100gp bonus. She advances to the edge of the wood line and, looking up at the shrine, sees that the unicorn lies dead beside the pure waters. Its corpse has been savaged though, strangely, the horn has not been taken. Unwilling to advance further, she hustles back to report.

Tirenius sends Zahak out on a high aerial scouting mission next. A minute later, the imp flies back with great speed, “Master, there’s great danger ahead. Nine griffons! They killed the unicorn and lust for horseflesh.” The Brothers determine that discretion is the better part of valor. They slink away and setup camp for the night, hoping the griffons will be gone the next day.

8 Genethelen – The Brothers again approach the shrine. They deploy a heavily armed force while the remainder of the company stays behind with the horses and mules. As the advance guard approaches the edge of the forest, they are hailed by an elven warrior who advises that they are approaching sacred ground and must leave. Raemon acknowledges the holy ground and states the Brotherhood’s purpose. With his great booming voice, everyone in the area hears clearly. The elf replies that if the Brothers are true servants of Demara then they must have one of her priestesses in their company. Matriarch Aundëmë steps into view and, upon seeing her, the elf bows. He and his companions relax and about thirty emerge from hiding places.

Lady Basilio is a bit nervous about having her husband drink from the water first and suggests someone else do so. Bambi is happy oblige and becomes Bombor once again (which, is to say, for all the company can tell, his voice deepens). The dwarf confirms to Raemon that he did have a vision and the crusader suggests they talk about it later when the Brothers are alone.

Satisfied, Prefect Basilio drinks next and is cured. He strides directly to Raemon and declares, “We must lead a crusade, a great evil is coming!” The crusader replies, “Prefect, I would be honored to serve beside you on some great crusade ordered by the Empyrean.”

Heraus, Augilor, and Griffin all drink of the water and receive visions as well. Griffin declares “Did any of the rest of you see it? The hideous dark well, the black pit of chthonic horror that we have to destroy!” Bombor says, “I thought we were going to talk about this later?” Hyglak and Andravus both try drinking of the water and find that it tastes good, but has no other properties.

The company helps the elves build a funeral pyre for the unicorn. The commander gives his name as Caoimhin Ua Brogan (pronounced “Camwen”). Raemon says he can count on the Grey Brotherhood should the shrine ever be in danger. Caoimhin thanks him but says that since it is an elven shrine, an elven guardian should defend it. Caoimhin knows of Gwynfor as they both come from the same fastness and asks after the spellsword’s health. Raemon tells of the elf’s tragic demise to which Caoimhin replies, “As between you and me, I can’t say I’m surprised. That one always seemed like he had ill luck. Nevertheless, his loss is tragic.”

Raemon asks if there any safe routes through the forest but is advised that there aren’t. Ever since the Aurans drove them from the Viaspen, it has become wild and dangerous to the point that even elves only travel it in large numbers. He hopes that there will be comity again between the Auran Empire and Argollë, but it seems unlikely due to the humanity’s excessive felling of their great tree farms. The Brothers share the pomegranates they recovered from the orchard with all the elves and that cheers them up.

The Brothers bid the elves farewell and set a camp a modest distance away. They discuss the remainder of the journey with the prefect. Basilio is eager to return to Cyfaraun directly, stating he must be back before the first of the new month because of the Celebration of the Unconquered Dawn. The prefect puts his hand on Castinus’ shoulder. “You have done me a great boon and it will not be forgotten, even if my wife says it will be.”

9 Genethelen – As day breaks, the company sets out on their return trip to Cyfaraun. A few hours later, they come across the remnants of an elven fastness built a hundred feet up in the trees. Most structures are badly decayed, but one with a rope ladder is relatively intact. Hyglak clambers up. It is a large thirty by thirty foot building that has been at least somewhat maintained. Inside, he finds the remnants of a recent campsite including scraps of waybread suggesting a large group of elves recently used it, most likely Caoimhin’s party. Skandara checks it out next. She’s impressed by the archer sight lines from the building. Andravus marks it on his map.

As the Brothers continue their journey through a denser part of the forest, Hyglak’s horse jostles a branch that holds several beehives and multiple enraged swarms emerge. Thinking quickly, Tirenius casts Shrouding Fog. Enveloped in the hateful mist, the bees decide that perhaps they aren’t so angry after all and retreat. The company presses on, leaving the forest and reaching the road to Türos Om before nightfall.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXX
These are Not the Wererats You’re Looking For

10 Genethelen – In Türos Om, the Brothers gather in the great hall along with Prefect Basilio to discuss the quests that were received at the Shrine of the White Lady. Heraus speaks first. “I saw a black pit of darkness in the city below Cyfaraun. Something slumbers there. We must destroy it.” He is followed by Griffin who exclaims, “I saw a fetid pit in a forest and within it the dead were awakening.” The Brothers are alarmed that it is clearly a different vision. They speculate that it might be the Lusuan Forest from which they’ve already heard tales of the undead. Bombor shares next. “I saw terrible catacombs deep beneath the city of Cyfaraun filled with the living dead. Grave after grave after grave after grave lining the walls… endless catacombs.” The last of the henchmen to share a vision is Augilor. “I saw a wretched place. It was an underground twisting maze of tunnels with white roots and hideous buglike creatures crawling on them. And the hands of the dead were emerging like from the soils of the grave.” He says there were so many tree roots it must have been a forest or below a forest, not a city.

Thus it seems that Heraus and Bombor received visions related to Cyfaraun while Griffin and Augilor’s were of a forest, most likely the Lusuan. It should also be remembered that when Avaro was healed after the Sakkara venture he received a vision, if not a quest, proclaiming “The pool of dark water below the capital city. It’s a portal to darkness and hell!”

Prefect Basilio also shares the quest he was given. “My vision was different. I saw horses trampling the sunset. I saw an eagle with rotten feathers. I saw a white tower burning and a black void in the sky. I saw armies of beastmen marching across two rivers and I saw a black scourge and a red sword clashing in combat.” He interprets the tramping horses as the Skysos invasion, fears the eagle is the rotting of the Auran Empire, and admits the burning tower may well be its capital. The beastmen in the land of two rivers can only mean the Borderlands. He confesses that he does not know the meaning of the black scourge and the red sword or the black void in the sky.

The Prefect is driven to return to his city as soon as possible. He intends to speak with the Regent of the Tower of Knowledge and the Patriarch of the Winged Sun before making a final decision on his course. He brooks no delay to avoid possible ambushes or to purchase a cart for Andravus to ride in. As such, the injured explorer must again suffer being strapped to a mule for the journey back to Cyfaraun.

On the way, they pass by a group of pilgrims, mostly peasants, escorted by several Crusaders of Ammonar also heading to the city. The crusaders explain that they are from the villages around Türos Om. The road between the fort and Luseatem are suffering frequent raids from wererats so the pilgrims are going to venerate the Captain of the Underwatch in the hopes of relief from their troubles. Suspecting further machinations from Mentenus, the Brothers converse further and learn that the wererats likely come from the Naungollë Forest. They conclude that these are not the wererats they are looking for.

The company reaches Cyfaraun near sunset and the Brothers part ways with the Prefect’s party, being told to return on the morrow for their reward. The Brothers take up lodging again at The Mink where they reunite with Toothy and Aria. Unfortunately, the carousing and spying of the two henchmen yielded no leads. Tirenius’ band of urchins, the “Brothers Arms” are still at work with no news yet to report.

11 Genethelen – At the palace, the Grey Brotherhood meets with Prefect Basilio, his wife, and the less-than-enthused Court Magus, Nicodus Essir. The prefect grants the Brothers the desired Imperial Charter along with a sum of 22,000gp. To their surprise and pleasure, they are also given the Title of Ownership to Türos Dred, an abandoned keep on the east side of the Krisovir River used in the Argollëan War. Control of that bank has been lost and Basilio doesn’t know what occupies the fortress now. Should the company reclaim it, they will gain a tribuneship of that land in service to the prefect. The Brothers realize that this is none other than the fortress opposite Türos Aster which, according to its legate, has been occupied by a hundred bugbears.

Prefect Basilio further advises that he is planning a crusade based upon the vision given to him by the White Lady. It being winter, the campaign will not begin for about six months. He urges the Brothers to claim Türos Dred as it will serve as a secure jumping off point for his invasion. The prefect is filled with holy and martial ardor but it is clear that his court magus is far less enthused.

Castinus calls the Brothers to Council and the henchmen who drank from the holy waters speak. While Griffin is filled with ardor at his role in the Brotherhood, the other three are less inspired. Augilor agrees to remain with the company, but only if his quest in the forest is dealt with first. Bombor is also grudging, but consents to continue his service so long as the catacombs are purged of their evil. Heraus proves the most intractable. He consents to remain but only until the curse beneath Cyfaraun is ended and it must be done first. At that point, he will depart regardless of success or failure.

A long debate ensues. After some discussion, all the Brothers except Raemon are inclined to deal with the threat in the Lusuan Forest first. Though he believes the danger in Cyfaraun is the greater, Raemon consents to the majority vote. He also exhorts their henchmen in his booming voice, “There seems to be a common theme among the various visions that we’ve had and that is undead and chthonic threat. All of these visions are here in the Borderlands so it could be that they are all related to each other in some way. The best way to tackle these visions is to assume that they’re all related and stay together until we have discovered the truth behind all of them and conquered the evil that is driving them. If you want to fulfill the quest that you have been given by the White Lady, then you should commit to each other to quest with each for all of the visions.” Though his words were moving, Heraus’ heart has become as stone.

The paladin is filled with holy fervor and becomes utterly intractable. If the Brothers decide to deal with the forest threat first, he states that he will enter the sewers this very day. In part his argument is sound as that will get him further from Mentenus’ eye. But with only Avaro and Bombor joining him without divine or arcane magical support, such a course can only doom them. Heraus is further incensed at the very idea that the Brothers might withhold their map of the sewers. The Brothers, for their part, worry that in his current rash mood, the paladin and his companions will die and the map will be lost. They urge him to recruit a larger force while Andravus recovers. Once the explorer is hale, he can make a copy of the map. Heraus rejects any delay out of hand. After lengthy discussion, the Brothers decide to ask the prefect for the services of the trustworthy court cartographer.

On the way back to the palace, the company has the ill-fate of passing beneath a chamber pot being emptied. Alas for Tirenius and Skavenus, they even get feces in their eyes and mouth. Rather than continue directly to meet with the prefect again, the company pauses at the bath and freshens up first.

The prefect is happy to lend the Brothers the services of his cartographer. By the time the copy of the map is completed, Heraus has managed to temper his ardor with wisdom. He recognizes the need for a larger company and agrees to linger to allow for some recruitment. Andravus suggests that perhaps he should not use the name ‘Grey Brotherhood’ to avoid the ire of Mentenus Cavië. After some discussion, Heraus, Avaro, and Bombor decide to call themselves the “Sword of Fate” though the dwarf seems less than happy with the name as he bears a mace. Hyglak, inspired by his half-hand sigil, suggests that instead they call themselves the “Hand of Fate.” Heraus and the others are pleased with the name. The Brothers confer upon Heraus the sword Mor Süresan which he has carried to this point with such success. They also grant Bombor the magical mace the dwarf has been using. In addition, the three members of the “Hand of Fate” are given 500gp to aid with their recruitment. Castinus tells them to send word to Siadanos should they find the access route to the city below Cyfaraun using the code phrase “Fate is at Hand.”

The Grey Brothers part ways with their companions and prepare to depart for Siadanos where Andravus can complete his recovery away from the malicious hand of Mentenus Cavië. Before setting out, however, Castinus repays the loan on the Empyrean Standard.

The path is set and the sands of time begin to fall as the Brothers begin to take their next steps in what is now, clearly, a road to war.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXXI
Diseased Hideous Smelling Men who Never Bathe

13 Genethelen – The Grey Brothers arrive in Siadanos after an uneventful two-day journey upriver. In town, they publish advertisements that they are seeking more members for the company. Castinus also puts out a commission to find someone of advanced skill in animal husbandry. Most of the Brothers settle in at the villa where Andravus continues his recovery and the others study. Castinus, however, spends some time rumormongering.

From a barkeep he hears, “Amongst the peaks of the Meniri Mountains, there is a volcano whose fires burn hotter than the sphere of fire. It is where Orm, the great dragon was born, and only there can he be slain!” Later in the day, a harlot tells him, “The Viamir Marshes get bigger every year. Something wicked is at work, expanding its foul miasma.” Finally a customer adds, “Deep under the Meniri Mountain lie the ruins of the dwarven citadel of Azen Kairn, destroyed by the dragon Orm during the Beastman Wars.”

14 Genethelen – The Company calls upon Palatine Theremus Augillian whom Castinus had previously met at the banquet for Lady Basilio. The palatine is accompanied by his guard commander, Legate Lutarius Sinorix. Castinus advises that the Brothers have resolved to address the undead problem in the Lusuan Forest that the palatine had mentioned at the banquet. Augillian is pleased to hear this and advises that Patrician Acerus Sefrenian has offered a 500gp reward for anyone who cleanses the sinkhole of evil. He provides the published plea for help. “Undead wandering north from the Lusaun Forest have terrorized the hardworking farmers of Patrician Acerus Sefrenian. The august patrician has offered a reward of 500 gold pieces to adventurers who can cleanse whatever sinkhole of evil is yielding this crop of horror! Bring proof to the villa of the august Acerus at the Sefrenian estates."

The Brothers also inquire about any plans that might exist for Türos Dred. The palatine is initially suspicious at their motives until Castinus shares the Title of Ownership granted by Prefect Basilio for his crusade. Agiliian agrees to have his archivist search through their records for anything that might assist the Brotherhood. The fortress has been lost for centuries, so he isn’t sure what may be found.

On the way back to the villa, the Brothers visit Torrad Radokh and Castinus picks up his completed masterwork sword. Tirenius puts in an order for a silver-shod staff, though the dwarf is offended by various bits of idle chatter and raises the price accordingly. Andravus inquires as to the existence of a craftsmen who makes masterwork bows in town but, along with being told no, he also endures a tirade from the dwarf about weapons of the “pointy-eared.”

Andravus and Raemon donate a portion of their bounty to the temple while Tirenius squanders a share of his in some way. This writer isn’t sure of the exact means, but suspects the alchemist was trying to turn straw into gold and perhaps succeeded in the opposite.

16 Genethelen – The first applicant responding to the Brother’s advertisement arrives at the villa. As the door is opened to receive him, Zeodana unleashes “Angelic Choir.” He bows and presents himself as Suad ibn-Suad, a warrior of Shebatea with “hard life” tattooed across his knuckles. Suad is an explorer, pathfinder, and archer of some skill and Hyglak eagerly offers him a position. Unfortunately, Suad is disgusted. He thought he’d be working for the worthy Castinus, not some “dirty stinking Jutlander that doesn’t even bathe.” The man who had seemed so eloquent and dignified storms off and speaks ill of the most noble Grey Brotherhood to any fools who might listen to him.

18 Genethelen – The “Angelic Choir” is unleashed again at the arrival of Destria Drakon, a knight-errant paladin of the Temple of the Winged Sun. Her skills include great alertness and marshal training. However, she’s hesitant to join, having heard Suad ibn-Suad’s description that “the Grey Brotherhood is filled with diseased hideous smelling men who never bathe.” Andravus is incensed, noting with humor that he bathed a month ago! Hyglak is more annoyed and makes various veiled threats concerning Suad’s idle and dishonest tongue. Destria is soured by this pronouncement and declines employment with him but Raemon steps in and, after much discussion, prevails upon her to join the company with a generous signing bonus.

20 Genethelen – Celsüreus Sürammon, formerly of the Cyfaraun Tower of Knowledge, calls upon the Brothers. He departed the tower after a disagreement with their management. He “borrowed” the wand of an associate and, when confronted, happened to “accidentally” stab said associate in the back. A simple misunderstanding. Celsüreus is an alchemist of advanced skill, an arcane dabbler if not a mage, and rather fond of thrusting swords into the backs of those who perturb him. Tirenius happily hires him with a signing bonus.

21 Genethelen – Tirenius picks up his silver staff from Torrad Radokh and Castinus commissions a masterwork silver sword. That evening, the Brothers are called upon by Uthman Bar-Juba of Opelenea. His unit of heavy cavalry was disbanded and he seeks fame and fortune as an adventurer. Hyglak is thrilled to find a heavily armed and armored horseman and hires Uthman with a generous signing bonus. Uthman is equally exhilarated and joins the company with élan.

23 Genethelen – The Brothers visit the Tower of Knowledge where Andravus’ “Arrow of the Eagle” is confirmed to have no magical powers. Tirenius’ cloak, taken from the body of one of the wererats, however, is enchanted with the spell “Shimmer.”

24 Genethelen – At long last, Andravus has recovered from wounds sustained in the ambush by the brigands near Türos Tem and the Brothers set out that morning from Siadanos. Their first stop is the villa of Patrician Acerus to the southeast to inquire about his quest. He advises that the Lusuan Forest takes its name from the silver birch that grow throughout the valley where it lays. It is reputed to have once been the most beautiful elven woodland in the region but has gone wild and dangerous. The source of the undead, a suspected sinkhole of evil, is thought to be no more than a day’s march from his villa. He confirms that all known attacks have been by zombies, but he’s heard rumors of ghouls and incorporeal spirits that are unverified.

Thanking Acerus for the information, the company heads southeast and enters the forest where Andravus begins surveying the land. The terrain is rugged and fortune is not with him as he’s unable to make a reasonable assessment of the area before nightfall.

25 Genethelen – Refreshed with the new day, Andravus quickly completes his survey. He determines that the immediate region is likely to possess six lairs but it is doubtful that any of them are a sinkhole of evil. The Brothers therefore press southeast and deeper into the forest. The region here is extremely dense, making for slow going. It takes until sunset to get to the point where they can resume their surveying. They camp for the night.

26 Genethelen – Andravus resumes his surveying and they soon encounter a grove with an oak tree that is surely centuries old. It has a massive trunk some ten feet in diameter with a large hollow at its base. As they approach, they catch a glimpse of something disappearing into the hollow. Destria doesn’t detect any evil from it so Raemon calls out in his booming voice. “You there who went into the tree, come out! We wish to speak with you.” A female black bear emerges and, rearing up, growls menacingly. The Brothers back slowly away and the bear returns peacefully to its den. Andravus marks the location on his map, dreaming of one day being able to befriend such glorious creatures.

Andravus completes his survey of the area and determines that there are likely to be nine lairs in this dense region, but there are no indications that any are a sinkhole of evil. The company turns southwest. The terrain here is much less of a thicket, but the ground is uneven and the foliage is heavy making risk of an ambush all the greater. Andravus resumes his assessment.

Concealed within a shadowy dale of ash and oak, the Brothers come across the ruins of a Zaharan shrine near sunset. All that remains is a black colossus of an ancient warrior king standing on a stone tile floor. A gaping hole punctures the tiles in front of the statue from which a vile miasma emanates. Destria declares, “Greater evil than ever I have detected. Not just evil creatures but the land itself poisoned and blackened with darkness.”

Skavenus sets some trip wires around the hole designed to rattle loudly should anything emerge. Then the Brothers withdraw to just within earshot for their faithful hounds to hear the trap being tripped, and setup camp.

As the sun sets, the dogs begin to bark in the direction of the shrine. The company quickly forms up in ranks. Not long thereafter, a great cloud of bats flies past in search of food and the hounds howl after them. The Brothers cautiously approach the shrine. At about ten paces, they see that the trap remains undisturbed… or something has already reset it after setting it off. With that haunting image in their minds, they withdraw back to their camp and spend a harrowing night. It is with joy that they witness the sun rising on a new day.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXXII
Crusaders do not Shimmy

27 Genethelen – As the day dawns, the Grey Brotherhood returns to the ruined Zaharan Temple. Hyglak approaches the gaping hole beneath the statue and stares down. He sees a natural cavern almost entirely filled by a murky pool covered in greenish scum some thirty feet below. Out of the pool emerge three stalagmites while at the edge of vision he sees two tunnels leading out of the chamber. One is an extension of the pool while the other rises to dry ground. Within the cavern, he sees numerous bats at rest.

The Brothers back away and consider their options. The green pool has an ill look to it, so they search for other possible entrances nearby but are unsuccessful. At the same time, Tirenius inspects the statue itself. Zahak identifies it and says, “The statue is the great sorcerer king Memnhisir, consort of the famous Semiramis who murdered the queen and seized her throne. Then he ruled until he was murdered by Djarghul. Look, the statue depicts him weeping. He was weak and soft and felt bad about killing Semiramis.”

There is some discussion as to whether the cavern was a part of the Zaharan temple or not. The hole revealing it is natural, perhaps the result of an earthquake, suggesting it is unrelated. Then again, the fetid miasma emanating from it suggests otherwise. An extremely lengthy conversation ensues as to how best to clamber down into the pit. There are concerns about the water itself as well as being mobbed by bats while descending.

The latter problem is addressed first as Tirenius casts Thunderclap. Many bats are slain but the remainder issue from the cavern, wounding some of the company before being slain. The bloodhound, Hermann, fares the worst and is down beneath their assaults. Yet his wounds prove less significant than was feared as, under the ministrations of Hyapsara, he rouses and wags his tail, doubtless having pulled back from visions of his many canine cousins lost in service to the Grey Brotherhood.

But with the bats slain or disbursed, the discussion continues with many theories broached including lowering a felled tree, shimmying down vines that line the pit’s edge, or tying ropes to the statue and descending on them. Tirenius drops a stone into the pool, establishing it is about waist deep. Ultimately, the company decides to brave the fell waters. Hyglak and Skandara descend into the pit first. In the light of a lantern, they see the cavern is filled with bat guano while the ceiling has many worm-like roots as in Augilor’s vision. Straining her ears, Skandara hears low moaning down the watery tunnel to the southeast. The sounds are either stationary or retreating, she isn’t certain.

The remainder of the company descends the ropes (it should be noted that Raemon glides nimbly down and does not shimmy). Castinus, Scavenus, Uthman, and all the dogs except for Zelicus remain above to maintain a rear guard with the horses and mules. It is determined that if the Brothers don’t return or send word by noon the following day, then the venturer and his reduced company will not attempt a rescue but will instead withdraw to Siadanos to gather reinforcements.

The Grey Brothers form up in column with Hyglak and Raemon, their two stalwart bastions in the lead. They decide to explore the watery path from whence Skandara had heard the sounds instead of the drier one. It is slow going through the waters, but eventually the tunnel branches. One path leads to the right where the water bubbles and churns, perhaps from a submerged geyser, while straight ahead the path ascends to dry ground. At this point, though, they see a gruesome scene of many human bodies half buried in the mud walls on either side. Fearing the corpses may come to unlife as the company passes between them, Andravus tosses a stone at the nearest one. It proves a prescient decision as the cavern comes to life.

The company is well arrayed for such a battle as Hyglak and Raemon hold the line against the rush of over a dozen zombies. The Crusader attempts to rebuke the undead, but is troubled to realize they are within a blighted sinkhole of evil where his invocation has little effect. Nevertheless, the Brothers stand their ground. Andravus and Skandara fell many with arrows but it is the Grey Sisters of the second rank (not to be confused with the priestesses of Calefa) who truly show their mettle as the holy warriors Zeodana and Destria slaughter the zombies in droves.

So strong was the Grey Brothers battle plan that only Raemon suffers minor injury. After he is tended to, the company presses onward, happy to be on solid (if muddy) ground again. Yet this path proves short as it opens once again out onto a cavern containing a large fetid pool. At its center, at the very edge of sight, is an island that appears to contain an enormous heap of old bones. The Grey Brothers ready their weapons as those bones begin to stir…

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXXIII
Everybody Loves Raemon

27 Genethelen (continued) – The Brothers form ranks at the edge of the great cavern and then Raemon initiates combat against the great heap of bones by rebuking undead. The island of skeletons clatters to unlife with ten fleeing into the darkness at the crusader’s command. The rest, over a score in number, charge forward across the murky pool. Several volleys of military oil land in their midst, searing many of them, and a second rebuking puts more to flight. But in the thick of the fight, Raemon and Hyglak maintain their redoubtable front line while Augilor, Destria, and Zeodana attack from the second rank and Andravus and Skandara fire over the press.

The victory is as one-sided as any in the Brother’s history with all the skeletons destroyed without inflicting a single wound. That is, no injury except for Hyglak against Raemon. For in the heat of the engagement, the barbarian’s hand took on a life of its own and stabbed the unsuspecting crusader.

In the aftermath, Raemon’s wounds are tended. The company advances to the island in the middle of the cavern. With the vanquishing of the pile of skeletons, they can now see that beneath them was hidden a blood-stained altar, shimmering with diamonds. It reeks of evil. A perimeter guard is set against all known exits and the company begins pillaging the diamonds and destroying the fell Zaharan altar. They are nearly finished when a cold chill creeps down each of their spines.

Moments later, they are set upon by the rebuked skeletons returning from the southwest, a direction thought to be solid cavern wall but obviously not investigated closely enough. The Brothers try to form a hasty line though it is admittedly rather ragged. Still, Raemon, Hyglak, Destria, and Griffin quickly take positions to the fore. The latter two are heavily mauled, along with Zelicus the dog who fights as ferociously as his human companions (and is subsequently rewarded with a skeleton bone from the vast pile). But though the battle rages hot, the tide turns in the Brothers’ favor. As it does, though, Hyglak’s hand once again betrays him and strikes out at Augilor, wounding him deeply. Perhaps when the barbarian bowed before the forces of law, this part of his body disagreed and turned a contrary direction.

In the end, the skeletons are all destroyed with none of the company brought low. Wounds are tended and a perimeter is setup again. The destruction of the altar is completed and Raemon pours holy water on it. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the pit still reeks of ancient evil but the Brothers are battered and bruised. They withdraw back to the surface to finish tending their wounds and prepare for a second foray on the morrow.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXXIV
Andravus the Impaler

28 Genethelen – After an uneasy night, the Grey Brotherhood returns to the fetid pit beneath the ruined Zaharan temple with the new dawn. As before, they leave Castinus, Skavinus, and Uthman above to guard their mule train. The Brothers retrace their steps from the day before to the large chamber with the now broken altar at the center. They perform a careful inspection of the room, confirming three exit routes in addition to the tunnel from which they arrived.

They set out first down the southwestern passage from whence the skeleton counterattack came, wading through waist deep water. They almost immediately come across a narrower defile to the south. With Hyglak in the lead, they turn this direction and are set upon by a handful of giant rats. Those attacking the flanks are quickly dispatched, but the one facing Hyglak in the front of the column is a mighty beast indeed. In the narrow confines, the Brothers cannot reach or even see the battle, but the sounds of melee so furious that it conjures images to their minds of a mighty Bellësarat, Champion of the Ratauran Empire as the barbarian’s foe. Amid the fray, Hyglak’s hand betrays him again and he strikes Raemon instead of the beast, wounding his friend deeply. But then, finally, even mighty champions are proved to be doomed as Hyglak lays Bellësarat low.

After the battle, Raemon’s wounds are tended to and the company resumes its march. They are each surprised, in turn, as they pass the location of Hyglak’s great duel and see only a giant rat of not unusual size. As they continue through the caverns, they find that the narrow tunnels, barely wide enough for a single warrior, branch again and again and again. At each divide, they attempt to leave a heavy warrior in place to watch the flank. But between the number of side passages and the challenges of the company spread out to a thin single file, this proves difficult.

In this dark pit beneath the earth, half submerged, the golden torchlight gleaming off mud-caked limestone walls and shining on the rippling surface of the water only emphasizes the deeper blackness hidden behind the multitude of shadows. The company hears faint splashing sounds and preternatural tremors slip down their spines. Instinctively, they ready their weapons against the unseen horrors of the dark.

Moments later, ghouls charge into the company as if from the maw of the abyss. The first tears into Hyglak at the front of the column, but he deftly counters and is only lightly wounded. But the branching tunnels must connect somewhere in the darkness, unless the chthonic horrors of this mad place work actively against the champions of light, for more ghouls emerge and assail the Brotherhood all along their thin line of march. One rushes toward Skandara near the middle of the column but she slips away before it can attack her. Aria engages it, but misses with her bow and the ghoul turns upon her. It tears at her flesh with claws and teeth, inflicting upon it a fell fever that doubles the nightblade. She spasms and falls into the water. Destria rushes to the rescue, thrusting with her spear past the incapacitated elf and wounding the ghoul. Then Skandara assails it from the other side, driving sword and dagger into the creature’s back, destroying it.

A third ghoul emerges from an unnoticed passageway, hidden within the black gaps between the torches, and rushes at Andravus. Zeodana with her mighty glaive, manages to land a blow against it, but the ghoul doesn’t notice its injuries as it lashes out at the explorer. Andravus has mere moments to drop his bow and lift his spear. But the stalwart explorer is no longer a stranger to the dark places beneath the earth and he spits it upon his polearm.

The assault doesn’t relent as Hyglak continues his duel against the ghoul at the front of the column. He and the undead creature clamber and strike, trying to land a blow in the narrow dark confines of the passageway. Hyglak emerges the victor in the end as he cuts the thing down. Meanwhile, as Andravus steps back from the corpse of the first ghoul, a second rushes from the darkness and leaps for him. He desperately lifts his spear and impales the vile creature. Even as he flings the body aside, a third emerges with maw opened wide. In the confined tunnel, half filled with fetid waters, there is no room for anyone else to come to his aid. But today Andravus needs no succor! He drives his spear through its throat and then raises the weapon again to slay a fourth, sending them all back into the abyss.

The caverns at last fall silent, the quiet broken by the lapping waters churned by desperate battle. Hyapsara makes her way forward and tends to the struggling Aria. A divine casting relieves her of her throes and then her wounds are tended to.

The Grey Brothers resume their exploration of the caverns which continue to branch and wind back together with frustrating frequency. As they proceed to the east, they begin to hear loud wailing as if from souls in deep agony. Warily, they advance until they are buffeted by a host of tormented voices… but then screams begin to diminish again. Curiously, they realize the voices and the visceral sense of deep foreboding appears to be confined to a narrow length of an otherwise normal passage. Destria confirms that it is truly a deep and vile evil, marked even within this already nefarious pit. Skandara and Celsüreus search it for any hidden doors or other secret signs, but are unsuccessful. Tirenius then consults with Zahak and they arrive at the answer. The boundary of the Celestial Sphere and the Outer Darkness is very thin here. They are hearing, as through a curtain, the sounds of those souls condemned to dwell as shadows in that abyssal plain. At this point, nothing physical can pass through, but if the sinkhole is left to continue its festering, then one day, perhaps that might be possible.

The Brothers continue their reconnaissance until they emerge once again into the large chamber with the broken altar. They turn about and make their way back into the tunnels again, now checking out the new branching paths until they come across a new passage that emerges from the water. It is overgrown with pale clutching roots and, along the walls, they see bones of the long dead and the occasional glint of coins in eye sockets. Destria doesn’t sense any greater evil in this place than the rest of the pit, but Augilor and Griffin confirm these roots are what they saw in the visions. Raemon attempts to turn undead and, though he senses that the power of Ammonar is less diminished since the destruction of the altar, they see no movement or response from the bodies in the walls.

It would seem that the next leg of their quest lies before them. It is not anticipated with relish.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXXV
Zelicus!

28 Genethelen (continued) – The Grey Brotherhood prepares to delve beneath the clutching tree roots. Raemon and Hyglak set up positions to guard either flank as Augilor and Griffin, as bearers of the great quest, begin clearing the brambles. It is nasty work. The tunnel is little more than a hole with just enough room to crawl. With swords, they hack at the roots but their progress is both filthy and tremendously slow. To either side, corpses of ancient dead lie with coins covering their eyes. There is no sign of stonework or catacombs, suggesting this was a mass grave. The coins are electrum and there are hundreds of them, but they offer poor temptation as the Brothers have no desire to wake any more restless dead within the foetid pit.

The path winds deeper through the earth and more and more of the company take part in pulling the cut roots clear of the tunnel enabling easier ingress and egress. The warren doubles back on itself, drawing near enough to the outer tunnel that it might have been easier to simply carve through the earth instead of burrowing through the trees.

The Brothers grow uneasy at how far they’ve had to clear with no ending in sight. They pull back to the mouth of the tunnel and, after a conference, decide to return to the surface for the night. That way the spellcasters can renew their repertoire before they face whatever untold horrors await at the end of their quest. It is also suggested that perhaps they could reckon the distance they’ve traveled on the surface and, armed with the information they’ve gained in the pit, find the original entrance. It is supposed that the intended access was likely on the other side of the graves.

Armed with his map, Andravus leads the march back. They veer slightly from their familiar course to confirm that some of the other winding tunnels through the waist deep water join back together. When they reach the wider channel where they felt the cool breeze from the west, they decide to investigate that direction, thinking it likely that it will link up with where they saw the water churning and bubbling.

Hyglak takes up the lead with Andravus behind and the rest of the company strung out single file. Soon, they come to a large chamber that widens to the southwest where the waters become increasingly deep. The company sticks to the northeastern edge and winds their way along the side of the cavern. At the far end, Hyglak turns a corner and sees the churning water they had expected. But at that moment, the sound of splashing comes from the deeper darkness of the cavern on their flank.

Four enormous crabs emerge into the torchlight. One rushes toward Zeodana just as she steps protectively in front of Hyapsara and deals the blade dancer a crushing blow that nearly fells her. Others engage Raemon and Andravus, both of whom manage to ward off their assault, but the fourth charges into Toothy further down the line. In his lighter armor, the assassin is struck by both of its claws and rended. But the Brotherhood rallies, attacking the crabs with sword, spear, arrow, and mage missile, crushing them one by one. Alas, in the final assault, Hyglak’s hand betrays him again and he deals Raemon yet another brutal wound, the third such injury inflicted on the stalwart crusader since their entrance into the foetid pit. With the creatures felled, Hyapsara checks on Toothy. Fortunately, his wounds aren’t severe. He cannot force march unless mounted, but is otherewise hale.

The Brothers continue onward and approach the area of churning water. Tirenius, an expert in naturalism, determines that this is a part of the earth that is connected to the elemental sphere of fire, causing a heating of the water. The water here is warm but not unpleasant, so Hyglak slowly approaches. It gradually grows to a temperature similar to one of the hotter pools in the Auran baths and that is all. Determining that all is safe, the company presses on to the exit of the cavern and returns to the surface. It is early afternoon.

Through a combination of pathfinding, navigation, land surveying, and tracking, Andravus leads the company into the forest, dead reckoning from his map in search of another entrance to the foetid pit. He leads them to a part of the forest filled with wild ash and twisted oak, the latter of which appears to have been groomed at one time but are now long neglected. Tirenius recognizes it as pollarding, commonly done by elves among others, where lower branches are perpetually shorn away creating a thickening and twisting of the trunk.

As they begin searching the vicinity, three creatures come into view. Probably faeries of an unpleasant variety, they are about the height of dwarves but have the appearance of gnarled, nasty old men with overlarge heads clad in rough clothing and leather. They snarl and one says, “You’d best be gone from these woods if you know whats good for you!”

Raemon steps forward. “Who are you, sir!” Their hands drop to the hooked swords at their sides, “I’m givin’ you one more warning. Skeedaddle from our woods or pay the price for it!” Raemon attempts further negotiation, but his inquiries are met only by, “I’m hearin’ a lot of talkin’ and I’m not seein’ any walkin’!” They draw their weapons threateningly and Hyglak responds by unsheathing his sword. He licks the blade and bellows, “Game on!”

The Brothers begin to engage at range, scoring several wounding hits, but then the fell creatures scream out some fell incantation and each of them doubles in size. They laugh menacingly as they advance forward. Tirenius unleashes Hypnotic Sigil and paralyzes one. The heavies focus on the enemy on the right flank. Feeling vulnerable as he defends various thieves and mages on the left, Andravus sends Zelicus charging forward to engage. The loyal hound protects his master and the left flank, but is cut down by the fell creature’s wicked sword. Zeodana fells the faerie on the right and Aria kills the one on the left, leaving only the mesmerized foe who is quickly brought down.

Hyapsara tends to Zelicus, but alas, the dog has fought his last battle. Andravus cradles his canine friend in his arms as Zelicus breathes his last. From hobgoblins, to possessed spiders, to hell hounds, a demon dragon, and the Lady Below herself, Zelicus was a loyal and valiant companion to Andravus and the Grey Brotherhood. He died as he lived, protecting his master. He will be missed. Zelicus!!!

Tirenius identifies the faeries as spriggans and that their large heads have magical properties. These are lopped off and stored in the company’s metamphorae. Andravus also wraps up the body of Zelicus in a blanket to give him a proper funeral back home. Then the company resumes its search of the area. As sunset approaches and the Brothers near despair at finding anything, they come across one of the wild oaks with a large hollow in it… and steps leading down.

[Belarrin]

Chapter XXXVI
Maybe We Should’ve Stayed in the Pit

28 Genethelen (continued) – Planning to descend down the hollow tree the next day, the Brothers prepare to setup camp. However, Hyapsara reminds them that the morrow is the beginning of the new year, marked by the celebration of the Unconquered Dawn. Hyglak suggests offering the henchmen a festival bonus and then ‘celebrating in the foetid pit,” but Raemon observes that it is critical that proper respects be paid. “The sun shall look favorably on our smiting enemies on another day!”

As they head back to civilization that evening, intending to reach the villa of Patrician Acerus before bedding down for the night, they spot what at first appears to be a mirage. It is a glowing iridescent shimmering in the air as if a curtain had been pulled back to reveal a window with no frame that opens out onto a bleak desert landscape. From the signature, Tirenius determines that it is an effect created from the movement school of magic. Andravus wonders if it may be a portal. Recalling stories from his pa, he comments that portals may be one-way so he isn’t inclined to go through.

Drawing closer, they realize the window doesn’t open onto a sandy desert, but rather a stark and rocky badlands scoured by fire, wind, and water. The land gradually slopes away and in the far distance they espy what is either a large mountain or a small range of mountains in the gathering dusk. Andravus searches around the portal but doesn’t see tracks of any sort on either side. He walks around the other side and sees more badlands gradually ascending to a long ridgeline silhouetted by the setting sun. They consult the map their fathers bequeathed to them and determine with some confidence that the ridge is the Dark Wall south of the Borderlands and the mountains on the other side are likely those found near the Tiamet River. Though difficult to gauge distances in the gloaming, the portal appears to exit closer to the Dark Wall than the other mountains. Hyglak tosses a small stone through and it lands unremarkably on the far side.

They debate their options, quickly dismissing the idea of going through as they are not prepared for such a journey should they be stuck on the far side. Nor do they have easy means to dispel it. Ultimately, they decide to mark it on their map and leave it for later investigation, hoping that its location deep within the forest will keep it hidden from malevolent eyes. Though they consider warning the prefect, they decide against this because there is a concern that some among his court are untrustworthy.

Pressing on, the Brothers force march to reach the Acerus manor after nightfall and are provided lodging.

1 Vicelen – As the rosy fingers of dawn stretch across the horizon, the Grey Brothers are already gathered at the parish temple of the Winged Sun to celebrate the holiest of occasions as the sun rises in triumph over the longest night of the year. Raemon is invited to lead the prayers from the Seven Radiant Scrolls. In his booming voice, he declares, “This is the day when all who follow the unconquered sun know that regardless of how dark the darkness is, the light shall always overcome it. Our days will grow long, dear brothers! Our days will be long.”

To his dismay, the congregation is outraged that he delivered his words in the vulgate rather than in classic Auran. Patrician Acerus turns away in disgust. “Very disappointing, we keep to the old traditions here.”

It is an inauspicious sign and Hyglak mutters, “Maybe we should’ve stayed in the pit.”

He asks their henchmen if they’d like to continue the celebration in Siadanos or return to work and earn more loot. Aria glances to her compatriots and then faces the barbarian and says in her voice of quiet dignity. “If you are asking us if we’d like to take a week off before we return to the underground mud-covered disease-ridden fetid pit with evil miasmas filled with undead creatures that want to kill us, we’ll take the week off, sir.”

Asked and answered. The Brothers rest the remainder of the day after their forced march of the evening before.

2 Vicelen – The Brothers reach Siadanos mid-morning and join the continued festivities of the Unconquered Sun.

3 Vicelen – Andravus holds a gala funeral celebrating the life and heroism of his dog, Zelicus. He and each of the brothers contribute 500 gold pieces to the festivities for a total of 2,500gp, the equivalent of half a month’s income for an entire county. Raemon does so, on condition that they also commemorate their other fallen comrades but somehow everything is canine themed. Alas for Gwynfor. Tirenius allocates part of his donation to commission a statuette of a dog with implike wings.

During the remainder of the week, the Brothers mix celebrations with study on various topics of interest. A few minor purchases are made, such as food, torches, and a long wooden pole for Skandara, but with most of the shops closed greater commissions are unavailable. Each evening, Raemon casts perpetual illumination on an item. Hyglak, Raemon, and Griffin are each given trinkets imbued with the spell, while another casting is put on Hyapsara’s dagger, and the final one is put on one of Andravus’ arrows that he carefully secures in his backpack.

8 Vicelen – With the conclusion of the festivities, the company sets out again for the Foetid Pit. On the way, they resolve to check on the strange portal but it has vanished. Looking around and checking tracks, Andravus is confident he has found the correct location but it is gone. Tirenius speculates that maybe it changes location day to day, while Andravus surmises that it could only be present at dusk or, perhaps even more forebodingly, only appear on the shortest day of the year.

The Brothers press on toward the pit. Along the way, they come across a cluster of comfrey bushes that they deduce may have been part of elven farming long ago. They happily linger for an hour to harvest 170 pounds of the precious herb. Just as gloriously, it is certain to grow back and be harvestable again in the future.

They reach the pit as the sun dips to the horizon.

9 Vicelen – Andravus checks for tracks around the hollow tree and notices some small rounded footprints, slightly splayed with faint impressions of webbing between the toes. There are larger marks with similar characteristics. It appears to be from a creature about the size of a dog that moves in a bounding gait. Hyglak speculates it may be a giant frog. He is promptly proved correct.

Castinus, Skavenus, Uthman, and the dogs remain to guard the supply train as before, while the rest of the company begins the descent. After an initial narrow set of stairs, the corridor widens out sufficiently for Hyglak and Raemon to lead the party abreast. A giant toad springs out from where it had blended into the textures of the wall. Despite most of the party being surprised by its sudden assault, the lone amphibian would have been wiser to remain hidden as it is quickly cut down.

The path is rough and often steep, sometimes requiring the members of the company to clamber down using whatever handholds they can find. It makes for slow going. The tunnel widens out into a room where they see a pair of open stone sarcophagi with inlaid iron and obsidian. At the edge of the light of the imbued trinkets stand two figures in rotted finery of black velvet. One has a crown of white-gold set with white diamonds and black opals upon his brow. An iron ring set with a black opal gleams on his finger and around his neck is a white-gold amulet bearing the visage of some long-dead king. He clutches a long sword with a serrated blade and blackwood hilt. The other wears matching silver armlets and is girded with a sword belt of black dragon leather. Dangling from that belt is a tube while in his hands, he readies a two-handed sword with silver runes etched down its pattern-wielded cold iron blade. Neither of the hooded and robed figures has any visible face – merely shadowed darkness.

Augilor strikes first blood, or he should have. He looses the perfect arrow that strikes right into the hooded face of the nearest figure, but the mundane projectile just passes through the weathered cloth and clatters as it hits the far wall beyond. The first undead creature, perhaps a barrow wight, rushes forward and engages Hyglak, but misses. Then Raemon rebukes, “Undead, begone! In the name of the Unconquered Sun!” The darkness radiating from the creatures’ hoods diminishes and a fear seems to overcome them.

The two wights flee, but not before Andravus and Skandara strike the crowned one with several arrows including two that were bane-runed by Zeodana. The company pursues, but at measured pace. As the van of the Brotherhood leads the chase, the rear clears ensures the room is secure and verifies that there is a single exit along the southern wall down which their foes had retreated. Hyapsara inspects the sarcophagi and determines they are of a variety commonly used by Zaharans to inter their nobility to await the Awakening.

The tunnel winds deeper down into the pit. In the lead, Raemon rounds a corner and begins wading into a large pool of water that appears to quickly descend to a depth of some twenty feet. The crusader pauses and raises his shield warily. He goes on the defensive just in time as a massive cephalopod emerges from the depths. Its tentacles lash out and four manage to grip him in tight restraint.

As the other Brothers rush to assist him, the octopus attacks a second time, squeezing with those tentacles that had already grasped the hapless crusader and lashing out with the other four. Fortunately, in his heavy armor, he is too heavy for it to drag down into the deeps… yet. But two more tentacles latch on and all six deal increasingly grievous wounds.

Tirenius unleashes a Mage Missile while Zeodana and Hyglak rush forward and begin slashing at the tentacles, with the barbarian cleaving through three. Andravus advances behind them and, clearing his mind of the panicked shouts of Raemon and the raging battle cries of Hyglak, raises his bow. His arrow whispers through the darkness and sinks deep into one of the cephalopod’s eyes. Its other eye blinks once in disbelief and then it rolls over in death, its tentacles releasing their grasp on Raemon.

Knowing that the effects of the crusader’s rebuke will soon fade, the company pulls back into the dry ground in the corridor where Hyapsara fully restores all of Raemon’s many wounds.