Session 53 - Scene 2 (of 7)

Now safe, the group rests for a few moments to catch their breaths.  Leigh starts looking around for anything magical in the area while Krolec carefully prods around the various bones with his sword.

Krolec discovers a fair amount of valuables accumulated over the years in the crawler's lair.  He gathers up at least 2000 gold worth of coins and several valuable gems, which he estimates are worth another 1400 in gold.

Leigh also makes a couple discoveries of magical items amongst the remains.  She finds a magical bow and a demonbane dagger.

Since Sa'lid is bereft of magical items, he takes the dagger.  Krolec also swaps out the bow he found at the Relcoff Plaza for the newly found one, which appears to be more powerful.

Xunrar makes a quick prayer to Lloth, thanking her for the great challenge of the carrion crawler and rewarding the group with the treasure.

Everyone then resumes heading down the tunnel.  Yathrin can tell they have at least half to three quarters of a day worth of travel before reaching the surface.

Krolec wonders about stopping to find a good point to rest.  They decide to go 2/3rds of the distance then stop and rest before heading out into the Moon Hills area.

As Tarlyn and Krolec lead the group down the tunnel, they notice a distinct lack of creatures; not only of dangerous monsters, but of even mundane underground creatures as well; clearly the carrion crawler had grown huge eating everything in the tunnel for quite some time.

The group spots nothing of interest before reaching the point at which they planned to stop and rest.  Krolec believes he and Tarlyn should scout on ahead a little bit just to be sure the area is secure.  As Yathrin is about to argue with him, Krolec thinks of the incident with the crocodile and amends his argument to say that the entire group should go scout out ahead.  Yathrin agrees.

Traveling a few minutes further ahead, Krolec spots an old grell nest but no grell in it.  He tries to recall if they saw any grell bones along the way, but can't.

Looking around the area carefully, the ranger sees that it doesn't look like anything has been around any time recently.

Krolec then moves in and inspects the nest with his sword.  He finds a large emerald worth at least 500 gold in it.  Leigh attempts to detect magic in the area, but finds nothing.

The ranger then asks the others if they think the group should continue on or go back.  Both Yathrin and Leigh respond, almost in unison, that they should head back and camp for the night.  Leigh hopes the grell nest will act to deter any creatures that may come from the other direction.

Session 53 - Scene 3 (of 7)

Yathrin suggests the group save time by having her, Xunrar, and Tarlyn handle the watches by themselves.  When Krolec hesitates to agree, she reminds him if they wanted him and his companions dead, they would have killed them by now.  Krolec can tell Yathrin is telling the truth, and everyone agrees to the arrangement.

At some point during Tarlyn's watch, the second of the night, he hears a noise from up ahead in the tunnel.  He wakes Yathrin and Xunrar to help him investigate.

Yathrin hears the noise – which sounds like the fluttering of wings, but she is not certain what the source is.  Xunrar gives his opinion that it sounds like a large number of bats.

Yathrin orders Tarlyn to wake the rest of the group.  Krolec listens carefully and concludes they are cave bats.  He also notes the fluttering is getting softer.

The group concludes that the bats are coming back in to roost for the day and that there is no danger to them.  They head back to sleep.

The next morning, Krolec suggests they mute their light source as they head through the remainder of the tunnel; the large swarm of bats is likely sleeping up ahead, and he does no want to disturb them.

Because of the lack of light, Tarlyn takes the lead, with Krolec following him.

As they near the surface, the cavern becomes increasingly damp and slippery, as well as becoming more uneven.  Tarlyn nearly falls and twists his ankle, but Krolec manages to grab him in the nick of time.

Up ahead, Tarlyn and Krolec can see a large cavern chamber.  The ranger warns the others that the bat swarm is likely sleeping up ahead and cautions them to be quiet and careful; not only because of not wanting to disturb the bats, but also because the ground is getting increasingly difficult to cross.

Yathrin directs the group to move ahead in pairs.  Tarlyn and Krolec go first.  Looking up, they can see hundreds of bats hanging from the ceiling of the cave.  Krolec looks at the bats carefully, making sure none of them appear to be dangerous.

Once they are across, Tarlyn signals for the next group to pass.  Xunrar and Leigh are the next group in.  Moving quietly across the guano-filled chamber, they make it to the other side without disturbing the creatures.

Sa'lid and Snarg are next up, and also cross without issue.  Yathrin takes up the rear.  Unfortunately, on her turn across, she accidentally kicks a large stone.

The bats immediately become agitated and the group finds themselves surrounded by a swarm.  As they exit the cave, the bats slam into Yathrin, but she manages to keep her footing, as do Leigh and Xunrar.  Krolec and Tarlyn even have enough time to duck out of the way, avoiding the bats entirely.

Sa'lid, however, is not as lucky, and he falls and injures his knee.  

After a minute or two, the bats finally clear out; and with no serious injuries, the group decides to continue on.  They note, however, that anyone or anything up ahead in the tunnel or outside the cave will now be alerted to their presence.

Session 53 - Scene 4 (of 7)

After a couple more hours of travel, Krolec spots a small speck of daylight up ahead; they are finally reaching the surface.  He switches places with Tarlyn, since the dark elf is not as good at seeing in the light.

All the drow raise their cloak hoods in anticipation of the bright light at the end of the tunnel.

The tunnel eventually leads to a small cave in the side of the moon hills.  Krolec steps out and looks around at the pastoral valley around him.

As he scans for threats, he eventually turns far enough to see that just outside of the cave, a nobleman and a squad of knights are waiting for them.

The nobleman calls out to Krolec, telling him to stay where he is.  The man announces himself as Sir Percival Pembridge, noting that he is familiar with Krolec through his brother and father.

Krolec is caught off guard and struggles to figure out what the man is talking about.  Leigh pauses as well then whispers to Krolec to remind him about Sir Eric Pembridge and the incident with Al in the cemetery.

As Krolec is coming to the conclusion that this man is not likely to be charitable with them, Sir Percival notes that his father would wish the group to be escorted back to their keep so he can talk with them.  Krolec argues the point, saying they have matters of timely importance and will discuss the situation with Lord Markelhay.

While the ranger speaks, Sir Percival notices that three of the group are cloaked, obscuring their appearances.  He tells the ranger he is not familiar with those three companions, and orders them to reveal themselves.

They do not.  Krolec tells Percival they are special emissaries, which only raises the man's suspicions.  When he asks Krolec what kind of emissaries they are, Krolec refuses to answer, telling the nobleman it is none of his business.

But Sir Percival is not so easily swayed.  He reminds Krolec his family is in charge of the defense of the southern reach, and that he will conduct his own investigation.  He again orders Krolec to stand down and be escorted back to the keep.

Krolec stays defiant.  He argues that the southern reach is limited only to the lands south of the Moon Hills, not the hills themselves.  He warns Percival for the last time to ride south.

Sir Percival remains resolute, ordering his men to seize the group.  As they head over, Leigh casts a fireball spell, exploding the group in a ball of fire.

The knights and horses lie scattered across the ground in a burnt pile of carnage.  Sir Percival lives, just barely, his body badly burned.  As Leigh seems almost giddy at the results of her spell, Yathrin notes that perhaps these "heroes" are not so different from her people after all.

The condition of Sir Percival's body reminds Krolec of a story he once heard from a long time ago, in a kingdom far away, where a nobleman named Lord Vader lost a duel near a volcano.  As the man loses consciousness, he looks up at the ranger and curses that Krolec will hang for this.

Not wanting the man to die necessarily, Krolec moves to pour one of the healing potions down his throat.  Yathrin stops him, telling him not to waste the potion on such a pointless endeavor.  

Instead, she has Xunrar lay hands on the man; he doesn't regain consciousness, but his wounds are healed.  Krolec makes sure to disarm the noble, and Yathrin orders him to tie the man up.  Krolec notes they can take him with them and drop him off with Lord Markelhay.

Session 53 - Scene 5 (of 7)

The group begins heading back towards Fallcrest, with Xunrar carrying the unconscious Sir Percival.

As they head back, Krolec and Leigh discuss what to do once they reach the city.  Thinking about the situation, Krolec knows that the man in the purple cloak does not look like the High Septarch, though they also know there is a shapechanger active in the area.  He also knows the purple-cloaked man appears to have some sort of magical abilities.

Leigh considers the situation as well.  She notes that the man in the purple cloak used teleportation circles, but they could have been set up by someone else.  Krolec reminds her that no one else was spotted down in the Astor Tunnels where the hut of skulls was being built.  Leigh agrees with him that she believes the High Septarch is involved somehow.

The ranger then turns the discussion on which way to head back into the city.  He and Yathrin conclude the best would be to skirt around to the north end of the city and enter through the knight gate, as it is the shortest path to Moonstone Keep.  Yathrin is concerned about the drow trying to pass unnoticed while walking all the way through town.  Leigh also notes the rest of the group should try and keep a low profile as well so as not to alert anyone they have returned.

The plan is to spread the trip over two days, arriving at the gate just before dusk; Yathrin cautions against heading in at night, as she fears it may look like an attack.  

The first day of travels through the hills is relatively uneventful, but slow going through the snow.  When they stop and make camp, Sir Percival finally awakens.  He is not amused to find himself tied up and demands to know where they are taking him.

Krolec tries to explain they are taking him back to Lord Markelhay, but Sir Percival isn't really listening.  He demands to be released immediately.

The ranger tires of hearing the man, and begins taunting him about what happened with his brother, Sir Eric, saying perhaps Percival can get a bed in the sanitarium next to him.  Percival gives the ranger an evil grin, suggesting he will enjoy killing the elf.  The man then goes silent, refusing to speak, eat, or acknowledge the group in any way.

Session 53 - Scene 6 (of 7)

The second day's travels are no more eventful than the first.  The group eventually makes it to the knight's gate just at dusk.

The guards at the gate hurry the group inside, explaining they are just about to lower the portcullis for the night.

Krolec reveals himself to one of the guards, and tells them he needs to speak urgently with Lt. Gerdrand.  The guards dispatch a messenger and move the group inside the nearby gatehouse.

A couple of hours pass before Gerdrand arrives.  He immediately greets Krolec by name in his usual manner, but Krolec immediately cautions him to be quiet.

After making sure all of the doors and windows are closed, Krolec starts to explain they have something very important to discuss.  Before he can start, Leigh reminds him they should probably take care of Sir Percival first.

Krolec describes it to Gerdrand as a "minor incident" with Lord Pembridge's son.  He starts to go into an explanation when Yathrin interrupts him, telling him the particulars are of no consequence and that they should be discussing more important matters.

Gerdrand looks over in Yathrin's direction.  He can't place the voice as belonging to one of Krolec's group, and asks the ranger who she is.  When Krolec describes her as an emissary, Leigh suggests they take Pembridge out of the room first and deal with Gerdrand alone.

The lieutenant has his men place Pembridge outside and summon the magistrate.  After the men leave, Gerdrand insists on seeing who Krolec has brought into the city.

Krolec nods to the drow, letting them know it is OK.  They remove their hoods, and Gerdrand is shocked.  He says that Challa may very well hang them all (himself included) for this.

The ranger starts to explain that a chain of events is in motion, one that could lead to the destruction of the world.  He explains about how the group interfered with the assassination of the one who can cause this destruction, which Gerdrand understands to be the initial drow attack in the city where he first met Krolec and Leigh.

Krolec presses Gerdrand that the time is growing short and the mysterious man in the purple cloak may soon be ready to release the destruction on the world.  But Gerdrand is a bit overwhelmed by it all.

Once Krolec has explained all of the basics, Gerdrand agrees it is quite a story.  Yathrin starts to complain about wasting time, noting that obviously she and her companions would not be in the city unless it was absolutely necessary.  Gerdrand isn't so sure he believes her.

Yathrin tries to show him the copy she made of the tome, but the officer says that he is a simple man and cannot fully comprehend what they are trying to explain.  He asks Krolec if it would make sense for a more learned man, such as Nimozaran or Lord Varys to have a look at it.

Krolec cautions the lieutenant that someone in the city is acting against them, explaining how the group was imprisoned underground, leading to the deaths of several team members.  Gerdrand and Krolec talk back and forth for a few minutes, discussing how someone is helping the man in the purple cloak and trying to keep the group from interfering.  Gerdrand lightens the mood a bit by humorously noting that Krolec's group is quite good at interfering.

The lieutenant believes their story, more or less, and wants to assist.  He notes that the situation with Pembridge can probably be smoothed over, as at least there were no deaths.  Leigh is forced to correct him, explaining the deaths of several knights and horses.  Gerdrand suddenly becomes less sure of a positive outcome.

Gerdrand explains the deaths will make the situation very politically sticky.  While Krolec notes the situation transcends politics, the lieutenant isn't so sure everyone will see it that way.  He tells Krolec they will need to leave immediately, as once Magistrate Damikos arrives, he may very well charge them all with murder.

Krolec wants to head directly to Lord Markelhay, but Gerdrand notes he is still in conference.  When he asks the ranger what they need with the lord, the elf explains they need to get to the Keep on the Shadowfell.  But Gerdrand notes that journey will be long and difficult, as they have not only the winter weather to deal with, but the forces of goblins and kobolds blocking the roads as well.

The ranger then relays his suspicions about Nimozaran to Gerdrand, explaining that he is the only wizard they know of powerful enough to have set the wizard locks in the Temple of Light and Darkness.

Gerdrand then surprises Krolec by suggesting they go seem him and see what he has to say.  He gathers together a small force of men and they all begin heading through the city.  Krolec and the others put their hoods back on, to attact less attention, as they head out.

Session 53 - Scene 7 (of 7)

As the large force approaches the tower, Krolec and Leigh spot Nimozaran's old apprentice, Tobolar Quickfoot, just exiting through the main door.

Krolec motions Tobolar over.  The halfling seems happy to see him and Leigh again, having not seen them for awhile.  

Krolec immediately gets paranoid.  He asks the wizard why he seems so surprised to see them again.  But Tobolar only shrugs, noting that he heard they've been missing for a while.

Leigh notes that it has only been a week or two, but Tobolar is unfazed.  He's not sure what the big distinction is.

The halfling then asks them what they are doing at the tower.  Leigh tries to say they are doing nothing and the two treat the wizard as if he's acting suspiciously, wanting to know their intentions.  He points out that he's merely referring to the large group of town guardsmen they have with them.

Krolec and Leigh soften a bit, realizing they may be being overly paranoid.  They tell him they need to see Nimozaran.

Tobolar gets a strange expression on his face, looking a bit depressed.  He meekly says that he guesses it is OK for them to go see the old wizard, but they had better make it quick.

When Krolec asks why, Tobolar goes on to explain that Nimozaran's death is imminent.

Krolec tries to ask Tobolar how long Nimozaran has been dying, but the halfling is puzzled by the question; Nimozaran has been in poor health for years and has been dying as long as he's known him.  The short man wonders how Krolec and Leigh could have missed that, particularly since he's pretty sure the old wizard mentioned it to them more than once.  Outwardly, he clarifies to Krolec that the old wizard has been in a coma for a week.

When asked what he was doing, Tobolar simply says that he was leaving the tower as Nimozaran will likely die soon.  He explains that Nimozaran has an enchantment on the tower to seal the doors on his death, so he was leaving before the spell took effect and trapped him inside.

Tobolar is then again puzzled by another question, this one asking how he knows death is imminent.  When he tries to explain about the old wizard's breathing becoming very shallow and erratic, Leigh and Krolec start talking amongst themselves about some kind of poisoning conspiracy.  

The halfling wonders if perhaps their adventures have led them to become too paranoid.  Rather than let them carry on, Tobolar interrupts them, explaining he has a letter and package for Leigh.   She takes the letter, first reading it to herself then aloud to the others.

"Leigh,

As I write these, the last words of my existence, I am filled with a certain amount of anxiety.  Despite all the good you and your group have done, I still sense evil surrounding this region from all sides.

Be wary.  Our true enemy has yet to reveal himself.  Someone is acting behind the scenes, cloaked in shadows, putting all of this into motion.

One last thing - I know that you are not yet ready to take over as High Septarch.  Upon my death, the doors to this tower shall seal forever until a new high wizard should command them to open.  That could be you, when you are ready.

In the meantime, I am entrusting my faithful servant Tobolar with two gifts to deliver to you – a staff and set of robes that you may find useful in your endeavors.

Yours in knowledge,

Nimozarran"

As Leigh finishes reading the letter, Krolec realizes they were wrong about Nimozaran after all, and that there is still a powerful enemy hidden in their midst...

Session 53 - Session Notes

This session was actually fairly short-handed.  Sa'lid was played by the Leigh player and Tarlyn by the Krolec player while the Yathrin player is still helping the Xunrar player learn how to use his character.

The most humorous part here is that the Tarlyn player hasn't really looked over his character sheet yet (he's one of the players I usually create a character for myself) so he didn't even play his own character the first time it actually had a sheet.

I think I've mentioned in the past, normally when players are absent their characters are as well.  The exception to this has been the last few sessions, where there's no way to "write them out" of a scene.

Anyhow, the battle went surprisingly fast for A) being a single large creature fight, and B) people playing multiple charcters they weren't familiar with.

Funny fact - this fight, on paper, was a lot more difficult than the umber hulk one.  This one just had the benefit of better rolls and having a full rest first.


Other notes about the session:
* The biggest laugh of the session was when Tarlyn used the Black Dragon Rage and I made a "shit just got real" quip.

* I am very happy we finally got out of the underground and back to the surface.  It opens up a lot more possibilities in the game.

* This session I got to make some big gains in awarding treasure, particularly since the last few sessions they've gone out of their way to avoid scenarios where they might have gotten treasure.

* I never had anything else planned for this tunnel.  The idea was always that the giant carrion crawler got that big by eating absolutely everything in the cavern.

* The bat cave idea was just to add some minor complication as well as adding atmosphere that they were getting closer to the surface.  Failing to get through the bat cave without disturbing the bats would have avoided the Pembridge encounter.

* Having a new Pembridge son show up was intended as a callback to their earlier troubles.  Naturally, they were clueless and took forever to remember who the Pembridges were.

* The Lord Vader reference to Star Wars in the writeup is actually all me - it's the way I described Sir Percival's condition to the group.

* The Pembridge encounter could have gone a lot of interesting ways.  I was fairly disappointed we didn't go any of those ways.  Frankly, the group's one-dimensional reaction to anything remotely authoritarian gets really, really dull after a while.  

I'm also annoyed at how they can never see that reacting with murderous violence is not the appropriate solution to every difficulty with a villain or rival.  There will be consequences for this, as I have a difficult time seeing how the authorities can see this as anything but murder.

Another aspect of the behavior that consistently drives me nuts is the tunnel-vision and stuborness of "we have to do [thing X] next, no matter what".  The absurdity of it all is that 9 times out of 10, they don't even really know why they are doing thing X, or what they hope to accomplish with it, yet remain 100% convinced it is what they have to do.

- They desperately want to reach Lord Markelhay.  Why?  I had no clue; and after having Gerdrand ask them, clearly they didn't either.  It's not like he has a magic helicopter waiting to fly them over to Winterhaven or anything.  He's the ruler of the town, not their benefactor.  You'd think by now they would have figured out that most of the time, he's the one who usually needs their help.

- They want to confront Nimozaran.  Why?  Other than the vague "it must be him" theory, they have no proof of anything.  If he was not involved, he has nothing to offer.  If he is involved, he either won't be around or won't agree to see them.

- etc

They just react and overreact, without any real thought.  One of the things I'm looking forward to calling them out on with a NPC...

* The Tobolar encounter was somewhat obnoxious to me.  In damn near every encounter with Nimozaran, he mentions wanting Leigh to take over because his days are numbered.  So when they hear he finally died, their first thought was - "maybe he was poisoned".  Sometimes I swear they are channeling the spirit of Chief Wiggum.

* Nimozaran would have been alive had they gotten back sooner.  But they took too many rests down in the temple so I figured he was dead by the time they got back.  Tobolar is just there to deliver the message and because I didn't want to waste a session with them trying to get into the tower to see if the death was real or not, etc.

* The door sealing here isn't related to the trap in the temple.  It's just supposed to be an homage to Dragonlance.  I'm not sure they got that, though.

* The line in Nimozaran's letter about "Our true enemy has yet to reveal himself" is a reference to the famous line from Godfather III (though I'm more channeling The Sopranoes use of it).  It is quite true, though.

Session 54 - Cast of Characters

Sir Krolec Jar'Bin - Elven Ranger
Dame Leigh - Eladrin Wizard
Sa'lid Dra'lah - Human Sorcerer
Yathrin Talaste zyne'Phyrva Noquval - Drow Cleric
Xunrar Torar - Drow Paladin

Session 54 - Scene 1 (of 11)

After standing around the High Septarch's Tower for another ten minutes, Lt. Gerdrand simply asks Krolec, "Now what?"

Krolec isn't quite sure what to do next.  He tells the lieutenant that more investigation will need to be made.  

Gerdrand states he will return the men to their posts and try to ward off any trouble with the magistrate over the... incident... with Sir Percival.  He suggests Krolec and his friends lie low for a while until things can be smoothed over.

Not being accustomed to the more streetwise ways, Krolec notes he isn't sure where to take the group.  Their normal base of operations was Scrag's manor house, but with the half-orc dead and lacking any heirs, he isn't sure who technically owns the property now.

The lieutenant suggests perhaps they hide out in the Temple of the Sun, their previous de facto base of operations.  Krolec thinks for a moment and agrees, Grundelmar's temple makes the most sense for the moment.

Session 54 - Scene 2 (of 11)

The group quickly makes their way over to the temple.  Yathrin is less than thrilled to discover they intend to hide out in a temple of Pelor, the antithesis of everything drow stand for.

Grundelmar himself does not appear to be present in the main hall.  Krolec has the others wait while he goes to look around for him.

Looking through the rooms, the ranger finds the dwarf priest seated in the privy, reading a scroll.  Grundelmar awkwardly looks up and acknowledges Krolec, suggesting he give him a couple of minutes to properly greet him.

Krolec heads back to the main hall and announces to the others he has located Grundelmar, who will be out shortly.  A few minutes later, the old dwarf comes out and greets the group.

Assuming they are there to talk to him about the Temple of Light and Darkness, Grundelmar starts asking how their mission went.  Krolec answers briefly, but mostly focuses on trying to explain about how they were trapped down there and the threat of Tharizdun.

The priest only appears to be half listening to the elf until Krolec mentions the three emissaries from Lloth.  Once Grundelmar notices there are three drow in his temple, his hand starts inching towards his dagger as he admonishes Krolec for bringing them inside.

Krolec tries to calm the situation down, telling the dwarf they are not here to attack anyone.  Yathrin finally speaks, telling Krolec they should go elsewhere and that staying at the temple is a bit awkward for everyone involved.

Grundelmar asks why Krolec didn't take the drow back to Scrag's mansion instead of taking them to his temple.  He then notices the absence of half the group, asking the ranger where they are.

Once Krolec explains about the deaths down below the city, Grundelmar is a bit calmer and more subdued.  He notes that Krolec goes through friends quickly as his morose thoughts center on the lost brothers of Merend and Berend, his former temple companions.

Krolec asks if he can convince Grundelmar to pray to Pelor on the matter.  The priest agrees, noting that he will put in a good word for the group but he doesn't know if Pelor will listen.

Yathrin tries to assure the priest by noting that her people would never have come into the city, much less the temple, if the situation wasn't so dire.  But Grundelmar very directly ignores her, turning to Krolec and telling him to watch the furnishings of the temple while he goes to pray, insinuating that the drow might steal them.

Session 54 - Scene 3 (of 11)

After Grundelmar heads back into his rectory, Yathrin pointedly asks Krolec if there is no place better form them to go.

The elf again points out the uncertainty about using Ruddiger Manor.  Trying to help, Leigh suggests her small rental house.  She notes, however, that it is rather barren.

Yathrin seems much happier at the prospect, noting that barren is better than bright, and that the reception in this temple has hardly had the warmth of the sun.

Before they head out, Krolec goes back to inform Grundelmar they are leaving and to let Lt. Gerdrand know where they are in case he comes looking for them.

Once they arrive at Leigh's cottage, Krolec begins trying to piece things together.  He feels the death cult activity mentioned by Sage is related to the Keep on the Shadowfell.  Yathrin agrees the supposition is plausible.

He then wanders a bit, starting to think about the pocket dimension where they found the tome.  Yathrin sardonically describes it as the area they lost the "tree man", referring to Durmindin, and suggests it would be certain death to go back.

Krolec doesn't care for her attitude, noting he's just trying to brainstorm ideas.  He's trying to think of a way to get to Winterhaven quickly.

They could try to teleport there using the circle in the Devil's Attic, but they don't know where it would go.  They could also attempt to find a pathway there in the underdark.  Or, they could go on land, risking fighting with the goblin and kobold forces blocking the road.

Yathrin suggests that going over ground is the best and only real option.  She notes that they will at least know where they are going that way.  She also cautions at the dangers of the underdark, noting that they face risk even from rival drow houses.

Krolec weighs the options while Xunrar focuses on the moon.  He notes they should have two to three weeks worth of moonlight before the next full moon.

In the end, everyone decides to sleep on it.

Session 54 - Scene 4 (of 11)

Early the next morning, Sa'lid awakens to the pounding of the front door.  Leigh answers it to discover Lt. Gerdrand waiting to see them.

The soldier comes inside, explaining the problem with Pembridge may or may not be smoothed over; Challa has requested a meeting with the group.

When asked, Gerdrand clarifies that she only meant for the actual group, and not the drow emissaries.  When Leigh and Krolec seem hesitant about leaving the drow behind alone, he suggests perhaps Sa'lid not attend either but that Challa definitely wanted to see Leigh and Krolec.

Xunrar, overhearing the conversation, asks who Challa is.  Krolec explains how she is a former member of their group, now Chief Justiciar of the city.  

The drow wonders if she is trustworthy.  Leigh vouches for her, but notes that Challa is honest to a fault.  Off to the side, Sa'lid snidely remarks that he would certainly fault her for it.

Before they leave, Krolec asks Gerdrand about any necromancer activity in the area.  He is particularly concerned with news about the man named Bragosani.  But the lieutenant only shrugs, noting that the only necromancer he is familiar with in Fallcrest was Herwest the Reanimator, who has been dead for nearly 200 years.

Yathrin says that parading her and her men through town would not be good, so they will stay behind.  Sa'lid plans to stay with them, sarcastically telling Krolec to say hello to Challa from him and Snarg.

After the others leave, Yathrin sends Tarlyn out on an errand back into the sewers.  A few minutes later, Sa'lid notes they should have had Tarlyn or Krolec pick up some new sunrods while they were out.  Yathrin very strongly suggests Sa'lid leave to do that, exchanging lustful glances with Xunrar.

Taking a hint, Sa'lid and Snarg head off to go shopping.  Finally alone again for the first time in weeks, Yathrin takes her consort in warm embrace, telling him it's his turn to be on the bottom.

Session 54 - Scene 5 (of 11)

When Krolec and Leigh reach Moonstone Keep, they spot Challa in the middle of hanging several men.  This immediately puts Krolec at unease, sensing the kind of mood Challa is likely to be in.  He also recognizes one of the twitching bodies as that of Feldman, one of Schlomo's men.

As the criminals slowly die, Challa leads Krolec and Leigh into her office.  She tells them to sit down, noting that she has just finished executing the last of the criminals in town she rounded up during her big sweep to bring down Schlomo.

She then turns the conversation on to Krolec and Leigh, telling them they have been misbehaving again.  Krolec tries to argue that he did nothing wrong with Pembridge, but Challa quickly shuts him down, saying he will have a chance to make his claim at trial.

Krolec isn't sure whether to be more stunned or annoyed.  He angrily states that they do not have time for a trial because of the impending destruction of the world.  Leigh remains cautiously quiet, waiting to see how the conversation will play out.

Challa informs the ranger she has heard the story of the group's current mission from Lt. Gerdrand and will naturally let them go to complete it; provided they swear an oath to return for trial once it is completed.

Krolec makes a sarcastic agreement, noting that if they survive he will return.  Leigh stays quiet.  When Challa tries to pressure her to promise to return, Krolec begins arguing with her about the absurdity of it all, saying that they should be congratulated for their works rather than be subject to a trial.

The Justiciar very plainly states that no one is above the law, regardless of what good they've done for the city.

But Krolec wants to know if Sir Percival is going to be put on trial as well.  He accuses Challa of failing to do a full investigation.

She responds by asking if they did indeed kill Lord Pembridge's men.  Krolec acknowledges the deaths, but notes it was in self-defense.

Challa explains Sir Percival's version of events; that they were requested to return to Pembridge's tower, refused, and then attacked his men.  She tells Krolec she is inclined to believe Pembridge because it is exactly the sort of thing the group always does.

Krolec and Challa argue back and forth.  He is annoyed she would take the word of Pembridge, a known enemy of theirs.  He argues they did not have time to deal with the problem properly and feels justified in their response.

The Justiciar then questions Krolec and Leigh about the whereabouts of Tiberius, whom she placed in their care on the condition they watch over him and make sure he repaid his full debt to the city for his crimes.  

Krolec weakly tries to argue that he thought Tiberius is dead, but Challa stops him and tells him she knows he left town.  The ranger tries to argue that it was the town guard's fault for releasing Tiberius out of the stocks while they were down in the sewers instead of consulting them.

Challa remains unconvinced.  She notes that Krolec's group has a real problem with always rushing off half-cocked without thinking of the consequences.  She further notes a lot of people have died because of it.

Krolec angrily responds that a lot in the city has needed attending and they usually don't have time to do things properly.  He says the city should be putting up statues of them instead of interfering.

Challa calms a bit, saying there is some truth in what they say.  She notes the only statue of heroes in the city is of Vendar, the hero who was said to have slain a dragon hundreds of years ago.  She tells the ranger perhaps they will get a statue if they slay a dragon.  He reminds the paladin they already have, mentioning Szartharrax and Kobold Hall.  She light-heartedly says she stands corrected, and perhaps they are due for statues after all.

She then tells them to be sure to attend the large meeting in the city plaza later in the day; the long-running Council of Lords has ended, and Lord Markelhay plans to make a large, public announcement.

Krolec responds they will be able to make it, but do need to start heading to Winterhaven soon.  Challa cautions him to keep an eye on the drow, reminding him that she will hold Leigh and him responsible for whatever they do, as they are the ones who brought them into the city.

Session 54 - Scene 6 (of 11)

After meeting with Challa, Krolec makes sure to stop by the royal armory and pick up some arrows to replenish his supply.  They then head down to the regular markets to purchase more rations and other adventuring goods.

Krolec is surprised to see Sa'lid purchasing sunrods.  He sneaks up behind the sorcerer and badly startles him.  The man yells out, causing Snarg to drop sunrods everywhere.

After Sa'lid has regained his composure, Krolec asks him what he is doing in the market.  Sa'lid dryly responds that no one would want to see what the drow were currently up to.

He asks how their meeting with Challa went, but Krolec wants to get back to a secure area first.  Sa'lid responds it is probably best, as Snarg is starting to get some dirty looks in the market.

When the group returns to the house, Leigh is not amused to discover the scents of drow lust filling two out of the three rooms in her home.  She immediately goes to work casting a ritual to clean everything.

Krolec is more surprised to see Yathrin actually looking happy for once.  The effect is unnerving.

Not getting bogged down in the particulars, Krolec tells the others simply that he "set Challa straight" on the situation with Pembridge.  He then tells them about the big announcement in the afternoon.  Yathrin and Xunrar glance towards Leigh's third room.

Wanting to make sure everyone has all they need, Krolec discusses with Leigh and Sa'lid about giving 100 gold to each of the drow so they have spending cash (half in gold, half in gems).  He also argues for setting aside another 200 gold worth of coins and gems for Sage's family, should they happen to meet any of them in Winterhaven.  With the group unusually flush with money, Leigh and Sa'lid agree.

The remaining gold is split amongst the three surviving members (Krolec, Leigh, and Sa'lid), with a fourth portion set aside for expenses.  The three then head out again to get more supplies and see the announcement, leaving the drow alone again.

Session 54 - Scene 7 (of 11)

In addition to basic supplies, Leigh stops by the House Azaer trading shop to use some of their credit line to get 30 gold worth of spell components.  The shop attendant seems quite impressed; store credit lines are generally only used by friends of the Azaers.  And being so reclusive, they are very picky about their friends.  Krolec is happy to be in such elite company.

At the plaza, the three find large crowds of people waiting for the announcement.  A large platform has been erected in the center of the plaza, presumably for Lord Markelhay to speak from.

Before the lord of the city arrives, Krolec does a quick reconnaissance around the area, making sure he doesn't spot any signs of trouble.  He is relieved to find none.

Not long after, the large processional arrives.  Lord and Lady Markelhay are escorted to the platform by his squad of personal guards, led by Sgt. Munley.

Behind the fair sergeant are the major lords in the city – Lord Hepplewhite, Lord Nimz, Lord Montigue, and Lord Pembridge, along with Baron Stockmer, the ruler of Harkenwold.

Following the lords are the three most powerful priests in the city: Loreveo, the elven high priestess of Sehanine; Dirina Moonbrow, high priestess of Erathis; and Father William, Abbott of the Raven Queen's monastery.

Lord Markelhay greets the masses and explains the council has been working on a grand alliance to return the region to greatness.  Henceforth, the Fallcrest area, surrounding region, and Harkenwold will form together to create the new Kingdom of Nerathay.

Markelhay himself is no longer simply lord of the city.  He is now ordained as King Farrin I.  Krolec smiles as he knows the group's influence in the area has just gone up.

But the king is not the only one whose station has improved.  Further announcements reveal that peerages have been bestowed on the other high lords of the city.  Baron Stockmer is now Count Stockmer, ruler of the County of Harkenwold.  

The king's old friend, Lord Montigue, is now a count as well, with the County of Montigue to be established north of the city.  Krolec notes that the proposed construction site for Montigue Manor is close to the Old Hills and may run into issues with the gray dragon, Nestor, who is still at large.

Nimz Keep (formerly Raven's Roost) and Hepplewhite Hall (formerly Kobold Hall) are to be the centers of the baronies of newly-titled Barons Nimz and Hepplewhite, respectively.  Pembridge is also made a Baron as well, given all land south of the city.  Krolec notes to the others that it will now likely be necessary for them to make an effort to smooth things over with Pembridge once their mission is done.

The king goes on with a bit of further explanation, saying that Fallcrest will remain the capital of the kingdom and that Harkenwold County will be left to operate more or less independently.  He also points out that the village of Juniper Creek will remain independent and under the control of the Prophet.  Krolec spots Alby Grant in the crowd of noblemen, exchanging nods with the king.  Hammerfest will also remain under the independent control of the dwarven king for now, as well as Winterhaven staying on its own.

According to the announcements, the new kingdom is to a parliamentary council will be formed for the kingdom.  There is to be eight permanent members consisting of the five high lords and the three high priests.  There is another eight positions, four to be filled by minor lords (such as Lord Groddic or Lord Varys) by election amongst the lords, and four filled by commoner ministers elected by the land-owning commoners in the particular districts of the city.

One surprise in the midst of the announcements comes when King Farrin points out Krolec, Leigh, and Sa'lid in the crowd, noting that the kingdom would never have been possible without them.  Krolec not only wonders how they were spotted, but questions whether he should have made such a big deal to Challa about getting recognition for their good works.