Aftermath: Return of the conquering heroes, days 1-5

The heroes ate a hearty meal at Blackwall Keep. 5 of the survivors of the attack of the Lizard Men were present, three escorted McCubbin the drover back to Diamond Lake and survived, two were rescued by the group from the Twisted Branch lizard folk lair. Each shook the hand of the group, and Commander Trask broke out the ale, to raise a toast to the group.
Later that evening Aardgal explained that the horses were lost, and promised to pay for their loss. Commander Trask said that would be fine.
Marzena, though older than Felnar was impressed with his magical ability, and they each had been apprentices under Allustan. She's very charismatic, and much better suited to dealing with people, in her case as a wizard in the Greyhawk Militia. Allustan is a sage at heart and prefers books to people. He gets excited when hired to seek out rare information, not eager to help but eager for the hunt for knowledge. Each pupil knew he had some sort of falling out with Tenser, to whom he was apprenticed. No one knows why. Tenser's love of money and manipulation are legendary, wheras Allustan cared for his brother, the former Mayor, and obscure and esoteric information.
Morgrim left the party as it was winding down with a full belly to go curry the horses and get them ready for the day ahead.
Shaft spent his watch that evening honing his tools and fletching arrows. His mumbled refrain 'Green and blue always strike true.' as he fletched blue jay and quail feathers to his best arrows.

The next day Commander Trask named Lieutenant Mikkela temporary commandant of Blackwall Keep. He took 10 men on horseback, and Lieutenant Trovost and Marzena back to Diamond Lake. High Priest Jierian Wigierus stayed at the Keep temporarily, while Mere travelled back to town. Naturally the group, afoot and on Morgrim's cart were invited to travel along.
During the trek Commander Trask asked Azrael to walk with him, intending to speak with the young priest. "I'm told you're Azrael Barak, an elemental priest. I'm told you are on friendly terms with Chaum Gansworth (the mine owner in town). It seems Mister Gansworth wishes to speak with you when we return to Diamond Lake. It is his intention to persuade you to run for the position of Mayor of Diamond Lake.
Mayor Neff was convicted on charges of abduction, theft, and unlawful imprisonment. The next election will occur in a month. Currently the only other candidate is Edgar Tilgast, the son of Gelch Tilgast (also a mine owner, who has a reputation almost as poor as Balabar Smenk).
I've been hoping and working towards cleaning up Diamond Lake for over a decade, and this your groups exposure of Smenks and Neff's dirty deals are the best chance to stop the corruption in town.
All I ask is you think about the offer. It may not be as exciting as adventuring, but a good mayor or commander can do more lasting good than a sword or flail ever could."
After almost 2 days of travelling the band reach the stinking shores of Diamond Lake. The smelting plant belches out coal and wood fired smoke and soot into the early summer air.
"Charming" sneers Lath.
"It brings a tear to me heart." Says Morgrim.
"Need Beer." Says Bornir as he spies the Spinning Giant tavern right away.

At the edge of town the groups separate. Mere tells Aardgal she will let Amariss know of your arrival. She hurries towards the ferry which will take her to the far side of Diamond Lake.
The group gets a few rooms at the Spinning Giant, though several people have to intention of staying there. Everyone except Krech and Edgrin know the drill. Felnar will stay with as a guest of Allustan, Lath and Shaft will stay at Ellival's compound, Bornir and Morgrim will go to the house which headquarters the traders from the Greysmere Covenant. Aardgal will split his time between the shrine of the Green Lady across the Lake and in town. Azrael, Krech, Edgrin will hang out in the inn and trade goods for cash, keeping an eye out for thieves trying to steal their hard won loot.
Azrael looks a mite worried. This morning he was unable to pray for new spells. In speaking with Mere, she wondered aloud if he had done something to offend his goddess. Hmmm, I've been working against evil earth creatures. He wonders if his new change of outlook has affected his rapor with Akadi. If so an atonement from another priest of his goddess would be needed, and they are few in number.
After a quick meal several folk congratulate the group on saving Blackwall Keep, and you are the toast of the town. A night of revelry does you good. Felnar, not in good spirits goes to speak with Allustan immediately. During the third version of Edgrin's 'Delve at Droskar's Crag' which recounts the groups slaying of the Iron Tooth tribe, a dwarf messenger comes in looking for Bornir and Morgrim. "Excuse me sirs, but I am come to fetch you on behalf of Bitrus Ruthek." Both Morgrim and Bornir recognize the name as a female dwarven trader for the covenant. She was second of the three traders under Dulok Blitzhame.
The three dwarves excuse themselves and leave.
By this time 'Prince' Ellival Moonmeadow, Sheriff Melinde, and several other notable folk have joined the celebration at the Tavern. Krech is brought food and ale as he dutifully guards the treasure upstairs. He sighs when he hears the singing begin anew. Aardgal slips out the side entrance and heads for the ferry.

Felnar reaches Allustan's residence. The lights are on and upon knocking he finds Allustan has a house guest whom he introduces, Benezal, a half elven alchemist and wizard. It seems Allustan is helping Benezal set up a potion making business within town. Benezal can see that Felnar is clearly agitated and he leaves for the night.
Allustan looks grim "Have you heard? Your friends Master Dannen, and his apprentices Terra and Willow have gone missing. They bought the old observatory, and were living there. A local craftsman brought around supplies, and found they had left. No one knows where they've gone, and I'm afraid there was blood found in one of the rooms. It doesn't look good."
Felnar: "I know. Somehow they were slain and turned into vampires."
"We encountered them. We slew the master vampire, and slew Willow. Master Dannen escaped and Terra helped us fight them. She is a vampire, but doesn't seem evil. My friend, Aardgal, a paladin of Wee Jas determined there was no evil in her, though she was clearly undead. Perplexing, but we agreed to meet in Diamond Lake. That was over a week ago. Have you seen her or any word of her arrival? As such a creature she can only be out at night."
Allustan was puzzled by this turn of events. As one friend to another he would research the matter, but it would take time. After several days had gone by Allustan would eventually broach the subject of payment. 50 gps for such an undertaking would not be unreasonable, though the question of how to cure such a thing might take longer.
Felnar also asked Allustan for aid in either casting or teaching Analyze Dweomer to him. Alas Allustan said, such a spell is beyond his ability and above Felnar's also (6th level spell).

Morgrim, Bornir and the messenger return back to the sturdy brick and timber quarters of the Greysmere traders. As they aproach the front door they see the carving of Berronar's over the entrance way, the dwarven goddess of the home and hearth and wife of Moradin, has been covered with cloth. This indicates a house in mourning. Inside the servants and assistants are dressed in black. The two heroes are brought into the dining hall, the smell of spiced wine and ash hang in the air. Dulok's body has been removed, likely on it's way to Greysmere Covenant.
Bitris Ruthek is nearby, she hands several scrolls to an assistant, and as she recognizes Morgrim and Bornir she glares before a mask of mild disintrest settles on her face. She is in her early middle age, with blond unbraided hair, a plain face with the minimum of make up. She is thin and tall for a dwarf.
"So you've returned. By the furnace, where have you been? Dulok Blitzhame was murdered. Ragnolin Dourstone is missing and likely the culprit. Your mission was to serve us and our interests in town, yet he's slain and you two go missing for weeks!"
Morgrim responds "Where have we been? Out protecting our interests thats where! Now before you you throw us on the anvil you can rest assured that Dulok's murderer has been sent back to Moradin's Forge. We'll answer all your questions in a few hours but for the moment I see this house is in mourning and things have happened so quickly lately that Bornir and I have not had time to pay our respects until now. Even though his body may be on its way to Greysmere I'd still like to raise a toast and drink to Dulok Blitzhame."
Bitrus rises up "Who do you think you're talking to?! Your only job was to protect him." She points at Bornir. "His ONLY job is to work for us and our interests. Dulok was far too lenient with you two. Allowing you to go supply Blackwall Keep rather than staying by his side and working deligently to expand our interests. Morgrim Ironeye and Bornir Axehand you will explain where you've been in detail this moment and with no attitude or by Berronar's mace I will see you washing floors for a year!"
Morgrim flinches as if physically slapped, he whispers to Bornir "Bornir, it appears I have stepped on my beard. I'll let you explain."
Bornir whispers back "Are you quite sure of that lad? Though I have no idea why, whenever I try to talk fancy I seem to dig the mine shaft that much deeper..."
After some hemming and hawing Morgrim explains much of what transpired in the last few weeks since they left to help guard the supply caravan to Blackwall Keep.
Morgrim also stresses that "Protecting Greysmere interests" is a job with a much wider scope than playing bodyguard especially with no prior knoweldge that our charge is being targeted. Its very easy to kill someone if the assassination comes out of the blue - even if he has a bodyguard. Now that we know Ctenmiir, a vampire, was behind Dulok's murder - we now need to ask "what was Ctenmiir's motive?" Since he's is now back at Moradin's Forge (hopefully being remade into something more useful) perhaps is brother Fionor 'the Rude' laird of the Greysmere Covenant might have some insight into his brothers motivations.
Morgrim adds "If you're alarmed to hear about Ulla, Toric, The king of Karkast --- Good. Forwarned is Forarmed. Is it not better to have a clever negotiator aware of the 'not so nice' actions of our neighbors/possible trading contacts. We've been 'protecting Greysmere interests' away from Diamond Lake."
"It was unfortunate that we killed Ragnolin Dourstone, he was a thrall of the Vampire Ctenmiir. As he stands next to Moradin's Forge.... for him at least I will say a prayer."
Bornir blurts out "What they was up to was not defensible, they was wrong. We're telling da truth I swears it on Clangeddin's Axe."
Lastly Morgrim adds "Aside from killing 'em and finding this stuff out we've recovered 2 Dwarven weapons - Possibly Legacy weapons. The warhammer Whelm and the Blood crier's Axe."
(I rolled a diplomacy check for Morgrim and rolled a 17-1 for charisma, note not the -2 for his 6 charisma since he's dealing with a fellow dwarf, her overall reaction to them is indifferent and he changes it to friendly. Note: Paul, see I try to merge role-play and roll play with social skill checks)
She listens attentively. She fills in a few details of which Morgrim and Bornir were unaware. Dulok, according to several speak with dead spells cast by the temple of Wee Jas, had searched for Fionor's brother Ctenmiir and his legendary weapon Whelm. A dwarven adventurer in his employ recovered the War Hammer Whelm, which was in the lair of a young white dragon far to the north. How it got there is unclear, but Ctenmiir's last recorded adventure was to seek the dragon and slay it to save a barbarian community.
Dulok had recieved the war hammer a few days before, and no trace of Ctenmiir was recovered, but he was thought deceased. The Hammer was to be a birthday gift to Fionor for his up coming 300th birthday.
During a late night, the house guards were ensorcelled by a dark cloaked figure and Ragnolin Dourstone aided this figure. There was a fight between Dourstone and Dulok and Duorstone struck Dulok down and killed him, stealing the war hammer.
It is regrettable that you were unable to capture Dourstone, the cleric of Abbathor or Toric. She will have you both recount your tales a few more times so that their scribes can write of your tale. She will take you, the transcipt of your tale, and the two of you and travel immediately to the Greysmere Covenant.

Later that evening, with only half of the group assembled, Edgrin takes a good look at the many magic items assembled.
Edgrin says “I believe the Large Maul has no special properties beyond being a magical weapon of large size. I think the broach may be a broach of shielding, which wards the wearer from the effects of magic missile spells. I am unsure how many charges it may have since it is not noteworthy. Hmmm.” He rubs his chin and turns over a few items, scratches his head. Takes a sip of wine , then proceeds to stuff a pipe for a smoke. Once he has the pipe lit he takes one of the items and has a seat turning it over in the light. “Hmmmm. I think this Dwarven War Axe, Toric Coalbrow’s not the Earth Magus’ Axe, is also not notable except as a magical weapon. The Earth Magus’ axe. Not that’s something else. Quite up my bailiwick if I do say so myself. The rest of the items I can’t place” He gestures towards the many rings, weapons and trinkets then takes a few puffs of his pipe, coughs a bit. Then sets the pipe down.
“The Blood crier’s Axe. Belonged to a great dwarven hero of Stonefist named Bhazad Blood crier. He claimed he wrested it from a creature called an Earth Magus. He is reported to be a mortal son of Moradin. He is said to be the first dwarf to discover mithral, with a mine which pierced the center of the earth. He awoke greater powers within the Axe before a group of elemental beings slew him and the axe was lost. Three hundred years went by, then the axe turned up in the hands of a great barbarian lord named Huragam. Since then the axe hasn’t been seen since. It’s a legendary weapon reported to have earth related powers. I believe the first thing a wielder would do to unlock it’s legendary powers is defeat an earthen creature at least as tough as the wielder in personal combat.”
Edgrin seems pleased that he could contribute, and takes a deep draught of his wine.

33. The Evil Priestess and Emerald Sister

After resting a few days and fully recuperating from the grueling fight with the Ogre Mage, the group grew tired of hard tack rations and decided to make the trek from beneath White Plume Mountain.
Using Felnar's spells they were able to safely leave the ziggurat room and after floating through the air stream they encountered Simon and the rest of his group. Simon was in human form, which was a red haired man with slicked back hair, wearing black oiled leather armor, and bearing a rapier. His fellows consisted of a very large man with curly brown hair and a large axe, two women, one older and commanding with black hair, another younger woman in her late teens, also very attractive. With them were 3 wolves, one was a very large grey wolf with a pronounced scar over it's right eye.
They allowed the group to assemble after the ride on the rafts, then parlayed. Simon asked for the weapon they were promised. After some whispered consultation, Aardgal said "We'll give you black razor once we get outside." That was fine with them, as they turned to leave, Bornir added "And we'll take the captives." Since Simon and company had taken the two unconscious captives from the previous fight, and seemingly eaten or fed to their wolves the dead men.
Simon replied "Dungeon spoils. We had assumed they were for the taking." To his comrades he said "Is this alright? You know I'd prefer not to deal with kinslayers." The older raven haired woman said "A small price for the sword." They handed over the two men.
Aardgal determined that the fighter was inclined to evil but the unconscious cleric was not, and since he was a priest of Kelanen, demi-god of swords and adventure, they were inclined to revive him with healing spells. Upon waking the man, Drake, gave his surrender to Bornir. He was untied and forced to carry his fellow captive.
When the group neared the Sphinx's room near the entrance they could hear argueing. They found Simon and the rest were in a heated talk with two large horned red skinned humanoids who were carrying large two handed scimitars and wore silk pantaloons and pointy slippers. Azrael recognized them as two Efreeti. The Efreeti were insisting Simon and company must accompany them deeper into the bowels o the mountain for 'processing'. One of the fanged Efreeti told Aardgal and Morgrim who were in the front "You may leave champions."
Not wanting to get in a potentially deadly fight for nothing the group made for the exit.
Simon said "We will take Black Razor now." Azrael shrugged and handed him the legendary great sword, and the group left for the surface.
Shaft lingered in the hallway to listen into the altercation. Simon, Snarla and the rest seemingly went along peacefully. A loud scraping sound could be heard, and the water in the hallway drained rapidly towards the former room of the sphinx. The scraping noise continued , ceased for a while, then resumed. Presumably a secret door in the floor opened and the water drained away, leaving an inch of muck to slog through. Shaft hurried to the stairs up to join his friends.
Upstairs they waited for the steaming tunnel to vent, then they hurried through the cavern to the mountain side. Bornir swore he could hear a woman's scream when the steam vented. Huh, he thought. At the mouth of the tunnel, thay found a young woman in peasants clothes. She was roped to a stake, and had been scalded by the steam coming from the mountain. 60-70 ft. down the mountainside a dozen peasants in dirty clothes assembled. Their leader had a symbol painted on his frock in red paint or blood.
As the group untied the woman, the groups leader yelled "She is our sacrifice to the great mountain." Lath prodouced his sword and yelled. "We have defeated all below, no further sacrifices will be needed, EVER!" The grtoup seemed shaken but were less convinced of the error of their ways than afraid of Lath.
Edgrin came forth and tried to persuade the peasants "We have met with the mighty wiard Keraptis. He wants no more sacrifices, and wants us to take this woman away from here."
Between Lath's threatening and Edgrin's persuasion the peasants walked away with the occasional look over their shoulder.
The girl said she was the village of Yellow flow and the folk of the town have taken to sacrificing one person a year to the mountain to protect them from their enemies. Her only crime was she was unliked there. The group gave the cleric of Kelanen, Drake, one of his long sword back and a quarter staff to the woman along with some food in a sack. As terms of his surrender Drake was to provide for the fighter and the girl, Clia, and take them to Alhaster.
The group walked down the mountainside then headed west towrds the ruins and the ate of Zagyg. Drake, Clia, and the revived Sir Bluten made for Alhaster to the southeast.
The group reached the crag by nightfall, and could find no means to ascend to the playforms above. The Talisman of the Disc was explored and in time they found it had the command word 'Tenser'. Shaft took Lath's slippers of spider climbing and using the devices he ferried several people up the sheer rock face. A fly spell was cast on Bornir and he quickly grabbed the heaviest folk (Morgrim, Krech, Lath and Azrael) and flew them up before the magic wore off.
The group made their way through the tunnels and rested for the night. After an uneventful evening they ate and descended towards the Gates of Zagyg.
They determined the correct door to go back to the Emerald Sister's lair deep in the bowels of Droskar's Crag, the Bronze door was opened and the group went through.
Things had changed in the week since the group had left. The faint glow of the glintaxe wasn't there. The group went down into the Emerald Sisters geode-like lair, and they found a new opening had been formed in one of the side walls.
As the group moved forward several figures came from the new opening and glared at the group. The first was a large man made of earth and stone. Bearing a large axe with skulls which weeped blood and carrying a huge shield of ancient design. Behind him were the two dwarves Ulla Ironmettle and Toric Coalbrow. Near them was the floating apparition of Druingar Glintaxe.
"I learned from last time you will accept no parlay. Kill them all!"
The group started casting spells, Felnar threw a fireball, and Krech moved up the stairs to engage the Earth Magus. Krech encountered invisible foes on the stair which blocked his way.
Several invisible foes appeared. Blocking the stairs was a very large dwarf-like creature with iron hard fangs and claws, a bristle beard which was also hard as steel and dripped poison, glowing red eyes, bald heads, wearing copper plated plate armor of a diabolical design. A total of three of these creatures came from invisibility. They each stood 9' tall and the lead one had runes carved into the flesh of his exposed arms which glowed with a hellish light. That one Bornir recognized from the afterlife, a devil named Bhelial.
The two minor Durzagons cast Cause Critical Wounds on Azrael and Bornir, while the lead one cast an Unholy Blight which sickened Felnar and damaged everyone.
From the back of the room rose the female form of the Emerald Sister, the jade prophetess spoke urgently "Your fight concerns me not. I see you have returned with the weapon Wave, place it in my pool and the gem is yours." She produced another of the large gemstones which seal the planar gate. It fell from her hand to land on the dias in front of her, at which time a tremor shook the room. "Temn Zren is almost come. As I have known for years he comes to slay me and take my power for his master. He will succeed, in a minute I will be dead. I go to face him below." She rapidly sank into her pool of minerals and stone, and the pool sank. The rivulets of elemental earth also stopped flowing through the chamber. Even though she knew she would die she would fight to the end. Later the group would ponder wether she left to stand against the Ooze Monolith in a place which would alow them to survive the conflict?
Meanwhile Ulla Ironmettle called out "Shen! I summon you hence. Our pact has been fulfilled." At this another opening in the wall of the cathedral opened as a planar gate opened into a darkened room beyond.
Ulla cast a confusion spell which only affected Aardgal. Toric guarded her, and the dwarf was Azer blooded, maning he was somewhat resistant to fire and the fire ball Felnar had thrown.
Another invisible combatant appeared, a large grey goblin, hairier and much larger than a regular goblin, it stood 9'tall, bore a great sword, and had elongated jaws. Azrael recognized it as a Barghest, a wolf-goblin shapechanger from the plane of Gehenna.
Druingar Glintaxe floated forward and tried to touch Morgrim, who barely fought off his possession attack. Morgrim cast protection from evil on himself to prevent further attacks, Druingar then went for Krech.
Felnar cast an explosive cascade on the dwarves, and Ulla and Toric were forced to back away after casting a silence on the group. They retreated to cure and buff, while the group fought the Durzagons, Earth Magus and Barghest.
They were qickly downed, Morgrim pressing the attack on the Barghest, since he felt Whelm, the legendary war hammer he bore, hum as he attacked the creature. Azrael successfully turned the Stone Spikes, a type of elemental, which were issueing from the new portal. After he turned the second creature, their master, Shen the Dao, came through the portal.
By this time Ulla and Toric had come back, Bornir cast a silence near her, they advanced and blocked Azrael and Aardgal behind a Wall of Stone. Azrael quickly dimension doored back into the fight but mis-judged the arrival and was shunted aside and they fell down a ramp.
Bornir made short work of Toric, who had taken the Bloodhammer from the defeated Earth Magus. Ulla had a choice, she could plane shift away, alone without Toric and the Bloodaxe, or take the chance she could get the spell off and win all.
She let greed, or was it love of Toric, get the best of her judgement. She was struck twice, Krech scored a minor blow, but Bornir struck with such ferocity her much needed concentration was broken and the spell fizzled. She was brought low before she could try another spell.
Likewise Shen the Dao was slain. He had tried to curse Morgrim, and was striking with great fury with a large maul, when the blows and arrows slew the evil genie.
As quiet sttled on the mineral cathedral, tremors which were minor started to become more violent. Dust and chucks of quartz fell from the ceiling with each Tremor.
The group quickly stripped the combatants, and found 2 more of the planar stones in Ulla's pouch. The gate she had opened led to the ante-chamber outside the yawning portal underneath the Ruins of the Six. The group knew the had to seal off the portal. In charging through the gate they found a few people finishing off the last of the Stone Spikes. In the room were Mere, the female geomancer, Jierian Wierus, high priest of Saint Cuthbert in Diamond Lake, and two lieutenants from the Greyhawk Militia, Mikkela and Trovost.
They had attacked the ruins on and off for days, seeking the source of the Chaggrin Grues which were spreading across the region. When they heard fighting they rushed to attack and learn more of the menace. Luckily they didn't have to contend with Shen the Dao or his master, rather two Stone Spikes which were lethargic from being turned.
The two groups turned towards the yawning portal to the realm of Ogremoch. Azrael stepped forward and placed all four gemstones into the hemispherical depressions in the floor surrounding the portal. Immediately the hole in reality spiraled shut, but not before Azrael saw a gargantuan form, an earthen monstrosity lumber for the gate. Azrael reeled back shaking. He had seen Ogremoch, rumored to be one of the five sons of Tharzidun. It took a minute or more for Azrael to snap out of it, and the friends wondered for his sanity.
After the gate was closed the group saw a gargantuan hole torn through the back floor and wall of the room. Perhaps eaten away would be a better desciption, for it was a tunnel through the earth -the path of Temn Zren, It seems it went after the Emerald Sister immediately upon breaking through into this plane, boring a tunnel through the earth and loam towards it's prey. At a depth of 40' down it was filling with seeping swamp water which turned the hole into a small river delving diagonally into the earth.
The destruction it had caused had undermined the stability of the already unstable ruins, and with it's elemental earth servitors to shore the place up it was likely to collapse on it's own at any minute.
The two groups retreated hastily to the sepulcher of the Lords of the Six, where Mere and company had entered using the ropes tied to broken collumns above ground. They groups kept running as the small plateau upon which the ruin stood slowly sank towards the surrounding swarm-land.
With barely a look back they headed east towards Blackwall Keep. Along the way the group heard what had occured in their absence. Marzena and Commander Trask were still at the Keep, as were the 30 soldiers. Almost all of the worshipers of Saint Cuthbert had left.
There had been a few fights with local lizard men foraging parties, and a few monsters. When the grues attacked, not once but three times, the Commander ordered the dedicated, but undisciplined, followers of the Saint back to Diamond Lake, and only Jierian and a few stalwarts stayed behind to help.
Jierian, a tough older man with salt and pepper hair, tall thin and not terribly talkative, he carries a stout cudgel of iron, his worn half plate, light shield with the starburst symbol of the Saint and a well used bull whip is within easy reach at his belt. He seems quietly judgemental, though respectful of those of other faiths. He offers Krech counsel when the groups rest, and even extends an invitation to Felnar (the only unaffiliated human amongst your group) to visit the church next Godsday.
Mere seems more happy than last time she met Azrael and Aardgal, having helped defeat a despised enemy. She speaks of helping the High Priestess of Wee Jas, Amariss, in designing a temple at the Shrine of the Green Lady, she still wears a plain brown dress of homespun fabric, but now bears a small silver necklace and pendant with the symbol of Wee Jas.
The two lieutenants talk a bit to Krech, who they know from the militia, and seem quite friendly with Azrael, since reports describe him as the hero of Blackwall Keep.
After a day and a half of walking the 13 heroes reach Blackwall Keep. Mikkela asks when you near the walls "Aardgal, didn't you have some horses?"

32. Black Razor part II

The heroes left the lion pen, travelled down the 50’ corridor to a door. After failing to open it the door opened and another corridor ending in a door lay beyond. This one was 40’ long. As the group marched for the door Bornir noticed strange echoing in the chamber and group halted. Morgrim moved forward ahead of the rest of the group.
Suddenly an invisible voice spoke in a gravely rasp “Now.” In quick succession a the group was hit from nowhere by a slow spell and a cone of cold. Azrael, Shaft, Felnar and Edgrin, in the rear to the group were affected by the slow spell. Morgrim and Bornir suffered the most from the Cold.
Unable to see their adversaries the group cured and cast a few offensive or defensive spells, or just waited. A large javelin struck Azrael in the side, through the wall! Felnar cast a web spell at the front of the hallway, catching Morgrim and with luck whomever was casting spells. Krech saw the javelin pass through the wall and after a moments indecision strode through the wall, almost immediately there were sounds of combat from beyond the illusory wall. “There’s a wizard and a very large Ogre back here! UGHHG!” Shouted Krech, as he was struck by the Ogre’s great club.
The enemy wizard cast a spell and a flaming pea shot forth and blossomed into a fireball at Felnar’s feet. Everyone except Krech was hit by the fire. Edgrin collapsed in pain. Morgrim, unable to move was freed from Felnar’s web, but took the full force of the blast.
Morgrim then Bornir ducked to the right through the illusionary wall following Krech. Meanwhile the monk from the previous fight appeared, and tumbled past Lath to attck Felnar. Felnar was struck but unstunned by the monk’s attack and immediately dimension doored with Azrael away from fight to reappear in the lions room.
A fourth attacker followed at the monk’s heels, a blue skinned ogre with horns, armor and bearing a large blade seemingly made from the night sky. The Ogre Mage was wielding Black Razor. He issued a challenge to Lath, then was struck in the side by an arrow from Shaft’s bow. He swatted it aside and lunged at Lath. The Ogre Mage’s wound healed almost immediately.
The monk ran down the hallway and kicked open the door reavealing Felnar and Azreal. They had gotten off a few spells. Azrael had cured himself a little and Felnar cast a mirror image upon himself. Azrael swung his flail at the monk and connected, then the monk tumbled past him to continue attacking Felnar. Azrael cured Felnar a bit and then Felnar was forced to Dimension door with Azrael once more. This time they appeared dead center in the room. By this time the illusionary hallway had disappeared, though Felnar's web spell obscured view for several of the combatants.
The ogre mage was hammering away at Lath, who cut heavy into the brute. The Ogre Mage was fighting defensively, making deft cuts with Black Razor, while the Ogre was swinging mightily with his great club. The Ogre bashed Krech, who was fighting defensively, while Bornir cured Krech as fast as he could. Morgrim had briefly attacked the Ogre when the wizard from the previous fight, a bushy beared chap in robes, cast a Tasha's Hideous Laughter spell upon Morgrim. Morgrim laughted and rolled on the floor as the Ogre took a few swings at him then proceeded to knock Krech about. Krech eventually went prone and semi-conscious. Bornir kept curing him and then was forced to fight.
By this time the monk had advanced and attacked Shaft from behind. Shaft was knocked prone and got off a shield spell as the monk battered at him. Lath was forced to cast curative spells on his cousin, lest he die. Eventually the ogre mage's blows knocked Lath out. The Ogre Mage's next move was to touch the tip of Black Razor to Lath's chest, and attempt to extract his soul. Lath, bolstered by the power of Corellon Larethian, resisted the devestating attack.
By this point Felnar had cast an explosive cascade and a Rainbow Blast at the Ogre Mage and the monk. Each time the monk evaded taking any damage. The ogre mage was hurt but was also regenerating.
The monk told Shaft to surrender. Shaft agreed and the monk took his bow. "If you re-enter this fight I will return and kill you." The monk then left to attack Felnar. Shaft immediately shimmied over to Lath and fed him a Cure Serious Wounds potion. Lath awoke immediately and cured himself, then stood up ready to attack the Ogre Mage.
By this time the monks blows had eliminated most of Felnar's mirror images. The Ogre Mage struck a telling blow with Black Razor, skewering Felnar through the chest. He was dead before he hit the ground.
Morgrim recovered from the spell and rejoined the fight with Bornir against the Ogre. Between the two dwarves they quickly laid him low. Morgrim turned towards the Ogre Mage, while Bornir pursued the wizard.
The wizard was in a corner with Aardgal. Aardgal, unconscious but alive, was at the wizards mercy with a dagger at his throat. Bornir, who was in a silence spell he had cast previously, tried to bluff the wizard into thinking he would back away, then charged immediately. The wizard plunged the dagger into Aardgal's neck. Bornir's blow jarred the wizards arm, as his axe struck the wizards invisible spell wrought armor. The wizard turned and fled awy from Bornir towards the entrance to the hallway. Bornir, using his boots of striding caught up with the coward and cut him down.
Meanwhile the monk was beated unconscious, and the combatants turned to attacking the Ogre Mage wielding Black Razor.
Morgrim, Krech, and Azrael wound up assisting Lath in attacking the Ogre Mage, and eventually Lath struck the fatal blow, knocking the brute out and immediately the elf felt a surge of power enter his sword and into him through his own sword arm. He knew the power of defeating another legacy weapon, and the day had been won, but at a terrible cost.

Felnar's eyes were closed and his body, and that of Edgrin's were laid out in the corner under their cloaks.
Still worse, the group realized that without Felnar's magic spells they would have to figure out how to navigated the glass tunnels and fight their way out eventually.
As they ponder that they took stock of the room. It was a large 50'x50' room with a bed, nightstand, dresser, a sitting chair and a side table. Wall hanging sized tapestries hung on the wall, and these normal furnishings were located in on of the corners of the room. Much of it had been pushed aside before the fighting began.
At the back of the room was a large face of a man, bald and with fu manchu style mustache. It was formed and part of the masonry wall. Five feet in front of this face was a third device, much as they had seen before, a circular stone disc with three diagonal stone snakes projecting from the surface. The device, disc and snakes revolved, and this one was revolving at a faster rate than the last two.
Suddenly the mouth of the stone face animated and spoke in a booming voice "I am the immortal Keraptis, Scion of the Order of Storms and greatest of the earth magi.
So it was written, the death of the last drop of Auran blood passes from the race of men, then shall the Age of Wars end and then shall the Age of Worms commence.
As the Ages of men pass, they drum like the beating of a heart upon the mountain. With each such beat a call goes out, and heroes of legend vie for favor.
Praise to the Champion. Step forward and claim your reward."

Lath stepped forward and placed Nenharna, his elfin long sword between the spinning snakes. A force took hold of the blade gradually, and Lath allowed the blade to rotate slowly between the spinning device.
"Name your boon." Demanded the face of Karaptis.
Lath thought momtarily, then looked towards his dead friends, whom easily could have been himself or his cousin. "I ask for the power to raise my friends and return them to health."
"Done" Said the face, and a pulse of violet light shone from Nenharna, then slowly the device ceased to rotate. Lath gingerly grasped the blade and took it from the force which held it aloft. He closed his eyes and meditated trying to devine what had occured.
"Hey what's going on?" Said Edgrin.
"Why are we under our cloaks? Did we win?" Said Felnar.
They arose with wounds and sprains, but very much alive! Much to the rejoicing of their friends.
The group gathered around the two, and as they did so the stone face of Keraptis smoothed and receeded into the masonry wall.
Lath broke from his revery. He was very much aware of the miracle of his friends resurrections, and he knew that his blade would increase in power as he had wished for. Nenharna would become a strong source of healing and protection magics. It and he would gain in power in order to help his friends.
They all rested.

31.White Plume Mountain - Black Razor

The group opened the side door and through a hallway came into a large room with a stream flowing through it. The stream was elevated 3 ft. off of the floor and seemed to be travelling down an invisible tube. The stream of water was 6’ wide and 3.5 ft. deep and flowing in through the left hand wall, and exited through the right hand wall. Around the room were 6 wooden rafts made from wood logs lashed together. The rafts were reasonably light, having been made from pine, though bulky enough that two people were needed to heft one into the water way.
A reasonable plan was formed, Aardgal, and Shaft would swim behind certain rafts, while Krech and Bornir would follow Edgrin and Morgrims rafts respectively by means of an Air Walk spells. This plan was almost immediately spoiled since the last person on a raft, Azrael, dumped into the water almost immediately and his raft floated down the swift moving current.
Felnar, and Morgrim dumped midway through the dark tunnel. Bornir held up to grab Morgrim, while Felnar flailed about before swimming, albeit poorly. Azrael and his air elemental flew past them and reached the room beyond just after Lath, Shaft and Aardgal.
The room beyond had a number a people who had heard shouting and splashing down the tunnel, so were not caught unaware. 4 men with long spears stood near the water entrance. Elsewhere in the room were 4 walking corpses – zombies, behind which was a bearded older man in robes. Also in the room were 2 men in full plate armor, one with a sword and shield, the other with 2 swords in hand. A plainly dressed man with the golden skin and almond eyes of a bakluni, and lastly the man in plate and shield commanded a large panther-like creature, except it had exotic dark blue fur and two muscular tentacles sprouting from it’s shoulders with tooth-like ridges along the end – a displacer beast.
The man with 2 swords and full plate cast a silence on the entrance immediately forcing the elves to fight their way into the room. As more and more of the group flowed into the room they met fiercer and fiercer fighting.
The bearded older man cast a few spells on the Bakluni, while the cleric with the two swords cast a spiritual weapon (long sword) on Shaft and buffed himself. The shield and sword fighter and the displacer beast moved into melee.
Eventually enough of the 9 heroes burst into the room to overwhelm the Blood Brothers. The zombies were destroyed by Lath. Krech without a shield was beaten badly and had to retreat. The fighter with sword and shield and the fighter with 2 swords were bested in combat, and as the tide had clearly turned, the Bakluni beat Aardgal into unconsciousness and the bearded wizard cast a prepared teleport from a scroll and the two whisked Aardgal away. The Displacer Beast was the last to fall. The two main fighters both lived, but were unconscious.
The group dried themselves and Felnar cast a detect magic before the group headed towards the corner where the fighter had fled. The elves found a secret door there and in the fighter’s hand was a key which fit a hidden key hole. The group went down the hallway beyond, hoping to find Aardgal alive.
The door led to a door, and when opened the room beyond was extremely large and the walls themselves shed light. The room was built like an inverted step pyramid. Each step down the pyramid was a see through hallway 10’x10’ with creatures beyond. On the far side of the room were two manticores, which were quickly killed. The next ‘step’ had a ramp down to a small door, opened with a winch. The next step held two large crustaceans and was filled with 8’ of water. The next step was dry and held two large scorpions. The next step was filled again with 8’ of water and held two sea cats. Lastly the bottom of the pyramid was dry and held two dire lions and a door.
A plan was formulated to have Felnar and two protectors dimension door to the dire lion level then he would cast the regroup spell to gather the rest of the party together. Meanwhile Krech and Shaft, bored, opened the winch and the door to the watery crustacean level opened. The smell of brine was strong as the barnacled crustaceans of large size swam forward. As one neared the entrance it clacked it’s two claws together sending out a shockwave of sonic force. Neither was stunned but each bled a little from their ears as they reached to close the door with the winch.
The plan went off perfectly 9that in itself is shocking) as Felnar dimension doored into the Dire Lion pen with Morgrim and Bornir, they engaged the lions while Felnar regrouped the rest of the group (except Aardgal naturally) around him. The dire lions were quickly slain and the group healed and formed up in front of the door.
The door opened and beyond was a 50' long hallway ending in a door.