Recap #26 - Picking through the Boneyard

2 Vult

• The party was dropped off an hour before dawn outside the valley known as the Boneyard. They proceeded on foot trying to keep a low profile. As they entered the valley they were amazed by the sheer numbers of skelatal remains protruded through the grass and light shrubs. They decided to follow the path leading along the valley floor.
• A couple hours later the path entered a clearing containing something they had not seen before. Upon the ground was a large stone slab - approximately 40 feet in diameter. It was surrounded by 3 small round altar-like pedestals. Upon closer inspection they noticed runes scribed around the outside of all 4 structures. Although they were unable to determine exactly what the runes said they were able to discern that it was a seal of some sort. In addition the large surface was marked with the symbol of Dolurrh while the top face of each smaller altar bore the symbol of Xoriat.
  
• From this point the path veered up to the left toward the mountain face. The party had followed it only a short way when they heard an eerie call ahead of them. They formed up a defensive order and proceeded forward. They had just rounded a small corner in the path when they were attacked by five tentacled creatures. They quickly dispatched 3 of the 5. The others fled into the shrubs while making frantic screeching sounds. A few moments later they learned that the creatures were calling for assistance.


• Now the party was surrounded by masses of gricks. In addition 4 destrachans and a very large grick were attracted to the sounds of chaos. Nenia's use of her firewall devastated several of the gricks and created a covering wall. Meanwhile the rest of the party made quick work of the smaller creatures. Things were just looking under control when a hideous creatures with multiple mouths burst through the ground in the midst of the party. A dangerous squamous maw was looking to feed.
  
• Using its blast attack to deadly effect it nearly got the best of Nenia. Ethan was able to avoid the bulk of its blasts and kept the grick alpha from harrying the party too much. Finally the party was able to force the beasts into Nenia's firewall and then dispatch them.
  
• Sorely hurt and shaken the party too a few moments to rest. During that time they noticed the remains of caravan wagons a little farther up along the trail. Moving carefully they were able to search the wreckage but found nothing of note except the skeletal remains of many humanoids. They concluded that this was what remained of Kristoff's entourage and continued up the path until they came to a set of stone doors. Braddoc surmised that they were thousands of years old. One of them was propped open so the party entered.


• In front of them a set of stairs dropped 20 feet into an area containing a half dozen rotten wooden pews.

Due to several computer issues this is all we accomplished that night.

Recap #25 - Andred's Report

2 Vult
Andred Wormblade scanned his carefully written report. He had received the report request this morning. That meant the pouch he'd purchased and sent her from Sharn had finally arrived in Lakeview. The set had come at a steep price but it would make contact with his benefactor that much easier. He shook his head and focused on the task at hand. Alara did not pay him for amateur work. More importantly a historian of his caliber didn't omit important details. He knew that the actions of the Clifftoppers had the potential to alter the course of history in ways they couldn't imagine yet and he considered himself to be their witness. He started at the top once again. His eyes caught the major points of the journey since Sharn as he skimmed the writing and mentally recalled his travels.

They had left Sharn on the 21st of Sypheros. Two days later they had made an abrupt stop over a remote forested area East of Delver's Dale. The party had disembarked for a day. When they returned they bore new treasures. Even more impressive than that was the fact that he almost saw the hint of a smile upon the warforged face. He'd never thought it possible. Nenia informed him that the party had dispatched a Green Dragon. He research later told him the creature had been none other than Razcoreth. Andred recalled his previous dealings with the warlock dragon. He would not be missed.

Two days later they had landed in Flamekeep and spent two days talking to Thelio and some madman in the Houses of Healing. While dealing with the broken man had been unpleasant it had been fruitful. The ravings had supported Andred's research of the Boneyard. Even the state of the man confirmed that Xoriat was involved somehow. It gave credence to the rumors of the Xoriat manifest zone.

On the 6th of Aryth they had departed Flamekeep and spent the better part of a week flying to a settlement in Q'barra quaintly named Hope. During this time Andred had spent many hours with Nenia pouring over books and records trying to narrow their upcoming search of the jungle. He knew from his research in Newthrone many years ago that the jungles of Q'barra were an extremely dangerous and foreboding place. Death came quickly to the unprepared. Andred had been impressed when Nenia has stumbled upon a small note on one of the scrolls that indicated the general area they were looking for. he was sure it had saved them weeks of searching.

Even with this new information it had still been a week of waiting in Hope for the signal from the party that indicated they wanted the airship to pick them up. With the help of a Genasi Druid named Cur-ri they had destroyed a cult of Yuan-ti worshippers and obtained the Symbol of Fire. If the story was not embellished it was seem that the young human lad had actually tied a rope around his ankles and leapt into a flooding pit containing a Yuan-Ti Anathema! However when I pressed them on what had become of such a dangerous creature none of them could say. The holy warrior Delian looked particularly disturbed about that detail. My instincts tell me that the area there has become even more dangerous. Regardless, we got what we came for. The jungle can look out for itself.

They party has entrusted me with safeguarding the Symbol of Fire until I can perform the ritual in Onatar so I spent the next two days studying it and recording every detail I find. For two days after plucking the group from the jungle I was able to do so in peace. However as we neared the Boneyard we were attacked by Halflings of the Talenta Plains. They have learned much since they declared their independence. Incredibly they have mastered the use of kegs that burst into flame when dropped. With them they were able to crash our ship into the side of an ancient temple in the foothills of the Endworld Mountains. Many of the crew were lost in the battle and the crash landing. I am amazed that I have survived to make this report. However it turned out that our predicament was about to get much worse. It turned out that the temple - which is older than many I have seen - is considered to be a holy place to the Halfling tribes. To make matters worse it was also being held by a horde of creatures we know as witherlings. There must have been a great battle here at some point in history to account for the magic required to create such sheer numbers of the beasts.

Being caught between an advancing army of Halflings and hordes of Witherlings we wisely chose to hide. Somehow we ended up above the temple and the dwarf Braddoc released a devastating landslide of rock and rubble upon the battle in front of the temple. Luckily the Witherlings caught the brunt of that maneuver and the Halflings offered us quarter in exchange for the assistance we inadvertently granted them. In the nine days that followed we were able to repair the ship to its present condition. During our repair time we were honoured with the presence of Holy Uldra. The party did not share my enthusiasm though. We barely convinced her to grant us permission to enter the Boneyard in search of Kristoff's fate. She also spoke of some curse upon us and the lands if we removed any items from the valley. I hope to someday get a chance to sit down and record the histories locked within the mind of Holy Uldra. It would be a shame for our libraries to one day lose such a valuable source of information.

We now sit within the airship hovering over the mouth of the valley know as the Boneyard. It is an hour before dawn and we have just dropped the Clifftoppers off. It seems they wish to move in on foot in order to avoid any denizens spotting the ship in the air. Only history will tell us whether they find Kristoff or simply meet the same fate as his caravan.

Andred carefully reordered the stack of paper on his desk and counted them once again. Seventeen pages of details, diagrams, and commentary were ready for Alara's study. He rolled the sheets together and pressed his wax seal on the outside. He then waved his hand over the seal and murmured the words that would leave his arcane mark ensuring that Alara knew the words to be his. Placing his findings within the mate of Alara's pouch he closed the flap. It took only a moment for a slight warmth to fill the bag and he knew she had taken the letter from her own pouch. The ship shuddered slightly. He sighed as he repositioned the ritual components on the floor. The airship wasn't nearly as steady as it used to be. But that was understandable considering the damage it had taken in the previous couple of weeks. History predicted that Alara would have words for him to pass along to the group. He reached into his bag and withdrew a tome he had been studying. He may as well pass the time constructively.

Intentions

Ethan sat in the guild masters office marvelling at the many trophies that adorned the walls. The dragon's tooth and basilisk's eye being two of the dominant items in the room. His admiration for Master Dourstone was interrupted by the entrance of Ragnolin himself. Dressed in his normal attire the stout dwarf eased into an arm chair across from the rogue.

The dwarf looked across at Ethan and after some time spoke "So you wanted to meet boy?"

"I did Master Dourstone. As you requested in your note I've obtained the item you desired. None are aware that I have it, much less who it is for." With that said Ethan passed a small parcel over to Ragnolin. The dwarf cradled the parcel in his arms loving for a moment and then carefully laid it aside, his eyes had a strange gleam to them.

"Thank you for this Ethan, I shan't forget this favour."

"It is I who should thank you Master Dourstone, you provided for me when no other would. For that I am in your debt."

A silence fell upon the room and both men were content to endure it for a time. Finally, Ragnolin spoke "I assume there is something else you wish to discuss?"

"There is master," Ethan replied with a serious expression.

"A weighty matter is it, this calls for a drink then." Reaching into his personal cupboard Ragnolin drew out a bottle of Karrnathi Whisky, often known as liquid fire for how it burned the throat as it was drunk and then warmed the body afterwards. Pouring two glasses he passed one to Ethan and raised it in a toast, "To the glorious dead, to the living who will follow and to us. May we live forever."

Drinking deeply the two men regarded one another anew.

"Master, I come before you seeking counsel and requesting aid." Ethan took another drink before continuing. "In this time that I have been serving the guild and travelling I have experienced things beyond my understanding. I have learned and I have grown. Lately, I have feared that which I saw in myself. Killing comes to easily to me Master and I enjoy it too much. I lie awake at night afraid to sleep, fearing I might wake more terrible, more ruthless than before.

"In my time at Lakeview with Alara, I came to realize that perhaps I could harness this ability, the ruthless desire to kill. I thought on it deeply and consulted with Mistress Alara on it. I have come to realize that I am destined to walk the path of the assassin. I would choose this path willingly, though I know it borders on evil. However, I do not want this choice to be my ouster from the guild. So I seek your blessing on what I choose to embark upon.

"Further, I would ask that you or one that you trust be agent to my services. That those I might strike down be evil men. I would know your thoughts on this."

Ragnolin sat across from the rogue for a long time before answering. It seems the missive from Alara was correct and the once innocent boy was choosing to walk a dark path. Oh he knew of evil and evil men, but he always seemed to rise above it. "What have I done to him?" Ragnolin wondered to himself. "I hope that damnable Alara did not have something to do with this." Finally he spoke, "Know this Ethan, I cannot counsel you on this path. It is your own to walk and only you know the right of it. I believe you to be an upright and honourable man. I do not see evil in you, in fact I see much good."

"Should you decide to walk the dark road of the assassin you will not have my blessing. However, neither will I have you removed from this hall for making it. For as I said, I see much good in you. Nor will I act as agent on your behalf, however I know of one who can. Long has he been a friend to me and I trust his discretion." Ragnolin reached into the folds of his surcoat and withdrew a sheet of parchment and a quill. He wrote down a name and handed the sheet to Ethan. "This man makes a living by remaining anonymous, but I can arrange an introduction in time."

"Thank you for your words Master Dourstone, I appreciate your candour. One final thing, if you could keep this discussion from the others. I don't know what they would think of this decision. In time I'm sure things will become apparent to them and I will advise them of my decision in due course."

Meetings

Ethan walked into the common room of the Clifftop Adventurer's Guild hall, his eyes quickly scanning the room. He took in the faces both new and old, searching for the one who didn't belong. Finding her quickly he crossed the room and sat across from the girl. She was attractive, bearing the striking looks of his mother. Smiling he took her hand, glad for her safety.

"You look like mother" he commented, "I'm glad Larien was able to rescue you."

The girl blushed, unsure what to say. Tears rose up in her eyes and she began to sob, fear shaking her body.

With a sigh Ethan took her by the shoulders, "I know you don't know me, nor do you have reason to trust me. This place isn't right for you, you need a change of scenery, something to take away the dark memories. I have arranged transport for you to a town called Lakeview. A women by the name of Alara will find you a place to stay. Give her this letter when you arrive. Take care sister."

With that Ethan gave his sister a kiss on the brow, rising quickly he left the room lest others see the tears forming in his own eyes.

Quick Overview of Some Lands

Assume your characters know the following. Anything else you'd need to research a bit. Mostly this is here just to get your brains in the game and make some decisions on next steps.

Q'Barra
Lying on the eastern front of the Endwall Mountains and the long expanse of The Dragonreach it is easy to see why Q'barra remained untouched by civilized settlements for so long. The steamy jungles and sprawling swamplands that encompasses most of the landscape is a perfect habitat for dire and horrid animals as well as dinosaurs. The small shard of land is not completely inhospitable, however, as a small strip of fertile land lies in the southeast and other open expanses peel away from the jungle in places around the country.

The Bone Yard
The Boneyard is an area in the Talenta Plains filled with many skeletons of dragons. The halfling clans of the Plains consider the place to be cursed and will not willingly enter it. It is extremely ancient and may date from the Demon Wars. Filled with all manner of aberrations, it seems to lie atop a Xoriat manifest zone.

Fist of Onatar
The Fist of Onatar is the name of a volcano in the city of Mroranonhold in the Mror Holds.
The dwarves of the clan protect the site and think that it is a sacred place tied to Onatar, god of fire and the forge. The volcano radiates magical energy, which some Aundairian scholars believe is the result of powerful dragonshards beneath the lava.

Meanwhile, Back at the Guildhall...

8 Sypheros - 999YK

Clifftop Adventurer's Guild

"It is good to see you all again. A toast to safe travels."

Ragnolin raised his mug and drained it to the bottom. Without a signal the barkeep set down a fresh ale and cleared the empty. The entire guildhouse had been closed for the afternoon for this meeting. The barkeep was happy to have something to do aside from restocking his wares.

"Thank you for taking the time to bring me to speed on your adventures. I know you were tired when you arrived two days ago but I needed that time to act on your words. I must give you my utmost thanks and respect for acting the way you have since you left. As members of the guild you have were not bound to follow through with Jaryn or any other portion of the Phoenix Regalia situation. Your actions have not gone unnoticed. It is time some of your questions surrounding the whole situation are answered. After that I have some further news for you that you may or may not wish to act upon. Siberys knows your earned a rest."

With that Ragnolin signaled to the barkeep who then led an elf from the backroom. His eyes gave away his old age but his body looked as strong and spry as any warrior elf. His frame was covered in a flowing green and brown cloak. As he approached Ragnolin spoke.

"Gentlemen, this is Kal'ser. It was he who hired Kartenix and his group in the first place. He is here to fill in some of the gaps to this point."

Before he said anything Kal'ser took a moment to shake everyone's hand. "You have my deepest gratitude for all you have done. Even the loss of the items in question to that fiend Skamos has not been for naught. However, before I go further I wish to offer some recompense for your efforts." He reached into his cloak and produced a bag. The unmistakable sound for gold pieces filled the area as he set it upon the table. "In it you will find 1000 gold pieces and 5 jade worth 100 gold each. I trust this covers your fee."

He took a moment to look at the people sitting around the table.

"Please take no offense when I say that I will now tell you all I can. Nothing more. The words I utter are all I am allowed to say. Even I have an employer. I have sworn oaths in his service that nothing can make me break. Let me begin."

"The Order I belong to is sworn to keeping the items of the Phoenix Regalia safe - and separated. As you already know, their powers of the wearer increase as more and more of the items are wielded. So much so that they can stave off death itself through rebirth."

"Nearly twenty years ago we learned that our Order had been infiltrated and the secret of each item's location had been compromised. Almost immediately our members began to disappear or turn up dead. We were being systematically eradicated. Now only I remain in the service of my master. We have become extremely secretive and usually employ individuals such as yourselves when our small numbers preclude our ability to act."

"With our numbers dropping we were unable to defend the items. Each was eventually stolen and taken to a variety of locales. We lost track of some for a time before they resurfaced somewhere else. Each was stolen and restolen."

"As you well know the first item was reobtained from a Mezzodemon by Kartenix and his group. I hired them to do so. How they accomplished the task I still have no idea. However they must have been followed since each was assassinated before returning to Sharn. Had I known that danger would follow them after they retrieved the item I would have met them in Flamekeep."

"The second happened to be in the possession of the hobgoblin Sinruth. From your report and my investigations I don't believe he actually knew of the power of the item he possessed."

"Of course someone else did. The tiefling Skamos has been tied up in all of this. He has murdered your comrades. Dogged your trail and committed an untold numbers of evils in his pursuit of the items. I can not seem to determine his motives but I do believe he is in the employ of someone much more powerful who seeks the items for themselves."

"We think we have located the last two items. The Cloak of Flames resides in Fernia. Retrieving it will be no small matter. Who knows what guards it now. The final item - the Mace of the Phoenix - is known to lie in The Boneyard in the Eastern Talenta Plains. I hired Kristoff - Jaryn's wizard acquaintance - to look into it for me. I have not heard from him in quite some time. I fear the worst."

Ragnolin interrupted "I have news on that when you are done Kal'ser."

The elf nodded "I am nearly through. I know not who it trying to reassemble these items but I fear their purpose. There is too much power involved for me to believe it is for any good purpose. Not to mention the murders that have already taken place simply to retrieve two of the items. That is all I will say until I hear Ragnolin's news."

Ragnolin took a long draft of his ale, pulled a letter from his pocket and spoke. "I received a note only this morning from someone claiming to be Kristoff's aid. It bears his seal. You may read it but it is brief. He beseeches assistance on Kristoff's aid. He claims that they did indeed locate the mace but its owner's servants overcame the caravan and killed nearly all its people. The Boneyard is now home to some malevolence that commands even the undead. Somehow it turned Kristoff's mind. He is now a servant to whatever the beast is. And - most importantly - it has the Mace of the Phoenix in its control."

A moment of silence went by as Ragnolin looked upon Kal'ser. Finally the elf spoke. "This is grave news indeed. I will now extend an offer of employment to you all for the safe return of Kristoff and - more importantly - the Mace of the Phoenix. You will be paid handsomely. What say you?"

We've got a flying machine!

Alara's Meeting Room - 25 Nymm
It never ceased to amaze Telios how Alara's garments effortlessly accentuated her body no matter how she moved. Today was no different. Her usual flowing black dress drew the eye as she entered the meeting room. With a small smile she addressed the minotaur and dragonborn who waited for her.

"Welcome back Telios. Andred. Was your journey to Arcanix fruitful?"

Telios nodded and Andred spoke. "It was. Great histories are recorded within the tomes of the floating city. Of import to your request we found that unless the Clifftop members wish to wait until Fernia is coterminous in two years, their best option is to perform a ritual of planar travel in Onatar."

Alara turned to look out the eastern window of the room. The morning sun streamed on her face. She remained silent for a moment. Andred felt that she was almost trying to see the volcano located within the Mror Holds. Alara turned.

"My experience with the dwarves of the Holds has not been good. They hold old grudges with Karrnath and my service to that nation places me in a difficult diplomatic position. Our guests will have to figure a way into the volcanic city on their own. I hope they aren't expecting a welcoming party." She paused. "And what of the Symbol of Fire you mentioned before? Is it definitely required for the ritual?"

Andred nodded. "It is. However they are not easy to come by. It was a difficult topic to research. In fact my original lead in the Demon Wastes turned out to be false. I found reports of a changeling by the name of Dox who came into possession of that symbol after duping its previous owners of their prize. It is hardly a wonder that he can not be found what with angry rakshasas after him now." Andred smiled at the wonder of it.

He continued. "I had nearly given up hope that Arcanix could help us when I came upon a record of an adventuring party that had passed through Qbarra. A small passage of the text talked of snaketongue cultists in an ancient temple deep in the jungle. This particular cult seemed to have a particular affinity for fire - as did it's Yuan-ti master. They sent in their rogue to infiltrate temple. As the cult did not possess the particular item they were seeking at the time, the party left the cult alone and moved on. However the rogue did mention in his reconnaissance report that a fiery symbol hung within the central chamber of the temple. The description matches that of what we need for our ritual. Perhaps we can persuade the cult to part with the item."

Alara smiled and spoke. "So if the party wishes to obtain the Cloak of Flames which we think lies within Fernia then they must first seek out this symbol of fire which we think is in the possession of a cult of Yuan-ti worshippers somewhere in the bowels of Qbarra's jungles. Then they must somehow convince the dwarves of Onatar that they must perform a ritual of great power within their domain? Do I have that summarized correctly?"

Andred thought a moment. "An accurate interpretation M'lady. There is one other concern of course."

"Of course." Alara concluded. "Do they have the ability to perform the ritual? Nenia has a natural command of the arcane. I am not so sure she possesses the necessary control yet however. That is yet another bridge they have to cross."

She looked up as Andred spoke.

"But I do. I could go along with them if they wished. I can research aboard the airship you retained as well as here. It will also give me a chance to set some conflicting historical records straight as they dirty their hands with their tasks. I can speak with local leaders and sages. If - I mean when - they accomplish their goals I can perform the ritual to send them to Fernia. It is a win-win situation as they say."

Alara thought for a few moments. "If that is your wish. It is their choice however."

She turned to her skeletal servant. "Tibia, fetch our guests. It is time Andred repeats all this information to them."

Telios shifted his weight on his hooves. He was glad Andred hadn't tried to include him in his grand travel plans.