Session 45 - The River of Blood

5th of Nightal, 1371 DR
dawn
Deep below the Calim Desert, within a Djinn Tomb of Icosiol
breezy and cool

Injury Report
None - all healed

Spell Report (USED):
Egwaine 1-zero, 1-1st, 0-2nd, 4-3rd, 2-4th, 1-5th, 1-6th
Menelvagor 1-zero, 2-1st, 1-2nd, 1-3rd, 2-4th, 0-5th, 1-6th
Alobron 0-zero, 1-1st, 1-2nd, 1-3rd, 0-4th
Kamist 1-zero, 1-1st, 3-2nd, 1-3rd, 3-4th, 0-5th

After a relatively peaceful night's rest the Heroes continued to explore the tomb of Icosiol. During the night Rumple engaged in peaceful conversation with the Shade Shadow Spider, FlyCatcher. The creature, with eight glowing eyes, asked if Rumple would retrieve an item that was stolen from the tomb in the southern antechamber protected by FlyCatcher. Rumple was told that an expedition from deep below in the Underdark had come and stolen the Mosaic of Icosiol. FlyCatcher indicated that this undead expedition was flying the banner of the White Kingdom and that the leader identified himself as Moreto and was accompanied by a number of other followers, all undead. Though Rumple initially refused the request, the offer from FlyCathcer was to teach Rumple the art of Shadow Walk in exchange for the return of the item to its rightful place. Though this request seemed noble enough, Rumple and the others are distrustful of FlyCather as he nearly killed Kamist already and is a hideous monster as well.

At nights end, Tyree woke everyone almost two hours before dawn, which was somewhat of a surprise. Nonetheless, all were fully rested except for Tyree who pulled a 4 hour shift right in the middle of the rest period.

After a long Heroes' Feast and a lengthy debate about the best strategy to follow, the Heroes set out over the cavern where the Blood River ran into the plunging abyss. There on the opposite side were ancient steps leading into what appeared to be an ancient tomb. Some Heroes utilized Dimension Door to cross, while Tyree climbed (safely) to the other side. Just inside the Tomb,a hiding mechanical creature guardian triggered a portcullis and trapped Rumple and Alobron within the chamber and proceeded to fire deadly eyebolts at them. The battle was quick as Menel used Elven High Magic to teleport himself, Storn, and Tyree inside to finish the mechanical creature.

Later the Heroes were attacked by very large Ice Golem Guardians and later by very dangerous looking blood-based creatures. Menel called them Blood Anmniotes:

During the fight Menel summoned a Fire Giant using Elven High Magic, but this was destroyed by a swirling elemental ice swirl that appeared to be the remains of an ancient ice elemental buried within a sub-tomb. The Heroes also found an empty tomb with a life-like mosaic that seemed to mirror the passing of time complete with a sun and moon. A peaceful chamber that was inviting and deemed a safe place to rest if need be.

Will the Heroes ever find the true Tomb of Icosiol? and What magic will be found awaiting the clutches of Rumple in his quest for ancient powerful artifacts in service to the Seekers of Waterdeep? and Will Tyree survive the dangerous traps riddled throughout this tomb designed to thwart tomb raiders? For the answers to these questions and more, tune in to the next session of the Age of Worms.

Session 44 - I'll Xorn You...Tyree

4th Nightall 1371 DR
late afternoon
Deep within the Tomb Of Icosiol the Djinn WindDuke
windy, cool, tomb environment

Injury Report:
Storn - slight injury (-8hp), Tyree - light injury (-14hp)

Spell Report (USED):
Egwaine 1-1st, 3-2nd, 5-3rd, 3-4th, 1-6th
Menelvagor 1-1st, 2-3rd, 1-4th, 2-6th
Alobron 1-1st, 3 pearls of power, 2-2nd, 2-3rd
Kamist 4-zero, 7-2nd, 2-3rd, 1-4th, 2-5th

Tomb Entrance

The Heroes pressed on deep within the Tomb of the Djinn WindDuke. After leaving Nadim, the Guardian Djinn Outsider, behind the Heroes encountered a dangerous Elder Black Pudding that drove the Heroes deeper into the ancient tomb. The Party was only saved by the quick thinking of Kamist and a clever use of a Wall of Force spell. Menelvagor seemed very distracted and distant as he focused on the intricate reliefs covering the walls and doors as if he was not all there. Using his dimension door ability he did seem to pass directly through a large Shadow Spider hiding near by in the realm of shadows waiting for his moment to strike.

Deeper within the tomb, the Heroes found a large chamber covered in shadowy thick spider webs and numerous columns that cast eerie shadows throughout the room exacerbated by the Heroes numerous light sources. Here, the Heroes bypassed one room and found a room atop a set of stairs. The room at the top of the stairs radiated much magic absent in three places exactly where large figures were carved on the wall. The Heroes left this room alone and moved to the north and found a huge river of what appeared to be blood spanned by a crumbling bridge.

At this location, Tyree sprung (literally) into action and jumped the great 20' width fast moving river. At the opposite end Tyree encountered a monster known as Xorn, who unbeknownst to Tyree, was a merchant that attempted to communicate with Tyree. Of course Tyree immediately attacked and nearly slayed the ancient trader. At this, a group of Xorns, including a really big Xorn, emerged from around Tyree from the sandy beach and attacked and dropped Tyree. After eating his magical +1 steel shield, they spared Tyree death when it was explained that Tyree was confused and thought he was being attacked. The Xorns were reasonable and then offered to sell buckets of the sifted and reduced red mineral from the river for a price of 20,000gp per bucket. (Yes the Heroes did empty their portable hole and filled it with the red stuff...yuck)

The Heroes recovered Tyree's limp body, healed him, and moved back to the magical room where they found a doorway leading to the south. Here Rumple opened the locked door and the Heroes found Allustan trapped in a complex lightning trap. Rumple was able to render the massive room trap save with an entire spool of cooper wire and an iron spike driven into the wall to act as a ground. Rumple has proven very valuable in this trap ridden tomb.

After rescuing Allustan the Heroes paused for a short time to speak with him. Allustan was extremely disturbed about the news regarding the destruction of the town (thanks Tyree) and wanted to immediately teleport back to his home to check on his gnome servant and apprentice Mezalous. As a caution to guard against the Black Dragon, Allustan instructed the Heroes to meet him in the town of Longsaddle at the Inn called the All Seeing Eye. He wants to introduce the Heroes to his Wizard Master Manzorian when they are finihsed exploring the tomb. He provided Menelvagor with a scroll of teleport to assist in returning the Heroes to their Guild House. The Heroes learned the following facts from Allusatn:

Allustan was attacked by a Huge Black Dragon that was hells bent on killing him blaming him for the destruction of his plans and his children.

Allustan had been investigating the Whispering Cairn and had excavated a portion covered in a cave-in and uncovered the Black Gate. He explained that in desperation he jumped into the portal to escape the Black Dragon's dangerous acid. He tricked the gate Guardian by using a symbol of the Djinn Wind Dukes...Allustan opines this guardian was a lost soul trapped in the gate by some calamity or melancholy magical disaster.

The Tomb is a monument to the great Djinn Wind Duke General Icosiol who was the greatest general of the Wind Dukes and one of the so-called seven Wandering Wind Dukes that forged a great weapon known as the Scepter of Calim that was used to defeat the Efreeti General Memnonar. The battle shattered the Scepter into seven parts.

Allustan asks that the Heroes explore the Tomb, which Allustan believes descends deep, deep, below into numerous levels and layers. Allustan explains that the Wind Dukes often buried powerful magical items in their tombs and perhaps one of these items could be a weapon to use against the scourge ravaging the land.

Allustan is shocked to hear of the death of Eligos and reminds the Heroes that they were students together of Manzorian. After taking Eligos' notes, letter, and items, Allustan teleports away.

Later the Heroes encounter another large mechanical trap that utilizes the power of the rushing blood river. It almost gets Tyree but he escapes by the skin of his teeth (again).

The Heroes are battered and low on spells. Some have discussed resting before venturing on.

Will the Heroes find the true Tomb of Icosiol one of the seven Wandering Djinn Wind Dukes? What powerful and wondrous magical items await the clutches of the Heroes? Will Tyree survive the dangerous traps riddled throughout this tomb designed to thwart tomb raiders? For the answers to these questions and more, tune in next session of the Age of Worms.

Session 43 - Within the Tomb of a Wind Duke

4th Nightal 1371 DR
afternoon
Past the Black Gate, deep below somewhere (maybe far)
smoky windy cool air


The Heroes collected themselves after a the battle with the Black Dragon and the discovery of the Black Gate. Though Menelvagor believes he can teleport back with some rest and a bit of research, the Heroes are not quite sure where exactly they are. Nonetheless it is pretty clear that Allustan came this way.

After battling Guardian Belkers and defeating them, the Heroes encountered a number of traps obviously designed to halt vile tomb raiders. There were big spikey traps, big shooting traps, big giant falling block traps, big falling column traps, and some sonic bombing traps that went off when stepped on. Rumple proved very valuable in this environment of this horrific trap filled tomb reminding more than one of the Heroes of childhood stories about the legendary Tomb of Horror discussed in hushed voices around quite campsite fires.

In the chaos of one specific trap, in which the Heroes were separated and Menelvagor was trapped under a huge block, a very large spidery insect like creature attacked and tried to carry away one of the Heroes. After a lucky stab from Alobron and some spells the Heroes managed to drive the phasing creature off.

Deeper within the tomb, the Heroes discovered a guardian Djinn Marid Guardian called Nadim yer Bluefin, who initially accosted the Heroes in a tongue vaguely similar to Alhezado (the Calashite tongue). After switching to common, Nadim made some form of a deal with the Heroes after they bribed him.

The Heroes now stand in a windy corridor obviously filled with traps and distant horrific sounds of rushing wind intermixed with what could only be described as spooky howls and screams...caused perhaps by the swirling winds.

Good Luck.

Session 42 - Against the Dragon

4th Nightal 1371 DR
highsun
Past the Black Gate found at the Whispering Cairn
smoky windy cool air

After an interesting night of the 3rd with an encounter (enough said about that), the heroes are well fed by Egwaine who calls upon her divine powers to summon a Heroes Feast. Jasper takes direction from Kamist to include replacing all the stores in the Guild House save for the wine and ale in the large casks in the cellar. Tyree paid for the costs of this precaution.

The trip to the Whispering Cairn is uneventful until the the Heroes approach the ancient tomb. With the warning from Tyree's armor all know that the Dragon must be near. After searching a ghastly black putrid pond the Heroes were attacked by three Lizard Spawn of Kyuss and one large Kyuss Spawn Walking Crocadile. After a short fight the Heroes dispatched them but not before having to burn off worms from their flesh. Menelvagor nearly lost his clothing as it was damaged by fire, but still barely usable.

Menelvagor recognized some of the ruins around that Cairn as Djinn ruins and related what history he knew of them:

The crafters of these ruins were Djinn and from the Auran markings they described an ancient battle between the Wind Dukes of Calim (Djinn Generals who represented the forces of Law) and ancient Efreeti foes under command of Memnonar in service to the elemental god of fire, Kossuth (representing the forces of Chaos). Menelvagor related the long winded details about the Age of Skyfire (which was also referred to by some as the Battle or War of Pesh) that ended thousands of years ago in the destruction of both Djinn led and Efreet led empires and the creation of what is now known as the Calim Desert...He adds that the Calshite are ancient relatives of these ancient beings and points to the distinct markings and how they resemble modern day Alhezdo Calashite text. The actual language is known as Vaati and died off thousands of years ago.

Menelvagor goes on to discuss the Scepter of Calim (Scepter of Law) and how it was a symbol of the Djinn's sovereignty in the lands south of what is now the river Agis (or more commonely know as the River Memnon) until it was shattered by elven High Mages of Keltormir. Menel indicates that this Scepter is now referred to as the Shattered Scepter of Calim and had allegedly been shattered and hidden throughout the land to protect the pieces... Menel finished his story by reporting that the Djinn buried their dead in the cold, harsh, unclaimed wild lands of the north, far beyond the reach of Memnonar's tomb raiding legions. Menel opines that this Whispering Cairn may in fact, by the markings, be an ancient Wind Duike Tomb.

Then Tyree's armor began glowing again and he found the invisible female Black Dragon, or better she found him and blasted him with a line of acid. Luckily the Heroes were prepared for such an attack and the fight was on. The dragon seemed evenly matched with the Heroes but due to the Heroes shrewd defensive planning they eventually gained the upper hand and drove the Black Dragon off. Highlights included Tyree being bitten and tossed about like a rag doll, Rumple shooting off one of the creatures horns and recovering an engagement ring from Morgan Hizari destined for Suzanna, and Storn heaving his mighty blade deep onto the creatures abdomen (oh no...she has the stornian blade lodge in her belly...and is flying away).

As the beast fled all could feel deep in their insides that she would be back someday soon to try and slay the Heroes again. More than one recalled the human bones in her lair in the Stump Bog and how they were gnashed and crunched up as if....(you get the idea).

The Heroes then entered the Whispering Cairn and soon discovered that Allustan had been busy excavating the buried section and had exposed some sort of black liquid mirror. Here Menelvagor worked on the ruins and discovered that it was some form of ancient Djinn portal leading to parts unknown.

Tyree was the first to enter prior to being healed and found himself in a crushing thick black liquid. Alone in time and space he struggled and found that he was without his DEX bonus for AC and could not wield his Bastard Sword. Then he was attacked by what others later intimated that must have been an Abyssal Ghoul...Very Dangerous; luckily he had a hand axe that he utilized with stunning accuracy at about the same skill as his Bastard Sword. The battle was pitched and he was alone in space in time...but in the end, Tyree prevailed alone against the vile and dangerous creature. The battle seemed to last an eternity though it was merely 2 minutes and 54 seconds in length ( a long time to be in melee combat).

Eventually Tyree emerged in a sharply sloped hallway filled with rushing screaming wind and smoke. Small hallow projections in the hallway seemed to be making the noise, but it was obvious that the air inside was being pushed out at an unusual rate. Due to the noise Tyree found it hard to hear and speak and barely noticed the other Heroes as they entered the room directly behind him.

Session 41 - Travel Back to Diamond Lake

3rd Nightal 1371 DR
Diamond Lake, Three Hills Adventuring Company
evening
Cold and damp evening; rain threatening

The Heroes traveled to Diamond Lake. Along the way at the Bargewright Inn, they were attacked by Spawn of Kyuss Zombies. They dispatched the monsters with little effort despite Tyree and others being nearly infected with worms.

At Diamond Lake they met with the garrison officials who related the terrible past few days and the encounter with the Huge Black Dragon. Apparently he kept hostages at the Vein in town and was looking for Allustan. The fightened captured hostages told the creature that Allustan had been working up at the Whispering Cairn for the past few days and was excavating something there. The Dragon then left after destroying a few buildings to include The Emporium, Tidwoad's, The Hungry Gar, and Allustan's Tower. Also damaged to some extent was Lazare's House, the Sheriff's Office, and the Midnight Salute. The Garrison also sustained some acid attacks but was only slightly damaged.

Killed was Lt Trovost Skunt, Tidwoad, Guld Tortkan, Gaspar, and at least a squad of Alliance soldiers.

It is now evening and you are back at the Guild House. Jaspar, Mojdeh, and Eldron are holding their own and fended off the Dragon attack by firing two ballista bolts at it, only they could not get the animals and the chains hooked up in time; maybe that worked to their own favor as they drove it off without a major battle.

Players should communicate with the DM as to when they want to play next. Thanks.

Session 40 - Feast of the Moon

1st Nightal 1371 DR
morning
Waterdeep, Crooked House Inn
cold, damp, and foggy

Having survived the Feast of the Moon the night before with Lord Peirgiron Paladinson, the Heroes have made it back for a nights sleep to recover from the festivities. Though some of the Heroes had companions through the night, all are well rested with a sense of accomplishment from the successful social event.

Highlights included:

Reception/Greeting - fail (Alobron)
Mingle - fail (Alobron)
Seating - pass
Speeches - pass (Tyree)
Dinner - pass (Menelvagor)
Dance - fail (Storn/Alobron)
Stroll/Tour - pass
Reward (4 pass/3 fail) Reward = Statuets of Stone Golems x 2

The Heroes have the favor of Peirgiron and are now favored Agents of the Alliance. With this new found reputation, comes the benefits of admiration and good reputation, but the disadvantage of added responsibility and oversight. The Alliance is now depending on the Heroes. All can feel the heavy weight of this mantle of responsibility.

As it stands now the Heroes intend on returning to Diamond Lake per the summoning of Jasper and the information that Allustan is waiting for them to depart on some journey. All have heard the rumors of Balck Dragon sightings and the savage blight of undead back in Diamond Lake. Its future may very well rest in the hands of the young Heroes and seems ironic for more than one of them.

Will Kamist and the Three Hills Adventuring Company return to Diamond Lake to save the day? Has the Ebon Triad been silenced with the destruction of the Apostle of Kyuss, the capture of the Apostolic Scroll, and the retreat of Loris Raknian and Captian Okorol? Will Carenthal ever be avenged? and how will Tyree make out with his new Elven Legacy Armor? For the answers to these and more tune in to the next session of the Age of Worms.

Session 39 - Victory at the Tournament

30th of Uktar 1371DR
highsun
Field of Triumph, Waterdeep
Cooling winter approaching day

The Heroes bravely pushed on in their quest to become Champions of the Games. They defeated MADTOOTH and MUDSUCKER despite Tyree having been eaten and nearly fully drown and squished in the gizzard of the foul beast MUDSUCKER. After a victorious Round 3 Victory Kellick of Auric's warband attempted to make some impromptu repairs and modifications to his constructs. He failed and disabled his ability to properly control them. As a result Round 4 was a forfeit by Auric's Warband and the Heroes won the Games and are the new Champions of the Games.

Interestingly enough, Open Lord Piergiron Paladinson had returned and attended the final Match. He was disappointed at the forfeit but his parlay with Kamist brought interesting details to his attention. Piergiron invited the Heroes to dine with him later at sunset at his palace. Escaped were Captain Okorol and Loris Raknian. Arrested was Talabir Welik the Red Wizard announcer of the Games and chief Judge of the Games.

Paladinson has promised the Heros a reward and a special honor for their exploits and will no doubt be very interested in their stories of the Ebon Triad and the summoned creature that was lurking below the Fields of Triumph.

Downtime 3 full time period before sunset. Send emails to DM with anything the PC wants to do as we will be beginning play at sunset at the Dinner. So...back to the Crooked House Inn?

Session 38 - The Apostle of Kyuss

29th Uktar 1371 DR
morning
Waterdeep, Fields of Triumph, Coenoby
Cold, damp, dark down here

After debating for some time the best time to take another shot at the Apostolic Scroll and its green protection magic, the Heroes decided on the evening of the 28th after the meeting with Ekyam. Ekyam gave more details regarding the murder of Eligos and his man servant Pollard. Ekyam also provided the Heroes a partially finished letter from Eligos to Allustan and a package of notes and the artifacts, including the preserved worm in the jar, that had previously been provided to Eligos, presumably to be returned to Allustan with the package. The partial letter read:

27 Uktar 1371 DR

My dear friend Allustan,

It has been too long since we last walked together along the seashore friend. There is much to discuss in person, but until then this matter is quite urgent. What your adventuring retainers have stumbled into sickens me to my soul. Every new leaf I turn reveals an even darker secret. I have included a package with my notes. You must take them to our one-time master; although I fear even he may be ill-equipped for what writhes in all our futures. I am certain that if we do not act decisively over the next few days that all will be lost and darkness will spread across the Realms like a dark blanket that can never be removed.

I must admit that the tales told to me by these young Heroes initially seemed like paranoid exaggerations of young minds under the influence of too much Kalamanthas root, yet my research and the assorted items they delivered as proof have corroborated their stories and worse. I too now fear that the prophecy of the Age of Worms is at hand and less we do something quickly we will all be doomed.

I have indexed the notes as follows:

Section

(Unfinished end with no signature block)

Eligos also delivered the following items (handed out during Session 38):

Scroll Alter Self
Scroll of Lesser Restoration x5
Scribing ink (100gp worth)

After this the Heroes snuck below and Egwine worked her magic on the powerful green protective glow on the Apostolic Scroll and the stone door in the Altar Room of the Shrine of Kyuss Level. After risking herself in this daring endeavor, she weakened the green protective magic enough for Menelvagor to cast a Dispel Magic and remove the protective magic. The green glow disappeared and the Heroes were in business. They went through the great stone doors and in a massive circular chamber they encountered and defeated a number of various undead and the Apostle of Kyuss. It nearly killed Alobron in its opening salvo of green debilitating saliva which it spewed like a dragon's breath...But through spell and sword the creature was defeated.

Later, the Heroes moved to meet up with Loris Raknian at midnight. Tyree's rendezvous with the voluptuous Snow Leopard Illona was a failure because all the Heroes including Egwaine were standing right there when she arrived. Poor Tyree.

Finally, a while later at midnight, Carenthal showed up in place of Loris Raknian and told the Heroes that Loris Raknian had been blackmailed all along by the Ebon Triad led by Captian Okorol and Bozul the evil Teifling cleric. Carenthal advised that Loris killed Ekyam's sister Lahaka about a year ago when she started an affair with Auric, the present reigning Champion of the Games. Loris did not know what to do so he turned to Bozol for help and soon fell under his spell and was defenseless to Bozol and Captain Okorol's evil plot. Carenthal indicated he would talk to Loris Raknian and present the Heroes offer.

Carenthal was later found killed, his throat ripped out like the other arena wardens slain similarly.

After a wrestles nights sleep the Heroes awaken to the Round Three Matches. There are two Matches scheduled:

Match One (morning): Auric's Warband vs. The Teeth of Malar

Match Two (afternoon): Three Hills vs. Madtooth and Mudsucker

Will the Heroes continue with the Champions' Games? Will Carenthal be avenged? Will Loris Raknian show himself? Has the death of the evil Tiefling cleric Bozol and the Apostle of Kyuss brought an end to the Ebon Triad's diabolical plan or do they have something else up their sleeves? For the answers to these questions and more, tune in next session to the Age of Worms campaign.