And so it begins...

Session 37: the End of Time

2010-07-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

The war to end all wars has come at last to the world of the City of Kings. Time ends, the Membin stone rises and every race and people must fight for their survival. Chaos runs rampant under the new sun and our heroes now face their greatest challenge yet, the Warlord Reptos who once ruled the whole world and slew Gods and Primordials alike.

Scene 1: Death is on the cards!

They meet in the ruins of an ancient keep clinging to an outcropping of rock attached to the land by a thin stone bridge. It was built by Reptos himself thousands of years ago when humans first came to this world and the heads of those he has slain are spiked to the walls. It is fitting that he meets his fate here.

Our three heroes are outnumbered. Reptos is aided by his Herald (and also Artemis’s mother), his consort Vinga goddess of revenge and his Taken, powerful magi raised from the dead to serve him. Reptos offers the group a choice, kneel before him and accept his dominion or face him and the terrible blade he wields, a weapon capable of permanently slaying immortals.

The group decline, they have their own destinies to fulfil. Vinga acts first and, mounted on a vicious nightmare, she is able to strike and dance away. The Taken also bring their powers to bear, unleashing hellfire to engulf the group. Emerging from the flames Morn moves to engage Reptos. The two exchange blows Morns shield deflecting the blade while Azhanti takes to the air to destroy the Taken.

Left free to move Artemis puts his deadly skills to use, skills honed in the blood of many gods. He sends bolt after bolt striking into the Warlord with unerring accuracy. Reptos cannot withstand the barrage and collapses to one knee. He bellows to the sky and the sky answers. His skin splits, horns sprout from his head as he assumes his full Primordial aspect.

He transforms Azhanti into stone and turning with terrible ferocity he strikes down Morn and his blade rips our heroes soul from his body, trapping it within the blade.

Blackness descends on the hero of mankind as he falls. His soul screams in pain and darkness descends. As he opens his eyes he finds himself chained to a huge wheeled altar. All around him are the souls of those taken by the blade, dragging behind them the altar and the bloated demon from which the blade was forged. Swelling with strength Morn shatters the chains holding him and rallies the souls of the damned. He descends on the demon of the blade, his eyes flash blue as he roars at the beast, shredding its form and banishing it back to chaos.

Back in the keep Morn reforms and the blade goes silent. Azhanti shatters the stone holding him and Artemis leads Vinga on a fruitless dance. Reptos rises up to his full height, even without his blade he remains a serious threat, but Morn holds him at bay, just. His end finally comes at the business end of the Hammer of Morn (and a critical hit with Lion of Battle).

Scene 2: Destiny

Their last foe slain the way is open for our heroes to meet their destiny.

They quickly travel to the Membin stone, a pillar of white rock veined with golden runes a mile high and risen out of the ocean. There they are met by Utu Kamla, the first archmage and guardian of the stone. The group recognise him, he was the master of the Library of the Ages, the crazy Shaman Udun and others from their past. He welcomes them and explains that what they create today will persist forever, this will be the last cycle of this world.

But first they must face their final adversary, alone.

As the stone cracks open the light of creation spills forth and each finds themselves elsewhere.

Morn stands in a shieldwall holding the gate to Frostholm while also finding himself on a broken northern plateau, covered in snow and the bodies of fallen giants, demons and elementals. Before him is the crack in the skydome, a breach to chaos where the last of the giant warriors protects the world. Beyond the breach The Beast can be seen emerging from the mists of Chaos. The giant struggles to rise but he is spent. Taking his place Morn bellows his defiance at his nemesis. It roars in answer and surges forward tearing open the rift. Beast and man clash but there can be only one outcome. Morn has prepared for this confrontation for years, his tattoo’s flare and the Hammer brings The Beast low. Morn seals the rift but pays a price in doing so, he will not know peace for he will be called upon again.

Azhanti finds himself stood on the battlements of his capital, legionnaires manning the walls but also stood on a mountain track as a young novice just recently called to service. Above him sits the Temple of Vulcan and within he can sense the presence of the Primordial. Entering the Temple Vulcan welcomes him, Azhanti is to become his new vessel, to complete his resurrection. Azhanti disagrees, the old ways are over. Vulcan binds him within a tornado and begins to tear the flesh from his body but Azhanti shatters it with ease. Taking to the sky the two of them contend, thunder and lightning roll and Azhanti, in dragon shape, hurls Vulcan from the sky to crash into his temple.

Artemis finds himself in the Shrouded Oasis holding off K’Shatta the renegade High Priestess of Ashura and her skeletal legions but also stood on a beach below the City of Kings. Humanity fills the city and the sounds of celebration drift down to him. The sea is flat and dark and as Artemis watches the water begins to bubble and froth. Mael, the last of the Primoridals emerges from the surf striding onto the beach. He comes for revenge against the man who slew his siblings but also to shape the next world, he plans to wash away all life and begin again. Mael surges forward crashing into Artemis and trying to drown him. Artemis slips away through the aether but Mael is there as well and catches him a solid blow. Artemis crashes to the ground but as he does so he rolls bringing his bow up and sending a stream of fiery bolts against Mael. Each strikes with greater force than the last and Mael is swiftly reduced to a fine mist which slowly fades away (thats a combination of Manticores Volley and action point into Five Missile Dance with every attack hitting taking him out in 1 round).

Scene 3: Creation

Our three heroes each victorious over their adversary find themselves returned to the stone. They are filled with the light of creation and must determine the shape and form of the next version of reality. They decide on a world shaped much as this one, but a gentler and a greener world. It will also be a world free from the influence of gods and demons. The people of the world will be left to make their own decisions, their successes and mistakes their own. The Primordials are banished and their divine children forbidden from direct interference.

Our heroes stand as the Guardians of that Compact. Morn travels the earth as an itinerant warrior, Azhanti guards the borders with chaos in draconic form and Artemis stands in the Underworld save when he slips away to wander the roots and branches of the world tree.

At this point I gave each player the chance to set three facts of the new world.

Morn reforged the prison of man and charged its jailor to establish a force of warriors dedicated to defend humanity; he redeemed Danku Sinesh the doomed man who died at peace and he made slavery a taboo throughout the world.

Artemis returned the lush forests of the Kireshi destroyed by Reptos long ago; he resurrected Akaran Trakar, the tiefling noble he slew in the early days and he established civilisation in the new world with monsters pushed to its edges (very much like Birthright, there are few monsters but they are very dangerous).

Azhanti broke the former Emeprors intermingling of the clans and scattered his people across the world in their respective clans; he restored the Kireshi from the Underworld and he reached back in time elevating his former Clan leaders as his draconic exarchs.

Naturally the Universe also has a hand in things and sometimes it preserves things which might better be left to die. I added the following.

The dwarves were saved, preserved by ancient giant devices. Within their society grows a new Cult, the former cultists of Morn who accepted the curse of flesh to follow him but who he then abandoned. The Cult seeks to build a machine to imprison all Gods and rid the world of their influence forever.

The Tieflings also survive into the new world but there can be no peace between them and the dragonborn. The hatred held by the last Emperor of Arkhosia will ensure that these two races can never live in peace.

Finally a dark shape slithered its way into the new world, a darkness which has lurked within the City of Kings for millennia. It is old and patient and now that both gods and primordials are banished it sees its chance. Hu’Maa, vampire lord and former High Priest of Sopias will fill the night with fangs.

With that the curtain falls and our story ends. As the credits begin to roll each character received an epilogue.

Artemis stands on the roots on the world tree with his sacred band of Pashtun warriors fighting an enormous serpent. He is an Odysseus like figure fighting the monsters that would threaten his world but always burdened by the weight of the Key to the Gates of Hell which pulls him back to his underworld throne.

Azhanti sails through the winds of chaos. Behind him spreads a flight of dragons and before him are cracks in the walls of the Universe. He is called to defend that which he has made.

Morn watches a new Champion rise in the gladiatorial arena of the City of Kings, a contest of free men not slaves. The Champion roars a challenge at the crowd and Morn turns to the camera, “one more time” he says as he leaps down...

THE END

*directors special edition post credit cut scene*

Utu Kamla, the first and the last Archmage steps up to the gates of the Library of Ages which swing open at his approach. Crossing to the control panel he smiles, “Hello old friend, I think it’s time for a new adventure, something perhaps in the far future.” With a strange whirring noise and a flash of blue light the Library vanishes.

Session 36: Land of the Dead

2010-07-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

We played again tonight, the penultimate session of the campaign. Our heroes have died and their souls pass into the underworld.

Scene 1: The Barge of Souls

They wake, Morn and Azhanti chained to the oars of the barge of the dead. Artemis is free, death has no claim on his soul but to pass back into the land of the living he must leave his friends behind. He chooses to remain and the group is delivered to a bleak and barren shore with many more of the dead.

Wraiths descend on the newly arrived souls but shy away from our heroes, sensing their strength. They are greeted by the soul of Nabonidus who tells them that he has been sent by the Seneschal of the House of the Dead to be their guide. He offers to lead them wherever they wish to go.

The group decide to visit his master and look for a way back to the land of the living. Their trek through the wasteland of the underworld is fairly uneventful. They scavenge weapons and armour from an ancient battlefield and learn some of how the world works.

The ghosts who inhabit this grey world all have something they hold on to. Those who lose who or what they are find themselves drawn into the sea of souls, lost forever. The group don’t ask what is holding Nabonidus here.

Scene 2: Ambush!

The group approaches the City of Gloom, its tall spires and large slum regions reminiscent of the City of Kings. As they pick their way through the rubble they are set upon, the shade of the wizard Paldemar has conjured Hounds of Death to consume them, his final chance at revenge for the many humiliations they have heaped upon him.

Without their signature weapons or armour things initially look dire, the hounds tear great wounds in the bodies of the dead. However, Paldemar makes his first and last mistake, he descends into the group possessing Azhanti. Azhanti is unamused, he has been possessed by a Dragon God and no mere Wizard can hold him for long.

Expelling the possessing spirit the group descend on him with terrible fury. His chance for revenge gone he has nothing left to hold him here and his shade collapses to flow down to the sea.

Scene 3: Old friends, or is that enemies.

The group head into the City, they pass the great clock tower which marks the ages of the world, skirt the pit in the centre of the city where the catacombs of dead gods are interred and finally reach the Grey Palace.

Nabonidus heads inside to announce them and returns some time later. They are denied admittance and told to be gone, beggars and ruffians are not welcome in the Palace of the King of the Underworld.

They decide against pressing the issue and are quickly spotted by an enterprising soul with an eye for profit. He offers to introduce the group to city’s foremost broker of souls, information and power who he is sure can provide them with what they want. All he asks is a small price, a few of Morns grave goods (such articles being currency and a way of influencing the mortal realm). Morn is not having any of it and bullies the minor shade into helping them.

They are taken to The Pit, a hive of scum and villainy in which all sorts of perversions are practiced. Necromancy, soul stealing, blood oaths and more are the lifeblood of this place and the master of it all is the bloated shade of The Grub. He was an occasional ally and enemy of the group from their earliest days whose life they ended but he does not seem to hold any grudges. His palace is opulent and he has collected the markers for many powerful people.

Morn asks to speak to him in private. He offers the Grub a deal. Help them get into the Palace and Morn will release him from the Underworld in the next era. The Grub is tempted but demands a mark of good faith taking the golden chain forged from the sacrifices made by his Northmen on their funeral pyres. Even if Morn fails to free him he will now exert significant influence over parts of his growing cult, feeding them with an overwhelming desire for wealth regardless of how it is obtained.

The Grub tells Morn there are only three ways into the Palace. Over the walls, through the Labyrinth beneath or with the agreement of the Seneschal, Lord Dust (a Lich they have slain twice before).

Scene 4: An Interlude

Before they tackle the Palace there are a couple of detours. Azhanti visits the Temple of Vulcan on the isle of the mad, only fools and lunatics are said to travel there. On the island he finds a ruined Temple and the shade of his old mentor Nihlil, his eyes burned out because he lost his faith. Vulcan has left the Underworld and returned to the land of the living. Azhanti raises up his old friend, heals his wounds and instils a new faith in him, he claims Nihlil as his first Exarch.

Meanwhile Morn and Artemis visit the crumbling villa of the Trak’ar family. Once it was a grand edifice, its ancestors well honoured until Morn and his friends destroyed them in the City of Kings. Now only two sad figures reside there, the shades of Kyia (Morns one time mistress and lover) and her father Akaran. Both were killed by the group and Kyias shade has been driven quite mad.

Akaran tries to consume Morn with his sorcery but it is utterly ineffective. Akaran rages against the two of them but they learn that the Seneschal greatly desires Kyia and if they were to gift her to him then they could certainly ensure their admittance. Morn decides that they will take her (and maybe steal her back later) and as they leave the shade of Akaran collapses, protecting his daughter being the only thing keeping him here.

Scene 5: You must know who we are by now!

Their bargaining tool in hand the group head to the Palace. Lord Dust cheerfully admits them taking the girl and preparing to marry her so he can access her gifts of prophecy.

The group head into the Palace seeking to find the soul of the Blazing Sun so they can bring back a new sun god with them and to reach the Lord of the Underworld to bargain for passage through the Gates of Hell. They are however opposed.

Chaos has sent an Emissary to whisper in the Kings ear and his guards are out in force. Artemis leads the group quickly through the Palace to the Garden of Remorse where they find the Blazing Sun sat by a dark pool staring at a reflection of his lover the Moon. The group try to convince him to come with them but he will not. He explains that passage through the Gates is not without a price and the only thing he has left is his love of the Moon. Morn counters that true love will out, the Gates may take his memories but that will mean he will have the chance to love her anew. Convinced the young sun god agrees to come with them.

Next however they need to convince the Lord of the Underworld to let them out. That will be difficult as Blazing Sun explains that the Lord is his father, Ashura, one time Primordial of life who the group slew.

Before that they need to get to him and chaos has set its behemoths in the way. The group break through but it takes time and guards begin to swarm them. Artemis leads them deep into the Labyrinth where they lose them but the return trek takes a wrong turn and the chase is on again. Morn and Azhanti try to hold them off as Artemis heads off to rescue Kyia from her marriage to Lord Dust. As Artemis slays Lord Dust Azhanti and Morn are captured by a horde of screaming demonic warriors.

Azhanti wakes in a cell, it’s bare and cold and damp with little room to move. In the darkness it would be easy to forget who you are but he refuses. Unveiling his full power he transforms himself, assuming his draconic aspect and shattering the cell door.

Morn finds himself chained to a pillar, tormented by demons and facing once more The Unfettered God. They tear chunks of flesh from him and cruel barbs twist in his innards. His nemesis simply looks on smiling, ignoring him until Morn remembers who he is. His tattoos flare, his wounds heal and he shatters the pillar he is chained to.

The Unfettered God flees and two enraged demigods begin tearing through the Palace. The disruption is more than enough to allow Artemis to slip through an unguarded door into the Throne Room.

Ashura is waiting for him, dressed all in grey and the room is haunted with the shadows of the Kireshi, bound to their creator in death as in life. The two talk for a little while, Ashura will open the Gates if Artemis will return and assume the Throne when his tasks are done. Reluctantly he agrees and order is quickly restored to the Palace.

Ashura passes Artemis the keys to the Gates of Hell and the group make haste. Outside the Clock of Ages begins to sound the ending of the world. The Gates of Hell open, flames fill them, flames which purify any who try and pass through. However, stay too long and they will take all of who and what you are. As the group enters the flames The Unfettered God makes his last play for Morn, grabbing him and trapping him in the fire.

They struggle and Artemis and Azhanti come to his aid, their souls on fire. The four titans battle in the flames and Morn calls for his friends to flee before they are destroyed. They relent and Morn and his old sponsor contest directly with each other. Tattoo magic clashes with demonic might and with a heave Morn slams the gates shut, utterly consuming the Chaos Lord in the fire and escaping, but not without a cost.

As the party erupt back into the living world they see the Blazing Sun rising into the sky in his father’s chariot, a ball of fire encompassing him. Far away bells begin to sound, the end of the world is nigh and the Membin Stone calls all of those who would claim rights to this world to present themselves before it.

*cut scene*

The sun rises for the first time in many weeks and the world grows brighter, a little hope restored. Many of the undead which plagued it are destroyed by its healing light but many survive. In the closed realm of the Shrouded Oasis armies of skeletal warriors battle against the Pashtun desert people; beneath the mountains of the south the dwarves fight pitched battles against beastmen and ghouls; in the hidden world of Frosthome a renegade tiefling priestess enslaved by Reptos raises zombie hordes while outside an army of slaves assaults their mountain city and in the Labyrinth beneath the City of Kings vampires prowl under the command of Hu’Maa, last High Priest of Sopias. Chaos beasts and demons plague all the lands and the world itself seems to be in revolt. Vast armies clash in the final battles of this world. Soon each of them will be tested and only the strong will survive.

What did they give up?

Each member of the group had to give up something important to them in passing through the Gates. This had to be something with a bit of dramatic weight. Morn had to give up two things as he remained in the flames longer.

Artemis gave up his hope of rescuing his mother from the clutches of Reptos.
Azhanti gave up his dream of transforming the Dragonborn into True Dragons.
Morn gave up his connection to the Dwarves becoming a purely human God along with Kyia who was lost to the flames.

At the end of the session the group hit level 30 and the next session is our last. It is also on Friday which is giving me palpitations as it is the culimation of two years of gaming.

Session 35: Dead Rising

2010-07-10T07:58:00.001-07:00

We played again last Sunday. It has been a week since the game so my recollection may be a little fuzzy. If I miss anything out I am sure one of the players will remind me.

In our last session the group had corrected the fallout from one of their previous actions, the release of Amaan, by locking him back up and entombing a chunk of his undead army in his Fortress. However, the world is still plagued by vast hordes of undead, the sun has gone out and existence itself teeters on the edge of a precipice. The Void is hungry and Amaan tore a hole in the world through which it might feed.

Tonight the group try to fix that small problem.

Scene 1: A brief pause

First however Artemis is visited by his sister, Kallista, as they make preparations in the Library of Ages. She is concerned about Morn, he has been paying her a lot more attention recently. She doesn’t like it, after all he once loved then murdered her sister. Also he is a God, or very nearly so, and she fears that he will take her if she refuses him. She asks Artemis to protect her if he tries and he agrees.

Before heading off Morn takes a brief detour to the Prison of Man, where failed champions were consigned. He tries to convince the jailor that his task is done but he is unrelenting. There is still one champion who might yet fail and when he does the jailor shall be waiting.

Azhanti busies himself with aiding his people. As the newly risen God of the Dragonborn he invokes a ritual to empower his priesthood, sending each of his temples a Holy Symbol to enhance his priest’s abilities to protect the people against the undead.

Scene 2: Dark Days

Preparations made the group head to the rift. The Library deposits them in the desert on the edge of an enormous chasm, the land seems to have simply collapsed leaving a dismal rift into which the wind howls ceaselessly. The darkness within the rift almost seems to breathe, some malignant intelligence lives within. Undeterred our heroes make their way down.

Morn takes the lead easily picking a way down the rough walls while Azhanti maintains a rumbling chant, invoking the protection of the divine against whatever lives in the darkness. Unfortunately this seems to attract their enemies rather than drive them away and a swarm of wraiths descends screaming into them tearing at their souls before they howl back in to the rift. Artemis looks to follow them hurling himself into the darkness only to crash into the side of the cliff wall. Morn leaps down to protect him as a swarm of wraiths descend on the vulnerable ranger and bellows into the night, revealing himself as a power not to be crossed lightly. The night however is unimpressed and his challenge is absorbed soundlessly by the void leaving Morn chilled to the bone. Stumbling the three demi-gods flee into the caves at the bottom of the chasm and away from the darkness.

Scene 3: The Labyrinth

The group has visited these caves before long ago but they have changed significantly. The stone walls have run like candle wax and strange shapes press through, almost as if monsters were trapped within the rock. As they make their way through the labyrinth they become aware of stone statues in nooks and crannies all around them. Many different races and cultures are represented, each one from a civilisation which has gone extinct. Voices can be heard at the edge of perception whispering the secrets of cultures long since dead. The strongest comes through to Morn “the only way to defeat it is death...” What it might mean is anyone’s guess, at least for now.

As they explore the area Artemis finds himself separated from the others. A tall robed figure beckons him away. As he pursues he finds himself emerging out of a tunnel into an alley in the City of Kings. The sun is shining but the streets are empty, silent! As he explores he finds a few people but their bodies are ash and dust. At the centre of the city stands a Temple, all spires and cobwebs. Inside he finds five altars of the Primordial’s, each adorned with a trophy of their death and at the centre of the temple a new altar to the God of Death, or possibly the Death of Gods. It is his Temple and his world, a world with no gods at all.

With a start Artemis finds himself back with his friends. They continue to explore, heeding deeper into the caves and presently reaching the sprawling fungus fields of the Myconids. The once great mushroom forest has been warped, twisted and overgrown by an alien mould which is consuming what was left of the Myconids after our groups visit. Half absorbed in a wall the group finds Alias Windstorm, one time ally and friend of Artemis. He tells him that to close the rift they must enter it but that to do so is to invite death. He gives him a swift death to ease his pain.

Morn is the next to find himself separated from him companions and he too finds himself in the City of Kings. This version however is clean, orderly and well maintained. Merchants sell their wares safe from thievery and under the protection of well armed watch patrols. A great palace is being built at the centre of the City, built on the backs of thousands of slaves. Outside two statues have been raised, one of himself and the other of his Queen Kallista. Entering the palace he meets himself, or at least a possible future version of himself. Future Morn argues with him that what is done is necessary. They have rescued humanity on multiple occasions and what reward have they received. Nothing! Humanity is weak, foolish and stupid, everyone from the incompetent leaders of the rebellion, the squabbling Pashtun clan chiefs and the nobles of Arkhosia willing to sacrifice their own people to an army of ghouls. It is better that a strong leader take control and give the people what they need, stability, order and peace.

Morn finds himself back in the caves, the words of future Morn still ringing in his ears. The group press on, heading to the Pool of Radiance where once they fought a beholder. Around the pool they find many of the remaining Myconids being hungrily absorbed by the alien fungus. They decide they need to rescue these people and thereby save their racial memory. As they work Azhanti finds himself drawn away.

He too emerges into the City of Kings, but this time it is a mass of rubble and wreckage. A storm rages in the far distance and a great pillar of blood stained white rock rises from the centre of the city. Heading closer he finds the Menbin Stone, the Spike of Law, on which his old mentor Nihlil has been crucified. Nihlil warns him that there is little left in the world, the Storm Lord battles his nemesis and their war has ripped the earth itself asunder. Volcanoes and earthquakes have torn the land apart and the battles between their children, Dragons and Dragonborn have devastated what little was left. Azhanti, the Storm Lord, battles against the old ways of Vulcan but it seems the victor will be left with little but ashes.

Scene 4: Herald of the Void

Returning to the pool Azhanti joins the others. Together they enter the pool and find themselves transported deep beneath the earth into a large cave. A crack runs through the cave out of which void energy is spilling and the figure from their visions sits on a throne of black stone. She leans forward, her cowl shifting to reveal Althea, a sorceress of the Cabal slain long ago by the group. She had sold her soul to several different demons and Amaan rescued it to learn more about those who freed him. Now she is bound as the Herald of the Void and guardian of the rift. “Turn back now, turn back or be slain.”

The group demur and choose violence instead. As they move to attack the enormous bulk of the granddaddy of all beholders emerges from the shadows. A pair of void wraths, all claws and mandibles and sharp pointy bits also make themselves known. Finally Althea also enters the fray, her very presence poisonous to creatures of this world.

Things look desperate, the damage heaped on the group is severe. Then they get worse as Morn collapses under the punishment he is receiving. The wraiths tear terrible wounds in creatures of the physical world and the Beholders great eye chills the soul and leaves its enemies weakened and feeble.

Artemis scrambles to put some distance between himself and his enemies while Azhanti now takes the brunt of the battle. Their foes however underestimate their abilities. Morns tattoos begin to glow as the Champion of Man rises once more and the words of the statues come back to him “the only way to defeat it is death...” He charges Althea and the Wraiths, a Wraith collapsing at his attack. The Beholder seems utterly oblivious to him (We agreed that if a PC went unconscious the Beholder would be unable to attack them unless it was first attacked by that person. It fit the secret of the statue rather nicely) and Althea, pressed on all sides flees, teleporting into the rift.

The group waste no time in following her. They plunge into the life ending cold on the rift and fall far far down onto a stone platform hanging in the Void. Ancient arcane machinery lies scattered all over the rune carved slab channelling the energy of the Void into keeping the rift open. In desperation Althea swears to overload the rift, closing it but sucking the entire desert region down into oblivion (including the Shrouded Oasis). Unhappy with this plan the group summarily murder her, again. As she dies she spits out her last curse, calling on her masters to give her vengeance. From the depths of the Void nameless horrors reach out to the stone slab and begin to tear it apart. Azhanti takes on dragon form and snatches the others in his claws and beats a hasty retreat out of the Void. Unfortunately it is too far and his wounds are too many, his strength giving out all three of our heroes fall back into the Void, their bodies shrivel, their souls burn and darkness falls. Our heroes are dead.

*cut scene*

Hanging low over the eastern sky the Hidden Moon watches the fall of our heroes. With them goes the hope of all living things (or so say some). Fearing for the end of all things she turns her face from world putting out the last of its lights. So begins the Greater Darkness, the last days before the ending of the World. In the distance bells begin to toll and the stars go out as the Membin Stone begins to rise.

*cut scene*

In the capital of the Arkhosian Empire funeral pyres burn and sacrifices are made so that their God might live well in the underworld. The Priests of Azhanti mourn the loss of their God, the priests of Vulcan mourn the loss of the Son of Vulcan and the people of the empire mourn the death of their greatest protector. All across the Empire grim faced legionnaires take to the walls of their cities for the last time. Beyond the few remaining points of light terrible monsters of chaos roam freely and soon they will turn their attention to the few remaining survivors.

*cut scene*

A circle of stones stands on a low hill rising out of the cold tundra of Iceholm. There the devotees of Morn gather to bid farewell to their God. An effigy is burned in his place on the ancient stones and songs are sung of bravery and courage. Drink flows freely and each man sacrifices something precious to him, a gift to the God in the Underworld. In the shadows of their fire a young Tiefling woman watches the ceremonies. In the small town several miles away rest a small force of her people, all she could save from the influence of Reptos. Together they will stand against his army when they come against the Hold tomorrow.

*cut scene*

The hidden paths to the Shrouded Oasis have been exposed. K’Shatta, once High Priestess of Ashura, has raised warriors of a lost civilisation from the sands of the desert. Now she seeks to reclaim her homeland from those who have stolen it and have her revenge on the man who murdered her God.

Session 34: The Earthshaker Wakes

2010-06-15T02:53:00.000-07:00

We played yesterday after a month long break due to scheduling conflicts. In the last session the players tried to stop Amaan, undead monster and former Emperor of the Giants, from getting hold of the Void Star, a weapon of mass destruction created by the Ancients. Now they must try and stop him before he can use the device which was created to destroy the Primordials.

Scene 1: The Return

First however there is the small matter of Artemis whose head was separated from his body at the end of the session. As Azhanti and Morn flee to the safety of the Library Artemis wakes in the ash covered plains of the Underworld. Plains of jagged obsidian shards surround him and the sky above swells the colour of old bruises. However, he is the God Slayer and Master of the Hunt, bound to the World Tree whose roots reach into every part of the Cosmos. Slowly he begins his journey back to the land of the living passing the frozen and tormented souls of the damned trapped forever in this dismal place.

Back in the land of the living Azhanti and Morn return to a message from Finnest, their dwarven ally, astrologer and warlock. He predicts that they will shortly move against Amaan. Finnest tells them that Amaan cannot be killed, the giants of the past were only able to imprison him. They then ordered the dwarven astrologers to conceal all knowledge of him from the world which they did by moving a small moon to block his star. The only records of how he was imprisoned are hidden in the archives which Finnest intends to search. He asks the group to move quickly lest he fall under the mental influence of the Emperor along with the rest of his race.

Scene 2: Who are you again?

With Artemis returned the group make their plans. They decide to adopt the direct approach. They have access to the gate keys for every linked portal in the world and employ them to penetrate Amaans citadel. Overpowering the guards with ease they find themselves at the base of his capital in the heart of the southern mountains.

They start off employing stealth, moving quietly through the lower levels which comprise slave quarters and prison cells. The area is heavily patrolled by beast-men, the twisted results of Amaan’s attempts to create life. There they also find Ryllandarus, the first shapechanger and one of Amaans hated foes. They decide to create some confusion and swiftly slay the shapeshifters guards and release many of the dwarven prisoners, those who refused to submit to the Emperors command. The Rebellion has begun!

Scene 3: The Lifebringer Speaks!

The next stop is the middle city, a sprawl of living quarters, food production and most importantly the forges and foundries. Here Amaan has his dwarven subjects forging terrible new weapons of death and war, all watched over by demonic overseers. Amaan controls the dwarves through his connection to the Imperial Throne but the Hammer of Maran Gor is also a symbol of rulership for them and Morn carries that.

The group decide to put the Hammer to use and try to throw off Amaans yoke and free more of the dwarves. Sneaking into place Artemis sets up the distraction, sending masses of chains and vats of molten metal crashing from the ceiling. Azhanti tries to bend the bound elementals of the forge to attack the overseers but instead enrages them and they break their bonds and begin to destroy everything in their path. Morn takes up his position at the heart of the forge where rivers of molten metal flow together.

He plunges the hammer deep into the very substance of the dwarves being (dwarves being cast out of one of three metals, Iron, Silver or Gold) and channels the hammers power. Molten metal flows over the channels and sweeps towards the dwarves in the forge, infusing their bodies with a fragment of his power. They cast off their chains and, eyes glowing blue, charge their captors. In the throne room above Amaan roars in fury and sends his undead forces against those who dare to defy him.

The combined demonic and undead forces begin to overwhelm the dwarves when Morn steps forward once more. “Arise” he commands and the metals of the forge flow around the fallen dwarves, are absorbed by them and they rise up again to throw back the enemy into disarray. Leaving the dwarves to battle the group quickly head further up the mountain.

Scene 4: The Children of Fate

In the upper levels they reach the Eerie, a tall wide shaft with many balconies leading from it. Here lair the Furies, angelic beings attracted to those with powerful destinies. They were the first of the children of the Primoridals but were cast aside as they could not bear children. Amaan rescued them and they in turn have served them. The group decide on the direct approach, to impress on them that their destiny is the stronger.

The Furies are utterly unconvinced, they have accomplished great things it is true but much of what they have done has simply fuelled Amaans likely victory. They do learn that Amaan serves the forces of Oblivion, the powers of the Void beyond the circles of Law and Chaos, and that all of the world might yet be sucked into the Void.

Scene 5: Captured! Or not...

Undeterred they make their way to the highest level of the citadel where Amaan keeps his throne room. Unfortunately for them a series of blunders and missteps leaves them captured by his forces, trapped in a necrotic web and brought before him in chains.

They trade insults for a while. Amaan taunts them with his, to him, inevitable victory, a victory only they have made possible. The group released him from imprisonment, they have slain Primordials, the very pillars of creation and they put out the sun allowing his undead army to expand massively. He has also now activated the Void Star and soon it will burrow into the earth and slay his mother Maran Gor and with her death throes the continent of Arkhosia will also be destroyed. With their help he has tipped the balance of the world in favour of Oblivion and now, with the opening of the Well of Udur, it will slide into nothingness ripping a tear in the fabric of the Universe itself.

The group are having none of it. With a snarl Azhanti shatters their bonds and Morn calls upon the spirits of the fallen champions of humanity. The sound of chains breaking rings in the room and a host of ghostly warriors flows into existence surrounding the throne and holding Amaans forces at bay. He has been cut off from most of his allies, there is only him, a pair of fire burned angels, a Pit Fiend general, a swarm of dread wraiths and a company of Abyssal Ghouls.

It should have been enough. It should but it was not. Morn moves swiftly to pin down the Pit Fiend while Amaan tries to pin down the group. He draws the fragmented spirits of his tormented victims from the onyx floor but they can find no purchase on the souls of our heroes. Azhanti bolsters the group and blocks one of the angels while Artemis unleashes hell on earth. The God Slayer lives up to his name and ghouls and wraiths fall before him like leaves before the storm (oh Hail of Arrows how I hate thee!). The angels prove similarly vulnerable to both Artemis and Azhanti and soon Amaan stands alone.

The nine members of the dwarven leadership caste stand watch around the throne, bound here by Amaans will when one throws off his mask. It is Finnest who calls to Morn that he must use the Hammer to bind Amaan in the throne. Amaan, seeing the possibility of eternal imprisonment seeks escape and his spirit tries to flee its body but the flaming arrows of Ashura’s bow drive him back while Azhanti incants and Morn hammers him into place. As Amaan is taken Morn invokes the Hammers power once more and the earth rises up to engulf his undead and demonic forces.

As silence descends Azhanti becomes aware of panicked voices calling his name. His people cry out in fear and alarm, the Void Star has begun to tear apart Arkhosia!

Scene 6: The Earthsaker Wakes

Drawing on the power of the Library the group quickly transport themselves to the plains of central Arkhosia where a vast pit has been dug into the ground. Azhanti summons local dragons to carry them down into the depths where they find a huge cavern. Within stands Maran Gor, the earth titan. She dominates the caves her body composed of living rock but she is surrounded by the Void Star, its crystalline form carving chunks from her and primordial blood flows freely into the ground.

She watches them come for her, the God Killers who have slain her brothers. What will they do? The group have committed themselves to removing the Primordials from their world but they have seen what happens when they die. The death of Ashura put out the sun. Maran Gor has turned away from the world leaving it to the younger races but she is saddened by their choices. She berates them for their actions which have brought the world to the brink of extinction. If they want to prevent the slide into oblivion then they must close the Well of Udur and restore the balance between the living and the undead.

Ultimately the group decide to stop the Void Star. The risk of further deterioration should another Primodial die is too great. As Maran Gor slips once more into her slumber the group are faced with a new task, to oppose the Lords of Entropy lest all of their destines come to a sudden end.

*cut scene*

In the Halls of the Grey King, deep within the Underworld, the spirit of the Wizard Paldemar bends over an ancient scrying device. Within the orb he watches Artemis Antarion trudge across the Plains of Remorse and begins to plan. If his most hated enemies ever return to the Underworld then he will be ready for them.

*cut scene*

In the City of Kings a dozen golden barges rise above the skyline. Reptos, Warlord of the World, moves his armies to confront his greatest foe. Soon he will face Ouroborous, the Ebon Dragon of Endings and decide once and for all which power will dominate at the end of time, Law or Chaos. His vision for a perfect unchanging world is clear in his mind, he will let nothing stand in his way now.

*cut scene*

In the deepest caves of the dwarven mountains, in the most unused and least travelled tunnels, a small group of dwarves meets in secret to carve a statue. It is their new God, one who has saved them from enslavement, torture and death. They know that their actions are utterly heretical and that if found they will be cast out, forced to endure the curse of flesh but their hearts are sure. In the light from their glowing blue eyes they carve the image of their new deity into living rock, Morn, the Bringer of Life.

Session 33: Rise of the Machines

2010-05-17T03:50:00.000-07:00

We played again tonight. The first section was a bit of a scene setting for the PC’s to cover some of the stuff which happened at the end of the last session. Azhanti spent time putting the Empire into order and unleashing the Dragons to give his people a fighting chance. Morn meanwhile headed home to stop the slave army of Reptos, neatly collapsing a mountain pass to protect them for a while. This also continued to cement his legend as a God to his people, something which annoys him no end.

When the message from the Belmondo the Artificer arrives the group decides to decamp post haste to the southern continent to recover the weapon of mass destruction.

Scene 1: They're digging in the wrong place!

Their arrival is not without incident. Ancient wards send them crashing into the side of a mountain but they quickly recover and head into the ruins of the City of the Ancient Race (essentially elves which are otherwise not present in the setting). They were a race which arose at the beginning of time and they built many mighty works, the vast city being but one of them. Somewhere within its ruins is the Void Star, a God built by that race to destroy the Primordials.

Belmondo greats them warmly, initially appearing to be a loyal mind controlled servant of the Empire. He tries to dissuade the PC’s from hanging around, stressing that the work goes slowly and that they surely have better things to do. They demur and Azhanti quickly discerns that Belmondo has slipped imperial control. As realisation dawns Belmondo strikes, animating several huge battle golems and a set of assassin droids.

The battle is fierce, the droids prove remarkably agile and keep trying to chase down Artemis but the Golems cannot manage to land a solid blow on Morn. Belmondo directs his golems ably but they are not enough. Artemis breaks free from his pursuers and lands a series of devastating blows on the magician. With his death passes the last of the Cabal magi of the City of Kings.

With the wizards death the Golem army ceases its excavation of the City. The group begin their own delving, eventually finding their way to the upper levels. There they find a map of the lower levels with several interesting sections marked on the map which the group decide to explore before heading to the central power core.

Scene 2: Dark Dungeons

The Resurrection Chamber is their first destination. Here they find hundreds of members of the ancient race lying in suspended animation, the system designed to wake them having failed. The group head off quickly when trying to remove the strange technology proves extremely difficult. They head to the Dawn Forge where their weapons were forged in ancient times. Trying to reactivate the forges to empower their weapons they instead flood the forge with chaos and are forced to flee. Their explorations lead them to the Star Drive where the secrets of creating flying cities which can travel between worlds are there for the taking. The group pass on and find themselves in the Navigation section. Here they unlock the hidden codes to the portal system, portals initially built by the ancients. Now they can control Gates across the world, changing, diverting, opening or closing them as required. They press on.

Time is running out as they are not the only ones here. Danku Sinesh, the doomed man and agent of the giant Emperor Amaan is also here looking for the weapon.

Scene 3: Throw him in the pit!

Breaking into the power chamber they find him already there with his dwarven allies. A gold dwarf astrologer works at a console trying to take control of the Void Star, a mass of crystal and dark radiance spinning within a huge pit. Sinesh lounges arrogantly against the railing. He and Morn trade insults and then the battle is on.

Their enemies strike quickly, Sinesh moves with lightning speed and in a flash Artemis is unconscious on the floor and bleeding out. Azhanti manages to drag him back from near death and tries to descend on the dwarves but is quickly intercepted. Morn pins down the doomed man but reaching the astrologer proves difficult in the face of his iron dwarf allies.

Artemis manages to recover and tries to teleport away from Sinesh. Unfortunately the crumbling wards send him off target and he reappears over the pit falling once again to his demise.

The Thunder Brothers block Azhanti’s approach while Morn remains pinned down with Sinesh. Artemis up again struggles to get into position and the group are running out of time. In desperation they look for alternative options and decide to target the power generators.

Unfortunately Artemis cannot help as Sinesh slips from Morns grasp and strikes him down. Standing over his unconscious form he separates his head from his body. As the dwarven ritual reaches its climax the group are saved by battlecat who destroys the last of the generators.

As their enemies fade away the Void Star loses power and the city begins to collapse. Amaan claims his prize but it’s a pyrrhic victory unless he can find a new power source to activate his weapon.

*cut scene*

In the Throne Room of Reptos, Tyrant of the World, his courtiers, princes and slaves cower in terror. The Tyrant rages at the closing of the portals. No longer can he use them to send his slave armies to every corner of the world. Now he sets his Taken to crafting new battle barges, huge floating platforms which will allow him to cross the oceans and spread his tyranny.

*cut scene*

In the southern province of the Empire of Arkhosia chaos giants rampage at will. Now finally the dragons have been unleashed and the two powers battle each other in a conflict which tears the earth apart.

*cut scene*

In the depths of the mountains, in the ancient capital of the Giants Amaan, newly installed Emperor slowly melts down the minions who failed him, returning them to the forges from which they were cast. Their screams echo through the ancient hallways while Danku Sinesh watches. Amaan regards the doomed man with a calculating eye. “I would have sealed you in a block of lead for all eternity for having failed me human but return to me the power source you spoke of and I shall forgive your incompetence...”

Session 32: Rise of a Dragon God Part 2

2010-05-05T02:02:00.001-07:00

We played again this Sunday and the session built on the events of the last one. Azhanti has established himself as a power within the Empire and now he seeks to use that to fuel a power play against the Emperor himself.

Scene 1: Search your feelings!

Of course nothing can ever be quite that simple. First the capital city is currently under siege from the flying city ships of the Lokarnos. Second the Imperial Palace is perhaps the most heavily guarded place in the world, virtually impregnable (unfortunately for them the city around it isn’t and is in line to be flattened by the Lokarnos). Third Azhanti made a deal a while back with the High Priestess of Panath, Goddess of Serpents, Treachery and Deceit to make her his Queen. Azhanti decides to tackle the Panath issue head on. Panath has subverted the worship of a large section of one of the Dragonborn Clans and Azanti wants them back. He plans to unite the entire Dragonborn nation under his leadership so the group decamp to the City of the Serpent to hash things out.

Their entrance into the Temple is uncontested and Tamus is capable of providing no real opposition to them. Azhanti’s presence however does draw out Panath and the Queen of Serpents is drawn into her temple statue and speaks to them through a dozen insensate priests.The two exchange insults for a while. Azhanti demands that Panath give up her hold over the dragonborn and she refuses. She threatens to wipe out his nascent Cult and claims that she, and the Emperor, are clutch brothers. None of them are dragonborn, instead they were unborn true dragons pushed into dragonborn form when the Primordials stole the last of the dragon eggs to use to build the world. Azhanti is dubious but there is nothing to be done. Panath refuses the direct confrontation and the group must look elsewhere for a way past the defences of the Imperial Palace.

Scene 2: Take out the Lightning Shield!

That route is provided by the Lokarnos. Six huge city ships are taking up position to bombard the capital and some quick negotiations give the group access to one to ram into the Emperors lightning shield and force an entry. The daughters of Mael who lead the Lokarnos want the Emperor dead and plan on taking out much of the city and surrounding countryside as well so the group need to hurry if Azhanti is to save his city and his people.

Smashing their way into the Palace they force an entrance but are swiftly confronted by the Twin Star Sisters, demigoddesses in service to the Empire and the Emperors personal bodyguards. They wield powers of fire and ice, complementing each other and are backed up by the Praetorian Guard. Unfortunately they are unprepared for the onslaught and one sister falls quickly leaving the other vulnerable. She is swiftly dispatched.

As they fall Panath chooses that moment to attack. She strikes silently from the shadows and then tries to fade away. Unfortunately she cannot quite contend with Morns ability to demolish large areas of scenery and is quickly exposed. In open play she loses the advantage and cannot reclaim it. She is quickly dispatched and Azhanti takes her children as his own as Azhanti-Panath!

Scene 3: Once upon a time in Arkhosia

However, the groups entrance has triggered every alarm in the Palace, and time is now of the essence. As they rush through lush gardens and private courtyards their advance is halted by a figure stood framed against the moon. “Artemis Antarion, you and I have unfinished business.” It is Kallista, Artemis’s tiefling half sister and agent of the Emperor. Sending the others ahead Artemis stays to deal with his family issues.

Morn and Azhanti breach the inner palace and find themselves on the edge of a huge parade ground, the Emperors personal palace at its centre. As they rush across more of the Praetorian Guard begin swarming in. Hundreds of spear wielding warriors fill the courtyard and archers begin to covers the walls. Morn turns to face them, holding them off to allow Azhanti time to confront the Emperor.

Scene 4: Unfinished Business

Artemis faces his sister. The two have not seen each other for some time. She hates him for killing her father, the only parent she ever knew as Artemis rescued her mother from their estate not long after she was born. For his part his is unrepentant. Her father kidnapped and raped his mother and the tieflings have persecuted his people for hundreds of years. He deserved to die.

Kallista charges knives drawn. The battle is a fast and furious one, both possessed of unnatural levels of speed and strength. Kallista presses him again and again trying to close while Artemis dances away into the shadows trying to convince her that he only did what he had to do. She seems unwilling to listen so reluctantly he opens fire trying to wear her down. The two engage in a dance of death, leaping from rooftop to tree branch, each seeking advantage over the other but it is Artemis who strikes the telling blow.

Kallista staggers, her eyes cloud and she pauses. As she does Artemis spots a small green serpent, invisible until now, wrapped around her throat. Kallista hesitates and it sinks its fangs into her neck and she shudders, turning to try and kill him again. As she charges Artemis leaps over her, twisting in mid air to slip the snake from around her neck and crushing it beneath his boot. Kallista collapses, looking up at him her eyes are filled with sadness, regret and a haunted look she may never lose. She throws herself into his arms, free at last from the Emperors influence. In the distance bells begin to ring.

Scene 5: Hold the Line

Morn stands before the entrance to the Palace, an entire battalion of troops before him. As one they charge, desperate to protect the Emperor and Morn charges back. There is a bone crunching impact and dozens of warriors are hurled away from the terrible hammer blows. They fall back and regroup. Shields are locked, spears levelled and as one the phalanx moves forward. Dozens of warriors pile onto Morn seeking to drag him down through sheer weight of numbers. Beneath the pile a dim blue glow can be seen as, with a roar, Morn hurls them off him scattering their formation.

Any normal force faced with such an enemy would have broken and ran by now but these are no mere mortal soldiers. They are the Emperors elite, his personal guards and they have faced more than one enraged demigod in their time. They circle Morn and, spears extended, seek to trap him within a cordon of steel. He is having none of it and with a series of hammer blows he shatters the battalion. As they scatter a trumpet blows and the archers take position. A flight of arrows fills the night sky but Morn remains undiminished, shield raised he weathers the storm. As they crash to the ground all around him bells begin to ring.

Scene 6: Your arrogance is your weakness

Azhanti enters the throne room, a huge columned hall filled with elegant silk hangings displaying the banners of every nation brought under the Emperor’s dominion. At the far end is the ruby throne, the seat of power carved from a single huge gemstone. Sat in it is the shrunken figure of Khitai, Emperor of Arkhosia. He looks terrible and he cradles a crystal orb in his arms. The two exchange words briefly, the Emperor asserts that Azhanti has compromised his soul, he has been tricked by Amaan, the last ruler of the Giants (and an undead one at that who the group freed). He offers him the Orb of Draconus, a dragonborn artefact which records the lives of every dragonborn who has ever lived through each of their incarnations (dragonborn reincarnate as adults from their original egg, there are no dragonborn children).

There can be only one outcome of this confrontation. Azhanti seeks the position of Emperor, Khitai will not relinquish it to someone who may be a pawn of Amaan. Azhanti issues a formal challenge and it is accepted. The Palace bells begin to ring, summoning the Court to witness the battle.

Azhanti has a little time to reflect on his upcoming battle and he uses it to explore the Orb. He discovers some of the secrets of Panath and then turns its attention to himself. In it he sees Amaan send his furies to influence his dreams, showing him what he wanted to see and driving him towards this point. Amaan seeks vengeance against the dragons and their children who usurped the rule of the giants and the splintering of the Empire is merely his first step. As Azhanti delves deeper into the Orb he finds his mind being drawn away, it shows him the Empire on the brink of collapse, it shows the forces arrayed against them as vast and unstoppable and in the background is the mocking laughter of Amaan. These are the images he has shown Khitai which have left him paralysed with indecision and doubt, left the Empire vulnerable and so close to complete collapse.

Scene 7: Fight!

The Court has gathered at the place of challenge. The chancellor calls for order and the challenger Azhanti is brought forward. Beyond the precincts of the Palace the Lokarnos city ships can be seen. They have begun their bombardment and soon there won’t be anything left to save. Both challenger and challenged may choose to fight alone or with their clutch brothers. Azhanti chooses Morn and Artemis. Khitai chooses to fight alone, unable or unwilling to show weakness. It will prove to be a mistake. The Emperor strikes first, he is fast, dangerous and resilient and Azhanit quickly finds himself in trouble. However, Morn proves himself the more capable defender keeping the Emperor pinned down but not before Azhanti is driven to his knees. However, he is not the Avatar of Storm for nothing, lightning flares searing Khitai as he surges back to the attack.

Outnumbered Khitai finds himself pressed. He tries time and again to disengage from Morn to reach his target but cannot. All the while Artemis and Azhanti unleash terrible punishment on him. Khitai looks like he will fall when something within him snaps. His eyes fill with flame and he seems to come to life. He casts off the pall which has fallen over him and rises to his full height. His wings unfurl and fire kindles all through the arena. The Emperor enraged unleashes his full fury on Morn who staggers but does not fall. Morns resilience has become legendary and not even an enraged Dragon Emperor can daunt him now. Khitai, first and last Son of Vulcan and Emperor of Arkhosia falls and for his arrogance Azhanti imprisons his soul in the very statue Khitai had prepared to trap the soul of Venemus. As one the Court kneels, “All hail Azhanti, God Emperor of Arkhosia.”

In the distance much of the capital and the surrounding countryside is smoking rubble and the Lokarnos bombardment continues. Azhanti ascends into the sky and as he does so he calls on Fulmenus, the Blue Dragon to aid him. He moves to confront the Lokarnos City Ships and the seven daughters of Mael. They are an arrogant bunch, more so now given they are united for the first time in a thousand years. They seem inclined to continue to seek their revenge until Azhanti reminds them of just what he and his allies have accomplished. They decide that the death of Khitai and demolishing of his capital is enough to sate their vengeance and the ships begin to slowly move away.

Calling on the power of Fulemnus Azhanti sends a burst of lightning throughout the City, deep into the earth and the caves below where the Imperial Dragon Host sleeps. As one the dream dragons awake and their riders rush to prepare. Their Emperor has finally called upon them.

*cut scene*

Sometime later a Minister brings Azhanti a message received while Khitai was still Emperor. It is from the Wizard Belmondo, an old enemy and member of the Cabal and now an Imperial Agent. “My Lord, we have discovered it, the City of the Ancients. I have sent you the co-ordinates but I am convinced that the weapon must be buried somewhere beneath the ruins. Soon you will have access to the Void Star, the death of worlds, and none of your enemies will be able to stand against you!”

*cut scene*

Deep beneath the earth lies the Well of Life. It is an ancient place, sacred once to the children of Ashura. It was corrupted by the Entropic Lord Shraal who was killed by the group some time ago. Now the Giant Emperor Amaan has come to take possession of it. He has filled it with the blood of a thousand angels and performed blasphemous rites carved onto the hides of bound demons in his service. Now his ritual comes to fruition as he closes the Well. The tide of life giving energy falters, stops and finally reverses.

On long forgotten battlefields armies of skeletons rise to march on Empires long since fallen to dust; from mass graves hordes of zombies emerge to feed on terror and flesh and in ancient necopoli and mausoleums mummies and spectres seek to usurp their descendants. However, perhaps most horrific of all, unborn life the world over dies and mothers to be are slain by their own undead offspring, cannibalistic ghouls devouring them from within.

*cut scene*

With the rise of the undead menace the remaining human Kingdoms flock to the banner of Reptos and his slave army swells. Now he begins to exert his power and the long dormant portals of his Empire flare back into life. In the deserts of the south his armies lay siege to the Shrouded Oasis, seeking to find its hidden gateways. In the mountains of the North the people of Frosthome retreat to their sacred mountain in the face of his advance. Reptos demands dominion over all of humanity.

However, the bulk of his forces move directly against the Wyrm Ouroborous. Chaos is the enemy of Order and Reptos seeks to make himself the one true Lord of Order, the ultimate and eternal Tyrant.

Session 31: Rise of a Dragon God Part 1

2010-04-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Scene 1: Old Friends

Having dealt with Ashura the group now turn to deal with Khitai, the Dragonborn Emperor of Arkhosia. They have clashed with his forces in the past, disabling his fleet as it attacked the City of Kings, escaping or killing his assassins on several occasions and ramming one of his skyships. In that time Azhanti has grown in influence within the Empire. He has formed an alliance with the Cult of Panath, assumed the mantle of the Avatar of the Storm and caused deep divisions within the Church of Vulcan. Now he prepares to make his final move but first he must show that he is willing to protect the Empire.

First on the agenda are the lost legion, a force of Imperial Sardukar abandoned in the North when the alliance with the Lokarnos collapsed. They have been captured by the forces of Reptos and he prepares to crucify them all. The group make a stealthy entrance into the City of Sarind. Only a little moonlight lights their way and in the air above the Taken patrol the city. Artemis leads them through the ancient and crumbling sewers and they quickly reach the slave pens where the Dragonborn wait for their execution. The night air is filled with their death dirge.

Artemis makes quick work of the locks and Azhanti implores his people to seek hope, a new saviour has come (him obviously) and they have a chance to redeem themselves. A portal is swiftly opened to the Library but as the evacuation begins they are discovered, the golden clad Herald of Reptos appears to deny them their escape. Artemis is startled to discover that it is his mother, Taken by Reptos and now his slave but he doesn’t allow sentiment to stand in his way. The group attacks, Morn crashing into the Herald but her claim that “no weapon may harm her” proves to be true and he finds himself stunned by his own blow.

With a brief look of regret the Herald does the only thing she can and summons her master. Reptos emerges from the shadows and draws a blade from thin air. “You recognise this I think, I took it from a hag of your acquaintance.” It is Soulstealer, the weapon wielded by Zirithian the Vampire which can kill even Immortals. Reptos strikes and his blows deal terrible wounds to Morn who staggers in the face of the onslaught. The Dragonborn continue to flee and the group only have to hold him off for a little while for them to escape. Artemis even hurls himself bodily at the Warlord, dragging him to the ground but he finds himself flung away. Morn is struck down but as he does so his tattoos flare and his strength returns. As the last of the Dragonborn flees through the Portal the group run, Reptos will have to wait for another time. Once they are safe Azhanti promptly anoints a number of the rescued warriors as Paladins in his service.

Scene 2: The First Gate

With a large force of Dragonborn warriors the group decide to tackle the second problem, the siege of the Nightwyrm fortress by an army of vampires and cannibalistic ghouls. Their arrival comes at a fortuitous moment, the many tiered citadel is under attack yet again and the group moves quickly to help defend the walls.

What they find is a vision of horror, hundreds of thousands of ghouls assault the citadel, vast necromantic war machines move up behind them and flowing through the army are hundreds of swirling spectral vampires. The air reeks with the stench of death and decay and both Morn and Azhanti can feel the fear emanating from both human and Dragonborn refugees.

Azhanti takes the lead descending to the wall with his newly inaugurated Paladins and on mass they Turn Undead. Thousands of ghouls explode at their arrival and the host is thrown back. Artemis takes the opportunity to lead a sortie against the enemy but they recover quickly and push back. The postern gate is taken and the wall threatens to fall. Morn tries to block the entrance by toppling an enormous statue across the breach but in his clumsiness only widens it. The defenders are forced to fall back and all looks lost. As the army routs across the connecting bridges the doors to two large buildings swing open and hundreds of terrified, sickly or old slaves pour out into the courtyard. The ghouls, sensing an easy meal descend on them buying the troops time to reach the next level and destroy the bridges. Only two more levels remain.

The group are not pleased. Although feeding the slaves to the ghouls saved those still able to fight it strikes against something deep within each of them. Various underlings are punched in the face until Morn manages to speak to the General who ordered the plan. He is unapologetic, his duty is to hold the citadel and protect the millions who live in the eastern province and besides they were slaves provided to them by the humans. Azhanti orders him not to repeat the tactic while Morn and Artemis head off to confront the person responsible. They find him living in a luxuriously appointed palace, filled with slaves and functionaries with incense and perfumes to hide the stench from outside. Morn is unimpressed with the minor prince who has found himself de facto ruler of the mass of humanity here. Words are exchanged following which Morn throws him off a wall to be eaten by ghouls.

Meanwhile Azhanti has paid a visit to the Temple of Vulcan. There he finds one of his High Priestesses. She has taken in many of the sick and the wounded and her initiates tend to their wounds while she prepares a ritual to dedicate the entirety of the summit of the Citadel to Vulcan and thereby sanctify the ground against the undead. The two clash, each testing the others faith but neither are moved.

Scene 3: The Second Gate

Alarm bells ring, the next wall is under attack. Out of the smoke and fire a monstrous creature can be seen emerging. If some mad wizard were to conjure an earth elemental from a graveyard then this might be the result. Its body is a mixture of earth, rock, bones and gravestones, its fingers are huge slabs of stone which dig into the walls as it hauls itself up. What’s worse are the dozens of chains attached to its massive body, chains the ghouls are using to scale the walls.

The group hurry to confront the abomination. If they cannot kill it quickly then the walls will be overcome but it is amazingly resilient and many ghouls also swarm into the battle. Azhanti is pulled down and falls but as he does so lightning surges all around him. He rises into the air and all across the wall ghouls are reduced to ash. Despite the creatures resilience it cannot stand up to our heroes and as it crashes to the earth below they stand proud on the walls, power flaring all around them as they challenge the armies leader, the Lich Lord Dust, to meet them face to face.

He declines.

Our group have a plan. The city is sealed from teleportation effects by Dusts necromantic siege engines. If they can destroy them and open a portal to the Shrouded Oasis then they can bring real sunlight into the battle if only for a little while. The Vampires would be destroyed, the army dismayed and perhaps Lord Dust exposed.

Scene 4: The Third Gate

Azhanti chooses to call upon the Dragons, four more favours he has from them and so he calls upon Incendus, the Fire Dragon. The city shakes and from the mountains behind them a vast shape emerges. Its wings blot out the sky as the mile long Dragon God descends upon the host. A gout of flame engulfs the entire rear section of the invading army obliterating its war machines in the blink of an eye. As it does so the group open the Gate, sunlight pours through bathing the city in its purifying presence. Hundreds of Vampires explode into dust and the ghouls recoil in horror. Only one spot remains unaffected, a bubble of darkness too deep for any light to penetrate.

Lord Dust is exposed and the group strike. Azhanti transforms himself into a dragon and descends carrying Morn and Artemis into the heart of darkness. There the group once again fight the ancient Lich. The battle is a strange affair, vampires and ghouls flow around the battlefield while Dust proves to be extremely tricky to pin down. However, his evasiveness cannot last forever and as his minions fall to claw and hammer and bow his finds himself outnumbered and outgunned. He calls for parley and Morn crushes his skull with his mace and jumps up and down on his bones.

As Dust falls Azhanti receives a sending, something terrible is happening at the temple of Vulcan, he must come at once. He quickly takes to the air, the battle still rages below, even bereft of their leader the vast army of ghouls presents a serious threat. Morn and Artemis take to the walls and implore the Dragonborn to believe, in both themselves and Azhanti. Azhanti lands on the upper level and shifts to his humanoid form, the Temple is dark and nothing stirs.

As he enters the smell of blood is fresh in the air. In the main sanctum the bodies of the refugees lie, their blood pooling on the floor. The High Priestess stands at the altar, tears running down her scaled cheeks. “What have you done” he asks. “You have left me no choice. You are an abomination, a power hungry and self aggrandising fool. You will destroy us all. If you succeed here then your name will resound throughout the Empire. I cannot allow that. I have opened a gateway to the army below. The ghouls will pour through this place and slaughter our troops from behind. This battle will be the single greatest failure in the history of the Empire and the blame for that will fall on you. With this stain on your soul you will not be able to challenge the Emperor.”

Azhanti’s axe flies from his hand burying itself in her chest as the ritual completes and the pool of blood shimmers and changes. The portal has opened and the ghoul army scents fresh blood. Weaponless, Azhanti steps into the Gate to face the onrushing ghouls. Lightning flares all around him incinerating the first wave. As he drinks in the power creating the gate storm winds blow all around him driving back the second wave. Finally with an eruption of divine power the final wave is shattered and the Gate collapses. With its fading energy Azhanti once again announces his presence to his people. All across the Empire in the Temples of Vulcan the statues of the old God explode leaving behind a new symbol, the crossed lightning bolts of Azhanti, Avatar of the Storm. The God Emperor is coming and he wants everyone to know it.

The matter of the ghoul army still remains to be dealt with. Azhanti once again calls on the Dragon Gods, this time on Acerbus, the Green Dragon. The ground beyond the Citadel begins to heave and buckle and acid boils up out of the depths. As the enormous dragon emerges from the ground the ghouls try to flee but none escape, all are dissolved. As he emerges from the Temple Azhanti brings with him a cleansing storm to wash away the blood, the bodies and the fear. Behind him a tall slender Dragonborn with shining green scales watches him leave. “Soon my brother, very soon.”

*cut scene*

Outriders from the army of Reptos scour the plains and the deserts of the south at the command of their master. In the skies above the Taken search for any sign of the Pashtun people. Their great stone mesas are broken into but they are empty. In his Palace Reptos rages at a people who have escaped him. The Pashtun have fled into the Shrouded Oasis to escape his dominion.

*cut scene*

In the onetime Temple of Sopias the Princess Menandore of Dream plays host to Danku Sinesh, the doomed man. “You have what I require woman, now give me the Key or I will take it from you.” She stands, imperious and confidant in her strength, “It is not for you or any mortal to possess.” He smiles drawing a long thin blade and advancing on her, “Foolish woman,I have not been mortal for a very long time...”

*cut scene*

At The Wall in the far south of the Empire of Arkhosia the Twin Star Sisters, Dragonborn demigoddesses stand ready to face the warriors of chaos. In the distance giant figures emerge from the surf mounted on great sea beasts. Long spears rest easy in their hands and lightning flickers all around them. As they close the Sisters receive a call, the Avatar of Storm challenges the Empire itself and their master needs them. With regret they rise into the sky and fly quickly northwards. Behind them the Chaos Giants sweep across those who defend the Wall sending it crumbling into the sea below. Ouroborous has landed his first forces on Arkhosian soil, how fitting it is that they are the self same giants who set out to destroy him when he crashed to the world so long ago.

Session 30: Days End Part 2

2010-03-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

Nearly two years ago at the start of the game Morn’s player wrote a piece of background material about The Unfettered God. At that time Morn was a Paladin of the Unfettered God. In time he would learn that his God was a fraud, slay his High Priestess (twice), lose his Paladin status, become a fighter and eventually drive his hammer through the skull of the duplicitous Chaos Lord.

The story which Morn wrote was about two divine lovers, forever separated from each other by the scheming of the Unfettered God, in truth a Lord of Chaos seeking to break various divine compacts. This session saw the resolution of a thousand year old wrong as well as the beginning of the Age of Darkness when the Sun itself would go out.

Scene 1: To Kill a God

Our session opens with Artemis sat looking over the desert. Behind him their forces have amassed ready to march across the blasted salt plains, to brave the deadly illusions of Ashura and to assault the Shrouded Oasis itself. Artemis sits contemplating how one might kill a Primordial and even if he should do it at all.

As he sits Udun, the elderly wrinkled shaman joins him. The two talk about what is to come and the different options. Udun explains that the Primoridals are creatures of more than just flesh, their bodies can be destroyed but their spirits remain and will in time return. Reptos slew both Vulcan and Ashura and, unable to destroy their spirits instead he trapped them in the Plaza of Dead Gods. This however required the sacrifice of hundreds of his Magi to create the binding spells, a resource our heroes don’t really have access to.

Udun sets out his options. Ashura has fallen into the void and become a creature of entropy. Destroy him and he will in time return. Destroy his link to this world, the World Tree at the heart of the Oasis, and he will be cast into the void forever, never to return but the Oasis will be lost, its heart destroyed. Lastly they might cure Ashura, place the artefacts which the group plundered from his Tomb into their proper places in the Oasis and Ashura will be restored. Artemis is left to brood and think over their options. No-one truly knows what might happen when a Primordial dies and Artemis has plans for the Oasis in the future. As he ponders he catches sight of a figure, clothed in white silks flitting across the dunes.

Intrigued he gives chase. The woman sees him and flees but he has the speed of a gazelle and the senses of a hunting cat. A few well placed arrows bring her up short and she turns, fear in her eyes. This is no mortal woman but a goddess, the Hidden Moon. She trembles under his hard gaze and explains that she has been separated from her husband, the Burning Sun, who has fallen to his father’s corruption. She came to camp hoping to gain Artemis’s aid but his reputation as the God Killer frightened her away. She asks for his help, defeat her husband and purify him of his corruption and she will help bring them to the Oasis through Ashura’s traps. Artemis agrees but only on one condition, if he succeeds then she and her husband must withdraw from the world and take no part in its end game. Reluctantly she agrees and gives him an arrow crafted from moonlight which will drive the entropy from her husband.

Scene 2: Desert of Desolation

The forces of our heroes gather. In the centre march the Stone Dwarves, those who have accepted the curse of flesh together with their battle golems. Supporting them comes Finnest, the Silver Caste dwarven astrologer and his cadre of magicians. On the flanks ride the Pashtun cavalry and the Dragonborn of the High Lightning Clan and above fly the witches and shamans of the Pashtun. Surrounding all of them are the forces of the Elemental Court, freed from the influence of their father Ashura.

Morn ranges through the army making preparations while Azhanti takes to the air to scout ahead helping to avoid various ambushes. As they press closer to the Oasis the sand and salt rises up in great walls to block their path but it cannot prevail against Azhanti, Lord of Storms. As they enter the ancient ruins which ring the Oasis Artemis slips through the rubble assassinating the leaders of the forces waiting in ambush while Azhanti navigates the deadly traps and ancient slumbering curses which fill the ruins.

As they press forward the sky goes dark, waves of entropy flow from the Oasis blotting out the sun. The forces gathered waver and cry out and Hidden Moon turns her face from the horror. Stepping forward Morn takes her arm and brings her a revelation. The Unfettered God is a lie, his bargains nothing more than trickery and deception and, most importantly, he is also very very dead having been killed by Morn himself. Beyond the gate to the Oasis lies her husband who she has not seen in a thousand years. The Unfettered Gods bargain does not bind her and all that they need is for her to open the Gate. Emboldened by her speech she turns to face the Oasis, spreading her arms wide moonlight fills her and beams of pale light strike into the heart of the Oasis. As she rises into the sky the Moon appears full and bright and burns away the entropic energy covering the land leaving the way to the Oasis free.

Except for one obstacle, the Burning Sun has returned from the Void and now, instead of a creature of blinding light he has become part of the void, light, energy, heat and life are all sucked into him. The forces of the Kireshi range out behind him but this battle is between the God and those demigods who would challenge him. The ancient ruins ring with the clash of steel but our heroes are in no mood to dally. The Burning Sun is swiftly overwhelmed and his heart is pierced with the arrow of moonlight. Freed from his corruption he rises into the sky and finally the Sun and Moon are reunited together.

In the background Finnest the dwarven astrologer begins making furious notes on how this conjunction might best be used.

Scene 3: The Oasis

Our heroes enter the Oasis and now at last the time of decision has come for Artemis. He chooses not to try and restore Ashura, the Primordials have had their chance and it is time for the world to be rid of them. He will kill Ashura and the World Tree but seek to preserve the Oasis as his own realm. (The PC’s scored a complete victory on the skill challenge to reach the Oasis, that is all successes and no fails. I have allowed those sorts of successes to permit them to change established campaign facts or establish new ones. In this case Artemis asked for the chance to save the Oasis which I was happy to agree).

First however is the small matter of reaching Ashura. The Oasis is actually its own small world separate from the one our heroes know. It is a small fragment of a previous reality which was preserved by Ashura as a home for his people. Tall mountains ring a long wide valley filled with thick jungle while in the centre rises a mountainous crag on which stands the ancient groves and the World Tree, the first tree to have life breathed into it. Those jungles however are thick with enemy forces committed to defending their God, no matter how corrupted he might be.

Artemis chooses the first mode of attack. He calls upon the Spirits of the Desert to sweep aside the Kireshi forces and open the way to the mountain. They surge forward but as they do so Ashura appears ready to subjugate his unruly children once more, a move which might doom our heroes before they even begin. At this point the dwarf Finnest acts. He has completed his calculations, predicted the moment of Ashuras appearance and prepared for it. As Ahura emerges from the mountain the skies clear and the Sun and Moon appear in perfect alignment. Overcome by their radiance Ashura flees back into the grove to take no more part in the battle. (Getting to the mountain was a skill challenge. Artemis managed to roll a 1 on getting the spirits involved, a move which would have lost them as his allies. However, I had given some of the allies the PC’s have some mechanical benefits. In particular the dwarven astrologers gave the PC’s a reroll which came up as a 20 which we count as a critical giving 2 successes and driving Ashura out of this battle).

Taking the opportunity provided our heroes pour forward. The Dragonborn and Pashtun work together drawing out the enemy into a series of traps while Morn reinforces the dwarven battle golems and takes pot shots at the Kireshi aerial cavalry with huge blacks of masonry. In the skies above the jungle Artemis flies with the Pashtun witches and their wyvern riders duelling with the First, leader of the Kireshi warrior caste. The two lock into a deadly embrace high above the jungle. Their mounts clawing at each other they plummet towards the ground with Artemis managing to pull up just in time. The First survives slowly clambering from shattered body of his mount when Isaac Antarion, clan chief of Clan Antarion emerges from the shadows and slits his throat. With their forces in disarray and their leader dead the Kireshi break and the route to the mountain and Ashura himself lies open. (This was another complete success, damn their good dice rolls which they used later on to connect the various different realm fragments together).

Scene 4: The Greater Darkness

Our heroes make their way unimpeded up the mountain to the once sacred groves and ancient stone circle which sat at the top. What they find is a mass of corruption, decay and rot. Strange fungus grows over toppled ancient stones. The earth has turned black and rotten and the World Tree itself is bloated, its bark split and its branches hung with creepers and vines. Most worrying however is the huge figure of Ashura who towers over them, filled with power and ready to break bones and tear flesh.

There is no time for banter and they surge to the attack. They have prepared for this battle and have carefully hoarded their strength. Ashura however is not alone and out of the earth crawl skeletal Kireshi archers and from the stones emerge corrupted Kireshi druids wielding soul fire. Ashura strikes without mercy, his very presence leaves our heroes vulnerable to corrupting forces present in the glade but Morn weathers the blows inflicted by the God long enough to allow Artemis to do what he does best. He moves with a fluidity no human should possess and with an accuracy which defies description. Arrows fly over and over again slamming into Ashura with deadly precision. Slowly, ever so slowly, the titan falls. The Oasis falls silent, the sounds of battle fade away as all eyes turn to the mountain, can that be it?

The sound of laughter fills the glade, “Did you think it would be so easy?” At the far end of the glade the World Tree shudders and heaves as the Spirit of Ashura moves within it. “I am eternal, I have looked into the Void and it has filled me. You cannot destroy me.” The roots of the ancient tree run through the entire mountain and now they rise up grasping and clinging, pinning our heroes down and draining their very life essence. Morn manages, somehow, to get the monstrosity into his reach and lock it down and once again Artemis strikes. The Bow of Ashura possesses the power of the sun and as he unleashes its power his arrows burst into flame and explode on contact. Each hits with bone jarring force but the explosions also manage to engulf Morn in flame and he looks like he might go down if not for the handy assistance of Azhanti.

The World Tree falls, its trunk split apart, its corrupted bark burned to ash but still it is not over. His spirit now forced from its host Ashura rises once more, a tall slender ghost of black flames armed with a soul destroying blade of night. Morn charges and the weapon flicks out seeking to end his life but it is no use. The spirit of Ashura is destroyed, banished for all time back into the void to be consumed.

Silence engulfs the Oasis and then a great wind begins to blows. The Spirits of the Desert, children of Ashura, arrive to mourn the passing of their father. They kneel around the spot on which he died and let forth a great mourning wail. The earth buckles and from it his body returns, cleansed of the corruption which afflicted him. The spirits raise him up and wind him in funeral sheets. “We take our father now to be buried. Before we go we give you this gift” A sapling bursts from the husk of the old World Tree and swiftly begins to grow. Its roots run quickly through the Oasis purging the corruption of the Void but they go even further, working their way through the roots of the multiverse itself. The new World Tree connects all of the fragments of previous realities, opening paths and gates between them.

“The time of the elder races is fading away and with us must come our children.” Out in the Oasis the Kireshi begin to fade away helping to undo the corruption of the Oasis. “Our last act is to fulfil the promise our Father made to the first Great Huntsman. We gift to you the Oasis, let it be a safe haven for your people, a place free from the great game of the immortals. No divine being, whether God, Demon or Lord of Chaos may enter its gateway between now and the end of all existence”. With that they fade away, never to be seen again. (It’s worth noting that this includes both Morn, as a demigod, and Ashura as an Avatar of Storm).

Epilogue

No-one knows what happens when a Primordial dies. The Primordial’s are the fundamental building blocks of the world, the Lords of Law and without them it is possible the world itself would cease to exist. How can a world live without a Sun to warm it, without a Lord of Life to quicken the spirit of living beings. With the death of Sopias people have begun to stop dreaming. With the final death of Ashura light itself goes out of the world.

As Ashura falls outside of the Oasis the repercussions begin to be felt. The Burning Sun, God of the Dawn embraces his love, the Hidden Moon and the two circle one another in a meeting long since postponed. But with the death of Ashura his children fade away and Hidden Moon is left with nothing but tears for her lost love, left to wander the skies alone and bound by her promise to Artemis to not interfere.

Worse is yet to come. The Sun God is dead and as dawn approaches he makes no appearance in the Eastern sky. Only the stars and the Moon remain to give light to the World. The Age of Darkness has begun and the world has entered its last days before the end of time itself.

*cut scene*

In the southern mountain the dwarven astrologer Finnest leads his people back to their hold. When he arrives he finds the gates sundered, his people dead or gone and the home forges shattered. The forces of Amaan have broken the outer defences and driven into the heart of dwarven territory. Amaan once again sits on the Throne of Kings as Giant Emperor and Finnest is left with a hard choice. Remain here and fall under the domination of the Emperor or leave his home forever and accept the Curse of Flesh and the loss of his immortality.

*cut scene*

In the City of Sarind the human and Dragonborn defenders prepare to withstand another assault from the forces of Reptos. When Dawn fails to come their courage falters and the forces of Reptos, enslaved to his will and fearless of the dark, charge. The City quickly falls and the Dragonborn legions are captured. Their fate is yet unknown but it is unlikely to be a kindly one.

*cut scene*

In the Nightwyrm Fortress, the last bastion protecting the rich eastern provinces, the warriors standing the ramparts wait anxiously for the dawn. Below them surges the army of vampires and ghouls raised by Lord Dust. When the dawn fails to come a great cry of despair goes out. Now the exhausted defenders must stand their ground with no respite in sight. They cannot hold out for long.

*cut scene*

On the southern coast of Arkhosia stands The Wall, a defence against the attacks of Ouroborous’s spawn seeking single combat against the champions of the world. Many heroes have been chained to the Wall but now two more arrive out of a night sky that will never lift. The Twin Star Sisters, Dragonborn demigods, daughters of battle and personal bodyguards of the Emperor come to the aid of the beleaguered heroes. Out in the distance the seas churn and boil as powerful Warriors of Chaos emerge to test themselves once again. If The Wall falls then they will be free to range across the southern provinces bringing death and destruction to the people.

*cut scene*

In the Forbidden City, Heart of the Palace of the Emperor of Arkhosia, in the Capital city of the Empire itself Khitai, Dragonborn Emperor sits brooding in his chambers. He watches the advance of the Lokarnos fleet, the City Ships come together for the first time in a dozen generations. He knows they come to destroy him and his people for his betrayal of their trust. His advisors have called for him to unleash the dragons but he has dismissed them. As their ships approach ancient engines hum into life and slowly the vast city ships rise into the air. Soon they will surround the capital and begin their bombardment.

Silently the Emperor watches, doing nothing.

Session 29: Days End

2010-03-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

We played again last Sunday and the group decided to deal with the issue of Ashura. Ashura is a Primordial, a Lord of Law and one of the Creators of the World. He was killed millennia ago by the recently returned Warlord Reptos. Unfortunately for him it is not normally possible to kill a Primordial. Its body might be destroyed but its spirit lives on. Reptos sacrificed hundreds of his Magi to imprison the spirit of Ashura in the Plaza of Dead Gods.

Thousands of years later our heroes disturbed those bindings in their first ever adventure. His spirit freed, Ashura fled to the Shrouded Oasis where his children, the Kireshi, worked to resurrect him. Unfortunately they lacked the artefacts which held his soul together (the PC’s having made off with them) and the resurrection went wrong. Ashura returned but now as a creature of the void, determined to suck all life out of creation.

However, before dealing with this little wrinkle the group take the opportunity to quiz the Library. They learn a great many things; the origin story of humanity; the reason the Beast pursues them across realities; the status of the Primordials; the nature of places such as the Shrouded Oasis; the nature of the True Dragons; the source of the weapons they wield; the weakness of Reptos as a proto Primordial and the existence of a weapon of mass destruction capable of permanently destroying a Primordial amongst other things. Before the can quiz it further however fate intervenes.

Scene 1: Help me Obi Wan

The images the Library is showing them shimmer and change. They are receiving a sending from the witch Sybelle, a member of Artemis’s clan who he has had little time for in the past. “We are under attack, Ashura moves against us, I am sending you the pattern for our location, help us Artemis, you are our only hope.”

The group acts quickly and the Library is able to dispatch them to the portal location provided. They find themselves in a large cavern in one of the great mountain strongholds of the Pashtun desert people. An explosion rocks the structure and rubble rains down from above. Sybelle is there and explains that Ashura has raised his new Empire and dispatched his child, the Black Sun and the hosts of Kireshi corrupted by his return against them. He plans to sweep across the continent and exterminate all life. The group immediately move to help hold off the attackers while the people flee through the underground tunnels to the Citadel, the strongest of the mountain fortresses.

Azhanti takes to the air leading a wing of Wyvern riders against the elemental spirits enslaved by Ashura. He draws them away from the battle giving the defenders precious time and from his vantage point he can see the oncoming death. Ashura has raised a vast wall of sand which stretches hundreds of feet in the air and crosses from horizon to horizon. The spirits of the desert have been aroused and the wall is death for any enemy of Ashura to attempt to cross. It is also moving towards them. Azhanti tries to gather aid against them calling on the local spirits but they reject his advances, he once worked with them but spurned them some time ago and they have not forgotten.

Morn meanwhile takes his place at the forefront of the battle. He leaps down onto the narrow span of rock leading to the main gates and shatters it with his Hammer, sending Kireshi soldiers crashing to their deaths. Artemis moves through the battle directing their archers and unleashing various traps set up by his people to protect their homes.

However it is not enough. The armies of the Kireshi vastly outnumber them and they are pushed further and further back into the mountain until an avalanche of sand is unleashed against the invaders burying them in the tunnels. Azhanti follows up from behind sending howling winds ripping through the invaders. His armies beaten back the Black Sun takes to the field personally. The ground blackens and crumbles at his approach and the sand melts into glass and shatters.

The Pashtun flee into the tunnels while our heroes wait the coming of a God. As he enters the chamber where they wait the air begins to scorch. The ground breaks open and the burning skeletons of ancient Pashtun pull themselves out of the sand while in the background a huge salamander noble armed with a mighty bow slithers into view.

The Black Sun charges Morn, the impact sends shockwaves through the room and flames erupt all around them. Morn staggers almost overcome by the first charge, only just saved by the strength that runs through his Hammer. Artemis seeks distance but struggles to get out of range of the burning aura and Azhanti’s healing powers are put to the test. The Salamander is quickly dispatched and the skeletons prove to be little hindrance even as they arise again and again. The Black Sun however is another matter. Highly resistant to damage his very presence causes flesh to burn however our heroes are mortals no longer.

They withstand his assault and counterattack. Morn drives him back out of the room and Artemis moves into position. Time seems to slow to a crawl as he draws back the bow and lets arrow after arrow fly, each striking some vulnerable spot and delivering terrible wounds. Overcome the Black Sun slumps, defeated. Standing over him Artemis delivers a final message, “Tell Ashura that I am coming for him” as he ends his life.

Scene 2: You can't choose your family

Their commander defeated the Kirteshi host withdraws behind the great Wall and the group makes its way to the Citadel, the Pashtun fortress where the five great clans have gathered. They quickly learn that not all is well. The people are not united; the Clan Chiefs argue and squabble amongst each other; the young warriors have lost respect for their leaders; the Elders have retreated into the deep caverns for reasons they refuse to disclose; Sybelle is condemned to death for breaking the Clan Chiefs edict not to contact him and his sister is here advocating for an alliance with the Arkhosian Empire.

Leaving Artemis to solve his local problems Azhanti and Morn set off to pursue their own agendas. Morn returns briefly to the City of Kings. Arriving late at night he finds it a hive of activity, the slave army is rebuilding the City and the skies are patrolled by the Taken, Reptos’s flying carpet riding Magi. Morn however has other matters of concern, he has come here to right a very old wrong. He heads towards one of the Cabals towers, one time home of Althea who the group assassinated early on in their career. In that tower they once found an Angel captured by Cabal sorcery. Fearing trickery they left it where it was but now Morn returns to release it, shattering the chains with his Hammer. As it flies into the night sky it gives thanks for its release although what the consequences of this act might be few can say.

Meanwhile Azhanti spends his time with a small group of Kireshi refugees who have been given sanctuary in the Citadel. Not all Kireshi have fallen under Ashura’s influence and many who have resisted him have come here to aid their human allies. They have not been treated well and many among the Pashtun call for them to be expelled or killed as the enemy.

Azhanti moves among them healing their afflictions and bringing them word of a new hope, a new future which he is creating in their lifetime. They flock to hear him speak, a divine Avatar walking among them. After several days of teaching and working he invests some of them as his first non Dragonborn clerics. It seems that the Church of Azhanti will be an all encompassing faith.

While this is going on Artemis spends his time talking to the Clan Leaders. His own clan supports him but the others are reticent. Some favour alliance with the Dragonborn, others just want revenge for the harm they have suffered. He clashes briefly with his sister Kallista but can’t seem to bring himself to simply impose his will on his people. He can see the logic of an alliance with the Dragonborn, his people are threatened on one side by Ashura and the other by Reptos. The only allies they have are him and his friends and several of the Clan Chiefs seem to think they cannot rely on him which annoys him no end. He does however decide to save Sybelle, simply removing her from her cell and informing the Clan Chiefs that she is under his protection.

Scene 3: the Water of Life

Before he can meet the Chiefs in Council however he is called for by the Elders. It is time for the Tournament of the Great Hunt to be concluded. Three challengers have been chosen, Artemis who slew Sopias; Kubolta of the Hashashin, the assassin who slew Shraal the Lord of Entropy and Captain Strom who Artemis killed in the belly of the Kraken but who has returned from death itself.

Artemis is lead into the darkness where the Elders wait for him. Sitting at the head of their circle is the shaman Udun who they met long ago and who pointed them towards the dwarves. He face is familiar and it’s almost as if he has always been in his life somewhere. The challenge he sets is simple, the Hunters must find the last remaining Spirit of Water which took refuge from the Taken in the deepest caverns when Ashura was slain by Reptos. They must return with that spirit and thereby restore the Court of the Spirits of the Desert to equilibrium. Only one of them may return.

The three set off in different directions. It quickly becomes apparent that the tunnels twist and turn on each other in confusing ways but Artemis is prepared for this. He begins to sniff out the scent of water in the air but as he heads further down Kubolta strikes. The two clash and the assassin is left to bleed out on the bare rocks. The tunnels lead to a huge cavern with a narrow bridge across. Below lies a lake of magma and lurking within is the body of an enormous Dragon, hundreds of yards long. A True Dragon, kin to those who created the Dragonborn. He manages to make his way across without disturbing the creature.

Reaching the other side he finds himself trapped in an ancient maze but such obstacles are far beyond him now. He navigates it with ease but finds Strom waiting for him. The Captain remembers their previous encounter and seeks to delay him so that he can win the race but it is not to be. Coming back from death it seems is a onetime thing for him and he will not see the light of day again.

The maze ends at a door forged from silver and covered in intricate runes. A few deft adjustments and the probing of some tools flicks it open with barely a moment’s thought and he finds himself in a vast lightless cavern. Before him is a lake of perfectly still dark water and in the centre sits a pedestal above which floats an orb of water. He slips quietly into the cool dark lake and, making barely a ripple, manages to cross the expanse without troubling the denizens which lurk in its depths. Placing his hand on the orb he finds himself suddenly transported elsewhere.

He is flying above a lush verdant forest. It is night and thick clouds obscure the stars. Four dark figures mounted on flying carpets pursue a watery spirit across the sky as it makes for the looming mountain. Artemis realises he has travelled into the past. Not far away Reptos battles with Ashura waiting for midnight when he will be at his weakest while here the Taken seek to destroy the spirit of water on which the Kirteshi’s forest home depends. He moves quickly to intercept them, arrows flying out of the darkness. First one then two of the Magi tumble from the sky but the others are rapidly closing. If they reach the spirit before it can seek the safety of the mountain then it will be destroyed and the Desert Court will be permanently unbalanced. The third Magi falls to Artemis but the fourth seems much more adept in the air. A black clawed hand reaches out to grasp the creature and put an end to its kind once and for all when Artemis blows him out of the sky. With a brief look back of thanks the spirit dives into the mountain there to wait and heal and grow over the course of millennia.

Artemis wakes up as if from a sudden dream. He is back in the cave but it is filled with sound and light and movement. The Spirits of the Desert are whole once again and, complete, they have thrown off the influence of their corrupted father. In the skies above the Citadel a miracle begins to grow, something which has not happened in the desert for a very long time. Rain clouds boil up out of the mountain and spread southwards across the desert. The parched land is soaked and bursts into life and as the rains reach the wall of sand it collapses. Cheers are heard all through the Citadel as the Pashtun people have reason to hope for the first time in a long while.

Scene 4: Why wont you just die!

Artemis heads quickly to the Council of Clan Chiefs. As he arrives Kallista is there trying to salvage something for her master the Emperor but he cuts her off listing all of the alliances the group has forged. Those combined with his new status of Master of the Hunt ensures the Chiefs fall into line. Kallista makes a break for it recognising that the group is unlikely to respect her personal privacy. Morn tries to stun her with the Hammer but she dances away only to be caught by the backswing. As she hurtles across the floor Artemis snatches the bracelet from her wrist which would have allowed her to teleport away but she is not without resources. She dives out of a window plunging down the face of the mountain but Azhanti follows her. Unfortunately unused to his new wings she slips from his claws and disappears into the night to return later to seek her revenge.

The celebrations go on long into the night and out in the desert Ashura broods. He withdraws his armies into the Shrouded Oasis and spins powerful illusions around it to conceal it from his enemies. His child, the Black Sun, is returned from the Void and set to guard those few paths which remain through his deadly illusions. In the Citadel our heroes are left to think how one kills a Primordial. Sopias died at their hands but he was chained, weakened and perhaps even sought death, Ashura will be a very different prospect.

*cut scene*

In the City of Sarind on the southern coast of the continent of Frigia trumpets begin to blare. Soldiers rush to man the walls as the slave army of Sopias emerges from the many open portals in the fields surrounding the City. The herald appears once more clothed in gold demanding their surrender. She is answered by a hail of arrows which are reduced to cinders before they even come close.

The slave army surges forward but as they do so another horn is raised. All along the walls Arkhosian Sardukar step into position. The lost legion, trapped here when the alliance with the Lokarnos failed have joined forces with the Humans to oppose the Tyrant Reptos. Only time will tell if they can hold or if they will become a footnote in history.

*cut scene*

In the Western Province of the Arkhosian Empire lies the Nightwyrm Fortress. Once the home of a powerful dream dragon of lust and greed it has for many years served as protection for the main pass between the Empires eastern and western provinces. Now it is flooded with refugees escaping the horrors of the advancing army of Amaan, lead by the Lich Lord Dust. Black clouds have blotted out the sun for days, protecting his army of cannibalistic ghouls and vampires from the effects of the sun. They cannot hold out for long and each one that succumbs is yet another soldier raised to fight for the enemy. Anxiously Humans and Dragonborn alike look to the skies hoping to see the arrival of the Dragon Wings which might yet save them.

*cut scene*

In the Palace of Reptos, Warlord, Tyrant and would be Emperor of all the World an emaciated figure is dragged into the Throne room by two of the Taken. “We found him hiding amongst the refuse my Lord. His powers are gone with the death of his God, would you have us slay him?”

“No, I may yet find a use for him, it is a fitting end for Hu’maa, High Priest of Sopias, to join my Taken.”

Session 28: The Library of Ages

2010-02-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: The Arrival

As our heroes plummet through the many dimensions of the multiverse a voice calls to them from the darkness reminding them of a promise made long ago and far away. The Master of the Library calls them to protect his creation, the repository of all knowledge, from the forces of Ouroborous, the Worm of Autumn.

Our heroes, now three in number, crash onto a smooth marble plinth. All around them high stained glass windows show shifting visions of different times and places while before them a tall metal humanoid creature regards them with curiosity. “I am the Curator, Keeper of the Library, my Master said that you would come.”

The group quickly determine the problem. An army of chaos has besieged the Library and its automated defence systems are failing. Three breaches have been forced into its defences and they must be sealed before the Curator can transport the Library to safety. The windows show the intruders. At the main gate a trio of Archon mercenaries rampage through the halls; in the Tower of Religion the earth elemental Lord Galrok and his minions undermine the foundations of the building and in the soaring chambers of the Observatory a Spawn of Acamar, the Corpse Star, searches for a way to the Core with its Dreadwraith allies.

Scene 2: Chaos

The group decide to tackle Galrok first and the Curator is able to transport them into the narrow corridors of the Religion stacks. Unfortunately for the group this very much is to the benefit of Galrock who immobilises several of them, sinking them into the earth, while he and his minions try to bring down Azhanti. As the battle rages the forces outside the Library continue their assault and the building shakes violently, at one point a huge crack opening in the floor separating most of the group from Galrok. Elemental shardlings try to swarm the group and more rise as he takes damage but they are unable to slow down our heroes. Azhanti sends lightning death spilling throughout the room and Morns Hammer shatters them with ease. Eventually, alone, unaided, the Elemental Lord falls.

The group makes hate to the Observatory. The Spawn of Acamar are terrible creatures, their very presence rots flesh and shatters bone and their claws leave wounds that refuse to heal. The Dreadwraiths possible exceptional stealth, strike without warning and leave the dead in their wake. Unfortunately for them they have not before confronted the rage of three demigods and they are destroyed before they can cause much trouble.

The forces of Chaos redouble their attacks on the library outside. Explosions rip through the building showering the group with rubble and flame but they make haste to confront the Archons. Realising that they are dealing with mercenaries they decide to try negotiation rather than violence. Morn takes the lead, stressing how easily they have already dispatched their comrades. The Archons are unimpressed, they are powerful nobles amongst their own kind and hard to sway, at least until the group play the “Slayers of Sopias” card. That gets their attention and a bargain is struck. The Archons swiftly change sides, offering their services in the coming war at the End of Time in exchange for riches and wealth.

As the negotiations conclude a siren begins to sounds. The voice of the Curator calls the group back to the Core. The Unfettered God, leader of the attacking army has reached the Library’s heart while the defenders have been distracted and is taking control of its defensive systems. The group turn and sprint towards the Core but not without obstacles.

Scene 3: the Unfettered God Revealed

First he tries to seal the Towers of the Library, leaving the group stranded far from the Core but Morn manages to hold them open long enough to get through. As they make their way across the narrow silver bridges between the towers of the Library an explosion shatters the bridge but Artemis swiftly bypasses it with some handy acrobatics. As they enter the Tower of Sorcery they are confronted by arcane powers gone wild, the presence of so much Chaos has set fire and lightning racing through the chamber. Azhanti steps forward and, as Avatar of the Stormlord, absorbs the energy running through the Tower. The path to the Core is open to them and they can see The Unfettered God stood beneath the ancient stone arch. He brings his power to bear upon them, he can bring release from bondage but he can also chain the will of the weak. Morn struggles under his influence, his mind rebelling at the thought of servitude once again and he casts off the mental influence. Thrown back the Unfettered God seals the doors to the Core so that he can complete his work without interference. Unfortunately he does not account for Artemis and a hail of arrows shatters the ancient bronze doors spewing fragments of molten metal across the room.

Morn is once more face to face with The Unfettered God and his mind drifts back to their first encounter. He could not have been more than 20 years old, a tattooed body slave of a Tiefling Princess. He had learned of a secret cult that could provide freedom for slaves and had followed them to their underground temple. Chained to an altar the face of the God appeared in the smoke and incense which surrounded him. It swore and oath, a bargain was struck between them and he was free.

Now that creature, which had so betrayed him, stood before him in the flesh. “Morn, it has been too long since last we met. It is good to see you again.” Morn is in no mood for pleasantries and charges, straight into a Wall of Force protecting the God and the control panel he is working on. “It saddens me that you would act so. After all, in a very real sense I am your father. If not for my help you would still be slave to a spoiled princess. If not for the hatred my betrayal put into your heart you would not have had the strength to bring yourself to the very brink of Ascension. We might have done great things together. I regret that it has to come to this.” With that he takes from his pocket a small metal cube covered with densely packed silver runes. Placing it on the control panel it begins to flash with a kaleidoscope of colours. “Now I must complete my task, my master requires the information contained in the Library and I cannot permit you to impede me”

The group move to attack but before they can do so two enormous golems emerge from the shadows. Composed of great masses of chains they charge into the midst of the group but prove annoyingly ineffective (they would have been more effective if I had remembered their auto damage aura more than once). However, they do delay things and as the battle continues the Unfettered God puts his mental abilities to work turning friend against friend. First Artemis and then Morn find themselves subject to his compulsions and things look like they may get out of hand. However, Morn is able to shatter the Wall of Force by drawing on the power of the Hammer and then it is open season. The Curator is also able to help, empowering the group with the Libraries defensive systems.

The Unfettered God quickly finds himself assailed and on the back foot but time is ticking away as the cube does its work. Artemis breaks off for a second to try and delay it while Azhanti and Morn corner the desperate Lord of Chaos. A blow from Morn drives him to one knee and he pleads for quarter. None is forthcoming so he does the only thing a Lord of Chaos can do when facing destruction, he runs away grabbing the partially filled cube en route. He almost makes it, reaching the doors to the central Core of the Library before Artemis pins him to it with a trio of magically enhanced arrows.

Defeated the Unfettered God twists in agony as Morn approaches. He grabs the back of his head and twists savagely bringing up the sharpened haft of his Hammer. “When your soul passes into the nether realms of Chaos tell the Beast this, we run no longer” and with that he drives the spike into his throat tearing off his head.

Silence descends on the Library broken only by the clicking and whirring of metal gears as the Curator rights himself. “The armies are retreating, the Library is secure, how may I serve you Masters?”

*cut scene*

In the remnants of an ancient palace, part of a civilisation long since gone, the people of the City of Sarind have made their homes. On the southern coast of Frigia, the northernmost continent, Sarind is the strongest of the coastal city states. Settled long ago by travellers from the south the city states lie far from the home of Morns people. Here the Pontiffs, Dukes, Prelates and Princes have gathered to discuss a grand alliance to meet the war they know is coming. As they argue amongst themselves the room is filled with golden light and a figure appears floating above them. Clothed all in golden mail, with a veil of golden chains the figure bears a staff of office embossed with the symbol of Reptos.

Weapons are drawn and several of those present charge the figure. Their bodies explode into flames as they touch her. “I am the Herald of Reptos, to harm me is death. You have been chosen by the Emperor of the World to serve in his cause. You will tithe one half of your people to my Master’s army. I will return in three days, you will comply or be destroyed!” and with that she fades away.

Session 28: the Library of Ages

2010-02-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

In the aftermath of the death of Sopias our heroes find themselves falling through the many dimensions of the multiverse, the blood of a Primordial burning in their veins.

Out of the darkness and chaos of the tumbling realities a voice comes to them, calling them home to fulfill a promise made long ago and far away. The master of the Library of Ages aided them in the overthrow of The Cabal which ruled the City of Kings. Now his creation is threatened by the minions of Ouroborous, the Worm of Autumn and he has need of powerful heroes to preserve the accumulated knowledge of all time.

Session 27 Part 2: Into the Maw of Madness

2010-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: The Entrance

Our heroes fall through the darkness for what seems like an eternity, bitter cold crushing the breath from their lungs, until they crash land in a crumbling stone chamber littered with rubbish. Thick dust and cobwebs cover the floor and the ceiling is lost in shadows. Statues of ancient gods and kings are set in niches and many exits lead to parts unknown.

As they gather themselves together figures begin to appear in several of the corridors, misshapen and brutish the stench of rot and decay flows from them. They begin to shuffle forward with eager anticipation, fresh meat is rare in the Labyrinth.

As they press forward an old man comes stumbling from another corridor waving a rough staff above his head. The creatures recoil from him and flee. “Hello there, the stone people are easily startled but they will be back and in greater numbers. We should move from here quickly.” Puzzled by the old man the group nevertheless agrees to follow his advice.

Some brief questioning later reveals the man is a traveller, lost in the Labyrinth for so long he has forgotten his own name or why he came here. He explains the nature of the Labyrinth, a many doored prison for defeated gods, immortals and heroes, each trapped within a prison of their own making. Over time portals have formed between these prisons and they now exist as a latticework of passageways which those who know them can navigate. The group explain that they are here to find and stop Sopias, the mad Primordial and the old man agrees to act as their guide although he warns them that the journey is a dangerous one.

Scene 2: Portals Galore

[narrativist gamer alert]I ran this as a series of linked skill challenges and I let each member of the group define one of the portal worlds they passed through. Each player could also author in one campaign level benefit/bennie/secret to gain but doing so increased the number of successes required and increased the risk of failure. I designed the last portal area although they got a choice of three. Each had a serious failure condition although I should have given a better idea as to what they might be.[/narrativist twaddle]

The first gate finds the group far in their own worlds past, at the height of the Empire of Reptos, Warlord and Dominator of the World. His slave armies have landed on what will become the City of Kings and he has gone to war with the Second Glorious Kireshi Empire. The Taken, Wizards enslaved to his service unleash life eating sorcery destroying the Kireshi’s once verdant forest home. Nearby on a mountain slope Reptos himself battles Ashura, Primordial of the Sun. The group make their way quickly through the battle, avoiding the clashing armies but veering close to the battling ancients. Reptos has set up a series of enchanted mirrors designed to reflect the image of the Primordial over and over, distracting him in his vanity. As the group slip away into the next realm Assamber furiously scribbles notes on their position, the time and date and various alchemical and astronomical formulae. They might prove useful in the future when Ashura rises as an undead monstrosity.

The second gate finds them in a vast underground necropolis, the remains of a civilisation long dead. It is home to undead of all varieties, as well as being the lair of the First Vampire, sire to Hu’Maa High Priest of Sopias. The group make swift headway given their extensive experience in dealing with the undead but they are not the only threat. Assamber leads the group off on a side trek through its ancient library looking for ways to neutralise Hu’Maa and Morn triggers a trap that drains the blood from their veins. Alerted to their presence undead flood the library and they are forced to flee without the information they desired.

The third gate finds them in a realm of elemental chaos, the forces of creation rolling and boiling all around them. Here are imprisoned the four Elemental Lords who’s strife keeps the world turning. Azhanti should be in his element here but he leads them into tumultuous storms, perhaps Vulcan’s influence reaches even past death. The group are forced into retreat by the unpredictable forces with Morn drawing on the power of the Hammer to stabilise the chaos and aid their escape.

The fourth gate finds the group in a City floating in the vastness of chaos. A bubble wraps the small space, protecting it from the madness but the place is filled with a sense of despair. Slack jawed humans wander the streets aimlessly watched over by impassive stone faced guards. This is the City of Solitude, where those chosen as the Champions of Humanity who fail or who turned away from their duty are banished. The group make a quick exit from the dour place but as Morn steps through the portal he turns and salutes them, one day they will be given a chance to redeem themselves.

The fifth gate finds the group standing up to their knees in a murky, fetid swamp. In the distance a city can be seen surrounded by golden walls. Inside rises a Ziggurat on which is set a Throne. This is the realm of Dagon, once High Priest of Mael, he sought to usurp his master and was banished for it. The group don’t have much time to ponder such things as they quickly find themselves set upon by hostile locals. They make haste away not wanting to be delayed. Assamber summons a giant Dragonturtle from the depths of the muck to bear them across an enormous lake and away from the angry locals. Unfortunately it sinks beneath the depths part way across and tries to eat them. As the rest of the group race for the shore Morn manages to hold the beast off with the patented log in the mouth trick. The group manage to make it to the walls of the City but the trek has been draining. The very air seems to suck the will and energy from them. They must get out of this place and quickly if they are to have the strength to face Sopias. Artemis leads them into the ancient sewer system which reaches under the walls and many wrong turns later they find themselves in the bowels of the Ziggurat. Unfortunately Dagon has been alerted to their presence and as they leap through the portal he exacts a price, taking their power as his own.

Scene 3: Sopias at last!

The final gate leaves the group crashing into the Maw of Chaos, the prison of the mad Primordial Sopias himself. The Chamber is vast and dominated by its prisoner. A hundred feet high Sopias is chained to the floor locked in place eternally straining against the adamantine chains binding him. Once he was beautiful and mysterious, the soul of creation itself, but he devoured a portal to Chaos to save the world and it has changed him. That portal still exists here and it has warped him, now part primordial, part demon. Its presence has caused reality to fracture and many smaller rifts float around the room. Curled in front of him sits a great white dragon, its eyes filled with madness and its body having worn away in various places. Azhanti immediately recognises that it is no true dragon but a dream dragon possessed by a Demon Lord.

Its head rises as the group enters. “Turn back, there is nothing for you here mortals.” They are undeterred. They have fought dragons before and confidence is high. “Your interference will not be tolerated, leave or face the might of Demogorgon.” They decline and battle is joined.

Quickly things become more complicated. Demogorgon calls various allies out of the planar rifts; a huge clawed nycadaemon begins grabbing people holding them inside the rift so that chaos itself begins to dissolve them; a hulking carnage demon emerges and begins to lay about the group; a tall mass of pestilent chaos with mind rending whipping tentacles emerges from another and from all of them stream hordes of smaller horrors, rending and tearing wherever they can. Demogorgon advances on the group, “Your lives are forfeit, here my destiny will prevail, you cannot possibly succeed.” Each of our heroes feels a rending of their souls. At this place, at this time, the Threads of Destiny are the strongest they have ever been and the creature seems capable of manipulating and controlling them, perhaps even of severing them completely. They must endure the punishment or risk being extinguished forever.

The rifts seem to be the key. The portal Sopias consumed cannot be closed without shutting them off and the dragon keeps calling more allies through them as fast as the group can dispatch them. The group manage to shut several of them and Assamber brings down a Cloudkill across much of the room. The choking fumes begin to kill friend and foe alike but our heroes have significant healing resources unavailable to the demon. Morn manages to pin it in position but it seems to be a position it is happy to be in as it continues to drive him into the Cloudkill over and over again.

Slowly the tide begins to turn. The larger demons start to fall and the flood of lesser creatures is stymied by the poisonous cloud. Great rents have been torn into the dragon’s body but this seems to simply enrage it. Necrotic flames explode from the withered flesh of the dragon and black flames roll through the room. “I am eternal, I cannot be defeated”

This proves not to be the case. Bereft of allies he remains a serious threat but his time has come. At the last he begins to unleash his greatest power, rotting the souls of his enemies preventing them recovering from their injuries but it is not enough. With a scream which shakes the room the dragon dies and the spirit of Demogorgon passes back through the portal and into Chaos.

It is not over. The portal begins to buckle and strain. A clawed appendage shoves into the room trying to force its way into the world. Demogorgon risks annihilation to seek revenge on those who have stymied him. Assamber steps forward. The rifts are closed but the portal itself can only be closed from the other side. He gathers the power of the Spellstorm to him and steps forward. Entering chaos for the first time he looks into the Heart of the Spellstorm and the secrets of the Universe are laid bare there for the taking. Diving down he drives Demogorgon before him, sealing the portal behind. As he falls the flesh burns from his bones, seared by the power of the Vortex, the Heart of the Spellstorm. When he vanishes into the Vortex he is little more than bones, sorcery and a thirst for power. A new Lich is born but what role he might play in the future is yet to be seen.

The Chamber is silent. With the sealing of the Portal Sopias quickly recovers from the madness. His form shifts and shrinks, returning to human proportions. Purple mist rises and his eyes clear as if awaking from a long dark nightmare. He smiles, humanity has recognised its potential, has done what he could not and defeated the forces of Chaos which had so plagued him. Perhaps there is hope for them all after all. As he opens his mouth to speak Artemis shoots him through the eye with the Bow of Ashura slaying him instantly. He stands, shock, confusion and fear play across the face of a God and then he explodes. Primordial blood sprays through the room covering our heroes. It burns where it touches skin, infusing, changing, empowering and terrifying in one long moment of ecstasy and agony. Images flash through their minds, places and times long past, worlds created and destroyed, futures come and gone, places and times that could have been or that might be. All the dreams and fears of a Primordial, transmitted by his blood overwhelm them.

As they struggle to overcome the intensity of their visions a sound intrudes into the chamber. Tap, tap, tap. The sound of a plain wooden staff striking the stone floor. Their guide emerges from the shadows but as he does so he begins to change. His back straightens, his form fills out, the lines of age fall away from his face. “I thank you my children for freeing me. Truly I choose well with you. You have now fulfilled your Destiny and I Reptos, am once again free. No longer can this prison hold me. Let the world tremble at the coming of the Warlord.”

From thin air he draws out a black bladed sword and drives it into the floor. The walls shudder and the chamber collapses. Reptos teleports out returning to his stronghold, the City of Kings, as our heroes fall through the walls of reality itself as all about them crumbles. Darkness claims them and all that is left is the pulsing heartbeat of a Primordial beating within each of them....

*cut scene*

The Arkhosian Empire was once the heart of the Dragonborn civilisation but with the Sundering it fell to its human slaves. The Dragonborn were in turn enslaved and forced to fight one another by the many different city states, cults and religions which came to dominate the continent. That all changed when Khitai, now Emperor of Arkhosia, rose to power. He reunited the Dragonborn, brought the Clans together and conquered the continent.

With his ascension to power the worship of Vulcan was reinstated and he has worked long and hard to resurrect the dead Primordial. To this end he bound four of the spirits of the dragon god ancestors but the fifth escaped due to the meddling of our heroes. That work is now undone and the four great statues have been reduced to rubble. Above the winter palace the five great dragons dance and swoop through the air, their presence intoxicating and exhilarating to their children who are swept away in a frenzy of lust and bliss.

As Sopias dies the bells of the Temples of Vulcan begin to ring. The end of time has begun and in the temples the great gongs of Vulcan shiver and crash to the ground. A new symbol can be seen engraved in the holy places, a fist clenching a bolt of lightning. The oracles are overcome with visions and before the Temples crowds gather to hear the word of the Avatar of Storm, Azhanti has come to lead his people to greatness.

As Azhanti falls through the world five dragon faces whirl and spin around him. “We are free child of the Storm and you have played your part in that. Once each will we help you in the days to come before we return to the stars from which we were born. Take good care of our children for they will need your help and guidance...”

*cut scene*

In the deepest and most remote region of the deserts of the City of Kings, on a blasted salt flat known as the Hammer of the Gods, the most ancient spirits of the desert gather. Spirits of Earth, Fire and Air are gathered together to declare the beginning of the Great Hunt. “Three are declared worthy to be Master of the Hunt. Artemis, of Clan Antarion who slew the Primordial Sopias. Kubolta of the Hashashin, who slew Shraal, Lord of Entropy and Strom of the Kraken who faced death himself but did not die. Only one may be chosen. Let the dance of death begin.”

In the hidden reaches of the Shrouded Oasis much has changed. It was once a verdant land of jungles and rivers but now thick boiling mud, sulphurous ash and choking vapours fill the region. The sacred groves have been chopped down, the Temples defiled and the First Tree itself is under attack. Ashura, now fully descended into undeath, seeks to undo the life he himself breathed into creation. Soon the Third Glorious Kireshi Empire will emerge from the remnant of their last home to bring a wave of destruction to the younger races.

In the rocky fortresses of the great desert the Pashtun, the people of the desert, gather in their many thousands. The great enemy Reptos has returned to the City of Kings and seeks once again to Dominate all of Humanity. In vast underground caves they gather by the hidden lakes and rivers. It is time to awaken the ancient powers which have been sleeping here for so very long. It is time for the Spirits of Water to rejoin the Elemental Court to oppose the rise of Reptos.

*cut scene*

On a blasted rocky plain covered in snow and ice a single giant warrior stands leaning against his hammer. His armour is covered in rents and tears, blood spatters him and his body aches. All around lay broken bodies, demons, elementals and archons. All of them invaders from the Realm of Chaos seeking entry into the world his people have sworn to protect. He is the last of his kind. The bodies of his kin scatter the battleground as well and he knows that soon he must fall. When he does there will be no-one left to hold back the forces of dissolution. The elementals are gathering for another assault. Wearily he stands, shifting his weight and lifting his hammer for yet another battle.

Out in the depths of Chaos, in the very deepest part of the Abyss, something stirs. It is vast and its movement sends lesser demons fleeing in terror. Malevolence exudes from every pore of its being and in the distance it can hear the ringing of bells. The stench of humanity is caught on the breeze and a low growl emerges from its throat. Slowly, ever so slowly, it begins to rise following the trail. Far in the distance it can see a crack, the reflected light of a broken Skydome. Once more The Beast will feed on man flesh.

As Morn falls through the darkness the tattoos on his arms, long a symbol of his enslavement, erupt in blue flame. Bright red eyes burn in the darkness before him and The Beast looks long and hard into his soul. Soon, it says, very soon.

*cut scene*

In the City of Kings the air is thick with tension as if its people can sense the terrible conflicts raging in a dimension so close to theirs but so far away. The outcome of those conflicts will have long lasting repercusions, none more significant than in the City itself. As Sopias dies to Artemis and his quest for humanity's freedom from gods and primordials the echo of his death reverberates throughout the cosmos. That echo is channelled into The Spire, a piece of unbreakable Law carved from the Menbim Stone itself, an the death cry is amplified and extended. The Spire shatters and power flows out, uncontrolled and potentially devastating.

Throughout the City magicians, sages and astrologers gathered from around the world by Assamber and his disciples have awaited this very moment. Apparatus have been set up throughout the City to focus and channel that cry into the Temple of Mael. Once, at the height of the First Great Human Empire its scattered nations were linked by a series of stable permanent portals. Assamber has delved deep into these secrets and now his last gift to his people is to once again reactivate the City Network. The power of Sopias energises those long dormant portals and across the five continents people awake to pillars of blue flame erupting from ancient long since abandoned sites. Once palacies, temples and the homes of the mighty are now alive with sorcery and flame.

In the centre of the City there is little more than rubble. Onlookers gather to witness the destruction most thought impossible. As they stare rock and crystal alike begins to shift and tumble. From the ruins a new Palace rises and all within the City hear the Voice... "come to me my children, your Master has returned and together we shall subjugate this world and purge it of the elder filth." Reptos has returned to his Dominion and begins to reconstruct his slave army.

Session 27 Part 1: Flight of the Navigator

2010-01-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

GM Note: We lost Chiniko’s player prior to this session to work on his PhD and it was Assamber’s last session as he was heading back to Devon. This rather coloured some of the events which occurred.

Scene 1: Old Friends

Our heroes have finally recovered all 5 pieces of the key to the prison of Sopias and have made a hasty exit out of Dream to avoid the warring twin Queens. Now they find themselves in dire straits as their enemies are waiting for them. Their own ship has been boarded and disabled an Imperial Arkhosian Sky Cruiser floats above them. An Order of Transcendentant Enquiry Golem squats on the Ship of Dreams and Artemis’s sister, Kallista, stands on the prow of the cruiser demanding the group hand over the Hearts.

*cut scene*

The group gather in the gardens of the Court of Summer preparing to leave Dream when they are approached by Menandore, Daughter of the Queen of Summer. “Many forces will be drawn to the power the Hearts represent. You may find your way blocked. Take these and use them wisely” she says handing the group a set of perfect illusionary Hearts forged from dream stuff.

The group achieved a significant victory in Dream and I left them with a campaign bonus effect they could set. They hadn’t decided on what they wanted by the time the session started so I allowed them to author in the copies via flashback.

The group confer. They decide to pass off the copies to Kallista to give them time to escape. She is suspicious but accepts them and the cruiser pulls away but so does the Ship of Dreams! The Golem has established control of the vessel and the group are about to be stranded. Chiniko acts, the Ship is his and he is linked to its power. Assamber has also spent some time inscribing various teleportation circles into the hull. Drawing on their power Chiniko teleports the group onto the ship but is exhausted in the attempt collapsing to the ground.

Unfortunately this also plunges the group into an immediate battle. The Golem proves to be a formidable opponent and it has support. An Order Mage causes great trouble for the group blasting people hither and yon and inflicting serious injuries before an unwise teleport places her too near the rail. Artemis blows up one of the ships power generators sending her crashing against it and follows it up with a boot to the face and she falls to her death. The Dragonborn Skycaptain finds himself mostly pinned down near the helm, the only targets for his lightning powers the redoubtable Morn (and his mass of healing surges) and Azhanti, Voice of Vulcan, God of the Storm (and highly resistant to both Thunder and Lightning). As his marines and the Golem fall he decides discretion is the better part of valour and leaps from the ship wings frantically beating to get away.

Scene 2: Ramming Speed

The group have taken back the ship but all is not yet saved. It seems their deception has been uncovered and the cruiser begins a slow turn to pursue them. They consider flight or fight but decide on neither. The Ship of Dreams is faster and more manoeuvrable but it has been damaged in the battle. They decide to overload its power generators and ram the enemy cruiser, using one of the teleportation circles to flee to the City of Kings before the impact.

Sails are set, power generators are primed and ramming speed is declared. The Ship of Dreams sustains withering broadsides from the enemy cruisers lightning cannons but somehow it manages to hold together. As four of our heroes leap through their emergency portal they see Chiniko, hands gripping the helm driving the ship into the side of the cruiser. The crunch of metal and wood is appalling but is drowned out by the screams of the dreaming sailors. The last sight is the two ships, fatally locked together and spinning out of control, Chiniko surrounded by smoke and flames going down with his ship.

Scene 3: An Interlude

From impending death the group find themselves stood on the roof of the Temple of Mael in the City of Kings. The City is ruined and on fire in many places. A thunder storm engulfs all but its centre where the Spire stands, gently glowing in the night. Forces move out in the darkness, a war is being fought in the shadows and old scores are being settled between immortals hungry for the power of the Hearts. Resolving to wait until the morning our heroes head off alone to prepare themselves for their most difficult confrontation, how do mortals kill a Primordial...

Azhanti spends his time basking on the roof of the Temple. Lightning and thunder roll and crackle all around him as he exults in his near deific status feeding on the power of the storm. In the distance, in the Plaza of Dead Gods, an earth tremor disturbs the grave of Vulcan. Perhaps the Primordial is not so dead as people think.

Artemis explores the cellars of the Temple where he experiences visions of the great spirits of the desert. He can feel the Great Hunt is close and as he comes out of his reverie he snaps off a single arrow which pierces the wall. The light from his bow reveals a mosaic of the birthing of the world and his arrow has pierced the eye of Sopias.

Morn spends his time moving quietly throughout the city. He seeks out the places where its people have huddled in fear at the events surrounding them and hands out small stone tokens, portal keys to take the bearer from the Temples teleportation circle to his base in Frosthome.

Assamber spends his time consulting with his minions, sages and magicians from the City and many other lands with which they have made contact. Foreign wizards and deep sea allies move through the City setting up a series of enchanted mirrors and antennae under his direction. Tomorrow a Primordial may die and in its death lies many opportunities.

Scene 4: Revenge!

As dawn breaks silence covers the City. The battles of the night before have subsided and the storm has retreated from the City itself. Our heroes gather and make their way through the ruins towards the Spire and the entrance to the Labyrinth.

As they approach the main square a figure, robed in purple, appears on a roof above them. “Did you think we had forgotten? Did you think we had forgiven? This is the day of vengeance, now you shall reap in blood all that you have sown.”

A gray skinned old man, rotten with age appears on the other side of the street. “I Ixion, Grandfather of Clan Anatarion accuse you Artemis of Kinslaying.”

A bulky Dragonborn warrior emerges from the ruins behind the group. “I Martek, Warrior of the High Lightning Clan accuse you Assamber Kell of meddling in affairs which do not concern you.”

A second much larger Dragonborn appears on the other side of the street. “I Najentus, Warlord of the High Lightning Clan, accuse you Azhanti, false prophet and charlatan.”

Ahead of the group a dark skinned woman appears. “I M’kemba, High Priestess of the Unfettered God accuse you Morn of apostasy.”

The purple robed figure steps forward. "I am Paldemar who you wronged so long ago. In the name of Vinga, Goddess of Vengeance prepare to meet your doom!”

Battle is joined and things immediately begin to go wrong. Ixion unleashes the angry ghosts of Clan Anatarion which seek to drag the group down and he curses Artemis with the Unbreakable Vow, a promise of death which cannot be avoided. M’Kemba seeks to chain Morn but he twists free while Paldemar rips open a brief lived rift to chaos spilling out multicoloured death amongst the group. Assamber is stunned and Azhanti finds himself blasted back into Najentus where he spends much of the rest of the fight.

Things go from bad to worse as Martek charges into Morn delivering a Fatal Blow, leaving him shaken and unable to rally himself (can’t regain HP by any means). The initial assault is ferocious and things look bleak. The ranged assault team have the higher ground, Morn seems unable to engage them, pinned down by Martek, Assamber is stunned and Azhanti is out of position.

However with this group initial appearances are often deceptive. Ixion immediately comes under withering fire and is quickly overwhelmed. Unfortunately for our enemies he is also their primary healer. Morn manages to fly up to pin down M’Kemba and Paldemar but Paldemar manages to teleport away going to the aid of Ixion and reviving him. Ixion holds on managing to heal some of his allies but soon falls again.

M’Kemba is trapped between Morn, a Wall of Fire and a hefty drop. With nowhere to go she cannot withstand the warrior. Martek reaps bloody revenge amongst the group but finally falls although he manages to take down Artemis with him. The damage is nearly overwhelming, all of Azhanti’s skills are needed to keep the group functioning.

Paldemar, mobile and highly dangerous manages to blast the group over and over, he stands on the brink of death but they cannot seem to touch him. Najentus enters the fray but with the loss of much of their damage dealing team his effectiveness is limited.

Still the battle hangs on a knife edge. Azhanti is completely out of healing, most of the group have expended nearly everything they have and, most shocking of all, Morn has been forced into retreat for fear of collapse. However, Paldemar’s sorcery cannot compete with Artemis’s skill with the bow and he collapses, his revenge unfulfilled. Najentus seeks to escape but the group are having none of it and he is swiftly brought down by their combined might.

Scene 5: Betrayal

Exhausted, bloody and battered they stagger the remaining distance to the Spire where they are met by Catalia Antarion, mother of Artemis and High Priestess of the Cult of the Eternal. She has opened the Spire and has prepared the way for the Key to open the prison. She embraces Artemis, kissing him on the check and wishing him well. Tears form in the corners of her eyes. She places her staff in the centre of the chamber and it is pierced by a beam of light. Five platforms emerge from the floor, each indented with the shape of their respective Hearts. Placed in their settings the entire building begins to resonate and slowly the floor disappears revealing a marble staircase around an immense column of stone spiralling down into the darkness. Steeling themselves our heroes begin to descend.

As they do so a grinding noise begins from above. Calista stands above them at the entrance holding one of the Hearts in her hand. "I am sorry my son but I cannot leave the gate open. The risk is too great, if you fail the Mad God will be unleashed on tens of thousands of innocent people. You must find another way to escape...”

As the floor covers the exit the group is plunged into darkness, beneath them the steps disappear and they plunge into the abyss.....

Session 26: All alone in the night

2009-12-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

We played again last Sunday but I have been a bit slack in writing things up but here goes. We were missing Azhanti’s player but Assamber returned so a bit of GM handwavery later and the party was back together. Assamber has been off forging more links between the disparate human communities in preparation for his plans to rule over the free world as an immortal undead LichKing.

Scene 1: The Mists

However, back in dream the group has problems. The Heart of Sopias has fallen into the hands of Carnage, Lord of the Fomori and his host consuming the realm of Dream. The armies of the summer Court are massing and our heroes head off to the Realm of Nightmare to try and bring them into the war.

The journey takes them once again through the mists of the borderlands and there they experience further visions of possible futures.

Assamber witnesses the start of the next realm, one dominated by Mael and the forces of water. The oceans have covered the land and the body of the Kraken rises out of the sea a great throne of bone mounted on its skull.

Artemis returns to the City of Kings just as a horde of Dragonborn warriors march on the last holdout of humanity. At its head rides Azhanti on his last great Crusade but above the City rises a new power and the people begin to chant, Reptos, Reptos, Reptos, the Warlord, and Dominator of the entire World returns to contest the last of the elder races claim to existence.

Chiniko witnesses what will happen if Sopias is overcome by the Demon Lord feeding on his soul. The world is wracked by fire and death, demons wheel in the sky fighting over the torn remains of every living thing.

Morn witnesses the last battle at the end of time, our heroes gathered before the Menbim Stone where one world will end and another begin. Gods, demons and immortals battle for supremacy at the end of time and one by one our heroes fall, their weapons shattered. Morn, the last to fall, looks up as he dies and the sky above shatters allowing the full horror of Chaos once more into the world.

Scene 2: The Palace of Fear

Shaken by their visions our heroes emerge from the mists and above them looms the Palace of Fear, home to the Queen of Air and Darkness, mistress of Sopias and Queen of the Realm of Nightmare. Its gates yawn open but before they can advance they are challenged. Appearing on a ridge above them is Sirius, the doppelganger. He orders them to turn back or be destroyed. There is some witty repartee and then the killing begins. The group find themselves outmatched at first. Clumped up at the start they are a handy target for the sorcery of Sirius and his elemental allies which emerge from the rock and water. Air, earth, fire and water they inflict significant damage and Morn is unable to hold them off, his tiny mind crushed by Sirius’s mental powers or his body dropped, plate armour and all, into a small lake nearby. The tide however is turned when Assamber freezes several of the elementals in place and then drops a Wall of Fire on them. Sirius goes down shortly thereafter and then it’s just mopping up.

Filled with confidence the group heads into the Palace. No guards protect its entrance, all are welcome to enter but few find leaving so simple. The Palace is protected by the Queens magic and it forces those who lack the will to face their greatest fears. It has however been a long time since it has faced such formidable opposition. Chiniko laughs at the petty fears it produces and our heroes throw off the gloomy shadows which linger in the backs of their minds.

Reaching the doors to the Throne room they now face a more difficult challenge. The guardians of the gate, Lackey and Lickspittle, demand a price for entrance. Refuse and they have the power to eject any interloper, be they god, demon or hero. Each demand a memory, Lackey of the first woman one of them ever loved and Lickspittle the moment of greatest happiness. The group deliberate.

Assamber chooses trickery and convinces Lickspittle that the dreams of the black Lotus poppy, which he has been addicted to for some time, produce the greatest happiness known in the mortal realm. Lickspittle agrees and Assamber finds himself free of the poppy’s influence. Morn takes a more direct route offering his love of the Tiefling Kyia Trak’ar, his mistress when he was a slave. Agreeing Lackey takes more than his memory of her, he takes his hatred of the Tieflings as well. It remains to be seen what effect this might have in the future.

Having paid the price they secure entrance to the Queen. The chamber is vast, crafted out of ice with great iron cages hanging from the fog covered ceiling by chains. One has a living occupant, a rather disconsolate dark fey of foxlike aspect. The room is filled with the fey of nightmare, twisted malevolent looking creatures which howl and shriek at the groups approach. The Queen is tall, dark and statuesque, he throne protected by a pair of great armoured bears. She demands to know why they are here.

Chiniko sets out the situation, asking for her to join forces with her sister to oppose Carnage. The Queen is aloof and uninterested so he tries the more direct approach. As Avatar of Sopias he demands that she make herself and her armies available. Unfortunately she is not quite convinced that he possesses such a status, or that he ever will. In the blink of an eye she hurls him across the room, the mark of her hand burned into his neck and cheek.

Morn interjects, perhaps even saving Chiniko’s life from the Queens anger. He slyly suggests that the Queen might be reluctant as the weaker Court of the two. Perhaps the Queen remains here in her fortress out of fear. It’s a bold gamble, but it seems to work. The Queen tells them that, when they need them the forces of Nightmare will be there.

Scene 3: Let slip the dogs of war

The group quickly return to the Summer Court to prepare for War. The forces of Carnage have crawled closer. In the sky the great rift pulses and swells like an angry wound in the sky and across the land the Behemoth spread corruption and filth. A vast track lies behind it, the land there dead, it’s very essence drained and reduced to ash. Around the Behemoth great maggots, twisted giants and all the horrors of the Underdark swell. The armies of the Summer and Winter Courts gather and the Queen of Air and Darkness ascends to aid her sister in containing the rift. Our heroes make their own preparations and then the Horns sound and battle is joined.

The fighting is intense on all sides. In the skies flights of wyvern and griffon cavalry clash with swarming demons, knights of great renown battle giants on the ground and through it all our heroes bring their own peculiar brand of chaos; Morn dives into the thick of the enemy in a lightning strike to rescue the Princess Menandore who has ventured far into the enemies lines; Chiniko flits around the battlefield bringing Azhanti in amongst the hordes of undead blasting them to pieces with his holy powers; Assamber rides in the very van of the army driving great wedges through the enemy lines with his sorcery; Artemis ranges throughout the enemy camp assassinating their commanders and throwing the enemy into disarray. The outer forces of the enemy begin to collapse under the pressure being brought to bear but they are only the beginning. A horn blares out and from the mouth of the Behemoth march a horde of armoured Giants, the elite guard for Lord Carnage, King of the Fomori. They are a formidable force but still no match for our heroes and Chiniko clouds their minds allowing the group and a small force of knights past the Guard and into the Behemoth. The Knights take up guard at the entrance ready to hold off all comers as our heroes enter the skull of the behemoth to face Carnage and his closest allies.

Scene 4: Carnage

The skull chamber is huge and dominated by an enormous throne. Great slabs of onyx are set into the eye sockets but even from here the floating forms of the twin Queens can be seen and felt. Carnage waits for them, his axe cradled across his knees. At his side towers a great mass of malignant elemental energy and off to one side cradling the bones of the dead squats a skeletal Cyclops, fire burning in its chest. Two giant warriors complete the ensemble facing our heroes.

Insults and threat are exchanged and it is quickly clear that no compromise is possible. The elemental surges forward crashing into the front ranks of the group and pinning them in the entranceway. Assamber acts quickly deciding to try and hold off the rest of their enemies and seals them off with a wall of fire. Unfortunately this does not stop the Cyclops from unleashing fiery hell in the cramped quarters and then the giants move into position. Things begin to look even worse as Carnage drives several of the group into their own wall of fire. Artemis manages to get clear of the enemy and Assamber drops a stinking cloud over several of them. Chiniko flits across the battlefield but ranges too close to Carnage who strikes him down. Morn finds himself trapped against the wall of fire between a giant warrior and the elemental monstrosity and its probing tentacles. Things are again looking grim but hope arrives from the Summer Queen who restores some of their strength.

Reinvigorated our heroes strike back. The elemental is destroyed and the Cyclops finds itself constantly trapped in the stinking cloud. Every attempt to pin down Assamber fails against some sorcerous defence or other and Carnage tries, and fails, to banish several group members to the shadow realm. Once the Cyclops and one of the giants fall it is only a matter of time. Carnage, outmatched and outnumbered is the last King of the Fomori. As he dies his army collapses and flees into the surrounding countryside pursued by the twin armies of dream and nightmare.

Scene 5: The Hearts Desire

In the Throne room everything has gone still. The Heart of Sopias is embedded into the chest of the Fomori King and Chiniko stands over his defeated enemy. He can feel the heat of the gem rolling through the room. There is an infection at its centre, an unnaturally heat, the rift to chaos. All he has to do is to claim the stone as his accept the power of Chaos and become the new overlord of Dream. The Twin Queens shall be his slaves and he will become the new Sopias. He rejects the offer and stuffs the Heart into a bag. As the group prepare to leave the Queen of Summer arrives. Her eyes are fixed on the Heart and desire fills her. She advances on Chiniko asking him to give up the stone. Sensing impending disaster he uses the ring which will take them all back to their ship. It does not work. The Queen is closer now, if she takes the Heart she will rise as a new force in Dream, supplanting both her sister and Sopias. Chiniko does the only thing he can; he reaches into the Book of Dreams and Nightmares and throws out two nightmares, one at each of the Twin Queens. In each they see the other in possession of the Heart. The Queen of Nightmares descends to contest with her sister and all around them the Behemoth begins to tear apart. In the nick of time the group are rescued by the Princess Menandore and a wing of griffon cavalry.

Free from the attention of the Twin Queens the group makes hasty preparations to leave Dream as quickly as possible. They have now recovered all five of the Hearts of the Primordial’s and their power is growing. They must reach the City of Kings as soon as possible. They take their leave of the Princess and beat a hasty retreat back to their own reality.

As they step through the gap in the wall they find things are not as they left them. Their ship lies on the ground a strange crystalline golem stood on the deck. Above them flies a second, larger, ship displaying the crest of the Imperial Arkhosian Fleet. A figure appears at the railing, one Artemis recognises. It is his sister, Kallista, who ran off to join the Order of Transcendental Enquiry. “Welcome back brother. The Emperor congratulates you on having recovered all of the five Hearts. Now please place them on the ground and move away. I would hate to have to order my lightning cannons to fire upon you.”

*cut scene*

In the City of Kings a storm has blown in from the ocean. Rain lashes down and lightning splits the sky striking at the Spire, the crystal tower at the centre of the city. Forces begin to converge on the City, ancient powers, dangerous and cunning. Power will be spent in this city soon and immortal blood will be spilled. Such conjunctions occur only infrequently but whenever they do there exists opportunity, for advancement, for battle and, most importantly, for revenge.

Session 25: Dreams and Nightmares

2009-11-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

We played again last night and started the last stage of the groups quest to reforge the key to the prison of Sopias. The final piece of the puzzle lies somewhere lost in the land of dreams and nightmare. To enter the realm the group returns to Chiniko's homeland in the ice fields of the far south.

Scene 1: Home is where the Heart is

While Chiniko renews his bonds with his wife and children, fearing he will not see them again, the rest of the group explore the rather primitive city of the worshippers of Sopias. The people are a fanatical group worshipping Sopias and infected, to a degree, by his madness. Azhanti finds himself repulsed by the rotting Temple of Sopias while Morn wows the locals by wrestling a bear!

Meanwhile Chiniko appraises the council of elder warlocks of his journey to date and the task before him. They give him their blessing but warn him, dreams is disturbed and all attempts to learn why have so far met with failure.

Fortified by strong alcohol to resist the predations of dream eating fey the group head to the Barrier, a simple stone wall crumbling in parts. It was here, eons ago, that Sopias led the hosts of dream against arrogant Magi intent on overthrowing the Primordials and in doing so he left behind a tear in reality which has been used by his faithful ever since.

Scene 2: A Warm Welcome

Plunging through the group feel a twisting distortion around them. Instead of arriving in the Courtyard of the Summer palace, home of the Queen of Dreams and wife of Sopias they instead find themselves on a blasted moor of scrubby gorse. The Borderlands, the region between the realm of dream and nightmare and cresting a hill a fey Knight and her pack of hunting werewolves.

Seeing the intruders she gives forth a blast on her hunting horn and they surge to attack. The first wave is brutal and several of the group find themselves stunned by the impact and sorely pressed. Only some frantic aid from Azhanti keeps him and Morn on their feet. The Knight demands to know where they have hidden the Heart and before Chiniko can try to explain he finds himself stunned. Artemis does what bow rangers do best and dances away from his enemies while Morn tries to hold most of them near the centre. This proves tactically unwise as he quickly finds himself blinded and poisoned by the knight who seems to be able to manipulate the stuff of dream itself.

As Chiniko recovers from the werewolf assault he manages to prevail on the Knight to stay her attacks. The group discover that she is in fact Menandore, daughter of the Queen of Summer and she is patrolling the Borderlands looking for thieves. Chiniko convinces her to permit them to travel dream and seek an audience with her mother. Menandore gives him her favour and warns them to beware the mists of dream as mortals can easily become lost within them.

Scene 3: That which is, that which was and that which might yet come to pass

Heading deeper into dream Chiniko sets his mind to locating the golden gates of the Summer Palace. Dream however has different ideas and soon the group becomes lost, separated in time and space. Dream shows them visions of the past and future, of possible lives which, if only they make the choice they might yet live.

Morn finds himself in the body of a young man in a city of the future. He is at school and his elder tutor tells him of the history of humanity, of how they have fled from world to world ever pursued by the forces of chaos, always seeking out a new home. "But how do the people survive" the boy asks? "Each time we must flee a warrior comes, one who will stand against the darkness. A hero who bears the secret markings of the eternal defender." Wrapped up in the old man’s words the boy does not notice the small tear forming in the sky or the brief shimmer of the markings on his arms.

The scene fades and Morn finds himself entering a plain stone cottage. Fresh baked bread cools on a simple table and a pretty woman stands at a sink washing dishes. "Husband, you have come home"she cries throwing herself into his arms. "The children will be pleased" Outside he can hear the sound of children laughing and playing. "Lay down your Hammer husband, your battles have been fought and there are no more monsters to slay." With a start Morn realises that this is the life he could have had if he had not been kidnapped by the Tieflings and sold into slavery in the City of Kings. All he has to do is to lay down his Hammer and it is a life he can have now, free from the memories of pain and fear and violence...

Artemis finds himself tracking across the great wastes of the desert south of the City of Kings. He endures hardships and the terrors of the desert and all the dangers it can throw at him. He tames a great riding lizard and rides it to its death and crosses the mountains on the back of a giant eagle.

In the distance a storm rises and he dives down into the very heart of the cyclone. As he crashes down he finds himself in a huge cave, gently glowing fungi light the darkness and a group of Kireshi live in simple huts and fish the great underground lake. He learns that they are the last few members of their race in the world. Those who chose to remain behind when the Primordials and Gods were banished by the actions of the Hero Artemis. With the Primordials gone magic left the land and they took mortal form but as mortals they were capable of knowing both joy and pain...

Azhanti finds himself in the Temple of his youth prostrate on the cold stone floor as a brand new initiate. It is his time of testing, when the newly consecrated and left to fast in the temple and listen to the words of Vulcan. As he leaves his ancient mentor Nihlil asks him what he heard. "Nothing" he replies, "Yes, and that is our greatest secret".

As he emerges from the Temple in the courtyard he finds himself confronted by five of his oldest friends and enemies. They surround him asking him questions. He remains silent. In a confusing conversation he learns that they are the spirits of the five original dragons, creatures of chaos, unbound by time but trapped in physical form when the Primordials forged the world. They desire a release back to the stars and seek his aid to do so. He demands their obedience and servitude in this cycle in return. Angered they leave him but ponder on his demands...

Chiniko finds his soul drawn to the Court of Summer. Normally a place of light, laughter and indulgence instead it is filled with a sense of ennui, autumn has come to the summer palace and the leaves are falling. A poison has entered the palace but its source remains hidden. As he descends into the palace he finds himself entering the ancient temple of Sopias.

Shadows and cobwebs fill its corners and the halls are filled with the whispers of long dead ghosts and spirits. At the altar a figure joins him. It is Hu'Maa, Vampire Lord and last remaining Cleric and true High Priest of Sopias. He welcomes Chiniko and brings with him a warning. Sopias has been long confined and his link to Chaos has formed a third aspect. No longer just the Lord of Dreams and Nightmares now he encompasses Madness as well. As they talk a demon of shadow and flame emerges from the darkness. It has fed on the power of their God and now seeks to replace him. As his dream fades he is left with its lust to consume his soul.

Scene 4: The Palace of Summer

As the group emerge from the mists of dream they find themselves at the gates of the Palace of Summer. Normally they would be staunchly guarded but now they stand open. The beautiful orchards which once surrounded the palace have decayed and the people themselves seem filled with sadness and loss. The favour of Menandore grants them entry and they are greeted by Sirius, Seneschal to the Queen and Court Archmage. He regrets that the Queen is accepting no visitors but offers them the hospitality of the Court until Menandore returns and can perhaps prevail upon her mother to meet them.

They agree and are escorted to beautiful quarters molded to meet their particular needs. Chiniko warns the group of the risks of wandering around but the warnings seem to go unheeded.

Azhanti heads to the library seeking more knowledge about the elemental powers he wields and is lost in the books for the rest of the day (he picks up the Control Weather ritual). Artemis and Morn do likewise looking for knowledge of the Magi who challenged the Primoridals (and hoping perhaps to use it agains them). Unfortunately between them they have the combined brain power of a stump and they are quickly distracted. Morn finds himself invited to dine with the General Orwaine, a most untypical fey. His dining hall is a riot of noise and smells and ravenous uncouth feasting with both humanoids and unicorn on the menu. Something is very wrong here.

Meanwhile Artemis spots Lord Sirius making his way into an abandoned part of the Palace. Stalking him he avoids detection and overhears a conversation placing the Lord in a compromising position. Apparently it is he who has stolen the Heart from the Summer Court and sent it to his unidentified “master.” He has also distracted the patrols of the Summer Court seeking the thieves in the Borderlands.

As Artemis makes his way back through the winding corridors of the palace Chiniko finds himself meeting with Lord Sirius. He is most interested in the Warlock, describing him as possessing great potential. He stresses the importance of freeing Sopias as without the Primordials free and in the world all is likely to fall into chaos.

On returning to their Chambers the group gather to discuss their findings. Doubt is immediately cast upon Sirius and everything he has said and there are concerns about the General too. As the group discuss what to do they are interrupted by the sound of hooves outside, Menandore has returned.

Greeting her the group tell her of their findings. She remains unconvinced until Artemis offers to let her search his memories. She drains him like a cup of wine and he sags to the floor. Menandore demands an audience with her mother, Sirius tries to prevent it but he cannot oppose her. The gates of Summer are opened and the entire Court pours inside.

The Queen of Summer sits drooped over her Throne, her glory faded and Sirius stands at her side whispering in her ear. Menandore presents her accusations but the Queen will not believe them. Sirius has been her trusted advisor for a thousand years and no mortal claim can disturb that bond. She orders Menandore confined and turns to deal with the mortals who have so disturbed her Court.

At this time Chiniko steps forward to establish himself as a power within the Court. He is a Fey Pact Warlock, a Divine Oracle of Sopias and he wields the Book of Dreams and Nightmares which contains all hopes and fears. With the Book he says he can banish all nightmares from the Court. Sirius interposes to protect his Queen from the false prophet and the contest is on. Guards come pushing in from outside but Artemis holds them off. Sirius sends his sorcery rolling against Chiniko but Morn is there to shield him. The two lock wills but Chiniko is victorious, with a scream of rage Sirius is flung away and crashes limply against the wall. In the distance a bell peals and the Queen of Summer comes alive. Purged of the poisons which Sirius has whispered in her ears over many years she rises from her Throne like the dawning of a new day and at her awakening the Court bursts into full bloom. She turns her radiant face on the young warlock and peace descends on her realm.

That peace is broken by harsh guttural laughter. Sirius rises from the floor and reveals his true form, a slick, grey skinned creature with bulging luminous eyes. A doppelganger, but one with two faces, front and back.

“You are too late, already the Heart has reached my master. He has broken his ancient bindings laid by the false god Sopias. Now at last the Fomori are unbound and chaos is free once more in your realm.”

As he speaks a scream rips through Dream like the deathknell of all hope and desire. In the distance a great bruise appears in the sky, a rift into Chaos. Rising into the air the Queen faces the rift. She turns to her daughter and to the mortals who have aided her “I must hold back the rift, raise the armies of Dream and Nightmare and stop this madness. Take the Heart from the Fomori and leave dream as quickly as you can or its power might overwhelm us all…”

With that a column of sunlight descends on her too bright to look at and she ascends to hover over the Palace.

*cut scene*

Far away in a forgotten corner of Dream sits a ring of standing stones, the last marker of the Kingdom of the Fomori, cast into underground exile eons ago by Sopias. Now they have breached those bindings. With a groan the ground heaves and buckles, ancient stones topple and an enormous pale white hand reaches out of the earth. Long filthy fingers dig deep into the earth blackening it at their touch and the arm flexes. Sinews bunch as the creature pulls itself out of the ground. Slowly at first, but faster as more earth is dislodged Behemoth rises out of the depths. Once it was a Titan and at its arrival whole civilizations collapsed. But time claims all things and in time it died and was forgotten and, as with such forgotten things, it fell into Dream where it was found by Carnage, King of the Fomori.

He has claimed the mile long crawling monstrosity as his new Palace and animated it as a vehicle of utter destruction. From the tunnel created by its passing all the filth of the underworld crawls to do war upon Dream and in the skies above demons drawn through the rift circle and scream. Within its cavernous skull Carnage plots his revenge on the Fey and the joy he experiences as his golem begins to consume Dream. But his ambitions are greater than that. Amaan, one time Emperor of the Giants has released him from his bondage but he does not know the power he now wields. Once he has subdued Dream he will bring his monstrosity into creation and all of the world will tremble at its approach…

Session 24: In the Coils of the Serpent, Part 3

2009-11-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

We played again tonight to bring to a conclusion Azhanti's story of the recovery of the Heart of Vulcan. The group was a member down with Assambers player away with work.

Scene 1: Flashback

The opportunity for a meeting between Azhanti and the Dragonborn Emperor was too good to miss so we flashbacked to their encounter.

Azhanti is trapped in the Heart of Vulcan. Awaiting his fate he explores the memories of the primoridal, witnessing the birth of creation itself and the rise of the original five dragons. As he is about to steal their true names he is wrenched into the light of day by the command of the Emperor.

Their exchange was at times heated and confrontational, Azhanti has a plan and people can either get on board or get out of the way. Rebuffed the Emperor sends him on his way, hoping he will deal with the spirit of Venemus.

Scene 2: The Caves of Chaos

Sheol the Veni assassin arranges to teleport the group into the sanctum of Bhaal, the dragon who has taken such an interest in Azhanti. On arrival they find things are not as they expected. Venemus has taken possession of the three Dragonborn aspirants, Azhanti, Xaltotun and Shak'ir and incapacitated Bhaal. He is in the midst of some sort of ritual and the cave is torn through with rifts to chaos. Uncontrolled energy spills and swirls in great chasms between isolated islands of rock.

Bhaal orders them to leave, predicatably the group refuses and battle is joined.

The fighting is fierce, Bhaal controls the three dragonbron and they bring Morn to his knees. Xaltotun manipulates the chaos of the rifts to assail them and Shak'ir revels in the rage of the barbarian. The group needs to incapacitate Azhanti so they can restore his soul to his body but they must contend with his powerful healing abilities. If he is able to heal himself then all is probably lost. At the last moment Chiniko steals away his memories preventing him from bringing himself back from the brink.

Restored to sense the spirit of Venemus passes out of Azhanti and enters the body of Bhaal. As Bhaal closes to the attack Xaltotun and Shak'ir try and fail to overcome his influence. They push to the group to their absolute limit. The combined strength of dragon, sorceror and barbarian seems too much. Several of the group are down but in a last desperate act Chiniko s Morn who smashes the focus of Venemus's ritual. Xaltotun and Shak'ir collapse and Venemus is stunned.
The group pile on the pressure and Venemus retreats. Even in retreat however he is still dangerous and the group are entirely out of healing. The battle grinds into a stalemate, Venemus lurking in the chaos rifts out of range of many of their attacks.

Scene 3: Dealing with the Devil

Recognising the risk Venemus turns to negotiation. Azhanti is adamant, he will have Venemus and his people as his allies. There are twists and turns and attempts to finagle but to no avail. To demonstrate his sincerity Azhanti decapitates his brother Xaltotun. Eventually Venemus agrees and binds his fate to that of the determined young priest.

Slipping away with Shak'ir Venemus avoids the agents of the Emperor, delaying his ascension to Dragonhood for a little while.

*cut scene*

In the bowels of the City of Pythia a dozen cultists gather at an ancient site, a lost shrine to Venemus far from the gaze of the High Priestess Tamus. A new statue now stands carved in the place of honour above the altar, an image of Azhanti, the Dragon Aspect Emperor whose coming they have forseen in the stars.

Session 23: In the Coils of the Serpent Part 2

2009-09-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

Scene 1: Bumps in the Night

Our heroes have returned to the ship of dreams to recuperate from the battle with the Hydra. Chiniko has emerged from his cabin (the plyer was back for this session) but now Assamber has fallen ill (his player was away). Retiring to their bunks the group achieves some well earned rest. As he sleeps Azhanti finds his soul wandering in the Dreamlands where it is snared by Tamus, High Priestess of Venemus.

She draws him into her realm to speak with him about what he intends to do with the Heart and the spirit of the Dragon God which is trapped within. She seems interested in him, stressing the similarities between them. Both hold high positions in their churches, both hold their gods in contempt and both desire immortality and to shape the future of the Dragonborn. She urges him to bring the Heart to her and together they will deal with the wayward spirit. Waking in a cold sweat Azhanti considers his options. He wants to become Tarock, the clanless warrior who will herald change for his race.

Scene 2: Throwing caution to the wind

Deciding to reject Tamus's offer he seeks his best source of information. He draws out the Heart, imprisons it in a magic circle and tests himself against the spirit of Venemus. It is only as his ritual completes that he understands that his soul is no match for that of the maddened Dragon. As the group burst into the room to try and discover what is happening Venemus slips from his bindings and imprisons Azhanti in the Heart!Azhanti/Venemus reassures the group that all is well but that they must turn away from Bha'al and seek out Tamus. With some grumbling the ship turns and night falls.

Scene 3: The Worm Turns

As they make headway south towards Pythia Artemis is surprised by a figure, human in shape but containing something monstrous within lurking in the rigging. It demands to speak with the ships master. As the group gathers insults are thrown and the creature delivers its message. Sheol, Master of the Cult of Panath would speak with them about the Heart. Azhanti/Venemous proclaims that they should ignore the creature and move on but the group decides otherwise. He is confused by their failure to obey his orders immediately but fortunately for him the Oracle Chiniko is too busy trading insults with the demon to notice his unusual behaviour. The group meet Sheol at an ancient tower not far from where they were, long abandoned and invaded by the jungle.

He brings them an offer, the Emperor will remove the spirit of Venemus and then return the Heart to them. He has forgiven their previous trespasses against him and supports their current goal, to confront Sopias. Sopias is a risk to his ambitions and if others deal with him all the better.

There is some brief discussion but the outcome is clear, the Heart is Azhanti's burden and he must decide. Smiling Azhanti/Venemus rids himself of the soul of the meddlesome priest. Sheol also leaves them with a warning, the gathering of the four Hearts, the soul of Venemous, Vinga's Axe and various other powers is creating a convergenece. Power draws power and immortals are homing in on the group sensing the opportunities presented by a Gods soul being placed at risk. He advises them to make for Bha'als ruined city as it once housed a gate to the Labyrinth and few immortals will dare its precincts. Confidant of being able to deal with such obstacles Azhanti/Venemus sees a chance to revenge himself on his wayward child.

Scene 4: The Gauntlet

Abandoning the ship the group head out on foot to avoid easy detection. They make good time through the swamps but are assailed, the Furies of Vinga demand the return of her axe (they left it on the ship) and Lord Dust, a lich in service to the former Giant Emperor Amaan raises the dead against them. They escape from their pursuers and make it to the edge of the City only finally to fall prey to Ernalda, one time fertility Goddess of this region who was raped and violated by Venemus.

They have accidentally stumbled into her sacred grove and some of her power still lingers here. Fortunately for them they possess silver tongued rogues aplenty. Chiniko charms and flirts with the Goddess, diverting her while Artemis reminds her of the beauty that can still be found in nature. Morn mostly keeps his mouth shut while Azhanti/Venemus melds into the background to avoid being exposed. Soothed by their kind words the Goddess blesses them and allows them on their way.

Entering the ancient ruins they are greeted by Shakir who takes Azhanti/Venemus into the caves leaving the others behind. The secret rites of the Dragonborn are not for the eyes of softskins. The rest of the group bed down for the night but can gain no real rest. As dawn breaks in the east Sheol returns to reveal the deception. Azhanti's soul is trapped in the gem and Venemus is loose. They must reach the ritual chamber, rescue Azhanti, defeat Bha'al and deal with Venemus, a tall order even for heroes such as these!

*cut scene*

In the depths of the caverns of the Lost City Azhanti/Venemus steps onto the podium with his clutch brothers to prepare for the Ritual of the Tarrock. Bha'al shifts uneasily on the damp stone his bulk dwarfing the smaller Dragonborn. "It is time to begin..." he hisses, "Yes, it is" replies Azhanti/Venemus his eyes alighting with green flame.

Session 22: In the Coils of the Serpent

2009-09-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

Scene 1: The Dreaming Dark

The opening session finds the group flying over the swamps and jungles of southern Arkhosia hunting the Heart of Vulcan. Unfortunately their tracker, Chiniko, has been forced to take to his bed, overcome by the eldritch energies from primordial conflicts in ages past (his player couldn't make the game). Forced to search for more information they head to the city of Pythia, home of the Veni Priesthood.

As they make their way south their journey is rudely interrupted by a drake riding dragonborn warrior and his allies. He demands that Azhanti hand himself over into his custody, his master Bha'al, wishes to speak with him. There is tension between the two and violence seems a distinct possibility but in an act of surprising diplomacy the group decide to follow along.

They are lead to the sunken ruins of an ancient city deep within the swamp. Azhanti is lead into the depths, the rest of the group left behind but only after some aggresive posturing. In the darkness Azhanti meets Bha'al, a dream dragon of Venemus, creator of the Veni dragonblood. The two talk for some time and Bha'al reveals that he has been watching Azhanti for many years. He believes that he, or one of his clutch brothers, may be the Tarrock, a mythical figure said to herald the end of the Dragonborns way of life. He tells him of Venemus, of his death at the hands of Vinga Goddess of Vengeance and of how his soul hid within the Heart of Vulcan which he guarded. Finally he tells him of the time when the Tarrock will be chosen, in 3 days at which time Azhanti must return to the caves with the Heart of Vulcan and consume the soul of Venemus.

Of course nothing is quite that easy. The Heart is guarded by the Hydra, a terrifying monster spawned from the blood of Vinga and Venemus. Its venom is fatal to any mortal and only the Veni priests posses a means to protect oneself from it.

Resolving to find the elixir the group continue on their way to Pythia.

Scene 2: The Serpents Coils

Choosing tact and discretion the group sail the dream ship up the Serpent River and land at the docks of Pythia. The city is a source of trade between the Veni and the outside world and slaves, drugs and poisons are traded in great abundance. However, access to the City beyond the dock and market place is restricted for the Dragonborn and their invited guests.

Never ones to stand on ceremony the group decide to begin their hunt. Assamber scours the market place to learn of the locations of the exotic ingredients needed to make the elixir, Artemis heads into the Great Temple disguised as a Veni and conceals rune markers which then aid Azhanti in commanding the zephyrs of an afternoon storm to spy on the Temple.

All seems to be going well. The ritual succeeds and Azhanti locates the elixir stored in a secret compartment in the temples Great Hall. However, he drifts too close and is spotted by Tamus, High Priestess of the Veni. The alarm is raised and guards rush towards the central chamber. Artemis decides to take advantage of the situation and tries, and fails, to take out a guard and replace him. He is pursued but escapes doubling back on himself to take a place hidden in the inner temple. He waits for his opportunity while in the City Assamber has been spotted in the market. Guards descend and subdue him and a patrol quickly captures those on the ship. All three are dragged into the Temple to face the wrath of Tamus.

She clearly recognises Azhanti and demands to know why he is here. Azhanti is evasive and she orders Morn killed to loosen his tongue. Not prepared to be killed off Morn summons his hammer demolishing a wall in the process and battle is joined.

A mass of guards descend but, being cultists, they are cut down in droves. Tamus is less easily dealt with as she transforms herself, revealing her to be an ancient Naga. Worse is to come as the doors burst open and M'Kemba, former priestess of the Unfettered God (dead at Morns hand some time ago) joins the fray with a pair of feathered serpents. A fierce battle ensues during which Artemis frantically tries to access the hidden compartment containing the elixir and get them out without being killed by the poisonous traps protecting it.

Assamber closes off the entrance with a Web spell but Azhanti is hard pressed by cultists and the unholy powers of Tamus. Darkness cloaks the room and many of the group spend time blind, immobilised or worse. Tamus wields significant powers of entracement and many of the party find themselves unable to act against her. Azhanti is taken down, M'Kemba is free of the Web and Tamus has closed to melee range. Things are looking very bad when Assamber again turns the tide. He encases Tamus completely in a Wall of Ice.

With the greatest threat neutralised and with Artemis now free to act (having grabbed the elixirs) the group clear up the remaining enemies. They are battered, bruised and low on healing but feeling confident enough to take Tamus when she begins an incantation. She begins to invoke Panath, forbidden dragonborn Goddess of the Night and Azhanti can sense her presence filling the temple statue. They decide discretion is the better part of valour and flee with their prize.

Back at the boat they make good their escape and take a well earned rest before moving to confront the Hydra.

Scene 3: Fangs of the Hydra

The Hydra lairs within the remnants of a ancient Temple of Venemus, the Temple beneath which his bones were interred. It has long since sunk into the swamp but the enormous skull of the true dragon juts out of the muck. An axe is buried in its skull, the weapon once wielded by Vinga.

Descending the group approach the skull warily. As they do so a mishapen beast breaks free of the much and five draconic heads regard them. Multi coloured scales sparkle in the sun and as they watch aghast a pair of enormous wings unfurl blanketting the ruin in shadows.
It strikes with blinding speed, freezing the area around the group and stunning all of them. Pouncing it mauls Morn severely and he finds the Hydras venom pumping in his veins. The elixir protects him from death but still he finds himself weakened, unable to heal! More savagery ensues and Azhanti is sorely pressed. Assamber takes to the air and cloaks himself in invisibility while Artemis scurries for range.

The blows inflcited on the creature seem to have little effect and what is worse they are healing! Flames engulf those around it and Morn finds himself bathed in lightning. Artemis keeps up the assault as fast as he can but as the Hydra drops first Morn and then Azhanti it turns to pursue him. Not even Artemis's renowned speed and shiftiness can save him this time and he is quickly caught and sorely pressed. Morn is back up but Azhanti is down, on fire, poisoned and close to death. Repeat applications of the elixir do not help and Azhanti remains unconcious.

Realising there is nothing he can do to help his friend Morn hurls himself at the hydra invoking his dragonskull mantle and flying through the air. As he crashes into the creature Artemis falls, also on fire. Morn inflicts terrible wounds on the creature which begins to consider flight. However, Assamber has remained hovering about and drives the Hydra into his Wall of Fire finally overcoming the creature.

Battered and bruised the group collect the Heart of Vulcan and Vinga's axe and return to the ship. Now all that remains is the Ritual of the Tarrock and somehow getting the soul of a Dragon God out of their key. Bha'al claims to know how but his motives remain suspect, born as he was from the dreams of Venemus.

*cut scene*

The Panath assassin Sheol kneels, head bowed behind his master Kitai, Emperor of Arkhosia. "He has recovered the Heart as expected. The Ritual must not be completed or our plans for him will be for naught. Make sure it does not happen."

Beyond the window of the Autumn Palace lies the Plaza of Dragons where five stone dragons rear up, each over a hundred feet high. They sit at the points of an ornate pentagram as Sarock, Imperial Archmage, prepares to receive the soul of a fifth and final Dragon God.

Session 22: In the Coils of the Serpent

2009-09-12T11:45:00.001-07:00

Our heroes quest continues and now they find themselves travelling deep into the territory of their enemy. The Heart of Vulcan lies within the realm of the Veni, the dragonborn children of Venemus. The Veni are revilled by many within the dragonborn clans, considered without honour for their talents at spying and assassination and their use of poisons and drugs in their work. That would be enough but their home lies within the southern ambit of the continent of Arkhosia, the heart of the Dragonborn Empire and our heroes have already angered the Emperor on at least one occasion.

Necessity however compels them and the Dream Ship sets it course for the lush and vibrant jungles of the south. Great danger awaits them, both in the City of Pythia, home of the Veni cult and the Children of Panath, outlawed Goddess of the Night. Beyond the City lies the great jungle, a site of many battles between gods and ascendants in ages past. Much immortal blood has been spilled in the swamp and the life which it has spawned is often twisted, dangerous and cruel. Much like the dragonborn they much deal with to find the Heart of Vulcan.

Session 21: The Night of Madness

2009-09-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

This session happened a few weeks ago I have not set out to record its events. Mostly this was because I was a player in the session which was guest GM'd by Assamber. You can find a vrief account of it at http://magus-thelongroadhome.blogspot.com/2009/08/4e-night-of-madness.html

It was an interesting experience giving up control of the game and its one which we may repeat going forward as other players may well be interested in doing so. For now the game goes on and our "heroes" quest continues into the benighted jungles of Arkhosia.

Session 20: The Dark Rises

2009-06-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Scene 1: The Fortress of Solitude

Our session opens with our heroes clustered on a small stone skiff flying out across the black depths of a nameless cavern towards the Fortress of Shraal, a demon of the Void. As they make their run for the entrance more skiffs begin to rise from below bearing leather clad, grey skinned drow corrupted by the power of the Void determined to cut them off from the Fortress.

Deciding to eschew speed for brute force ramming speed is declared and they smash in to the nearest skiff. Bodies are hurled everywhere and the enemy is driven out of the sky. Boarding the enemy skiff Morn destroys their original one sending their boarding party into the depths. The remainder flee and the group quickly make their way to the Fortress. As they enter the whole thing lurches, the Fortress is rising boring its way through solid rock to freedom.

Once inside they quickly navigate their way through drawn by the unnatural senses of Chiniko. They bypass deadly life sucking traps, tinker with ancient arcane engines and send ephemeral shadow demons fleeing with a miniature sun and in next to no time they find themselves before the Throne of Talisha, Queen of the Drow (and currently mind slaved minion of Shraal). She greets them, recognising Artemis from the description given to her by Kallista, his sister who she captured when she tried to steal the Heart. She offers Artemis free passage to rescue his sister from the pain amplification chamber she is trapped in. Accepting her offer he ducks down a set of stairs on his own leaving the rest of the group to face the Queen.

Scene 2: Mistress and Master

Talisha strikes hard and fast bringing the entire room into pitch blackness and sapping the strength from everyone. Assamber is struck first and wavers, he is in need of healing but no one can see anything. He Webs a huge area and then retreats inside of it to try and lock her down if she pursues him. Flame and Radiant spells are unleashed to try and light up her position and, finally, she is located. Morn charges and she is stunned, Azhanti lights her up even more and Chiniko brings the pain. Before she can react she is rendered swiftly unconscious. They rip the strange creature from around her throat freeing her from Shraals mind control and promptly make a deal with her for future aid.

Meanwhile Artemis has been making his way through the lower levels. It’s like a return to an old familiar friend, sneaking through other peoples’ homes trying to steal things and he does it very well. Guards are evaded, traps disabled and locks picked and soon he and Kallista are reunited. She is overjoyed at her release but anxious to recover the Heart, if Shraal manages to destroy it then the soul of any creature which dies will be drawn into the Void and spawn a shadow demon. They make their way quickly to the top rejoining the group for the attack on Shraal.

Entering the very top of the Fortress they find Shraal, a tentacled monstrosity ensconced inside a column of obscuring shadows focusing all of his will on the Heart of Ashrua. He stands on a pillar of rock surrounded by solidified shadow. Inside the shadow Void monsters can be seen writhing, desperate to escape. There are some preliminary insults and then the violence begins. I could relate the terrible dangerous conflict with the monstrous creature from beyond time and space and his insidious allies but it would be a lie. Instead the group brought down ridiculous levels of damage on his shielding shadows exposing him in a few seconds (two rounds total for a level 17 solo with over 400hp, they are level 14). As they prepare to strike the final blow however they are interrupted. A crossbow bolt encased in green fire shoots out of the darkness taking him in the skull. A man appears stood on one of the ring of stone spikes and claims the kill in the name of the Great Hunt. For once Artemis is the one suffering from kill stealing.

Scene 3: Catch it, no you catch it!

The man, calling himself Kubolta leaps from the spire snatching the Heart of Ashura as he goes. As he lands the Fortress, denied the power of Shrall begins to collapse to the cave floor. There then follows what can only be described as a game of Blood Bowl as various PC’s and NPC’s go diving for the Heart and it changes hands rapidly before finally spinning off into open play. As the group escapes to a nearby floating skiff the Heart rolls over the edge and falls into the darkness below swiftly followed by an enormous alabaster fortress. For now it seems lost forever.

Escaping with Kallista in tow the group begin to argue about what to do. Morn wants to use the Ring of Calling they took from the servant of the Giant Emperor Amaan to get him to find it. Chiniko thinks it’s a bloody stupid idea and Kallista, denied the opportunity to come along leaps over the side of the skiff to search the ruins of the Fortress. Artemis follows her and Morn and Azhanti teleport away using the ring leaving Chiniko and Assamber behind.

Our two intrepid explorers find themselves in a huge chamber with graven images of Giants crushing Dragons underfoot and great metal doors sealing the Prison of Amaan. Amaan was the last Emperor of the Giants who fell into such corruption that his own people sealed him away for all time. Only an artefact of Maran Gor, mother of the Giants could free him. Morn has two of those, the Heart and the Hammer. He bursts open the doors to reveal Amaans prison, sealed in ice and chained to his Throne but still very much alive and alert.

Negotiations quickly follow. Amaan has previously offered Morn a place as his lieutenant, if only because he possesses the means to free him. Morn is reluctant, he wants Amaan to display his power for him before he will release him. Amaan refuses, there is much disagreement and Amaan, being both stubborn and proud will not accede without first being freed. Finally a bargain is struck. Amaan will retrieve the Heart, teach Morn the powers of the Hammer and the Heart and respect the independence of Iceholme in return for his freedom.

At a blow from the Hammer the ice cracks and Amaan, a terror or the ancient world is once again free. In ages past the Giants contained him, now they are dead or missing. The dragons might have stopped him once but they are all asleep. The Primordials could oppose him but they are dead or hiding. He is however as good as his word. Just as Artemis and Kallista reach the Heart Amaan stretches his power through the Earth and recovers it. He promptly vanishes to continue his deadly schemes away from the prying eyes of mortals. What might come of this bargain is yet to be seen.

Our heroes finally return to the Ship of Dreams but with one final concerning event. Artemis returned to the ship via the home of the mushroom people to find their city in ruins and many of them dead. The Daughters of Mael, rulers of the Lokarnos had come to recover the blood traitor Alias Windstorm (the location of which the group gave up last week). The mushroom people explained that his consciousness had joined with theirs, his mind was now part of their Collective, the Sea of Thought. This did not go down too well with the tempestuous immortals and death and destruction was the result.

Three Hearts are now in the possession of the group, three parts of the Key to unlock the prison of Sopias. They have been warned twice now that they must not open it but they seem determined to continue. However, before they do so events from the past will haunt them and a message from the City of Kings draws them back to where everything began.

*cut scene*

The warrior Kubolta kneels on the hard stone floor before the Elders of the Hashashiyyin. “I have failed my masters, the Chosen Ones have recovered the third Heart. What would you have of me?” “Return to Hu’Maa and remain close to him, we must make sure he remains ignorant of the truth. If the Hearts are beyond us we must look to the Key, bring us the mother, we must make Catalia see the risks they take”

Session 20: The Dark Rises

2009-06-28T03:13:00.000-07:00

Our heroes have pursued the Heart of Ashura, Primoridal of the Sun, into the lightless depths of the underdark. Facing terrifying monsters they have forced their way to the very entrance of the Fortress of Solitude, home to Lord Shraal who has seized the Heart. Shraal is a demon of Shadow, a Lord of the Void into which all things must in time fall. If he has his way then that time will be sooner rather than later.

However, before our heroes can face him they must defeat his outer guards on the circling rings of stone, navigate the twisted and deadly chambers of the Fortress and confornt his seneschal, Talisha, former Handmaiden of Ashura, one time Mistress of the Drow and Queen of Darkness.

Of course nothing is ever quite that simple and old friends and new enemies have still yet to be revealed.

Session 19: The Pool of Radiance

2009-06-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

Scene 1: Into the Underdark

Our heroes have recovered two of the Hearts of the Primoridals which will allow them access to the prison of Sopias, now they begin the hunt for the third, the Heart of Ashura. They have held this stone once before, when they looted it from Ashura’s tomb in the City of Kings. It was stolen from them by Kallista, Artemis’s sister and was in turn stolen from her by the Sorceress Althea. Althea delivered it to her master the Vampire Lord Hu’Maa and he has sent it deep into the depths of the Underdark to his one time ally Talisha, the Queen of Darkness.

Our heroes, lead by Artemis, have penetrated into the depths of the underdark arriving in a vast phosphorescent mushroom cave. Giant insects scurry across slimy rocks and hunting bats flit through the air. A forest of mushrooms bars their path and Morn takes the lead levering away the huge fallen stalks which block the trail. Artemis leads them through a web choked lair of giant spiders while Assamber navigates a seeping mass of mobile mushrooms. As they near the heart of the cave a wrong turn leaves them face to face with a giant lizard. Azhanti steps forward head crest flaring and stares the creature down. As it crashes off into the forest its sounds draw a hunting party lead by a Cyclops Shaman.

The group tries diplomacy at first, or at least Chiniko tries to intimidate his way past but the Shaman is having none of it. He wants their valuables and their food and he considers the humans food. Chiniko strikes first and traps the Shaman with a vision of gold and Morn promptly locks him down. As the guards press forward and start dropping people into the fast flowing underground river Artemis takes his usual position to the rear. Thinking himself safe he is nearly devoured by an enormous hunting spider attracted by the commotion.

The battle rages through the cave and spells and steel are unleashed. Chiniko demonstrates the pure mobility only a feypact Warlock can show and the Shaman is consistently unable to get past Morn. The guards are brought to their knees and the spider succumbs to its wounds. At the last Azhanti is nearly drowned and swept away by the river but for a last minute lunge. A quick search leaves Assamber with yet more alchemical components harvested from the spider and the remnants of an ornate hunting saddle, although with no evidence of a rider.

Heading further into the darkness the group begins to find signs of civilization. A community of strange plant like people dwell in the heart of the forest and they seem welcoming to strangers. They have no speech but soon their telepathic spores imbed themselves in peoples lungs (although not without some trepidation). The creatures are curious about the humans, particularly when mention is made of Ashura. They explain that once they were spirits dwelling amongst the stars. They ventured too close to the Primordials as they forged creation and found themselves trapped here in fleshy form. Since ages past they have watched the world and tended to the Pool of Radiance, the first place touched by Ashura in his act of bringing forth life. Now the Pool has been corrupted, the Guardian Spirit, once an ally of theirs, has been poisoned by Shraal, an entity of the void. Without access to the pool they cannot spawn the next generation. While they possess a racial memory when the last living member of their community is gone then so will it. Ashura once promised to release them from their cycle of life and rebirth by sending his Champion to them but they have waited a very long time. They are keen to know if Artemis will be the one who returns the Heart to the Pool so that they can finally be released. The group are naturally a little evasive on this point as they require the Heart for their own purposes and cannot really afford to leave it lying around here for the next hundred years or so.

Whatever might happen with these strange people the group knows that the Heart has somehow passed through the Pool and into the hands of Shraal. They decide to get rid of the corrupted Guardian and pursue the Heart. As they head towards the Pool they make another discovery, Alias Windstorm, one time ally of Artemis, member of the Order of Transcendental Inquiry and traitor to the Lokarnos is here. Artemis and he are naturally wary of one another, Alias claims to be here to learn from the plant people whose memory goes back to the beginning of time and feigns indifference on the issue of the Heart. Leaving him to his studies the group press on but not before contacting Iridalla, former daughter of Mael, Lich and one time Lokarnos City Ship ruler who dearly desires to get her hands on Alias.

Scene 2: the Eye of Terror

The Pool is not far and it quickly becomes apparent that things will not be easy. It is a murky, muck covered morass of stinking mud and sludge, waist deep or deeper. Out of the mire rises a fleshy mass covered in slime and weeds. A huge central eye opens and a mass of tentacles extend from its body. As the group press closer its mouth opens and it demands to know who they are and what they want. Insults and threats are exchanged and then blows are struck.

As they move in the tentacles writhe and an eye appears on the end of each, a Beholder! The creature is careful to keep itself over the deep water where it is harder to reach and Morn finds himself completely locked down. Artemis unleashes a mass of damage which barely seems to phase the creature which seems able both to absorb spells and deliver terrible punishment at long range. Death and Disintegration, Sleep and Confusion rays are flung with wild abandon and things begin to look particularly dangerous. The creature is immensely resilient and seems capable of taking tremendous punishment as it blasts out in a frenzy of eye beams. Several of the group are marked for death and then Azhanti collapses. Levitating him into its toothy maw the heavily damaged monstrosity demands the groups surrender. They decline and Chiniko performs the “Chiniko Special”, normally reserved for getting Morn into hard to reach places. He steps through the dreaming, switching places with Azhanti and placing himself in the Beholders mouth. Before it can end his life he teleports himself out again and quickly revives Azhanti with a blessing from the realm of Dreams. Morn, finally close enough to the creature to get in to the battle finds himself out of luck as Artemis takes it down with a lucky shot straight through the central eye.

As the aberration dies the pool seems to clear. Much of the muck and slime burns away and what is left is a simple underground pool but with a passage further into the darkness revealed.

The group head further underground travelling for what seems like miles. As they go the stairs gradually level off and they begin to pass various side tunnels although the place seems abandoned. Even deeper in they reach a balcony carved into the rock overlooking a second huge cave. In the centre floats an alabaster fortress carved in the shape of a teardrop. Covering the floor is a mass of twisted tentacle creatures, things from outside of existence itself. They have carved chambers in the rock and entombed in them are pale skinned Kireshi, the followers of Talisha the Queen of Darkness now turned into experimental toys for these monsters.

In the air float many black stone skiffs circling the fortress in stately arcs. Before the group is a crystalline pillar with a three fingered hand print. Deciding to take the initiative Azhanti places his hand on the pillar. Lights flare all around the balcony and a skiff begins to make its way towards them. However, activating the platform seems to have drawn attention from below and monstrous cries alert the guards to intruders in their base….

*to be continued*

*cut scene*

In the central chamber of the Fortress of Solitude Shral, Lord of Shadow contemplates the Heart of Ashura. All of his will is bent on destroying the accursed stone when his focus is broken by footsteps behind him. “Intruders have entered the cave my lord, they come seeking the Heart.” “It matters not, they are too late. Dispatch the guards to destroy them and make the necessary preparations. It is time for us to ascend.”

Session 19: The Pool of Radiance

2009-06-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

Our heroes now begin the next leg of their quest, to recover the Heart of Ashura which has been banished into the black heart of the Underdark. But in the darkness something stirs, there are fouler things than demons in the deep places of the world.

However, they are not without potential allies. In the depths an ancient race awaits the fulfillment of a promise made at the beginning of time. A champion will come and a decision will be made, for good or ill.

Session 18: Iceholme, Part 3

2009-05-24T16:44:00.002-07:00

The Denouement

Morn is stood in the shattered Temple of his people’s ancient Gods. The Heart of Maran Gor hums in his hands and through it he can speak to those very gods, trapped in rock and ice by its power. An offer is made by Morn, scour Iceholme of the hordes and the City on the Mountain of its Tieflings in exchange for their release. The Gods refuse, their power is to wild, too indiscriminate, if the City is to be cleansed then it must be all or none, human and Tiefling alike. Morn must choose, pursue his hatred and bring about the death of hundreds of humans as well as the Tieflings or let it go, at least a little. He decides, he releases the Lords of Storm and asks them to cleanse only Iceholme but to permit it to him as a refuge.

They agree, pledging the hidden realm to all the people of Valberg as a haven against the future that is to come. From the altar twelve figures emerge, clothed in clouds and lightning. They sanctify the Temple, scouring the filth from its Halls and carve their graven images into the walls. Another offer is made and accepted. Azhanti the Stormlord receives his first small hero shrine within the walls of the Temple.

As they shatter the Curtain in the distance can be heard a great roar of fury. Amaan is finally alert to what is happening and promptly projects an avatar to Iceholme to prevent it. The Lords of Storm provide passage back to the City for the group promising to deal with him. Returning to the City the group find it much changed. With Baaldarans death the demons have gone and the people have risen up and driven out the remaining undead. Irilan is leading a service of thanksgiving to the Lords of Storm and the city's inhabitants, both human and Tiefling flood the square praying and weeping for joy.

Morn and Irilan match gazes and a question is asked and answered. He will not challenge her position but perhaps with the Stormlords free of their prison things can finally change. She hails the group as conquering heroes and there is much cheering and celebrating. Lauding them with gifts the group once again take flight, this time heading for the depths of the underdark and the Heart of Ashura which has been hidden away in the deep dark places of the world.

*cut scene one*

Lareen, Vampire mistress of Zirithian, a fallen Priestess of the Stormlords and agent of Amaan flits through the City of the Gods idly watching the passersby as she chooses her next meal. With the heroes gone things have improved for her. Irilan is firmly in her control and soon they will begin diverting humans away from the Tielfing Houses to certain Vampire contacts of her own.

As she heads past an alley a flash of movement catches her attention but by then it is far too late. A great wolf like beast crashes into her knocking her to the ground and sailing past. A second grabs her legs and drags her into the alley savaging her brutally and tearing off a leg. A third lands hard on her chest seizing her throat.

“Where is he” a voice growls from the darkness, “Where is your master Amaan.” “I don’t know, only Arath knew and then only from the ring he carried” she croaks and the last thing she sees is sharp teeth and gleaming shifting eyes.

*cut scene two*

The last few weeks have existed as little more than a fog for Irilan, ensnared by the Vampire. Now her mind is clear and the annoying so called heroes are out of her hair. She prepares to begin the choosing and to fulfil her various contracts. Time is pressing and she has commitments to meet. The ritual room is prepared, the new slaves have been marked and chosen, and all that is left is to transport them.

Irilan steps into the circle and invokes the words of power. Lightning crackles up all around her voices resound in the room. “These are OUR people and we have need of them. Be filled with the power of storm and serve our will woman.” The lightning courses through the circle, burning her soul and forcing her to look deep into herself. “Choose now, who do you serve” She gasps and collapses to the stone floor, “I serve the Storm”

In the ancient capital city of Iceholme, now cleansed of its invading army, twelve hardy souls appear. Nearby they find buildings in good repair with food, warm clothing and tools to help rebuild their new home.

*cut scene three*

Morn stretches out in his bunk aboard the ship of dreams. It has been a hectic few days and aching muscles demand rest and relaxation. He drifts off to sleep but it brings no peaceful dreams.

He finds himself in a great Hall of Stone, of clear dwarven manufacture. A huge throne stands before him and chained to it sits a gaunt giant wearing an iron crown tipped with stars. “Morn, son of the Earth, I am Amaan, last of the Emperors of the Giants. I offer you my hand in friendship. Join me and together we shall rule this world. Join me and break these chains, together no god or demon is strong enough to oppose us. Join me as my greatest Captain and I can reveal the secrets of the Hammer and the Heart which you can but dream of. Use the Ring and take your place at my right hand”

Morn’s answer, whatever it might be, will have to wait until next session.

Session 18: Iceholme, Part 2

2009-05-24T16:44:00.001-07:00

Scene 2: Temple of Shadows

With the armies commanders either dead or siding with the party the group moves on to the Temple. The army has descended into complete chaos drawing many of the forces protecting the Temple away from it. Zirithian is too wrapped up in his quest to recover the Heart for his Master to take much notice. There is some chatter amongst the group about taking a rest, a number of them have used up resources and there is concern that they will not have enough. They decide to press on, fearing that to delay will allow their enemy to recover from the current confusion.

Enacting the Ritual Assamber clothes the group is shadowy vestments and they pass through the barrier. As they emerge from the other side the shadows seem to cling to them and Morn looks sideways at Assamber. He seems to be falling further and further into shadow. They make their way slowly into the Temple, Artemis scouting ahead. They quickly find the main Temple chamber and the location of the Heart. The altar of the Stormlords has been profaned and is guarded by a pair of death knights. The Heart is held by a huge statue which twists and writhes, constantly changing shape.

The group strike with devastating force. There is much clumping near the doorway and Assamber traps the death knights in a Wall of Fire. Morn prepares to take similar punishment but is spared by a quick Resistance Spell. The room is large with multiple entrances and fearing more enemies Assamber walls off one of them with a Web spell.

The group are right to fear more enemies and from another entrance Lord Dust arrives, a Lich in service to Zirithian. Emerging from the shadows floating in mid air he smashes Assamber into his own Wall of Fire. Assamber escapes but is promptly smashed into the floor and smeared to a pulp, close to death but swiftly restored by Azhanti. Morn shatters the statue with the Hammer of Maran Gor reducing it to rubble. There is a naked man lying in the rubble clutching the Heart. He names himself Rylandarras, spawn of Amaan and the first shapeshifter. As if seeing the Heart from the first time he flings it away calling it cursed but it is snatched from the air by Artemis’s spirit cat. Quickly retrieving the Heart Morn prepares for the next wave.

Zirithian arrives. He sends his spawn to swarm Morn and strikes Azhanti and Chiniko with a shadow of death. Stepping through the shadows he prepares to Dominate Azhanti but he doesn’t get a chance. He is promptly immobilised by Turn Undead and then stunned by Solar Wrath. Chiniko steps through the world leaving Morn next to Zirithian who stuns him again. Before he can recover Chiniko seizes his mind and sets it to wandering into its darkest and most vile recesses. His spawn fall one by one, Lord Dust exhausts his magic but does manage to trap Artemis in a Globe of Force but it doesn’t help as Azhanti executes the General who has managed to accomplish next to nothing the entire battle.

As the sword Nightbringer falls to the ground all goes quiet, it’s the calm before a storm. The sword whispers into the minds of all present, it tells them its history, how it was forged at the beginning of time to bring an end to the endless. Any immortal slain by its blade is truly, eternally, dead. It offers to share its powers with any who will dare to take it up, shaping itself to their will. The group refuse and Gylda the Hag emerges from the shadows to claim the weapon. Seeing things turned well against him Lord Dust offers all the secrets of this place to the group if they destroy Gylda and give him the sword. The group aren’t in a negotiating manner and Gylda withdraws. Dust legs it quickly and all goes quiet.

Session 18: Iceholme, Part 1

2009-05-24T16:43:00.001-07:00

Scene 1: Bedrooms and Beatsticks

The party have reached the dead city of Iceholme and holed up in one of its many ruins. Undead, demons and a horde of mercenaries swarm through the city which is dominated by the Curtain, a sprawl of darkness covering the Temple to the Stormlords.

The party decide to do some scouting and Azhanti makes his way into the public areas to do some carousing amongst the lower caste demons while Chiniko charms some guardsmen in the mess hall. A few things become quickly obvious. The army is anything but organised or whole. Zirithian is its overall master but he has been locked away in the Temple for weeks trying to do gods know what. In his absence his three Captains have taken to sniping at each, plotting, scheming and trying to assassinate each other. Three powers are present in the City, Gylda the Hag, a diviner of significant skill and technical ruler, Baaldaran, a demon on loan from Dagon and Arath Nightcaller, Priest of Amaan and necromancer. What is more Zirithian himself serves another, Amaan, one time Emperor of the Giants and entombed for tens of thousands of years by his own people for his crimes.

Unearthing a rumour that Gylda likes to take demon lovers and then suck them dry of their infernal power the party hatches a plan. They will disguise Chiniko as an incubus and drag him to Gylda for her to drain. They fashion sigils marking them as her minions and successfully infiltrate her lair, a place filled with hundreds of rotting corpses in massive pens. While they evade her guards the party fail to account for Gylda’s divinatory skills and she quickly pierces their subterfuge but not before they are into her sanctum.

There is a tense stand off, Gylda it seems does not want to engage them in battle. A bargain is struck. Gylda gives them information on the other two captains hoping they will eliminate her rivals and tells them how to enter the Temple and find the Heart. In return the group agree to surrender Zirithian’s sword, Nightbringer, to her if or when they kill him. Bearing her token the party head out into the city to take on the Necromancer.

Arath has taken up his place in the shrine of an ancient Hero of the Valberg people. He has been busy animating monstrous skeletons and conducting blasphemous rituals but Gyldas token gets them into the door. They don’t get much further as he quickly strikes to destroy them, believing them to be assassins. His powers are significant and he rises over the bone pit from which his minions rise. Three flameskulls also rise up, limned in blue flame they bring hellfire and destruction onto a group clumped in the entryway. For a moment things look very dodgy, with one of the group down and two others near collapse but Azhanti and Morn between them manage to stabilise things. Morn manages to negate the Necromancer by flying into him and smashing him against the floor and after that it’s all down to clean up. From him the party takes a few rituals, including one to allow them to enter the Temple without alerting Amaan to their presence. They also take a ring which will allow them to teleport to a preset location although wisely choose not to use it.

Full of confidence they head to Baaldaran who has set up his headquarters in the ancient city hall where stand many smashed statues of various heroes. He is not alone and several abyssal ghouls and a vicious looking harpy like demon serve him. The group present themselves as potential assassins who might help him rid himself of Gylda and present Arath’s head as a gift, the two being bitter rivals. Hoping to distract him they strike but are unprepared for the speed of his counterattack. Blinded by Chiniko’s power he still manages to unleash a furious bellow stunning Azhanti and leaving him wide open for the fast moving and dangerous ghouls. Unfortunately he doesn’t get to do much else for the encounter spending most of it stunned. The ghouls run amok but the harpy is dead barely before it can move. Before he falls Baaldaran opens up on Morn with a storm of blows, axe blow after axe blow strike, including two criticals and yet he remains standing. Tearing him apart Morn seizes his spelleating shield and Assamber takes his Obsidian Steed.

Session 18: Iceholme

2009-05-23T00:57:00.001-07:00

Iceholme is a fragment of an ancient world long since lost to chaos, the last piece of the world of the people of Valberg. Once it was home to their Gods, the Twelve Lords of Storm, now they are gone, trapped in the rocks of the mountain and covered in glacial ice.

Their rage is great but they have a plan. Finally one of their children possesses the strength to wrest the Heart of Mael from the Temple of Iceholme and set them free. Unfortunately for Morn he isn't the only one who wants the Heart and Zirithian, a Vampire Lord also seeks it and has brought an army of undead, demons and humans to guard Iceholme while he tries to find it.

Session 17: Heart of Darkness

2009-05-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

Scene 1: Diplomacy, what’s that?

Having arrived in the City our heroes are faced with a mass of shambling zombies and their undead warlock commanders. They have the chance to run, to evade the slow moving creatures and vanish into the narrow winding streets of the City. Running however isn’t their style. Assamber strikes first, he traps the warlocks in a cage of lightning and blocks the zombie advance with a Wall of Fire. The others take pot shots from the side while Morn flies over the wall into the midst of the enemy. For a moment things look like they might go bad. Morn is surrounded by everything, Azhanti is dragged into the zombie masses which is also inside the Wall of Fire. A bit of Turn Undead and Solar Wrath later and the battle is nearly done. Bits of skeletal warlock litter the ground along with rotting zombie bodies. I don’t even manage to push anyone off the mountain, most disappointing.

Having dealt with the welcoming party the group decide to explore some of the nearby buildings. The best and nearest bet is a large tower seemingly unscathed by the battles. Arriving they discover it is the home of the Wizard Jalant, who claims to be Archmage of the City. He is keen to cleanse the City of the undead and offers to tell the group how to find the Heart if they steal the Orb of Storms from the Temple. He also gives them a few pointers on other points of interest in the City, quarters of the Chosen, Temple Buildings, a barracks and a few others.

The group decide to employ diplomacy first, heading off to the Chosen’s quarters. There they find a well fortified series of buildings held by the city’s elite warriors and a Tiefling Priest they have saved. There is much tension between him and Morn although the Priest appears to be genuine and has the loyalty of the humans there. Deciding there isn’t much to be gained instead they head to the barracks to speak to General Zaknoril.

At the gates the guards, being on high alert, demand the group hand over their weapons. The group refuse and Morn snarls them into submission. This gets them in to see the General but things go from bad to worse. Insults are hurled and he throws them out. Skulking through the rest of the City they head to the Temple. Keeping their heads down and staying away from the centre of town allows them to avoid the occupying forces and they easily make it into the Temple although Artemis does spot a dream dragon sunning itself on one building. Once inside they are ushered into the presence of Irilan, High Priestess of the Storm Lords.

Scene 2: The Bargain

Here things manage to go a little better. She recognises that their interests coincide, she wants the undead out of her City and their General, Zirithian, dead. He has taken up his base in Iceholme, a demiplane reached through a portal in the centre of the City. Things are going well despite attempts to disrupt the negotiations by Orontor, the former apprentice of Paldemar, an old enemy. Unfortunately Morn then opens his mouth and begins accusing the Tieflings of kidnapping people and selling them into slavery. The Priestess is evasive and seems reluctant to discuss the issue. She demands that if the group do work for her that they swear, on the Altar of the Stormlords, not to interfere with her running of the City on their return. More harsh words are traded as Chiniko repeatedly facepalms in the corner before an agreement is hashed out.

Irilan provides the group with Wyverns to fly down into the centre of the City to reach the portal before their enemy can react. They take to the air and wheel through the sky but their passage is contested. Vulture headed vrocks descend out of the clouds along with a flock of smaller twisted demonic forms. As they race across the city a tornado forms and pursues the group spitting lightning but to little effect. Battle rages across the sky and between the towers and bridges of the city. Artemis and Morn perform feats of athleticism while Azhanti and Chiniko call out their enemies position and bluff them away. Assamber climbs to the heights of the upper air and decides to use the opportunity to enhance the vial of Maels blood which he carries with the power of the Storms fury.

Outpacing the enemy the group quickly find themselves at the portal confronted by its guards, Lareen a Tiefling Vampire who betrayed her people to the invaders, he spawn and a wraith of the ancient king of the people of Valberg. Azhanti spends the entire battle mind controlled but the spawn are vaporised almost instantly by Assamber. The Wraith bears down on him but Lareen cannot withstand the group and withdraws with her wraith guard to plot her revenge. Taking control of the portal the group leap through to pursue their quest for the Heart of Maran Gor.

Scene 3: Iceholme

Having stepped through the portal the group find themselves stood on an icy tundra, freezing wind cuts through them and terrible voices are carried on the wind. In the distance they can see the ruins of an ancient City and Chiniko’s senses tell him the Heart is there. They begin to trudge across the frozen ground, swarms of biting undead flies descend on them and the ground in places has melted and turned to sucking boggy marsh. They persist however and the City soon comes into view over a low ridge.

It is a ruin, long since abandoned by its original people although it bears similarities to the City they have just left. A great trench has been built around it and it is filled with tens of thousands of groaning zombies. These are not the shambling mindless undead they have faced before but the souls of this worlds inhabitants trapped in rotting flesh. A single bridge crosses the chasm, a bridge formed of the bones of a long dead monster and a skeletal figure stands watch.

The group decide to opt for guile and hunt down a scouting party to ambush. Chiniko is set as bait with Artemis concealed in the nearby scrub. Azhanti watches from afar and completely misses which of them is the leader. Chiniko completely flubs his attempt to convince the leader of the patrol that he is part of an earlier patrol and Artemis is easily spotted. As they rush to the attack Assamber blasts them back and Morn totally manages to take out an irrelevant recruit and not their leader. Their trap utterly ineffectual the group quickly destroy the patrol and recover what they can of their clothing hoping to pass themselves off as a returning patrol. Assamber patches up some of the uniforms with a little magic and they set off. Unfortunately Chiniko’s run of bad fortune continues and when challenged to identify themselves gets so tongue tied that the guard attacks.

From under the bridge come a swarm of ghouls and skeletons and for a moment it looks like the group might be in trouble. This is very quickly follows by a mix of Storm Cage, Mire of the Mind, Turn Undead and Solar Wrath and what should have been a tough fight becomes a cake walk. Having swept aside opposition the group head into the City proper making for a section inhabited by a human army and what looks like a sprawling mess tent.

*cut scene*

Night has fallen on the Temple of the Lords of Storm and the Priestess Irilan is at prayer in the main Chapel. Footsteps disturb her meditations, “What do you want Oronto, I grow tired of your pointless visits. If your master cannot or will not help us then we will see how well you survive outside”

The Wizard bows before the Priestess, “I have brought you help Irilan, one who can save your City if you will let her. She asks only one thing, slay the strangers when they return and give her the Hammer and the Heart” A third figure emerges from the darkness, “You” Irilan snarls, “You should have known better than to return traitor” As she reaches for the Holy Symbol hanging around her neck her eyes meet those of the Vampire Lareen, “Rest now Irilan, you have much work to do if Morn returns”

Session 17: Heart of Darkness

2009-05-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Our heroes have battled against Wintertop, holy mountain of the people of Valberg and home of their gods, the Stormlords. They have reached the summit ready to challenge what they are sure are the degenerate tiefling slavers exploiting the religious beliefs of the people and in so doing claim the Heart of Maran Gor. One or two of them also have their eye on a certain artifact held in the Temple, the Orb of Storms.

Unfortunately on arrival they are suprised to be faced by an army of shambling zombies, skeletal tiefling warlocks and vulture headed demons which all seem interested in throwing them off the mountain.

Will they survive, will they discover what has happened to the City's inhabitants, will they help them or throw them to the slavering undead hordes. Who knows, certainly not I!

Session 16: The Dreams Dragons Bring Part 4

2009-04-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

Scene 4: Facing the Mountain

The group returns to Valberg to make preparations to climb the mountain. The King happily provides them with supplies. Cynics might say that he was happy to do so as few ever return from the trip and Morn represents a threat to his Throne. The more generous might point to his request that the group search for news of the fate of his son who sought to find out why the Gods were angry with their people and has not returned.

As they head out Morn has a somewhat pointed conversation with the Queen. While not revealing what he learned from the Faces in the Rock he manages to muster his normal level of subtlety, like a brick to the face. If he does manage to return then it may be to a violent reception if the Queen has anything to do with it.

Wintertop is a huge mountain in a range of behemoths. The climb is steep and arduous and many dangers lie ahead. However, they have come as well prepared as they possibly can be and make good progress. Artemis and Morn prepare the group against the harsh weather and Chiniko brings his sorcery to bear to save them from an icy fall. Despite their prowess however the going is still dangerous. Narrow icy paths wind up the mountain side and blizzards and strong winds tear at their clothes threatening to fling them from the mountain.

Azhanti, as Voice of the Stormlord decides it is time to do something about the weather. Finding a promontory of rock he steps out to the very edge, the Mantle of the Stormlord flowing behind him. He reaches out into the storms above to calm the weather and ease their passage.

*cut scene*

In the Inner Sanctum of the Temple of the Stormlords at the very top of the mountain sits the Orb of Storms, an artifact of the ancient world. Here stands Irina, Tiefling High Priestess and Mistress of the Orb. With it she commands the weather surrounding the mountain. Now a new force has appeared to challenge her dominion. As she stands over the Orb lightning arcs from her hands to and from the artifact. “Show me this interloper” she demands and an image of Azhanti appears before her. “Let us be done with him” and she bends her will to drive him from the mountain. Azhanti fights back and letting out a primal growl he breaks the storms force sending the priestess hurtling back to smash against the wall.

With the winds eased the group makes better progress. Soon they are within sight of the Monastery of the Long Night, where those who would be chosen seek entry. A narrow and painfully thin bridge of ice stretches across a deep chasm. Assamber steps forward and slits the throat of one of their pack Yaks. As its warm blood steams on the frozen ground snarling steeds of shadow and lightning take form in the air. Mounting up the group make easy work of the narrow bridge and are welcomed into the Monastery as true Chosen.

Within is a strange and different world. Here they learn is where those who are chosen are brought. There are many caverns and tunnels burrowed into the rock and hundreds of people labor to grow food and provide for the needs of their Gods who dwell above. Some small numbers of the chosen are granted even greater honor, to serve the Gods directly in the Holy City. Two chances are given. First a contest runs for those who seek such a position, and those who demonstrate strength of arms, magic or wits are taken above to serve the Gods directly. The contest continues each day with victors chosen at the end of each month. The current competition is not due to finish for another two weeks and the group has no desire to wait, especially as new arrivals receive the marking tattoos of the Gods above.

They take option two, to face The Pit. Within a well protected and isolated chamber sits a shaft deep into the mountain. Many chambers and tunnels wind through the mountains roots and these are home to all sorts of unpleasant and dangerous monsters. Those who seek entry to the Holy City must enter The Pit and face whatever comes. Loaded into a rickety cage the group is winched down into the dark. Torches are dangled on chains to provide illumination and above a great gong is rung. The locals gather at the edge of The Pit to watch the spectacle.

The thud of heavy feet announces the arrival seeking its next meal, a massive hulking Cyclops armed with a tree trunk for a club. It rushes to the attack but Morn quickly intercepts it. As the battle rages more creatures begin to spill from the narrower passages and openings, horrible mutated creatures which prove capable of stunning their opponents and which deal great damage to the insensate. Unfortunately they prove less than hardy and are quickly dispatched. Meanwhile Morn has held the Cyclops at the gate which proves utterly incapable of breaching his defences (I don’t think I had rolled higher than an 11 all night).

As the beasts fall the crowd goes wild and the group are winched back up to thunderous cheering. Ursis, leader of the Monastery comes to congratulate them personally and after much celebrating the group are prepared to travel to the Holy City. They are escorted into the Shrine of the Stormlords, anointed with oils and the left alone. Only the favoured are permitted to see what happens next. As they wait letters of blue fire begin to form on the floor. It is a teleportation circle and, with some trepidation, the group step forward.

A flash of light and the group finds themselves standing on a raised platform reaching out over the very edge of the mountain. Above them the thunder storm rages and before them the Holy City burns. In the sky above vulture headed demons twist and writhe while the plaza before them is filled with great masses of rotting dead and undead. Seeing their arrival a host of Tiefling and Human zombies shamble towards the group threatening to push them off the mountain while in the central plaza three undead tiefling warlocks prepare to unleash hell against them.

*fade to black*

Session 16: The Dreams Dragons Bring Part 3

2009-04-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Scene 3: The Unquiet Dead

The group decides to explore the Ice Caves, alleged resting place of the Faces in the Rock. The King provides them with supplies and a guide for their journey.

The caves were carved out of the rock by the movements of the Great Glacier, a forty mile long mass of ice and rock. They were used in ancient times by the ancestors of the Mountain People but now the glacier is melting. Great rivulets run down into the valley and more and more of the caves are exposed by its retreat. Taking the plunge ahead the group find themselves walking in tunnels of ice. The ice has trapped many strange creatures, monstrous lizards with giant teeth and humans. It’s as if the ice formed instantly, freezing everything in its path.

The group makes good progress through the caves, Artemis takes point and even Morn manages to contribute to their travels. Things are going well until the party stumbles on a large group of slavering ghouls released from the ice and hungry for blood. They flee through the tunnels ghouls snapping at their heels into yet another problem, a patrol of spectral warriors. Thinking fast Chiniko convinces the warriors that Morn is the new rightful King of the Mountain People and spectre and ghoul clash in vicious combat. While they are busy with each other the party slip away.

They are close now, the ice is still thick but the rocks are growing warmer. The chamber of the Faces in the Rock lies not far away. Assamber decides to open their way. This region was struck hard by the Ritual of Vintu, an ancient immortal who imprisoned the Elder Dragons and ended the reign of Vulcan with a magical ice age. Remnants of his ritual remain and Assamber tries to tie together those threads. Something goes wrong though and the ritual reacts with his own link to the power of Chaos through the spellstorm. The ice shatters but from it burst a mass of undead, fast moving ghouls, rotting rending lizard like creatures and an enormous undead thunder lizard.

Battle is joined and Morn manages to lock down the thunder lizard. The smaller creatures prove to be fast and dangerous but the ghouls cannot withstand Azhantis combined draconic breath and undead turning power. The battle is short and bloody but the party stand victorious. Taking the last stair they enter the first truly rocky chamber only to be faced with the biggest Dragon they have yet seen. At least sixty feet long the creature dominates the room and its head rises to bore into Morns soul. “They are waiting for you, choose your companions wisely” it says as it shifts aside revealing a narrow opening.

The group enters the final chamber. Here, carved into the rock, are a dozen enormous faces. Their voices whisper through the room and as the group approach they begin to speak Morn’s name. He paces from one to the next. “Who are you?” he asks. “We are the Lords of Storm, trapped here by Vintu the betrayer, forced to protect his precious Heart of Maran Gor, release us.” “How” he calls out. “Find the Heart son of Mirta, but be quick. He has hidden it in the Temple within Iceholme, a fragment of your homeworld, as your people brought us with them so we brought it with us. Seek out the Heart quickly and release us for even now Chaos assaults the Temple” “I have conditions, I keep the Heart and the Choosing stops” he demands. “Agreed, release us and we will drive the usurper tieflings from the Holy City” “One last thing, you see what happens to your people, how did my grandfather die” “Vala the Queen feared he would lose his Throne by rebelling against the Gods. It was her hand that let the poison slip into his cup.”

The bargain made the group heads out of the Caves and returns to Valberg to prepare to face the mountain.

Session 16: The Dreams Dragons Bring Part 2

2009-04-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

Scene 2: In the Halls of the Mountain King

Our heroes have travelled far into the icy north in search of the Heart of Maran Gor. Chiniko’s unerring sense of direction has brought them to Mount Wintertop, a mountain sacred to the local people. The mountain is engulfed in a violent storm and the group decides to avoid it for now, fearing for the safety of the ship.

Instead they investigate the locals and quickly find themselves in the town of Valberg. It’s a small and rude place compared to the vast, if crumbling, City of Kings but it is the seat of Heboric, the Mountain King. The people also bear an unusual physical resemblance to Morn, one he is all but blind to.

As strange and unusual visitors to the region the group are quickly brought to the attention of the King. They enter his great hall, small and smoky compared to many they have visited where his Court ogles and stares at their outlandish clothing. The King looks old beyond his years, many troubles afflict him but his company is pleasant enough and his wife is a charming and genial host. They order a feast in celebration of the new visitors.

It is Winter in the Mountain Kingdom and, with travel, farming and herding out the people spend most of their time indoors eating, drinking and dancing. The mood is a little forced, all is not well but Chiniko spices things up by drawing out one of the Kings own dreams and weaving it with the music and performance of his bards. In the centre of the room a tall slender warrior woman takes shape and begins a dance of blades with dark cloaked figures. As the battle builds the people begin to sing and Morn finds himself singing along.

With the mood lightened the party circulates to find out what has been going on here. They learn much quickly. Azhanti is the subject of much curiosity, his kind is unknown here and he feigns a lack of knowledge of the language. Artemis speaks with the King and plies him with flattery and wine. Assamber strikes up a rapport with the brooding priest Brand while Chiniko aggravates all of the young men by becoming the centre of the attention of every unattached woman in the room.

The party soon learns that the Kingdom is suffering. They have somehow offended the Gods who have turned their face from them. Undead have arisen from the old burial grounds which have been exposed by the retreat of the great Glacier. Giants have been spotted in the Northern mountains and every omen sought by the priests has been unfavourable. The storm engulfing Mount Wintertop is believed to be the sign of the Gods anger and the Emissaries of the Gods failed to arrive for the choosing. This attracts some attention.

It seems that once a year the Storm Lords choose a number of the people to serve them on the mountain. They send their Emissaries on the wings of dragons to pick those who are worthy. This year they have not come and there is much consternation. Hebeoric fears that his brother Wolfgang, the last King, offended the Gods with his belief in the Old Ways, the worship of the Faces in the Rock.

As the party descends into drunken debauchery the doors to the Hall burst open and an ancient crone makes her way to the centre. “Morag, you are barred from my Hall, you risk my displeasure by coming here” snarls the King, deep in his cups. “I require no blessing from you false King, a true Heir to the Throne sits in this Hall now, Morn, son of Mirta, daughter of Wolfgang.” The crowd falls, silent. “Is this true” asks the King. Morn, ox grease dripping down his chin looks baffled. “I’ve no idea, never been here before in my life.” “I’ve had enough of your meddling old woman” the King declares. “Take her away, let her be stoned in the morning.”

The arrival of Morag seems to dash cold water over the party and the King and Queen retire quickly followed by the rest of the celebrants. Morn decides to try and talk to the Hag and is allowed entry. His name seems to have some power now. Morag explains a little of his history. As a child he was one of the chosen. His mother, Mirta, was a hero of the Clan and accomplished monster slayer. She was also the old Kings only daughter and as such could not inherit unless by the will of the old Kings Council. She was also a devotee of the Old Ways and urged her father to overturn the ban on their practice. Morn was chosen when he was little more than 4 years old, a highly unusual occurrence. Incensed by his virtual kidnap his mother sought the Temple of the Stormlords on the top of the mountain. Those who are not chosen can seek entry to the City by Facing the Mountain, a deadly climb up narrow, icy, monster infested cliffs. Neither Mirta nor Morn was ever seen again. Morag urges Morn to seek out the Faces in the Rock, the Old Gods of his people to learn more of the truth of these events.

Determined to make his own enquiries the group explore the castle further. The Hall of Heroes records the names, deeds and images of those who were chosen and there Morn finds an image of himself as a young boy and his mother. It is the woman drawn from the Kings dream. Further enquiries are made at the Shrine to the Stormlords, there they see images of the Emissaries, Tiefling Warriors mounted on Wyverns descending out of the sky to steal away the locals.

Shaken by these revelations Morn retreats to the high cold battlements to ponder. As he looks out over the long cold valley another figure joins him. He turns to find the spectral image of an elder northman standing before him. His hand goes to the hammer out of instinct but the spirit raises its hand in peace. “Who are you?” Morn asks. “I am Wolfgang, your Grandfather. I too often came to this place to think.” “I know what happens here” says Morn. “It’s a lie, one I could shatter in the morning if I so chose.” “Will that help your people?” the old King asks. “Can you do what is right for your people, for such is the mark of a good King.” As the spirit fades away Morn mutters under his breath “Yes, but I’m not a King.”

The group determine to seek out the Faces in the Rock the very next day and learn more of the truth.

Session 16: The Dreams Dragons Bring Part 1

2009-04-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Vision

Azhantis player was back for this session so we had a bit of a flashback to his vision from the ship sailing too close to the prison of Sopias.

Scene 1: The Ship of Dreams

Azhanti emerges from his sleep standing alone on a vast sandy desert. It is a desolate, heat blasted and lonely place. Far to the south he can see a line of mountains and from them blows a slight breeze with barely audible voices carried by it. They seem to be calling his name.
Determined to find their source he sets off. The sun is at its zenith and refuses to move. Heat beats down at him, slowly baking him in his armour. He refuses to relent. An elder Dragonborn warlock joins him and offers him a place to rest and seek shade. He nearly turns away but resists temptation. He continues, his shield and axe now drag at his limbs, pulling him to lay down and rest but he wont stop, he cannot stop. The voices call him on. The elder returns and offers him water to ease his raging thirst. He refuses, the mountains are close now but he is faced with a long hard climb.

Steeling himself he shrugs off the elders continued distractions and makes the climb. The sun sets behind him and his shadow flows out ahead of him, driving him to the head of a narrow gully cut into the rocks. As he reaches the head of the pass into the mountains he collapses, exhaustion finally claiming him.

He is awoken by the beating of wings and a gust of wings. A huge golden dragon descends on him demanding to know who intrudes on the domain of the Dragons. He pulls himself to his feet and declares himself, "I am Azhanti, the Stormlord." The dragon backhands him across the pass and pounces, "That remains to be seen."

Snatching him up the two of them fly at breakneck speed through the mountains until he is dropped onto a tall column in the centre of a wide valley. Out of the sky more dragons descend in many different colours, gold, silver, bronze, white, green, red and more. They interrogate him closely, eager to learn who he is and what he wants. Azhanti declares his goals, to achieve dominion over the next cycle for the Dragonborn. His worth is questioned, "The Emperor is more worthy than you." "But he has been corrupted by the softskins" he replies.

As the sun rises the Dragons turn. "Behold, Azhanti, your promise to the future." Beyond the valley lies a vast grassy plain and in the sky wheel dozens, perhaps hundreds of dragons of every colour imaginable. As his vision begins to fade he turns to face them and behind him, carved into the face of the mountain is a vast statue of a dragon, a statue with his face. Their voices resound in his mind "We are the shape of things to come, your enemies seek to disrupt the timeline, call on us in your hour of greatest need."

Session 16: The Dreams Dragons Bring

2009-04-26T03:05:00.000-07:00

With the Heart of Mael secure in their possession our heroes travel far into the icy North to find the Heart of Maran Gor, Primordial of the Earth. Somewhere in those frozen mountains also live Morns people, a people he has no memory of having been a slave of the Tieflings as long as he can recall. Many secrets and terrible revelations yet lie before him, how will the embittered fallen Paladin react to them? With traditional violence one assumes...

Before that however the mists of time roll back, back to the Ship of Dreams and a night of strange and disturbing visions. We have yet to see how Azhanti fared that evening. Now we find out.

Session 15: Interlude Part 2

2009-04-05T15:21:00.001-07:00

Politics is a Dirty Business

Our heroes awake refreshed with the memories of their strange dreams fading into the background. In time they will remember everything but for now mostly snatches of them remain.

The ship has arrived back at the Lokarnos City Ship and a meeting is quickly arranged with its leader Iridalla. Assamber decides that honesty is the best policy (the others are less certain) and tells her everything. He draws on the power of the Heart of Mael and conjures an image of Vedris to speak with her sister. Angry words are exchanged and an offer is made but refused.

Assamber tries to get a pledge from Iridalla that she will lossen the suffocating social structures from the Lokarnos but he doesnt really get very far. He does get her to agree to send a diplomat/emissary/spy to the temple of Mael to at least begin to open a dialogue between the two. Assamber has plans it seems for the Temple of Mael although they have very little to do with what Mael wants.

The Ship of Fools

With the last bits of politicking done the group head to the mad old Captain Strom. He is a servant of Mael, on the Path of the Huntsman who has spent the last twenty years proving his worth by hunting and killing the children of Mael. The Kraken is the last step on the path for him. With its death he opens the door to potential immortality for himself and a place in the Great Hunt.

Artemis however has different ideas as the two are rivals.

The captains ship sails out into the deep and a great bone drum is brought out. The bowsun, a brawny sailor begins to pound th drum, specifically enchanted to summon monsters of the deep. From his vantage point in the rigging Artemis sees the sea rise as the Kraken approaches. It is bigger than anything they ever expected, the creature has grown. Nauseating light spills from its forehead where a chunk of a chaos god is lodged. The thing must be half a mile long and hundreds of tentacles lash forward to grab the ship, masts, rigging and men as the beast swallows them all.

Down Amongst the Dead Men

The ship careens down the creatures gullet and as it does so great fleshy masses of tentacles drop down onto the deck. As they are swallowed demonic faces can be seen pressing against the sides of its throat trying to push through. They cannot emerge fully which is just as well but they still strafe the deck with foul smelling acidic chaos imbued sludge.

The ship is quickly carried away from the monsters but the situation is no better. It is deposited in the Krakens stomach on a sea of blood. Great tears and rents have been carved out of its stomach and blood and chaos have congealed together to form a noxious and deadly soup. Something is here using this power to create new demons to birth upon the world. As they pilot across this sludgy mess multi clawed, multi limbed demons rise up and charge the ship supported by flaming pillars of blood. The attack is swift and vicious but severely blunted as Assamber freezes the bloody elementals into place. The lesser demons are quickly dispatched and the demonic ruler of the place cannot overcome them on its own.

The party abandon the ship and push their way through the Krakens innards on foot. The Captain seems to know his way to the heart chamber and they quickly arrive. Pus and blood and slime cover the floor and in the centre stands a great bony shell protecting the Heart.

The Betrayal

As they step forward a voice like a thousand hissing serpents fills the Chamber. "This is mine, you cannot have it, I will not be stopped" spits the last remnant of That Which Dwells Beneath. Morn steps forward and their eyes meet. It recognises him from his dream and snarls in anger.

Once he was a Lord of Chaos, a star faring entity of almost unlimited power which devoured worlds. The battle to reach this one went badly and he was killed, sundered into many pieces one of which fell here and was eaten by the Kraken. This is its last chance to survive, a chance it is unfortunately doomed to fail. It takes the form of an enormous mass of writhing snakes over twenty feet high. Its arms are cordoned masses of serpents ending in dozens of fang filled snakey fingers. That wont help it and although it strikes quickly it is overmatched.

It summons the Children of the Fang to aid it and they fall before the sorcery of the Captain, it tries to overwhelm the group with a mass of snakes but Chiniko counters its powers with ease, its tries to shield itself from its enemies but Chiniko bends fate itself and the creature is quickly destroyed.

While battle has raged the Captain has focused on destroying the bone casing of the Krakens heart. All he has to do is pierce the heart with his spear, bathe in its blood and he will have succeded. He is focused on his task when Morn strikes, shattering the casing with the hammer of Maran Gor and stunning the Captain. Artemis strikes, igniting the Bow of Ashura and Chiniko pronounces its doom. The Heart explodes showering them with blood and the Captain dies screaming, his quest for immortality a failure.

The Krakens body convulves as it enters its death throws. Artemis grabs the Captains body while Assamber gathers the ichor of the Kraken, infused with the blood of Mael. Morn hangs around to make sure that he doesnt try to recover any of the Chaos God while Chiniko scarpers for the boat. Delayed by their efforts the other three find themselves engulfed by a wave of disgusing internal fluids, blood and chaos and as they stagger back to the boat much of their equipment has dissolved into so much useless junk.

With the last of its death throws the Kraken vomits up the contents of its stomach. The wreckage of the ship is scattered across the ocean with our heroes clinging to the remnants. In time they are rescued by the Ship of Dreams and are returned to the Lokarnos City hailed as heroes.

*cut scene*

Iridalla floats within her sanctum in silent communion with her sisters. "Are we decided." Five voices reply in unison. "Yes, the Maelstrom must be protected. He has placed the Stone there. With Mael loose some fool might try to use it again"

"So be it, we shall raise the Krakens spirit and set it to Guard the Stone."

*cut scene two*

The Lokarnos City Ship Inevitable sits just off the coast of Arkhosia. A fleet of smaller boats hover all around it embarking thousands of Arkhosian soldiers ready for the invasion of the Dreaming City States of Ancient Pesh. The Emperor has committed five legions to his conquest and a wing of dragon riders. Even now the dream dragons curl in the bowels of the ship, sleeping so that their fiery might is ready to be unleashed when they arrive.

The Inevitable sails into the distance to much fanfare and cheering. The Emperor himself comes to see his armada leave. It is a good day to be a man who wants to rule the world.

That night, out of sight of land the Lokarnos host a great celebration for their Dragonborn allies. Huge vats of wine and platters of food are served and the party continues long into the night.

In the morning the Lokarnos hurl the corpses of the Legionaires into the deep. It is a good day to be a hungry shark.

In the bowels of the ship Minara, daughter of Mael surveys her latest acquisition. "Good, very good, you will serve me well against your master." Below her five dream dragons twist and snarl, caught in the coils of her sorcery. Soon their minds will be hers and then the daughter of Mael will teach the upstart Emperor the true meaning of betrayal.

Session 15: Interlude Part 1

2009-04-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

Having overcome the forces of the undersea region our heroes prepare to return to the surface world. Assamber, now the highest ranking servant of Mael (heretic that he might be) establishes a power base for himself in the Temple and orders his people to go forth and trade.

The Ship of Dreams sails on no ordinary currents. It navigates the pathways of Dream, the realm of the imprisoned Primordial Sopias. Occasionally travellers sail too close to his prison and the mad god touches the minds of those who draw near showing them images of the past, present and future.

As our heroes take some well earned rest the mists of Sopias roll over them carrying them away deep into the realm of Dream.

Morn wakes to find himself amongst a panicking multitude of people. He is a young man, no more than 14 or 15 burdened down by many bags and stumbling over his staff of office, only recently received on his elevation to Apprentice Mage. He must get to his master, he knows that he has many of the components he will require for the great Undertaking that will save these, the last remnant of humanity. Hijacking a cart he careens through the throng and tumbles into the meeting of his Master with the King. The five great Magi of the Incarnum are here, ready to perform the Ritual which will save them all from the Chaos Gods they have summoned which threaten to devour their world.

The Magi gather and the King departs with his advisors. In the distance a rolling cloud of blackness races towards them. The Lords of Chaos dwell within, That Which Dwells Beneath, The Shadow of the Void, The King in Yellow and more hunger for the last blood of humanity. The Ritual begins as the Magi construct a huge bridge of light, an escape from this world. Morn hesitates, he looks full in the face of chaos turning away only at the last possible moment. As the bridge carries him to safety he watches a world dissolve into unrestrained chaos.

It is several weeks later. The bridge has deposited the remnants of humanity onto a new world, a great grassy plain near the ocean. Morn recognises the stars, they are not far from where the City of Kings will one day rise. He is stood with the Kings advisors, one of the few Magi left. A tall figure enters the room and it falls quiet. He bows to the King. "We have scouted the region my lord, there is no intelligent life here only some primitive lizard people. They will pose no impediment to our rule" As he does so his men throw down the dead body of a Dragonborn, cut to pieces. "Very well General Reptos, we shall build our Capitol here."

Assamber finds himself stood on the rolling deck of a Lokarnos City Ship in the middle of a terrible storm. He is dressed as a senior Priest of Ul-oo-thee and Vedris, daughter of Mael writhes in ritual ecstacy before him. The seven ships of the Lokarnos fleet are here and on each the daughters of Mael perform the Ritual of Binding. This is their vengeance against their father who is trapped within the Maelstrom, the great whirlpool at the centre of the world. He is slowly sinking into the depths as the Ritual reaches its climx.

Around him the Priests of Ul-oo-thee begin to explode, their essence used to power the Ritual, drawn into the raging spellstorm at the edge of the Maelstrom. Some resist, hurling themselves into the Maelstrom, shedding their physical bodies and joining Mael. Beneath him Assamber can sense the rolling power of pure Chaos, the original force of creation, the power which the Primoridals used to breathe everything into existence. It is close enough to touch if only he reaches out. He begins to dissolve himself into the Spellstorm when Vedris turns to him.

"Leaving so soon Assamber, would you so readily accept the limited power of the Spellstorm. Look into the heart of creation, this is the crucible of all things. Together we can learn its secrets, together we shall achieve unlimited power."

Assamber turns to her. "You are afraid and untrustworthy, you would use me as you have these. I reject you. I will take this power for myself."

Artemis finds himself standing naked on the cold marble stones of a balcony in a palace overlooking an ancient city. The City curves and twists with the surrounding jungle, the two intermixed and at its heart stands a great golden pyramid.

"Come back to bed my love" comes a voice from behind as slender arms enccircle his chest. Turning he finds himself looking deep into the eyes of a beautiful woman. In the mirror behind he sees himself but not himself. A stranger looks back at him but one marked with the symbol of the Master of the Hunt, a path he has just begun to walk.

"Who are you?" She steps backs, she looks confused, hurt perhaps. "You know me Artralis, I am K'shatta, the woman you love. The woman you found in the eternal city of Tamurlan" "I dont know you, my name is Artemis"

She rears back. "Thats not possible, the vision failed and yet you are here. I had sought to divine the future for my dreams have been dark of late. Somehow you have come here, I dont know how. We dont have much time. You are my future, Tamurlan is lost, the Eternal City is the promise of Ashura on his deathbed. A City beyond the influence of God or Demon or Primordial. Only the Huntsman can reach the Gates of Tamurlan and only you can ensure its and my rebirth. Come to me Artemis, come to me you are my only hope"

Chiniko is used to the dreams which Sopias brings. He has travelled their paths many times. It is no surprise for him to find himself in the body of some alien hunter on a desolate tundra, wrapped in animal furs and standing over the corpse of an ancient enemy. His people have been at war with the creature he has killed for thousands of years. Genocide is all they know and now the last of their kind lies just a little way off hiding in a ruined keep. He has killed its mate, now he will end their line forever.

He leaps up into the ruins scenting the trail. He has his spear with him, the flint spearhead infused with powerful sorcery. There is a flash of movement from above and he twists to meet its leap. The spear pierces its chest and it collapses onto the stones. Their eyes meet. "You are too late" A rent opens in the sky above the keep and from the top of the tower two children leap through. "My children will live."

His perspective changes. He is the corpse of the creature. In the sky above him the tear has widened, a large ugly bruise across the sky. Five figures walk up the hill. He recognises one, a dark humanoid shape surrounded by flowing purple mist. It is Sopias and the others must be his brother Primoridals.

Sopias speaks, "This cannot be permitted to be, if left unchecked it will undo all we have created" "We are forbidden from interfering" the others reply. "Our compact binds us all, this world is theirs, they will do with it as they will." Turning on them Sopias objects "They are still children, they have much to learn." The others shake their heads. "Do not do this brother, it will harm you" "I know" he says and as he expands to swallow the rift into Chaos he turns to Chiniko "Remember."

His perspective changes again. He is an old man, older perhaps than any other. His name is Utu'Kamla, the first Archmage and as he sits in meditation he contains the Primoridal Sopias within his mind, driven insane by his exposure to Chaos. Sopias thrashes within his chains, desperate for release. Chiniko struggles against the binds holding him but he cannot break the old mans will.

The Primordials gather around the old man. "You had best hurry up and do something, I cannot keep him here for ever" he snaps at them. Again and again Sopias changes form pressing against the barrier. Suddenly he goes still, his face emerges from the mass in a moment of sanity. "Do it" he gasps and plunges his fist into his chest ripping out his heart and dropping it into the old mans hands. His brothers follow suit and drawing on the power of the hearts the old man binds Sopias into the Labyrinth and raises the Spire above it, an eternal marker and impenetrable defence to the prison of the mad god.

As Sopias sinks beneath the earth he looks at Chiniko, "Remember"

Azhanti [To be added]

Session 15: Interlude

2009-04-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Ship of Dreams is no ordinary vessel and its home is no ocean or sea known to men. It navigates the currents and eddies of the vast uncharted sea of Dreams, the border between reality and the unchained madness of beyond.

This is the Realm of Sopias, the imprisoned Primordial and those currents can bring the unwary traveller close to the gates of his prison. On such occasions travellers might experience strange and frightening visions of that which was, that which is and that which has yet to come to pass.

Session 14: Into the Depths Part 5

2009-03-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Egg

Azhanti has one final task, to recover the stolen dragon egg for Vulcan. It is currently placed outside of existence, bathed in the power of true chaos and can only be reached by a portal anchored here in the caves.

The trip is brief but disorientating and he arrives collapsed and retching on an ancient stone slab covered in runic script. At the centre lies a circle of blasphemous sorcery with fragments of the egg which gave birth to the dragon scattered about it. The air around him is filled with madness, fire boils, rocks flow like liquid gold and the sounds of ten shouted screaming voices fill the air. Far beneath the realm turns darker and great cthonic beasts emerge briefly from the depths only to sink again beyond sight.

Rising to his feet Azhanti looks upon the very beginnings of all reality. He stares chaos full in the face and is not afraid. "I am Azhanti and you will know me" In his mind he stands at the end of time and prepares to shape the next cycle in his own image. He will be a god, he knows this.

He gathers the fragments of the egg and steps back through the portal. It has not yet occured to him what effect the exposure to chaos will have on the clutch brothers who must ultimately be reborn from this egg. It may never do so, absorbed as he is in dreams of his future ascendency.

*cut scene*

As Azhanti steps through the portal and it closes for the last time three figures flutter down from the boiling sky above. They are cloaked in burning winds and crowned with iron spikes. "Vedris has failed us, as Reptos failed us" says the first, a voice like metal nails on chalk. "She is not the only option" says the second, its voice a whisper on the wind. "The Azhanti creature might suit our plans better, Vedris was always a danger to us" says the third, its voice a forest fire raging out of control.

"We are agreed then, so be it. We will make him a God for all the good it will do him"

Session 14: Into the Depths Part 4

2009-03-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

Caves, why is it always caves

The caves beneath the temple of Mael are dangerous, haunted by strange monsters, laden with the traps and tools of Vedris the lich and prone to flooding. The group however are by now experienced delvers into places they are not welcome and make good initial progress.

Artemis leads them through dangerous caverns filled with fungi and Chiniko disables the wardings around the enteance to Vedris' lair. Things get tougher when the group are nearly swept away in a tidal flood despite Morns normally prodigious strength and Assambers efforts to obscure their approach set off a lurking Ward which send choking smoke which dissolves skin and boils blood flowing through the caves. Artemis takes the lead and tries to lead the group around the remaining wards but he looses too much time. Vedris has completed her ritual and is waiting for the group as they burst into her chambers.

Finally we get to kill some undead

The cave is dark and dank, patches of stinking phospherescent moss cover the floor and sucking mud and mucuous pull at their boots. Vedris makes herself known, slithering out of the darkness. She is a great bloated serpent, flesh rotting and ribs exposed. She demands to know what they want and who they are.

Assamber demands the Heart of Mael and she gives it to him. This is a surprising development, the group expected to have to fight for their prize but it seems she is finished with it. As they trade insults another creature emerges from the darkness, a great slime covered dragon evidently in the late stages of pregnancy. Vedris croons to the creature, introducing it as her daughter and mother to her new race, a race which will take revenge on the Arkhosian Emperor.

Azhanti is horrified. To the Dragonborn there are only five true dragons, the Gods of his people and progenitors of the five tribes. All other dragons are fragments of those five mighty creatures dreams. He can sense such creatures, to him they are indistinct, unreal. This creature is not, this is a true dragon in the flesh, an abomination.

He flies to the attack. Chaos breaks out. Azhanti strikes with the powers of flame and Chiniko casts his curses but they slide off the iron will of the ancient lich. The dragon spews acidic slime everywhere and then Vedris strikes. Teleporting into the middle of the grooup dozen of mouths erupt all over her body spewing beams of sickening light throughout the room. She has opened a doorway into chaos and it burns the living. The group is decimated, many of them are near death and zombie Dragonborn are loose everywhere.

Azhanti acts and the room is blasted with Vulcans burning embrace, holy lightning contends with the chaos and death wielded by Vedris. Assamber leaps about the battle trying to avoid the zombies while Morn spends much of his time chasing Vedris or the Dragon. Only the iron willed concentration of Azhanti backed by the strange dream magics of Chiniko keep everyone standing.

The undead are down or neutralised, Morn is pounding Vedris and several devastating blows have dealt her a savage beating. Moving in for the kill Morn prepares to end things but, as is so often the case, Artemis beats him to the kill. Vedris is down, not dead but out of the fight.

Seeing its mother defeated the dragon rears up and descends on Artemis shredding him and leaving him a bloody mess. Things look bad for him but the group manage to rally. The dragon is driven back from his body and Azhanti once again calls a companion back from the brink.

Outnumbered, bloodied and trapped the dragon is subdued. Before anything can happen Azhanti executes it, hacks it into pieces and dismembers the mutant dragonborn young it was carrying.

The Denoument

Vedris is defeated and tells the group her tale. She was one of seven daughters of Mael. They had dominion over the Oceans in the First Age but were cast out by their father. The seven came together to plot their revenge. The rise of the Warlord Reptos was their opportunity. The Primoridals were running scared, the Lokarnos were ripe for rebellion. They overthrew the Priests of Mael and twisted their religion, invention Ul-oo-thee as their new God. Each of the sisters took command of one of the City Ships. With Mael wounded and distracted by his war with Reptos they struck, chaining him to the ocean floor with bands of black ice and drawing his immortal blood to power their sorcery. As the Empire of Reptos fell they used that power to fuel the Sundering, the ritual which denied the Oceans to any but them.

Two years ago that all changed. Alias Windstorm, a young priest of Ul-oo-thee came to serve in the Temple on the Maelstrom. Unknown to Vedris he was an apostate and an agent of the Order of Transcendental Inquiry. The Order was working for the Arkhosian Emperor who wanted to end the Sundering so that he could pursue his dreams of world conquest. The Order found the source of the ritual at the heart of the City Ships and Windstorm let in a group of Arkhosian Assassins. Vedris was nearly killed and would have died as her ship sank in pieces to the depths but she delved deeper into the spellstorm, the foundations of sorcery, than she had ever dared. There she stared chaos full in the face and it stared back. She was forever changed by her experience, transformed into the Lich.

She vowed to gain her revenge on the Arkhosians but she knew her sisters would not accept her new state. In secret she stole a dragons egg and, with the power of the Heart of the Lord of Change she worked her sorcery on it. She gave birth to the first true dragon in 10,000 years and it in turn would bear a new race of Dragonborn loyal to her. They would be the instrument of her revenge on the Emperor.

Those dreams are dashed now but the group have some sympathy for her plight, possibly motivated by the fact that the Emperor is their enemy also. They come to an arrangement, they will not destroy her, she will not seek revenge on them and in turn they may call on her aid in some future plan. It seems foolproof.

Session 14: Into the Deep Part 3

2009-03-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

The Descent

Having secured the aid of Illiandra, Pirestess of Ul-oo-thee the group prepare for their descent into the ocean. An ancient stone block infused with Maels power provides the means for the ship to pass safely through the ocean and Assamber imbues the group with the ability to breathe and act underwater.

The ship descends into the inky blackness of the depths, far below the reach of sunlight. Strange shapes flicker past, giant fish and squid but they remain unharmed. The Temple of Mael lies near the bottom of a great trench, a spire of crystal and coral surrounded by the decaying remains of a cyclopian city. A great civilisation once thrived here but now it is gone, only the fishes and the Mael cultists remain.

Their arrival is noted and shark riding sauhghin shadow their approach. It also seems they are expected as they are greeted by Gnomen, High Priest of Mael is waiting for them. A stranger creature they have rarely seen, skin covered in fish scales, a beard of kelp and fins and gills decorate his body. He is attended by slimy Kuo Toan priests and welcomes Assamber as a brother priest. News of his apostacy it seems has not travelled this far.

The group are feted by the priests, provided with fine quarters and shown the beautiful undersea gardens. They begin putting out feelers for where the Heart of Mael might be found and locate it within the Inner Sanctum, a place they are forbidden from entering.

The Plan

The Sanctum is guarded, physically and magically. Giant crab warriors stand guard outside and the power of Mael dwells within. The group dont want to have to fight their way in and then out again. They don't trust Gnomen but need to get the Heart. He isn't likely to just let them in and take it.

They come up with a cunning plan. Artemis will use the Hat of Disguise to mimic the corpse of Agran Treshk, a child of Mael the group slew back in the City of Kings. Assamber will ask for permission to inter him in the Inner Sanctum. Gnomen tries to refuse, he is evasive and shifty but ultimately cannot deny them. Treshk was a true blooded child of his God and his due all the proper funery rites. The group decide that once the coffin is intered Artemis will be able to sneak out and steal the gem.

The procession enters the inner temple and the doors clang shut. As Gnomen begins the ritual one thing becomes clear, the Heart of Mael, which should be set in the head of his statue is missing. Assamber protests, Gnomen insists it has been removed to a safe place while they are at war with the Lokarnos. Assamber presses, demanding to know where the Heart is. Gnomen rebuffs him. The two come to blows and all hell breaks loose.

The guards and priests charge to attack but are quickly cut down. Gnomen is pressed by Assambers sorcery while he tries to dessicate him. The rest of the group is about to intervene when another foe enters the fray. A cloaked figure claiming to be the Prophet of Mael demands they stop and mind blasts half the group. As battle rages the creature advances on Morn, its veil dropping to reveal a Mind Flayer, it latches onto his head with its tentacles and begins to try and chew through his thick skull. Everything goes black for Morn and he will play little part in the rest of the battle.

Things are looking bad but they are about to get worse. An enormous shadow passes across the crystal window of the inner fane which implodes, a mass of tentacles rake the room grabbing anything they can find and dragging them towards the waiting maw of the Kraken.

Finally Assambers sorcery overcomes Gnomen and the mind flayer Zadrus tries to flee. Assamber pursues him with his implacable hand of ice grabbing him and halting his escape. As the group scatter for the exit Assamber feeds the Flayer into the mouth of the Kraken.

Freed of the flayers influence Gnomen admits that he gave the Heart to the Lich Vedris, a daughter of Mael, one time Priestess of Ul-oo-thee and ruler of the City Ship Maelstrom which was destroyed in a storm over two years ago. She lives now in sunken caverns beneath the Temple.

The group must penetrate her defences and find Vedris before she completes whatever she is doing with the Heart.

Session 13: Into the Deep Part 2

2009-03-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Flight

With appropriately dramatic timing the volcano begins to rumble. The Urn is quickly identified by Assamber as a Second Age artifcat, perhaps the original vessel used by Maran Gor to raise the continents and create life. They decide to take it with them.

The Hammer quickly shatters its bindings and between them Morn and Azhanti begin to man handle it out. Unfortunately Artemis leads them into a dead end and then Assamber, using his frost magic to ease their passage, manages to mis place his spell sending Morn tumbling. He tries to hold on to the Urn but it gets away from him and rolls back down the passage to be swallowed by the rising magma.

As volcanic rock and gasses spew forth the group just escapes from the erupting volcano on their flying ship as below them cultists explode into flames.

The Return

The group return to the City to rest up and recuperate. They have an appointment back at the Temple of Ul-oo-thee and are quickly led into the Inner Sanctum, a place foerigners and non believers have never been allowed before.

There they meet Iridalla, High Priestess of Ul-oo-thee, an alien creature living in a crystal tube filled with evil smelling viscious liquid with strange tubes. Azhanti recognises her name as that of one of the first seven daughters of Mael who once ruled the seven oceans.

She is intrigued by their presence and keen to conclude an alliance with them. The group is coy about what they want, simply saying they are enemies of the Temple of Mael. Iridalla explains that she is here looking for her sister Vedris, mistress of the Lokarnos Ship Maelstrom which sunk some time ago. Vedris was thought dead but she has recently learned that she survived by drawing deeply on the spellstorm. This has changed her and she has become infused with Chaos, in effect becoming a Lich. Now she schemes somewhere beneath the Temple of Mael.

If the group will find Vedris and learn how the Maelstrom was destroyed then she will help them get to the Temple, providing them with protection from the Kraken. Assamber agress although whether the agreement will be honoured by the rest of the group is unclear.

The Monster Hunter

On returning to their lodgings Artemis receives a message from a Captain Strom. He wants to meet him. Taking him up on it he heads over there with Morn. The captain is a grizzled veteran of many battles, a hunter of sea monsters and worshipper of Mael. He is here to hunt the Kraken and offers Artemis a chance to be involved.

Mortal weapons can't kill the Kraken, only living fire thrust against its heart can do that. He is seeking a capable crew to keep the beast busy so he can get swallowed by it. By bathing in its immortal blood he hopes to open the pathway for immortality himself.

The hunt wont begin for a few days and so the group decide to head to the Temple of Mael first.

*cut scene*

The Urn of Pharamee crashes down the corridor and is swallowed by molten rock. It slowly sinks into the crater but as it does so the rock moves and a figure forms out of it. The goddess Vinga claims her mothers Urn. "I will have my revenge on the Faithless, let those who desire revenge on them be reborn. I name you, M'Kemba, Martek, Paldemar, Najentus and Ixion, you will be the agents of my vengeance."

Session 13: Into the Deep Part 1

2009-03-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

We played again tonight, our first substantive session in nearly two months and it showed. Some of the players were very rusty and the group were nearly out for the count.

The Setting

The situation is this. The group are hunting for a series of keys to access a magical prison so they can go and shiv/save/worship an insane Primordial of dreams and nightmares. The first of them is hidden in an underwater temple of Mael, Primordial of the Oceans, father of all Monsters. His temple is currently at war with a city sized ship of the Lokarnos, a seafaring people who worhsip Ul-oo-thee, God of Stasis, Stability and Stagnation.

The area both are in is trapped by a ring of rapidly rising volcanic islands. Both blame each other for this. If something isn't done about it then both Temple and City will be destroyed. It is actually being caused by the Cult of Vinga, Goddess of revenge and child of Mael and Vulcan (technically God of one of the PC's, Azhanti).

The Lokarnos have also summoned a Kraken to battle the Temple but then managed to lose control of it. It is now attacking everyone and everything after eating a chunk of a dead chaos God.

First Impressions

The group decide to enter the City openly in their flying ship. Oddly enough this causes a mix of panic and amazement. The group are rapidly contacted by red cloaked guards of Ul-oo-thee and escorted into the presence of Jin'do, Chief Priest of the Outer Fane. Attempts at diplomacy meet with little success but he does seem interested in them. He dismisses them for the day in order to consult with his superiors.

As they are heading out one of the Guards quietly asks to meet them. He is a new recruit, many of the guards having been killed in the fighting with the Kraken or the Temple of Mael. He wants out of the City and gets free passage out of there in exchange for bringing the group up to speed on whats happening in the area. He also introduces them to a hidden Priestess of Maran Gor, the Earth Mother.

She recognises Morn as he bears a weapon made by her God. She happily tells them where they can find the Cult of Vinga after Azhanti argues that he wants to seek vengeance on them, the priestess concludes that Vinga would approve of such motives.

The Volcano

The Cult has based itself in the crater of an active Volcano. Morn is recognised and they are ushered in. The place is crawling with dirty ash streaked cultists and stone warriors. They are led to the heart of the complex, a magma chamber above which hangs an ancient clay urn. On a colum in the centre reached by four slim stone bridges stands a woman encased in stone, rooted to the spot. She is the source of the ritual raising the ocean bed. She introduces herself as Lidia, Champion of Maran Gor, Priestess of Vinga and true owner of the Hammer of Maran Gor. She demands that Morn hand it over.

He isnt having any of it and rather than spend the next few months watching over his shoulder for her to attack he acts. This is nearly disastrous as Lidia calls allies out of the molten rocks and roots both Morn and Azhanti in place. Chiniko walks Morn through the dream realm to bring him into range of Lidia but Azhanti spends the entire fight trapped by living stone. Fortunately he can still call on much of his healing powers and they are sorely needed.

Only a few exchanges into the fight and things are looking bad. A pair of hulking brutish magma giants have emerged along with two flickering fire birds. They quickly move into position. Most of the group are on fire and things get much worse when Lidia makes most of them even more vulnerable to the flames.

Azhanti is nearly unconcious and all but Morn have taken serious damage from the fire birds flaming passage. Things look dire and Morn is on the verge of throwing dowm the Hammer and surrendering when Chiniko makes his move. Drawing on the powers of dreams he gives heart to Azhanti who fills the rest of the group with lightning power.

Lidia, rooted to the floor by her ritual, is now trapped in a blade barrier and in Morns Rain of Steel. One of the magma giants is trapped in a huge icy hand and the other is being partly controlled by Chiniko driving it to madness and forcing it to attack its own mistress. Artemis is bringing down the pain with his bow and Azhanti manages to keep everyone alive.

Slowly, painfully, desperately, the tide turns and Lidia falls. With her go her minions.

Session 13: Into the Depths

2009-02-26T08:14:00.000-08:00

Our heroes' quest begins and they make their way to find the first part of the Key to the domain of the mad god Sopias. There are however a few obstacles in the way.

First its located at the heart of a sunken temple guarded by zealous Kou Toan priests. Second they are engaged in a war of extermination with the Lokarnos City Ship Behemoth. Third both forces are trapped by a ring of volcanic islands which are being dragged out of the ocean depths by crazy cultists and which will destroy everyone trapped within them. If that wasn't enough the priests of Ul-oo-thee have summoned a Kraken from the depths which has gone mad and started attacking everyone.

How will our heroes navigate this mess of battling factions? I have no idea buts its going to be fun to find out.

Oh, and I did I mention the stolen dragon egg fuelled with sorcery that is about to give birth to a new race to dominate the oceans? I didn't, how forgetful of me.

Session 12 Discussion

2009-01-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, we had our first post christmas break session and first paragon tier session. Lessons learned:

1. Characters have become quite a lot more complicated. They have more bells and whistles and there is more to keep track of. This will take some getting used to.

2. Fighters are great as defenders. Its especially effective when you leave enemies with no good choices, move and be hit or stay where you are and burn in a Wall of Fire. Add in powers which knock prone and its even more brutal. Add a Warlock which can force creatures to attack to provoke combat challenge and its just evil.

3. Sometimes its better to forget the rules, like imposing a -2 penalty on missile attacks because the Huge creature is prone.

4. Space, lots and lots of space is really important, especially when you have a huge, two large and a bunch of medium sized enemies on the board.

5. Fiddly feat bonuses need to be incorporated in advance not calculated on the spot to speed up game play.

Session 12: The Return, Part 2

2009-01-11T15:31:00.000-08:00

Act 2: Into the Pit

Morn has holed up in the trade city of Daal where he serves the Masked Lords as their new arena champion. So far he has beaten all comers. The appearance of a flying ship with a dragon carved prow throws much of the City into chaos. The group is showered with offers of help and questions about who they are, where they are from and if they will sell their amazing craft.

Disentangling themselves from the onlookers they manage to make their way to Morns home, a lush three story villa where he is waited on hand and foot by attentive servants and scantily clad pleasure slaves. Such a thing would have been unheard of before with the old dour uncompromising slave hating Morn. Things it seems have changed.

There is much banter between old companions and the sharing of war stories. Morn rejects their requests for him to join them again. He points out his great wealth, his pleasurable life and the opportunity to unleash violence in the arena. The others counter that he is litttle more than a bird in a gilded cage dancing for the amusement of his Masked Lords. Ultimately he relents admitting to boredom and a desire for travel once again. The old gang is back together!

As they congratulate themselves a message arrives from the Lords of the City, they invite the group to dine with them that evening before the nights entertainment.

Act 3: Betrayal

The group are feted at the banquet held in their honour. All of the city elite are present. Chiniko tells the story of their travels and much wine is drunk. Morn declares that tonight will be his last fight, after tonight he intends to retire and leave the City. This produces much tongue wagging and many wagers and quiet enquiries establish that no previous Champion has ever retired save in a wooden box!

Night falls and the party moves to the Arena. The Masked Lords take their place at the head and Morn waits in the centre of the blood soaked sands. With a crash the great gates open and an enormous desert beast, a Ravager charges out quickly followed by its two Ogre handlers. The group quickly realise the trick, such creatures are known to be immensely strong, capable of rending a man in half. They are also bestowed with the heat haze of the desert, befuddling the mind and confusing their enemies. Morn is doomed unless they act and act they do.

Azhanti and Assamber hurl themselves into the fray and spells fly. Artemis pounds his enemies from great range while his strange new pet, a sleek jungle cat emerges from the sands. The Ravager strikes Morn with incredible force bloodying him in a single pass. As the group interferes, breaking the sacred code of the pit, the handlers engage them and guards start taking pot shots from the walls with crossbows.

The battle would be fierce and deadly but Morn has learned a number of new tricks. The Ravager cannot get a good grip on him and spends much of the battle dazed, down or cursed by Chiniko. It struggles to position itself well but Chinikos curses drive it mad leaving wide opportunities for Morn. Azhanti engages one of the handlers while Assamber immobilises the other. Finally Assamber raises his now trademark Wall of Fire. The handlers find themselves trapped in it, the Ravager dies in a last desperate lunge for Chiniko and the handlers dont last much longer.

On the Balcony there is a hurried conference between the Masked Lords. They are reluctant to allow a Champion to simply retire, it is unprecendented but similarly they have no wish to face the group. In the end they emerge and congratulate the group on their victory. A party is thrown in their honour and the City descends into a night of unbridled debauchery as Morn gives away all of his earnings to the people.

As the sun rises the group head out to sea towards the first of their goals, the Temple of Mael wherein lies his heart.

*cut scene*

The banquet hall of the Masked Lords of Daal. Slumped figures lie all around in various stages of unconciousness, the smell of stale alcohol and poppy fumes fills the room. A tall emaciated figure enters the Hall trailed by a disconsolate looking dwarf. At the head of the table the Masked Lords suddenly become much more alert.

I believe my instructions were clear. The Warrior Morn was not to leave this City. If he died the Hammer was to be delivered to me. Why have you failed to follow my instructions?

The leaders of the City throws themselves on the floor before the tall figure. My Lord, we beg mercy, we could not keep him here. He and his companions were too powerful.

Failure is not acceptable. Now I must prepare a new ground for the sacrifice. You have earned your fate.

As he walks out of the Palace behind him can be heard the screams of the dying. The sun rises on a charnel house, the City covered in a cloud of flies which swarm around the bloated corpses of its citizens. As the day heads towards noon the bodies begin to twitch, stand and shamble out of the City heading south.

Session 12: The Return, Part 1

2009-01-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

We started our Paragon Tier journey tonight. The session was a fairly short one to get the characters back together, introduce our new player and get everyone used to how their characters worked after the Christmas break and hitting Level 11.

Before the report a quick recap of who our heroes are and an introduction for our new member.

Morn: Former Paladin of the Unfettered God. Morn lost the woman he lusted after and his faith in the City of Kings. He wields the Hammer of a Titan with an attitude to match. After overthrowing Darius he declared that he had had enough of Gods and Demons and walked off into the desert. As the game starts he is the Lord of the Pit, Arena Champion of the City of Daal (Fighter/Pit Fighter).

Assamber: Mage and one time devotee of the Primordial Mael. Assamber is a member of the ocean going Lokarnos people. He has plumbed the depths of the Maelstrom, the font of all magical power and returned changed. Once a worshipper of the Gods now he sees himself perhaps as their equal (Wizard/Spellstorm Mage).

Azhanti: Dragonborn Priest of Vulcan, Lord of Storms and father of the Dragonborn race. Vulcan is a dead God but his spirit lives on. Azhanti intends to correct that mistake and elevate himself to the position. He seeks allies in various elemental Courts (Cleric/Radiant Servant).

Artemis: A wanderer, Ranger of the Pashtun desert people. Artemis came to the City of Kings to seek revenge on Akaran Trak'Ar for kidnapping and raping his mother. Trak'Ar is dead and Artemis has sought new purpose for his life. His wanderings in the Shrouded Oasis, a fragment of a forgotten past, have attracted an ancient spirit which now travels by his side, a giant hunting cat which is more than it seems (Beastmaster Ranger/Battle Archer).

Chiniko: An Orcale of a strange people of the freezing lands of the south. They are worshippers of Sopias in his aspect of the Lord of Dreams. Chiniko has been dispatched to help the group to find the Heart of Sopias and the other Primordials. It is unclear yet whether Chiniko seeks to free the insane Sopias, kill him or cure him (Warlock/Divine Oracle).

Act 1: The Prequel

It is now six months after the events in the City of Kings. Morn has left, rejecting his destiny and our three remaining heroes have trecked through the snowy wastes of the south. They are greeted warmly by the local people and consult with their elders. Recognising the danger of Sopias being released they agree to yield the Heart to the group. Venturing to the ancient Shrine of Madness they are shocked to find the Heart there is a fraud. The real version has been stolen and an illusionary duplicate has been left in its place.

Pledging their aid the Elders dispatch Chiniko and their flying ship to help them on their way. Chiniko is an Oracle and can trace the presence of the Hearts. The Elders also reveal that they will need five people to open the Labyrinth of Reptos, one for each Heart.

The group resolve to recruit Morn, if he will join them.

Session 11: Death is only the Beginning, Part 5

2008-12-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

Act 5: Revenge of the Rebellion

Darius enters the battle at last and the group bring their strongest powers to bear. Curses fly, blade barriers are conjured, walls of fire burst to life and flesh melting flames erupt. Morn and Azhanti are banished to a nightmare realm and only escape with the aid of Hu’Maa. Artemis is nearly slain but Morn manages to rescue him in time. Assamber flits around the battlefield shielded from view but harassed while Darius hurls his enemies into their own spells.

The battle is desperate. The group call upon all the aid they have bargained for and it is still nearly not enough. They are battered, scorched, poisoned, blasted and subjected to all the power at Darius' command and more.

Still he cannot overcome them. They draw deep from reserves they barely knew they had and it is enough, just. With a final gasp the last leader of the Cabal falls to his death and the Spire is finally free of their corruption.

The ancient crystal walls of that place resonate with power as its defence systems activate. The Spire is the entrance to the Labyrinth and interference by immortals is not tolerated. Beams of light lance down and obliterate the Dragons attacking the Spire but not before they incinerate Jocasta, High Priestess of the Cult of the Eternal.

Epilogue

The City lies in wrack and ruin. Flames spread in a dozen different places and what power groups existed are mostly broken. The Tiefling nobility has no leader, the Cult of the Eternal is nearly extinct and many of the Rebellion warriors are dead. Antonius died fighting demons but Marat Kesh has escaped.

In the harbour the residual necromancy of the Ship of Death poisons the waters along with the corpse of a Dragon. Many of the rogues and thieves have survived and may yet flourish in this lawless place but our heroes are unlikely to be around to see it.

They gather in the silent Chamber of the Spire. The Key of Time has been handed over to Vintu and the place has been looted by Xaltotun. The group keeps their various bargains. Catalia Anatarion, mother to Artemis has called them there. “There is something which you need to see”, she places her staff into the stone floor beneath the now floating and free Stone. A shaft of light penetrates the room and around it emerges a map of the world. “The Labyrinth imprisons Sopias still but we have no Centurion King to restore its power. It will fail and he will be released. I don’t know when but it will be soon. If someone can confront him inside the prison then he may yet be stopped. To do so you will need the keys, the Hearts of the Primordials, this map shows their locations.” As she speaks five lights begin to glow softly at different points. “Will you do this?”

Three agree quickly, Assamber, Artemis and Azhanti. Morn turns to her, “I have had enough of Gods and Demons, I came here to do a job and I have done it” and he turns and leaves.

*cut scene*

Several weeks later.

Drums roll and banners are unfurled as the might of the Kireshi nation enters what remains of the City of Kings. Catalia Antarion meets them as they enter. “We come to fulfil our ancient agreement, your City is free and we recover the remains of our Lord Ashura” Casting her eyes around the devastation Catalia nods slowly in agreement. “So be it”

The Children of Ashura enter his Temple to find it has been defiled. The bones are scattered on the floor, the skull missing, the Heart and the Bow gone. There is much wailing and cries for vengeance. They confront Catalia, “Who has done this” Stern faced she is compelled by ancient oaths sworn before she was ever born to answer. “Morn, Azhanti, Assamber and Artemis”

“They shall die a thousand deaths for their crimes”

And this brings the Heroic Tier of our adventures to a final conclusion. The City is in ruins, no one is really in charge but the Cabal has been destroyed, albeit at great cost. The group have a bunch of possible Paragon Tier quests to kick them off along with an overarching goal for the next 10 levels.

One final point on the bargains they made. This was one long extended sequence. There was never going to be a chance to take an extended rest but I didn't want it to be limited to what a party can survive in a single day. I decided that they needed to have some sort of method to recharge their powers. I toyed with the idea of recharging everything when they closed the Spire gates but that would be too simple. Instead each of the bargains allowed them to refresh a small number of abilities giving them a tactical edge.

Of course the group decided to hoard them all until the very final confrontation.

C'est la vie.

We play again in mid January giving me time to recharge the batteries and allowing us to have a Christmas break. Next year we get a 5th player as well as an old member of the group returns. How will they react to a Feypact Warlock of Sopias!

Session 11: Death is only the Beginning, Part 4

2008-12-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

Act 4: Light at the End of the Tunnel

With the Ritual shattered darkness is lifted from the City and the flames of chaos fade from the Spire. Sunlight fills the Spire with a single brilliant shaft striking Artemis.

*cut scene*

Everything else fades away and Artemis finds himself looking up into the Sun itself. A young boy, no more than sixteen, naked, beautiful and glowing with the light of the Sun descends on a beam of light. “I am the Blazing Dun, child of Ashura and I come to right a great wrong which you have caused human. You disturbed my father’s resting place and now his soul cries out in agony. Unless something is done he will fall into undeath. Take your place as his Champion, ground his soul and I will aid you against the Wizard Darius.”

Artemis considers for a moment, the Kireshi are fucked no matter what he does. “No, the time of Gods and Primordials is done, it’s about time we started making our own decisions.” The beautiful youth sighs, “So be it, I cannot force you. I offer you a blessing though if you agree to find a way to prevent my father’s fall to shadow”

Agreeing quickly Artemis finds himself back in the Chamber as Darius arrives on a high balcony flanked by two glowing multi winged, multi coloured angels. “Enough of this, let us put an end to this once and for all. Slay them my Angels of the Apocalypse!”

On buzzing insectoid wings the Angels rise up and descend on our heroes. They crash through the group, a mass of crawling chaotic energy and reform around Assamber. “Bring me my staff, kill the Wizard” calls Darius which they come close to doing. Staggering under their assault the group strike back.

A Blade Barrier neatly dissects them both and Assamber freezes them in place. They scatter to avoid area effects and Darius lashes them with lightning drawn from the Stone. Artemis tries to distract Darius only to find he is surrounded by an impenetrable shield powered by the stone. They must disable the stone or perish.

The Stone is the centre of the Temple. It is corrupted by Chaos. Hu’Maa advised they destroy it but they choose not to heed his advice. The stone can be cleansed with a sacrifice of power or converted, Hallowed to a new God making this place the most powerful Temple on Earth. The thought does not ever cross our heroes mind and they quickly cleanse the stone of its taint forcing Darius into the fray personally. He descends amongst the spitting curses and corrupting flames in all directions.

*cut scene*

Outside Jocasta, High Priestess of the Eternal makes her way to the Spire accompanied by most of the remaining servants of the Cult. The enter the forbidden grounds of the Spire and she raises her staff casting a circle of holy power around her. The demons roar in recognition of a new threat and charge to the attack. As they do warriors of Clan Antarion lead by their new Chief leap in the way defending the last stand of the Priestess of the light. Striking her staff into the ground she lets out a mighty cry, “Now, the sleepers will awaken.”

In the days before the Cabal those who were in great pain came to the Cult for aid. They were given release in the gardens of the Spire where they would be laid to rest in eternal blissful dreams. When the Cabal arrived they twisted those dreams into nightmares and used them to fashion Demons. Now Jocasta breaks the most Holy tenet of her faith and disturbs their sleep. As one they awake into screaming horror as they relive every demonic indignity heaped upon them. With their waking however the demons which were drawn from their nightmares vanish into thin air.

As Jocasta slumps to the ground the Dragons attack crashing against the Spire and the remaining Cult members.

Session 11: Death is only the Beginning, Part 3

2008-12-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Act 3: The End of Time

The last traces of sorcery fade from our heroes and they find themselves in the huge vaulted chamber of the Temple of the Eternal. To either side two massive portals of black and silver metal vomit forth a riot of chaotic colours and energy each focused on a stone floating high above them. It is of dull grey rock bound by green metal and riddled with veins of corruption.

Another problem presents itself as more urgent. Stood just outside the door is the Iron Lord, a monstrously huge Golem with massive rending claws and enormous mandibles. Alarm bells are ringing and it turns to regard the group. Fortunately for them it is very slow and Artemis races for the door slamming the Key of Time into the lock.

The doors begin to close but the creature is so massive it might yet wrench them open. The group go into overdrive. Artemis smashes the creature away from the door and Assamber promptly freezes it solid. Fundamental Ice empowers his sorcery and he drinks deep of the Black Lotus Juice. The doors slam shut with a sound of inevitability.

*cut scene*

As the doors close Azhanti finds himself stood before the gates of Vulcan’s most ancient temple. The fires burn but he can feel the warmth of the Primoridal within. He enters into the presence of Vulcan for the first time in his life. “KNEEL BEFORE YOUR GOD!”

“How, you are dead, this cannot be happening.” “You stand outside of time child, here past, present and future meet. I speak to you from the past. Submit yourself to me, KNEEL BEFORE YOUR GOD!” Slowly, reluctantly Azhanti prostrates himself. “The World turns Azhanti, this Age is ending. Soon will come a new Age and I find myself in need of a Champion. Serve me and know my blessings, give up these foolish ideas of supplanting me. Accept your destiny.”

He pauses, to give up what he has worked for, the offer is tempting but ultimately he cannot do it. He rejects the offer. “So be it, you are still my child, let us see what fate brings. I make you another offer. Children of Mael have stolen a Dragons Egg, find it and I will fill you with my power in your fight against Darius.”He agrees and quickly finds himself back in the Chamber.

The Ritual Darius has enacted to conjure his Demon Lord requires great power and it is slowly building, the Gates feeding from the stone. The group spread out and prepare to counter it. Unfortunately a miss step results in a surge from the Gates and demons spew forth. Battle is joined while Assamber maintains the Ritual. Morn wades through his enemies hammer swinging and each time it strikes the Spire rings like an enormous bell. On the third blow he finds himself spinning away, dropping through the Earth into the embrace of Maran Gor, the Primoridal of Earth.

*cut scene*

“You have awoken me child, why?” Morn looks puzzled, “Bwu?” “You use my Hammer, forged by my hands in the Temple of my Body. You have awoken me and it is good to stir once more. The end is coming, now is the time for action. I require a Champion Human, the Hammer has chosen you and I offer you that position.” There are questions, Morn now doubts all Gods and is reluctant to be bound to another so soon.

“I decline” “ So be it, I offer you a boon, my Temple has been overrun by a Child of Vulcan, a Dragon named Infernus, free it and I will bless your efforts.”

Accepting readily Morn finds himself back in the Chamber surrounded by Demons as Assamber completes the Ritual. The Gates reverse, chaos which was pouring into the City is now sucked back. Nearly half of the Cabals demons disintegrate and outside there is much cheering until the Ship of Death is torn apart and crashes into the harbour. All three Dragons turn their attention to the battle.

The Pashtun witches are blasted from the sky and flames are alight all over. Meanwhile outside the Spire the mass of Demons which remain turn their attention to the City. They cannot enter the Spire, its walls are impervious to all mortal sorcery. They prepare to descend on the rebellion Warriors when they are brought short. Yusmida the Betrayer has brought his ghostly warriors as required by their compact and spectral warriors clash with soul rending demons.
__________________

Session 11: Death is only the Beginning, Part 2

2008-12-07T16:57:00.000-08:00

Act 2: The Rebellion Strikes Back

In the confusion of battle our heroes steal across the Plaza to the iron bound door of the Armoury. Using the Key which Alias gave them they burst in on the guardians. Brutish Cabal warriors, armour plates bolted to their skin and madness in their eyes crash against them while a Cabal wizard, set to guard the entrance utterly fails to confound them with his sorcery. From a murder hole a Cabal archer sends vials of sizzling acid crashing in to the room but he is quickly countered by Assamber who has finally thrown off the stifling shackles of Lokarnos sorcery. No longer does he limit himself to the powers of storm and thunder, now all the elements are at his command and he sends fiery death through the murder hole. The guards are quickly dispatched and the group consider their next course of action.

Two routes present themselves to Belmondo the Artificer’s workshop, a Hallway known to be trapped and a Trophy Room. They choose the latter and find the living statues of Belmondo’s victims, trapped in stone and deadly to boot. What’s worse is that the room features an elaborate mural showing the Cabals victory in taking the City which routinely steals the senses of those present letting the statues throttle their victims to death. Morn invokes the Hammer of Maran Gor and smashes much of the ensorcelled wall while Assamber rakes it with thunder and lightning. The statues are then soon dispatched.

The party debates. Do they push on for the Artificer or take a diversion and raid the Cabals store of weapons. They choose the latter and quickly disarm the magical glyphs protecting the door. Once inside they are confronted by a Cabal Golem which proceeds to kick them around the room. As they crash about vials of acid and clay jars of explosive flame explode and burn. The Golem has massive resistance to damage and the explosions are taking their toll on our heroes but finally it falls apart. They loot the room quickly uncovering many treasures. Vials of acid and jars of fiery death are the least of their hoard. Morn recovers a set of enchanted Dwarven Plate while Assamber recovers fundamental ice, drawn from the depths of the northern ocean and vials of Black Lotus Extract, the possession of which brings a sentence of death from the Cabal. The Lotus greatly expands the mind of any sorcerer inhaling it but at the risk of addiction, madness and death.

Pressing on they find the main hall deserted. The Cabal wizards are on the roof contending with Dwarven Astrologers while their Golems are being dismantled. The group pass below into the Workshop, a vast open space filled with bellows, forges, stone tables and a pair of Iron Golems. Belmondo is there as well, together with two Cabal wizards. He appears to be packing as the Golems load strange and sundry materials into two huge iron bound chests.

“Ahh, welcome, you must be the people who have caused Darius so much trouble. I assume you are here to kill me but I have a counter offer.” At that moment the Golems strike, crushing the two Cabal Wizards beneath metal fists. “Now that Darius’s spies are out of the way we can talk. Let me go and I will give you the passwords to enter the Spire.” There is more discussion. Belmondo has not crossed their path before so the only black mark is that he is a member of the Cabal. He also has two Golems and one of the caused them a lot of problems. They agree and he quickly steps into a ready teleportation circle vanishing. No doubt he will appear again in the future.

The group head below into the Armoury’s teleportation chamber. Five arcane circles are present and they quickly disable the four which lead to the Cabal Towers. Preparing themselves Assamber invokes the Linked Portal Ritual and they vanish. They do not appear where they expected and instead find themselves sat around a campfire, a small wizened and tattooed man sits across from them. He introduces himself, he is Utu Kamla the Elder, the first Wizard and he has an offer for them. He exists outside of reality, a part of the stream of magic itself and only when they used the Ritual could he contact them. He offers to aid them against Darius if they agree to save the Library of the Ancients. It is besieged by Chaos and he fears that his legacy to future generations will be lost. They agree and they find themselves stood in the Chamber of the Spire.

*cut scene*

The wizard Darius enters the hold of the ship of Death. As he goes he negates the wards which hold the creature inside the ship. Reaching the hold he shatters the final binding on the ancient stone coffin and flees. In the distance the Dragon Riders of Arkhosia bear down on the City.

In the West the Witches of the Kireshi perform their magic. Between them stream the murderous rogues hired by Nabonidus. Adventurers, killers and thieves, they are rotten to the core but have been drawn here by promise of limitless gold. The Kireshi place seeds from the heart of the Shrouded Oasis between the stones of the Plaza and whisper long lost sorceries to them. They quickly grow and spread and poisonous vines slither through the corrupted woods and around the Tower of Sorcery. Demons wake from their sleep to find themselves being choked to death but the Cabal is alerted. Necromancers hurl soul eating flames into the woods and men begin to die.

As the Dragons approach the Harbour the Ship of Death swings away from the dock breaking its moorings. The lid of the stone coffin is pushes aside and the mummified corpse of Darius the First emerges into the open air for the first time in two centuries. He activates the ships defences and several masses of bone and metal clamber onto the deck on spiky legs. The ship heads toward the approaching dragons and then into the air. Seeing the threat two of the Dragons move to intercept and battle is joined, incinerating flame against age old necromancy.

The third Dragon passes by and as it does so another ship takes to the air. The Windrunner, the ship of Alias, agent of the Order of Transcendental Inquiry. On one hand stands Kallista Antarion, on the other the Artificer Belomondo. The Dragon banks past them and descends on the City flames belching from its throat.

Session 11: Death is only the Beginning, Part 1

2008-12-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

We played the final session at the Heroic Tier tonight and I have to say it was awesome. We budgeted for a double session length to make sure we finished and still just managed to finish everything on time.

Tonight marked the final confrontation between the Cabal and the Rebellion/Players, a fight they have been building towards for the entire game. Who rules in the City of Kings will be decided today. Before that one or two final loose ends need to be tied up.

Act 1: Old Friends and Troubled Times

Morn makes a trip to the Temple of the Unfettered God and the Priestess M’Kemba. He wants answers, his God has broken their bargain and he wants to know why. He starts off all coy but M’Kemba seems to be on to him. She can sense his doubts. He calls in a favour he was promised for allying with the Cult of the Eternal, he asks M’Kemba to commune with his God to find out why he was abandoned. She agrees, reluctantly and begins her ritual dance. As it reaches feverpitch the spirit of the God infuses his priestess. Morn confronts him, the Spirit rebukes him. Morn rejected him, not the other way around. He spurned his power for the false power of Maran Gor and rejected the protection of his God due to his lust for Kyia.

There is a tussle, M’Kemba is thrown down, with a cry she draws a rune etched blade from the Altar, “If he had rejected you would he have had me create this!” Runes for freedom are etched on the blade and its power is apparent. Struggling with indecision Morn makes up his mind. He strikes at the Altar with the Hammer of Maran Gor. M’Kemba tries to intervene and the blade is shattered, the Priestess stunned on the ground. Morn, with his normal implacability, executes her for her false promises.

Night cloaks the Tower of Mael, Temple of the Sea God. Artemis is sleeping soundly when he is roughly awoken. Kallista, his half sister, stands over him. “I have come to tell you I am leaving, I owe you that much but no more. I have joined the Order, we should not meet again.” As she leaves she turns, “There is one thing you should now. I know where the Heart of Ashura is. Althea took me to the House of Blood, the home of the Hu’Maa the Vampire Lord. He has it. I would have told you but I didn’t want you to do something stupid and get yourself killed. Now it would be better if you did. If we cross paths again I will kill you.”

The next morning the Sun fails to rise. Darkness flows from the Spire which is cloaked in purple flames. The City falls to panic and chaos. People try to flee but a sandstorm blows from the desert to the south and the Harbour is choked with boats. The Temple of Mael is in uproar as rebellion warriors gather and receive their orders. In the false murk of night they steal through the City to their appointed positions. When the sandstorm hits the City then the attack will begin.

As they turn to leave our heroes are greeted by a visitor. The doors of the Temple creak open and a monster stands there. Eight feet tall, gangly green skin with protruding ivory tusks and dressed for winter the creature introduces itself as Vintu. The name is known to Assamber as one of the first children of Mael, possibly the last of his race. To Azhanti his name is a nightmare to scare children. He destroyed the first Dragonborn Empire and send the Dragon Gods to sleep with a magical Ice Age. He has an offer, he will aid them in the fight against the Cabal in exchange for the Key of Time. He explains that he cannot enter the Spire, it is the entrance to the Labyrinth and it is hungry for more immortal prisoners. Much hurried discussion ensues but ultimately they agree.

He withdraws and they head out to the Armoury and the Blood Market in which it is located. As they approach the Market Assamber notices two tall pale figures lurking in the doorway of a brothel. They are children of Hu’Maa, the Vampire Lord and they beckon them across. In a fit of possibly unwise trustworthiness they head in to the building. The ancient withered Tiefling Vampire sits on luxurious cushions surrounded by the bodies of staff and visitors to the brothel, their neck wounds very obvious. He has an offer for them, something which will be common to this day. He will aid them in their battle against the Cabal if they agree not to interfere with his operations in the City. More hurried discussion ensues and finally they say yes. He also advises them that Darius has unearthed a splinter of the Membin Stone, the Spike of Law which holds the Universe together and he is using it to fuel his ritual. He advises destroying it.Finally the group reach the edge of Blood Market and prepare themselves for their assault.

*cut scene*

In the skies above the City Pashtun witches ride flying carpets. Around them dance howling Djinn and terrible Efreeti. They have raised the powers of the desert to wipe the corruption of the City from the face of the earth. The Storm hits the City, gale force winds send blasting sand whipping through the streets and all is confusion and chaos. At the Blood Market a building falls into the earth opening a gaping hole and a phalanx of Stone Dwarves emerge to clash with the Golems. Hard faced killers slip through tormented alien woods and in the distance three winged figures grow ever closer.

Session 11: Death is only the beginning

2008-12-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

Change is coming to the City of Kings, as inevitable as the turning of the tide or the rising of the sun. At least it would be if the sun had risen this morning.

Panic has gripped the City and its people huddle in their homes or flee to the port desperate to seek escape from the darkness. Rumours are rife, some say that Darius is preparing to unleash a demonic plague on the City, others that Hu'Maa, the Vampire Lord plans to consume the population and turn everyone into his everliving thralls. Prophets of many Gods proclaim that the end of the world is nigh with each promising the path to salvation.

The forces of the Rebellion are finally gathered. Now is the day to finally destroy the Cabal which has shattered so many lives. In the Spire Darius, Master Demonologist, prepares to bind a Demon Lord to destroy the Rebellion once and for all.

But not all is necessarily as it seems. Other, older, forces begin to stir. A Conjunction is coming, an alignment of powers which draws many to the City hungry for the opportunities such an event brings.

In the dark hold of the Ship of Death an ancient evil begins to stir, roused to wakefullness by its children.
In the Shrouded Oasis the remnants of a long dead Primoridal screams in pain as its children seek revenge on those who slew him.
In the distance Dragon Riders of Arkhosia bear down on the City, eager for blood and death.
In the Temple of Mael a Pact is struck between two old adversaries.
From the far south Dwarven Astrologers come, reading signs in the stars.

Finally in the depths of the Labyrinthe a mad God dances eager for his release.

Into this Chaos come our heroes, a most unlikely bunch, whose decisions will ultimately shape the future.

Session 10: Beginning of the End Part 2

2008-11-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

Scene 4: the Ambush

Taking this as their cue the group springs its trap striking at the Grub who seems stunned by the backlash. The violence is swift and deadly but he recovers quickly. As the Ritual progressed he has slowly taken on his true form, a mass of blubbery flesh and tentacles. As he wades into the fight he reaches out with the last remaining power of the ritual and awakens a leviathan, a child of Mael sleeping at the bottom of an ocean trench. “Finally I will have my revenge on the Lokarnos for the wrongs done to my father.”

Seeing the risk Assamber urges an all out assault against him. Things are never so easy. The Grub conjures the icy chill of the lightless depths of the ocean around him and his flesh golems wreak a bloody path. Assamber drops an Ice Storm but it hampers his allies as much as his enemies although it does imprison some of them in Azhanti’s blade barrier. Morn sunders the golden chain imprisoning Kyia who promptly begins blasting away at the Grub for the indignities he has heaped on her.

For a time things look bad. Cassius draws blood with every blow of his spear and seems able to reach anywhere on the battlefield until Assamber freezes him in place. The Grub freezes those around him and tries to seize control of the bodies of enemies rupturing their organs and blood vessels. Morn, mostly immobilised for the fight, absorbs blow after blow from the Golems but finally manages to wreck one before going down himself. A few desperate prayers later he is back on his feet and swinging but so is the Golem, reanimated by the Grub.

Things are beginning to look desperate. Most of the groups healing is gone and the Grub shows little sign of stopping. The guards are down but the Golems seem hard to stop. Cassius is pressing Azhanti who seems close to dropping. Lightning crashes around the room and powerful winds swirl from the storm outside. Another huge wave crashes against the Temple but this time it brings with it something other than driftwood and sea spray. Akaran Trak’Ar has arrived to take vengeance on his old nemesis, dressed as a Warlock Priest of Mael he unleashes a barrage of sorcery against him.

Things get more confusing. Artemis takes his chance to rid himself of his hated enemy and tries to drives Trak’Ar off the balcony on to the rocks below. He fails and then redoubles his efforts against the Grub. Azhanti manages to bribe Cassius into switching sides and he charges the great blubbery mass. Finally unable to bear the weight of attacks against him Artemis plants an arrow in his great central eye and with a sigh the Child of Mael collapses into a disgusting mass of stinking fetid flesh. With the Grub dead the Leviathan slowly sinks back into its oceanic trench.

Scene 5: The Betrayal

Kyia throws herself into the arms of her father, overjoyed that he would risk himself to rescue her. Here at last is vindication that she is not just some playing piece to move on a political map. He does love her. Morn can see the love and happiness shining in her eyes and he sees it turn to grief and hate as Artemis plants an arrow in his back. She turns to Morn, furious, “Kill him” she snarls into his mind as around his wrists and throat Blood Tattoos burst to life chaining his mind to her will. “Kill him!”

Morn surges towards Artemis and smashes into him mace first. He pursues him time and again seeking to bring him down. A small voice in the back of his mind calls on the Unfettered God to preserve him. His God, who promises his worshippers freedom from all such bonds in exchange for their oaths does not answer. That voice sounds very small and very alone, like a child calling out in a vast empty cavern.

Acting quickly Azhanti moves to put a stop to things. The flat of his axe crashes into the side of Kyia’s head and she collapses unconscious to the ground as her father dies. Shaking himself from the fugue Morn looks around in confusion. His God has abandoned him, everything he once believed is a lie and the woman he might once have loved has betrayed him. He walks over to her unconscious form and gently picks her up. Stepping on to the balcony he casts her down onto the jagged rocks below.

Scene 6: The Meeting

It is several hours later and the Temple is still. Acolytes are busy scrubbing up the Grub from the floor of the main Temple while their Priest and his friends meet with the leaders of the Rebellion in the chambers below.

Antonius and Marat Kesh are both there. An olive branch is offered and accepted. Old wounds are healed and a place on the rebellion High Command is offered to Artemis. He accepts it and takes the position of General. Together they begin to plan their final attack against the Cabal. They know they don’t have much time, they must secure the Spire by noon tomorrow or the Dragon Riders will decimate the City.

As they discuss the disposition of Kireshi Witches and Stone Dwarves Catalia, mother of Artemis and senior priestess of the Cult of the Eternal collapses screaming in pain. “The Spire, oh by all the Gods, what is he doing.” In the distance the Spire can be seen lit up like a candle, cloaked in putrid purple flames. “Darius seeks to open a gate to the Abyss, he would conjure a demon lord to fight the Emperor, you must stop him”

*cut scene*

The Iron Lord Walks

In the great market of the City of Kings stands a massive stone building. It is called the Armoury and it is home to Belmondo the Artificer, a leader of the Cabal. Inside he works day and night on the creation of newer and more horrifying machines of war. On top of the building stands an enormous metal statue, covered in a cloak of iron. It is twice the size of any other Golem possessed by the Cabal. Rumour has it that the creature beneath the iron cloak is alive and that it watches over the City but few believe that, until tonight.

With a crash the iron curtain falls and the monstrous Iron Lord walks. A mass of metal, claws and scything mandibles it carves a bloody path through the City to squat in the doorway of the Spire to protect its master and allow him to complete his terrible ritual.

Session 10: Beginning of the End Part 1

2008-11-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: Flight of the Windrunner

Welcome back to the City of Kings. Matters in the Dragonborn camp move apace. A new Warlord is chosen, Balasar the Huntsman and the army prepares to withdraw.

Now, however, we turn our attention back to the fate of Artemis, Pashtun Ranger. Having left the meeting with the Rebellion he has lost himself in the flesh pits and gambling dens of the City. As all must do eventually his finds himself washed up in the Palace of the Grub where every sin of flesh or soul is available at the right price. Losing himself for several days he is rudely awakened by an insistent knocking at his door.

Bleary eyed he welcomes his visitor, Alias Windstorm, member of the Order of Transcendental Inquiry and renegade Wizard. He is highly agitated and being out in the day, especially here, puts his life at great risk. He comes to the point quickly, “It’s time to get out Artemis, everything’s going to shit here. The Dragonborn have broken with the Emperor and he’s sending Dragon Riders to raze the City. I came to warn you before I leave and to give you these.” He throws a small leather pouch on the bed. “This is a sending stone, if you do survive use it to contact me. I know you are likely to do something stupid so here is a key to the Cabals armoury and a map of the layout. There’s a map of their forces in there too. If you do manage to take them down let me know, I am sure I can make you a good offer.” With that he is gone, as quickly as he arrived.

Scene 2: The Binding of the Betrayer

Again we cast our minds back, but only a little way this time, to last night, in the Temple of Mael, where Assamber pores over the spellbooks of the sorceress Althea. As he reads them things become clearer, the words to a ritual form themselves in his mind. He snatches up the skull they took from Althea and a name springs to life, Yusmida, the Betrayer!

Gathering his things he heads out into the night. The components for the ritual must be bought, ground human bones and the blood of an innocent man wrongfully accused. The night market is a den of vileness, hags and witches rub shoulders with necromancers and demonologists. Slavers and drug pushers work with kidnappers and bounty hunters. The market is tolerated by the Cabal because it is watched over by Hu’Maa, the Vampire Lord. His children keep order in the market and even the Cabal do not dare to test their power against that of the Vampire.

Making his purchases Assamber hurries homeward. Glancing back he notices the necromancer he bought his goods from frantically gesturing to one of the children of the night. A keening wail goes up as several of them begin to close on his position and he flees. Desperate to escape he takes to the tunnels but they clearly know them better than he does and his illusions do not fool them. He is quickly caught and taken before their master.

Hu’Maa is cloaked in shadows and is most interested in just what Assamber intends to do with the Skull of Yusmida the Betrayer. Yusmida was castellan to the last Centurion King and betrayed him to the Cabal. For his crimes he was cursed and now wanders the Halls of the Shattered Throne as a ghost. The Skull can be used to summon him but Assamber does not possess the power to compel him. Seemingly amused by his temerity Hu’Maa provides him with a scroll, The Binding of Yusmida, a ritual designed to compel the ghost if he will not work with them willingly.

Returning to the Temple Assamber gathers his friends and prepares the ritual. Human bone marks out a sorcerous circle, black candles sputter fitfully in the darkness and the blood slowly drips onto the skull. Thick smoke rises and the form of the short pudgy eunuch emerges out of the fog. “You are no Cabal wizard, why have you summoned me?” Steeling himself against the apparition Assamber rises to his full height. “I seek you help to overthrow the Cabal, will you help me” The ghost regards him with hate filled eyes, “Release me from the power of the skull and I will do as you ask. Smash it into pieces and I will bring death to Darius and all of his kind.” He shakes his head, “How can I trust you Betrayer, your reputation precedes you.” He begins to read from the scroll. “By the power of the Primordials I bind you”, as he chants glowing chains of magic wrap themselves around the ghost. Assamber inscribes the runes of the five Primordials on his smoky form, he rages and screams, skeletal claws thrust across the barrier to be seared by necromantic flames. A battle of wills surges throughout the cellar but, at the last, Assamber is victorious. Yusmida departs, subdued, leaving behind nothing but the stench of the grave.

Scene 3: Mael Awakens

We return at last to the present and the plans to deal with the Imperial Legions bearing down on the City in the Lokarnos City Ship Behemoth. Assamber has concluded a deal with The Grub. Together they will raise the power of Mael to drive away the ship. What the Grub doesn’t know is that Assamber plans to kill him once the ritual is done. Of course the Grub has a surprise of his own in store.

The Grub arrives dead on time carried on his Divan by his Flesh Golem bearers. He also brings Cassius, his personal guard and a number of men at arms. Finally comes Kyia, beautiful Tiefling Princess in little more than a gold bikini and attached to him by a slender golden chain.

They gather in the Fane of the Temple, open to the sea. The Ritual begins and together Assamber and Mael call up the powers of the ocean depths and the storms. Assamber can sense the heart of the Temple of Ul-oo-thee, God of the Lokarnos, Lord of Stability and Stagnation. Alarms have sounded, temple priests rush to perform the Rituals of Becalming and deep in the heart of the Temple something dark and malignant awakes. Everything is going to plan, the tides have turned, storm clouds have gathered and Assamber prepares to divert the very currents of the Ocean against them when Azhanti interferes. He draws on the power of the storm and his own God Vulcan to strafe the City with lightning but does so clumsily. They are detected and the malignant force at the heart of the Temple becomes aware of them. It brings its power to bear and they are all buffeted by psychic winds. Crying out in pain Assamber finishes the Ritual and sends a pulse of magical power at both the ship and the Grub.

Session 10: Beginning of the End

2008-11-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

Matters in the City of Kings continue to move at a pace. The allies of the Rebellion are nearly all in place. The Dragonborn army has withdrawn and events conspire to deal with the Arkhosia legions which lie just off the coast. The time to strike against the Cabal will be soon, only a few small matters remain to be dealt with.

The Grub, that most odious and contemptible of creatures must die and, in killing him, our heroes will rescue Kyia the lust of Morns life. Akaran Trak'Ar, head of House Trak'Ar and father to Kyia is also on the hit list. One way or another his feud with Artemis will end. Finally our heroes must find a way to mend fences with the Rebellion or perhaps break some heads.

This night promises to be a particularly violent one. Blood will run in the sacred halls of Mael for the first time in many many years.

Meanwhile in the Spire, Darius, Master of the Cabal schemes. He can feel the threads of destiny pulling more tightly around him. Not one to sit idle he begins his own preparations for the conflict which he knows must come soon.

Session 9: The Long Road Home Part 3

2008-11-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

Thunder at the Gates of Time

Feeling secure in his new position Azhanti decides it is time to move against the Warlord Najentus. He learns that the Warlord has gathered his forces more quickly than expected and is already marching on the City. Acting quickly he calls a meeting of the Clan Council, the only group which can challenge the decisions of the Warlord. Four members currently make up the Council. Najentus has maintained his place on it despite his elevation to Warlord so that he can block any attempt by the Council to stymie his ambitions.

In a move designed to challenge his authority Azhanti calls a meeting of the Council of Five.

The group return to the City the same way they left and quickly find themselves in the Temple of Mael. A message arrives for Azhanti, Najentus wishes to meet with him in private before tomorrow’s meeting. He decides to go and takes Morn and Assamber with him. His two companions must wait outside. As they watch the tent of the Warlord the serpent priest Sheol emerges and glares at them. Inside Azhanti learns much of what has been happening.

Najentus explains much of his plans. The ancient Dragonborn Empire of Arkhosia has been reborn and its Emperor now sends his armies out to conquer the world. Five legions of imperial shock troops lie just off the coast in the Lokarnos City Ship Behemoth. Once the Cabal have exhausted themselves destroying the Rebellion then they will strike. The Legion will seize the docks, disable the defences and Imperial Troops will sweep into the City. A new Dragonborn King will sit on the Throne and he will need a High Priest he can trust. The humans will bend their knees to Najentus and the entire Tiefling race will be given to the Emperor as his slaves.

The plan is audacious but Azhanti is persistent. He stresses the need for the Warlord to respect the traditions of the Clan and restore the Council. He pleads on behalf of the Rebellion to aid them against the Cabal before taking the City for the Dragonborn. His makes an impassioned case and gives even Najentus pause for thought. He promises to think on the matter and reconsider at the meeting tomorrow. As Azhanti leaves the tent the Veni serpent priest emerges from the shadows “Should I kill him?” “No, not yet, he might still be useful to us.”

With much still to think about Azhanti, Morn and Assamber make the rounds of the Council members.

Xaltotun, the Warlock, meets them in his disturbing tent filled with bones and body parts. He is an aged Dragonborn, almost a mummy and was in Azhanti’s vision of the future. His command of the elements is prodigious but he is quickly swayed by promise of the Cabals sorcery and the possessions of Darius, their leader.

Tanith, High Priest of Vulcan presents a more difficult task. Humans are forbidden from entering the shrine and he has strong loyalties to the Warlord seeing him as the best hope for their people. His faith is shaken when Azhanti reveals the Warlords offer to replace him and his association with the forbidden Veni priests.

Balasar the Hunter welcomes them into his tent. He has heard of their victory over a Dragon and is keen to hear the tale. He offers to have its hide enchanted with powerful sorcery. He has many doubts about the Warlord but is reluctant to counter his orders. He respects the line of command and fears for the morale of the Legion if its commanders quarrel. Ultimately he agrees to help only if the other Council members do and only if the Warlord position returns to its ancient roots as a leader in time of war only.

As night closes in Azhanti spends his time walking amongst the common soldiers of the Legion speaking of the faith of Vulcan. Morn settles in with a group of Warriors and together they swap war stories. As he listens to their talk he is left with the distinct impression that the Dragonborn army will be on neither side in the coming conflict (Azhanti hasn’t been sharing with the rest of the group).

Assamber returns to town. At the Temple he finds Torvad Nom, the Hidden Priest from the City Ship Behemoth waiting for him. The Behemoth stands only a short distance away from the city and has 5000 Dragonborn warriors on it waiting to invade. He advises Assamber to flee before fire and death engulf the City. Desperate to stop this Assamber takes the plunge. He visits the Grub, a child of Mael and asks for his help. The Grub represents the darker side of Mael, the Lord of Monsters as opposed to Assambers vision of him as the Lord of Change. There he learns that the Cabal came from the continent of Arkhosia where once they enslaved the Dragonborn until they rebelled against their cruelty.

Concerned about the presence of such a large army the Grub agrees to help. Together they will perform a ritual powerful enough to drive away the ship so it cannot make landfall. The ritual will take time to prepare and news of what is happening still has to spread. Assamber contacts Morn who speaks with the Rebellion.

The next day Azhanti meets with the Council. He faces down Najentus and forces him to accept a new member onto the Council to take the place he should have vacated. Then the difficult work begins. Azhanti seeks a change of policy, the Warlord refuses. The serpent priest is brought before the Council and makes many threats. The authority of the newly returned Emperor is questioned and Najentus comes close to being deposed by his own council. At the last moment he relents in the face of strong opposition and agrees to withdraw the Legion to test the Emperors strength. If he is who he claims to be then he will be able to land his troops without their aid.

Incensed at the about face Sheol acts. He murders Najentus where he stands, poisoned blades piercing his throat and vanishes in a cloud of darkness promising dire retribution.

*cut scene*

The Imperial Palace of the Emperor of Arkhosia

A palace mage in robes of crimson enters the chambers of the Emperor. “My Lord, the Warlord has failed us, the High Lightning Clan retreats from the field.”

“So be it, unleash the dragon riders, I will see the home of Reptos reduced to rubble before this is over.”

Session 9: The Long Road Home Part 2

2008-11-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

The Path of Lightning

Having returned from the Dragons Cave one task still remains to Azhanti. He must face the current Voice in the Ring of Fire and walk the Path of Lightning. No voice has ever simply stepped down for a successor, the title must be won by force of arms.

The Priests of Vulcan gather around the sacred circle. Their ceremonial axes crash against the hard volcanic rock and a pillar of lightning arcs down from the sky to stand in the centre of the circle. Azhanti waits patiently as Nihlil makes his slow and painful way down the steps, age weakening his steps. As he reaches the bottom he casts away his staff and lets his robe slip to the ground. As he takes the ceremonial axe the years slip away from him and he is, once again, the young warrior who fought many times in the arena. He raises his axe to his old pupil, “defend yourself, you will receive no quarter” and he surges to attack.

The two circle each other and their axes clash again and again. As they do lightning courses through the circle enveloping them both. Each time it strikes a new vision is shown to Azhanti. First, his meeting with Nihlil in the arena who would teach him so much; second his long days training in the temple; third his first meeting with Humans who tried to cheat him of what was rightfully his; fourthly a vision of the future where the Primordials loom large in the background and five indistinct figures walk before them. Lightning pours through the circle, Nihlil’s axe bites again and again and only Azhanti’s faith and magic sustain him. As the vision of the future fades he turns and strikes, Nihlil slips, age betraying his limbs and the axe buries itself in his chest. As he falls away into death he whispers one last piece of advice to his old student, “only you can stop the Warlord now, remember your training.”

Lightning takes hold of him for one last time and a vision of the far future opens up. Azhanti makes his slow way up a winding mountain path to a Temple. The last stage of his quest for Godhood is before him, he must face Vulcan in his First Temple and wrest control of the winds from him. As he makes his way up the mountain he passes an old man leaning on a staff who calls to him as passes. “Think about what you are doing my young friend, are you sure it is worth it...” He ignores him and walks on.

As the last spark of lightning fades Azhanti finds himself alone in the Circle. All around the Caldera the thunder of Vulcan rumbles proclaiming his new Voice but to Azhanti it sounds hollow and powerless. The body of Nihlil is gone, only the Mantle of the Prophet remains. The Priests of the Temple kneel silently surrounding him.

Session 9: The Long Road Home Part 1

2008-11-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

Into the Depths

After the difficult meeting with the rebellion leaders Artemis heads off into the City fuming (the player missed the session). Azhanti receives an urgent message from the Temple, the Warlord Najentus has invested the Temple with his troops and is trying to supplant the Voice of the Dragon, Azhanti’s old mentor.

Fearing the consequences the group gathers at the Temple of Mael and prepares to go to Nihlils aid. Assamber has recently mastered a new ritual, the Linked Portal and Azhanti provides him with the design for the Temple of Vulcan. After a day of furious scribbling and redrawing the circle is ready. A great coiled dragon covered in runes is outlined on the floor of the Temple. Invoking his powers the dragon animates and swallows the group teleporting them many miles to the west, into the volcanic caves of Vulcan’s temple.

Immediately the alarm is raised. No human has ever set foot in the sacred precincts before but Azhanti bullies the lesser priests into accepting their presence. He is brought before Nihlil in the heart of the temple where he rests beneath a great statue of their God. The two renew bonds of an old friendship while Martek, pawn of Najentus watches with hateful intent. The unpleasant spell of burning acid wafts down from his two hooded companions.

The next day the Temple Priests gather at the great gates to the underways. Those who seek the position of Voice must first receive the blessing of Fulmenus, progenitor of the Clan. He lies coiled deep below the volcano and the aspirants must reach him and stand within his jaws. The worthy will be blessed with his breath, the unworthy will be eaten. At the gates there is much posturing between Azhanti and Martek who reveals his companions as Seeping Poison Dragonborn, a clan long thought lost. Morn puts his imposing bulk to good use and stares down the normally steadfast Martek.

As the gates open both groups head in, each seeking to be the first to reach the Chamber of the Dragon. All competitors are fair game until such time as his jaws open to accept those who seek the position of the Voice. Our three heroes make their way through the lave caves quickly and quietly. Assamber puts his magic to good use conjuring a glowing map of their travels to avoid getting lost in the twisting passages and the group make good time reaching the crumbling chamber well ahead of the competition.

The Dragon is enormous even with only its head visible. The Chambers shudders with the sound of its heartbeat and the breath from its nostrils sets a wind in the tunnels strong enough to bowl over a strong man. The group decide on subterfuge putting the Hat of Disguise to good use. Azhanti disguises himself as Assamber who takes up a position well in cover. As Martek and his servants arrive they fool them into believing that Azhanti has fallen. Seeking to brush them aside Martek makes his way to the Dragon when they spring their ambush. The fight is fast and furious. As they battle the dragons breath grows quicker and more deadly. The chamber shakes with his awakening and all of the combatants are thrown around. Rocks crash down from the ceiling, sections of the floor collapse and poisonous volcanic gas vents into the chamber.

Martek proves his skill in battle and as a leader of men. The twin serpent priests ply their deadly trade but Sobol is kept out of much of the fight by Assamber’s magic eventually being hurled broken and bent into a handy pit. Morn sustains massive damage with Martek determined to remove him so he cannot interfere. It is not enough, the healing power of Morn and Azhanti combined keeps him alive and Martek on the back foot. As the Dragons Jaws open Assamber sends Martek hurtling into the back of the room with a mighty fist of ice while Azhanti leaps in. Pulling himself free Martek makes one last desperate dash for glory but is cruelly struck down by Morns Hammer. As the Jaws close Azhanti gives him the nod and the spike crashes down on Marteks skull ending his ambitions.

Alone in the darkness the smell of ozone and the feeling of being trapped is almost overwhelming. Azhanti finds himself the focus of a power far greater than his own. His worth and his mettle are tested, his every flaw exposed, examined and weighed in the balance. Through it all one things runs though his mind, "are you worthy.” The answer is always the same, “yes, I am ready.” Sensing amusement at his presumption he is expelled by the Dragon and bathed in lightning. Fulmenus accepts him despite or perhaps because of his audacity.

Returning to the surface they are hailed as heroes, Azhanti has been accepted by the Breath of the Dragon and Morn and Assamber are considered honorary Dragonblood, they have felt the touch of Fulmenus.

Session 9: The Long Road Home

2008-11-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

In the City of Kings the loose alliance of men, Tieflings and Kireshi hangs in the balance. Tempers have flared and much remains uncertain. Now however a new threat thrusts itself to the fore. Nihlil, aging Prophet of Vulcan is dying and the Warlord Najentus, allied to the Cabal, seeks to usurp his position.

If the pawn of Najentus dons the Mantle of the Prophet then the Warlord will achieve total control of the Clan. Fearing what that would entail Azhanti prepares to return to the Temple, his home for much of his life, to stand in the Sacred Circle and seek the Mantle for himself.

Three trials await anyone seeking the Mantle. First they must receive the Breath of the Dragon, the Blessing of Fulmenus. Second they must face their challengers in the Circle of Steel before fnally confronting their own demons on the Path of Lightning.

Azhanti does not return home alone, Morn and Assamber are with him but it remains to be seen how the isolationist Dragonborn will react to strangers in their midst.

Session 8: The Key of Time Part 2

2008-10-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

Night falls and the group return to their sleeping quarters to rest and recuperate. It is not to be and they are woken by screams in the night. Enemies have broken into the Temple, scaled serpent cultists swarm through the darkness and a scaly serpent priest (looking remarkably like a Dragonborn) seeks to flee with both the Key of Time and Artemis’ mother.

Fierce battle is joined. The priest tries to escape but cannot, Assamber freezes him in place and Artemis disarms him of both his prizes. Cultists die in their droves and poisonous weapons find homes in flesh. Ultimately outmatched and bereft of his targets the serpent priest flees. Investigating the shrine they find Diana, handmaiden to the High Priestess sobbing over her corpse. She has been murdered by the serpent priest. Diana is grief stricken and she demands that the Key be returned as the most sacred relic remaining to the Cult.

The group are reluctant to hand it back. It has been stolen once before from the Cult, there is no guarantee they can keep it safe. Diana is insistent. Artemis’ mother comes round and supports her. They still refuse. As he examines the body of the High Priestess Morn finds Diana pressed close against him. Her scent is intoxicating and her words ensnare his mind. “Bring me the Key.”

He cannot resist and easily knocks Artemis to the ground taking the key to Diana. Smiling as she takes it she raises her hands and unleashes fiery death against him hurling him backwards as he recovers from her mental seduction. The Shrine breaks out into violence, Diana reveals herself as the Succubus Sinestra who nearly killed them in Nabonidus’ home. Her Efreet come at her call again and she traps Azhanti and Morn in the small shrine with a wall of fire. Seeking escape she flees outside where she is stopped by Assamber who rugby tackles her to the ground. Again and again they roll backwards and forwards, Assamber clinging on for dear life. Morn destroys the side wall of the temple and they engage the Succubus again. Calling her Efreet to her she tries to immolate her enemies but she cannot overcome them. Finally she falls to Assamber who drives his thumbs into her eyes and freezes her brain solid.

Collapsing in exhaustion, utterly spent they are taken into the tender arms of the Cult. Once again wounds are tended, burns healed and reserves replenished. In the days following the group recover and the Cult makes ready to leave. The journey out of the Oasis is much less eventful than the one into it and as they head to the City the group take a chance to check on one or two things they left behind. They find that Isaac has once again failed to become Chief of Clan Antarion and they wave at all those who told them they would never return from the south.

As they enter the City Artemis refuses to take his mother to the home of Trak’Ar as agreed. Instead he imprisons her in the temple of Mael where they fill in Nabonidus on events. A meeting of the Rebellion leaders is called in the cells beneath the Arena.

The group arrive quickly and find themselves meeting the leadership of the Rebellion. Trak’Ar is there as well and accuses Morn and Nabonidus of being involved in the treason. Tempers flare, voices are raised and many claims made by all sides. Trak’Ar insists on the return of his wife, Artmeis refuses, Morn complains they are shown no respect, Azhanti makes a plea for unity and Antonius is offended by the groups obvious prejudice against Tieflings. Trak’Ar demands Antonius returns his wife or their deal is off and Assamber assents to her removal from the Temple if she wishes it. At an impasse the group leave and matters remain tense between all concerned. Morn tries to smooth things over with his old ally Marat Kesh but it doesn’t seem to help.

As they leave Azhanti receives news, a sorcerous message.

“Najentus has invested the Temple, Nihlil is close to dying, come quickly, bring help.”

*cut scene*

Not far away on the Plains of Cadiz the Dragonborn legion gathers. In the central tent the Warlord Najentus dismisses his officer’s reports of supply trains and weapon stores. Turning he regards the serpentine figure prostrate before him. “You have failed me, the Emperor will be most displeased. Now we will have to take more drastic measures. Go, if you fail again do not bother to return...”

Session 8: The Key of Time Part 1

2008-10-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Having secured the aid of the Dwarves the group turn their attention to the Kireshi and Artemis’ mother. She is hidden in the Shrouded Oasis, a place of mystery and danger deep within the great salt flats of Gods Fall. Securing more riding lizards they head across the burning sands to a meeting loaded with conflict.

Reaching the edge of the flats they are stopped by a patrol of Kireshi nomads. They have orders to take them to their leader. More trekking across burning hot wasteland brings the group to a small encampment. They are brought before Three, one of the most senior male Kireshi. He has heard about the Bow of Ashura and quizzes them about where they got it and what else they took from the Tomb. Learning of the theft of the Heart he becomes despondent. The Heart was the price demanded by his people to help the Cult of the Eternal defeat the Cabal. Without it there will be a war his people cannot win. With it Ashura, the despotic Emperor of their prehistory will rise and subjugate the continent.

Seeing little hope with either option Three insists that the Bow at least remains. If it enters the Oasis then the Circle of Women will learn of what has happened and chaos will result.

Taking a spare bow for Artemis the group head out into the desert looking for the Oasis, mulling over what Three has told them. Desert crystals are manipulated which show a path to one of the old Temples of the Light. A ritual is enacted but something goes wrong, the Oasis is found but so is a giant worm. The group flee, panicked, into the jungle Oasis almost immediately losing their bearings. A hard trek leads them through the homes of carnivorous apes, through caverns of man eating plants and finally an escape across a hastily completed vine bridge.

They descend into the peaceful island retreat of the Cult of the Eternal battered, bruised and weakened. They are greeted by gentle white robed priestesses of the Eternal who soothe their hurts and feed them sweet fruits of the jungle. Artemis speaks to his mother who tries to convince him that it is her decision to return to Trak’Ar but he cannot accept it.

The group are invited to dine with the High Priestess. More chatter is had and more secrets are revealed. The Cult of the Eternal was betrayed to the Cabal by Althea; Sopias lies bound beneath the Spire and is kept there by sacrifice of the blood of the Centurion King who has been missing for 300 years; Trak’Ar seeks to place his daughter on the throne as Queen; The Cult holds the Key of Time, the only device which can control the great doors to the Spire and the Cult has finally decided to move. They will be coming with the group when they return to the City.

Session 8: The Key of Time

2008-10-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

Having secured the help of the Dwarves out heroes turn their attention to the next task, finding the Shrouded Oasis, home of the Kireshi and refuge for Artemis' mother.

The Oasis is a mystical place, sacred to the Kireshi. It is the last remnant of their Empire, hidden away in the heart of Gods Fall, the burning salt flats they call home. Few travellers have ever ventured there, most are turned away by the Kireshi before they come anywhere close. Those few who have reached the Oasis and returned tell of a land filled with dangerous monsters, murderous vegetation and temples to Gods best forgotten.

Now Artemis must go there, find his mother and return her to the man who raped and abused her...