Mome, Arch-Duke Montague I

Archduke of Bigany
Second Admiral of The Bigany Navy
Bearer of The Mome Crown

“Never play cards with that silver tongued devil!”, Krumnor Forc.

Montague is the head of the Mome noble house in Bigany. Initial impressions of Montague Mome are always of a vacuous foppish dandy with the retention capacity of a sieve. He appears shallow, easily distracted and afflicted with verbal diahorrea of overwhelming irrelevancy.

Beneath this public veil lies a man of intensely serious focus. Montague manages the affairs of his family, his noble house, and his businesses with supreme efficiency. He is the kings foremost advisor and the chief liaison between The Church of The Moons and The Crown. Rumour has it that he is a worshipper of Stiuradh and has ties to the inquisition.

Montague Mome in either guise is a formidable negotiator. Merchants and nobles alike complain of his silver tongue and beguiling ways. He is a consummate actor, a compelling orator and is renowned for his mastery of logic and rhetoric.

However it is Montague’s his ability to read people and situations that is his most formidable asset. Nothing fools Montague Mome. No lie or feint, no subterfuge or disguise and no exquisitely crafted bluff has been able to deceive him since he became head of the Mome house.

When Montague was a boy he was subjected to rigorous testing for psionic aptitude by the then king, Edgar Kinnett XII. While he was far too flamboyant to be trained as a monk and too physically weak to be a psychic warrior, his natural psychic ability to powerfully project his emotions made him an ideal candidate for training as an Ardent. As a result he spent several years under the tutorship of Troy Kinnett. Once his studies were complete he joined the Bigany Navy for a three year tour where he rose swiftly through the ranks and won several naval honours. Both his considerable connections and equally considerable ability as a naval officer were rewarded with a captain’s commission within two years of his joining the Navy.

In the early years of his reign over the Mome house, there were many rumours alleging his direct involvement in a plethora of exciting clandestine activities using various rakish disguises. He was linked with a few adventuring bands and even some minor criminals. Nothing of course was ever substantiated. It is said that this Mome wild streak, which he indulged as a younger man, is what motivates him to tolerate if not strongly encourage the outrageous Mome parties that have recently become famous for the faux-derring-do of the nobles involved

Today, Montague is one of the most influential nobles of the Kingdom of Bigany. He subtly influences and imposes the kings will. He has been a key advisor to the last three kings and has had their confidence. While Montague is not above weaving the affairs of state from his mansion in the city and at court, he is also utterly loyal to the crown and king. The skill-bonding imposed upon him by the crown decades ago has never needed to be tested. Montague Mome is one of the few nobles who is given free reign to enter both the Church of The Moons and the Bigany Citadel.

Evergreen, Earl Cromwell I

Master of House Evergreen

Earl of Evergreen

Cromwell Evergreen I, an efficient and energetic businessman, is the young rising star of the Mome allied merchant houses of The Kingdom of Bigany. He has steadily increased the considerable fortunes of the Evergreen Shipping Company along with those of his house since being made Master of the House ten years ago.

Cromwell is the son of Remington Evergreen III and daughter of Austen Evergreen (born Austen Onasis). It is worth noting that Cromwell was not given his father’s name as was expected. This points to the strength of Austen’s influence over the Evergreen family at the time. Rumour has it that Cromwell was not named after an obscure Onasis relative of Austen’s as she claimed, but after Cromwell Sutherland Trump IV, with whom she had a love affair before her arranged marriage to Remington. More dedicated and courageous gossipmongers suggest knowingly (with raised eyebrows no less) that the love affair was consummated frequently, energetically and wildly. Some go as far as to imply that her son was conceived before her marriage and that Cromwell Trump spurned her affections once he realised she was carrying his illegitimate progeny.

Cromwell’s success in running the Evergreen fleet has been in greatly enhanced by the assistance of his factor and childhood friend Angelico Di Botero. Cromwell and Angelico were tutored together between the ages of eight and sixteen by one of Bigany’s the most prized educators, Lady Delilah Gythinbarian Torc.

The Slaying of Ungolaregh

AK510-40 Dark Autumn Start Week 1 [Charon Watching, Shale Watching, Cycles Guiding]

Cogaday (morning)

To fulfil Ethan's promise, they prepared to slay Ungolaregh. The plotting and planning went on well into the night. There would be no SWANT this time. The Kobold Bromjorix was a dangerous assassin and he had fled Ungolaregh several times. The spider was colossal he claimed. Even if he was exaggerating, the spider must still be a potent foe. They rested overnight and in the morning they prepared spells and weapons for battle. Appleby prepared flames to burn her webs and wards against venom to counter her paralysing bite. Jo coated many arrows with a strange alchemical substance he had invented. This substance would stop wounds from closing, he explained to Bob Charmer who wasn't listening, until he heard that it could be applied to arrows. A target of any size would bleed to death quite quickly he claimed. Bob eagerly accepted the coated arrows once he knew how effective they would be in battle.

The made their way with little stealth to the creatures lair and slew a few minor arachnids along the way. When they arrived at her lair, Ungolaregh was uninterested in venturing forth to meet them. Spiders always favour a fight within their own lair. Many kobold spies had died to discover that her lair was fed from many smaller chambers which contained her many thousands of offspring. Appleby had faced one of her children only recently and was in no doubt that arachnid reinforcements would prove very unwelcome. She waited with eternal patience, couched in her thick webs.

The battle was fierce and swift. The colossal spider inched into view concealed by her webs then spewed a fountain of her webbing ooze over Ethan. He was perfectly immobilised as the goo dried to iron hardness in an instant. That was her first mistake decided the druid as he summoned the power of flames and created an inferno around her enormous body. Ungolaregh was as staggeringly enormous as the assassin had promised. Her body could have crushed the Charon arena in Woodhaven or covered the entire main square. The creatures size was no concern to the Druid as his control over summoned flame was great enough to allow him to surround several creatures of such magnitude. The flames burned the spider and her webs. It sealed off the other chambers and left her with only one escape route, towards her attackers.

Todd, Jo and Bob, launched a volley of arrows over the flames and thanks to the creatures enormous bulk they all struck true. Through luck, skill and instinct both Bob and Todd found vulnerable areas. Jo's substance caused fountains of black blood to belch forth from her wounds and the spider was enraged. From under a small hill of sticky webbing Ethan Namer sang to rouse his allies. His voice was severely distorted by the web strands forcing his mouth shut but his implacable courage in the face of arachnid death impressed his companions.

She charged into them and the were hurled back by her bulk. She struck out at both Todd and Bob with vicious bites coated in vile globs of stinking venom. Bob managed to dodge to the side to prevent his head from being sliced off by her reeking mandibles. The impact of her enormous yellow teeth ripped the flesh off the top of his skull as he darted away. Bob had been wounded many times and knew that this injury would heal and the pain could be borne. But he would always be left with the memory of the putrid stench of her appalling breath. That would leave a scar. Todd had to laugh at Bob's expression when the smell hit them. It was bad Todd agreed, but if you had worked in a tannery and sneaked through the sewers beneath, you knew all about bad smells. This rated only a factor seven on the Stuffitt scale.

Ungolaregh's assault relented for a brief moment as she waited for her poison to paralyse the two archers. They had wounded her so very painfully and she would savour those little morsels, piece by piece. But her poison was no match for the druid's magic and they stood before her undaunted. That was mistake number two thought the druid as his crackling staff almost broke one of the hairy black pillars she used for legs. He casually directed a small fire elemental to free the trapped bard and waited for the archers to strike again.

More missiles were shot from the three archers and with Jo's alchemy powering them they ended the conflict rapidly. Bob's last two sonic arrows punched through her eyes and exploded in her brain.

"Nice shot" Jo understated.

Todd was already darting through the sticky webs looking for valuables as the colossal carcass thunderously slammed into the ground. Dust rained down over the victors as they stood back in satisfaction.

From under the web mountain came the wise and inspiring voice of the bard, "Err... could somebody get me out of here!?"

A Nation Awakes

AK510-40 Dark Autumn Start Week 1 [Charon Watching, Shale Watching, Cycles Guiding]

Moonday (afternoon)

"Cool!" shouted Jo. "Let's go and have a look!" he was out the door and onto the lift before anyone could catch their breath. They scrambled after him. There were quite a few fervent prayers of thanks uttered, as the lift rocketed up to the storage level.

When they entered the storage chamber the smell of magically energised kellum hit them like a wall. The storage racks were purposefully animated and were pushing the warforged bodies towards a hole in the floor. Each body was inserted into the hole, as fast as the mechanism could manage. Todd realised that the bodies must be going to the animation chamber. Seconds later they were all charging back to the lift. When they arrived at the animation level they were greeted by the sight they'd prayed for.

The three hundred foot wide chamber held two enormous stone constructions. One, like a shapely bulbous teat descended from the ceiling. The other was it's opposite twin. Between them crackled a thick incandescent energy whose colour wavered erratically through the rainbow. A colossal metal arm was taking warforged bodies from a hole in the ceiling and placing them in the energy pillar before returning to retrieve another. They watched a body as it entered the pillar. It jolted violently as it hit the energy and then went slack and slid down the sides of the stone mound. It hit the floor below and crumpled into a heap. A few moments later the warforged opened its eye and climbed shakily to its feet. It moved to join a small crowd of other newly animated warforged huddled together in a confused group.

Jo of Kell introduced himself and then the Namer. Ethan Named them 'Saighdiuri Amhran'. As 'Soldiers of the Song' he told them they must follow his orders and those of his companions. They all arranged specific salutes.

Ethan: Arm outstretched palm facing away.

Appleby: A hand smack to the heart, snapping to a horizontal salute.

Charmer: Crossed arms and a raised eyebrow.

Todd: Covering the face with a cloak and breathing deeply.

Jo: A confused and distracted spin and question about what was going on.

Ethan named each new arrival. This continued for several hours until the magical energy they had produced in the elemental reactor was expended. Jo enthusiastically kept count. In the end 1700 warforged were animated and Named. Ethan and Jo decided that their education should commence immediately and called upon the Ibixians to assist in their combat training. They were brought to the training level and were assigned to various groups each specialising in different skills. Jo of Kell began to research a series of tests to determine the potential of each warforged they had animated. It would all take time. Time they didn't have.

It Really Works!

AK510-40 Dark Autumn Start Week 1 [Charon Watching, Shale Watching, Cycles Guiding]

Moonday (afternoon)

After a day of theorising, experimenting and more research in the library, they rested in the arrivals area. Ivellios and Tanner had been unable to locate the Derro leader and had turned their attention to the world above. The lizardfolk had retreated from the constant harassment by the Ibixians and the Darkkeep Knights. They had left the tunnels and the caves uncontested. Instead they had razed the Dark Keep using their catapults. They had also collapsed the escape tunnel. The Ibixians were now busy hewing their way through the stone to the outside world. Ivellios and Tanner were assisting them with magic, to prevent them being crushed in a tunnel collapse.

The following day the others prepared the required spells and headed to the reactor control room once more. They each activated a control panel and readied the reactor. A foreboding sense of great power built up but nothing happened. Then Todd noticed that they hadn't placed the kellum in the reactor chamber. He made damned sure that everything was turned off before he ventured to the chamber and placed the kellum upon the appropriate pillar. He raced back up stairs and took his place at the controls.

They started again and this time remembered to open all of the elemental doors to allow the energy spheres to access the chamber. Then they raised the kellum platform to the conducting area. They each managed to activate their panels and the power levels began to build. Without any great ceremony the druid cast several elemental energy spells at the golden orb. The magic was thrown at the elemental spheres and they erupted with fire, lightning and cold. The bard added acid, negative and positive energy. With consummate skill and a little luck they both managed to balance the energy perfectly. Strikes of energy lashed out chaotically from sphere to sphere as the elements fought one another. The flux of energies would soon rip the reactor and the entire complex asunder if they were not brought under control.

Jo manipulated the spell energy within the silver tube at the top of the column. Even Jo was slightly apprehensive about this part. The spell was incredibly dangerous even when cast correctly. For that reason and because of it's resonance with the power of Feo, it was banned in several arcane orders. If the spell was miscast, the backlash of energy could remove anything it touched from reality, destroying it utterly. The reactor and control room would be destroyed and then the elemental gates would clash together. The destruction would be impressive to anyone far enough away to enjoy the view. None of them would survive. So, no pressure, thought Jo as he offered a quick prayer to Tionscail.

Ethan sang to inspire Jo as he manipulated the arcane symbols glowing in his mind. He connected them as he guessed was correct and then spoke the mystical syllables and made the contorted gestures they commanded. He felt the magic slip out from his control, he spotted his minor error and altered the altitude of his little finger by a degree. A black all consuming ball of nothingness was born in the middle of the chaotic flux of energies and the kellum was sucked up towards it. Success!

Frantically they all rushed to maintain control of the energies that we being were pulled towards the hole in the universe. Each shouted instructions to the other to help balance the forces and the kellum was raised into the centre of the maelstrom. The metal coated the sphere as it absorbed the energies. It was superheated and began to burn. Molten adamantite dripped to the floor far below. The power being produced was tremendous. The weight of it sat heavy on their chests as they struggled to keep the reactor's energy balanced. Their eyes began to glow slightly and the applewood staff tingled in Appleby's hand. In the midst of the thickened air, his bones tingling with the vigorous might of the elements, Bob looked calm and vaguely disinterested. He noted with amusement the panic and serious demeanour of his companions and lamented how much he missed hunting.

"Wake up Charmer!" shouted Ethan who was trying to get him to recalibrate the fire of acid ratio at the positive nexus. Bob guessed and hit a few symbols that seemed right, on the panel he was staring at. Ethan relaxed a tiny bit and smiled. Bob gave a thumbs up to give the impression that he knew what the hell was going on. Stupid reactor he thought.

The energy levels swelled to an alarming crescendo. Ethan was ready. Using the panel labelled 'Arcane Relay Primus Beo' he channelled the energy from the reactor to the collector and up through the kellum alloy conduits to the storage area. The burst of energy dazzled them all and then was gone. The deep rumbling as it reverberated it's way up though the conduits was all that was left in the darkness as the reactor powered off.

Thanks be to Tionscail.

Prepping the Reactor

AK510-40 Dark Autumn Start Week 1 [Charon Watching, Shale Watching, Cycles Guiding]

Moonday (afternoon)

Bob fought hard against the boredom of such arcane conversations and looked out of the door hopefully scanning for an incoming foe. To his delight he was attacked by a baphen sized giant spider. The others continued with their work knowing that he would call for help if he needed it. Bob was quite happy with this arrangement and the arrows started to fly. Soon there were a couple of dead spiders lying at this feet and a smile on his face. To pass the time he set to butchering and skinning the beasts. Grisly work, but far better than listening to the arcane mumbo jumbo that was being spouted in the room nearby. And he wanted a pair of Stuffitt's spider skin shoes.

All they needed now, Ethan explained, was a sphere of annihilation and several pounds of Kellum. They others looked at him dumbfounded. They were as likely to get the Val-Roi of the Cycles from The Bigany Church to plant the crops in Woodhaven that year. A sphere of annihilation could only be created by arch mages of great power, such as the great Lord Maajii of Az-Ylar. Even Ivellios whose power was growing considerably of late could not yet hope to master such magic. If that wasn't bad enough there was no kellum left in the mines. Kellum was a substance that no one had ever heard of so it was unlikely that it could be found in sufficient quantities elsewhere.

Todd had been searching the room very carefully during all of this arcane theorising and as the others began to despair, his efforts were rewarded. A hairline difference in the etching of designs on the walls behind their flux control panel was highly suspicious to his trained eye. A careful application of pressure here and a magical gesture there and the secret panel was opened. Inside were six kellum ingots. It was no co-incidence that this amount kellum was stored here decided Ethan. They must have all the required components for the reactor stored nearby. Todd tucked away the other contents of the panel for safe keeping.

They continued to search the room and fiddle with the controls and this time Jo managed to activate something. A silver tube as thick as a man's arm and waist high rose from the floor. A golden ball made of an unknown alloy rested on it's top. The surfaces of the shaft and orb were covered in arcane runes. Todd discovered tiny silver tubes that could be folded out from the shaft. Jo determined that the runes of the shaft indicated that the tubes could be used to cast spells and that the golden orb was used to absorb spells. He theorised that the DeDannan ogre wizards who used the facility cast the spells using the tubes and then channelled them into the golden orb in order to open the elemental portals and to create the sphere of annihilation. However the power released by the spells stored in the silver shaft was so great that they might have trouble controlling the elemental power. Appleby explained that if extreme levels of elemental power were released without full control it was likely that everyone within a couple of hundred yards would be disintegrated. That revelation dampened their enthusiasm for a few moments. Then they decided to energise the spheres with their own lower level spells in order to have an easier time controlling the elemental reflux.

Playing With An Elemental Reactor

AK510-40 Dark Autumn Start Week 1 [Charon Watching, Shale Watching, Cycles Guiding]

Charday (morning)

Jo's mind was drawn to the Elemental Reactor like a moth to a flame. While the others healed and prayed he studied magical texts. He urged the DeDannan bard and Namer to assist him and he bemoaned the absence of the wizard. Ivellios and Tanner had gone in pursuit of the Derro leader. In quick order, Jo's enthusiasm had infected the others and they all assisted in the reactor activation research despite the absence of their mage and their spiritual leader.

There were many references to the generator in Kysiatch's library and Ethan was able to use Setanta's memories and Jo of Kell's creative alchemical insights to determine what needed to be done. The druid's magical knowledge focused on the elemental forces of nature and his assistance was key to understanding the reactor's power source. Bob sat in the library fletching arrows and tried to resist the urge to send one hurtling into one of their incredibly boring arses. Soon their research was completed to Jo's satisfaction and when they examined the arrivals area console map they discovered that the reactor control room was located behind a secret entrance on the stairwell, half a level above the Reactor.

Moonday (morning)

They walked the long dreary walk back down to the bottom once again and by now Jo of Kell was sick of the stairs. He decided that the platform on the reactor level must be a lift and set to experimenting with it. After a quick few attempts he managed to activate it. The lift rose and fell very smoothly and rapidly under its operator's control and Jo was unable to restrain himself from playing with it for several minutes until Ethan interrupted him.

They stopped at that stairwell turn above the reactor level and Todd started to search. Glic was on his side because after only a brief search he discovered a hidden door. The door did not respond to the usual commands, so Todd resorted to his thieves picks and the administrator's dagger. After a few minutes of scraping, jamming and cursing the door unlocked. An amber glow outlined the door with arcane, divine and DeDannan symbols. It opened to Todd's touch.

Behind the door was a long chamber covered in smooth black stone. There were several desks made of polished black marble and a few chairs upholstered in red dragonskin. The dragon leather disintegrated as soon as Jo sat on one so the rest of them elected to stand. Ethan summarised their discoveries regarding the functioning of the Reactor as best he could. There were six elemental spheres held behind six sealed doors in the main chamber. When the reactor was activated the spheres were all moved into position near the centre of the room. The spheres held portals the elemental planes which were activated by charging them with the appropriate energy type: Lightening energy for the plane of Air, Fire energy for the plane of Fire, Cold energy for the plane of Water, Acid energy for the plane of Earth, Negative energy for the Negative plane, Positive energy for the Positive plane.

Ethan continued his long exposition of the reactors internal workings. The greater the amount of energy provided to the sphere the greater the strength of the connection to the plane and the greater the energy provided. An imbalance in the portal connection strength could spell doom. They started to examine the smooth polished surfaces looking for some clue as to how to activate them. Jo blindly prodded at the panels urging them to activate, Ethan named the panels as active and the others followed Jo's example. All of this experimentation was wildly dangerous considering they were messing with the controls of an immensely potent reactor that had been dormant for over ten thousand years. Eventually, without mishap, they managed to activate the controls. The polished marble blinked to life, arcane symbols glowing in amber light across dark surface. Appleby recognised the panel he was examining as an elemental portal energy reflux equalisation control. The other struggled valiantly to understand what he meant by that. They each examined various panels and after a considerable amount of time and puzzling they managed to concoct a plan to activate the reactor based on best guesses, ancient memories and a reasonable understanding of elemental forces.

Kobold Negotiations

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Draiday (evening)

Ethan's attention returned to Bromjorix, the leader of the Poll Na Deanta Kobolds. He adopted a missionary approach, informing the kobolds of the benefits of joining The Church. The kobold leader was more interested in what would happen if they refused to join. Ethan recounted the bloody history of The Church including the two thousand year unification wars that had destroyed all who were either Fallen, Risen or simply refused to acknowledge The One True Church. The kobold leader did not like the sound of that. He warily agreed to allow a missionary from The Church to come and teach them the ways of the new world. The fact that all of their priests had been slain in the battle was a convenient one that was not overlooked by Ethan. It was well known to him that when an assassin watched over a battle, no one was safe.

As part of the negotiations, Ethan agreed that the kobolds would retain their ownership of the six mine levels that they currently occupied. In return they would tithe to The Church a percentage of their produce, they would convert to The Church of The Moons and would assist in the liberation of Poll Na Deanta. They agreed to participate in the lizard war if the party would in rid them of Ungolaregh, a web spinning spider of colossal size and the nemesis of the kobolds of Poll Na Deanta. The spider had been devouring their kind for generations and controlled all of the sizeable exits from the complex, that lead into the cave network below the swamp. Ethan agreed to slay Ungolaregh when the time was right.

Spiders

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Draiday (afternoon)

John Appleby noticed a mass of spiders swarming around the stairwell. A gigantic spider the size of a fully grown bull baphen descended out of the gloom on an invisible thread and then sprang to attack. Thousands of smaller specimens swarmed and skittered behind looking for an opening. The wounded druid dodged out of the way and the spider's enormous fangs slammed shut over thin air. Dark green venom splashed off its yellow mandibles. Spider venom.

The venom of a hunting spider was designed by Naduir himself to allow the creature to paralyse it's victim without killing it, so it could be stored in it's lair for later consumption. A strong healthy druid would be merely a tasty snack for a spider of this immense size. John smiled. He was a chosen of Naduir and as such he had been granted immunity to all natural venoms. Bad luck for the spider he thought as he whirled the applewood staff around and struck the creatures sensory organs with all his strength. Talons, thorns and lightning were the gift of the staff. The spider reared back in shock at the force and pain of the blow. Then it lashed out again.

It's fangs seized Appleby's shoulder and pierced his ironwood armor. The armor saved his life but the fangs opened a nasty gash and his shoulder was dripping blood and venom. Appleby paid it little heed. There was no time to waste on pain when death was looking for an invitation. He responded with a series of rapid blows but the creature's hide was thick and it's skin was like iron. Each blow bounced off it's hairy black hide until he managed to find the creatures vulnerable eyes and send a stab of pain into its brain.

Lost in reverie and dreaming of elemental energy surges, Jo of Kell hadn't seen the spider approach. The druid was fighting for his life before Jo could react. He turned to see another smaller spider bearing down on him. It attacked, but Jo was too quick and managed to dodge out of the way. Then the battle was joined in earnest, Ethan and Todd heard the clamour from the bloody floor of the reactor chamber and Todd slipped through the astral plane with Ethan in tow. Ethan readied himself for a charge into the melee.

Bob, who had been lost in contemplation of his missing bees, suddenly sprang into action and four arrows sailed down the hallway and into the spider's thick hairy flanks. It roared but was unable to revenge itself against the distant ranger. Angry, it eyed Appleby with greater menace. A baphen sized spider moved in behind Appleby, while more scuttled up to attack Jo, Bob and Ethan. Todd had cleverly used Glic's blessing to render himself invisible. The spiders attacked again. Though the baphen sized specimens were no match for the party, the gargantuan monstrosity had Appleby's measure. It bit him again and injected more venom. Only his preternatural bond with the forces of nature was keeping alive.

Ethan charged in with a mighty flail blow and felled the baphen sized spider flanking the druid. Bob hit with another couple of arrows and the gargantuan spider was visibly weakening. Jo attacked and covered it with burning acid, which smoked and hissed as it ate through the creature's thick hide. Appleby decided it was time for his greatest magic and started to summon a ferocious storm of lightening to strike down his foes. He concentrated carefully on the spell and brought forth the power of storms. The spider took advantage of his distraction, darted past his defences and bit him yet again. The poison had no effect but the massive bite lacerated and pulverised his body and he was now on the brink of death. The pain and shock of the bite broke his concentration and ruined the spell.

Todd held back crossbow tracking the spider. He cautiously and studied the creature, looking for a weakness and waiting for a chance to strike. Ethan moved forward and used the power of the Song to reshape Appleby's body to a healthier state. Then the spider struck the druid again and his work was all but undone. Appleby struck a final blow which glanced off the creatures hide and then stepped back from the fray. The spider moved forward to finish him. A volley of arrows from the archers took it down.

It was an easy task for such powerful adventurers to dispatch the remaining few Baphen sized specimens. The smaller hunting spiders set to devouring the carcasses and left the humanoids alone. Todd looked dejected. The spiders looked like poor targets for thievery. Then he considered maybe tanning or stuffing one. Spider skin shoes had a nice ring to it, he thought. Waste not want not.

These derro are crazy

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Draiday (afternoon)

They descended to the Summoning and Binding level but it was sealed. In order to progress there Fear Iarann animation plans they decided to continue to the Elemental Reactor. At the reactor level, instead of the usual dark chasm in the centre of the stairwell, they found a platform. Ethan guessed that it was probably a lift. Any curiosity about the platform was drowned out by the sounds of battle coming from the reactor chamber through the open entry doors. A band of derro cloaked in shadow, poured out of the doors and attacked with poison bolts. They inflicted almost no damage and their poison was weak. Appleby scoffed at the spider venom he identified on the quarrel lodged in his ironwood armor. "I'm immune o this!" he announced happily. They were quickly slain by Charmers bow and Ivellios' flame.

A battle raged in the main reactor chamber beyond the level's entry hall. They moved into the hall and saw a couple of hundred kobolds in battle with a few dozen derro down in the chamber floor below. Appleby called an ice storm. The freezing hail killed dozens of kobolds and badly injured several derro. They moved forward to the edge of the ramp that lead down into the reactor. They fired spells and missiles into the fray. Ethan and Tanner both called upon the kobolds to lay down their arms and convert to the church. The Derro, they announced, were fallen and would be defeated in the name of the Chosen. The insane derro broke off the attack against the kobolds and charged their new enemy.

The derro moved to the ramp taking heavy casualties and bombarded the party with poisoned bolts from their repeating crossbows. The Bard took several hits and poison entered his blood. But the reincarnation of Setanta Fochlachan was firm of fetlock and strong of thews and he had fortitude to resists the spider venom they had used. Ivellios sent a swarm of fire spiders in amongst the Derro and their feeble magical resistances were no match for the power of the Ivellios' arcane flame. Appleby sent his hippogriff's into the fray which stalled the derro advance. Tanner felled one with a mace of Croi. A hail of arrows flew in from Bob Charmer, dropping another four.

The Derro retaliated by bombarding their attackers with sonic blasts. The blasts pummelled all the attackers on the top of the ramp, bar Tim Tanner who was protected by the divine power of Croi. The sonic blasts were particularly devastating to Charmers bees who were killed in their thousands by the blasts. The swarm was scattered and Charmers link to them was broken. To everyone's surprise, charmer seemed more relieved than distraught by this. Then a fireball exploded in their midst. The source could not be determined.

The battle raged on and soon the spiritual weapons, fire spiders, hippogriffs and arrows had routed the derro. Fire and Fear continued to rain down upon them from above and they were unable to determine the position of the spells. Ivellios remarked that it was probably a derro sorcerer using fly, greater invisibility, mirror image, haste, fireball and cause fear. The last of the routed derro cast spells and became invisible. The aerial bombardment ceased as soon as the derro had been routed. The bard tried to flying around the reactor chamber with an invisibility purge spell to find the mystery caster but their assailant was long gone. Obviously, while derro were insane, they were not suicidal.

The kobolds then emerged to parlay with them. Ivellios looked around for a control chamber for the elemental reactor.

High Security Magical Experiments

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Croiday (evening)

After a short discussion and a few healing spells, they set off to explore the level. Ethan and Ivellios agreed that according to the writing on the walls this was the high security magical experiments level. In the distance they could hear an alien hum with a hint of a mutant heartbeat running through it. The beat was pierced randomly with telepathic moans and screams of tortured minds.

The opened a nearby door and saw a yellow green semi opaque force field blocking the passage into a spherical room beyond. They eventually determined that there was a control of the wall that allowed to the barrier to be deactivated. Jo of Kell was unable to overcome his enthusiasm and shut off the field.

Everyone went to full alert.

Nothing happened.

Tim slammed the button and the force field slammed up again. They all looked at Jo like he was a madman. They peered beyond the barrier to see that there were mutant creation chambers beyond. These were similar to those found in Honeyglen and Setanta's Tomb. This was where the Tzakandi were being created. In the centre of the spherical room, lying on a table was an Ogre Mage Corpse. It's skull had three holes drilled into it and vile green slime ooze from the wounds. Obviously, reckoned Ivellios, the Prince and his cohorts had been in the process of creating another voidmind ogre zombie. Ivellios sent in a swarm of fire spiders that incinerated everything in the room. They set off to find the great experimentation chamber, hoping to be accosted by some stragglers along the way. They soon realised that the rest of the prince's minions were unlikely to attack and so decided to rest.

Draiday (morning)

They rested for the night and in the morning studied and meditated to regain their spells. Dim noises in the night revealed that the prince's minions had decided to flee. They explored the experimentation level and found several magic experimentation chambers similar the one the prince had been using. Most of the valuables had been salvaged by the fleeing tzakandi and there was little of worth left to investigate. The one other chamber they found that contained mutants in the process of being transformed was scoured with and then consecrated.

The most interesting find was an enormous chamber which was lined with mystical symbols dating back to the time of Tain Mac Lir. These symbols were painted on adamantite and kellum alloys which formed the walls of the sphere. A well crafted but obviously temporary platform reached tentatively out into the open space. A small circular dais was suspended at its end, in the exact centre of the chamber. Ivellios deduced that the chamber was used for massively powerful and dangerous experiments. Wards and abjurations cast upon the walls to create a magical dead zone protected those outside the room from the effects of failed experiments.

The Illithid formerly known as Prince

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Croiday (evening)

They regrouped and cast what few remaining recovery spells they had left. Jo readied an alchemical infusion which promptly fizzled out. He resolved to better understand this alchemical conundrum immediately as was disappointed to be told to remain with the group. His lab was waiting! Tanner and Stuffitt arrived in the nick of too late, having slipped away from the battle with the lizardfolk and the Vedic started to bless and heal the survivors of the battle. The he casts spells to bolster both himself and his flock for the coming battle. They had resolved to attempt another assault now that the stunning effects had worn off. The assault would revolve around the slaying arrow. If it did not slay the prince they were lost. They believed that the illithids would pursue them if the did not attack soon.

They were right. A massive slug-like creature the size of an elephant emerged from the wall stairwell wall dissolving the solid rock and marble as it moved. It attacked without pause or provocation. Charmer knew this to be strange behaviour for the normally docile delver race. Ivellios noted that it was being dominated and they all presumed that the Prince was it's puppeteer. Vedic Tanner tried to free its mind from the Prince's domination but to no avail. The Prince's hold was too strong for him to break. Ethan Sang to rouse his companions. The Vedic called on the chosen to protected them from the fallen. Ethan smashed the delver with his spear which promptly dissolved. Charmer exploited his knowledge and hatred of all aberration and struck at it's vulnerable sensory sac with a bow strike. The perfectly aimed shot almost dropped the hulking monster. Enraged it fought on. Tanner channelled the power of Bas through his hands and into the creature, it recoiled from his touch in agony as dark tendrils of life were wrenched from it and given to Bas. Jo hurled fire at it and it wailed as it was burnt. Ivellios ordered Carraig back for fear of the creature's power over stone. The delver hit Ethan with it's massive flippers. He barely dodged the full force of the powerful blow. The impact was painful but the acid smeared over his body was more painful still and it began to dissolve the ancient armor of Setanta Fochlachan. Quick as flashpowder, in mind and body, Jo slipped a vial from his belt and poured vinegar all over Ethan to wash off the acid. Then Ethan hit it again and it almost went down. Ivellios called the power of Tine into his belly and breathed dragon fire all over it. The delver despite it's great size and blubbery bulk could take no more punishment. It died and burned. Bob dreamed of his simple life as a beekeeper in Woodstock. Bob had been away for so long, three weeks, that he had forgotten the village's name.

There was no time for mutual congratulations. As the creature died the doors re-opened. In the middle of the hall, the Prince was flanked his two flayer cohorts. Their protections were in place and they unleashed their mind blasts. This time Jo could not escape being stunned. The others prayed feverishly to the Gods to protect them and were protected from the Prince's particularly powerful blast. Bob's prayers were quite begrudging and the unimpressed Vedic made note.

Righteous and mighty Vedic Tanner of Croi charged forward. He stood over twelve foot tall and was pulsing with the power of Charon. His crashed through the prince's psychic defences and struck a resounding blow. Pain and surprise washed over the prince's face. Ethan grabbed the standard bearer's box from the stunned alchemist, yelled 'Forticus!' and the magical power flowed into Bob empowering him with sublime confidence. Bob fired Azaz Vakar's Greater Illithid Slaying Arrow. His arrow struck true. The arrow punched though psychic armor and into the prince's chest. The magic flooded out and Bas' power pulled his fallen soul from it's host body. The Prince cried out to Athru to save him as his soul was bound to the wall of souls but the power of Bas is death and Bas prevailed.
The Prince fell.
The companions advanced to finish his cohorts. But the flayer saw their imminent doom and their decision was automatic. Flee. They grabbed the prince's body and fled to the Far Realm. They Woodhaven attackers experienced a strong sense of anticlimax. The prince was dead and the battle was won.

Too late the flayers cunning ambush was sprung. Tzakandi and Grimlocks began to flood into the chamber to surround the human invaders. More mind blasts were hurled by the tzakandi but to little effect. Appleby's mind was now casually adept at resisting to these affects. The giant sized Vedic Tanner charged forward and demolished a nearby Grimlock with his massive mace. A few grimlocks bravely returned fire before Ivellios flanked by Carraig and Tin Tan took down another. Charmer moved cautiously towards the fray and feathered the neck of another tzakandi. It choked and fell. A kobold sorcerer hit Ivellios with a couple of magic missiles before Tanner sent it flying across the room with another mighty swing of the giant sized mace. Meanwhile Ethan charged into battle against three grimlocks and a tzakandi. They were fortunate to land a couple of axe blows before Ethan slew them. Quickly the word spread among the remaining forces that the battle could not be won. They all scattered. The battle was won. Dimly a distant voice sighed with relief and it's grimlock owner struggled off into the distance amazed to have kept his life.

The Prince of Schliss

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Croiday (afternoon)

They met the King's task force as they descend. Lord Ambassador Verity Kinnett I introduced them to Black Guard General Azaz Vakar, Thief Taker Francesca Vec, Commissioner Chantilly Vegas, Lord Polomious Avalon, Abbott Jethro of Icy Death Abbey and High Reave Derfel Forc IV. The High Reave cured Charmer's of his poison with a resounding blow from his mailed fist and Bob's strength returned. They parted company and prepared for their individual assaults. They descended to the High Security Magical Experiments level and stopped at the main door.

They cast several empowering spells and summoned many creatures. Ivellios commanded the doors to open. A startled mind flayer and several grimlocks were on guard behind the door. A fireball (3) destroyed the grimlocks but the flayer was unhurt. Carraig wrestled with it and it roared in pain. Ethan, Appleby, Charmer, Gozzar and Jo attacked the creature but it's psychic defences kept it alive. However while they were attempting to kill the mind flayer Carraig was grappling, they all hit him a lot. He didn't take offence and was only slightly damaged. Then the illithid concentrated briefly and disappeared. Ethan tried to defy it by using his naming powers but to no avail.

The horde of humans and their menagerie surged into the hall. The Hippogriffs charged a hundred feet down the hall and were mind blasted. The others followed them eager to press the attack. The trap was sprung: tzakandi appeared behind them and another flayer in front. Bob, Zzog'Gozzar, the Bees, the unicorn and three hippogriffs were stunned. Ivellios refused to dispel the stunning magic waiting for a better time to use his only dispel. Jo raced forward and attacked the mind flayer. Ivellios slew a tzakandi with magic missile. Appleby's xorn attacked the flayer and inflicted horrible wounds. Carraig attacked the mind flayer. Appleby killed one tzakandi and resisted a mind blast from another. Ethan was paralysed by the same mind blast Appleby had just resisted.

The Prince of Schliss and two mind flayers appeared at the far end of the hall in deep discussion. They were engaged in telepathic debate with Teth Cromith XIV who had just come under attack by The Council of Stormwatch. They did not notice the battle for a few moments. Carraig and the Xorn moved towards The Prince immediately. Ivellios fireballed (4) him to no effect. This unsurprisingly attracted his complete attention. Jo danced around the his mind flayer foe and twisted in past his defences. He plunged his new adamantine sword deep into the flayers guts and it fell to the floor. Dark purple ichor pooling on the marble as his breath ebbed away. Appleby resisted yet another mind blast from a tzakandi. His staff whirled around, writhing with wooden fangs and lightning and struck the creature in the jaw. It's tentacles whipped around as it's neck snapped and it crumpled to the ground. With so many of their assault force stunned by illithid mind blasts they decide to retreat.

The Prince had other plans. He sent a flayer to threaten Appleby. It stepped through the astral dimensions and moved close enough to use his mind blast. The Prince also stepped through the astral dimension to threaten them all with his extremely potent psychic powers. His other ally disappeared. They have already activated several of their psychic defences.

John Appleby resisted yet another mind blast, much to the frustration of the mind flayer, before moving towards the levels main exit door. Ivellios cast black tentacles and the prince was grappled, his magic resistance unable to affect the writhing black menace. Tin Tan, in an act of heroic bravery typical of the best character in the village, spit a gout of Tine's flame at the prince and smiled in satisfaction as he screamed as it burned. Then he helped his master make a tactical withdrawal. The Prince and the other flayers unleashed their mind blasts. The power of the princes' mind is phenomenal and all succumbed to it's stunning effect. All save Ivellios and Carraig who were of course immune. And John Appleby who resisted the psychic bombardment yet again, still using previously unsuspected inner reserves of mental strength. Jo reappeared from hiding and put the bag of holding over Ethan's head. Ethan's body disappeared into the magical bag and Jo hastened toward the exist. Carraig grabbed Zzog'Gozzar and Charmer and dragged them to safety.

One flayer blocked their escape and Ivellios and Tin Tan attacked it. It's psychic protections saves it's life. Appleby moved away from the prince to threaten the flayer with his staff. When it tried to use it's mind blast Appleby smashed it in the face and broke it's concentration. Jo slips out the main door with Ethan in the bag. Appleby's xorn attacked the mind flayer and it ripped it to pieces. It's remains splashed about as it worried the remains of the flayer. The Prince stepped through dimensions to escape the black tentacles doors and appeared beside Ivellios. Towering above him. Jo dumps Ethan from the bag and returned to help the wizard.

Ivellios fireballed (5) the Prince in a last ditch attempt to battle him but it had no effect. They all fled. As he called down the door to prevent pursuit, Ivellios remembered the arrow of illithid slaying. Damn.

Kobold Assassin

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Croiday (afternoon)

They were ambushed by a lost tribe of kobolds in the middle of the exhausted kellum mine, where the lights were dark. Hundreds of kobold archers showered them with arrows. Many kobolds died from Ivellios' fireball (2) response. The others started cutting through them. A kobold assassin called Bromjorix paralysed Gozzar with a single shot from the darkness. Gozzar fell into a trap net held out by kobolds on the lower levels and was dragged off into the mine. Appleby grew wings and moved to locate and attack the assassin. Bob sent the bees to assist. Bob was struck with two poisoned bolts by the assassin. The poison was too strong for him to resist and he began to weaken.

Ethan offered a sum of five hundred gold pieces to the kobolds in return for free passage. Taken aback and pleased by the offer it was accepted. An additional hundred gold pieces secured the location of the prince of Schliss' lair. Bob succumbed to the poison and was paralysed. They offer purchase an antidote from the kobolds for a thousand gold pieces. They pour it down his throat and his recovers enough to stand. While he was no longer paralysed he could barely walk. They used their wands to cure their wounds and then continued on their illithid hunt.

Armory Administrator

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Croiday (morning)

Jo, Bob and Gozzar rejoined the group having dealt with yet another lizardfolk assault. Ethan examined the armory door and deduced that it was a defensive mechanism that had been activated by the rooms' magical wards. He remembered that during his Setanta Fochlachan lifetime, both Tionscail priests and Namer could usually open any door. However once the defensive magics had been evoked only an administrator could dispel them. Todd placed his dagger in an opening on the front of the door. Several humming spells powered up indicating that the door was ready to open. Ethan commanded the ward door to open it did. Behind it was a normal door. He opened it in the same manner.

The room behind the door was simply but expensively decorated. The walls and floor were of polished marble. Light streamed in from high windows and an illusory quartet plays DeDannan bardic music. The walls were panelled in darkwood and there were a couple of bubbling cool fountains. Melded to the middle of the opposing wall was a gargantuan marble humanoid. This was Grundlick, The Armory Administrator. Grundlick has little interest in the affairs of the outside world and he politely refused to offer any advice on any topic.

Ethan told him that all administrators were dead and as a result Grundlick assumed control of the facility. He assumed the position of head administrator at the Namer's command. Ethan persuaded Grundlick to provide some weapons. Five second circle weapons are made available. Jo took a magical adamantine socketed short sword, magical adamantine socketed composite long bow and a magical adamantine socketed chain shirt.
Bob took a magical adamantine socketed mighty composite longbow. Appleby exchanged his prototype baphen-hide armor for a magical suit of ironwood platemail.

Ethan asked Grundlick to determine where the Prince of Schliss was. Grundlick turned on all the lights in the facility. He stated that surveillance was down in six of the mine levels and in all of the lower levels. Ivellios asked for authority to open all doors in the facility. The authority was granted 'In the name of Ivellios'.

Illithid Skirmish

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Croiday (morning)

After several hours of rest, meditation and prayer, they returned to Poll Na Deanta. This time Ivellios managed to focus his mind perfectly and they rematerialised in the arrivals area teleportation chamber. Tim Tanner, Bob Charmer, Zzog'Gozzar and Jo assaulted the lizardfolk with the Ibixians and the knights and allowed them to slip down into the stairwell.

They descend to the armory. They sent Carraig ahead, descending seemingly alone with a torch strapped to his head. Todd hid in the shadows, Ethan and Ivellios were cloaked in invisibility spells, Appleby took the form of a man eating snake. Their descent drew them near to an Illithid who was attempting to gain access to the armory. He was guarded by several grimlocks. A thick adamantite warding door had sealed the armory level entrance from intrusion, presumably in response to the Mind flayers attempts to break in.

The mind flayer heard the golem approach and manifested several of its protective psychic powers as he waited for it to arrive. A shield of protective force sprang into place, he was infused with supernatural vigour and glowing psychic armor formed over his damp dark alien clothing. Ivellios, bored of waiting for Carraig to attack, fired an empowered fireball (1). Tine's Tears! Reflexively, the illithid manifested a dampening field but his grimlock retinue were incinerated nonetheless. Their master however, was unharmed. His alien body had resisted the potent fire magic. In retaliation he mind blasted the area around the golem.

Todd was stunned. Carraig still trundled down the stairs to attack the illithid. It floated across the stairwell's dark yawning chasm to attack Todd. Ethan and Appleby attacked it but it's pernicious psychic protections prevailed. It grappled Todd and managed to wrap it's tentacles around the top of his head. Rows of tiny teeth were revealed as it's sphincter shaped mouth opened. The tentacles pulled the top of Todd's head closer to his doom. Carraig arrived and pulled off two of the tentacles preventing the Illithid from extracting Todd's brain. Appleby and Ethan and Ivellios pressed the assault and their blows struck true, the illithid was badly injured. It began to fall backwards into the chasm hoping to take his prey with him.

Ethan grabbed Todd but the weight was too much, he lost his balance as was pulled forward into the gloom. Appleby grabbed Ethan and was also pulled forward. Ivellios grabbed Appleby and suffered the same fate. They were all about to topple of the edge when Carraig's stone arm closed over Ivellios' shoulder and effortlessly swivelled him back onto the ledge.

Council of Stormwatch

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Cogaday (evening)

The temple staff were very busy with the war. Ethan used his powers of persuasion to get the Vedic in charge to tell him where the high Reave was. Todd Stuffitt met with his contacts in the Stormwatch underground. After several hours he managed to find the location of the secret command area.

Ethan, Appleby, Ivellios and Todd meet Lord Ambassador Verity Kinnett and General Azaz Vakar. They were deeply concerned that Cromith XIV had appeared on Talamh and quickly resolved to take immediate action. The Bombastic High Reave made a brief appearance during the council, threw his deep voice around and then left. Verity planned to attack Teth Cromith with his allies and requested that the party simultaneously attack The Prince of Schliss as a decoy. They agreed to attack the illithids the following day. Azaz gave Ivellios his arrow of illithid slaying, originally intended to slay the Heir of the Illithid Metarex Empire. Verity placed a psychic protection on Ivellios' mind to prevent the illithids from using their mental powers against him. It was obvious from the conversation that the commanders of the Army did not think very highly of Earl Suluuk Poten.

They were forced to spend the night in Stormwatch because the wizard's spells were expended and he could not teleport them back. The druid went to the walls to attack the opposing lizardfolk forces. He summoned a hippogriff and it slew several lizardfolk including two blackscales. They spent the night in the Church of The Moons temple. Ivellios and Ethan made use of the Shale library. John Appleby communed with nature in the churches small grove and slept in the trees. Naduir called to him and his bond with nature grew. Todd met with some old acquaintances from his days in Stormwatch and made some new ones.

Teleport With Error

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Cogaday (afternoon)

Ethan persuaded his companions to go to Stormwatch to inform the Ambassador of the Teth Cromith XIV threat. Ivellios summoned his magic and reached out into the astral plane. They disappeared. Hurtling through the mind numbing vastness of the astral plane Ivellios struggled to focus his mind on the city of Stormwatch. He had not paid much attention to the city when he had been there almost a year ago as he had been hiding among some peasants on their way to founding a new settlement. He had been hiding from disgrace. He remembered that the city had a major port and that it was very close to the water. He focused on that. And the spell ejected them into the prime material plane as requested.

They appeared at the right altitude for the dining room of a restaurant in a major inn in Stormwatch that overlooked the sea port. Unfortunately, while they were at the right height, they were 200 miles to the west of Stormwatch. This left them forty feet in the air and about a mile off the Stormwatch coast, above the cold grey churning sea. A whale spurted freezing salty brine into the air nearby as the wind whipped at their clothes.
They began to fall.

Having anticipated that misfortune would come from defying the laws of nature by travelling through the astral plane, John was ready and he sprouted eagles wings as he started to fall. His new feathery limbs caught the stiff wind and arrested his descent. John Eagleby twisted his wings slightly and turned the dive into lift and he soared up into the air.
His master had taught Todd many useful tricks and one of which was to use magic to turn a lethal fall into a slow drop. Suddenly the plummeting companions were drifting towards the sea like feathers. Todd grinned at the look of surprise and perhaps grudging admiration from the wizard.
They were almost in the water as Ivellios started to cast another teleport spell. The waves were lapping at this feet as Eagleby flew back to him and he finished the spell. They disappeared once again. Tin Tan almost fainted with relief. Tin Tan did not like water. Ivellios aimed for somewhere a little hotter and dryer. As he floated through the astral once more, he focused on the Tine temple in Stormwatch. Even though he had never been there, he had a strong bond with his god, with fire.

They rematerialised in flames. The heat was intense as they stood in the Prime Crucible of the Temple of Tine. Ethan, John and Todd screamed in pain and shock and leapt out of the fire. Todd's reflexes would have put a cat to shame. He was in mid air, coiling and twisting, then landing, rolling and standing before even fire could catch him. He came to rest gracefully, leaning against a wall and casually studied the contents of a pouch he had borrowed from a priest as he had tumbled past.
Ethan wasn't so quick and was burned as the stumbled out of the crucible and fell heavily to the floor below. Eagleby flapped busily to the ground his burning feathers smoking as he tried to beat them out.
Tin Tan thought this was all hilarious and grinned. His amusement was infectious and spread to all the pyromaniacs in the room. The others heard his ratty little laugh and glared at him. He didn't care, after all he was the best character in the village.

The priests and congregation were remarkably tolerant of the intrusion. Ivellios convinced them that he was a fire mage on important church business and was invited to complete the ceremony. Tin Tan remained in the crucible. Ashrats were an unofficial mascot of the Tine church in Stormwatch and to have one as a familiar was considered to be highly fashionable and a sign of Tine's favour.

Ethan persuaded his companions to go to Stormwatch to inform the Ambassador of the Teth Cromith XIV threat. Ivellios summoned his magic and reached out into the astral plane. They disappeared. Hurtling through the mind numbing vastness of the astral plane Ivellios struggled to focus his mind on the city of Stormwatch. He had not paid much attention to the city when he had been there almost a year ago as he had been hiding among some peasants on their way to founding a new settlement. He had been hiding from disgrace. He remembered that the city had a major port and that it was very close to the water. He focused on that. And the spell ejected them into the prime material plane as requested.

They appeared at the right altitude for the dining room of a restaurant in a major inn in Stormwatch that overlooked the sea port. Unfortunately, while they were at the right height, they were 200 miles to the west of Stormwatch. This left them forty feet in the air and about a mile off the Stormwatch coast, above the cold grey churning sea. A whale spurted freezing salty brine into the air nearby as the wind whipped at their clothes.
They began to fall.

Having anticipated that misfortune would come from defying the laws of nature by travelling through the astral plane, John was ready and he sprouted eagles wings as he started to fall. His new feathery limbs caught the stiff wind and arrested his descent. John Eagleby twisted his wings slightly and turned the dive into lift and he soared up into the air.
His master had taught Todd many useful tricks and one of which was to use magic to turn a lethal fall into a slow drop. Suddenly the plummeting companions were drifting towards the sea like feathers. Todd grinned at the look of surprise and perhaps grudging admiration from the wizard.
They were almost in the water as Ivellios started to cast another teleport spell. The waves were lapping at this feet as Eagleby flew back to him and he finished the spell. They disappeared once again. Tin Tan almost fainted with relief. Tin Tan did not like water. Ivellios aimed for somewhere a little hotter and dryer. As he floated through the astral once more, he focused on the Tine temple in Stormwatch. Even though he had never been there, he had a strong bond with his god, with fire.

They rematerialised in flames. The heat was intense as they stood in the Prime Crucible of the Temple of Tine. Ethan, John and Todd screamed in pain and shock and leapt out of the fire. Todd's reflexes would have put a cat to shame. He was in mid air, coiling and twisting, then landing, rolling and standing before even fire could catch him. He came to rest gracefully, leaning against a wall and casually studied the contents of a pouch he had borrowed from a priest as he had tumbled past.
Ethan wasn't so quick and was burned as the stumbled out of the crucible and fell heavily to the floor below. Eagleby flapped busily to the ground his burning feathers smoking as he tried to beat them out.
Tin Tan thought this was all hilarious and grinned. His amusement was infectious and spread to all the pyromaniacs in the room. The others heard his ratty little laugh and glared at him. He didn't care, after all he was the best character in the village.

The priests and congregation were remarkably tolerant of the intrusion. Ivellios convinced them that he was a fire mage on important church business and was invited to complete the ceremony. Tin Tan remained in the crucible. Ashrats were an unofficial mascot of the Tine church in Stormwatch and to have one as a familiar was considered to be highly fashionable and a sign of Tine's favour.

Prison Break... In

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Cogaday (morning)

They set out once more and were momentarily delayed Ethan who insisted on visiting the Weavers in the Temple. He examined the tapestry once more and decided that it was important to warn the powers in Stormwatch of the grave threat that faced them. Teth Cromith could only be stopped by those that he inadvertently lead him here. The tapestry indicated that those people were in fact the Bigany Ambassador Lord Verity Kinnett, The blackguard general Azaz Vakar and the Infamous Privateer Merchant Vitorio Garibaldi. The others were unconvinced and after much debate they decided to continue to the detention level.

The detention level was guarded by another enormous set of doors much like those that admitted access to the other areas in the ancient complex. These were thicker and made of magically reinforced adamantine. Despite this they had been forced open. Beyond the doors the detention area consisted of a series of tunnels with several adamantine doors on either side.

Ethan, Todd and Ivellios examined the areas carefully and determined that there were many formidable magical protections in place in addition to obvious physical ones. The walls and doors were all magically reinforced. All communication and travel in and out of the area was prohibited with powerful ancient magic. Many of the cell doors were guarded by a tall metal statue that Ivellios identified as Shield Guardians.

Behind the guardians were occupied cells. The occupants were suspended by adamantine manacles in the centre of the large cells. They were gagged and blindfolded and dressed on in loincloths, their fingers bound in pairs. The cells were encased in antimagic fields and each prisoner glowed with the amber light of a stasis field of the Risen God Caomhnu. The majority of the prisoner were ogre mages.

Again they found evidence of the Illithid's efforts. Two of the cells had been opened. The remains of the shield guardians lay scattered around the polished marbles floor. Twisted chunks of metal were covered in blood and slime. The ranger examined the tracks and deduced that a large party of illithids and mutants attacked the cells, but that a powerful creature had orchestrated the attack. They all jumped to the conclusion that there was only one possible perpetrator. The Prince and his minions had been here.

They examined all the cells and noted that of the one hundred cells only about two score were still occupied. The magic had endured all these years and were still potent. The majority of the prisoners were ogre mages, but there were a few normal ogres there too. Presumably the ogre army generals. There were also a few prisoners of races, including drow and derro. The beholder and black dragon prisoners were of particular interest.

Todd Stuffitt located the detention level armory. After a quick insightful search he found an adamantine safe encased in the reinforced marble wall. The lock was of an unusual circular design. Initially Todd's attempts to pick the lock failed completely. He had no idea how to tackle the lock. Then he remembered how Carraig had been activated. He pulled one of his trinket gems form his belt and placed it in the lock. The chest sprang open. Inside was a considerable cache of weapons. There were several weapons of each size and type. There were also weapons crafted of silver, cold iron and adamantine. These were socketed. Presumably the DeDannan guards were expected to be able to deal with any martial situation and needed these weapons to ensure that they could deal with whatever exotic immunities they would encounter. There were also a dozen healing potions most of which were deemed still safe and potent after examination by Tanner and Appleby.

Todd managed to decipher some of the information left behind by the DeDannan and discovered that the cells that had been opened had held ogre mage prisoners. One of whom was general Kysir DeKirr II a name that Ethan recognised from the history of the Ogre Wars. They took what weapons they needed. Todd took many more and placed them in the bag of holding. He noted a reference among the DeDannan guards documents that indicated a far greater stash of weapons in the main armory. Then resolved to visit it. Surely there would be great treasures held there. After all ten thousand years of crafting should have left a considerable mountain of weapons to be found.
They descended towards it with as much stealth as they could muster. Magic concealing their approach from view. Carraig's heavy footfalls, resounding through the shaft, covering any inadvertent noise. Then Ethan had a better idea.

Happy Days for Jo of Kell

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Shaleday (afternoon)

The day Tanner appeared in the village and told Jo of Kell to pack his bags was a joyous one indeed. He would never have left his beloved tavern, his lab and of course his two lovely wives, if not for Tim's persuasive powers. The town council were not best pleased that their defenders had left them in the middle of the war, but Tanner had persuaded them that he and the others would return soon enough and that their absence was required by the Gods. While his wife had agreed with all of Tanner's decisions in public, Jo and his wives had noted heated discussions coming from their home after nightfall. The anger had turned to passion later in the cold night and Jo assumed that a reconciliation had been made. His wives had made several visits around the village, each time passing the Tanner home, in order to keep him appraised of developments. When gold was in short supply gossip was the next best thing. We three are made for each other he thought.

Jo could barely contain his excitement at the unprecedented treasures he had found in Kysiatch's lair. Such wondrous facts, intelligent insights and esoteric ingredients. The face of alchemy would never be the same again. It certainly wouldn't have any eyebrows, that was for sure.
Admittedly it was a bit tedious having to make polite conversation with the count's men but he managed to make that a little more tolerable by spreading all manner of outrageous rumour among them. It really was fun to watch. And that young lady who was so taken with Stuffitt, certainly did enjoy a bit of gossip. He had to admire her facility for spinning the most innocent fact into a beautifully crafted deceit. She was wasted as a knight he thought, she would be better suited to the life of a merchant or even a publican. Stuffitt was a lucky man to have so much of her attention. Especially when it was she who defended him against the nastier accusations from among the count's guards.

The sombre but melodic tones sounded from the control panel and he went to investigate. It was those lunatics returning from another delve into the ancient golem factory. While he was eager to explore the place, he was also happy to let the others explore it for a while and encounter some of it's more dangerous elements. He called out to them using the panel's magical arts.
"What is the password?"
The party looked at one another in some confusion. They were pretty sure that no password had been agreed. Unfortunately once Jo got an idea into his head there was little point in trying to dislodge it.
They decided to guess.
"Ka-Boom?" ventured Tanner.
"Correct! Come on in!" Jo opened the door and the Ibixians flooded eagerly out into the tunnels. A massive battle ensued with the lizardfolk. This time the count's knights had decided to get involved in the fighting. The Ibixians had convinced them that this was the only way to restore their honour after the fall of Darkkeep. In the confusion the party slipped through the shunt and into the arrivals area. The battle raged around them and the Ibixians were really enjoying themselves. A mutual admiration was beginning to grow amongst the Charon priests and the knights. The rages being initiated by the gutworms were having a very beneficial effect on the knights combat abilities and even though the gutworms were fallen creatures, the Ibixians were happy to let the infestation slide temporarily as long as the rages were put to good use. It was best, assumed the Ibixians, to let Vedic Tim Tanner wrestle with such issues.

Ivellios' Sacrifice

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Shaleday (afternoon)

Ivellios laid Tin Tan to rest in the fires of the forge of Tionscail. His brash and boastful mask had slipped away. He made a rousing speech to eulogise his lost companion and humbly beseeched Tine to return the Ashrat to him so that they could continue the work of Tine and the fight against the Fallen.

An aspect of Tine heard the heartfelt prayer and it asked Ivellios what he would be willing to sacrifice for the return of his familiar. Ivellios heart burned with renewed hope. A sacrifice was required. Something of great value would have to be burned to balance against Tin Tan's life. Ivellios was willing to sacrifice anything. His mind darted to the Kellum rod as he prayed. His friends were horrified that he would even consider destroying an ancient magic item of such power in the slight hope of reviving the self absorbed little rat. But Tine was unimpressed by such a trinket.
Bas' price must be paid. A life must be bought from the wall of souls to keep the eternal balance.
Ivellios understood. He nodded to the Vedic and Tanner handed him 5 large fire opals from the temple's safe and started the ceremony of life, praying to Bas, Saol and Tine. Ivellios concentrated as the others prayed and his life force was accepted by the gems. He felt a growing weakness, spells ebbed from his mind, as his energy poured out into the gems. Tanner glanced at him as the ceremony reached it's conclusion and Ivellios mustered his remaining strength to throw the glowing gems into the fire.

Then silence.

Breathless anticipation filled the temple as the ceremony suspended, all hoping, awaiting the judgement of the Gods.
The forge fires bubbled and broke the stillness. A whiskered face popped out of the molten metal.
'Neep!!' shouted Tin Tan with a ratty grin on his smoky face. He splashed around enjoying the heat returning to his body and revelling in the blessing of Tine.
With a quick burst of energy, he leapt out of the flames and into Ivellios' arms. His flames burned intensely at the pleasure of being reunited with his master. Ivellios could feel that Tine had infused the Ashrat with his blistering energy. The heat from his familiar was like a forge.
"Tin Tan!" said Ivellios. "You are indeed blessed by Tine!"
^What did you expect?^ replied Tin Tan, ^I'm the best character in the village! And... I have a gift for you.^
Tin Tan buried his nose in the folds of Ivellios' robes and concentrated. Tine's energy flowed out from him and into his master. It burned away the weakness and replaced the life force that had been sacrificed. Spells of smoke and fire scorched his brain as knowledge of Tine's magic flickered to life. The intense heat welled up inside him and burned. Images of fire ignited in his mind. Flames flickered along his skin. Flame glowed behind his eyes.
^You are now a servant of Tine^, the Ashrat stated with unprecedented seriousness, ^But be warned, Fire is a harsh master.^
He paused. Then winked.
^It's not all bad though, the powers of Tine are great fun!^ He leapt back into the molten metal and started to splash around as if nothing more serious had occurred than a debate over which wood burnt the best.

In celebration Vedic Tanner called upon his divine granted powers and created a massive feast. They ate and drank their fill and the faithful were gifted with healing and divine protection. Todd's Filth Fever was washed away. The gutworms were destroyed and their wounds were healed. They could feel the power of The Chosen within them.

The Fire Goes Out

AK510-40 Cool Summer End Week 4 [Charon Guiding, Shale Resting, Cycles Watching]

Shaleday (afternoon)

As they continued to the detention level, they were attacked by a force sent by the Prince of Schliss. Charmer, Ivellios and Stuffitt heard the attackers noisily ascending towards them and warned the others.

The footsteps that echoed noisily through the cavernous darkness of the main stairwell accompanied the sounds of mystic chants and solemn prayers as those who could, cast defensive spells. Todd disappeared from view. Appleby imbued his staff with the power of Naduir. Tanner surrounded himself with a wall of whirling maces. Ivellios cast conjured a shield of force.
Four Steel Clan Lizardfolk and a DeDannan Ogre Zombie ambushed them at the door to the storage level.

The lizardfolk had been horribly mutated by the experiments being conducted below and possessed powers similar to those of their mind flayer masters. They bombarded the companions with a series of mind shattering mental blasts. The Gods protected most of them and from the mental assault but Appleby and Stuffitt succumbed and were stunned. After the psychic barrage, came a howling blizzard of cold, so bitter it could only have come from the foul depths of The Prison. A flash of hell-frost snapped through the party and only the icy numbness of the cold made the pain bearable.

Ivellios howled in rage and grief. Tin Tan, a creature of heat and fire, could not endure such cold and was slain. Pain ripped through him as the familiar's spirit was torn from the mortal realm and entered into the eternal fires of Tine's kingdom. Shock froze them. This should not be happening, not to the best character in the village! But there was no time to morn. Indulging shock and grief in a battle such as this would be fatal.

The cold disappeared as quickly as it had been conjured and the conjurer was revealed. Floating in space above the dark shaft was a large blue skinned figure with a black top-knot and a yellow toothed smile. Ethan knew of his kind. This was an ogre mage. Ogre mages were the ancient enemy of the DeDannan Ogre race. They were created by the DeDannan's experiments. Instead of solving the DeDannan's fertility problem however, the Athru cursed experiments had created a new race bent on the death of their progenitors. The Ogre Mage grinned and nodded at the undead DeDannan ogre under his command. The creature's slimy green tentacle flexed sinuously, glistening under the magical lights, then it ducked behind its head. It opened its mouth and belched forth a torrent of psychic illithid bile.
The acidic liquid sprayed over the clustered explorers and they were badly burned. The acid burnt into flesh that has still ice coated and the magical damage had left them badly weakened and in severe pain. Ivellios and Gozzar were in critical condition, dying on the icy acid splashed stone.

This was not going according to plan.
Not by a long shot.
They almost considered retreating.
Almost.

Carraig moved to his masters side. No mark touched his newly repaired body, the gift on Tionscail to many of his children is immunity to magic. He took a healing potion from Ivellios' belt and roughly poured it down his throat. Ivellios began to revive. His anger at Tin Tan's murder lent him strength to return to the fight. He cast a spell and freed Appleby from the effects of the psychic attack. Charmer avenged Gozzar with a rapid series of sonic arrows from his bow and felled three of the half illithid lizardfolk. Ethan lashed out with his flail and killed the last remaining tzakandi. Then Tanner charged the Voidmind DeDannan Ogre and cracked its skull. Appleby completed his summoning spell and a pair of hippogriffs appeared beside the mutant. They started to claw and bite at it, but it's hide was too tough and they made little impression.
The voidmind ogre lashed out with another psychic blast but to now avail. The ogre mage used his magic to render himself invisible once again and sought a better vantage point to press the attack. Charmer's arrows bit into empty as he tried to feather the craven creature.

Tanner and Ethan pounded at the undead DeDannan monstrosity and knocked it senseless, it fell off the balcony and into the empty air. There it was caught by the ogre mage. Appleby sent his hippogriffs after them. Their talons gripped the falling mutant and tumbled with it down into the darkness. Beak claw and Talon met the ogre mage's greatsword as they fell. Charmer raced to the edge and sent a couple of arrows in the ogre mage for good measure. The druid's summoned allies kept the ogre mage at bay with their ferocious attacks and although his sword dispatched one of the hippogriffs during the descent there was nothing he could do to prevent the bone shattering impact that they made with the ground below. He barely escaped with his own life. He flew into the darkness to report to his masters.
Then all was quiet. The danger was gone for the moment, but the party were all in pain and close to death. Acidic and Icy burns covered them all and they saw the wisdom of returning to the safety of the temple.

Meanwhile Ethan examined the half illithid bodies and noted that they were tzakandi, a creature that was created by implanting an Illithid tadpole into the brain of a lizardfolk. The transformation should have taken weeks to complete and even then it should have taken a score of years for the creature's intellect to mature. The Prince and High Feeder Lord must have discovered a way of accelerating the process. This must have been what the purple slimed cocoons they found in Honeyglen and Setanta's Tomb were for. It did not bode well. He turned to explain this to the other but found them absorbed by Ivellios' overwhelming grief as he cradled Tin Tan in his arms.