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Chapter 4: A Deeper Darkness

Turn 86: Prison Break

While the man that everyone assumed was Prince Thrommel of Furyondy sat up quickly and then looked around in confusion, Sparhawk handed him a blanket so that he could cover himself until he had time to dress.

Falling back to one knee in front of the sitting man, Sparhawk said, “My lord, my name is Peter Sparhawk of Furyondy. My father is Sir Stephen Sparhawk, of Castle Monteblanc. I am a paladin of Heironeous and a loyal servant of the crown of Furyondy. All that I have on mine person is yours. If by laying down mine life, I shalt protect yours, I swear by Heironeous that I wilt.”

With this last comment, Sparhawk removed his lightning bolt symbol of Heironeous and kissed it.

“My lord,” continued Sparhawk after a moment’s pause, “We have much to tell thee, but first might we listen to thy story quickly yet intently? We wert attempting to pull down the Doomdreamers and their great evil when we hath fortunately happened upon thee. We need thy succor if we art to succeed. Canst thou bear arms? What doth thou knowest of our enemy? That Hedrack for one is dead. We art about to liberate some prisoners but our first task was to raise thee and restore thee to the throne.”

The man in the blanket looked around at the others present in the room with him, then shook his head and said, “I…fought you all…only a few hours ago. And now here I sit with you. I am myself for the first time in many years, and yet I can remember everything that I have done…every sin I have committed…since last my will was my own.”

“Just how did you end up here?” asked Luger after he had introduced himself and explained his part in Thrommel’s return.

“It was four years after the Battle of Emridy Meadows,” said Thrommel. “We had crushed the forces of the Temple of Elemental Evil, but there were rumors that the temple was rising again. I led a force to investigate the temple. There was a skirmish. My personal guard and I were separated from the main force and overwhelmed. My men were killed, and I was captured. First I was taken to the temple, but not long after that it was attacked—by my own forces and elements from a town called Hommlet that lies near the temple. When the cultists fled their temple, I was taken with them. Eventually they brought me here—to this mountain.”

“I was held alone in a dark cell for a very long time. I presume that the cult was occupied with other things, or perhaps was trying to decide just what to do with me. In any event, they eventually chose to infect me with vampirism, presumably in hopes of converting me to their side. After that, the cult used me to torture prisoners and kill dangerous animals and monsters in the mines. I was even used by my masters to kill their rivals within the cult.”

“Huh,” muttered Syll, “if I had a vampire to do my bidding, I think I’d come up with better uses for him than that. By the way, I’m Sylfaen Trebuchet—Syll for short—sorcerer and sometime smuggler—though never the latter in Furyondy, I assure you.”

Thrommel nodeed. “Vampirism or no, I think the Doomdreamers never really trusted me. They had turned me to evil, but they still saw me as something of a free agent, rather than a true believer in their cause, so they kept me under close observation and didn’t let me wander far.”

“What do you know of the Doomdreamers’ plans?” asked Luger.

“Not much,” replied Thrommel. “I know that they mean to release Tharizdun—everyone in the cult knows that, but when and how—of that I have no knowledge. Hedrack and the others went to great lengths to keep me in the dark on their plans.”

“Much hath transpired during the two decades you were lost, My Prince,” said Sparhawk. “We shalt tell you of it at length when the press of events is not so great, but for now suffice to say that your father, King Belvor, hath recently passed away, leaving the throne in Chendl vacant. With you lost, your father hath had no heir, and there are many pretenders to the throne. You must return to Furyondy quickly to claim the throne, restore order to our country, and lead it against the forces of Iuz.”

“My father…” whispered Thrommel, his gaze distant. “I have not thought of him in a long time, a long time indeed.”

“We hath suffered losses of our own,” said Sparhawk. “A good friend hath fallen today in the fight against Hedrack. Truly, methinks, a death of a friend hath rarely weighed so heavily upon me. I canst not believe that he is gone. We art bereft of his skills, his ability with words, and a promise of a Furyondian Red. Methinks that the destruction of evil in the world means little if thou art unable to share the goodness of the world with beloved friends.”

Sparhawk’s voice shook the more he thought of Danton. He hung his head, sighed, and finished, “I canst . . . say no more. The grief is still too near.”

“My friends,” said Luger, “as I consider what I saw, and think about my studies in Greyhawk, I believe I know what it is Hedrack did to Danton. I believe our friend and scout was utterly destroyed by a terrible spell that leaves no remains to even resurrect. There are a few spells that will allow us to bring our friend back, but they are well beyond my abilities. I still hold out hope that we will find the means to restore Danton one day, but for now we must plan our actions without the benefit of Danton's skills or wit.”

Luger moved towards Tenaris, who had been sitting silently all this time. He put his hand on her shoulder and spoke in elven, <<My lady. I am very sorry that I am unable to bring back Danton as I have Peter and Erky. I have only known Danton slightly longer than Syll and yourself, but I found him to be a man of great goodness and honor despite himself. If there is anything I can do to ease your grief do not hesitate to ask.>>

Although Sparhawk did not speak or understand elven, he could guess at what Luger had said. He approached Tenaris, clasped her hand, and placed his other hand over the pair’s now joined hands.

“That goes for me too, milady. We hath all been dearly struck, thou most of all. 'Tis little recompense under Heironeous' light, to be sure. Words art but the most fleeting of all, yet that is all we have. Except for friendship.”

“Now wait, just a minute,” protested Syll. “I ain't convinced he's dead. I know a disintegrate spell, like the one those water temple dudes used, could dust a guy and not leave a stiff, but Hedrack wasn't a mage, he was a cleric. Luger is there a clerical spell that is similar to disintegrate?”

Before the cleric could say anything, Syll pressed on, “Here's my concern, and it is a long shot I know, but what if Danton wasn't killed but was instead transported somewhere else? Like right next to the infernal machine? That may be why there was nothing left of him. “

Luger shook his head sadly. “As I said, I do know of such a spell and it disturbs me very much to see it used on a friend. The spell is called Destruction and it not something one recovers from easily.”

“Thou users of magicks canst debate the intricacies of thine ancient craft,” said Sparhawk bitterly. “I know little of such things beyond mine own admittedly limited knowledge. So, as for me, I wilt grieve until hope is true.”

Tenaris stood up and wobbled slightly, her face even more bereft of color than usual.

“It ... it is difficult for me ... for me to fathom this. I thought .... I had thought ....
Well, I think .... “

The woman was silent for several long moments as her eyes welled up, but then, through an apparent act of will, she steadied herself.

”Perhaps some things remain ... unspoken. Maybe it's best that way. I thank you all for your kindness. It is a great strength to me. I won't pretend that I am not grieving, for I am. I can't believe he is gone. And without a kiss. Or even a goodbye. How much I would like to have said goodbye.”

Tenaris’ voice cracked slightly at the end, but then it was under control again:

”He never wanted to be in this awful place and would have preferred, no doubt, to kick his feet up somewhere, playing that silly chess game of his with Luger or sharing a bottle of wine with you, Sir Sparhawk. He was here ... he remained here ... mainly because of me. I know it is so.”

Tenaris stooped to pick up Rat’s Tail and tied it to her belt. She also took Danton’s elven boots and put them on.

When she looked up and addressed the others again, her voice was fully controlled and hard edged:

”There is always a way forward, and we're not going to find it in this room. We have things to do, so let us do them. Too many have died needlessly. Too many have suffered ... including myself. But some of them -- Danton most of all, for my part -- will be avenged. I swear it. If we are going to liberate these prisoners, might I suggest we do a few things: One, obviously check for good or evil. Two, have healing at hand to restore their constitution. Three, have weapons and armor ready to be shared with those who would aid us. Four, stay out of Tenaris the tenacious Glimmerdawn's way as she cuts a swatch through our foes!”

“My lady,” said Thrommel, his voice solemn and dignified despite the fact that he stood wearing only a blanket, “When I was taken by the cult of Tharizdun that day so many years ago, I lost…someone. Other than what Sparhawk has just told me, I know nothing of what has happened in the world for nearly twenty years. I do not know whether…she…still lives, but I know that I would move heavens and oerth to be reunited with her again, and I promise you that I will do nothing less for you, and for all here whose deeds have given me this second chance at life…this chance to right so many wrongs. If it is within my power, this man you have lost will be restored to you one day.”

Thrommel put a hand on Tenaris’ shoulder as Luger had done; the elf woman smiled, but her expression remained hard.

“I thank you for your generosity, Prince Thrommel,” she said. ““Honestly, I don’t … I don’t really know what he would want … what Danton would want. He told me … told me on more than one occasion that he believed in destiny and the guiding hand of Fate. Frankly, I have long wondered about such things, and he made me wonder more. But this cannot be about just what I want. And, honestly … I don’t know what Danton would want.”

“My Prince,” said Sparhawk, “we hath recovered your armor and many of your things, but you art without a blade. Might I offer mighty Caladbolg to your service? ‘Tis an enchanted blade of great power and we hath formed a strong bond—the sword and I, but I offer it to you, as I do all that is mine.”

“I would not take another man’s favored blade, Sir Sparhawk,” replied Thrommel, “but perhaps I might wield this other greatsword that you carry,” he said, gesturing towards Justice.

Sparhawk flashed a broad smile. “That blade is Justice and it hath been in mine family for many a generation, but it would be the greatest of honors for me—and all mine ancestors for the rightful ruler of Furyondy to wield it in battle.”

Sparhawk withdrew the blade, bowed, and handed it to Thrommel.

“I am not taking Justice for my own,” replied the prince as he received the greatsword. “Rather I am borrowing it until such time as I am able to acquire a sword of my own. In the meantime, the wielding of such a fine blade is my honor.”

Thrommel tested the weight of Justice, then moved away from the others to dress and armor himself.

“Varachan hath not come back yet, and I am loathe to wait too long,” said Sparhawk to the others. “We must be brave and quickly move to our next objective. By the way, I wish to wear Hedrack's plate armor and use it to protect mineself whilst I slay the evil creatures in recompense for mine fallen friend. I hope all of thee wilt not think me greedy in such a request. That is all I ask for, though I wilt accept other items such as the group is willing to give.”

“As for our friend's belongings,” said Sparhawk, “I claim nothing. I consider that if any of us ‘claims’ anything, it wilt merely be to hold it temporarily on our person for him until his return.”

Luger nodded. “Peter, I certainly do not begrudge you Hedrack's armor. Wear it and put it to good use for a change if it does not radiate evil.”

“We also need to keep that tentacle rod,” said Syll, “and keep mum on the fact that we have it. It seemed to be something that the leader of this place needed to have. Let's keep it hidden at least until we are sure Varachan is on the up and up. Give me a chance to test all this stuff for magic, see what I can identify, and then let’s get rolling.”

Under Tenaris’ watchful gaze, Syll went through Danton’s belongings quickly, handing the scout’s coin purse, journals, and maps to Tenaris, all of Danton’s items and clues related to the Tharizdun cult to Luger, and the scout’s refuge stick and arrows of slaying to Sparhawk. The sorcerer took the scout’s potions, everburning torch and other magical items for himself, and then gave Danton’s enchanted cloak and bracers of armor to Thrommel. Everything else Syll stacked in a pile near Varachan’s bed.

With Danton’s items distributed, Syll cast detect magic on all the items taken from Hedrack and his two guards. Among all of these items, the following ones radiated magic: Hedrack’s unopened and locked chest, two books, the purple robe, Hedrack’s armor, the tentacle rod, Hedrack’s periapt, amulet, shield, and two scrolls. From the guards, both rapiers, sets of elven chainmail, and bucklers radiated magic, as did the potions, cloaks, and javelin.

Once he had identified which items were magic, Syll set about identifying them (use spellcraft, cast read magic and identify). He was eventually able to identify the following items:

Full plate armor +1

Purple Robe of Tharizdun

Lesser Tentacle Rod

Large Steel Shield +1

Amulet of Natural Armor +2

Periapt of Wisdom +2

Scroll with Heal and Harm

Scroll with True Seeing

Contact Medallion

2 Rapiers +1

2 bucklers +1

2 suits of elven chainmail +1

2 cloaks of elvenkind

Javelin of Lightning

Tome of Understanding +1

Vacuous Grimoire

Potion of Lesser Restoration

Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds

Largely bereft of equipment as he was, Thrommel claimed all the non-magical items, including a fine crossbow and ammunition for it. To Sparhawk went Hedrack’s enchanted full plate armor, as well as the enchanted shield and the javelin of lightning. Luger took the Purple Robe of Tharizdun, the Lesser Tentacle Rod, the Periapt of Wisdom, the scroll with Heal and Harm, and the Tome of Understanding. Syll took the amulet of natural armor, the contact medallion, the scroll of True Seeing, the two lilac-colored masks, and the vacuous grimoire, even though the last item was dangerous and he had no intention of reading it himself. Tenaris had no interest in any of the items available, save the two potions, which she took, but she agreed to carry the two bucklers, rapiers, sets of elven chainmail, and cloaks of elvenkind until they could be delivered to the prisoners the party intended to liberate in short order.

With all of these items identified and distributed, that left only Hedrack’s chest, which radiated magic, as Syll had determined, to be dealt with later.

“Let us get moving to the prison,” said Tenaris impatiently when the last of the magic items were finally distributed. “We have waited long enough. Besides, I am not so sure of Varachan. Hedrack's guards were waiting for us -- not the other way around. Chance, perhaps? Maybe, but I wonder.”

“I agree,” said Sparhawk. “With the prince at our sides, victory is certain. I suggest we re-trace our route along paths we hath been down before as much

as possible.  Let us liberate the prisoners, but first be certain to determine which are evil—those shalt remain locked up.”

“I’m ready,” said Syll, a wild look in his eye. “It’s been ages since my last prison break, and I been aching to storm this ol’ gaol ever since Varachan first told us ‘bout it! We’re really gonna shake the pillars o’ heaven and oerth this time! After that, I wanna go smash that awful machine that ate Erky! Let’s make these guys pay for what Hedrack did to Danton!”

Without Danton to search and listen at doors, the surviving party members decided on speed over caution and stealth. Sparhawk and Thrommel led the way out into the corridor, followed by Luger and Syll, with Tenaris bringing up the rear. Just before the elf woman moved out to follow the others, she withdrew Rat’s Tail once more and held it up in front of her.

“Ah, Rat’s Tail, your master is no more,” she said quietly. “Now, you have only me. Danton bore you with pride, and so shall I … until he returns to claim you or until I die.”

“And now to kill anything or anyone that stands in my way,” she said more quietly as she sheathed Rat’s Tail once again, withdrew her own enchanted longsword and moved out into the hallway.

While the group moved north and east through the Outer Fane, Syll spoke quietly to Luger:

“We might wanna have the prince here pretend to still be a vampire, you know. He could then do things on ‘Hedrack’s orders’. Things like inventorying the prisoners and taking some away for ‘questioning’. We could have him get past the hag while we’re nearby to rush in if he needs us. But that would only work if the prince can charm and lie like Danton could. Man, I’m gonna miss that guy. If Tenaris doesn’t hold the prince to his promise about bringing Danton back, then I will.”

“After we deal with the hag, one way or another,” continued the sorcerer, “Sparhawk is right that we will need to take stock of who and what is there before we simply start letting them out. We also need to help those other prisoners soon—the helpless ones we found before. They need to be liberated, healed, and fed. There may be someone or something in the other prison that could help them get out of here.”

The trip all the way back to the door that Danton’s maps indicated led to the prison complex passed without event. The party members once again could not help but wonder whether the lack of guards or others about was a result of luck, their own actions, or something that the absent Varachan had done.

Again without bothering to listen at or examine the door as Danton would have done, Sparhawk simply opened it. Beyond the door was a short hallway running east-west. It was only forty feet long. At the western end was a flight of stairs leading upward, while at the eastern end, there was a single wooden door on the northern wall. A large reddish-purple carpet covered the floor of the hallway and it was furnished with couches, chairs, and small tables all along the walls. There were two iron chandeliers holding candles, providing illumination.

Once everyone was inside the well-furnished hallway, or reception area, or whatever it was, Tenaris withdrew and consulted Danton’s maps. She then nodded silently towards the door in the northeastern corner.

Sparhawk and Thrommel moved to either side of the wooden door. Sparhawk turned the handle, and pulled the door towards him, rushing through as soon as the portal was open wide enough for him to do so. Thrommel followed right behind him.

The two Furyondians found themselves at the western end of a chamber that ran east for nearly eighty feet. It started out being only twenty feet wide from south to north, but then widened to twice that length roughly forty feet to the east. The room had no other visible exits and appeared to be almost entirely empty, save for two exceptions.

The first object visible in the room was a large black iron lever set into the middle of the floor, standing about four feet high. Around the base of the lever, a one-foot diameter dial with numbers from one to twelve—almost like a clock—was set in the floor. Just behind and to the right and the left of the lever, two 10-foot circles were inscribed into the floor and filled with silver.

The second ‘object’ in the otherwise empty room was a horrible-looking creature with blue skin and filthy long, black stringy hair. It stood roughly 8 feet tall, wore all manner of tattered clothing and rags, and appeared to be female. It certainly looked the part of the ‘hag’ that Varachan had told the party served as the warden of the Outer Fane’s prison.

[Initiative: Thrommel: 27, Tenaris: 27, Syll: 26, Luger: 12, Sparhawk: 11, Hag: 7]

The creature had clearly heard the door being opened and she saw Thrommel and Sparhawk at the same moment that they saw her. Before the Furyondian prince even had the chance to play the ‘servant of Hedrack’ role that Syll had suggested for him, the hag rushed towards the lever and the clock-like device in the center of the room.

“Halt where thou standest!” yelled Sparhawk as he and Thrommel rushed towards the huge hag. “The Paladins of Furyondy are upon thee!”

When the hag ignored his warning, Sparhawk, Thrommel and the others rushed to stop her from whatever she was doing. The hag first twirled the ‘clock’ on the floor to point towards the number seven, and then grabbed the black lever, pulling it towards herself. While she was doing this, Sparhawk, Thrommel, Tenaris, and Luger surrounded her and began laying into her with their blades (attack: Tenaris: 9+19=28; hit; 14-1=13 damage; Luger: 2+12+2 flanking bonus=16; miss; Sparhawk: 1+15+2 flanking bonus=18; miss).

Although the hag was preoccupied with manipulating the ‘clock’ and the lever, the party members still found it very difficult to penetrate her thick skin and only Tenaris accomplished the feat. Even though the creature’s skin resisted the bite of her blade, Tenaris still managed to draw green/blue blood with her strike.

While the others plunged into melee, Syll, bereft of long-range spells because of all the identify spells he had cast earlier, stood back and watched the combat. As he watched the hag pull the black lever, Syll saw a flash of bright light and then, when the light faded, a massive nine-foot tall troll with gray-green skin stood in the northernmost of the two silver circles on the floor. The troll looked briefly surprised and confused, but then, with a snarl of rage, its attention focused on the person nearest to it—Luger, who had moved around Sparhawk and Thrommel to attack the hag from the back.

“We got company—a troll!” yelled Syll. “I think she’s releasing all the nutty or evil prisoners. You guys gotta stop her fast!”

“Leave the troll to me,” hissed Tenaris, moving around the other silver circle with blinding speed and placing herself between the troll and Luger (attack: 8+19=27, 2+14=16; one hit; 15 damage). The elf warrior moved so quickly that she was able to engage and strike the troll before it even recovered from the disorientation of being unexpectedly teleported into the room.

While Thrommel and Sparhawk (attack: 16+15=31, 17+8=25; one hit; 18-1=17 damage), each hacked into the hag with Justice and Caladbolg, respectively, the first time the two mighty blades had ever been used in the same combat, Luger backed away from both the hag and the troll and detonated his Holy Smite spell in their midst (Cast Holy Smite: 27 damage and temporary blindness to all evil creatures in a 20 foot radius that fail their reflex saves). The flash of brilliant white light clearly caught both foes by surprise, searing their bodies and causing them to flail about wildly and inaccurately when they might otherwise have struck the party members engaging them.

After Tenaris had struck the troll, it had reared back in pain and tried to pummel her, but Luger’s spell had wrecked its vision—at least temporarily, and the elf woman took full advantage of this by pressing her attack against the beast. She slashed her blade right into the troll’s midsection and then cut its legs out from under it (attack: 12+19=31, 17+8=25, hit and potential critical hit—2^nd roll: 4+8=12; ordinary hit only, 19, 16 damage). Seconds later, the troll was on the ground in pieces, while Tenaris continued hacking away at it until Syll approached with Danton’s everburning torch to burn the remains.

While Tenaris took down the troll, Thrommel and Justice made short work of the hag. Blinded as she was, and already badly wounded, the prince ran the creature through with the mighty greatsword and she crumpled to the ground. No one in the party had taken so much as a single hit during the short, brutal melee.

“Awright!” bellowed Syll excitedly. “That’s what I call storming a prison! Now, lemme have a look at that mechanism and see if I can figure out what we need to do to free the good guys!”

When Syll looked closely at the ‘clock’ in the floor, he could see that there was a dial that could be moved to any one of the twelve numbers. There was also a thirteenth space on the dial that did not have a number, and the dial could be pointed there as well.

“Huh,” muttered the elf. “Seems pretty plain that if ya point this dial at one o’ the numbers and then pull the lever, it brings up whoever or whatever corresponds to that number and deposits ‘em in that there silver circle where the troll came in. But I dunno what the second circle is for, nor why there’s a blank spot on the dial. Seems to me we got two choices. We can either try every dial number one at a time and pull the lever on each, including the blank spot, or we can get in one o’ these circles ourselves and see if pullin’ the lever takes us anywhere.”

“I do not like the idea of sending anyone from our party alone into the prison, or wherever this teleportation magic may lead,” said Luger. “I would prefer to take the chance of releasing all the prisoners, one at a time. With five of us, we should be able to deal with them. I am guessing that the troll was the most dangerous of the wild or evil prisoners since that is the one the hag chose to release to attack us. We should be able to handle any others if we are able to face them one at a time.”

“Bring ‘em on,” said Tenaris in a dull voice.

“Okay,” said Syll. I’ll start with number one and go all the way up to the missing number thirteen. Sparhawk, you be ready to check each one for evil and the rest of you be ready for a fight.”

After the others had arrayed themselves around the northernmost of the two silver circles, moving the burned remains of the troll out of the way, Syll turned the dial to number one and pulled the lever. There was a flash of bright light, but nothing appeared in the circle.

“Guess that cell was empty,” mused the sorcerer. “Here goes number two.”

Syll turned the dial and pulled the lever again. There was another flash of light and this time, something stood in the silver circle.

A roughly humanoid creature, six feet tall, but considerably wider and more bulky than any of the common humanoid races, stood in the circle. He wore no clothing, but his entire body was sheathed in flames.

“Uh, oh,” said Syll as the others surrounded the flaming humanoid with their weapons drawn.

[Sparhawk uses Detect Evil ability: no evil detected]

“Greetings,” said the paladin, “We mean you no harm—assuming you bring no fell intentions with you. We are not with the temple and in fact seek to rescue those good folk who hath been imprisoned here.”

“You have my thanks, then,” said the flaming humanoid. “You may lower your weapons, for if you are foes of this temple, then we are allies. My name is Renoux and, as you may have guessed, I am a native of the elemental plane of fire. I came here to investigate a disturbance sensed by my people. We could feel fire elementals in this world being corrupted and turned to evil.”

“You could tell that all the way from ‘nother plane?” asked Syll.

“Yes,” said the humanoid who called himself Renoux. “We felt…tremors…in the force of fire. The elemental fire forces in your world are stirring. The Cult of Elemental Evil, or whatever they now call themselves, is drawing power into the fire node of their temple once again. I do not know all of their plan, but I can tell you that Dread Imix, Prince of Evil Fire, is involved.”

“That don’t sound good,” muttered Syll.

“I am not certain we understand what all that means,” said Luger, “Can you explain? Though I fear your answers, we must know what we are up against.”

“May I step out of this circle?” asked Renoux. When the party members nodded, the fiery man stepped out of the circle and then continued his story.

“What you of this world know as the Temple of Elemental Evil, was built upon a powerful nexus of elemental power, one of the most powerful in your world—perhaps the most powerful one. In the ruined lower levels of that temple are four elemental nodes—one each for water, air, earth, and fire. You might think of these nodes as foci for all the elemental power in your world. For a long time, the Cult of Elemental Evil has sought to use these four nodes to call the four Princes of Elemental Evil into your world: Olhydra, Prince of Water, Yan-C-Bin, Prince of Air, Ogremoch, Prince of Earth, and Dread Imix, Prince of Fire.”

“These four are all beings of terrible evil and great power,” continued Renoux. “They exist only to sow destruction—and to release Tharizdun—their lord and master—from his prison outside of space and time. When my people sensed the calling of Dread Imix into your world some days back, I was sent to investigate, but unfortunately I was captured before I learned much more than what we already knew. Your world—and mine with it—are in terrible danger, for even one of the four elemental princes might be able to free Tharizdun, but if all four princes are summoned, their success—and our doom—is certain.”

“These don’t sound like nice guys,” said Syll. “You mind holding on a minute while we see who else was in prison with you?”

“There are three others,” said Renoux. “Most of the cells are empty now that I am here and, as I can see, you have slain the troll.”

When Syll tried number three on the dial and pulled the lever, there was the usual flash of light, but nothing appeared in the circle. However, when he moved on to number four and pulled the lever, it once again brought someone into the silver circle.

This time the new arrival was a woman, an elven woman to be precise. She wore tattered leather breeches and boots, along with a jacket or cloak with a hood. She had red hair and was nearly six feet tall, both traits that were very unusual for an elf. She also had some sort of markings painted or tattooed on each side of her face. When she appeared in the center of the silver circle, she was unarmed, but she immediately shifted into a defensive stance and looked ready to fend off any attacker with her bare hands.

[Sparhawk uses Detect Evil ability: no evil detected]

When Sparhawk repeated the greeting he had offered to Renoux, the woman responded by asking, “Just who are you?”

“I am Peter Sparhawk, a Paladin of Heironeous and a Knight of Furyondy,” replied the paladin. “And this is,” he began, gesturing towards Prince Thrommel.

“Prince Thrommel?” blurted the woman in shock, falling to one knee exactly as Sparhawk had done when Luger first raised Thrommel from the dead. “My Prince, how is it that you live?”

“I am afraid that you have me, us, at a disadvantage,” said Thrommel. “Might you tell us who you are?”

The woman stood up quickly, snapped to military attention, and said, “Major Vister, Knight of Furyondy and Paladin of Heironeous, Sir. I am at your service.”

“Yeesh,” muttered Syll to no one in particular. “Just how many paladins do we need around here? Before long this group is going to be nothing but a bunch of killjoys.”

“And what hath brought thee here, Major?” asked Sparhawk.

“For some time I have undertaken a variety of solo missions on behalf of the Knight Marshall,” replied Vister. “Some months back he told me he had received reports of an evil cult here in the mountains and he sent me to investigate. I was able to make my way through the mines, exploring and gathering intelligence, for several weeks, but I was captured when I tried to make my way back out to report on what I had learned.”

“Well, welcome to the revolution,” said Syll. “Tenaris, if you wouldn’t mind getting Vister here equipped, we’ll see who else there is to be rescued.”

While Syll pulled the lever with the dial set on numbers five, six, seven, and eight, finding each ‘cell’ apparently empty, Tenaris gave Vister a suit of elven chainmail, an enchanted rapier, a buckler, and a cloak of elvenkind. The woman looked askance at the armor, weapon, and shield, making it plain that she did not believe any of the three were up to her standards, but she nevertheless accepted them without complaint.

“These will do until I can find more solid equipment,” was all she said.

When Syll used the lever with the dial set on number 9, it produced another surprise. After the usual flash of light, a massive creature appeared in the silver circle: it had the body of a lion, with a vaguely humanoid face, and a huge set of feathered wings that sprouted from its back.

[Sparhawk uses Detect Evil ability: no evil detected]

After Sparhawk’s standard introduction, the lion, or whatever it was, spoke:

“You have my thanks. My name is Maluccus. I was sent here some time back by…certain powers…concerned about what might be going on here. I spied on the temple for a time, before being captured. The cultists drugged me so that I could not use my arcane powers, which are not insignificant, to escape, until such time as they were able to place me in that cursed energy cell. Now that you have freed me, I will show my thanks by aiding you with my spells—if you have any pressing needs—and then I mean to teleport out of here and report back at last.”

“Hold on just one moment, would you please?” asked Luger. “We have a few more cells to check, and then I would like to speak with all of you before anyone goes anywhere.”

Cells ten and eleven turned out to be empty as well, but number twelve produced a bedraggled looking male halfling whose left arm was a good foot longer than his right arm. His left arm was also pitch black and ended in a long, twisted, three fingered claw.

[Sparhawk uses Detect Evil ability: evil detected—from the halfling’s left arm]

“That guy got fed through the machine, just like Erky,” said Syll, before Sparhawk had even had a chance to talk with the halfling. “We’re destroying that thing before we leave here, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

As it turned out, the halfling was named Athemal, and he was a resident of Rastor. Kidnapped from outside the village one night by a pair of gargoyles, he had been brought to the mountain where he was delivered to a man called Hedrack, who tortured him repeatedly by feeding him through a machine that cut and burned him even as it attached, detached, and reattached bits of demonic flesh to his body. It was apparent to everyone present that this experience over a period of months had unhinged Athemal, but Sparhawk—and Vister—both insisted that the only evil about the halfling was in the demonic arm that he had ended up with.

While Sparhawk was speaking with Athemal, Maluccus, the winged lion, went about from party member to party member, casting healing spells until everyone’s injuries had been healed entirely (all party members healed to full hit points).

“Quite the menagerie, eh?” said Syll to Luger when all of the healing, and all of the introductions were complete. “That blank spot on the dial didn’t seem to do anything—not even a flash of light—when I pulled the lever, but we sure got a collection of interesting folks from the others. We shoulda rescued this lot before goin’ ta face Hedrack. If we’d had all these reinforcements, maybe Danton wouldn’ta been killed.”

Nodding solemnly, Luger looked at the four newcomers. He could tell just looking at Vister that she was a capable warrior. Maluccus was clearly a powerful spellcaster, in addition to whatever physical powers the winged lion might possess. Renoux was a bit more of an unknown, but his size suggested physical strength. Of the four rescued prisoners, only Athemal looked likely to be more of a liability to the party than an asset.

“Friends,” said the cleric loudly enough to draw everyone’s attention. “As Peter has suggested, we are here to overthrow the Doomdreamers and bring an end to their vile plans. We have rescued you all from their prison, and you are all free to go where you wish, but I would ask that all who are able join us in accomplishing a few more goals here in the Outer Fane and then storming their final redoubt—the Inner Fane. When that is done, we can all leave this place together.”

Vister looked at Sparhawk and Thrommel, both of whom nodded their approval of Luger’s words.

“I’m in,” said the elf paladin simply.

“I just want to go home,” said Athemal plaintively. “That and…get my old arm back.”

“I must report back to my own people,” said Renoux. “They will be wondering at my unexpected absence. I must return to report…and learn what else may have transpired on my own plane during my absence.”

“I too must report to…my superiors,” boomed Maluccus in his lion’s voice. “But I could take Athemal here with me in order to see that he receives the help he needs.” The winged lion looked at Renoux. “I could get you out of the mountain as well, if you would like.”

“If you guys are leaving,” said Syll, “there are some other prisoners in a room not too far from here. Maybe you could take them with ya too? We woulda let ‘em out earlier, but we didn’t have any way to get ‘em outta this here fane!”

“Of course,” said Maluccus. “Show me where they are, and I can teleport the whole group out of the mountain. If you would like, perhaps Renoux and I could create a disturbance or two before we leave—doing so as far as possible from where you all will be going—in order to distract and occupy the cultists for you for a time.”

“Nice,” said Syll. “Now let’s get out those maps and start planning!”

________________________________________________________________

Notes for turn 87:

Please send postings for Turn 87 by the end of Friday, March 7th.

Syll has earned enough XP to reach 10^th level. Please do the usual level-up procedure for him and let me know the results.

A lot of things changed with the character listings below this turn. I strongly advise all of you to look closely at your characters’ listings and make sure everything looks right with them. I don’t think I missed anything or made any mistakes, but it’s always good to double-check. You might also let me know any items in your characters’ equipment that you want to dump.

Current date/time/location: 22 Kolovoz; approximately 1700; The Outer Fane of the Temple of All Consumption

Items gained this turn and not yet divided: none

Items used/lost/destroyed/sold/left behind this turn: Hedrack’s chest and some of Danton’s equipment left behind in Varachan’s chamber.

FOES DEFEATED:

Active party members listed in bold.

This Chapter:

Entire Campaign:

Current Status of the Party:

Luger

AC: 22

Hit Points: 99/99

New XP: 900

XP total: 57,399

XP needed: 66,000

Equipment: masterwork heavy mace, chainmail +1, masterwork large steel shield, light crossbow, 13 bolts, 3 belt pouches, large bag, 50’ rope, flint & steel, 24 days rations, silver holy symbol of Heironeus, 3 healer’s kits, backpack, cleric’s vestment, traveler’s clothing, 3 waterskins, bedroll, iron triangle with upside down ‘Y’ inside, eight cockatrice feathers, scroll of cure disease, Geistblatt (ghost touch longsword +1), 4 vials of Furyondian Fire, cloak of resistance +1 (+1 to all saves), potions of reduce, nondetection, 2 silver and 2 gold brooches from Woodstock, tattered black cloak with burning eye emblazoned on it, note from Master Hedrack to Master Uskathoth (in Draconic), one large triangular metal bar and one large diamond shaped metal bar, 2 emerald endants, book on history and worship of Elder Elemental Eye cult, one inverted Y pendant in brown triangles, scroll with protection from elements, Oamarthis note, 3 books: The Worship of the Elder Elemental Eye, A History of Evil Cults, and The Temple of Elemental Evil, Aseneth’s House Torquann dragon ring, ring of jumping (+30 to jumping checks), 1 iron triangle with inverted ‘Y’, three black cones made of some unknown substance, a black scepter decorated with a half dozen violet gems, metal scroll tube, one inverted ziggurat pendant; scrolls of contagion, greater magic weapon, bracers of health +2, scroll of bless, hold person, and dispel magic, 2 pink pearls, large steel shield +1, scroll with neutralize poison, purple lamp (everburning torch), unknown magic morningstar, scroll with two Cure Serious Wounds spells, one Neutralize Poison spell, one Remove Disease spell, and one Remove Curse spell, scroll with Heal, and Restoration, one refuge stick, 8 iron triangles with upside down ‘Y’ inside,1 inverted ‘Y” pendant in a brown triangle, Journal of Geynor Ton, a folded piece of parchment with a note addressed to someone named Festrath, spider pendant, letter to Master Dunrat, ochre-colored robe, six sticks of incense, tattered dwarven book, nine inverted Y pendants with blue-green squares behind them, 3 iron keys from Fire Temple forces, inverted y pendant with red diamond background, map of Fire Temple area, letter from Hedrack to Tessimon, healing elixir from the fungal forest man, 2 dwarven scrolls found on the balcony over the dark lake, Fachish’s papers, letter from Hedrack to Terrenygit, Naquent letter to Dunrat, key to Varachan’s quarters, Purple Robe of Tharizdun, Lesser Tentacle Rod, Periapt of Wisdom +2, Tome of Understanding +1, Scroll with Heal and Harm, journal of Hedrack, tharizdun holy symbol

Spell Selection

Level 0 (6): Detect Magic (x3), Light (x3)

Level 1 (7+1): Protection from Evil (Domain)

Level 2 (5+1): Aid (Domain)

Level 3 (5+1):

Level 4 (4+1): Divine Power (x1)

Level 5 (3+1): Flame Strike (x1)

Level 6 (1+1):

Syll

AC: 16 (17 versus one opponent)

Hit Points: 56/56

New XP: 900

XP total: 45,168

XP needed: 45,000

Equipment: Ring of Protection +1, Cloak of Resistance +1, Urrtarr’s spellbook, Masterwork Longsword, backpack, 3 water skins, 24 days rations, bedroll, magnifying glass, 2 flint & steel, 10 candles, map/scroll case, parchment, ink & pen, mirror, oil flask, 40 arrows, clothing, longbow, 1 dagger, sack, 50’ rope, chalk, 5 torches, storm whistle, 5 bells, gold brooch, lamp, black cloak, inverted Y pendant, rose quartz gem, ring of climbing, bracers of health +2, 1/3 of Oamarthis gems, scrolls of Pyrotechnics, Protection from Fire, Animal messenger, Summon Monster II, Change self, Enlarge, Sleep X2, Wand of Monster Summon I (8 charges), potion of water breathing, potion of lesser restoration, ring of feather falling, wand of fireballs (12 charges; caster level 6), potion of protection from elements (fire), potion of cure moderate wounds, 2 pink pearls, eyes of the eagle (+5 to all spot checks), gauntlets of Kord (not worn), scrolls of blink and shield, wand of detect magic (14 charges), unknown potion from the battle at the western bridge complex, one refuge stick, studded leather armor +1 (not worn), Everburning Torch, potion of love, bracers of armor +1 (not worn), potion of hiding, potion of cure light wounds, Vacuous Grimoire, Amulet of Natural Armor +2, Scroll with True Seeing, Contact Medallion, two lilac-colored masks

Spells per level per day:

Level 0: (6) 2 used

Level 1: (7) 7 used

Level 2: (7) 1 used

Level 3: (7) 1 used

Level 4: (5) 4 used

Gold: 3737

Silver: 42

Sparhawk (+5 Temporary Strength, +2 Temporary Constitution)

AC: 20 (23 when using longsword/shield combination instead of great sword))

Hit Points: 74/74 (temporarily 82/82 due to Endurance)

New XP: 900

XP total: 31,573

XP needed: 36,000

Equipment: backpack, water skin, 24 days rations, bedroll, tent, 2 daggers, longsword, composite longbow, 1 quiver with 10 arrows, ink & inkpen, 50’ silk rope, whetstone, 1 vial holy water, masterwork large steel shield, 2 candles, signet ring and sealing wax, gilded warhorn, chalk, 2 mirrors, flint & steel, 5 pitons, 20 pieces parchment, 2 empty sacks, silver holy symbol of Heironeous, Everburning Torch, black cloak, inverted Y pendant, gauntlets of dexterity +2, pearl from the Dark Lake, gold-inlaid black urn, Tessimon’s jewelry box, golden orb set with amber, Book of the Dark Eye, Caladbolg (barbed great sword +1 with special properties), two dark vision potions and one strength enhancing wafer from the fungal forest man, 2 pink pearls, suit of chainmail +1 (not worn), cloak of resistance +1, unknown magic club, 3 Greater Slaying Arrows (humans), one refuge stick, full platemail +1, javelin of lightning, large steel shield +1

Spell Selection:

Level 1 (2):

Level 2 (1):

Turn Undead attempts left on current day: 6 of 6

Lay on Hands healing points left on current day: 3 of 24

Smite Evil used today?: No

Gold: 333

Silver: 0

Tenaris (+4 Temporary Strength, Longsword temporarily +4)

AC: 23

Hit Points: 86/86

New XP: 900

XP total: 39,028

XP needed: 45,000

Equipment: longsword, chitin full plate mail, large steel shield, masterwork morningstar, 4 javelins, inverted Y pendant, 24 days rations, potions of cat’s grace, spider climb, 1/3 of Oamarthis gems, cloak of resistance +1, black robe, Bracers of Kord (strength) +2, pearl from the Dark Lake, short sword +1, large steel shield +1, two strength enhancing wafers and one healing elixir from the fungal forest man, Masterwork longsword, Maicarya (flaming short sword +1), 2 pink pearls, longsword +1, golden dagger, golden necklace, 2 vials Furyondian fire oil, slippers of spider climbing, one refuge stick, potions of haste, bull’s strength, and heroism, Rat’s Tail (rapier +1), boots of elvenkind, a dozen vials of lantern oil, masterwork thieves’ tools, silver and gold brooches, pouch of unknown dried herbs taken from the home of Tal Chamish, emerald pendant, a small ebony troglodyte statuette, a curved dagger, an emerald pendant, 1/3 of Oamarthis gems, , pearl from the Dark Lake, masterwork dagger, sack of random bits of metal intended to be used as chess pieces, 4 bottles cheap red wine, 2 pink pearls, 200’ silk rope, Rapier +1, buckler +1, suits of elven chainmail +1 (not worn), cloak of elvenkind (not worn), Potion of Lesser Restoration, Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds

Gold: 1532

Silver: 460

Prince Thrommel

AC: 21 (22 versus one foe)

Hit Points: 121/121

New XP: 900

XP total: 55,900

XP needed: 66,000

Equipment: breastplate +1, boots of striding and springing, dagger +2, gold belt, ring of protection +1, ring of counterspells, ring, amulet, necklace of Furyondian royal family, holy symbol of Tharizdun, Justice (masterwork greatsword) cloak of resistance +1, bracers of armor +1, masterwork light crossbow, 29 bolts

Platinum: 15

Gold: 68

Silver: 0

Vister

AC: 19 (20 versus one opponent)

Hit Points: 50/50

New XP: 0

XP total: 21,000

XP needed: 28,000

Equipment: Elven chainmail +1, Rapier +1, Buckler +1, Cloak of Elvenkind

Gold: 0

Silver: 0