Journal Entry 11

The Thunderspire

We set out for the Seven Pillared Hall at once. The journey would last the day which would put us in at nightfall. I wasn't thrilled about this and brought up that we might want to find a place to hold up just shy of our destination and approach in the morning light. Lodi and Shade thought speed was more important and Elder Pitnick didn't seem concerned about the time of night either. I put my faith into my comrades as we began our trek.

As expected, we reached the base of Thunderspire just as the sun began to descend below the horizon. Elder Pitnick pointed out the path we'd need to take. Looking up, the road seemed well used and houses could be seen on either side. This almost began to feel like a civilized township but a thunderclap from atop the mountain shocked me back to reality. We traversed the road for a while when I had the thought to approach one of the houses to see if they could offer any bits of wisdom or advice to us. Shade looked at me like I was loopy but went off to the nearest door regardless. I noted that he and Lodi took up concealed positions behind me as I knocked on the door. Instantly a response was shouted from within. "Go away! I have a crossbow." So much for the hopes of an easy chat. I informed the homeowner that I meant no harm and simply was looking for anything regarding the Seven Pillared Hall. He repeated his shout. Seeing as this was going nowhere fast, I plucked a gold piece from my pouch and slid it under the door in hopes that something more constructive would come of this. The mood seemed to lighten a bit although the homeowner still claimed to know nothing and requested I leave. A second gold piece was put under the door. Behind me I could sense Lodi and Shade shaking their heads at me. Even with the additional piece of gold for nothing but information, the homeowner continued to wish me away. Seeing as this wasn't productive, I left the stoop and began to go back to the road. I glanced back to the door and summoned my ghost hand to swipe below the door in an attempt to regain the coins but the denizens within had already claimed them.

The jaunt up the remaining section of road went without incident. As we crested the trail and set eyes upon the entrance to the Seven Pillared Hall, we saw a huge arch carved into the mountain side with two large statues on either side. Elder Pitnick tolerated us taking in the enormity of this work for a few minutes. We then proceeded inside. The hall was lit with ever-burning lanterns and lined with statues, both at regular intervals. There wasn't much cover in the open hallway which made Shade more twitchy than usual. After a long walk, we approached a junction where a smaller hall split off. We heard some talking coming from down this artery and decided to investigate. I began hearing some goblin speak. It sounded like they were bantering a halfling. This was confirmed as we heard some cries of pain and a bit of a scuffle from what I could only guess at the time was indeed a halfling. This is what we had set out to do. It only took a quick glance amongst the party and we were agreed that these goblins would cease their bullying ways one way or the other.

Shade crept up to gain a better vantage point and see more precisely what we were dealing with. As he approached the doorway, he stepped on a rat who squealed in protest. The inhabitants of the room quickly became aware of our presence and immediately took up arms. In mid curse, Shade was suddenly dragged into the room by a glowing magical rope. I cautiously approached the doorway where I saw a wall of four hobgoblins in armor creating an impressive barrier. Behind the wall I saw Shade who was now fighting for his life. I cast off a scorching burst into the ranks, catching one of the hobgoblins within the blast. Elder Pitnick came up to my side and began his attack. Lodi quickly came forward and loosed a pair of arrows, one of which struck true. Shade turned into a fury of swinging steel as he became a blur of action. The hobgoblin mage was struck and struck again with the onslaught of blade work put forth by the elf. Unfortunately no one can maintain that level of martial prowess but when Shade began to slow, the mage was on the ground clutching at his many wounds. With a shout, two of the hobgoblins came to the mage's aid making Shade's position all the more dire.

The remaining two hobgoblins came into the hall and engaged Lodi and Pitnick. Their swings missed the mark. This was enough for Lodi as he tucked, ducked and rolled behind me. The realization quickly set in that I and Pitnick were now fully engaged with the hobgoblins. I took a step back and set off another scorching orb. Again, only one of the beasts was caught. Pitnick attacked with a savage ferocity as his weapons began to draw blood. One of the hobgoblins stepped up and struck me with his blade. I took another step back and let loose with my scorching orb once more. Along with Pitnick and Lodi's withering assault, we brought down the brutes one at a time. Coming into the room, Shade was continuing to fight off the attackers with everything he had. I took note of the wavering hobgoblin mage and fired off my magic missiles. They found their target as the mage looked in alarm at us. Another series of attacks from the party put the mage down permanently. The remaining two guards were now visibly rattled after seeing their boss cut down into a bloody pool but fought on. Now that the hobgoblins weren't facing unarmed halflings, they quickly fell to the floor ceasing to be.

The Seven Pillared Hall

Elder Pitnick saw to Shade's wounds. The elf mentioned that if not for Bairwin's potions, he might not have made it. I went to the halfling who was lying unconscious on the floor. Pitnick came over shortly and began to work his healing magic. The halfling came to, somewhat amazed to still be alive. He gave his name as Randal after taking a moment to gain his bearings. He said that he runs an inn here. The hobgoblins had been causing trouble so he took it upon himself to investigate what they were up to. That was the point where he was captured and beaten and then we came in. He thanked us again and again and insisted that we stay at the inn and join him for a round of ale. Once Randal could walk, we returned to the main hallway and continued deeper into the mountain.

I took the opportunity on the walk to make some inquiries about the area, in particular about the Mages of Saruun. Randel told us that the Mages of Saruun are the keepers of the law in the Seven Pillared Hall. They are a mystical bunch of mages who appear seemingly at will and deliver their idea of justice with relentless authority. Anyone getting on the wrong side of them would certainly not live long to regret it. The mages relied on an ogre named Brug for menial tasks. Brug was an oafish bully who threw around his might. The best option was to avoid Brug as well since a fight with Brug can quickly become a fight with Brug and the mages. I suddenly wished that Zar'za and Krova were here along with an army of knights. Lodi asked about any groups of halflings that have been seen in the area. Randal didn't have any recollection of such but did say we'd need to go to the Chamber of Eyes as that is most likely where any slave trading would occur.

Randal informed us that we would need to pass through a checkpoint to gain admittance. This would also be our first introduction to the Mages of Sarkuun as they collected the tolls to gain entrance. We approached the small building and were told to go inside by a guard standing outside. Without a word we entered. An older decrepit looking man sat inside in front of a tome containing names and fees collected. He glared up at us and asked what our business was within the Seven Pillared Hall. We answered that we were delivering a package to one of the merchants within. He then asked how long we'd be staying. We informed him that our business would take a few days. At that, the man looked up and informed us that a pass will cost 50 gold pieces. I was taken aback although Shade seemed to take this in stride. He asked what he thought about 25 gold pieces and five for himself. The man smirked a bit, accepted the 25 and quickly pocketed the additional five and sent us out. The guard laughed at us as we left and delivered a kick to Lodi's backside. Injured in pride alone, Lodi took the high road. I made a mental note that this guy just made my list should the opportunity for retribution arise.

Utter amazement is the first feeling upon first looking over the former minotaur city. Ever-burning lanterns covered the walls and ceiling casting plenty of light upon the town. A waterfall ran down one wall into a river and flowed across the center part of town. Merchants had shops established throughout along with dwellings for all the people living here. Randal pointed out his inn nearby. I asked if he ever had any trouble as I began to take note of the seedier citizens moving about. Randal replied that only Brug caused any significant problems for him. Randal then pointed out a large statue and circle upon a mound of raised earth in the middle of town. He said that is where Brug summons the mages when trouble is about. Anyone brought there and taken by the mages would never be seen again. Shade and Lodi began to cast glances to me and Pitnick. I couldn't make out what he was trying to tell me. Shade began to wander off when Lodi told me that we were being followed. I chanced a glance backwards and did see a dragonborne who appeared more than casually interested in us. Our new tail took note of Shade's actions and quickly went to ground. We're not here five minutes and already attracting attention. Paranoia began to creep in.

The Shop of Gendar

We continued through the sparse crowds and came to the inn. Randal invited us inside immediately. We politely refused stating we had some business within town. Randal had pointed out Gendar's place of business upon gaining entrance. After parting with Randal, we made our way over to the building being careful to steer clear of any potential problems and to see if our tail would again appear. Deftly we navigated to the door of Gendar's shop and entered.

Gendar was indeed a drow and more so a drow who thought quite highly of himself. His tone and stature reminded me of some of my instructors back in my days at the academy. These were the instructors who could rip out your soul with nothing more than a lengthy lecture about the many uses of grass pollen. Remembering how to address such a person, I introduced the party and informed him that we had brought him a parcel from Bairwin. Gendar's interest was piqued at the mention of this and then Shade stepped in. Before I could offer any protest, he had demanded additional payment to be compensated for the toll incurred. I swore inside my mind knowing this strong arm attempt would not be well received and this indeed was one of those times where I hated being right. Gendar took offense and began to shove us out the door accusing us of either murdering Bairwin or stealing the item from him. I attempted to put all right by saying we had done neither. Gendar was not swayed. I quickly retrieved the case from my pack and set it in front of him, again attempting to bring calm to the situation. This did seem to have some affect as he ceased ushering us to the door. The drow then examined the case and stated that if we had properly understood the agreement, any expenses incurred would be covered by us. Granted this was a grey area in the agreement but I did not want to cause any trouble over a simple case, especially deep within Thunderspire.

Shade changed tact and inquired about the contents of the case. Gendar merely looked down his nose at the elf and with a snort, informed him that he couldn't possibly understand the studies of anthropology and archaeology. Fortunately for us Shade let this slide. I took this moment to ask about the Chamber of Eyes that might be a possible location for the Winterhaven townsfolk and the halfling encampment. Gendar couldn't tell us anything new but did put forth another offer. He had lost a sceptre to someone named Duagar in the Horn Hold. Should we be able to retrieve it, we'd then be rewarded. In addition to this offer, he gave us a package for Bairwin stating that he and Bairwin traded items often. We took the package. Shade then asked about the contents of the shop, specifically weapons. Gendar stated flatly that there were no weapons in his shop but gestured at the curios displayed about the shop. Shade politely declined and we then took our leave.

Tales of Heroism and Fright

We exited the shop and began to head back to the inn. We spied a disturbance moving through the crowds. A large ogre followed by a brute squad was shoving his way through people to make his way to a pub. The pub looked entirely unpleasant to all the five senses and I hope our business would not take us there. Avoiding the commotion, we made our way back to the inn. We entered the inn where we were greeted by a halfling bard who was up on stage singing songs. The crowd was in a jovial mood and obviously fans of the bard. We saw Randal and waved to him. We sat ourselves at a table as a round of ale came out. The song suddenly became more clear on how Randal had come to the rescue of another halfling, a human, an elf and a kobold. We glanced over to the kitchen where Randal quickly vanished behind the doors. The bard finished up his song, took a bow and went into his next song which was all about our party's conquests facing Kalarel. I was amazed that the tale had spread so quickly. As the song progressed, it described our party with some minor errors (I'm not an elf thankyouverymuch) although the most glaring was the leadership position and heroics of Lodi. Don't get me wrong as he certainly was instrumental in Kalarel's defeat but the song was a tad biased.

After the song, I asked the bard to join our table where a drink was brought out to him. I inquired as to where he learned of that song to which he replied Fallcrest. I then took the opportunity to correct some of the minor errors of the song. Shade took note of a man shaking in the corner. He looked as if he'd jump straight up through Thunderspire itself if one were to say "boo" too loudly. I asked one of the waitstaff about the man. The response was that he was a sage researching the ancient city when something terrible happened to him. Shade joined the man and asked him some questions about his work. He nearly made that jump to the summit. After hitting a verbal impasse, I relieved Shade and tried to calm the man down with a cup of green tea. He told me his name was Vadriar and he was indeed attempting to research the ancient city. However, when attempting to communicate what had happened, his voice would fail him. It would just stop. I couldn't get a read as to if this was magical or otherwise. Also reaching an impasse, I rejoined the party at the table where we settled in for the night. Tomorrow would most certainly bring its own new set of adventures.

Journal Entry 10

Winterhaven is Burning

We were met by the dwarven blacksmith as we entered into what remained of Winterhaven. A large raiding party had come through, laying waste to the town, killing the local militia, and taking prisoner the majority of the townsfolk including the halfling encampment just outside of the walls. Lodi's usually high spirits were visibly dampened upon delivery of the grisly tale. Night fell as we discussed what needed to be done. Our party has come together as people are wont to do after facing down doom and decided that this couldn't be allowed to go unanswered. We were the saviors of Winterhaven once and would continue in that capacity reclaiming the livelihood of those taken by force.

The next morning the party met up in the inn after a fitful night's sleep. I thought I would certainly sleep well what with all the activity as of late but the destruction of the town and taking the people for whatever sinister purpose weighed heavily on my mind. As we ate our breakfast in dazed silence, Bairwin the dwarven blacksmith joined us. With him was a kobold who he introduced as Elder Pitnick. This kobold appeared different from the previous creatures I've encountered as there was a glimmer of intellect and wisdom in his eyes. Glancing over to Shade I noticed some apprehension which is the norm. I must admit I have come to appreciate his critical eye so as not to miss any important details or items of interest when new encounters appear.

Bairwin had gotten word that the town's population was taken east to the Seven Pillared Hall by the Blood Reavers who were led by Chief Krand. The Seven Pillared Hall was an ancient minotaur city hollowed out under Thunderspire. It now hosted a booming trade of anything and everything with those of the Underworld. Elder Pitnick actively goes to and from the Seven Pillared Hall and would be our guide. It seemed our path was laid out before us. Krova and Zar'za decided it would be a good idea to go off and gather some more information on this area and the history of the ancient city. I protested the decision although the need for both information and speed seemed to limit our options.

Zar'za and Krova set off as Lodi, Shade, Pitnick and I prepared our gear to make our way to Fallcrest, a town on the way to Thunderspire. As we packed, Bairwin came up to us with a gift and an offer. His gift to us to aid our journey was three healing potions which we accepted graciously. Hopefully we wouldn't need them but with Zar'za and Krova's absence, our ability to heal ourselves was greatly impaired. The offer was then laid before us. Bairwen asked that we take an unknown item of some significance to a drow named Gendar in the Seven Pillared Hall. We'd be compensated for our trouble upfront with our choice of mystical items. Deciding to accept the offer, we choose a protective amulet and hide armor of a fine quality. Shade put on the armor and I donned the amulet. We set off with one last request that we not connect Bairwin with Gendar in front of anyone except Gendar. This bit of subterfuge put me at unease with more questions but I decided to accept Bairwin's word that it would simply be better to keep mum. So be it.

Fallcrest

The journey to Fallcrest went by without incident which I'll attribute to Elder Pitnick's knowledge of the roads. We arrived late afternoon before the gates were closed for the night. After procuring lodging from the inn, I decided to check if there was anyone in town who might be an authority on the Seven Pillared Hall and the denizens within. There appeared to be a rather academic looking building and figured it would hopefully house someone of some knowledge. I approached the door and knocked. Eventually, it opened and I was addressed by a hurried-looking, pale-complected man. He looked at me and spoke with a half-hearted "Yes?" and a pair of arched eyebrows. I introduced myself and inquired if there might per chance be anyone who would know anything of Thunderspire. The man's demeanour instantly changed as his level of interest raised up faster than a shot from Shade's bow.

At once, I became defensive at this excitement. The man abruptly asked if I was the mage who had a hand in Kalarel's demise up north. Taken aback, I could only ask why the interest in my recent activities. With a complete lack of social grace, the man responded even more abruptly than before stating a "yes" or "no" to his inquiry would suffice. I muttered out a "yes" to which he stated that I would need to return before daylight to speak with Archmage Krellus. I attempted to gain more information on what I'd gotten myself and consequently the party into but was shut down in my attempts. Quickly I took stock of the man at the door and could not see any evil or deceitful intent in his manner. He appeared to merely be a belabored scribe. I asked his name quickly before the door slammed shut to which he replied "Geldamar". At that I wished him a good night although it was mainly delivered to the door as it closed with a loud thud. I went back to the inn and shared my adventures. We decided to keep the appointment with the archmage.

The morning came and we had a fast breakfast. I wrapped up some pastries as they were delectable. We traversed over to the hall where Geldamar was waiting for us outside. He was shivering and trying to stave off the morning chill. He greeted us with all the warmth of ice and instructed us to go inside. I gave him a pastry to which he graciously accepted. Geldamar's attitude changed greatly. Seeing this opportunity, I asked if there was anything to know about the archmage. He simply told us to be straight forward in our dealings and not to attempt any flattery. I thanked him for the advice as we entered the hall.

The archmage was a rotund man who must have also greatly enjoyed the pasties at the inn while forgoing anything that might be strenuous. Hopefully his knowledge would be as great as his gut. Archmage Krellus greeted us more warmly than Geldamar and asked of our journeys both past and present. We shared our tales and informed him that we were going to the Seven Pillared Hall to free the townspeople of Winterhaven. He told us that the ancient city was known in the past as Saruun Kell and currently hosted a collection of mages known simply as the Mages of Saruun. The archmage was very interested in their activities and requested that we observe them and report back any findings. If anything useful was gleamed, he would reward us for our work. Archmage Krellus provided us with a map of the Thunderspire underground. It contained some markings although he wasn't aware of their meaning. Mindful of Gledamar's warning we promptly thanked the archmage and took our leave before any other errands were requested of us.