The Blank of Six Years

It has been a long time.

My last post was in a long-ago November of 2012. In that regard, I think I've failed as far as what I hoped to do in keeping up with it.

Between finals for my classes in grad school and mounting frustrations with the most recent season of D&D Encounters at the time, I had to start slimming down my focus to what was really important. For good or ill, the increased length of each Encounter session for the season caused the summaries to be at least double, if not more, the usual amount of writing involved to recap everything to the degree I found acceptable.

This mixed with our run of rather regular attendance shattering apart into insanity made it very difficult to piece together any form of a coherent ongoing story. Ultimately, that time was better spent on my classes and as I rolled into my final semester of grad school in the Spring, staring down my Exit Portfolio, I simply lost touch with working on any content for here.

So much has changed for me in the RPG hobby and I imagine a good part of my postings in the near future will be devoted to chronicling all the lost time. Obviously, I tapered off with writing up Play Reports on the games I had been running. It seemed that with each passing season of Encounters it became harder and harder to tell even the vaguest semblance of a story with the frequent dropping in and out of players. At best, I mostly would have been writing what was already available in the module, so in that respect, it seemed a pointless effort without the color added by character actions.

I'm not sure if, going forward, how much I will write play reports; I suppose that rests upon catching that spark of inspiration. However, I do want to continue this blog for musing/original content on all the various RPG's I take an interest in along with the hobby in general; if nothing else. Thus, my personal goal is to at least post something once a week; every two weeks at worst.

As a postscript to where I was when I abandoned posting here, I did manage to wrap up my final semester and obtained a Masters in Library Science; which is an achievement I'm pretty proud of. Of course, being an RPG blog what's more important to anyone stumbling by is likely the actual RPG-related stuff. So I figure there is no better way to jump-start things here again than to talk about what I've been up to for the last few years in the realm of RPG's.

The next few entries I post will all fall along that line giving a sweeping recap of where my interests have been, what games I have played/ran, so on and so forth.

D&D Encounters: War of Everlasting Darkness Session 01+02

So I'm combining our first two weeks together because I devoted what time I had to session write-ups to powering through all those Mecha episodes. I have a lot to say about this season so this part might be a bit long winded. As far as overall, things are going well. We now have two full tables and just this week starting Session 02, we got in another new player. Excellent times for our Encounters program.

I have a lot of issues with this season and the "testing" D&D NEXT mechanics or whatever. I was hopeful going in. I'm always willing to try anything once when it comes to an RPG. However, maybe this is a little early to say it, but two sessions in and I already feel like this is a bad move. First, I should preface this by saying that reaction-wise most of our players found the changes awkward, but were hopeful. However, one of our vets (who had seen through both previous seasons in the Rise of the Underdark Trilogy) bowed out this season after learning about the new changes. There was really nothing I could do about it. It made me a little sad that this decision turned away one of our long time players.

So this is my problem. I have nothing against added focus on roleplaying and exploration; I do love DCC to death. However, the way they went about implementing this with 4e just does not work in my opinion. Fights are a joke in this season so far. They're already made easier, I think, to account for having multiple battles. However, these gridless supporting minion brawls do little to expend resources, only last a round or two tops and are more of a small speed bump to the party if anything. Then, there's still usually one "major" battle of the session. However, players go in every week after an extended rest with (by the rules) an action point and all their daily powers refreshed. You know you'll get them back next week. There's zero incentive not to blow them on the hardest battle and tear through it quickly.

To me, the tactical nature of 4e's combat is one of its strongest points. Even the powers are built around this. We had some stumbling points in Session's 2 minion orc battle as I tried to describe the nature of the battle and people kept wondering about the ranges on their powers. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but I think WOTC dropped a major ball with this decision. In any case,  I suppose we'll see how it goes in the later sessions which, admittedly, look a bit more interesting than this intro material. We've got a lot of information to cover so let's dig right in:

Background:
Deep in the darkness of the Demonweb Pits, Lolth has been spinning a web of deceit, treachery and ambition. Her goal is to seize control of arcane magic, a domain that has lain vacant since the death of Mystra a hundred years ago.

To facilitate this grab for power, Lolth has sent the prophet Danifae Yauntyrr to all cities of the drow. Danifae is a fallen priestess, a scoundrel, a seductress and-if history is any guide-an avatar of Lolth. Whispering to the leaders of all the great drow houses, Danifae has spurred them to gather ancient knowledge and relics to aid Lolth's ascent.

The drow have scoured the world for the physical remnants of dead or sleeping primordials, sought out the remains of great wizards, gathered artifacts once sacred to Mystra and fought for control of magical locations on the world's surface. As the dark elves have gathered arcane energy and channeled it to Lolth, her strength has grown.

Lolth's web has extended to cover most of the world, forming a Demon Weave to replace the sundered Weave that Mystra maintained. This new matrix of arcane magic grants the priests and wizards who serve Lolth access to newfound abilities and their task is now to use them.

Across the surface world, Lolth's servitors draw on the Demon Weave to create shrouds of darkness that they call the Darkening. Under this pall of shadow, the drow can move and fight with darkness on their side during what would normally be daylight hours. With this newfound advantage, they hope to help complete Lolth's ascendancy to her new role as Goddess of Magic.

Heroes:
1) Decanis: An Eladrin Psion traveling as an envoy for his kingdom. Amid the great threat from Lolth, Decanis holds the unique opinion and hope that the drow might one day return among the other fey as allies.

2) Terios: A Minotaur Warden with a severe hate towards drow. When Terios was but a young child, his entire family was killed by a squad of drow acting above ground. Left for dead, Terios was rescued by Teph and has since stood by her side as an ally. A creature of action more than thought, Terios has a reputation for getting his companions into trouble.

3) Teph: A clever Pixie Thief. She rescued Terios from death after drow exterminated his family when he was a child. She once botched a robbery and found herself imprisoned in a jar for 3 days until Terios was able to find and rescue her. Also known for being a skilled negotiator.

4) Makaria: A Tiefling Elementalist wandering the realms. She speaks little and is known for her short temper. However, her skill at commanding flames in unrivaled making her an excellent ally to have in battle. Has an infamous reputation for burning down forests from stray spells cast in combat.

5) Dox-Alna: A Changeling Warlord cast into the realms to bring about great change. Having served most of her life among the Order she is devoted to, Dox-Alna was recently issued an important mission. This task was simple in design, yet grand in concept: go forth into the realms and bring a stop to Lolth's bid for power.

6) Darren: A Half-Elf Swordmage who is well know or his laid back attitude and relaxed demeanor. He travels with a pet cat that he keeps close by at all times.

7) Belgos: A Drow Hunter who has lived most of his life above ground having forsaken the ways of Lolth. Concerned with the recent push by the drow of the Underdark, he has begun travelling looking for a way to stop their ambitions.

Locations:
-Luruar: Also commonly known as the Silver Marches. A region in Faerûn that is a confederation of cities in the north, under the leadership of Alustriel Silverhand, former ruler of Silverymoon. It consists of Silverymoon, Citadel Adbar, Deadsnows, Jalanthar, Quaervarr, Citadel Felbarr, Everlund, Mithral Hall, and Sundabar, and its goal is to protect the North against the growing horde of orcs in the mountains. It shares borders with the kingdom of Many-Arrows, a coalition of various orc tribes who currently have a peace argreement with the Silver Marches.

-Glimmerwood: A vast forest in Luruar to the east of Mithral Hall. Home to several settlements and ruins, it is a well known location among adventurers. Several orc tribes make their home around this region.

-Quaervarr: A small woodland village just within the southwest tip of the Glimmerwood. A popular gathering point for adventurers hoping to explore the vast forest. Home to the famous inn the Whistling Stag and located not far from the ruins of Methegrist.

-Winter Edge: A hamlet in the Silver Marches. Winter Edge settled east side of River Surbrin, opposite of Mithral Hall. The hamlet has been gaining importance since Obould Many-Arrows besieged Mithral Hall and then Mithral Hall by aid of Citadel Felbarr succeeded to open east gate. Mithral Hall provide to trade other Silver Marches cities via Winter Edge . High Lady of Silverymoon Alustriel Silverhand promised to Bruenor Battlehamer ,King of Mithral Hall, help and trade via Winter Edge. People of Winter Edge earn a living with trade and farming. Only humans live there but many times elves from north,specially Moonwood, or Silvermoon visit Winter Edge.

-Dark Arrow Keep: King Obould XVII reigns the Kingdom of Many-Arrows from the central chamber in this trapped fortress, known for its slit-covered and confounding corridors, blind alleys, and brutal punishments in the Pit, an arena used by the King to judge his chieftains.

-Mithral Hall: Mithral Hall is a dwarven stronghold beneath Fourthpeak Mountain in the Spine of the World. It was one of the best known dwarven strongholds in Faerûn. Originally a mithral mine belonging to Clan Battlehammer, this underground town became a safe haven for various dwarf families and even some persons of other races. Mithral Hall has a long history of tragedy and triumph, and was the making and breaking of countless individuals.

NPCs/Organizations:
-Mystra: The Mother of all Magic, was the greater deity who guided the magic that enveloped Toril prior to the Time of Troubles. Mystra tended to the Weave constantly, making possible all the miracles and mysteries wrought by magic and users of magic. She was believed, as was her predecessor Mystryl, to be the embodiment of the Weave and of magic itself. Mystra's symbol was a ring of seven stars surrounding a rising red mist, spiraling to the heavens, though her older and more often seen symbol was a simple seven-pointed star. During the Time of Troubles, Mystra was killed by the deity Helm for defying the god and trying to climb the Celestial Stairway to the heavens.

-Lolth: The Queen of Spiders or Queen of the Demonweb Pits, is the goddess of the drow, a chaotic evil deity who revels in chaos. She patterns her life and the lives of her worshipers on a regimen of chaotic acts and the veneration of spiders. The way that new-born spider broods tear each other apart to survive especially appeals to her. She promotes this by encouraging her worshipers to kill their rivals, thus ensuring that they are the strongest of the 'brood'. Her love of chaos often makes her appear mad but the wise see her as a calculating individual who is always several steps ahead of those who believe that they can anticipate her. She is cruel and domineering, forcing her will upon her followers and her enemies, a will which instructs the strong to crush the weak in the most torturous way imaginable. Since the Spellplague, Lolth has set her sights on replacing Mystra as the master of arcane power.

-Danifae Yauntyrr: A stunningly beautiful drow cleric who eventually would became the Yor'thae or Chosen of Lolth, a part of Lolth herself. She was born in the city of Eryndlyn, where she studied magic with the house wizard before becoming a priestess of Lolth. Naturally beautiful, Danifae soon found she could use her looks to her advantage, and was willing to seduce both men and women to get what she wanted in life. She has recently appeared among all great drow civilization on behalf of Lolth to spread the plan to form the Demon Weave.

-King Obould XVII: King Obould XVII is the seventeenth king in a line of unbroken Oboulds, ruling over the kindom of Many-Arrows. Obould XVII reunited the tribes in 1460 DR after a series of civil wars split the kingdom. Know for his sharp wit, Obould keeps a tense peace brokered between the various orc tribes under his dominion and Luruar.

Session 01: Nightfall in Methegrist (Year 1 - Spring)
-Near the end of spring, five adventurers found their travels bringing them to Quaervarr; a pleasant logging village just inside the vast Glimmerwood. At the gate of the walled palisade that surrounded the village, a pair of militia guards leaning on spears asked each one a few cursory questions about their business before pointing them to a luxurious inn known as the Whistling Stag.

-Half hunting lodge and half sumptuous mansion, the Whistling Stag offered heated baths, down pillows, warm blankets and lovely views of the verdant forest outside. All this was complemented by bearskin carpets, stag heads on the wall and a lush tapestry depicting elves on a boar hunt.

-The common room was busy with at least a dozen locals crowding around the bar. The conversation centered on a ghostly apparition that had been passing through the village ever night recently. The villagers seemed spooked, but an older patron with silvered hair and the look of a former adventurer about him was trying to reassure everyone.

-With only a single table left open, these five adventurers were forced to be seated together and it was thus there that Decanis, Terios & Teph, Makaria and Dox-Alna met and traded stories. The group couldn't help but find the ghostly tale intriguing and eventually inquired about what went on. The man leading the conversation introduced himself as Rennick; a retired ranger who had spent his life adventuring in the Glimmerwood. Despite the crowd's disposition, Rennick seemed cheerful and his very presence seemed to lighten the other citizens' mood a bit.

-Teph inquired about the situation and after some instigation from the bar patrons, Rennick agreed to weave the tale: Five days ago, on a dark and stormy night, just at the end of the celebration of Highharvestide, a pair of villagers saw a ghostly figure heading through the village as they left the holiday feast being held in the Whistling Stag. The phantom was a tall, thin human male in armor, walking through the village in a northeasterly direction.

-Each night since, the phantom has appeared again. The second night, Grainge (a teen of the village) saw the spirit enter the village by stepping through the palisade on the southwest side of Quaervarr, and a few other people saw it making its way through the village. The night before, Faella (an elder in the village) saw it leave the village by moving through the palisade on the northeast side.

-Ever eager for a change at treasure, Teph questioned whether there was any sort of reward for dealing with the ghost. Rennick seemed convinced the spirit posed no threat to the village, but added that such an adventure could always lead to something unknown or marvelous. After some discussion, the five adventurers agreed to form a party to uncover the mystery of this apparition. Going for the most direct approach, Terios suggested they simply wait for the ghost to appear and then track its movements.

-Agreed to this plan, the party gathered at the palisade on the southwest side of Quaervarr and began waiting for nightfall. As the sun sank below the horizon, the forest all around came to life with the sound of birdsong. Then the sun was gone, and silence fell among the trees. Almost at once, the ghostly apparition appeared, radiating a faint chill. The figure was a tall, gaunt human male with sunken eyes, striding slowly forward with his gaze fixed ahead. Makaria and Decanis made some cursory checks using their knowledge of the arcane and were able to quickly confirm that the apparition was in fact and spirit; and not some sort of illusion or other trickery.

-Moving carefully, with Terios leading the group, the party followed the ghost through the village and towards the palisade on the northeast side of town. There, the continued following the spirit as it moved past Quaervarr and into the open forests of Glimmerwood. It wasn't long before gruff voices raised in anger were heard nearby; with one softer woven in. However, it was too hard to make out the words. Noting that the apparition held a slow gait, the party opted to veer off path and investigate the sound.

-Keeping themselves hidden among the thick forest, the party happened upon two orcs talking to a lithe figure swathed in black. The orcs wear the symbols of two different tribes. One has fangs painted in bright red hanging from its clothing and armor. The other wears dangling loops of what looks like intestines draped over one shoulder and under the other arm.

-Recalling the studies from her Order, Dox-Alna recognized the first orc's regalia as indicating membership in the Red Fangs tribe of the western Rauvin Mountains. The second was a member of the Ripped Guts tribe that lairs in the northern slopes of the Nether Mountains. However, most odd to her, was the fact that these two tribes are well known enemies.

-The party listened in on their conversation as the two orcs seemed to argue about dividing up new lands about to be conquered after the Darkening. The shrouded figure acted as an intermediary eventually getting the two orcs back onto the same page. Eventually, the two orcs began to debate their strength and agitated the figure shouted, "Enough, you imbeciles. I don't have time for this nonsense. The Spider Queen awaits my service. Just make sure you take the village of Winter Edge after the Darkening begins."

-Realizing the mention of the Spider Queen suggested this hidden figure was a drow, Terios flew into a frenzy charging from hiding just as this unknown figure seemed to vanish into the darkness. However, both orcs immediately flew into action diving the party into combat. However, numbers favored the party and working together they quickly overwhelmed and defeated both Orcs. Searching the area, no sign could be found of the mysterious drow. With no other leads, the party returned to keep tracking the spirit.

-After a few more minutes of travel, the party exited into a small clearing. Scattered remnants of ancient flagstones and masonry marked the location of the ruins, though the full extent of the former fortress was hidden beneath the undergrowth. Up ahead, four people moved as if searching for something in the moonlight. A dwarf in chainmail was tapping around a pile of rubble and listening for a response. An elf wearning thick leather crouches down to the flagstones at the base of a tall tree; a look of intense concentration hung on her face. Two human males armed with stout clubs looked on, frowning.

-Ignoring these people, the phantom continued its march until it stood beside the dwarf, who backed away startled. The ghostly knight pantomined lifting a trap door and then began to sink down into the ground at the dwarf's feet. All four adventurers seem visibly shaken and frightened by the spirit. However, this soon faded as they noticed our heroes.

-The dwarf waved his crossbow in their general direction and spoke aloud, "We got here first, so you best be on your way." After some discussion, the party came to learn this dwarf was named Karrik and he was the leader of this small band of tomb robbers. The elf, Lisstra, spoke poor Common but Karrik assured that her skill as a hunter was expert. The two men, Dran and Garn, rounded out the party as needed muscle. Karrik claimed stake to the ruins of Methegrist.

-Initially the party appealed to Karrik suggesting their sole interest was in the spirit itself; desiring to learn why it could not pass on. However, with rumors of vast treasures in the ruins, Karrik refused to back down. Taking charge, Teph began tense negotiations with the dwarf trying to bargain a deal where the two parties might act in concert together. Karrik drove a hard deal and initially wanted 3/4 of any treasure found. After some fast-talking on Teph's part, Karrik settled for 68% of all the treasure gathered. A fact Teph readily agreed to, silently knowing that this did not include treasure Karrik wasn't aware they had acquired.

-Exploring the area where the ghost had vanished, Decanis discovered a trap door; much like the spirit had mirrored. With a powerful heave, Terios opened the way revealing a ladder that descended into darkness. As they entered the dungeon room below clouds of dust billowed out around their feet. Beneath the dust, they could make out the shape and pattern of a large, tattered rug. Examining the rug closer, Makaria discerned the image of knights holding round vials of water that gave off a bright silvery light.

-Thinking for a moment, Dox-Alna recalled having read about Methegrist at her Order.Centuries ago, Methegrist was home to a small group of paladins know as the Moonwatchers. Dedicated to Helm, the paladins were the self-appointed protectors of the Moonlands. However, they were destroyed when a devil infiltrated their ranks and turned them against one another.

-Exploring the ruins of Methegrist proved dangerous for the party. Karrik cautiously let our heroes take the lead. Charging ahead into an open hall, Terios was injured as a spear trap shot up from the floor and stabbed into him. Later, in a large open chamber, Teph found herself entranced by a nearby fountain pooled with mirror-like water. Gazing into the water, she began to see her reflection on the surface of the pool, as clear as any mirror. A moment later, however, this image fades and an image of the past began to appear. Teph saw one of her failed robberies. After botching the attempt to steal and being caught, she was sealed away in a jar for three days until Terios managed to finally find and free her.

-Little did the pixie know she was being tested. Reflecting on the event, Teph felt no remorse only thinking it was unfortunate that her thievery had failed. The enchantment on the pool of water then cursed Teph for her negative thoughts and lack of repentance. Teph began to feel weakened and study by Makaria revealed that only time could lift the effect.

-Meanwhile, Terios had wandered off to a side chamber and discovered a powerful relic. Just before finding it, he had noticed the spirit again. Striding into the room, the armored phantom kneeled on the floor between two large fonts filled with radiant water. He held his sword upright in front of him, cluctching the pommel in front of his bowed head as he spoke, "Give me peace," as if in prayer. Dox-Alna identified it as the Tears of Helm. A vial of water blessed by Helm which could be used as a source to shed forth bright magical light. Not only this, the water itself also functioned as a potion of healing that would slowly refill itself over time. Relic in hand, Terios led the group into the next chamber.

-Within a hellish red light flickered around the room, coming from a brazier in an alcove to one side. The light danced along the glowing lines of a strange symbol engraved in the floor. Decanis identified this symbol as an infernal one, used to call forth devils or grant them power. Just then, the party heard a voice forcing Karrik to cry in fear. Booming within the room it cackled and spoke, "Why have you come, you pretty, pretty souls?"

-Nervous about the situation, the party answered honestly stating that they had been trailing the phantom. This prompted a high-pitched maniacal laugh from near the brazier. The voice then spoke louder, "If you would give rest to Sir Weepy, then answer this question creepy: I dance in hellfire gaily, and delight in torture daily. My sting will break your mind; you'll leave yourself behind. My face you cannot see, but can you identify me?"

-Using her own knowledge of infernal creatures, Makaria easily identified the answer: an imp. The correct response prompted another cackle before the voice continued its puzzle, "Now tell me my given name, and I'll return whence I came. First is a number whose letters count true to its name's amount. Then you can subtract a letter, but adding six would be better, to get the second part. Then comes the sound of the start of start, and finally, with a blast, sound out the last of last."

-Initially, the party seemed stalled by this riddle. Karrik and his party were complete stumped. Working together, Dox-Alna began to lead the party through the riddle line by line. Ultimately, she presented their answer: Fortenesti. With a flash of light the imp revealed itself and reassured the party that a devil would never break a pact they had made. True to its word, the imp cackled a final time and then vanished into thin air.

-Just then, the phantom began to walk slowly through the area, becoming more and more transparent as he moved. He nodded at the party and gave a faint confident smile before vanishing into thin air. However, then the earth gave a mighty shudder as an unearthly chill filled the air. The floor beneath the engraved symbol cracked open and was swallowed into shadow. An instant later, the ceiling above the symbol also cracked open, creating a shaft leading up to the surface.

-As the rumbling grew louder and areas of the ruins began to cave in, Karrik led the party in retreating to the surface. As the last party member reached the top of the ladder, the earth gave another shudder. Where the ground tore open in the chamber below, a dark filament shot into the air, as if a huge spider were spinning a web caught up in the wind. More strands followed it as a shadow fell over everyone present.

-Streams of inky blackness, darker than even the night sky around them, coalesced and weaved together. The light of the moon became utterly shrouded and the distant stars winked out one by one as the web of darkness grew ever tighter. As far as the party could see, the sky was blocked out by this powerful magical event.

Session 02: Envoy to Many-Arrows (Year 1 - Spring)

-Knowing that orcs are planning to destroy the village of Winter Edge, a few miles from the western edge of the Glimmerwood, the party decided to make the farming town their destination. Stopping back in Quaervarr to rest for the night, the party was in for several shocks come the morning. First, that day had never come. The mysterious black web darkening the sky seemed to have cast the land in eternal night. The difference between night and day was now much like the difference of light between a night with a full moon and new moon.

-In the Whistling Stag, the party met Belgos (a drow sympathetic against Lolth's aims) and Darren (a half-elf Swordmage that took interest in the party's story and wished to help Winter Edge). With a new party formed, the group set out making haste towards Winter Edge. Moving clear past the shadowy woods still proved to not bring any more light. The darkness that spawned from within the earth had now stretched far beyond its point of origin.

-By racing through the forest, the party managed to arrive in Winter Edge ahead of the orcs. However, they could hear the horns of their advance patrol during the journey. The warriors of at least two orc tribes are bearing down on the village. Along their path to the village square, only torchlight pierced the gloom. The tiny village was abuzz with panic. Its residents stood in the street, staring at the sky in fear and confusion. Crying children clutched at their parents' hands, while the adults spoke to one another in fearful tones.

-Reaching the center of the village, a stooped human female holding a thick, gnarled staff stepped up to the party and spoke. Her voice was loud and strong despite her many years as she questioned what foul magic was afoot and what part the party played in it. Dox-Alna was quick to relay what information they knew and, more importantly, the party warned of the orc attack. The woman introduced herself as Goodwife Winnstrom (Goody Winn as everyone in the village called her); the closest thing Winter Edge has ever known to a mayor.

-Winnstrom, already aware of the impending orc attack, explained to the party the panic the city was in. Their farming village was mostly defenseless and thus she was preparing for an evacuation. Working together, Dox-Alna and Darren managed to work the crowd and calm them enough to listen to Winnstrom's wisdom. Quickly, the citizens began to form caravans to exit out of the south of the city. Amid this chaos two things occurred. Meanwhile, Terios led the others in constructing barricades to defend the city from damage.

-First, Winnstrom introduced the party to Rhupp, a young half-orc woodcutter. Winnstrom explained that Rhupp's mother was an orc named Muhrella who was rescued years ago after being attacked by wild animals and left for dead in Moonwood. Winnstrom nursed her back to  health and Muhrella became a part of the community. She took a human forester named Uvaan, who many villagers were sure had a trace of orc blood in him as well, for her husabnd. Rhupp's mother died a few years ago, but she had taught Rhupp how to speak Giant and much about orc culture. His mother also told him that she had belonged to the Broken Arrow tribe, meaning that she and Rhupp were related to the king of the orc nation of Many-Arrows. Winnstrom suggested that he might be of aid to the party in dealing with the orcs.

-Second, As the caravans began to pull out a young half-elf girl rushed up to Darren. Nervously, she gave him a parting gift in thanks to helping their village; a carved wooden doll the size of a human fist and attached to a tether. The child explained that Ithel (the doll) could bring good luck to the party. An odd gnome named Garl visited the village a few weeks ago and said funny words over the doll, telling the girl that it would keep the dark away and make her brave. Examining the doll, Decanis discerned that it was actually a powerful artifact of arcane power. Much like the Tears of Helm, this doll could also shed forth bright light. Teph found this situation suspicious, particular Garl's words, musing that perhaps he might been aware of the situation far more than the average person.

-As the last of the villagers fleed on the road out of Winter Edge, five orcs wielding handaxes broke out of the forest into the unnatural darkness, howling in triumph and staring hungrily at the escaped villagers. One shouted out in Giant while Rhupp quickly translated, "We got here before stupid Ripped Guts! Red Fangs drink blood and take everything!" The crashing in the forest indicated a larger force might arrive at any moment.

-Making a stand in the center of town, the party acted as a final shield to allow the final villagers to escape ahead of the orcs. Though the band of five proved brutal in strength, they were easily dispatched by the party. However, not before rather severely injuring Terios and Darren. With more powerful orcs on the way, Rhupp suggested the party retreat. Though they were strong, he urged, they could never overcome such superior numbers. Instead, Rhupp suggested that they travel north to the place where the orc king lived. There, they might learn why these attacks are taking place after years of peace. Though dangerous, Rhupp as a descendant of Obould's tribe would at least easily allow for an audience.

-Dox-Alna seemed hesitant about the plan. However, with no better plans of action available and time short the party opted to follow Rhupp's guidance. Although darkness covered the sky all around them as they traveled, the route to Dark Arrow Keep was easy to follow. Rhupp knew that if they followed the River Surbrin north into the Spine of the World Mountains, heading toward the source of one of its tributaries, then they would not be far from the center of the orc nation of Many Arrows. Decanis recalled reading in his studies that the orcs of Many-Arrows have signed treaties with the civilized lands of the North. However, individual orc tribes, sometimes tire of the peace, and are known to ignore the orders of their king and attack anyway.

-Along the way, the party saw signs that orc war bands had spread outward from the Spine of the World and begun attacking civilized areas. A group of human hunters who obviously ran afoul of orcs had been butchered and left ont he trail. One of the hunters still clutched his bow in one hand and a broken arrow in the other. Upon seeing this bloody sight, Rhupp paled and muttered under his breath, "Even a broken arrow..." Noticing this had been part to a quote that Rhupp had references several times in their travel, Dox-Alna questioned its meaning. Rhupp explained that they are part of a Broken Arrow tribal saying his mother taught him: "Even a broken arrow is deadly in the right hands."

-Where the River Surbin roared out of the Spine of the World on its southward course, the foothills seem insignificant compared to the forbidding, snow-covered peaks that back them. Taking no more than a few steps into the river canyon, the party was halted when a guttural cry interrupted their progress. On all sides of  the party, dozens of orcs emerged from hiding. More than a hundred arrows are nocked and aimed towards the group. Rhupp stepped forward, throwing off his cloak, and took on a proud demeanor. He called out something in giant that no one in the party could follow. A silence of four heartbeats followed. Then more than a dozen arrows sprouted from Rhupp's chest; the look of pride given no time to drain from his face before he hit the ground. An angry voice shouted out in giant, but to no avail for the party. A different mocking voice laughed and began to snort.

-As more laughter rose, a short orc with bristling white hair stepped out and began shouting in common to the party. He introduced himself as Urphaer, a trusted lieutenant of Obould and leader of the sentries who guard the pass into the land of Many-Arrows. He urged the party to lay down their arms and accept their fate as prisoners of King Obould. He also reassured them that no harm would come unless they resisted. The party promptly dropped their weapons, but felt sad for Rhupp's fate. They inquired with Urphaer if Dox-Alna could treat his wounds. This prompted the old orc to state that he wasn't pleased with how things had went down. However, recently he had been having a hard time keeping his men under control since the call of war was sounded in the region. Rhupp would be a prisoner all the same, so mercy was granted.

-Ushered into the mountain, the party was led into a large chamber hewn from the mountainside that held Dark Arrow Keep. Long stone tables filled half the hall and the pelts and stuffed heads of wild beasts decorated the walls and floors. Weapons of all shapes and sizes occupied places of reverence in display along the edges of the room. Dozens of orcs and half-orcs either sat at the tables or milled about, many of them hissing, whistling or laughing as the party was brought forth.

-A muscular, heavily armored orc sat in a carved stone chair before the group; glaring with a menacing air. His eyes shined with an intelligence beyond what they had seen in other orcs while he took stock of the party. "I was told you were coming to attack us, but I think your threat might have been exaggerated." The orc's gravelley voice belied the wit behind it as jeers filled the room. "What business do you have with Obould, the King of Many-Arrows?" he asked directly.

-Dox-Alna was swift to bring forth the attack on Winter Edge and the violation of the treaty Many-Arrows held with the North. However, Olbould stated that orcs sometimes do what orcs do best and that the rest of the world should get used to it. This response inspired a great deal of cheering among the crowd. However, the party noticed a subtext to Obould's actions. It was more than clear that the king was worried and angered about these attacks. However, he seemed to be choosing his words carefully to play for a crowd that favored war.

-Noticing this, Dox-Alna suggested moving the conversation elsewhere but this prompted anger among the crowd. The debate continued and ultimately Rhupp stepped forth to speak on the party's behalf. Obould was moved by his tale and this earned the king's respect. He listened to the party's story of what the drow had done and how they were inciting orc tribes to act in concert with them. King Obould's harsh countenance seemed to soften as he nodded thoughtfully on these words. However, this discussion sparked the leader of the Death Horn tribe to speak up stating that the dark elves had promised to help darken the sky and did so. Now, the orcs should join them and take back all that is theirs.

-The party argued back citing multiple accounts of the drow treachery, making it clear that the orcs would be little more than pawns in their game. This prompted another tribe leader to speak up this time agreeing with the party arguing that it would be madness to break the peace that King Obould had brokered. He went on to state it would be an insult to risk everything they had worked for.

-The adventurers continued the debate building off the support from this leader. However, their momentum was soon halted by an old one-eyed orc wearing animal skins and carrying a feather-decorated spear. This shaman shouted that the drow's power had been made evident. However, these adventurers were unknown. If they couldn't stand against the drow then it would be foolish to side with them. Thus, the shaman suggested that the party prove themselves in the Pit. This forced a flurry of cheers and with little chance to protest, the party was forced to consent or face dire consequences.

-The party was quickly ushered among the crowd into another room as they crowded around a large open pit. King Obould summoned forth Ehnk, the shaman who had been speaking. He was the leader of the Crooked Path tribe and pragmatic to a fault. Ehnk thus explained the rules to the party. They would select their champion and, like their mighty orc warriors, that person would descend into the Pit to face a dangerous beast. If they emerged alive then their power would be proven and they would earn the respect of the tribe. Dox-Alna nervously questioned the consequences for failure, but Ehnk assured her that she would rather not know.

-Furthermore, the champion could have no assistance. Anyone that interfered would face punishment. The fate of the party would ride on their champion. After much discussion, it was decided that Terios would descend into the Pit as their champion. Below, Terios came face to face with a young guard drake that had been tamed by Ehnk. Using a variety of clicks and whistles, Ehnk commanded the drake to attack. The battle was rough. Although the drake's teeth were razor sharp and tore into Terios, the brawling minotaur fought on beating back the beast blow-by-blow.

-Amid the cheers of the crowd, some of the party tried to subtly assist their champion as well. Reaching out with his mind, Decanis launched mental attacks upon the drake. Dox-Alna attempted to help direct Terios in his maneuvers, but the orcs took note of this and a pair raucously tossed her into the pit and then descended below to do battle; forcing more cheers from the crowd.

-Worried for their companion, Teph flew below and quickly slayed one orc forcing the crowd to laugh at his weakness. About this time, with a mighty punch, Terios managed to fell the guard drake. All about the crowd of orcs they began to shout for Dox-Alna to finish off the remaining orc; the party's might had been proven and the Warlord gave the crowd their desire.

-With Terios' victory, Ehnk took this as a sign that their god, Gruumsh, wished the orcs to sit out of the drow war. This prompted more shouting and arguing among the orcs. Many stormed out of the hall despite King Obould's calls for them to halt. However, as the crowd died down, Obould made it clear to the party that he was pleased with the outcome and apologized for his earlier ruse. The tribes of Many-Arrows valued tradition and at all times King Obould knew he must play to that. For their victory, Obould suggested the party to stay the night and partake in a feast held in their honor.

-After a lavish meal, the party retired to the quarters that King Obould had provided; which were quite comfortable by orc standards. However, as they began to rest, the door to their chamber opened suddenly and an orc wearing a cloak and hood slipped inside without so much as a knock. She introduced herself as Gribbla; one of Obould's close servants. She explained that the king had no love for the drow, but several tribes were now beyond his control and breaking away. Some of these traitors had hatched a plot to kill the adventurers while they rested at night.

-Through her, Obould desired to deliver a message to the party: Mithral Hall, home to the dwarves, was a target of the drow and orcs. The king suggested that the party make their way their and let the dwarves know that orcs who shake spear and sunder shields beside the drow break with the throne of Many-Arrows; rest assured Mighty Obould shall bleed all traitorous tribes.

-Gribbla went on to explain that King Obould could not just let the party walk out the front given the current state of affairs. He had thus arranged for her to relay these messages, deliver several cloaks to conceal their identity and suggest an exit path through the lower levels of Dark Arrow Keep. Following Gribbla's instructions, the party was easily able to reach the lowest level of the Keep undisturbed. However, guards patrolled these halls. Though few in number, they would still pose a threat.

-Focusing, Dox-Alna transformed herself into the appearance of an orc. While the rest of the party kept their hoods up to mask their face, Dox-Alna led the party through the area bluffing her way past the squads acting as if they were relieving one of the watch groups at the lower foothills. This ruse was easily bought and the party had no trouble escaping beyond the rest of the orcs and into the open road.

-Dark Arrow Keep loomed behind them. Their next mission would take them to Mithral Hall, ancient stronghold of the dwarves. With many orcs joining the drow assault on the surface wold and the terrible darkness that seemed to extend everywhere, this conflict was growing larger than anyone could have imagined.

D&D Encounters: Council of Spiders Session 08

Yep, always behind on these but that's fine. I'd rather go at my own pace with this that not update at all. This season of Encounters went by in a flash. We started the season with a table of five, losing one from the start of the trilogy, and saw it explode over the eight weeks to two full tables of six. I'm proud of the direction our store's little RPG group is going.

I'm not sure there's a lot to comment about this final session. The module had it pretty straightforward. Valan dropped in as the big bad just in the nick of time at the end, and now the fight! I was a little disappointed that after Valan was built up so much last season that he just gets a whimpered ending here. They hardly include any dialogue for him and as far as roleplaying him just suggest "like the Jaezred Chaulssin assassin" was. I think that was super lazy for a villain that felt a step above the usual Encounters fare. Truth be told, I actually hoped he would survive to go on into the final season of the trilogy and be the one point that sort of more directly linked each season; beyond the arcane master plot.

Regardless, things are what they are. It was interesting to play a season where the party acted as the villains for a change. I'm not sure I'd want to go back there again, at least in the near future, but I was really appreciative that we had everybody really get into the spirit of things and shoot for those secret House Goals. They generated a lot of laughs and will be missed. Here's my table's conclusion, look forward to our foray into the end of the Rise of the Underdark trilogy over the coming weeks:

Session 08: Valan's Ambition
-Descending the stairs, the party knew the time for their final encounter was drawing near. Bolstered in support by the drow guards that had served Faeryl, the group proceeded in confidence. Zarra took up a role near the rear acting more as a commander of the group allowing the guards to fight in her place. Below, the party discovered a chamber that looked like a catacomb or shine, perhaps even both. From its appearance, it seemed to be older than even the vast Bone Locker beneath West Wall.

-To the left, the party noticed a small altar dedicated to Lolth. Ahead rested four alcoves, each holding several niches stacked with the brown bones of long-dead drow. Some of the alcoves were choked with spider webs that extended to the ceiling, teeming with living spiders. To the right, more webs hung from the ceiling and drapped over two statues of glowering gargoyles; which flanked another stairway leading even further down.

-As they party studied the room, a small figure detached itself from the shadows near the statues and slipped won the stairs. However, before they could react, a cloud of greasy brown smoke appeared over the altar accompanied by a sharp stench. It was little more than a hazy smudge in the air, but all present could feel the power and malevolence oozing from it.

-Zarra immediately identified this presence as a yochlol demon; one of the handmaidens of Lolth. Usually, these were seen only in temples when summoned by Lolth's priestesses. Thus, a yochlol appearing on its own in such a place was unheard of and surely a sign of either Lolth's favor or her severe displeasure. At once, the yochlol began to speak directly into the mind of each party member: "Prove yourselves to your Goddess, mortals! How do you, in your current actions, obey the Spider Queen's will?"

-Knowing such a question was not to be answered lightly, all those present carefully considered their answers. One by one, with their response each party member was met with favor from Lolth save one. Charon, who claimed he was serving Lolth by spreading chaos in the world forced the yochlol's words to become quite harsh cursing Charon while stating, "You stand astride the chasm, and soon you will plunge into it. Lolth is your queen--will you not serve her? Danifae has revealed her will--do you not seek to obey it? The Way of Lolth has been established for centuries--do you not wish to preserve it? Neither hot nor cold. I spit you out!"

-Through the yochlol, Lolth's will on the recent issues was made clear. The pursuit of the Demon Weave was still the primary goal. Both the extreme priestesses (who wished to stop this) and the Council of Spiders (who desired male representation when Lolth's command made no such mention) were in error. However, the more pressing matter was Valan Jaelre and the interference by the Jaezred Chaulssin. Particularly pleased with Solvayas' devotion, the yochlol offered to impart knowledge on any one question. After asking about who backed Valan Jaelre's actions, the yochlol explained that he had been supported by House Nuryndin; the inconsequential 48th House of Menzoberranzan. Through them, Valan kept in touch with a more senior member of the Jaezred Chaulssin.

-In a bright burst of flames, the yochlol vanished. At the same time, a bolt of dark energy blasted from the room below the stairs striking Ryltar and injuring him. It seemed Valan's troops had noticed the party's arrival and now their showdown would begin. At the top of the stairs approached two of the Jaezred Chaulssin's shadowy Hex Knights ready to defend their position. Further down the stairs, Solvayas and Belgos noticed two odd enemies. They were drow, but they also boasted obsidian scales on their necks, shoulders, and clawlike hands. Further back into the room below stood a male drow wearing ornate robes and carrying what looked like solidified strands of shadow twisted together into a gnarled staff. He wore a symbol that looked like a sunburst that transitions into two daggers pointing down like fangs. This was not a House insignia that anyone recognized; it had to be Valan Jaelre.

-The battle was intense as the party found their advance halted by the Hex Knights. From beyond, the drow with oddly dragon-like features added in a hail of long range fire taking advantage of their humanoid shields. Only Belgos was safe as he took up a sniping position using the altar dedicated to Lolth for cover. Not to be outclassed, Valan cast spells from the safety behind the Hex Knights as well unleashing a powerful explosion of poisonous webbing trapping much of the party and making it difficult to move about. Furthermore, this overwhelming force managed to instantly kill Faeryl's forces that had been acting under Zarra's command. The Melarn priestess struggled to keep her remaining troops up and in the fight.

-Eventually, the Hex Knight's defensive line was broken as Drisdhaun summoned a powerful fountain of flames that continued to blaze their original location. This forced the Hex Knights to break rank and proceed in closer to avoid the inferno. With this advantage, the party began to gain the upper hand forcing the dragon-like drow to proceed in as well; where Solvayas learned that these spellcasters were just as competent and deadly in melee.

-Confident in his victory, Valan Jaelre began to gloat to the party. He spoke of his actions in the Dalelands and how it was merely a deception to draw the attention of those in Menzoberranzan while he infiltrated the city and began amassing power and begging manipulation. He also added that he had found a powerful artifact along the way, one which would easily allow him to topple the city given the chance. He claimed that the party would perish and their fall would signal Menzoberranzan's destruction. Ultimately, even Lolth would meet her match as Valan's power grew.

-However, having spoken with the yochlol, the party remained determined to fight on. Zarra healed what wounds she could and the battle continued. In a moment of reckless bravery, Charon charged through the fray striking a critical blow against Valan wounding him severely. The outcome of the battle was now clear, But Valan refused to accept any outcome other than  his own schemes. Shouting about his masterful plan and the inevitable freeing of the drow from under Lolth's oppressive command, Valan Jaelre fought on even in the face of defeat.

-Ultimately, the mad mage was downed by a final shot from Belgos rendering him badly injured and unconscious. Rather than kill him, Solvayas webbed Valan up as the party concluded that he should be questioned and face punishment for his crimes against Menzoberranzan. However, Valan had other plans. Seeing there was no other alternative, Valan Jaelre activated a poison capsule hidden in his mouth killing himself rather than allow Menzoberranzan to question him about his benefactors and associates.

-Exploring the rest of Valan's hideout, the party discovered a letter confirming House Nuryndin's involvement giving proof to the yochlol's information. They also discovered a scrap of paper on Valan's body that described a meeting scheduled between some leaders of the Council of Spiders and Gromph Baenre; the Archmage of Menzoberranzan. There was no clear sign that he had thrown in lot in with the Council, but even meeting with them made a large statement.

-Most important, the party found the artifact Valan had spoken of. Studying it carefully, Drisdhaun identified it as the Spellfire Manacle. This was an important artifact created after a devout follower of Mystra was captured by drow. Mystra blessed her with the temporary gift of Spellfire--the ability to channel and control raw magical energy, which she used to gain her freedom. The manacle she wore was sacred to Mystra and was said to contain significant remnants of the power of Spellfire. Certainly, it would serve the pursuit of the Demon Weave well.

-Taking Valan's body, the party returned to speak with the Triumvirate about their mission. All three were pleased with their success. Ash'ala mentioned that she had acted in haste with her actions and Hoshtar seemed to have cooled down some as well. Hoshtar was most pleased with Drisdhaun's discover of the Spellfire Manacle and though Drisdhaun mentioned a desire to keep it, this was quickly dashed as both he and Ash'ala made it more than clear that it would have to be dedicated towards the Demon Weave.

-Ro'kolor found the information gained about Gromph as well as House Nuryndin particularly interesting; noting that it seemed the Bregan D'aerthe would remain in good business for yet some time to come. With both Ash'ala and Hoshtar acting as key players, along with the information parted by the yochlol, it seemed the rumination of civil war would die down in Menzoberranzan for the time being; until the backstabbing ways of the drow began to boil over once more. With their actions, the party would become well known among Menzoberranzan. However, more importantly, Lolth's desire for the Demon Weave pushed one step closer to its realization.

D&D Encounters: Council of Spiders Session 06+07

Much delayed, but I've got a double shot of updates on Encounters. Things have been busy for me, especially with midterms going on right now, so I just haven't had the time to sit and write up some play reports for what has been going on. On that note, I'm ridiculously behind with some sessions of both Mecha and DCC that I'd like to write up as well. It doesn't help that the pre-release PDF's for Tenra Bansho Zero went out. Being a huge anime fan, I've long been looking forward to this game. I'll likely talk more about it on here in the future, but to state it plainly: this game is amazing.

The Encounters program has been going well for us. All the vets of last season were pleasantly surprised to see Valan Jaelre turn up again. I'm very sad about how the module handles him, however. He's not even given any direct lines which seems like a cop out. Having ran last season, I have a personality worked up from all the changes I made. But I could see him easily being ran as just another dry final boss if the module was taken as is.

Thanks to some good roleplaying, and in my book roleplaying always trumps anything else, my table will be rolling into the grand finale next week with the deck stacked in their favor. Naturally, I have to put on a good show so Valan will have to step up his game as well. He was a master manipulator and seemed to always be a few steps ahead last season, so there's no reason for that to have changed this time.

This season has flown by and it's hard to believe next week is the finale. I'm excited for the conclusion to this trilogy and everyone at our program is eager to see just how this "war" will play out. So, to get all caught up with our heroes:

Interlude

Session 06: The Brink of War
-Once more the party assembled before Ash'ala, Hoshtar and Ro'kolor. This time, they met in a large audience chamber in a mansion owned by Ro'kolor as they listened with grave interest to accounts of the party's recent deeds in full detail.

-When they finished, after a long pause, Ash'ala moved to the point as she pointed out that they had an important decision to make: If Menzoberranzan lies on the brink of civil war, how would each of their houses respond? Each leader wished to hear the input of the party they had assembled, but before beginning their debate all those present reviewed the current facts.

-First, that there existed a group of defiant priestesses that seek to undermine all attempts to create the Demon Weave in order to hold onto their power in the city. Second, that the Council of Spiders seek to have male representation on Menzoberranzan's ruling council. Finally, someone is trying to provoke this tension into open civil war via the assassin that was captured. Drisdhaun suspects they may be tied to the Jaezered Chaulssin; a faction of drow that operate against Lolth.

-The debate began in kind and the initial disposition of everyone seemed obvious. Ash'ala's intent was focused on the Way of Lolth which thus far had only focused on the Demon Weave. Thus, she viewed the Council of Spiders as upstarts going against Lolth's will. Hoshtar, while more reserved than the opinions of the Council of Spiders, saw the logic behind the rise of their power in the city if arcane magic was so elevated by their Spider Queen. Ro'kolor, however, merely wanted to make the decision that was most profitable for the Bregan D'aerthe.

-Working together Solvayas, Belgos and Charon began to persuade Ro'kolor to support the Council of Spiders; noting that if they did rise in power then it would certainly mean more work.  Thus, it would be good to sit in a friendly disposition towards them from the start. However, Ryltar and Zarra were quick to point out that the Bregan D'aerthe had always found work under the priestesses rule and had been well paid for it.

-In a desperate gambit, Belgos and Charon began trying to appeal to Ash'ala's faith on the matter trying to reason that it was, in fact, Lolth's will to elevate those who utilized arcane powers. However, a quick interjection by Zarra dashed any hopes of swaying the proud priestess from her stance.

-Swiftly, lines were drawn in the sand. Ash'ala seemed resolute on eliminating the Council of Spiders. Hosthar in supporting their goals. Ro'kolor remained as the undecided factor. Taking their leader aside, the trio of Bregan D'aerthe mercenaries wished to speak with Ro'kolor in confidence. Alone, Belgos brought up the fact that House Baenre had ordered them to implicate House Melarn during their previous mission and mask any presence of House Xorlarrin. It stood to reason that, if they must act and decide on their own, that backing the Council of Spiders would best reflect the interest of House Baenre; their benefactors. Noting the wisdom in these words, Ro'kolor made his stance official to all present pledging to support the Council of Spiders.

-This brought a great argument as all those present began to discuss the matter of Lolth's will. Just as hands started reaching for weapons, the dispute was interrupted. At the far end of the room, dark shadows began to swirl and take form. It was more of the creatures that had been employed by the assassin. As Ro'kolor moved to protect Ash'ala and Hoshtar, the party agreed to put aside their differences for the time being and defend their leaders.

-The battle was short and swift. Without the leadership and misdirection of the assassin, the shadow creatures could do little on their own against the coordinated drow strike force. Just as they fell the final beast, the doors to the chamber kicked in. Storming forth, another Bregan D'aerthe member emerged as he chucked forth a badly beaten (and well interrogated) Merinid Dalael; the assassin.

-"We have broken him," the mercenary stated clearly, "And we now know who he is working for: Valan Jaelre."

Chapter 3

Session 07: Into the Shadows
-Following this revelation, the leaders returned to their houses and masters to make their arguments and prepare for whatever rested ahead; they urged the party to do the same. Whatever happened next, life in Menzoberranzan might never be the same. The next day, for a final time, the party was gathered by their leaders among the triumvirate. However, they were no longer gathered fully as allies. Hosthar and Ro'kolor met with their members, while Ash'ala met with Zarra and Ryltar alone.

-Each meeting revealed much of the same information. Merinid's status as a member of the Jaezred Chaulssin, an order of assassins committed to the overthrow of what they call the tyranny of Lolth over drow society, was confirmed. Though most of the faction's members were drow, they have strong ties to the Shadowfell and claim to have descended from shadow dragons.

-The mastermind behind their operations in the midst of this crisis was a drow from the distant Dalelands named Valan Jaelre. Rumors suggested that Valan had recently enacted some massive scheme at the city of Shadowdale, but reports were vague. Weirder still, if the accounts were to be believed then it seemed odd that Valan Jaelre could have been present in Menzoberranzan all this time manipulating events from the shadows. Spies had traced his location to a small network of caves and cellars in the Braeryn, Menzoberranzan's slum district. Though divided, each half of the party held the same mission: find and kill Valan Jaelre to put an end to the Jaezred Chaulssin's interference in the city.

-Winding past drinking pits and slave pens Solvayas, Belgos, Charon and Drisdhaun pressed deeper inside the Braeyrn as they sought the location of Valan Jaelre. Eventually, they reached a building that was supposed to hold the assassin's hideaway. It was a run down shack that looked like it was on the verge of collapse, with no front door and a single room inside littered with garbage and debris.

-Inside, a long ladder beneath a trap door brought the group down into a short natural tunnel that almost immediately opened into a large cavern. A number of other tunnels branched off from the cavern, and at one corner it turned into finished stone. A dozen drow were ranged around the cavern: three sentries standing at attention, unmoving, at the edge of the finished stone, five young priestesses grouped with an older priestess wearing the sigil of House Melarn and finally two cloaked males who seemed to be guarding the priestesses.

-They all seemed surprised and displeased at the party's approach. "I must not be seen here," the senior priestess spoke as she gestured to her bodyguards forcing them to raise their weapons. Just as this occurred, Zarra and Ryltar arrived to the cavern having followed their intelligence with brought them in through a different path. Noticing the brewing battle, Zarra recognized the lead priestess as Faeryl Melarn, a relative of Matron Mother Zhindia Melarn who is said to carry her house's favor.

-Noting those of her own house, Faeryl spoke favorably to Zarra. Zarra inquired what she was doing here and Faeryl was quick to explain that she was here to meet with Valan as he had promised to help her bring an end to the effort to help Lolth create the Demon Weave. She added that this was the only way to stop the arrogance of the Council of Spiders. Still, it was against the common feeling of Menzoberranzan and thus Faeryl could not allow any others to see her presence. As her troops readied to battle Solvayas, Beglos, Charon and Drisdhaun, Faeryl ordered Zarra and Ryltar to join here in stamping out those who opposed House Melarn.

-Zarra and Ryltar readied their weapons much to the party's disdain. Calling out to them, Belgos tried to talk them down as he asked if they could not at least fight together a final time against a common enemy: Valan Jaelre. Solvayas and Charon backed this up re-stating just how clear it was that Valan was the source behind the rumblings of civil war to begin with. However, Zarra seemed resolute; this order had come from a priestess that outranked even her. As the battle began, Solvayas was quickly overwhelmed by Faeryl and her subordinates. The two cloaked figures that had accompanied her made use of unique invisibility techniques to confuse the druid and lure him in to be surrounded.

-Feeling confident about her situation, Faeryl moved on to corner Charon, Belgos and Drisdhaun while she ordered Zarra and Ryltar to back her up and also help finish off Solvayas. However, neither could draw their weapons upon their former allies. Zarra merely moved closer and closer to the guards at the area of worked stone under the guide of observing the situation. Ryltar, meanwhile, moved to back up Faeryl claiming that he was confident that the young priestesses under here were more than a match for one foe.

-Things seemed bleak for the party as Solvayas was pushed to his limit and even Charon began to be overcome by the deadly poison summoned forth by Faeryl. However, it was then that a surprising turn of events occurred. Roaring with anger, Ryltar charged down Faeryl and with one powerful swing struck a mortal wound upon a priestess of his own house. Shouting, Ryltar claimed that he grew tired of taking orders from drow such as Faeryl; ignorant in their actions and merely clinging to the old laws as a bid to keep their own power. Even if it meant turning against House Melarn, he could no longer tolerate such actions.

-Working with his allies once more, Ryltar managed to make good on his new vow. With Belgos offering support from afar with a hail of arrows, Ryltar cut down Faeryl even as she cursed his name. This threw chaos into the battlefield allowing the party to down several more drow. Even Solvayas was able to turn the tide on the young priestesses easily dispatching several of them.

-Startled, those present seemed to look to Zarra as a means of assuming command in Faeryl's place. Noticing that this was a chance for her to improve her own status among House Melarn and within Menzoberranzan as a whole, Zarra quickly spoke up ordering the House Melarn forces to stand down. After some terse negotiations with the surviving guards, Zarra made it clear that Valan Jaelre was rumored to be involved with the Jaezred Chaulssin and it could have ruined House Melarn's reputation even just by conferring with him. She went on to add that it had been a sign of Faeryl's weakness and just how unfit she was to be a leader of any kind in Menzoberranzan that she sought to rely on Valan's power and could not even defend herself against Ryltar; a male warrior.

-Swayed by her words, the remaining members of Faeryl's force submitted to Zarra as their new leader. Her first order of business was to establish her former associates as comrades. Regardless of the Demon Weave and the Way of Lolth, Valan Jaelre posed a much larger threat to Menzoberranzan as a whole. Leaving one of Faeryl's men to keep watch, Zarra ordered the rest to follow the party and act as support. Their intelligence lined up with Faeryl's: Valan Jaelre was ahead.

-Examining it closer with the battle resolved, the finished stone area looked like a cellar. Broken crates and splintered barrels littered the floor and an odor of rancid food and bodily waste filled the air; fitting of the Braeryn. A stairway in the far corner seemed to lead further down; presumably to the lair of Valan Jaelre...

D&D Encounters: Council of Spiders Session 04+05

Last week was devoid of my usual Encounters update. A lot happened so perhaps I'll explain that first before we get all caught up. In a stroke of fortune, our little RPG group has been expanding rapidly. Returning player here or there. Then they brought a friend. Two new people here. Two more new people there and then one of them brings a friend. All of this was really not a problem at first because some had joined in via our Saturday sessions (more DCC play reports on the way).

However, it all kind of exploded last week when pretty much all the new players converged in for Encounters. I have been our store's sole DM for the past two seasons because we just did not have the numbers to support a second table. Cue my surprise when I get to run a session for eleven players. There was really no other way around it. If you're familiar with 4e then I know you're probably thinking impossible. Well, it moved a bit slower but we did it. Several were still using pregens that I hadn't made the time to bump up past level 1, so that with some liberal tweaking allowed the combat encounter to still present a challenge.

However, with my drive for continuity in the summaries I decided not to write up the giant drow strike force that descended on the Council of Spiders. All the players seemed intent on coming back, which is great, but there was no way to keep running the season for a table of eleven. So I made a call for new DM's. Worked out one of the vets who is pretty new to DMing, but experienced with the rules, to take over a second table starting this week. I decided to wait and see what players would make up my table and retcon Session 4 to only include them and go from there.

This week went well enough. We ended up with enough for two tables of five players and there were two people that missed who could be back again in the future so an even six/six perhaps down the line. I really love that we're back up to two tables. It was like that when I joined the group over a year ago and quickly diminished down to one. It wasn't without some issues. The DM for table two is still pretty new to DMing 4e, but he's eager to work at it and that's what counts in my book. We all have to start at some point. A lot of the vets playing at the time had to walk me through my first sessions of 4e which happened to be LFR modules. Looking back over season 08 of Encounters, my first season to run, I realize a lot of mistakes and problems I had. Certainly a learning process, but this was a great start for the rest of the season in my book.

Next week is primarily a roleplaying session and I'll be interested in seeing how that plays out. This is the first Encounters season I have seen where there has been such a huge level of divergence that can occur. Speaking of divergence, I really wish I could clone myself to watch over Table 2's sessions as well. The key NPC to rescue died in their run this week so already each Table has grown off into a different direction. Good times, but in any case here's a double-shot of summaries:

Session 04: Wizard Clash
-Once more, the party gathered in the same small cavern in the Eastways where their adventure had first started. However, this time there were some new faces and one of their three leaders were missing. Ash'ala Melarn was quick to explain the situation. She explained that a certain faction, the Council of Spiders, having taken Lolth's demand for the Demon Weave to its extreme feel that wizards now deserve a seat on the Ruling Council of Menzoberranzan. Dangerous and foolish ideals, in Ash'ala's own words.

-Smirking, Ro'kolor questioned if the group was curious about the new faces and the absence of Hoshtar. From the last mission, only Zarra Melarn and Solvayas were present. Stating that he needed further training, Hoshtar had relieved Phaeqel of his duties and assigned a more experienced mage, Drisdhaun Xorlarrin in his stead. Zaketrin had matters of her own to deal with among House Melarn. Furthermore, with a slew of new jobs coming in Ro'kolor was forced to rearrange the duties of his men. To make up for the differences, he brought forth Charon and Belgos to bolster the party's strength.

-As for Hosthar, Ash'ala took over explaining as she told the party that he had been kidnapped by the Council of Spiders. They had learned that the Council was using a building in the ruins of the old compound of House Srune'Lett as a meeting place and suspected that Hoshtar was held there.

-Ro'kolor noted that moving against them openly would be unwise as it might force the issue to a head and stir up open warfare. He added that House Baenre wouldn't want that. This confirmed, for the first time, exactly what House had employed the Bregan D'aerthe to act on their behalf in these matters. Smiling, Ash'ala granted the party their mission: find the Council members by any means, rescue Hoshtar and don't get discovered.

-After a short break to confer with their respective members in private, the faction representatives bid the party farewell as they set off for their destination. House Srune'Lett fell during the War of the Spider Queen, and its impressive compound in the neighborhood of Narbondellyn, a fashionable district of elegant manors, eclectic artisans and rising socialites, fell with them. In the midst of such sophistication, the ruins of the Srune'Lett compound made for a terrible blemish. The walls surrounding the compound were crumbled and breached in several locations. The tall spires that was once its most prominent feature held a gaping hole near its top.

-According to the intelligence given to them, the party knew the wizards were hiding in one of the smaller buildings; which were still mostly intact. As they approached, they could see black curtains hanging over windows, suggesting that the place was indeed inhabited and perhaps being used for secret purposes.

-Following a wide set of stone steps, the party entered an open plaza with a large basin of water set in the floor. Ahead, they saw doors leading in the building to the left, to the right and straight ahead. Standing near the doors were two sentries with long spears in defensive stances. Upon sighting the party, they shifted nervously in place.

-Approaching the guards, Solvayas and Charon managed to convince them that they were there for Hoshtar; a veiled truth. The guards automatically assumed Hoshtar had sent for allies to come join in the talks as well. This reference brought suspicion among the party. However, the way inside was cleared and thus they advanced. Within the party passed several spellcasters. Some resided in a large area designed as personal sleeping quarters and another long hallway held a library. Curiously, some of these members of the Council of Spiders bore the masks of House Xorlarrin members.

-In the central chamber, the group meet with an elderly member of the Council of Spiders. He seemed friendly and eager to have more recruits for their cause. However, little seemed outwardly aggressive about his feelings on the matter. The wizard confirmed that Hoshtar was present for a peaceful meeting with his leaders. However, just then a deep gong resounded through the complex. At this warning sign, all those present labeled the party as intruders and attacked.

-The ensuing battle was quite fierce. Surrounded on all sides, the party fought a tough battle despite many of the wizards present being only apprentices. Belgos, in particular, had a rough time as he found himself isolated and cornered in the library by one of the guards. However, with some quick footwork he was able to climb atop a bookshelf just in time to avoid a swing of the guard's spear. Running from the top of bookshelf to bookshelf, he used this vantage point to pepper his foes with arrows.

-At Zarra's command, the party made sure to incapacitate the wizards present; planning to take them in for harsh interrogation. As Solvayas used his spider form to encase the captives in webbing, they questioned the group learning that the masked members were in fact low ranking members of House Xorlarrin interested in the ideals of the Council of Spiders. Drisdhaun noted their names and meanwhile, Charon worked in the shadows out of sight carrying out the task Ro'kolor had appointed to the Bregan D'aerthe members among the party.

-With the main floor secured and knowing Hoshtar was down below, the party advanced following a spiral staircase to the lower level. There, they found a drow resting at a large desk, chair kicked back, holding a rapier and glaring towards them. "And so it begins," he said with a sneer, "Thank you, dear friends, for starting what I'm sure will be a perfectly lovely war."

Session 05: Secrets & Lies
-Faced with this mysterious drow, but noting his unwillingness to fight immediately, the party tried to question him as much as possible for what information could be gained. Introducing himself as Merinid Dalael, he refused to speak of his benefactors but merely said that they were no friends to the Spider Queen. Worried for Hoshtar, Drisdhaun asked of his fate. Merinid reassured them that he was alive as "his guest" and that he wouldn't be leaving soon.

-Curious about his connection in all of this, Solvayas questioned why the wizards upstairs thought Hoshtar was present as a guest. Merinid confirmed that this was the case. He had come for a meeting with elders of the Council of Spiders. However, that meeting was cut short and the elders would never speak again; after Merinid's intervention. Continuing this line of thought, Solvayas asked what Merinid wanted with a high ranking member of House Xorlarrin. However, laughing, Merinid informed the party that Hoshtar had already served his purpose: provoking the priestesses to strike against the Council of Spiders via the party who were little more than helpless pawns of the Spider Queen.

-Charon stated that it had been their task from the Bregan D'aerthe to recover contract. Solvayas added that their pride for completing contracts meant they couldn't back down. Merinid stated that he felt the same way and thus proposed they would simply have to clash and see whose resolve was superior. Kicking off from the desk, Merinid rolled back and escaped down the adjoined hallway as he left behind a cloud of darkness obscuring the path ahead.

-As the party rushed to try and catch up to the assassin, they were beset by mysterious creatures made from shadows. Some hunched over like small inhuman lurking beasts and yet others that seemed purely humanoid and clad in heavy armor. Another harsh battle awaited the party as these shadow creatures blocked their hopes of pursing Merinid who had all but vanished.

-Solvayas, taking the lead, felt the brunt of these creatures' wrath and it was only by Zarra's will to invoke Lolth's power that he remained in the fight. Meanwhile, Beglos and Charon acted at range firing arrows as support. As the opposition thinned, thanks in part due to Drisdhaun's use of arcane light to weaken the shadow-creatures' power, Charon rushed ahead hoping to find Hoshtar or track down Merinid. Opening the first door he came to and peering through, the rogue was surprised by the assassin taking a painful strike from his rapier.

-Cackling, Merinid rushed down the steps that were adjoined by this doorway happy to continue this game of cat and mouse with the party. However, his escape was cut short as Solvayas, tired of the games, summoned forth a swarm of spiders that tripped the agile assassin.

-As he fell, Merinid couldn't help but further taunt the party as he cried out, "Do you think the houses of these poor fools will suffer such an attack upon their members without retaliation? Do you think the wizards of the city will allow the slaughter of so many of their own to go unpunished? Tension is already at a boiling point, thanks to the Avatar of Lolth. You have simply provided the spark to ignite these flames!"

-Even as the party ganged up on him, Merinid managed to slip away and reach an alchemical lab at the end of the hallway. There, the party found the corpses of two Council wizards and Merinid who had Hoshtar held with a dagger at his throat. The Xorlarrin representative looked badly beaten, but still alive. Laughing, Merinid pointed out that Hoshtar was worth more alive to the party at this point than to him. If any approached him too close or continued their attacks then Hoshtar would die.

-Ever ready to accept such a challenge, Belgos drew a single arrow and aiming carefully he let a shot fly at Merinid. The hunter's aim struck true and as the arrow pierced Merinid's wrist, the assassin lost his grip on the dagger. Acting quickly, Solvayas rushed down the hall morphing into his spider form even as he moved using the momentum to slam against Hoshtar and force him free of Merinid's grasp. Disarmed and unbalanced, Drisdhaun moved in to finish things against the crafty assassin as he called forth bolts of magic missile rendering him unconscious.

-With Hoshtar saved, the party took a moment to treat his wounds ensuring he would be able to safely make the travel back home. However, Zarra demanded to know about Hoshtar's involvement with the Council of Spiders. However, from Hoshtar's point of view this was a simple matter. He explained that his cousin, Raelaryn, invited him to speak with a wizard of House Barrison Del'Armgo about the Council's aims.

-These were also the two who laid dead on the floor. They had hoped to secure Hoshtar's support knowing that such a well respected member of House Xorlarrin would surely draw many to their cause. Yet Hoshtar stated that he had no interest in the Council of Spiders. While he supported the crafting of the Demon Weave, he remained dedicated to Lolth's command.

-Further information came forth during these discussions as well. A number of wizards from Houses in Menzoberranzan had sided with the Council, but thus far no one prominent member had emerged to act as a guiding force; perhaps the role they desired Hoshtar to fill. The backbone of the Council is compromised of members from House Xorlarrin and House Barrison Del'Armgo; the two Houses that favor spellcasters and give their wizards the most authority and leeway in their actions.

-Before his death, Raelryn had mentioned to Hoshtar that he suspected that the Archmage of Menzoberranzan, Gromph Baenre himself, was sympathetic to the Council's cause and was contemplating giving his full support; yet no proof was provided. As for the assassin, Hoshtar was not familiar with him but knew it was clear that whoever he answered to was clearly trying to fan the sparks of tension into full on flames driving a wedge between priestesses and wizards to launch a civil war. He suggested they let Ro'kolor interrogate Merinid once they were back safely within the city.

-As the party prepared to transfer back their captives, they explored the alchemy lab. Several magic items were found, leftovers from eons ago when this site still found regular use. Zarra found Solvayas' actions suspicious and questioned him suspecting foul-play. He was quick to reply that he was searching the bodies for anything of value. Zarra found something off about his excuse. However, Charon quickly came to support his fellow mercenary backing up the story with some fast-talk. Uneasy, Zarra dropped the matter pleased enough that their mission had gone smoothly.

-More importantly, as he mulled over things, Drisdhaun had a revelation. Recalling a passage from an obscure history book he had once read, Drisdhaun identified the shadowy creatures that Merinid had employed as having a tie to the Shadowfell. In all of the history of Menzoberranzan, such creatures had ties to only one group: the Jaezred Chaulssin.

-They were a secretive, patriarchal order of assassins with mysterious ties to the Shadowfell. During the War of the Spider Queen over a century ago, the Jaezred Chaulssin spurred both a horde of demonic orcs and an army of duergar to attack Menzoberranzan. Their stated goal has always been to free the drow race from Lolth's tyranny by any means necessary. If they truly were active again, then starting a civil war easily fit their past methods.

-With such ominous events in the air, the party returned to check in with Ash'ala and Ro'kolor. Once the captives were secured, they came before the three representatives of the triumvirate. With grave interest they listened to the party's account of what had transpired. After the briefing was finished, a long silence fell as the drow pondered the significance of what was happening.

-"Well," Ash'ala said at last, "It appears Menzoberranzan lies on the brink of civil war, how will our houses respond? This requires much thought and discussion. I urge you all to spend the night to gather your thoughts. Tomorrow, we shall meet and discuss all that has transpired and discover the best course for our alliance to follow." Hoshtar and Ro'kolor gave their agreement and the party was dismissed with another mission accomplished.

-Once more, each leader me with their respective members to see how well their representatives handled the secret tasks appointed to them. First, Drisdhaun checked in to see how Hoshtar was doing. Hafnein had already told him of the task he granted to the up and coming wizard. Wasting no time, already recovering well, Hoshtar asked what Drisdhaun had learned. He was pleased to discover all the House Xorlarrin wizards had been spared death and furthermore, Drisdhaun had gathered all their names. Hosthar stated that he would pass this information on to Ravel, the head of their House and that Hafnein would most certainly be pleased as well.

-Elsewhere, Ash'ala conferred with Zarra to see what she had learned about Hoshtar's role in the situation. Zarra confirmed that Ash'ala's suspicions that Hoshtar had went willingly to meet with the Council of Spiders was true. However, Zarra went on to fully give the excuse Hoshtar had given and his sincerity in declining their offer. Still, Ash'ala felt uneasy knowing that Hoshtar carried out such actions in secrecy.

-Finally, Solvayas, Beglos and Charon met with Ro'kolor at one of the Bregan D'aerthe's usual haunts. They arrived just in time to see Merinid Dalael being escorted to the chambers below; assuredly facing cruel torture to pry any information he held. Eager to learn how they had performed their mission, Ro'kolor listened to their account. The three mercenaries had easily planted evidence of House Melarn's involvement throughout the building and at the same time, Solvayas had rather stealthily removed all traces of House Xorlarrin's presence without the rest of the party's knowledge. Laughing happily, Ro'kolor commended the trio on a job well done and assured them that this would be good for business in the future.

-The priestesses who desire to uphold the old ways of Lolth and preserve the status quo and the wizards that see the Demon Weave as Lolth's calling for those with arcane might to rise in rank and status. These two opposing forces seem to be drawing further and further into the fever pitch of war. Amid this uneasy tension, the party suspects, the Jaezred Chaulssin lurks manipulating both sides to promote an all out civil war that might tear the city apart. The party was left with much to think about. Tomorrow, the course of the triumvirate and perhaps even the future of Menzoberranzan would be decided...

D&D Encounters: Council of Spiders Session 03

It's hard to believe that the first Chapter of "Council of Spiders" has come to a close. This season is screaming along at top speed which is a stark contrast to how "Web of the Spider Queen" went. Tonight was the big climax against the initial antagonist who I think the module actually played rather well for a small time foe. I had some fun ad-libbing some lines causing some back and forth banter between her and our table's Mage. Clashes of idealism are always one of my favorite elements in these kinds of stories, so I am enjoying the split opinions on Lolth's will and the Demon Weave.

No real complications for this session on my end. I had fun with Iyelle's powers. Eowam's player didn't feel very threatened by the ongoing five poison damage until I stacked on her minor power that managed to hit and bump that up to 10 and tack on Weakened at the same time. Pretty standard set-up with the hobgoblins holding down a defensive line on behalf of their leader. Unfortunately, Zaketrin's player missed again and both Zarra and Syndrina were unable to make it out as well. Despite expecting a smaller sized party, we actually bumped back up to the usual amount as two new players turned out interested in trying out Encounters.

Initially they just wanted to watch, but at our encouragement we got them to each select and pre-gen and storm the battlefield as reinforcements sent by Menzoberranzan. Thus our cloud of heroes grows further adding Ryltar the Slayer and Belgos the Hunter. No write-ups on them yet. Since they came in during the middle of things, I decided we'd set their faction affiliation and other matters with the start of Chapter 2. Both new players caught on pretty quick and they seemed to have a good time, so that was excellent for me. I'm lucky to have a table that is mostly now veterans both to 4e and to Encounters so everyone tends to be helpful; making it easy to teach new players. I have a great time every week with Encounters, but there's something especially nice about new players turning out and having a good time as well. 

Without further ado, the end of Chapter 1:

Session 03: Sezz'ia Outpost
-To the right of the party a narrow passage quickly turned into natural tunnel again and then bent back to the left. On their left, a worked stone wall jutted into the passage, but around it was a large stone plaza. Acting carefully, Solvayas searched for traps but noted none in the area. At Eowam's reminder, they also checked the ceiling for lurking creatures but found it devoid of threats as well.

-Sneaking ahead, Eowam moved into the small area of worked stone to the left and discovered its far wall held arrow slits. As he approached he noticed a female drow in the garb of a Priestess standing in the central cavern; her gaze locked on a smooth wall of sheer obsidian. She seemed to be running her hands over the surface as if feeling for cracks or perhaps magic within the wall. Around her three burly hobgolbins in heavy armor were spread about. Each one fidgeted slightly and grimaced each time one would make a sound.

-As the rest of the party quietly tried to advance, Phaeqel accidentally made a sound drawing the attention of the hobgoblins. Acting quickly, Eowam had his spider companion crawl forth and move around at random acting as though it was the source of that sound. Realizing the source of the noise was only natural, buying the bluff, the hobgoblins went back to standing guard as the drow studied the wall undeterred.

-With the party positioned and ready, Phaeqel decided to cast Sleep as a means of taking their enemy by surprise. However, the spell had little effect only forcing a single hobgoblin to begin feeling drowsy. "I thought you dead. Never did I expect you'd catch up to me," the female drow called out having been alerted by the spellcasting.

-However, as she turned the drow Priestess was able to peer just beyond the end of the nearby wall and noticed Phaeqel and Eowam. This caused her cruel smile to drop as her eyes widened into shock and she called out, "You are not who I thought you were. What is your business here? House Faen Tlabbar has claimed this site." Meanwhile, the hobgoblins looked to her as if awaiting the command to attack.

-As the party engaged in dialogue, the priestess confirmed that she was Iyelle; the one who betrayed the original expedition party. She went on to explain that it was folly to claim the site's power for Lolth. She then added that it was not Lolth's will that guided this decision, but the wizards who desired such power themselves.

-Solvayas pointed out that it had been Lolth's command that the site be drained for her Demon Weave. However, Iyelle countered that the world had survived and their goddess prospered for eons without the Demon Weave. So too could it continue without it. The party re-affirmed that it had been orders from Lolth's prophet Danifae that all drow seek to support in creating the Demon Weave. This forced Iyelle to state that she could not believe the will of Lolth would involve elevating the males and wizards to the same status as her faithful priestesses.

-Phaeqel called back that one could not ignore the words of Lolth when spoken through her prophet. However, Iyelle refused to agree in any part. She shouted back that the party claimed to serve the will of Lolth and yet the change in status for wizards and males would undermine her old ways. They could not both serve and undermine her at the same time.

-However, the party countered that even Lolth's mind could change and their orders were clear. Realizing they could come to no understanding, Iyelled proclaimed that their wills would thus face off and victory would shine on the one that was just. Rushing in on her own, Iyelle unleashed a blast of venomous webs that enveloped Eowam. Though his magical amulet allowed him to resist the effects of the poison, he quickly found that overwhelmed. Chanting a prayer to Lolth, Iyelle strengthened the effect of the poison weakening Eowam as a side effect.

-Eager to fight back against the Priestess, Phaeqel rushed ahead of the group and found himself overwhelmed as his spell fizzled out with little effect. Marching in, two hobgolbins ganged up on the Mage quickly beating him to within an inch of his life. It seemed these hobgoblins were expertly trained and would prove troublesome.

-However, suddenly two new drow joined the fight. Rushing from the path the party had traveled, a powerful Slayer known as Ryltar and another Hunter named Belgos emerged. The duo had been additional reinforcements sent by the Triumvirate after Thezz returned to Menzoberranzan and spoke of the treachery that had occurred. With their numbers bolstered, things turned in favor of the party.

-Ryltar wasted no time charging into battle and quickly engaged the hobgoblins with his great sword alongside Solvayas and Chali; granting the latter a chance to weave some divine magic and heal Phaeqel's wounds. Meanwhile, Belgos took up rank with Eowam unleashing a hail of arrows at their enemy. Phaeqel proved little help as he continued to stumble over the proper incantations for his spells; failing to cast more often than not.

-Working together, they brought down each hobgoblin one by one until only Iyelle remained. Even in the face of defeat, the proud Priestess defiantly fought on. As they closed in, Solvayas called out to capture her alive so that she might be questioned further back in Menzoberranzan. Heeding this suggestion, Ryltar rushed in and struck Iyelle with the hilt of his blade rendering her unconscious. In this state, Solvayas used his wild shape form to tie the rogue priestess up in webbing and cover her mouth so they might transport her easily.

-With the battle resolved, the party began to look at the wall Iyelle had been studying. Standing before them perfectly smooth and straight, the wall was the dusky translucent gray of obsidian, though it lacked the fracture pattern typical of that stone. It extended all the way to the roof of the cavern, with no apparent cracks, inscriptions or other features marring its surface. The wall gave off a faint hum, though something didn't sound right about it.

-Studying it carefully, Belgos was able to make out that it was more than just a simple hum. In fact, it was two voices chanting something. Though it was difficult to make out the exact words. Listening carefully and using his arcane knowledge, Phaeqel was able to work out the two voices. The first was a woman's chanting a litany in Elven. He recalled this litany as a prayer to Lolth thanking her for all the blessings she bestowed on their race. The second was a male voice that was reciting syllables used by apprentice drow to help them memorized arcane principles. These basic chants were ones even Phaeqel learned as he began to master the spellcasting years ago.

-Placing his hand on the obsidian wall, Phaeqel began to chant along to the male voice. Cautious of his actions, Eowam drew and arrow to his great bow keeping it ready just in case. However, there was no threat. As Phaeqel continued to chant, the female voice grew louder as if trying to break his concentration. However, the Mage's resolve held and after chanting for a few minutes the wall opened revealing a passageway beyond.

-Beyond led to a small room of worked stone, opening up quickly into a small cavern that vibrated with power. A rainbow of crystals jutted from the cavern floor, walls and ceiling, sparkling with their own inner light. Every sound was answered by a chorus of soft echoes. In the center of the cavern, a particularly large crystal rested on its side, presenting a flat surface large enough to serve as an altar to the Goddess; the perfect place to perform the ritual. Nearby rested an enchanted totem and several blades splattered with blood suggesting the location had once been used to make sacrifices to Lolth.

-As they searched the cavern, Phaeqel was able to study the crystals. He sensed that the energy within them was a sort of Primordial power; exactly what they had been sent after. Solvayas claimed the enchanted totem and exploring elsewhere, Belgos discovered an enchanted bow to take. Elsewhere, Phaeqel came across a powerful orb likely left behind by an original resident of the outpost.

-Having fully explored the area, Phaeqel passed the ritual scroll to Solvayas and he led the party in carrying out their task. As they began to recite the chant from the scroll, the light shining inside the crystals extinguished for a moment. It returned a moment later, but not as bright, and as the ritual continued it grew darker.

-Across the cavern ceiling, however, some of the crystals shined as bright as ever, forming a pattern like a spider's web. The vibrations in the air grew faster, swelling from a low rumble to a high-pitched whine.

-At last, they reached the end of the ritual, the crystals forming the spiderweb pattern flashed with blinding light and then went out again, leaving the image seared into their eyes. The sound stopped, the air grew still and the cavern felt utterly empty of all arcane enregy. The Primordial power had been sent forth for Lolth's Demon Weave.

-Mission accomplished and with Iyelle captured, the party made their return to Menzoberranzan. The passage back through the Fardrimm was uneventful. Once they were back in the city, Priestess Ash'ala, Hoshtar and Ro'kolor listened to their report about the Faen Tlabbar expedition and the incident at Sezz'ia Outpost. They seemed most pleased with the group's efforts on their first mission. Hoshtar even broke a smile underneath his veil, and informed the party they were entitled to some well deserved rest before their next task.

-As the meeting was ended and the party went their separate ways, each of the three Triumvirate leaders arranged meetings with their supporters on the team. Priestess Ash'ala Melarn felt disatisfied that neither Zarra nor Zaketrin had the initiative to cleanse the ritual site with the unholy water as she instructed. She added that she would be watching their actions carefully from now on. Such failures could not be repeated.

-Meanwhile, Ro'kolor was pleased with Eowam and Solvayas' actions. With Iyelle captive, the Bregan D'aerthe would be able to easily break her spirit and pry out every last bit of information that the rogue Priestess held. Ro'kolor reassured the duo that he, and Menzoberranzan, would not soon forget their exemplary efforts.

-Finally, Hosthar met with Chali and Phaeqel asking what became of the letter he had asked them to retrieve. Nervous, Phaeqel had explained how the party overheard his inquries about the letter. After he retrieved it, Zarra and Zaketrin had demanded the letter. Fearing for it falling into the hands of House Melarn, Phaeqel had destroyed the letter.

-Hoshtar was severely displeased. He charged Phaeqel with questions about his decision noting that those who dealt in the arcane frequently handled secrets. Thus, he questioned why the Mage had not been more secretive about obtaining the letter. Phaeqel apologized, but could offer little as an excuse. Ultimately, Hoshtar decided to forego any sort of punishment since, at the least, the letter was prevented from falling into the hands of House Melarn.

-Hoshtar warned Phaeqel, however, the subsequent failure would not be tolerated. Furthermore, Hoshtar charged Chali with keeping an eye on Phaeqel. He added that their fates were essentially linked for as long as they served among the party that answered to  the Triumvirate. She would need to start keeping him in line for future missions.