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Chapter Summaries
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The original Dragonlance modules (DL1-DL14), updated to 2E.
Placed on Hiatus....
The original Dragonlance modules (DL1-DL14), updated to 2E.
Placed on Hiatus....
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JadedDM
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Chapter Summaries
This thread will be dedicated to story summaries. It will be updated whenever we finish a chapter. It's main purpose is to help new players catch up on the story without having to read through every single post, but can also be used by current players who maybe have forgotten important details during the game and need to reference it.
Re: Chapter Summaries
Prologue
While traveling the road to Solace from the west, searching for her 'beloved', Laurana ran into Caramon and Raistlin Majere, brothers returning from a five year sojourn. They met up and Laurana told them she was heading to Solace, so the brothers invited her to walk with them.
Not long after, they ran into two Seeker guards. They stop them and insist that Raistlin turn over his staff, as they are searching for a 'blue crystal staff.' Caramon intimidates the guards, however, allowing the trio to pass without further incident. They proceed directly to the Inn of the Last Home.
Meanwhile, two barbarians from the Que-Shu tribe were approaching Solace from the south. One of them was the Chieftain's Daughter, Goldmoon and the other, a simple shepherd and her lover, Riverwind. Goldmoon was actually in possession of the blue crystal staff the Seekers were searching for, and the two were hoping to find someone who could tell them more about its powers and origins.
The two encountered a man on the road who appeared to be a Knight of Solamnia. He introduced himself as Sturm Brightblade and claimed to be returning to Solace after a five year sojourn in his homeland of Solamnia to reunite with some friends. He kindly offered to walk with the two, as they were clearly strangers to this area.
Not long after, they encountered a Seeker Guard asking about a blue crystal staff. Sturm claimed he had no knowledge of such a thing (and Goldmoon and Riverwind kept their mouths shut). Sturm vouched for the pair, securing them access to the town. In thanks, Goldmoon asked that she and Riverwind pretend to be Sturm's servants, so people would not bother them.
At the same time, Tanis Half-Elven was approaching town from the east. Along the way, he met up with Flint and Tasslehoff. Their reunion was short-lived, though, as a party of hobgoblins approached. A particularly fat and disgusting one on horseback seemed to be their leader. He introduced himself as Fewmaster Toede and claimed the party was under arrest for being out after curfew. He claimed to work for the Seekers and was looking for a blue crystal staff. Then he rode off, leaving his ten companions to deal with the party.
A fight broke out. Despite being outnumbered, Tanis, Flint and Tas were skilled warriors and the hobgoblins were mostly bullies, not used to fighting anything other than farmers and merchants. Soon all of the hobgoblins lay dead save for one that was captured. He claimed they worked for someone named Onyx. Tanis let him go, after disarming him. Flint discovered Tas had 'borrowed' his knife.
While traveling the road to Solace from the west, searching for her 'beloved', Laurana ran into Caramon and Raistlin Majere, brothers returning from a five year sojourn. They met up and Laurana told them she was heading to Solace, so the brothers invited her to walk with them.
Not long after, they ran into two Seeker guards. They stop them and insist that Raistlin turn over his staff, as they are searching for a 'blue crystal staff.' Caramon intimidates the guards, however, allowing the trio to pass without further incident. They proceed directly to the Inn of the Last Home.
Meanwhile, two barbarians from the Que-Shu tribe were approaching Solace from the south. One of them was the Chieftain's Daughter, Goldmoon and the other, a simple shepherd and her lover, Riverwind. Goldmoon was actually in possession of the blue crystal staff the Seekers were searching for, and the two were hoping to find someone who could tell them more about its powers and origins.
The two encountered a man on the road who appeared to be a Knight of Solamnia. He introduced himself as Sturm Brightblade and claimed to be returning to Solace after a five year sojourn in his homeland of Solamnia to reunite with some friends. He kindly offered to walk with the two, as they were clearly strangers to this area.
Not long after, they encountered a Seeker Guard asking about a blue crystal staff. Sturm claimed he had no knowledge of such a thing (and Goldmoon and Riverwind kept their mouths shut). Sturm vouched for the pair, securing them access to the town. In thanks, Goldmoon asked that she and Riverwind pretend to be Sturm's servants, so people would not bother them.
At the same time, Tanis Half-Elven was approaching town from the east. Along the way, he met up with Flint and Tasslehoff. Their reunion was short-lived, though, as a party of hobgoblins approached. A particularly fat and disgusting one on horseback seemed to be their leader. He introduced himself as Fewmaster Toede and claimed the party was under arrest for being out after curfew. He claimed to work for the Seekers and was looking for a blue crystal staff. Then he rode off, leaving his ten companions to deal with the party.
A fight broke out. Despite being outnumbered, Tanis, Flint and Tas were skilled warriors and the hobgoblins were mostly bullies, not used to fighting anything other than farmers and merchants. Soon all of the hobgoblins lay dead save for one that was captured. He claimed they worked for someone named Onyx. Tanis let him go, after disarming him. Flint discovered Tas had 'borrowed' his knife.
Re: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1 - The Road Travels East
Sturm, Riverwind and Goldmoon arrived at the Inn of the Last Home in Solace to find Caramon and Raistlin were all ready there. What's more, Laurana was there with them. They met with Tika, the barmaid, Otik the bartender, and noticed an old man with a long beard and mouse colored robes telling stories to children about dragons.
Laurana tells the others about her soon-to-be husband, Tanthalas, but the others don't recognize the name (or realize she means Tanis). After awhile of talking and reminiscing, Tanis, Flint and Tas finally showed up, covered in hobgoblin blood and sporting a few wounds of their own. Laurana practically throws herself at the half-elf, much to his chagrin. The trio tell how they were stopped by hobgoblins apparently working for the Seekers, who were looking for a blue crystal staff. Goldmoon helps patch the three up some, and then they all start talking.
This went on for some time, until the party noticed that the High Theocrat, Hederick, had shown up and was none too happy with the stories the old man was telling. The old man mentioned the god Paladine, and explained that he and the other old gods did not turn away from mankind, but rather it was mankind who turned away from them. When one of the children asked the old man for a new story, he turned to Goldmoon and suggested she sing them a song. He handed her a lute and seemed to know who she was, for he called her Chieftain's Daughter. Goldmoon was so unnerved, she refused to play the song, but chose a different one instead.
The old man told her that was fine, and went back to telling the children the story of Huma and the White Stag. Finally unable to take any more (and having a bit too much to drink), Hederick accused the old man and the plainsfolk of blasphemy. He tried to take Goldmoon's staff, but Riverwind shoved the Theocrat into the fireplace. After some debate, Goldmoon finally healed him with her staff, revealing its true form.
The old man started calling for the guards, pointing out the Blue Crystal Staff. Hederick, outraged, plunged his hand back into the fire and then stormed off. Tika urged the party to go out through the kitchen, before the guards could arrived. Furious at the betrayal, Goldmoon swore a blood oath to murder the old man and all of his kin some day.
Everyone escaped through the kitchen, by climbing down a rope back to the ground below. They headed for Crystalmir Lake, and Tas secured a boat. Flint refused to join them at first, but Caramon just picked up the dwarf and chucked him into the boat against his will. They managed to escape the goblins chasing them, but as they paddled across the lake, they realized that a couple of constellations in the night sky were missing. Pondering what this could mean, they made it to the other side and found a cave to take shelter in.
After quite a bit of debate, the party decided to try and head toward Haven for answers. Maybe someone there could tell them what the Blue Crystal Staff was and where it came from, as Riverwind admitted he could no longer remember where he found it. The next morning, they set out for the road. Along the way, they spotted a wagon pulled by some monks. These monks wore cowls that hid their faces and their hands were all wrapped up. Everyone but Sturm and Caramon hid in the brush. The monks explained that one of their brethren had fallen sick, and they need a Blue Crystal Staff that had been recently stolen from them to heal him. Goldmoon kept quiet and said nothing, so the monks moved on without incident.
The party continued on, until Sturm saw a white stag. Remembering the story of Huma, he insisted they follow it. But the thing was, nobody else in the party could see this stag. After a bit of debate, the party agrees to follow it. The stag leads them up into the mountains, where Tanis and Riverwind see hundreds of campfires to the far north. They realize the rumors of armies to the north are true.
Disturbed by this, they continue on...into a forest. They worry it may be Darken Wood, but it doesn't look sinister or foreboding, so they decide to continue. They make camp that night, and discuss things. Tas gets bored and climbs a tree, but is surprised when the tree shakes him loose and tells him to keep off. At that point, a group of centaurs appear and surround the party. The treant, Leafloam, accepts Tas' apology. The centaurs, however, insist the party come with them to see the Forestmaster.
Riding the centaurs, the party is brought to the Forestmaster, a beautiful white unicorn. She has their weapons taken from them, but offers them food and drink. She explains about the armies of darkness, and the draconian warriors that walk with them. She also tells them that they must take the staff to the ancient ruins of Xak Tsaroth in two days time, so they may receive the greatest gift toward man. The party agrees, so the Forestmaster summons a flock of pegasi to take them there.
However, the pegasi only take them as far as the Que-Shu village and then drop them off, too afraid to go any further. The party's annoyance, however, is short-lived when they realize that Que-Shu has been razed to the ground. Devastated, the party searches for survivors but finds none save for a dog curled up by its dead master. Riverwind notices some tracks heading to the south, indicating some of their people may have fled and survived. However, he also finds draconian tracks going the same way.
With no other choice but to continue, the party crosses the mountains and enters the swamps of Xak Tsaroth.
Sturm, Riverwind and Goldmoon arrived at the Inn of the Last Home in Solace to find Caramon and Raistlin were all ready there. What's more, Laurana was there with them. They met with Tika, the barmaid, Otik the bartender, and noticed an old man with a long beard and mouse colored robes telling stories to children about dragons.
Laurana tells the others about her soon-to-be husband, Tanthalas, but the others don't recognize the name (or realize she means Tanis). After awhile of talking and reminiscing, Tanis, Flint and Tas finally showed up, covered in hobgoblin blood and sporting a few wounds of their own. Laurana practically throws herself at the half-elf, much to his chagrin. The trio tell how they were stopped by hobgoblins apparently working for the Seekers, who were looking for a blue crystal staff. Goldmoon helps patch the three up some, and then they all start talking.
This went on for some time, until the party noticed that the High Theocrat, Hederick, had shown up and was none too happy with the stories the old man was telling. The old man mentioned the god Paladine, and explained that he and the other old gods did not turn away from mankind, but rather it was mankind who turned away from them. When one of the children asked the old man for a new story, he turned to Goldmoon and suggested she sing them a song. He handed her a lute and seemed to know who she was, for he called her Chieftain's Daughter. Goldmoon was so unnerved, she refused to play the song, but chose a different one instead.
The old man told her that was fine, and went back to telling the children the story of Huma and the White Stag. Finally unable to take any more (and having a bit too much to drink), Hederick accused the old man and the plainsfolk of blasphemy. He tried to take Goldmoon's staff, but Riverwind shoved the Theocrat into the fireplace. After some debate, Goldmoon finally healed him with her staff, revealing its true form.
The old man started calling for the guards, pointing out the Blue Crystal Staff. Hederick, outraged, plunged his hand back into the fire and then stormed off. Tika urged the party to go out through the kitchen, before the guards could arrived. Furious at the betrayal, Goldmoon swore a blood oath to murder the old man and all of his kin some day.
Everyone escaped through the kitchen, by climbing down a rope back to the ground below. They headed for Crystalmir Lake, and Tas secured a boat. Flint refused to join them at first, but Caramon just picked up the dwarf and chucked him into the boat against his will. They managed to escape the goblins chasing them, but as they paddled across the lake, they realized that a couple of constellations in the night sky were missing. Pondering what this could mean, they made it to the other side and found a cave to take shelter in.
After quite a bit of debate, the party decided to try and head toward Haven for answers. Maybe someone there could tell them what the Blue Crystal Staff was and where it came from, as Riverwind admitted he could no longer remember where he found it. The next morning, they set out for the road. Along the way, they spotted a wagon pulled by some monks. These monks wore cowls that hid their faces and their hands were all wrapped up. Everyone but Sturm and Caramon hid in the brush. The monks explained that one of their brethren had fallen sick, and they need a Blue Crystal Staff that had been recently stolen from them to heal him. Goldmoon kept quiet and said nothing, so the monks moved on without incident.
The party continued on, until Sturm saw a white stag. Remembering the story of Huma, he insisted they follow it. But the thing was, nobody else in the party could see this stag. After a bit of debate, the party agrees to follow it. The stag leads them up into the mountains, where Tanis and Riverwind see hundreds of campfires to the far north. They realize the rumors of armies to the north are true.
Disturbed by this, they continue on...into a forest. They worry it may be Darken Wood, but it doesn't look sinister or foreboding, so they decide to continue. They make camp that night, and discuss things. Tas gets bored and climbs a tree, but is surprised when the tree shakes him loose and tells him to keep off. At that point, a group of centaurs appear and surround the party. The treant, Leafloam, accepts Tas' apology. The centaurs, however, insist the party come with them to see the Forestmaster.
Riding the centaurs, the party is brought to the Forestmaster, a beautiful white unicorn. She has their weapons taken from them, but offers them food and drink. She explains about the armies of darkness, and the draconian warriors that walk with them. She also tells them that they must take the staff to the ancient ruins of Xak Tsaroth in two days time, so they may receive the greatest gift toward man. The party agrees, so the Forestmaster summons a flock of pegasi to take them there.
However, the pegasi only take them as far as the Que-Shu village and then drop them off, too afraid to go any further. The party's annoyance, however, is short-lived when they realize that Que-Shu has been razed to the ground. Devastated, the party searches for survivors but finds none save for a dog curled up by its dead master. Riverwind notices some tracks heading to the south, indicating some of their people may have fled and survived. However, he also finds draconian tracks going the same way.
With no other choice but to continue, the party crosses the mountains and enters the swamps of Xak Tsaroth.
Re: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 2 - Lost City of the Ancients
The party reached a large swamp that appeared all but uncrossable. But Riverwind was adamant there was a safe path...and he knew it. He realized he'd been here before, and knew the way. Tanis figured out that this was where Riverwind found the staff in the first place.
Eventually they came across a vine bridge crossing over the water. It was very slick, though, and Tas got distracted and fell off. He was attacked by a water moccasin, but luckily the others were able to fill it full of arrows before it could hurt the kender. Goldmoon fell in, as well, but the others helped fish them out of the muck and then pressed onward.
They came to another bridge, but this one was made from a fallen ironclaw tree. The party started to cross it easily, when they were ambushed from both sides by bozak draconians. The draconians unleashed a flurry of Sleep spells, but the only person to succumb to them was Flint.
Raistlin cast a Web spell, ensnaring a couple of bozaks, but Sturm, as well. The draconains took a cue from him, and all unleashed Web spells, too, ensnaring most of the party in the process. The battle was long and fierce. Several bozaks were killed, exploding in the process. But the survivors managed to run off with Flint and Tanis (they almost got Raistlin, but Sturm and Caramon saved him).
While all of this is going on, Goldmoon prayed for guidance. She had a vision of a dark shadow crossing over all of Ansalon. She interpreted this to mean she must abandon her friends, so convinced Riverwind to walk away during the battle.
Laurana quickly decided she would go after them alone, with Tas. The others would continue with Goldmoon and protect her. Sturm objected to this, but eventually accepted. The two groups went separate ways, with Laurana and Tas trying to track down Flint and Tanis, while the others continued to look for the ruins of the city.
Goldmoon's group came across a pair of Baaz and quickly killed them. Then they found a campsite of draconians, overlooked by a suspiciously still black dragon. They also saw Tanis and Flint in cages. But rather than rescue them, Goldmoon insisted they continue onward to find the city.
Meanwhile, Laurana and Tas notice a large tower in the swamp. Laurana considers they might be able to see better from there, but when they get close, a group of wraiths appear and give chase. Luckily, the tower was bathed in sunlight, so when they reached it, the wraths were driven away. Climbing to the top of the tower, they saw the draconian camp, the 'dragon' and the prisoners. But they also saw Goldmoon and her group abandoning them.
Laurana and Tas made their way back down the tower, realized the wraiths had departed, and quickly headed for the camp. Tas vanished, off to see the dragon, leaving Laurana on her own. She made her way to the cage, took out the guard and freed the prisoners. But they got caught by the other draconians. The dragon suddenly sprang to life, demanding the elf wench. Unbeknownst to her (or anyone else, least of all the draconians) the dragon was made of wicker. It was used to keep the draconians in line. Tas had crawled into the device and was now controlling it, making it appear to speak and move. While acting over-dramatically, the 'dragon' accidentally caught fire from the bonfire. The draconians panicked and all fled. Tanis and Flint collected their gear, they pulled Tas from the burning wreckage, and the four hurried after the others. Tas speculated there was no way the others were having such a fun adventure off on their own.
Goldmoon and the others found another bridge, this one made of a large stone obelisk that had fallen over. Reading the inscription on it, they realized they had reached the ruins of Xak Tsaroth. They looked around the area, finding only one large building still intact and a massive well. Goldmoon looked down the well, seeing only blackness.
Suddenly, a black dragon--a real one--burst from the well and dropped a spell of darkness on the entire area. Goldmoon called out for her goddess, but was surprised when no divine power smote the dragon down to the ground. Riverwind knocked her down to safety, but was nearly incinerated by the dragon's acid breath in her stead. Satisfied she had destroyed them, the dragon returned to the well and the darkness spell faded.
Riverwind was a mess, a terrifying sight of organs and bones. His skin and eyes had melted away, yet he still lived, only just. Goldmoon tried to heal him with the staff, but only with limited success. The staff flickers and dies, having exhausted its power supply. With no other options to them, the party carried the wounded ranger into the nearby temple for cover, in case the dragon returned.
Tanis, Flint, Laurana and Tas eventually caught up with them and rejoined the others inside the temple. Each group was surprised by the tale the other had to tell.
The party reached a large swamp that appeared all but uncrossable. But Riverwind was adamant there was a safe path...and he knew it. He realized he'd been here before, and knew the way. Tanis figured out that this was where Riverwind found the staff in the first place.
Eventually they came across a vine bridge crossing over the water. It was very slick, though, and Tas got distracted and fell off. He was attacked by a water moccasin, but luckily the others were able to fill it full of arrows before it could hurt the kender. Goldmoon fell in, as well, but the others helped fish them out of the muck and then pressed onward.
They came to another bridge, but this one was made from a fallen ironclaw tree. The party started to cross it easily, when they were ambushed from both sides by bozak draconians. The draconians unleashed a flurry of Sleep spells, but the only person to succumb to them was Flint.
Raistlin cast a Web spell, ensnaring a couple of bozaks, but Sturm, as well. The draconains took a cue from him, and all unleashed Web spells, too, ensnaring most of the party in the process. The battle was long and fierce. Several bozaks were killed, exploding in the process. But the survivors managed to run off with Flint and Tanis (they almost got Raistlin, but Sturm and Caramon saved him).
While all of this is going on, Goldmoon prayed for guidance. She had a vision of a dark shadow crossing over all of Ansalon. She interpreted this to mean she must abandon her friends, so convinced Riverwind to walk away during the battle.
Laurana quickly decided she would go after them alone, with Tas. The others would continue with Goldmoon and protect her. Sturm objected to this, but eventually accepted. The two groups went separate ways, with Laurana and Tas trying to track down Flint and Tanis, while the others continued to look for the ruins of the city.
Goldmoon's group came across a pair of Baaz and quickly killed them. Then they found a campsite of draconians, overlooked by a suspiciously still black dragon. They also saw Tanis and Flint in cages. But rather than rescue them, Goldmoon insisted they continue onward to find the city.
Meanwhile, Laurana and Tas notice a large tower in the swamp. Laurana considers they might be able to see better from there, but when they get close, a group of wraiths appear and give chase. Luckily, the tower was bathed in sunlight, so when they reached it, the wraths were driven away. Climbing to the top of the tower, they saw the draconian camp, the 'dragon' and the prisoners. But they also saw Goldmoon and her group abandoning them.
Laurana and Tas made their way back down the tower, realized the wraiths had departed, and quickly headed for the camp. Tas vanished, off to see the dragon, leaving Laurana on her own. She made her way to the cage, took out the guard and freed the prisoners. But they got caught by the other draconians. The dragon suddenly sprang to life, demanding the elf wench. Unbeknownst to her (or anyone else, least of all the draconians) the dragon was made of wicker. It was used to keep the draconians in line. Tas had crawled into the device and was now controlling it, making it appear to speak and move. While acting over-dramatically, the 'dragon' accidentally caught fire from the bonfire. The draconians panicked and all fled. Tanis and Flint collected their gear, they pulled Tas from the burning wreckage, and the four hurried after the others. Tas speculated there was no way the others were having such a fun adventure off on their own.
Goldmoon and the others found another bridge, this one made of a large stone obelisk that had fallen over. Reading the inscription on it, they realized they had reached the ruins of Xak Tsaroth. They looked around the area, finding only one large building still intact and a massive well. Goldmoon looked down the well, seeing only blackness.
Suddenly, a black dragon--a real one--burst from the well and dropped a spell of darkness on the entire area. Goldmoon called out for her goddess, but was surprised when no divine power smote the dragon down to the ground. Riverwind knocked her down to safety, but was nearly incinerated by the dragon's acid breath in her stead. Satisfied she had destroyed them, the dragon returned to the well and the darkness spell faded.
Riverwind was a mess, a terrifying sight of organs and bones. His skin and eyes had melted away, yet he still lived, only just. Goldmoon tried to heal him with the staff, but only with limited success. The staff flickers and dies, having exhausted its power supply. With no other options to them, the party carried the wounded ranger into the nearby temple for cover, in case the dragon returned.
Tanis, Flint, Laurana and Tas eventually caught up with them and rejoined the others inside the temple. Each group was surprised by the tale the other had to tell.
Re: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 3 - Descent into Darkness
The party went deeper into the temple and found a beautiful statue of marble of a woman. The statue suddenly sprang to life, and spoke to them, explaining she was the goddess who gave them the staff, Mishakal. She then healed Riverwind of all his wounds with a gesture.
Mishakal explained to them that the gods did not turn away from mortals during the Cataclysm, but rather it was mortals who turned away from the gods. She told them that the armies of darkness sweeping over Ansalon are led by another goddess, one of darkness, known as Takhisis. Only by uniting all of the mortal races do they have any hope of defeating her. This can only be accomplished by finding the Disks of Mishakal, an artifact that will show the world the truth of the gods. However, it was guarded by the horrible black dragon (Khisanth or Onyx, as she is sometimes called) they encountered before. Mishakal recharged the Blue Crystal Staff, and explained that if Goldmoon presents it boldly, never wavering, she shall prevail.
Finding the disks will only be the beginning of their quest, however. They then must find a "Leader of the People" and give the disks to him, so that he can spread the good word. The statue then went solid again.
Awed by their quest, the party decided first to try searching the nearby rooms. They found a small group of gully dwarves in one, digging in the filth. When the gully dwarves saw the party, they dropped to the floor, groveling for their lives. Flint and Riverwind were disgusted by them, but Goldmoon admonished the two for their behavior, especially after Mishakal told them they had to all unite. However, after speaking with the gully dwarves a bit, realizing they cannot count higher than two, and having been offered an useless map, Goldmoon consenting that the others may have a point.
The party found some stairs leading down, so with Raistlin's staff lighting the way, they descended deeper into the caverns. They found themselves in some ancient crypts with several large holes in the ground. Flint advised they stay away from them. Searching around, they came across a line of gully dwarves. It was uncertain what they were in line for. Raistlin tried to charm one, but failed. Instead, Laurana offered one a 'magic' coin to enlist their aid. A female, Magpie, agreed. She said she could take the party to the Highbulp through a secret passage the draconians didn't know about.
The gully dwarf led them to a large sewer pipe that descended deeper into the city. The party had to get on their hands and knees to climb down the pipe, one by one. But they all made it and found themselves in what appeared to be an old bakery. From there, Magpie led them to another sewer pipe, but this one had chilled water rushing through it. She hopped in, riding it like a waterslide. While the others debated whether this was safe, or even sane, Laurana and Sturm just jumped in. Eventually, the others followed (Flint was the most reluctant).
The party went deeper into the temple and found a beautiful statue of marble of a woman. The statue suddenly sprang to life, and spoke to them, explaining she was the goddess who gave them the staff, Mishakal. She then healed Riverwind of all his wounds with a gesture.
Mishakal explained to them that the gods did not turn away from mortals during the Cataclysm, but rather it was mortals who turned away from the gods. She told them that the armies of darkness sweeping over Ansalon are led by another goddess, one of darkness, known as Takhisis. Only by uniting all of the mortal races do they have any hope of defeating her. This can only be accomplished by finding the Disks of Mishakal, an artifact that will show the world the truth of the gods. However, it was guarded by the horrible black dragon (Khisanth or Onyx, as she is sometimes called) they encountered before. Mishakal recharged the Blue Crystal Staff, and explained that if Goldmoon presents it boldly, never wavering, she shall prevail.
Finding the disks will only be the beginning of their quest, however. They then must find a "Leader of the People" and give the disks to him, so that he can spread the good word. The statue then went solid again.
Awed by their quest, the party decided first to try searching the nearby rooms. They found a small group of gully dwarves in one, digging in the filth. When the gully dwarves saw the party, they dropped to the floor, groveling for their lives. Flint and Riverwind were disgusted by them, but Goldmoon admonished the two for their behavior, especially after Mishakal told them they had to all unite. However, after speaking with the gully dwarves a bit, realizing they cannot count higher than two, and having been offered an useless map, Goldmoon consenting that the others may have a point.
The party found some stairs leading down, so with Raistlin's staff lighting the way, they descended deeper into the caverns. They found themselves in some ancient crypts with several large holes in the ground. Flint advised they stay away from them. Searching around, they came across a line of gully dwarves. It was uncertain what they were in line for. Raistlin tried to charm one, but failed. Instead, Laurana offered one a 'magic' coin to enlist their aid. A female, Magpie, agreed. She said she could take the party to the Highbulp through a secret passage the draconians didn't know about.
The gully dwarf led them to a large sewer pipe that descended deeper into the city. The party had to get on their hands and knees to climb down the pipe, one by one. But they all made it and found themselves in what appeared to be an old bakery. From there, Magpie led them to another sewer pipe, but this one had chilled water rushing through it. She hopped in, riding it like a waterslide. While the others debated whether this was safe, or even sane, Laurana and Sturm just jumped in. Eventually, the others followed (Flint was the most reluctant).
Re: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 4 - Lair of the Dragon
Sturm and Laurana were chewed out for jumping down the pipe, but thankfully nobody was hurt and just got scraped up a bit (and soaking wet). Magpie explained that next they must climb down a wet curtain over a flooded room, swing from that curtain to another curtain to reach a door. It turned out the entire room they were deposited in was lying on its side.
Each of the party members crossed without a problem, save for Raistlin, who slipped. Thankfully, his staff saved him from falling. Magpie then led them to an old tower that had been broken in half during the Cataclysm. They rested there for a bit and dried off.
Pressing on, they came to a raging river in the middle of the street. Magpie said their destination was on the other side, but crossing here was dangerous. It was safer to cross further south, but there were more draconians that way. The party decided to risk the draconians and headed south. They spotted a building that was labeled "Guardians of Justice." Rather than cross the river, Laurana and Tas decided to scout the building instead.
After exploring a bit, Laurana and Tas wandered into a room with five Baaz, who immediately attacked. The two called for help, and Sturm, Goldmoon and Riverwind came coming. They bottlenecked the draconians in the doorway, to prevent them from being overwhelmed. Two of the baaz were killed, their statues blocking the way...but also trapping Sturm's sword. Tanis came to help, and tried to convince the others to flee. But each of them was determined to cover the exit of all of the others.
Eventually, Tanis got them out of the building and to start crossing the river. Once on the other side, Magpie led the way to show them a safe place to hide. Most of the party casually strolled away, or even withdrew slowly, instead of running. This changed when over a dozen Baaz poured out of the building.
After a brief chase, Magpie took them to a secret door and they all rushed inside before the Baaz saw them. They found themselves in some kind of gully dwarf compound, near a kitchen where a group of them were having a food fight with a disgusting and vile stew. After getting hit by some goop, Flint scared off the Aghar with his axe.
Magpie led the group to have an audience with the gully dwarf king, Highbulp Phudge I. The Highbulp wanted the party to slay the dragon for him, but they just wanted to get the disks. He eventually agreed to supply them with a map that showed a 'secret way' into the dragon's lair.
However, the map turned out to be useless. Instead, the party asked Magpie, who knew the secret way and agreed to show them. They tried to come up with a plan, hoping to devise a distraction to lure the dragon away from her horde.
After resting for several hours, the party set out. Magpie led them to a waterfall on a street corner. She said the secret way was behind it. However, the party noticed someone back there, hiding. It turned out to be a young Que-Shu woman, Sunstar, from Goldmoon's village. She explained that a few people escaped the dragon attack on the village, and she and her brother were later captured and brought here. She managed to escape, but her brother, Raven-eye, was still held in a cell, guarded by draconians.
The party convinced her to come with them, on the promise of saving her brother after retrieving the disks. They then entered the secret way, a sewer tunnel that Magpie claimed leads right into the dragon's lair through a grate.
The party followed the tunnel and found a ladder that led up into the dragon's lair. They sent Tas first to scout, but he reported there was no sign of the dragon. Acting quickly, everyone climbed up and started looking for the disks. Their hope was to find them and get out as soon as possible.
Goldmoon found them first in a pile of platinum coins. Scooping them up, she called out to the others. That was when the dragon appeared, dropping from the darkness above and landing right on the sewer exit. The dragon chastised them and insisted they hand over the crystal staff and the disks or perish. A voice in Goldmoon's mind told her to strike the dragon with the staff and all would be well.
Goldmoon handed the disks over to Tanis and charged the dragon. It didn't have time to react, and she struck with the staff. It shattered and exploded into blue light, which consumed both the dragon and her. It also started a massive cave-in that threatened the whole city as the New Sea began pouring in.
Magpie knew of only two ways to escape--the pots or the vines. The party reasoned the draconians would be at the pots, so they opted for the vines. They started fleeing the city, toward vines that Magpie claimed they could climb back up to the surface.
Meanwhile, Goldmoon awoken to find she was in some kind of ethereal plane, speaking to the spirit of her mother--who had apparently, until now, inhabited the Blue Crystal Staff. Tearsong explained to Goldmoon that she had been chosen to be the first new cleric of Mishakal in 350 years and gave her a medallion of faith. Goldmoon could now call upon Mishakal's powers on her own, without the need of the staff.
As the party fled the dragon's lair, Sunstar started to recognize the area. She knew where Raven-eye was. Tanis agreed to go and find him alone, while the rest accompanied Magpie to the vines.
Tanis managed to find and free Raven-eye and join them before the water got deeper than a foot, then climbed up after them on the vines, even passing by poor Flint in the process.
Once they were to safety, Raven-eye was introduced to the group. He was less than thrilled to see Riverwind, however, as he blamed him for the destruction of Que-Shu.
The party made their way back to the temple, where Tanis had some words to deliver to Mishakal (the statue) for making Goldmoon sacrifice herself. However, they were surprised to find that Goldmoon was alive and well, right there in the temple. The staff was gone, but she wore a gold medallion instead. She told them she was a true cleric now.
Raistlin demanded a demonstration, so Goldmoon healed Riverwind without the use of the staff. The party was surprised further by this, but remembered they still had a mission. They must bring the Disks of Mishakal to a 'true Leader of the People.' They had no idea who this might be, though.
Tanis suggested they rest in the temple, then head back to Solace and begin their search there. Magpie agreed to come with them as Laurana's henchman. Sunstar and Raven-eye, with nowhere else to go at the moment, agreed to come along for now, as well.
Sturm and Laurana were chewed out for jumping down the pipe, but thankfully nobody was hurt and just got scraped up a bit (and soaking wet). Magpie explained that next they must climb down a wet curtain over a flooded room, swing from that curtain to another curtain to reach a door. It turned out the entire room they were deposited in was lying on its side.
Each of the party members crossed without a problem, save for Raistlin, who slipped. Thankfully, his staff saved him from falling. Magpie then led them to an old tower that had been broken in half during the Cataclysm. They rested there for a bit and dried off.
Pressing on, they came to a raging river in the middle of the street. Magpie said their destination was on the other side, but crossing here was dangerous. It was safer to cross further south, but there were more draconians that way. The party decided to risk the draconians and headed south. They spotted a building that was labeled "Guardians of Justice." Rather than cross the river, Laurana and Tas decided to scout the building instead.
After exploring a bit, Laurana and Tas wandered into a room with five Baaz, who immediately attacked. The two called for help, and Sturm, Goldmoon and Riverwind came coming. They bottlenecked the draconians in the doorway, to prevent them from being overwhelmed. Two of the baaz were killed, their statues blocking the way...but also trapping Sturm's sword. Tanis came to help, and tried to convince the others to flee. But each of them was determined to cover the exit of all of the others.
Eventually, Tanis got them out of the building and to start crossing the river. Once on the other side, Magpie led the way to show them a safe place to hide. Most of the party casually strolled away, or even withdrew slowly, instead of running. This changed when over a dozen Baaz poured out of the building.
After a brief chase, Magpie took them to a secret door and they all rushed inside before the Baaz saw them. They found themselves in some kind of gully dwarf compound, near a kitchen where a group of them were having a food fight with a disgusting and vile stew. After getting hit by some goop, Flint scared off the Aghar with his axe.
Magpie led the group to have an audience with the gully dwarf king, Highbulp Phudge I. The Highbulp wanted the party to slay the dragon for him, but they just wanted to get the disks. He eventually agreed to supply them with a map that showed a 'secret way' into the dragon's lair.
However, the map turned out to be useless. Instead, the party asked Magpie, who knew the secret way and agreed to show them. They tried to come up with a plan, hoping to devise a distraction to lure the dragon away from her horde.
After resting for several hours, the party set out. Magpie led them to a waterfall on a street corner. She said the secret way was behind it. However, the party noticed someone back there, hiding. It turned out to be a young Que-Shu woman, Sunstar, from Goldmoon's village. She explained that a few people escaped the dragon attack on the village, and she and her brother were later captured and brought here. She managed to escape, but her brother, Raven-eye, was still held in a cell, guarded by draconians.
The party convinced her to come with them, on the promise of saving her brother after retrieving the disks. They then entered the secret way, a sewer tunnel that Magpie claimed leads right into the dragon's lair through a grate.
The party followed the tunnel and found a ladder that led up into the dragon's lair. They sent Tas first to scout, but he reported there was no sign of the dragon. Acting quickly, everyone climbed up and started looking for the disks. Their hope was to find them and get out as soon as possible.
Goldmoon found them first in a pile of platinum coins. Scooping them up, she called out to the others. That was when the dragon appeared, dropping from the darkness above and landing right on the sewer exit. The dragon chastised them and insisted they hand over the crystal staff and the disks or perish. A voice in Goldmoon's mind told her to strike the dragon with the staff and all would be well.
Goldmoon handed the disks over to Tanis and charged the dragon. It didn't have time to react, and she struck with the staff. It shattered and exploded into blue light, which consumed both the dragon and her. It also started a massive cave-in that threatened the whole city as the New Sea began pouring in.
Magpie knew of only two ways to escape--the pots or the vines. The party reasoned the draconians would be at the pots, so they opted for the vines. They started fleeing the city, toward vines that Magpie claimed they could climb back up to the surface.
Meanwhile, Goldmoon awoken to find she was in some kind of ethereal plane, speaking to the spirit of her mother--who had apparently, until now, inhabited the Blue Crystal Staff. Tearsong explained to Goldmoon that she had been chosen to be the first new cleric of Mishakal in 350 years and gave her a medallion of faith. Goldmoon could now call upon Mishakal's powers on her own, without the need of the staff.
As the party fled the dragon's lair, Sunstar started to recognize the area. She knew where Raven-eye was. Tanis agreed to go and find him alone, while the rest accompanied Magpie to the vines.
Tanis managed to find and free Raven-eye and join them before the water got deeper than a foot, then climbed up after them on the vines, even passing by poor Flint in the process.
Once they were to safety, Raven-eye was introduced to the group. He was less than thrilled to see Riverwind, however, as he blamed him for the destruction of Que-Shu.
The party made their way back to the temple, where Tanis had some words to deliver to Mishakal (the statue) for making Goldmoon sacrifice herself. However, they were surprised to find that Goldmoon was alive and well, right there in the temple. The staff was gone, but she wore a gold medallion instead. She told them she was a true cleric now.
Raistlin demanded a demonstration, so Goldmoon healed Riverwind without the use of the staff. The party was surprised further by this, but remembered they still had a mission. They must bring the Disks of Mishakal to a 'true Leader of the People.' They had no idea who this might be, though.
Tanis suggested they rest in the temple, then head back to Solace and begin their search there. Magpie agreed to come with them as Laurana's henchman. Sunstar and Raven-eye, with nowhere else to go at the moment, agreed to come along for now, as well.
Re: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 5 - Que-Kiri and the Plains
Fast forward a few days, and the party found themselves in the village of Que-Kiri, or what was left of it. It had been burned to the ground, its people killed, captured or run off. The party heard moaning and investigated. They found an old man, injured and burned (as well as blinded), under some rubble. They helped to get him out, and then Goldmoon healed him.
The old man was confused and dazed. Laurana and Magpie immediately set off to look for more survivors, but instead they found a pack of nine draconians, a kind they had never encountered before--kapaks. The kapaks noticed the elf maiden and wondered if they could interrogate her for information about Qualinost for the big attack coming up.
A fight broke out, but the party quickly learned two important things. First, the kapaks licked their blades before the fight. Their saliva apparently had a paralytic ability, because Riverwind was lightly scratched by one and immediately froze up. Two, upon dying, a kapak would melt into a puddle of acid, doing damage to anyone standing near it at the time.
The party was victorious in the end, but because of the acid, took considerable damage in the process. Furthermore, the old man was killed in the fight. But thanks to Raistlin's Sleep spell, they managed to take two alive. Sturm looted the sleeping kapaks, finding some short swords and daggers, that he gave to Sunstar and Raven-eye, some rabbit haunches, ale-skins, a pair of dice, and coins that he kept himself, and some thieves' picks, that he gave to Tas.
Sturm then joined Laurana and Magpie in searching the ruins of the village. They found some rope (but only enough to tie up one kapak), a makeshift staff for Goldmoon, some arrows and a silver locket (that Laurana took), and perhaps the biggest prize--a horse. Likely it had ran off in the battle, then came back looking for its master. Sturm claimed it and named it Arkiss.
While Caramon tied up one kapak, Tanis slew the other with an arrow to its neck. Laurana then remembered the ring she found in Onyx's cave, and gave it to Raistlin to inspect for enchantments.
Shortly after, the remaining kapak woke up. Tanis and Laurana drew beads on it with their bows. Laurana wanted to question it about Qualinost, but the kapak didn't take her too seriously. By the time she got around to asking it questions, all it would tell her was that Qualinost was the last place standing in Abanansinia, and not for much longer. Lord Verminaard would launch an all out assault with dragons in about a week's time. Realizing they weren't getting anything else out of it, Tanis slew it with a well shot arrow.
The group then built a cairn for the old man, whose name they never learned, and had a quick funeral service. Realizing Riverwind was still paralyzed, they put him up on the horse, and let Sturm hold on to him.
After awhile, during travel, Riverwind finally regained the ability to move. The party traveled through the mountains until night fell, then set up camp. They passed out food and water, having to share as their rations were running low. Magpie set up a small animal trap, and caught a woodchuck the following morning (which Riverwind dressed and skinned for her). Tas foraged, but found nothing. Riverwind did likewise, and managed to find a small mountain stream that they could fill up their waterskins with, and allow the horse to drink from.
After breaking camp the next morning, the party headed the rest of the way to Solace without incident.
Fast forward a few days, and the party found themselves in the village of Que-Kiri, or what was left of it. It had been burned to the ground, its people killed, captured or run off. The party heard moaning and investigated. They found an old man, injured and burned (as well as blinded), under some rubble. They helped to get him out, and then Goldmoon healed him.
The old man was confused and dazed. Laurana and Magpie immediately set off to look for more survivors, but instead they found a pack of nine draconians, a kind they had never encountered before--kapaks. The kapaks noticed the elf maiden and wondered if they could interrogate her for information about Qualinost for the big attack coming up.
A fight broke out, but the party quickly learned two important things. First, the kapaks licked their blades before the fight. Their saliva apparently had a paralytic ability, because Riverwind was lightly scratched by one and immediately froze up. Two, upon dying, a kapak would melt into a puddle of acid, doing damage to anyone standing near it at the time.
The party was victorious in the end, but because of the acid, took considerable damage in the process. Furthermore, the old man was killed in the fight. But thanks to Raistlin's Sleep spell, they managed to take two alive. Sturm looted the sleeping kapaks, finding some short swords and daggers, that he gave to Sunstar and Raven-eye, some rabbit haunches, ale-skins, a pair of dice, and coins that he kept himself, and some thieves' picks, that he gave to Tas.
Sturm then joined Laurana and Magpie in searching the ruins of the village. They found some rope (but only enough to tie up one kapak), a makeshift staff for Goldmoon, some arrows and a silver locket (that Laurana took), and perhaps the biggest prize--a horse. Likely it had ran off in the battle, then came back looking for its master. Sturm claimed it and named it Arkiss.
While Caramon tied up one kapak, Tanis slew the other with an arrow to its neck. Laurana then remembered the ring she found in Onyx's cave, and gave it to Raistlin to inspect for enchantments.
Shortly after, the remaining kapak woke up. Tanis and Laurana drew beads on it with their bows. Laurana wanted to question it about Qualinost, but the kapak didn't take her too seriously. By the time she got around to asking it questions, all it would tell her was that Qualinost was the last place standing in Abanansinia, and not for much longer. Lord Verminaard would launch an all out assault with dragons in about a week's time. Realizing they weren't getting anything else out of it, Tanis slew it with a well shot arrow.
The group then built a cairn for the old man, whose name they never learned, and had a quick funeral service. Realizing Riverwind was still paralyzed, they put him up on the horse, and let Sturm hold on to him.
After awhile, during travel, Riverwind finally regained the ability to move. The party traveled through the mountains until night fell, then set up camp. They passed out food and water, having to share as their rations were running low. Magpie set up a small animal trap, and caught a woodchuck the following morning (which Riverwind dressed and skinned for her). Tas foraged, but found nothing. Riverwind did likewise, and managed to find a small mountain stream that they could fill up their waterskins with, and allow the horse to drink from.
After breaking camp the next morning, the party headed the rest of the way to Solace without incident.
Re: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 6 - Solace
The party found Solace had been occupied by the dragonarmies. Most of the trees had been burned down, as had most of the buildings, as well. The smithy was intact (as it always had been on the ground), and the general store and Inn of the Last Home had been moved to the ground. The draconians were policing the town, but it was a lax patrol, so the party slipped into the town easily enough.
The party made a beeline to the inn, where they found it empty save for Tika, a stranger in a cloak, and a trio of old men. Tika pretended she didn't know the party, and had then sit down and order something. When she brought them their food and drink, she asked to go with them.
The party questioned her on what happened, and Tika explained that red dragons attacked the town and burned most of it to the ground. Then the draconians, goblins and hobgoblins marched in and took over. Those who were strong or young were either pressed into service or taken away somewhere else. Anyone who opposes the dragonarmy's rule gets a similar treatment.
Suddenly, a group of five kapaks stepped inside, sat down, and demanded service. Tika quickly obliged while the party talked quietly to themselves on what to do. They decided that this new information changed nothing; they would still proceed to Qualinost.
The cloaked stranger stood up then and approached the party. As he passed the draconians, one grabbed his hood and revealed he was a handsome blond elf. Laurana and Tanis both recognized him as Gilthanas, Laurana's brother. The kapaks started ganging up on him, and managed to knock him out. Goldmoon dropped a silence spell on them, Riverwind ran to cover the exit (although he allowed the three old men to flee), and everyone else attacked.
Tika clobbered one of the draconians with her skillet, causing it to melt into acid. Despite the previous battle with kapaks, everyone seemed to forget about this, and everyone used lethal attacks and would blindly run right into the acid puddles to melee. Tika managed to grab Gilthanas and drag him to safety while Sturm covered her. However, Laurana charged the draconians, was paralyzed by their poison and was then taken hostage.
Forced to surrender or else risk Laurana's life, the party lowered their weapons. Toede and a large number of troops then showed up and arrested the party for murdering two kapak officers. The party handed over their weapons, but not before Raistlin pretended to put a curse on them. Afraid of his magic, the draconians wrapped the weapons up in a cloth but wouldn't touch them otherwise.
The party was then rounded up and put into a pair of cage wagons. Tanis, Caramon, Raistlin, Sunstar, Raven-eye and Flint were put in one, and everyone else (including Tika and Gilthanas) were put in the other.
The party found Solace had been occupied by the dragonarmies. Most of the trees had been burned down, as had most of the buildings, as well. The smithy was intact (as it always had been on the ground), and the general store and Inn of the Last Home had been moved to the ground. The draconians were policing the town, but it was a lax patrol, so the party slipped into the town easily enough.
The party made a beeline to the inn, where they found it empty save for Tika, a stranger in a cloak, and a trio of old men. Tika pretended she didn't know the party, and had then sit down and order something. When she brought them their food and drink, she asked to go with them.
The party questioned her on what happened, and Tika explained that red dragons attacked the town and burned most of it to the ground. Then the draconians, goblins and hobgoblins marched in and took over. Those who were strong or young were either pressed into service or taken away somewhere else. Anyone who opposes the dragonarmy's rule gets a similar treatment.
Suddenly, a group of five kapaks stepped inside, sat down, and demanded service. Tika quickly obliged while the party talked quietly to themselves on what to do. They decided that this new information changed nothing; they would still proceed to Qualinost.
The cloaked stranger stood up then and approached the party. As he passed the draconians, one grabbed his hood and revealed he was a handsome blond elf. Laurana and Tanis both recognized him as Gilthanas, Laurana's brother. The kapaks started ganging up on him, and managed to knock him out. Goldmoon dropped a silence spell on them, Riverwind ran to cover the exit (although he allowed the three old men to flee), and everyone else attacked.
Tika clobbered one of the draconians with her skillet, causing it to melt into acid. Despite the previous battle with kapaks, everyone seemed to forget about this, and everyone used lethal attacks and would blindly run right into the acid puddles to melee. Tika managed to grab Gilthanas and drag him to safety while Sturm covered her. However, Laurana charged the draconians, was paralyzed by their poison and was then taken hostage.
Forced to surrender or else risk Laurana's life, the party lowered their weapons. Toede and a large number of troops then showed up and arrested the party for murdering two kapak officers. The party handed over their weapons, but not before Raistlin pretended to put a curse on them. Afraid of his magic, the draconians wrapped the weapons up in a cloth but wouldn't touch them otherwise.
The party was then rounded up and put into a pair of cage wagons. Tanis, Caramon, Raistlin, Sunstar, Raven-eye and Flint were put in one, and everyone else (including Tika and Gilthanas) were put in the other.
Re: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 7 - The Slave Caravan
As the night passed, three more people were added to the caravan--two Seeker guards and a Seeker priest. Then there was the sound of fighting, and the draconians brought a large black man who was bleeding profusely from the stump where his arm used to be, and tossed him into the caravan, too. Gilthanas knew him as Theros Ironfeld, a smith who had saved his life and helped keep him hidden while in Solace. He surely would have died, but Goldmoon used her powers to save him, which caught the interest of both Gilthanas and the Seeker priest.
The Seeker priest, it turned out, was Elistan, a Highseeker of Haven. Goldmoon explained she was the chosen one of Mishakal and had been given special powers. Whether because he questioned her or because he revealed he was a Highseeker, Goldmoon became rather snippy with him. Elistan quickly apologized, and explained that Lord Verminaard could also perform miracles and also claimed to follow an ancient goddess.
The caravan started moving. Aside from Sergeant Toede and his gully dwarf servant, Sestun, there were also 45 kapaks, 100 hobgoblins, and another 100 goblins. The caravan headed southward, although the party knew not where exactly.
The party asked Elistan more about Verminaard. The cleric explained that Verminaard approached the Highseekers with a proposal. He wanted to move his army through Haven to conquer the elves. Most of the Highseekers had no problem with this, and agreed. Elistan was one of the few who objected, although he was also curious about Verminaard's miracles. Once the dragonarmy was in the city, though, they took over and conquered Haven at once. Elistan fled, but was later captured when Solace was sacked. Both he and Gilthanas agreed, the elflands were the only free place left in Abanansinia.
The wagons continued moving throughout the night, and the next morning. And then throughout the day, as well. When night fell, the caravan was ambushed by a large force of elves. Their archers peppered the enemy with arrows from the nearby brush. Toede ordered Sestun to guard the prisoners at all costs, then fled for safety. Tired of having been constantly abused, Sestun disobeyed and instead smashed the locks on the party's wagon, before fleeing into the brush.
The party tried to all leave the cage at the same time, getting stuck. Goldmoon attempted to organize them in Tanis' absence. They were hardly out of danger. Goblins were arriving on the scene, and sixteen hobgoblins guarded the wagon that held the party's weapons and gear. Tasslehoff, still wounded from the two previous battles, taunted the enemy cockily. He was quickly cut down, as a result. Goldmoon ran to save him, restoring him with a cure spell.
Sturm, also heavily wounded from the previous battles, nearly fell himself and was forced to flee. Hobgoblins chased after him, but Tika saved him by backstabbing his enemies. Raistlin used a spell to open their cage, and he and Gilthanas put down most of the hobgoblins with Sleep spells. This gave Riverwind the opportunity to hop onto the supply wagon, commandeer it, and ride it into the brush. Tanis called for a retreat, and for once, everyone listened right away.
Once everyone was in the brush, the elves led them to safety. They had placed numerous traps in the forests and showed the party where to step so they didn't fall into them. The enemy who followed them were not so lucky. Eventually, the entire party was gathered into a small clearing, including the captured supply wagon.
As the night passed, three more people were added to the caravan--two Seeker guards and a Seeker priest. Then there was the sound of fighting, and the draconians brought a large black man who was bleeding profusely from the stump where his arm used to be, and tossed him into the caravan, too. Gilthanas knew him as Theros Ironfeld, a smith who had saved his life and helped keep him hidden while in Solace. He surely would have died, but Goldmoon used her powers to save him, which caught the interest of both Gilthanas and the Seeker priest.
The Seeker priest, it turned out, was Elistan, a Highseeker of Haven. Goldmoon explained she was the chosen one of Mishakal and had been given special powers. Whether because he questioned her or because he revealed he was a Highseeker, Goldmoon became rather snippy with him. Elistan quickly apologized, and explained that Lord Verminaard could also perform miracles and also claimed to follow an ancient goddess.
The caravan started moving. Aside from Sergeant Toede and his gully dwarf servant, Sestun, there were also 45 kapaks, 100 hobgoblins, and another 100 goblins. The caravan headed southward, although the party knew not where exactly.
The party asked Elistan more about Verminaard. The cleric explained that Verminaard approached the Highseekers with a proposal. He wanted to move his army through Haven to conquer the elves. Most of the Highseekers had no problem with this, and agreed. Elistan was one of the few who objected, although he was also curious about Verminaard's miracles. Once the dragonarmy was in the city, though, they took over and conquered Haven at once. Elistan fled, but was later captured when Solace was sacked. Both he and Gilthanas agreed, the elflands were the only free place left in Abanansinia.
The wagons continued moving throughout the night, and the next morning. And then throughout the day, as well. When night fell, the caravan was ambushed by a large force of elves. Their archers peppered the enemy with arrows from the nearby brush. Toede ordered Sestun to guard the prisoners at all costs, then fled for safety. Tired of having been constantly abused, Sestun disobeyed and instead smashed the locks on the party's wagon, before fleeing into the brush.
The party tried to all leave the cage at the same time, getting stuck. Goldmoon attempted to organize them in Tanis' absence. They were hardly out of danger. Goblins were arriving on the scene, and sixteen hobgoblins guarded the wagon that held the party's weapons and gear. Tasslehoff, still wounded from the two previous battles, taunted the enemy cockily. He was quickly cut down, as a result. Goldmoon ran to save him, restoring him with a cure spell.
Sturm, also heavily wounded from the previous battles, nearly fell himself and was forced to flee. Hobgoblins chased after him, but Tika saved him by backstabbing his enemies. Raistlin used a spell to open their cage, and he and Gilthanas put down most of the hobgoblins with Sleep spells. This gave Riverwind the opportunity to hop onto the supply wagon, commandeer it, and ride it into the brush. Tanis called for a retreat, and for once, everyone listened right away.
Once everyone was in the brush, the elves led them to safety. They had placed numerous traps in the forests and showed the party where to step so they didn't fall into them. The enemy who followed them were not so lucky. Eventually, the entire party was gathered into a small clearing, including the captured supply wagon.
Re: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 8 - Elvenhome
The party reclaimed all of their gear. Some also helped themselves to a few extra arrows, and Tika properly equipped herself with chain mail and a sword. Goldmoon used the last of her healing, but the party was still in terrible shape after the battle in the plains, the one in tavern, and then this one, as well.
Tika became upset when yet another character (this time Laurana) offered to teach her how to fight, despite the fact that she held her own in the previous battle.
An elven leader approached them, a tall and handsome fellow who turned out to be Porthios, the older brother of Gilthanas and Laurana. He announced that the humans, mostly refugees who were women and children, were 'free' and suggested they try their luck south, past Pax Tharkas. At once, the party was upset that the refugees were not being offered shelter and safety in the elvenlands.
Porthios recognized Laurana, but seemed more annoyed at her presence than being happy to see her alive. He immediately worked out why she had disappeared upon noticing Tanis. Gilthanas explained that Theros had saved his life. He also mentioned the miracle he saw Goldmoon perform.
Because of this, Porthios offered to let Theros and the party enter the elvenlands, but nobody else. Sturm and Goldmoon suggested giving the refugees weapons, but Tanis suspected that would do more harm than good. Eventually, Raven-eye and Sunstar offered to go with them, to help protect them as they journey south.
The rest of the party went with Porthios and Gilthanas into Qualinesti territory. Once they reached the city of Qualinost, it was clear that the elven people were in a hurry. They were rushing to and fro, and Tanis quickly deduced they were evacuating. Tasslehoff made a point to openly and loudly criticizing the elven people for their lack of compassion.
By now it was dawn, so the party held a quick audience with the elven leader, Laurana's father, the Speaker of the Sun. Gilthanas reported the destruction of Solace and how Theros saved his life. Laurana stepped up, speaking to the elf king informally, which caused him to bristle and shut her down. Sturm attempted to defend her, but he wouldn't hear of it. Gilthanas quickly intervened, telling the Speaker of the miracle that Goldmoon performed. The Speaker was naturally skeptical of this.
Not showing any deference to the Speaker, Riverwind boldly stepped forward and offered a demonstration by drawing his dagger. At once, the elven guards reacted, drawing their blades and bows. Goldmoon had already used up all of her healing though, and so could not demonstrate anything at all. Realizing this, Riverwind quickly backed down. The Speaker forgave him, and still invited the party to attend the council that night, but only if they agreed to disarm themselves first.
Gilthanas then escorted the party to a grove with fruit and shade where they could rest, save Laurana. The Speaker demanded to talk to her alone. He chewed her out for abandoning her people and shaming her family, all for the infatuation of a half-elf bastard. Laurana had no defense, so the Speaker declared her a dark elf. Once she left the borders of Qualinesti, she was never to return again under threat of death. She was no longer a Kanan, no longer a princess, no longer a Qualinesti. Laurana was devastated.
Once the group believed they were alone, Tanis chastised Tas for his constant attempts to provoke the elves and Riverwind for drawing a weapon while in audience with a king. Riverwind, however, insisted that the elves were completely at fault for not immediately believing Goldmoon's powers.
Realizing he was wasting his breath, Tanis gave up the argument. The party talked a bit about what was to become of them, then tried to get some rest. Laurana went to her old room, not joining them until that evening.
When night fell, Gilthanas came for the group to escort them to the council meeting. Nearly the entire city has turned out for it. There was a large mosaic map of the area on the ground. The Speaker explained that the dragonarmies under Lord Verminaard were gathering in three areas: Solace, Haven and Pax Tharkas. It was only a matter of time before they sent troops and dragons from all three places at once, and Qualinesti would be easily overwhelmed. The dragonarmies had no interest in taking elves alive. They would be wiped out to a man.
Thus, the only hope the elves had was to evacuate. They had boats waiting in the south, that would hopefully take them somewhere the dragonarmies could not pursue. However, there wasn't enough time to fully evacuate. Tasslehoff again criticized the elves, suggesting that it was the elves' fault that the dragonarmies had grown so powerful in the first place by not doing something about it earlier.
Continuing, the Speaker explained that Pax Tharkas was more than just a military fort. It was a prison camp. Many humans had been taken there and enslaved to work the mines. They work because their women and children are being held hostage. The Speaker suggested that if the party sneaked in, freed the women and children, and stirred up a revolt amongst the slaves that this would not only help a lot of humans, but it would confuse the enemy long enough for the elves to get away. The elves knew of a secret way, the Sla-Mori (literally, 'secret way') that could get them inside Pax Tharkas, and that Laurana could show them the way to it.
Tanis tried to argue that Gilthanas would be better suited to this task, and Laurana should stay with her people, but the Speaker was adamant about this, to the half-elf's surprise. After the party agreed to the Speaker's plan, Gilthanas led them back to the grove.
Once there, Laurana explained to Tanis she had been exiled. He was shocked, but realized he was stuck with her, at least for now. To abandon her would to leave her on her own. So he agreed she could accompany them, but she'd have to follow his orders to the letter--otherwise he couldn't guarantee her safety. She agreed to this.
The party was given plenty of quith-pa as a gift (elven dried fruit, functions like iron rations). As Gilthanas was leaving, though, Tanis went after him wishing to talk about something in private.
As Goldmoon and Laurana were talking about the latter's fate, a large wyvern suddenly flew overhead. Six kapaks dropped from it and glided down with their wings, right into the grove and attacked. A fight broke out, and four elven guards (who had been hiding and watching the party secretly), joined in.
Caramon was paralyzed early on by the kapak's venom. The party largely stayed back, letting the elves take the blunt of the kapak's attacks while they fought safely from a distance. This resulted in two elves dying, though. Raistlin managed to put another kapak to sleep and Goldmoon used her healing to save the life of a third elf.
Sturm went after the wyvern, and realized it was being piloted by Toede and he had taken Tanis and Gilthanas captive. The wyvern flew over the party again, tossing a net down that snared Flint and Raistlin. The party focused most of their fire on the wyvern, but it was too strong and was soon out of range.
Tasslehoff went down again (as he still only had 1 HP from the last time) just before the last few kapaks were slain. Goldmoon quickly revived him again and then tended to everyone with non-magical healing as well as giving Sturm a Cure Light Wounds.
Porthios showed up with a squad of elves, just a tad too late. Sturm explained to him what happened, and that Gilthanas had been taken. The stoic elf showed a little emotion at this, but insisted they needed to complete their mission regardless. Just before leaving, Goldmoon was sure to remind him that if his people had accepted the teachings of the old gods, many more elven lives could have been saved.
The party reclaimed all of their gear. Some also helped themselves to a few extra arrows, and Tika properly equipped herself with chain mail and a sword. Goldmoon used the last of her healing, but the party was still in terrible shape after the battle in the plains, the one in tavern, and then this one, as well.
Tika became upset when yet another character (this time Laurana) offered to teach her how to fight, despite the fact that she held her own in the previous battle.
An elven leader approached them, a tall and handsome fellow who turned out to be Porthios, the older brother of Gilthanas and Laurana. He announced that the humans, mostly refugees who were women and children, were 'free' and suggested they try their luck south, past Pax Tharkas. At once, the party was upset that the refugees were not being offered shelter and safety in the elvenlands.
Porthios recognized Laurana, but seemed more annoyed at her presence than being happy to see her alive. He immediately worked out why she had disappeared upon noticing Tanis. Gilthanas explained that Theros had saved his life. He also mentioned the miracle he saw Goldmoon perform.
Because of this, Porthios offered to let Theros and the party enter the elvenlands, but nobody else. Sturm and Goldmoon suggested giving the refugees weapons, but Tanis suspected that would do more harm than good. Eventually, Raven-eye and Sunstar offered to go with them, to help protect them as they journey south.
The rest of the party went with Porthios and Gilthanas into Qualinesti territory. Once they reached the city of Qualinost, it was clear that the elven people were in a hurry. They were rushing to and fro, and Tanis quickly deduced they were evacuating. Tasslehoff made a point to openly and loudly criticizing the elven people for their lack of compassion.
By now it was dawn, so the party held a quick audience with the elven leader, Laurana's father, the Speaker of the Sun. Gilthanas reported the destruction of Solace and how Theros saved his life. Laurana stepped up, speaking to the elf king informally, which caused him to bristle and shut her down. Sturm attempted to defend her, but he wouldn't hear of it. Gilthanas quickly intervened, telling the Speaker of the miracle that Goldmoon performed. The Speaker was naturally skeptical of this.
Not showing any deference to the Speaker, Riverwind boldly stepped forward and offered a demonstration by drawing his dagger. At once, the elven guards reacted, drawing their blades and bows. Goldmoon had already used up all of her healing though, and so could not demonstrate anything at all. Realizing this, Riverwind quickly backed down. The Speaker forgave him, and still invited the party to attend the council that night, but only if they agreed to disarm themselves first.
Gilthanas then escorted the party to a grove with fruit and shade where they could rest, save Laurana. The Speaker demanded to talk to her alone. He chewed her out for abandoning her people and shaming her family, all for the infatuation of a half-elf bastard. Laurana had no defense, so the Speaker declared her a dark elf. Once she left the borders of Qualinesti, she was never to return again under threat of death. She was no longer a Kanan, no longer a princess, no longer a Qualinesti. Laurana was devastated.
Once the group believed they were alone, Tanis chastised Tas for his constant attempts to provoke the elves and Riverwind for drawing a weapon while in audience with a king. Riverwind, however, insisted that the elves were completely at fault for not immediately believing Goldmoon's powers.
Realizing he was wasting his breath, Tanis gave up the argument. The party talked a bit about what was to become of them, then tried to get some rest. Laurana went to her old room, not joining them until that evening.
When night fell, Gilthanas came for the group to escort them to the council meeting. Nearly the entire city has turned out for it. There was a large mosaic map of the area on the ground. The Speaker explained that the dragonarmies under Lord Verminaard were gathering in three areas: Solace, Haven and Pax Tharkas. It was only a matter of time before they sent troops and dragons from all three places at once, and Qualinesti would be easily overwhelmed. The dragonarmies had no interest in taking elves alive. They would be wiped out to a man.
Thus, the only hope the elves had was to evacuate. They had boats waiting in the south, that would hopefully take them somewhere the dragonarmies could not pursue. However, there wasn't enough time to fully evacuate. Tasslehoff again criticized the elves, suggesting that it was the elves' fault that the dragonarmies had grown so powerful in the first place by not doing something about it earlier.
Continuing, the Speaker explained that Pax Tharkas was more than just a military fort. It was a prison camp. Many humans had been taken there and enslaved to work the mines. They work because their women and children are being held hostage. The Speaker suggested that if the party sneaked in, freed the women and children, and stirred up a revolt amongst the slaves that this would not only help a lot of humans, but it would confuse the enemy long enough for the elves to get away. The elves knew of a secret way, the Sla-Mori (literally, 'secret way') that could get them inside Pax Tharkas, and that Laurana could show them the way to it.
Tanis tried to argue that Gilthanas would be better suited to this task, and Laurana should stay with her people, but the Speaker was adamant about this, to the half-elf's surprise. After the party agreed to the Speaker's plan, Gilthanas led them back to the grove.
Once there, Laurana explained to Tanis she had been exiled. He was shocked, but realized he was stuck with her, at least for now. To abandon her would to leave her on her own. So he agreed she could accompany them, but she'd have to follow his orders to the letter--otherwise he couldn't guarantee her safety. She agreed to this.
The party was given plenty of quith-pa as a gift (elven dried fruit, functions like iron rations). As Gilthanas was leaving, though, Tanis went after him wishing to talk about something in private.
As Goldmoon and Laurana were talking about the latter's fate, a large wyvern suddenly flew overhead. Six kapaks dropped from it and glided down with their wings, right into the grove and attacked. A fight broke out, and four elven guards (who had been hiding and watching the party secretly), joined in.
Caramon was paralyzed early on by the kapak's venom. The party largely stayed back, letting the elves take the blunt of the kapak's attacks while they fought safely from a distance. This resulted in two elves dying, though. Raistlin managed to put another kapak to sleep and Goldmoon used her healing to save the life of a third elf.
Sturm went after the wyvern, and realized it was being piloted by Toede and he had taken Tanis and Gilthanas captive. The wyvern flew over the party again, tossing a net down that snared Flint and Raistlin. The party focused most of their fire on the wyvern, but it was too strong and was soon out of range.
Tasslehoff went down again (as he still only had 1 HP from the last time) just before the last few kapaks were slain. Goldmoon quickly revived him again and then tended to everyone with non-magical healing as well as giving Sturm a Cure Light Wounds.
Porthios showed up with a squad of elves, just a tad too late. Sturm explained to him what happened, and that Gilthanas had been taken. The stoic elf showed a little emotion at this, but insisted they needed to complete their mission regardless. Just before leaving, Goldmoon was sure to remind him that if his people had accepted the teachings of the old gods, many more elven lives could have been saved.
Re: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 9 - To the Walls of Pax Tharkas
The party headed through the Qualinesti woods, Laurana leading the way to the Sla-Mori, the secret way. Tika and Laurana had a long talk about men.
The party reached a clearing and found a battlefield. Dead humans and hobgoblins laid strewn about. One human warrior, in the center of the clearing, still lived, however. Goldmoon, Laurana and Tika walked out to him, but he called out a warning; there were dragonmen waiting in ambush. Sure enough, over half a dozen Baaz leaped from the trees and charged.
The battle did not go well. Unprotected and exposed, Laurana and Goldmoon both went down. Goldmoon had not healed the group very much either, saving her spells for later; but she lost them all as soon as she was knocked unconscious. Luckily, the party managed to prevail with the help of the surviving human warrior. He introduced himself as Eben Shatterstone, and explained he worked for the human resistance against Verminaard's occupation. He thought that the party were reinforcements sent from Solamnia, but was disappointed to learn otherwise.
Sturm pulled Tika aside and asked if she knew of the resistance, but she did not. He also told her that as soon as Laurana recovers, he was going to put her in charge. Tika found that rather baffling, but Sturm insisted, because she was a princess of royal blood (ignoring that she had never led before and wasn't actually a princess anymore).
The party invited Eben along with them and they found a place where they could rest. Without Goldmoon, they could not heal their wounds magically (and there was no time to wait for them to heal naturally) and without Laurana, they had no idea where to go as she was the only one who knew where the entrance to the Sla-Mori was.
Twenty four hours later, Goldmoon woke up. After eating and drinking, she rested several hours more and then started the long process of healing everyone up. Luckily, there were no random encounters during this time.
The party then started up again for the Sla-Mori. They arrived at the entrance, but while Laurana was opening the secret door, a trio of trolls leaped from the brush to attack. Luckily, everyone got inside and they closed the door before the trolls reached them. However, the way was cut off now. They had no choice but to proceed forward.
The Sla-Mori was dark, but Goldmoon cast Continual Light on one of her sling stones and then tied it to the top of her staff with her sling, making a sort of makeshift Staff of Magius to light the way.
The party followed the tunnel until they reached a crossroads. Eben suggested they head south, since that was the direction of Pax Tharkas. Tasslehoff, however, claimed they should go the other way, because going south is what 'they' would expect and they might walk into a trap (despite the fact that the whole reason they were using the Sla-Mori was that it was a secret way, and the enemy had no idea of its existence). This logic seemed sound to Laurana and Sturm, though, so they decided to send the elf and kender down the tunnel to scout.
However, they only found another crossroads. Laurana decided to send Tas back to report, staying alone, in the dark, by herself. However, they both heard an ominous whispering echoing in the tunnels. It reminded them of the wraith they encountered back in the swamps of Xak Tsaroth. Frightened, Laurana ushered the kender back to the group.
The party decided to heed Eben's advice after all, and headed south. They entered a large chamber where a skeletal elf sat on a throne, flanked by giant statues and with a two-handed sword across his lap. Laurana realized it was her ancestor and the founder of the Qualinesti, Kith-Kanan. Tas quickly grabbed the sword, to everyone's horror, but Kith-Kanan did not seem to mind, being dead and all. He gave the sword to Laurana, but it was far too large and unwieldy for her. Tika had some skill with such weapons, though, so she volunteered to carry it instead. The weapon held a powerful enchantment against dragons (and dragonmen) and shed a soft light when unsheathed.
There was a door to the west with a relief picture of the fortress, Pax Tharkas, on it. The party stepped through it, and found a long hallway that was completely lacking in dust. Riverwind searched around and noticed traces of a slightly corrosive slime on the floor.
The party continued, but found the tunnel ended in a cave-in. They also found a massive slug that was hungry for flesh. It died within a round, however, largely in thanks to the efforts of Brightblade and Wyrmslayer. Not a single person in the party took one injury.
With no alternative, the party backtracked. They chose the tunnels at random, until they reached a massive tomb full of graves. They wisely chose not to disturb any, and continued onward into the next room. This room had two doors, one blank and one with a jeweled crown engraved on it. They chose the latter, but it was a trap. It lead them to a second false door, and then dropped Tasslehoff, Laurana and Sturm into a small pit. Luckily, Eben had some rope and he and Riverwind pulled them out and Goldmoon mended their wounds.
Backtracking again, this time they chose the blank door. But it led them to a dead end. Laurana managed to find a secret door, however, allowing them to continue on. The party came to a circular room with a massive chain going from the floor up to the ceiling. Tas wanted to climb it, but the others convinced him to ignore it, and they pushed on. After finding a second dead end, Laurana once again found a secret door. This one led them into the cellar of Pax Tharkas itself.
The party headed through the Qualinesti woods, Laurana leading the way to the Sla-Mori, the secret way. Tika and Laurana had a long talk about men.
The party reached a clearing and found a battlefield. Dead humans and hobgoblins laid strewn about. One human warrior, in the center of the clearing, still lived, however. Goldmoon, Laurana and Tika walked out to him, but he called out a warning; there were dragonmen waiting in ambush. Sure enough, over half a dozen Baaz leaped from the trees and charged.
The battle did not go well. Unprotected and exposed, Laurana and Goldmoon both went down. Goldmoon had not healed the group very much either, saving her spells for later; but she lost them all as soon as she was knocked unconscious. Luckily, the party managed to prevail with the help of the surviving human warrior. He introduced himself as Eben Shatterstone, and explained he worked for the human resistance against Verminaard's occupation. He thought that the party were reinforcements sent from Solamnia, but was disappointed to learn otherwise.
Sturm pulled Tika aside and asked if she knew of the resistance, but she did not. He also told her that as soon as Laurana recovers, he was going to put her in charge. Tika found that rather baffling, but Sturm insisted, because she was a princess of royal blood (ignoring that she had never led before and wasn't actually a princess anymore).
The party invited Eben along with them and they found a place where they could rest. Without Goldmoon, they could not heal their wounds magically (and there was no time to wait for them to heal naturally) and without Laurana, they had no idea where to go as she was the only one who knew where the entrance to the Sla-Mori was.
Twenty four hours later, Goldmoon woke up. After eating and drinking, she rested several hours more and then started the long process of healing everyone up. Luckily, there were no random encounters during this time.
The party then started up again for the Sla-Mori. They arrived at the entrance, but while Laurana was opening the secret door, a trio of trolls leaped from the brush to attack. Luckily, everyone got inside and they closed the door before the trolls reached them. However, the way was cut off now. They had no choice but to proceed forward.
The Sla-Mori was dark, but Goldmoon cast Continual Light on one of her sling stones and then tied it to the top of her staff with her sling, making a sort of makeshift Staff of Magius to light the way.
The party followed the tunnel until they reached a crossroads. Eben suggested they head south, since that was the direction of Pax Tharkas. Tasslehoff, however, claimed they should go the other way, because going south is what 'they' would expect and they might walk into a trap (despite the fact that the whole reason they were using the Sla-Mori was that it was a secret way, and the enemy had no idea of its existence). This logic seemed sound to Laurana and Sturm, though, so they decided to send the elf and kender down the tunnel to scout.
However, they only found another crossroads. Laurana decided to send Tas back to report, staying alone, in the dark, by herself. However, they both heard an ominous whispering echoing in the tunnels. It reminded them of the wraith they encountered back in the swamps of Xak Tsaroth. Frightened, Laurana ushered the kender back to the group.
The party decided to heed Eben's advice after all, and headed south. They entered a large chamber where a skeletal elf sat on a throne, flanked by giant statues and with a two-handed sword across his lap. Laurana realized it was her ancestor and the founder of the Qualinesti, Kith-Kanan. Tas quickly grabbed the sword, to everyone's horror, but Kith-Kanan did not seem to mind, being dead and all. He gave the sword to Laurana, but it was far too large and unwieldy for her. Tika had some skill with such weapons, though, so she volunteered to carry it instead. The weapon held a powerful enchantment against dragons (and dragonmen) and shed a soft light when unsheathed.
There was a door to the west with a relief picture of the fortress, Pax Tharkas, on it. The party stepped through it, and found a long hallway that was completely lacking in dust. Riverwind searched around and noticed traces of a slightly corrosive slime on the floor.
The party continued, but found the tunnel ended in a cave-in. They also found a massive slug that was hungry for flesh. It died within a round, however, largely in thanks to the efforts of Brightblade and Wyrmslayer. Not a single person in the party took one injury.
With no alternative, the party backtracked. They chose the tunnels at random, until they reached a massive tomb full of graves. They wisely chose not to disturb any, and continued onward into the next room. This room had two doors, one blank and one with a jeweled crown engraved on it. They chose the latter, but it was a trap. It lead them to a second false door, and then dropped Tasslehoff, Laurana and Sturm into a small pit. Luckily, Eben had some rope and he and Riverwind pulled them out and Goldmoon mended their wounds.
Backtracking again, this time they chose the blank door. But it led them to a dead end. Laurana managed to find a secret door, however, allowing them to continue on. The party came to a circular room with a massive chain going from the floor up to the ceiling. Tas wanted to climb it, but the others convinced him to ignore it, and they pushed on. After finding a second dead end, Laurana once again found a secret door. This one led them into the cellar of Pax Tharkas itself.
