The Fists return to their boat and begin to paddle the short distance across to the island on which the ruins reside. As they cross they become aware of dark shapes moving clumsily in the water beneath them but they reach the shore unmolested. They begin to move along the shore-line towards the ruins but have not travelled far before the water near them begins to churn as five water-logged corpses claw their way out of the water. The Fists recognize these monsters from previous encounters, they are DROWNED.
Kapek and Oz open fire as the creatures drag themselves towards the group. As the Drowned close in the Fists feel the sickeningly familiar sensation of drowning creep over them. Celedrus casts Flame Strike on a group of the creatures and then collapses chocking to the ground as the creatures aura overwhelms him.
Ajax shrugs off the suffocating effects of the Drowned and charges them, killing one. Lorric quickly drags the drowning Celedrus clear of the creatures auras before he dies. Another Drowned emerges from the water.
Kapek uses his wand to Summon a mount and then leaps onto its back and charges into battle, only to have his mount immediately collapse from underneath him, drowning.
As the Drowned advance more and more auras wash over Kapek and Ajax but resolutely Ajax stands his ground, slaying another enemy. Kapek Summons a bee and flies straight up on it, out of range of the aura. Ajax is surrounded by the remaining Drowned but fights on killing another.
Kapek dives his bee down and strafes the Drowned with force boomerangs slaying one. Lorric charges in engages the enemy. Between them Lorric and Ajax slay their opponents,the last of the undead monstrosities.
After a brief rest the group push on to the ruins.
The Necromantic Ruins
As they approach they notice an insectoid leg poking out from behind the rubble. Suddenly an eerie howl rings out from the rubble and nausea rises in the group but quickly Mirra bursts into song, countering and neutralising the sickening effect of the cries.
Celedrus recognizes the signs, saying they are creatures his people call The Shunned. Once Drow but horribly altered by the touch of the Quori. The normal Drow have driven them into this area and regard them with fear and loathing.
1. Pavilion of the Shunned
The huge dome of this structure once gleamed with heavenly radiance, but it now stands a tarnished and crumbling shadow of its former glory.
Steps lead up some 50 feet to the broken plinth that supports the squat building. To the west of the building are 3 large pillars, only two of which still stand.
From the platform you can see through the swamp mists, to the north-west across a body of dark still water, the crumbling ruins and giant statues that were obviously part of a larger group of structures.
As they watch a patch of darkness spreads out from the ruins, obscuring the part where they had seen the insectoid leg. Celedrus casts Ebon Eyes on Lorric and he sneaks forward to scout the ground. He sneaks up on and observes one of The Shunned waiting in the darkness. Then it begins to sneak forward, making an instant decision Lorric leaps to the attack and slays it with one blow !
Lorric's sharp ears catches the sound of movement in the undergrowth in the ruins as something moves off. Lorric pursues it and discovers another of the Shunned sneaking off and kills it as well.
It looks increasingly unlikely that any of the missing Drow will be found here but in the interests of leaving no stone unturned the Fists decide to search the ruins.
The open archway leads to a shadowy ruined hall, shafts of light cut through the holes in the domed ceiling, dust and rubble is strewn about the floor and there are signs of predation everywhere. Directly opposite the entrance is what appears to be an altar that has been kept well in contrast to the surroundings, scorpions, spiders, flies and other vermin adorn the altar either through artistic medium or simply through their chitinous remains. A large bowl in the centre of the altar is flanked by black candles, and upon the wall is a crudely painted symbol that looks somewhat like a scorpion dangling by its tail, which is threaded through the eye sockets of a jawless skull covered with twisted runes. To either side of the room staircases lead down.
The open archway leads to a shadowy ruined hall, shafts of light cut through the holes in the domed ceiling, dust and rubble is strewn about the floor and there are signs of predation everywhere. Directly opposite the entrance is what appears to be an altar that has been kept well in contrast to the surroundings, scorpions, spiders, flies and other vermin adorn the altar either through artistic medium or simply through their chitinous remains. A large bowl in the centre of the altar is flanked by black candles, and upon the wall is a crudely painted symbol that looks somewhat like a scorpion dangling by its tail, which is threaded through the eye sockets of a jawless skull covered with twisted runes. To either side of the room staircases lead down.
The first building contains an altar, which appears to be to a debased version of the Drow scorpion god, and stairs that lead underground on the ground floor. And in the rubble of the first floor lurk six more of the Shunned.
Lorric addresses them in elvish and they reply in the same language. They recognize Celedrus as a Drow, who they clearly dislike but are too scared of the Fists to attack. They also mention that a mighty undead dragon lairs not 300 feet away when it wasn't searching for its missing horde. They also made passing reference to 'masters' whom they served.
Then Lorric asks if they intend to eat the group when darkness falls. The Shunned's smug smile is all the answer Lorric needs and he attacks without another word.
Ajax attacks another and Oz opens fire. One of the Shunned wails and Oz is sickened and the creature seizes its chance to retreat down the stairs. Another spews forth a swarm of scorpions. The one fighting Ajax does the same then also retreats down the stairs.
Kapek takes out the first swarm with a flask of Alchemists Fire, while Mirra hits the swarm attacking Ajax (as well as Ajax) with another flask. Lorric slays the Shunned he is fighting. Ajax tumbles away from the swarm that had engulfed him and finishes it with another flask of Alchemist Fire.
Lorric and Kapek cautiously follows the Shunned down the stairs to the underground level of the building. He observes a decaying hall in which a score of the Shunned lurk and from steps leading further underground a giant, purple, insectoid creature emerges.
Lorric and Kapek are suddenly outlined by vivid purple fire, that doesn't burn but does give away their position. They quickly retreat up the stairs to prepare for battle. Celedrus casts Bull Strength on Ajax and Lorric. Ajax casts Bark Skin from his 'Hand of the Oakfather' on himself and Mirra casts Sonic Weapon on Kapek and then Haste and then begins to recite tales of glory.
As the purple insect comes into view it is identified as a demon known as a Bebilith. It spits webbing at Oz but misses and Kapek replies with force boomerangs. Lorric leaps onto its back as another appears. Ajax joins in the attack on the first Bebilith and then Oz puts an arrow through a hole torn in its hide straight into its heart and it falls.
*Oz comments
Oz is Sooooooo glad to be fighting something that he can really hurt with his arrows and not more shanari (elvish word for goblin droppings) undead.
*Oz comments
Oz is Sooooooo glad to be fighting something that he can really hurt with his arrows and not more shanari (elvish word for goblin droppings) undead.
The second Bebilith charges Kapek and bites him, injecting poison into him but the sturdy halfling throws off the effects. Lorric and Ajax charge the creature and slay it. Ajax chops off the Bebilith's head and then throw it down the stairs, yelling to the hiding Shunned, "Is this the best you've got !"
The group head down the stairs to find the Shunned cowering in the corners of the hall. They head down the next set of steps and discovers a room half flooded with water. A crack in the rock at the far end of the room leads to half collapsed room with enticing glittering objects in it. Kapek squeezes through the crack and recovers the loot and then returns.
The Fists debate briefly as to what their next move should be. It is considered extremely doubtful that any of the Drow they're searching for are in this area but it is decided to search it to be absolutely sure. They carefully look over the area. Nearby is a structure with four towers. This is where the Shunned said the undead Dragon resides. So with their eyes peeled they move to where the four towers rest.
As they approach the sky darkens, the clouds roll more swiftly in the sky overhead and the temperature drops. The sky becomes a starless black depth with the exception of on single heavenly body; The World Born Dead can clearly be seen in the blackness above, the moonlet sits high in the heavens and although it emits no light, it is marginally paler than the darkness beyond. Lorric backs up and the weather changes for him as he exits the area. Mirra starts to cast Detect Magic but halts as she feels the power that will overwhelm her if she finishes casting.
Celedrus believes the area is connected to the plane of Mabar. Leaving the Crimson Fists to nervously wonder if the dragon that dwells here is the Mabarian himself.
3. The Watchmen
These statues are 50 feet wide at their base and tower a magnificent 200 feet or more above the surrounding swamp. Each is a distinctly different figure although they are broken and crumbling in places. The jungle has tried to cover these great monuments but has succeeded only in covering their feet with a thick matting of green.
3. The Watchmen
These statues are 50 feet wide at their base and tower a magnificent 200 feet or more above the surrounding swamp. Each is a distinctly different figure although they are broken and crumbling in places. The jungle has tried to cover these great monuments but has succeeded only in covering their feet with a thick matting of green.
Despite this the group moves on with Lorric sneaking ahead of them to scout the way. He sees three creatures emerge from the solid rock of the statue ahead. Three fifteen foot high pillars of darkness. Mirra believes them to be living spells, Blasphemy spells. Creatures that exist only to destroy.
Mirra recites tales of glory and Lorric opens fire with his sling but the shot passes straight through the creature, doing no harm. Kapek's Force boomerangs however strike true and damage the creatures.
One of the creatures attacks Lorric but he strikes it true and stuns it. Ajax attacks it from behind Lorric with his Pincer Staff, killing it. The second creature disintegrates under a hail of Force boomerangs. The final creature charges in but is swiftly dispatched by Lorric and Ajax.
5. The Speakers Platform
4. The Four Towers
The platform that rises out of the waters here has four stone structures upon it, these cylinders of stone have broken in places but the orifices that used to be windows can be made out. It looks as though these used to be towers, but they were certainly not for use by giants.
5. The Speakers Platform
This large, stepped platform is almost in the centre of the stronghold. A plinth at its peak holds a huge, weathered lectern, a small set of steps rise in front of it, perhaps so that smaller beings could also use it.
4. The Four Towers
The platform that rises out of the waters here has four stone structures upon it, these cylinders of stone have broken in places but the orifices that used to be windows can be made out. It looks as though these used to be towers, but they were certainly not for use by giants.
Cautiously the Fists continue their advance towards the towers. The first two towers are completely empty but in the third, Lorric catches a glimpse of a shadowy dragon's head before it dips into the floor and vanishes into the solid stone. Suddenly the group feel the all too familiar sensation of their lungs filling with water. Drowned are near !
Five drowned pull themselves out of the water and with a strangled gasp Celedrus collapses to the ground along with Oz and Mirra. Simultaneously the ghostly form of a green dragon rises from the water (which comes as something of a relief as the Mabarian is said to be of the Black variety) and breathes a cloud of acid over the half of the party still standing. In response Kapek invokes the power of his Dragonmark and in a massive burst of pure, white light a Mass Heal engulfs the area, healing his comrades and smiting the undead.
Ajax Shifts and Rages and charges the wounded Drowned and slays two of them in a blur of claws. With lightning speed Lorric charges in to the combat and engages one of the Drowned. Oz, Mirra and Celedrus drag themselves out of the area of the Drowned and can breathe again.
One of the Drowned charges Kapek, the other two charge Lorric. As they move closer their aura engulfs the group and Oz, Mirra and Celedrus drop again. The Dragon charges Ajax its aura of negative energy robbing him of life and strength.
Kapek slays one of the Drowned as does Lorric. Ajax tumbles away from the Dragon and attacks the last Drowned and finishes it off, removing the Drowned aura from their fallen comrades. Oz unsteadily arises and quaffs a Healing Potion, Celedrus casts Mass Cure Light Wounds and Mirra casts Haste on the party.
The Dragon moves in and unleashes its breath weapon on the group, draining everybody's vitality. Celedrus, already weakened by the Drowned, drops like a stone.
Ajax charges the Dragon head on and Lorric sweeps around to attack its back. The three exchange a storm of blows and then Kapek's Force boomerangs finish the matter.
Mirra rushes over to examine Celedrus but, despite not having a wound on him, he is dead. Silence descends, everyone is thinking how the Drow queen will react to the death of her son. No-one thinks it will be good.
Lorric and Kapek slip into the lagoon to investigate its waters. They find the floor of the lagoon carpeted with decaying bodies. They encounter two ooze like creatures which attack them but are easily dealt with.
Exhausted and uncertain what to do now Celedrus is dead they decide to find a spot to rest and recuperate and consider their next move.
Sar 7th Barrakas, 998 Y.K.
The night is full of the strange cries in the darkness but nothing bother the camp and the night passes.
In the morning the Fists get down to the serious matter of deciding what they do next. They realise if they don't return Celedrus's body to the queen they are condemning the expedition to failure. But what will be their fate if they present the queen with the corpse of her son? What they know of Drow leads them to believe that as a people they admire strength and will and so they hope the blame will fall more on Celedrus for being weak then them for not saving him. It is also very likely the Drow queen will have someone in her realm who can return Celedrus to life. In the end the decision is made; they have been contracted to help the expedition and they must do everything in their power to honour the contract.
Having decided they must inform the Drow queen they do decide the news will go better if they're accompanied by her missing subjects. So Celedrus's body is wrapped tightly in blankets to keep the insects at bay and lofted onto Ajax's shoulders and they begin to search again.
Unlikely as it is that the Drow are in the ruins it is the closest thing to the Fists and so they decide to cover the entire area before they move on.
They quickly discover the ground is now covered with strange tracks which neither Ajax nor Kapek can identify. However between Ajax's nose and Kapek's eye they reckon the tracks are of some form of undead. Following the most recent set of tracks leads them to the fresh corpses of Shunned.
The tracks lead them to another ruined building. It is almost completely collapsed, all that is intact is an archway that stands over stairs that lead down into the darkness. Strange cries and screams echo up from the darkness.
2. The Abyssal Hive
The building before you has all but collapsed, the only parts that remain are a large archway that leads directly into a staircase on a giant scale, beside this is a smaller elven size set of stairs. These stairs lead down into utter darkness, sounds of screams, howls and growling echo from far below.
The stairs lead down for perhaps 500 feet before they simply end with a sheer drop. The smell of decay and rotting matter assails your nostrils.
With a light source you can make out a great hall some 150 feet long, 100 feet wide and 100 feet high, filled with tumbled pillars, collapsed walls, and vast mounds of rubble creating an almost web-like tangle of masonry. 
Just below the end of the stairs is one end of a tumbled pillar allowing access into this sandstone jungle of ruins. Crawling across the walls and amid the ruins are multitude humanoid forms, the floor is barely visible through the spoils of their predation, bones, clothing, fur and feathers can be seen in the thick carpet of guano and festering mulch.
Just below the end of the stairs is one end of a tumbled pillar allowing access into this sandstone jungle of ruins. Crawling across the walls and amid the ruins are multitude humanoid forms, the floor is barely visible through the spoils of their predation, bones, clothing, fur and feathers can be seen in the thick carpet of guano and festering mulch.As they descend the stairs the sky darkens and the clouds roll in the way they now recognise as them passing into the realm of Mabar. The stairs descend until they end in a sheer drop to the floor of a hall some forty feet below. A pillar has fallen against the cliff providing a ladder down to the floor. Crawling over the walls are a few humanoid creatures. Mirra identifies them as Abyssal Ghouls and Ajax and Kapek believe they'd leave the kind of tracks the group followed here.
Unable to resist the temptation Ajax grabs his shield and slides down the pillar to the floor below. Lorric joins him and together they charge off to engage two of the creatures who are in hiding (although it turns out when they reach them there are three of them). As they battle Ajax discovers to his horror that the flames sheathing his claws heal the Ghouls, but then of course Ajax is not known for his wit and does not realise that the are simply resistant to flame.
Two of the Ghouls flank Lorric and the third and a new one flank Ajax. Kapek summons a dinosaur and rides down the pillar accompanied by Oz, only to be attacked at its foot by three more Ghouls. More move up to threaten him, and more and more. As the Fists find themselves facing nineteen foes.
Realising they are in imminent danger of being overwhelmed the Fists change their tactics. Lorric and Ajax tumble past multiple foes, and in Ajax's case over one, to join up with Kapek at the foot of the pillar where they slay one of the Ghouls.
Kapek slays another Ghoul and then has his dinosaur cut from under him but lands gracefully and ready to fight.
The Ghouls rush in, completely surrounding the three as nine more Ghouls emerge from the shadows at the edges of the hall.
Oz finds himself face-to-face with one of the Ghouls. This is not his preferred fighting position and he tumbles away from the Ghoul and back up the pillar.
Lorric flurries on a already wounded Ghoul but to his, and his comrades, horror it takes five of his blows to finish his opponent.
Ajax, surrounded by seven Ghouls backs up and then lays about him in a fury killing two of the creatures. One of which was the one threatening Oz.
As the Ghouls tighten the ring around the three Kapek knows the time has come. With a mighty yell he releases the power of his Drangonmark and the power of it engulfs the group and many of their opponents. The environment of Mabar, dampens the effects somewhat but as well as healing his comrades three of the Ghouls are slain and eleven more are wounded. Kapek steps back to form a line with his two comrades.
With cries for vengeance the Ghouls press the attack with power and speed. Too much speed in the case of the one Lorric trips. Still the gaps in the line of the Ghouls are soon filled with fresh opponents, hungry for blood.
Lorric lays into the wounded Ghouls killing three of them. Ajax kills another one and yet another drops with one of Oz's arrows in his eye, reducing the Ghouls to a mere thirteen !
One of the Ghouls howls and the noise seems to fill the rest with frenzied energy and they hurl themselves at the Fists even more savagely.
Step by bloodstained step Ajax, Kapek and Lorric retreat slowly up the pillar. Narrowing their front so only a few Ghouls can attack them at one time.
Slowly the Ghouls fall, then three in the rear rank break from the melee and start to climb the wall behind, towards Mirra and Oz. Seeing this Mirra retreats back up the stairs towards the sunlight. Oz shoots and then tumbles through them and joins Mirra in fleeing up the stairs.
Ajax, Kapek and Lorric are now facing three enemies in front and three behind. A direly wounded Kapek tumbles through the front line of the Ghouls into the hall and away from the melee. Ajax and Lorric now face one enemy in front and three charging down the pillar from behind them.
The lone frontal attacker is slain by Lorric and one of the new ones by Ajax. Then Kapek opens up with his Force boomerangs slaying the penultimate Ghoul. The last Ghoul seems to throw off the blood lust that had driven his comrades on despite their hideous losses and realises his situation. It attempts to flee and dies.
The Fists collapse to the floor, completely drained by their battle. Eventually they wearily rise, healing is done and the remains of the Ghouls victims searched for loot. There are, of course, no Drow here.
As they recover they wonder why the Ghouls had not attacked the Shunned before. It occurs to them that before the Ghouls would have been scared off by the Bebiliths. As the Crimson Fist had slain the Bebiliths it had freed the Ghouls to slaughter the Shunned and then the Fists had slaughtered the Ghouls. Their interference had resulted in the destruction of every creature in the area.
