Stormreach and the Red Ring

With the decision made the Crimson Fists Shadow Walk to Stormreach where Lorric sets to converting the various loot they've collected into cash. With the swift talking Lorric at work the Fists are soon supplied with more coin then they've ever seen before.

On the next day Oz is bid a fond farewell by his comrades with 33,000 thousand gold in his pack and a near death dealing hangover from the previous nights celebration.

With so much gold burning a hole in their pockets the Fists decide to spend a few days relaxing in Stormreach and purchasing items that will help them with their extra-planar quests. Celedrus requests some gold to tide him over and is gifted with 6,000 although after he tries to buy a glass of wine with a 100 gold pieces it has to be explained to him how much that can buy in this new world.

They also bump into their old friend Galin, who on being quizzed about adventurers who might be prepared to join the company tells them of a Warforged called WIL who is looking for work and can be found at the 'Ship's Cat'. According to Galin Will was part of an expedition into the Menechtarun desert. When he lost contact with the expedition he fell into a passive state only recovering when he was uncovered by another expedition whom he accompanied back to Stormreach.

The Fists decide to talk to Wil. He turns out to be a cheery fellow with a laugh that could be counted as a Sonic weapon. Skilled in trap finding and magic and with the endurance native to his kind he seems just what they need. For his part Wil cares little for money, tending to give away his share of any loot. Of more concern to him is that the quests he go on are for the cause of good and are interesting. He deems the Fist's plans worthy of his attention and agrees to join up.

With a few days to relax the Fists set about their individual errands.

Ajax seeks out Kolos the minotaur to arrange a gladiatorial battle for him and one is arranged for a few days hence in the Far games. It is only after this that Ajax hears the rumour that the reason the Crimson Fists left Stormreach was that they had fled in fear of Malketh. It does occur to him that entering the games that Malekith controls could be considered a giant 'up yours' to him but, as with most things, this occurs to him too late.

Kapek visits the House Jorasco enclave to declare his new found status as one of the Dragonmarked. They eagerly question, examine and catalogue him.

Mirra and Wil research into Pazunia and Mabar at the Temple of the Sovereign Host. There they learn of the Blood War between the Demons and Devils and how Pazunia is the main battleground for this conflict. They also learn of a hub of trade there called 'Broken Reach'

Mirra also delivers the stories she has been writing to the local office of her paper. She picks up the latest news herself hearing tales of half-demon pirates, conflict between the Sahuagin possibly linked to undersea earthquakes, the incidences of the dead rising again and the re-birth of the 13th Dragonmark.

Lorric as well as consuming heroic amounts of alcohol visits the Church of the Silver Flame to inquire of the 'Gilded Man'. From them he learns that the 'Gilded Man' is not human but probably an Inevitable, a being of pure Law dedicated to maintaining the balance. He was captured by Feriax'soth several centuries ago.

Lorric is warned that the 'Gilded Man' will hate those who have died and returned, regarding them as an offence to the natural cycle of things. A description that applies to two of his party both Ajax and Celedrus having died and returned.

Also all the group invest in new magic items. Kapek and Ajax pay to have some their items improved, this involves handing them over for this process to be done. Ajax hands over his Beast Claws, a decision he will soon come to regret.

Far, 20th Barrakas 998 Y.K.

On Far morning the Fists receive a letter, it contains First Class tickets to the games where the final event will be a battle between Malixendria the Champion and Ajax, accompanying it is an note inviting them to 'The Death of Ajax of the Crimson Fists'. It is signed, naturally, by Malketh.

That evening the other Fists use the tickets and are soon seated next to Malketh himself. He is accompanied by a robed figure that they instantly recognize from the encounter when Malketh's forces attacked the Fists outside Stormreach. The spell-caster who cast the Teleportation Circle that brought Malketh's people there, which made him a formidable spell-caster indeed. However as they are introduced he leans forward and for a second his features shift becoming a woman, her features pulled tight by chains sunk into her flesh. It is Saeloth the Sorceress who the Fists freed from the Yellowtooth goblins, who attacked the village of Gullsnest and who recommended them for membership in the Deathgate guild. Malketh seems to have not noticed his companion's brief change and invites Lorric to sit next to him while the Fists wonder what game Saeloth is playing.

Malketh is, of course, here to bargain. He offers Lorric that when Ajax loses he won't call for his death if Ajax will serve as his slave for six months. Lorric feels he cannot make the decision for Ajax so makes a counter-offer. If Ajax wins Malketh will tell him where he can find his mother. If Malexendria wins Lorric will fight her in the arena. Malketh agrees with one proviso, the fight about to happen must end in the death of one of the combatants.

Down on the sands of the arena the two opponents walk out to the cheers of the crowd. It is clear that Malexendria is by far the favourite, despite Mirra's best efforts to get everyone to cheer for Ajax.

The Announcer introduces Malexendria and then declares Ajax is there to 'defend the honour of the Crimson Fists after they fled the city'. His opinion on this subject are interrupted as a remarkably well aimed tomato thrown by Kapek impacts with his chest.

The formalities over the fight begins. Ajax is without his Beast Claws as they are still being improved and so charges straight in with his Pincer Staff, delivering a flurry of blows that all miss his nimble opponent. Malexendria tumbles past him and with blinding speed and deadly accuracy backstabs him in the heart and kidneys. To her astonishment this seems to merely annoy the Shifter.

When another blizzard of attacks also all miss Ajax simply throws away the Pincer Staff and uses his natural claws, finally managing to land a hit. To both his and the crowds relief as so far this was proving a very one-sided competition. Although this is still one blow in return for the three more telling blows she lands.

Realizing he is losing badly Ajax decides its time for an all-or-nothing move. He backs off from his opponent, putting the breadth of the arena between them. Malexendria takes the opportunity to spread her wings and fly into the air and invoke a Horrid Wilting on Ajax. Now only alive thanks to the vitality granted him by his Shifted Form Ajax transforms into his Primeval Dire Tiger form (losing all his magical gear) and charges straight at the astonished Malexendria. With one mighty leap he collides with her and unleashes a series of terrible blows.

They hit the ground and a glow surrounds Malexendria as some item she possesses casts a Heal on her. She desperately strikes back but it isn't enough, Ajax's jaws clamp down on her and with fang and claw he tears into her.

Malexendria goes limp and Ajax rolls off her. He hopes she might still be saved but the intestines leaking from her indicate that she is dead. Ajax quickly transforms back into his humanoid form and exhausts his Healing Belt to heal himself enough that he won't just die when his Shifting wears off.

The crowd goes wild as Ajax is declared the winner. Lorric turns to speak to Malketh but he is already stalking to the exit, furious at the loss of his Champion.

Ajax rejoins his comrades and immediately offers his apologies to Lorric for the death of his half-sister. Lorric kindly forgives him. Unable to resist anymore Ajax heads out to bask in the adulation of his new fans. The other Fists decide that once again its time to leave Stormreach in a hurry.

Having done a lap of honour Ajax returns to his comrades with a huge grin on his face. Just then a boy approaches Lorric informing him that Malketh would like to speak to him and his friends.

The Fists are escorted to Malketh's inner chambers. Malketh receives them, offers them food and wine and, grudgingly, congratulates Ajax on his victory. Malketh quickly gets down to business and informs Lorric of his parents. His father was called VANTHUS and his mother LAVINIA. A pair of noted adventurers who had left Lorric with a friend who, in Malketh's carefully chosen words, 'they thought they could trust' before heading into the jungle.

They were said to have found ruins that served as a prison for a crazed mind called Dynroth. It was here the rest of their group had lost contact with them. When next they were heard of they were being help prisoner in Pazunia. Apparently Lavinia knew something of value to DEMOGORGON for she was moved to his realm,'THE GAPING MAW'. There she is said to held in a prison but a prison where the prisoners control half of it and the guards the other half.

Malketh also informs Lorric that his mother is an aasimar. Malketh makes gloating reference to the fact that in the Abyss 'her flesh is the sweetest.' Having gotten his petty revenge Malketh dismisses the group.

The second they step outside they are mobbed by fight fans who spot the new champion. Ajax leads his new fans off to the nearest pub and gives the group breathing room. The rest of the group head off to find a bard to quiz about Lorric's parents.

*Ajax comments
It is a horrible thing for Ajax to head off to the pub with a crowd of admiring fans who want to buy him all the drinks he can manage but that is a sacrifice he's prepared to make to free his comrades to persue their mission.

A search produces a bard who remembers them and even recognizes Lorric and informs him of his real name, Yeshmal. He tells some stories of Lavinia and Vanthus and informs Lorric of where his parents used to live.

Lorric mulls the information over a few dozen pints and decides he needs to purchase a scroll of Discern Location to locate his parents when the Fists are in Pazunia. However to make it work he will need some objects closely connected to them.

The night passes.

Sar 21st Barrakas 998 Y.K.

The next morning a tired Ajax rolls up to the 'Sea Cat' to meet up with the rest of the Fists. He requests a Remove Disease from Celedrus and is refused on the grounds Celedrus feels his god's gifts shouldn't be squandered on protecting Ajax from the consequences of his own over indulgence.

*Ajax comments
Ajax having discovered the concept of 'groupies' the night before.

With everyone together they head to the address given them by the bard. As they approach the house old memories stir in Lorric's mind and memories long buried return to him.

The current owners of the house, Mark and Larissa Zemore, are more than a little surprised to be woken by such a strange group (including the new Champion) first thing in the morning but kindly invite them in for tea. Over the tea Lorric explains his need for something connected to his parents to enable him to find them. Mark mentions that when they first moved in twenty years ago he discovered a locket which his wife wears to this day. However it has great sentimental value to them as a reminder of the house that has been their home for twenty years. Lorric promises to return it if he can and offers them 500 GP.

Larissa obviously doesn't want to part with it but Mark realizes it can reunite Lorric with his parents and, with some sadness, hands it over. Lorric thanks them and reiterates his promise to return it. Ajax touched by the couples generosity to strangers presses one of the diamonds he keeps for emergencies into Mark's hand and suggest he uses it to create another piece for his wife.

The Fists then head to the bank in the hopes of being able to access the account of Lorric's parents. The manager is naturally reluctant to allow this but is persuaded to part with something of no real worth from their deposit box. The box is bought before Lorric and with a rush of fond childhood memories he instantly recognizes a pair of wooden swords his father and he used to play with. He takes the one his father used to use.

All that is left to do then is to purchase two scrolls of Discern Location.

With their business in Stormreach concluded the Fists are ready to return to the expedition. Celedrus decides not to return to the territory of the Drow and will wait for their return in Stormreach.

The Atropal Lachryma

As the creatures come closer the true horror of their visages becomes clear and strikes to the heart of Kapek, Mirra and Celedrus, robbing them of the their strength,speed and vitality. Mirra is so badly affected she is paralyzed by the mere sight of the Banshees.

But this is nothing compared to the horror of what happens next. The Banshees howl and Mirra simply dies. Her noble heart stilled in an instant by the horror of that sound. Fuelled by burning anger Ajax and Lorric hurls themselves at a Banshee each as Oz sends an anti-undead arrow winging into one of the foul creatures.

Kapek rushes forward and unleashes the power of his Dragonmark but the power is halved by the evil atmosphere of Mabar that surrounds them.

As horrific as the Banshees are at attacking from range, up close they are less formidable. Lorric's Banshee tries to flee but is tripped by him and quickly finished. Ajax's sinks into the ground and so evades the enraged Shifter who, in the grip of his fury, charges the trees as the only targets in sight.

The second Banshee leaps from the ground into the middle of the group and is pounded by missile fire by Kapek and Oz but they fail to kill it before it can scream again and in that terrible instant Oz's life is ripped from him. The next second Lorric finishes the creature as Ajax reduces the trees to fragments.

The remaining members of the group are in shock. In the span of a few awful seconds the Fists have lost two members. Celedrus assures the rest he can return their comrades on the morrow if they are all still alive by then. In a daze they decide to remove themselves from the Mabar affected area until their numbers are renewed and the damage done by the Banshees healed.

The Crimson Fists retreat out of the area and set up camp. Over the next few days Celedrus's Raise Dead spells return their lost comrades and other spells restore the speed, strength and vitality lost by them (and him and Kapek) to the Banshees. They also have Celedrus communicate via Sending with the expedition leader to assure him they aren't dead and are working on securing a deal with the Drow.

On the fourth day they start the day with a Heroes Feast to prepare themselves for the horrors ahead and return to the area via Mirra's 'Shadow Walk', which leaves Oz, Mirra and Kapek teetering precariously at the edge of a 100 foot drop. The drop leads down to the dry bed of the lake, there they see Obelisks and statues and a square pit. Celedrus identifies one of the statues as being of IXTCHAMEL'TRAA, a vast centipede-like creature coiled around an Obelisk, the other , a hulking form without a head, is a being that is known as an aspect of ATROPOS.

A groove has been carved into the lake bed, none of the Fists are really in doubt that this was caused by the fall of the comet from the skies. Most strange is that throughout the lake patches of algae float on the air, as if supported by the water that had vanished long ago.

Then the moon appears from behind the clouds, as moonlight strikes the lake bed swarms of ghosts become visible, flowing like shoals of fish through the lake. The Fists grab for weapons only to relax in astonishment as the moon slides behind the clouds and the undead vanish.

The Fists are understandably dubious that the missing Drow could be alive in this lake of horrors but it is suggested that Celedrus use a 'Sending' to a friend among the missing. To everyone's surprise he receives the message 'We are in the lake'.

Two flying creatures start to move towards the Fists, gathering shoals of undead to them. As they get closer the Fists open fire with a barrage of arrows, force boomerangs, Magic Missiles and Fireballs.

As the creatures get close the Fists see there are three Atropal Scions and two Dark Angels and they do not seemed to be particulalrly bothered by the firepower being thrown at them.

Oz and Celedrus cautiously retreat and Mirra casts Major Image so an angel bearing a flaming sword (and looking strangely familiar to Mirra's comrades) appears beside the front-line of Lorric and Ajax.

Celedrus casts Fly on Lorric and Ajax and Mirra intones tales of glory as the creatures close in and then the Psions vanish !

The Dark Angels swoop in, one viciously attacking the Fists angelic 'ally'. They are in return charged as Lorric and Ajax charge one each.

A wave of despair wash over the Fists, sapping their will to fight as the Atropal Scions invoke their aura's of despair and Negative energy. Mirra realizing the first Dark Angel has tumbled to the truth of its adversary moves her illusion to attack the other one but its comrades barks a warning that it is an illusion.

Locked in combat with one of the Dark Angels, Ajax endures a barrage of claw and wing attacks and feels his skin start to rot off his body. But joined by Lorric Ajax is able to slay his opponent. Together they turn on the second Dark Angel and swiftly slay it.

Kapek once more invokes his Dragonmark, healing his comrades and smiting the invisible Atropal Scions, they appear high above the Fists squawking in pain. One unleashes a Cone of Cold on Ajax and the other two try to drain his and Lorric's life-force but are resisted. In return the duo, making full and gleeful use of their Fly spells, dive upwards towards their foes and slay one each.

The last Atrophal Scion flees into the lake but Ajax's blood is up and he is not going to let a foe escape. He sweeps down into the lake and with a swipe of his claws sends the last Atropal Scion tumbling, broken, to the lake bed. Ajax grins in satisfaction but the grin vanishes as he suddenly realises he is inside the lake and the moon floods the scene once again with moonlight..........


Ajax freezes with horror as the undead merge into one gigantic cloud from which a huge hand made up of dozens of squirming ghosts reaches out for him. A chorus of unearthly screams and wails assault the ears of the Crimson Fist as the hand strikes at Ajax who, quite understandably, flees as fast as the Fly spell will take him.
Kapek urgently warns his comrades that two invisible Atropal Scions are flying alongside the massive composite creature which Celedrus identifies as a creature called a LOST SOUL.
The Lost Soul charges and Lorric counter-charges it with them both meeting in a head-on collision on the edge of the lake. Ajax joins him a moment later. Lorric notices while his blows don't seem to pack their proper punch Ajax's claws do and quickly switches to using his Claw Gloves.
The Atropal Scions target Lorric and Ajax with Dispel Magic removing the Fly from Lorric and the Heroes Feast from Ajax but losing the protection of their invisibility by this overt move. They also invoke their Negative aura's sapping Ajax and Lorric's will to fight. Meanwhile Kapek and Oz target the Scions with withering missile fire.
The Lost Soul disintegrates under the blizzard of attacks rained down on it. Ajax charges down and slays one of the Scions and the other one flees under a hail of missile fire before Ajax runs it down and finishes it off.
This does, of course, leave him in the middle of the lake again ! And the remaining ghosts start to coalesce into another Lost Soul. However before it can attack the reckless Shifter the moon vanishes behind the clouds and it disappears.
The group gather on the ledge to discuss the matter and heal up. It is estimated judging by how many ghosts remain that only two more Lost Souls can be formed before there are no more ghosts left. It is suggested Ajax act as bait and draw the Lost Souls to the group so they can be disposed of and he readily agrees. A rope is tied around him and Ajax flies once more into the lake.
This time two of the composite creatures form, one on either side of Ajax. They start to move towards him and Ajax watches them carefully ready to flee when he judges they're close enough. Then the moon is covered and they vanish leaving a very nervous Ajax with no idea where they are.
Kapek uses his 'Scouts Headband' and is able to see one of the Lost Souls closing in on Ajax and the other moving in on the rest of the group.
Kapek sends glowing force boomerangs winging into the seemingly empty air, the whereabouts of the nearer Lost Soul becoming obvious as the boomerangs impact with it, while Lorric reels Ajax in.
The Lost Souls continue their approach, Mirra recites tales of glory and Ajax invokes his primeval nature and transforms into a Dire Tiger.
Then at the last moment the moon comes out and the Lost Souls are revealed practically on top of the Fists, screaming their mind-shredding cries. Luckily the Heroes Feast has rendered the Fists immune to fear that day (apart from Ajax who gets by on sheer bloody-mindedness).
Lorric, Kapek and Ajax leap into melee with one of the Lost Souls. As they strike at the creatures ghostly hands burst from every inch of it to strike at them.
The other creature charges Mirra and strikes her forcing her to Tumble away from it.
The Fists in combat with the Lost Soul tear into it slaying it then quickly turn their attention on the other and deal with it in a similar fashion.
With the lake now emptied of ghosts Ajax flies into it once again on a scouting mission. He flies over the structures they had observed on the lake bed. The pit is sixty feet deep and at the bottom of it is a pedestal on which rests a giant lump of glistening black stone.
Ajax also spots a raised stone slab surrounded by obelisks. In the corners of the slab burn dim purple flames, they surround a magical circle carved into the stone.
Having returned and reported this it is decided that Ajax will fly over the area again, this time carrying Celedrus so he can give his expert opinion on what lies down there. Celedrus is a little reluctant as to this plan but is gently remained he is under the Fists command.
Ajax and Celedrus set off, this time flying lower so Celedrus can get a good look at the details. At this height it becomes obvious the statue of Atrophos is oozing black ichor and as they pass over the pit they can feel the palpable evil emanating from it.
Celedrus observes the circle carefully and theorizes that it is some sort of teleportation circle or portal. He makes out three words carved into it, 'ATROPOS', KIRX'KATECH' and 'SHOTHRAGOT' which he believes to be destinations.
The subsequent discussion touches on the fact that these seem very unhealthy places to be travelling to. The course of the discussion triggers a memory in Lorric, he remembers the Sending Sparky received from his sister which mentioned his mother was held in Pazunia. It is pointed out that one of the portals in the Necromancers Tomb leads to Pazunia, one of the upper circles of the Abyss.
Lorric wants immediately to return to the tomb and enter Pazunia to rescue his mother. The rest of the group are sympathetic but feel just charging in will get no-one rescued and probably them dead. Kapek having gained little from the Drow particularly wants the chance to turn some of their wealth into useful magic items. Also Kapek and Ajax feel they are honour bound to fulfill their contract with the expedition first. Lorric is reluctantly persuaded to not invade the Abyss just yet.
It is decided that Celedrus will cast a Flame Strike on the rock in the pit, which is undoubtedly one of the Atrophal Lachyrmae, in the hope of destroying it. The flame roars from the skies and strikes into the pit with immediate effect. The earth shakes and the moon seems to form a screaming mouth, an appalling scream rips across the landscape flattening the Fists and permanently deafening everybody.
Kapek uses his Dragonmark to cast Heal restoring everybodys hearing and healing them up.
Lorric and Kapek notice several objects detach themselves from the surface of the moon and start to fall towards the earth. As this happens strange skeletal creatures which are recognized as Mohrg start to emerge from caves in the edge of the lake along with what appears to be a Lich.
From the mud on the lake bed more undead pull themselves up, although these are fully fleshed but with glowing red eyes and fangs. They are accompanied by some form of gigantic undead lizard. With fear and awe in his voice Celedrus identifies the creature as the 'HULLATHOIN'. Mirra remembers tales that say how the insects that swarm around it turns every living thing near it into undead.
Lorric notices the vampires accompanying it are Drow. He passes Celedrus a spy-glass and Celedrus confirms what they all suspected, those are the missing Drow, now Vampires. It is vaguely considered that they should put the Drow out of their misery but no-one really wants to attack thirty Mohrg, a Lich, twenty vampires and the Hullathoin
The Fists quickly decide to leave and report what they've found to the Drow Matron. Mirra casts Shadow Walk and they hastily depart.
They soon make their way to the Drow territory. Celedrus opts to wait in the jungle in case he is executed on his return and Lorric waits with him to mess with the Drow and make them paranoid about him sneaking in again.

*Lorric comments
Lorric remains with Celedrus as much to make sure the Drow don't mess with him or execute him as much as anything else, but does not draw undue attention to this, as he figures Celedrus' confidence has probably taken enough of a battering already.

The rest of the Crimson Fist march boldly towards the Drow caves and are soon intercepted by a patrol who escort them to the Drow Matron.
In the presence of the Matron and her court the Fists tell their story and reveal the fate of the missing Drow. The Matron listens quietly and then has her High Sorcerer cast some form of truth identifying spell and has them repeat it. Having heard everything she passes her judgement. The Drow will allow the Expedition to study the ruins albeit under constant Drow supervision. Celedrus will be allowed to return home after he has spent ten years and a day in exile. She then curtly dismiss the Fists who exit glad things went so smoothly for once.
They return and pass on the news to Celedrus who receives it with no great joy but resignation and the acceptance it could have been worse. He asks if he can accompany the Crimson Fist and is gladly accepted as a capable, if fragile, spell caster is a useful addition to their ranks. Ajax lends him his Amulet of Constitution to raise his survival chances.
The matter with the Drow settled the group return to the Expedition to inform them of the deal they have secured with the Drow. The news is received with some thanks but unfortunately due to the time it took the group to join up with the expedition and then to find the missing Drow there is practically no time left in the expeditions schedule. Also during this time the problem of the cloud over Sharn has apparently been solved. A group of adventurers lead by their old comrade Anvil have solved the problem and freed Sharn of its curse.
Therefore Professor Melurit has contacted the expeditions backers and arranged for a two week extension to the time it will spend in Xendrik to gather what knowledge it can from the ruins. He offers to hire the Crimson Fist for this period as well.
The Crimson Fist request some time to decide and take themselves off to a quiet spot to discuss the matter. Lorric wants to enter Pazunia and find his mother, Kapek wants to return to civilization so he can have magic items made that will improve his chances of survival and everybody wants to return to Mabar and rescue the Gilded Man.
It takes some time but eventually a plan is reached. They will return to Stormreach where they will sell the items they have recovered then Kapek will use his share to commission the creation of items that will aid him.
Then they will return to the Expedition and gaurd it for the last two weeks, when it returns they will accompany it as far as Stormreach where Kapek will pick up his items. Then they will return to the area where they will enter Mabar to rescue the Gilded Man and then Pazunia to rescue Lorric's mother.
There is one final element, Oz had originally signed on only for the intial job to protect the Expedition. He announces that when they reach Stormreach he will depart for Sharn. It has been a fun ride with the Fists but Oz has wisely decided its time to cash in his share of the loot and buy a bar while he's still alive. He invites his comrades to drop in for a free drink anytime and the Fists wish him well with genuine affection, Oz has been with them through some amazing and dangerous events and none blame him for choosing a more peaceful path when the opportunity arises.