Previous: Into The Underdark
Session 12: Questions Answered
The group set out from Taylor Seacrest's sanctuary after they were well rested. With three days of travel between them and Falon Gareth's stronghold the group set a fast pace, passing stalagmites, stalactites, still subterranean lakes, and many strange rock formations. After the first day memorable only because of a small battle with three deep bats, the group set their camp for rest.
During the final watch cycle of their rest time, Bannor was watching the entrances into the defensible campsite that the group had chosen when he heard Chiranjeev gasp and jump to his feet with a scream. When Bannor turned to see what was distressing his friend, he was a roiling cloud of shadow floating above his barbarian friend. Chiranjeev jumped to his feet, grabbing his sword to hack into the shadowy creature. Bannor rushed forward to attack, but his first attacks passed through the creature as if it weren't there. As Chiranjeev swung his sword at the beast, it felt as if some of his vaunted strength had been taken from him. His falchion felt heavier, and the cuts were slower. Taylor, Astaria, and Carkain all jumped into the battle as well. Between the five of them they were able to hurt the creature badly, even though about half of their attacks seemed not to effect the insubstantial foe. Just before the creature had begun to dissipate, it reached out and touched Bannor with its draining attack. The creature was defeated, but the group was weakened with their two most accomplished fighters ailing from the creature's debilitating attack. Astaria tried to restore Bannor and Chiranjeev's strength and constitution, but she was unsuccessful. She figured that she needed to cast a more powerful spell, but she didn't have the powdered diamond necessary for the spell to work.
The remainder of the trip was uneventful until the companions entered the enormous cavern used as the headquarters for Falon Gareth. The entrance to cavern is notable because of the alcove formed from heavy metal bars. Several unanimated automatons made from dead flesh filled the sides of the alcove, leaving a path to the large gate at the far end of the alcove. Taylor explained that the group just needed to step forward, and announce to the gate that they were here to speak with Falon Gareth. The automatons shouldn't animate and attack. Bannor stepped forward and an illusory mouth appeared on the gate and simply said, "What is your business in my realm?". Bannor replied, "We are here to speak with Falon Gareth". The group was on edge, watching the automatons for any hint of movement, when the gate swung open.
Beyond the gate was a raised path leading into the distance beyond the limits of the group's sight. In the distance was a hint of a light source, but it could just be the long period of time without light playing tricks on the companion's eyes. As they continued along the path it became evident that there was indeed light in the distance. As they moved closer they were able to see a tower rising out of the abyssal depths below. In the windows of the tower were lit candles, lending a ghostly quality to the edifice.
When they approached the door to the tower, it opened and a small half-elven woman said, "Hello, my name is Marissa Greenhollow. My master has been waiting for you." Marissa motioned for the group to follow her and led them into a plush sitting room. After a few minutes, a short, balding man entered the room and introduced himself as Falon Gareth. Falon asked what the group wanted from him. As Astaria started speaking, an epiphanic look crossed the necromancer's face.
With a smile on his face he interrupted with, "So, you're the group that helped those bastards steal my staff". That sentence instantly put the group on the defensive, "You don't remember any of that do you?"
"No", Astaria replied, "we don't remember anything before we awoke in the mountains". Bannor was preparing to jump on the small wizard if he made any hostile move.
Falon laughed, "Be at ease, I don't blame you for the loss of my staff. It was obvious that you were just lackeys of the church."
When Falon mentioned the church, Astaria asked him to elaborate. "What harm will it do for me to tell you of your folly. I had a plan to increase my political power in Leonay that involved starting a small war with the orcs. All was going as planned when I was attacked by a powerful group of adventurers. I later found out that the group was hired by the church of Rendolar to steal my staff. You were sent as support for them."
Falon stopped his story, took a sip of his drink and continued, "The adventurers, the Assembly of Might, were known in such circles as a group that could get things done. They are more well known in the far north, but they advertised their considerable abilities to the church and they were given the mission to recover the staff."
"I, would have researched the group more", with a smirk Falon continued, "but the church was sloppy. They sent a missive to Talaxia asking about the Assembly of Might, and the reply was that the Assembly is a powerful force for good. However, these particular adventurers weren't members of the Assembly of Might. They are a group known as Hilden's Four. Hilden's Four is a self serving group of mercenaries from Quelorl. They stole my staff and obviously double-crossed the church, taking the staff for themselves."
Chiranjeev asked, "What of our condition? We seem to be cursed".
Falon shrugged, "I don't know about your curse, but I can do some experiments and find some information. As long as one of you will volunteer".
Astaria stepped forward, "I will allow the experiments".
"Don't worry, the experiments will not harm you", disarming the alarm shown on her companion's faces. "We will begin in the morning".
The group slept through the night, and Falon and Astaria spent the next few days in his laboratory. On the fourth day, Falon called the group together and explained his findings.
"Well, you're not cursed. Actually, you are blessed. Blessed by a dark god. Mathouk has blessed you with the Blessing of Amon Shur". Chiranjeev blanched at the mention of Amon Shur. With a smile, Falon continued, "Apparently it amuses him to toy with you".
Carkain said, "Who's Amon Shur?".
Chiranjeev interjected, "He was the leader of the Makoum Terkulu, the secret police of an ancient king in Gheraful. People would disappear in the night without a trace, sacrificed to Mathouk. He was so feared that, 2,000 years after his death, parents still tell their children that Amon Shur will get them if they don't behave".
"I have a proposal for you. You go, find my staff and return it to me. I'll continue with my research and keep the staff from falling into the wrong hands".
"If the staff finds its way into my hands, I'll destroy it", exclaimed Bannor.
"That will be far more difficult than you could imagine", replied Falon.
"As a start, go to Quelorl, speak with an associate of mine, a sage named Moburu. He will give you some information that will lead you to Hilden's Four. When you get the staff you can decide what you will do with it. In the morning I'll cast a spell to transport you to either Quelorl or to your home. Depending on your decision". With that, Falon left the room.
The group discussed their next move, deciding that the trip to Quelorl would be the best direction. Astaria cast a sending spell to inform their friends traveling to Katay of the information they found. Astaria also cast the restoration spells on Bannor and Chiranjeev, since she was able to purchase some diamond dust from Falon.
The following morning the group stepped into the portal to Quelorl.