20011027 FaceOfTheEnemy

<H1> The Face of the Enemy </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Travian </TD>
 <TD> 14th Human Paladin </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Auric </TD>
 <TD> 9th (16th CL) Wemic Druid </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Estus </TD>
 <TD> 11th Human Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Grackle </TD>
 <TD> 6th/9th Half-Elf Fighter/Rogue </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Colin </TD>
 <TD> 15th Human Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Prince Donner </TD>
 <TD> 6th/9rd Human Fighter/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Fingle </TD>
 <TD> 3rd/12th Gnome Cleric/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Richard Jacobsen </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kill'Dar </TD>
 <TD> 12th/3rd Elf Wizard/Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<H3> Disturbance in the Library </H3>
Donner scries the vampire, hoping to determine what is going on at Blackvault. He gets unusual resistance, as if the vampire were on another plane. The vampire is surrounded by mist, presumably the Ravenloft mist. He appears to be wearing some sort of armor made of bones. He appears to be directing some group of zombies. They appear to be moving blocks of stone, as if dismantling something.
The party asks for a Divination from Father Cullaim.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
Learn by doing; die by learning<BR />Questions are answers; two monkeys live
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The party has George attempt to scry a gargoyle in the caldera surrounding Blackvault. From his angle, he is unable to see much of the building outside from where the gargoyle is perched. However, George does not see any of the Ravenloft mist. Fingle performs an Augury using the Deck of Fate conerning teleporting to the caldera. The result is the Sun, indicating that the result will be good.
Fingle gathers the party into the portable hole on the rug and the group teleports to the caldera. The party unloads out of the portable hole and begins walking down the stairs.
The group gets to the landing in front of the door. They have Estus cast True Seeing on Grackle. The door appears to be different. Originally, it looked like a static face, but now it looks different. He examines the area in front of the door for traps the face on the door moves. The face appears to be whispering. He hears the phrase "now you can't get away". Listening more carefully, he hears the entire quote.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
A house made of nothing grows larger each day<BR />It tells me of strangers and bids them to stay<BR />I tuck in each guest in silver and gray<BR />You've watched me so closely now you can't get away
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Donner hears the riddle and thinks of "a Spider's Web". After some discussion, Grackle answers the door's question and it replies "Can't hear you, come closer". As Grackle looks closer, he sees something familiar--it reminds him of someone he knows. The door says "Touch, Answer, Enter". Estus casts the Augury to have Travian perform the task--Weal and Woe.
Fingle casts True Seeing. The face appears to have a greyish cast and appears to move. Grackle recognizes the face as being similar in shape to Braegus. The second Grackle recognizes it and says "I know what it is--a bodak!", the eyes open and the face says "Good answer". Grackle falls dead, while Travian and Fingle manage to resist the stare of the face. The party pulls back and Fingle casts Haste on Travian while Estus casts Death Ward on him. Travian hits the sword on the door several times, but to no avail. Eventually, Kill'Dar moves forward with his eyes closed and casts Dispel Evil on the door. The face fades and a handle appears on the door.
The party waits for Fingle and Grackle. Fingle looks at the door again. The door appears to be on several places at once (Astral, Ethereal, etc.). The door is probably a portal--a gate between planes. Grackle reexamines the door. There appears to be a triggering spell, but there spell doesn't appear to be a trap.
The party lines up at the door. The handle appears to be turning some machinery behind it. After finishing turning, the handle stops with a "clunk". Colin pulls on the door and it swings open. Looking through the door, there is a formless, shapeless grey perhaps like the Astral Plane.
The group passes through the portal. They enter a large (12' high, really long) vaulted room. The walls are covered with books. The party feels strange. The place has a depressing feel to it. There are lights at the tables, with the rest of the room sufficiently lit to find stuff, but not to read. Back in the room, Grackle spots heads and shoulders moving heads and shoulders above the bookshelves. Combat ensues:
<B>Round 1:</B> Everyone enters the room besides Fingle and Auric. The two huge figures approach slowly. Four more fleshy figures move quickly down between the bookshelves. Many ghostly spirits come out from the floor and from between the books.
<B>Round 2:</B> Fingle and Auric enter the room and Fingle casts Mass Haste. Fingle retreats out of the room. The fighters delay. Travian turns twice, frightening many undead. Estus turns twice as well. Grackle swings at the undead near him and Estus, wounding it. Colin kills the one on Grackle and attacks the other one next to him. Kill'Dar casts Shield and casts Wall of Force across the room. Max finishes the one Colin wounded. The remaining ten spectres flee. The other golems approach, but the flesh golems bump up against the Wall of Force. At the same time, several Red Fang Gnolls are spotted entering the room.
<B>Round 3:</B> The party takes more damage. The party spots one ghostly figure walking between the bookshelves, organizing books. Auric casts Faerie Fire on one of the gnolls and casts Barkskin on Grackle. Fingle casts Fly and Stoneskin on Grackle. Kill'Dar casts Fly and Stoneskin on Colin. Donner polymorphs into a troll and ready weapons. Travian casts Bless Weapon on both Colin and Grackle. Estus casts Spell Resistance on Colin and Spell Immunity (Slow, Fear) on Grackle. The golems run up against the wall. One of the stone golems reaches over the wall and slows Grackle. A scry point opens up above the ghostly figure. Several of the nonspellcasters refocus.
<B>Round 4:</B> Everyone takes more damage. Colin activates Fire Shield and begins moving out towards the party. He stops at the first 10'x10' section after he is affected by some strange enchantment on the floor. The mages examine the strange glyph and Fingle dies (Symbol of Death). The group decides to pull back and discuss what to do next. The party decides to experiment with various ranged attack spells on the golems and gnolls.
<B>Round 5:</B> Donner and Kill'Dar experiment with magic missile on one of the Red Fangs. Estus casts Negative Plane Protection on himself.
<B>Round 6:</B> Everyone takes damage. Colin fights with one of the stone golems through the 2-foot opening, wounding it. Grackle boosts Estus to cast dispel, dispelling the light around table. Donner casts two magic missile spells on the gnoll, knocking it unconscious. Kill'Dar casts Disintegrate over the wall on the flesh golem. The stone golem knocks over the flesh golem next to him and attacks Kill'Dar, hitting him for 49 points.
<B>Round 7:</B> Kill'Dar leaves the room. Colin goes near the door. Grackle drops Estus and leaves. Estus goes to where Colin fought the stone golem and begins picking up pieces of the stone golem. Donner leaves and sees a scry point in the middle of the landing.
<B>Round 8:</B> Estus leaves the room. Colin leaves the room. Kill'Dar attempts to dispel the scry point, but fails. Immediately after the scry point disappears.
The party regathers. Donner asks Estus to cast an Augury to determine the situation if the group were to stay for the duration. Estus uses the Deck of Fate and determines that the result is "Woe" (Inverted Chariot). They decide to return to Home.
<H3> The Face of the Enemy </H3>
The party talks to George about the results of the combat. He concurs that the runes drawn on the ground do not correspond to a Glyph of Warding spell. He describes how the Symbol spells work (in air, drawn, and permanent) and it appears as though the runes encountered do correspond to the Symbol spell.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Colin:</B> What would be an effective way of fighting golems?
<B>George:</B> In general, enchanted weapons are the best way to deal with golems. Once a certain amount of damage is delivered, then the spells holding together the construct fail and the creature falls apart.
<B>Fingle:</B> What about magic?
<B>George:</B> Very few spells work on golems. In your particular case, I'm afraid that since golems are mindless, there is no way to fool them with illusions.
<B>Donner:</B> I was wondering if I could borrow your mirror. I'd like to scry back on where we just were.
<B>George:</B> Of course.
<B>Donner:</B> Thanks. By the way, is there another way to scry multiple times in a day.
<B>George:</B> Well, my mirror has the ability to scry once per day on its own power.
<B>Donner:</B> Huh. Why didn't you tell me about this before?
<B>George:</B> You didn't ask.
<B>Donner:</B> (Sighs) Are there other similar magic items.
<B>George:</B> None that I know of.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Donner scries on the golem where the chips were taken from. There are many figures around the golem. They are several heavily armored individuals, which appear to be the same as the fast zombies. There are heavily cloaked figures. One of them appears to have a withered hand and is touching the golem. The chips and cracks in the stone are disappeared. There appear to be four robed figures. As he scans around, he spots something horrifying (DC19 Will save). There is a skeletal figure covered in rotting robes. It is wearing a crown that Donner has seen in pictures. It is the crown that the Kings of the West used to wear. The two glowing red eyes of the figures appear to be staring straight back at the scryers. As he steps forward, he is flanked by four figures. Two are heavily armored and have the look of vampires, much more powerful than the other vampire. Their armor is embossed much like the royal armor was embossed. The other two figures are much harder to see, sort of insubstantial and shadowy. After some observation, they also appear to be vampires. The lich appears to be wearing many necklaces and rings ("Lich Rapper," quips Robert). Some of them appear to be the sort that George created for the Shield Guardian. Behind the lich appears to be four Shield Guardians. The lich appears to be whispering something to the entourage. The lich waves his hand and a scry point appears in the room. George immediately begins casting and dispels the scry point. The lich king gestures to the four cowled figures and they dispel Donner's scry point.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>George:</B> Who was that?
<B>Donner:</B> Couldn't you tell?
<B>George:</B> I was unable to look back through the scry point, so I dispelled it. So, who was the scryer?
<B>Donner:</B> (Nonchalantly) Oh, the Lich King.
<B>George:</B> (Holds head in hands) Can you stop bringing new enemies to my doorstep?
<B>Donner:</B> I suppose I can try.
<B>George:</B> (Regains composure) What was he doing not in the Grey Vales?
<B>Donner:</B> I don't know.
<B>Auric:</B> I guess his library is important to him.
<B>George:</B> I am concerned that there has been a change in his tactics.
<B>Estus:</B> What would he come out for?
<B>George:</B> I don't know. I thought he never leaves the Grey Vales.
<B>Auric:</B> Perhaps he saw you too.
<B>George:</B> I'll just move to another plane then.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, I'll know one round before he shows up.
<B>Colin:</B> What about destroying the portal?
<B>George:</B> I don't know. It sounds like it's a demiplane. There can only be one portal to a demiplane.
<B>Donner:</B> Really?
<B>George:</B> That is the definition of a demiplane.
<B>Donner:</B> What about Ravenloft?
<B>George:</B> (Thinks about it) That must be some sort of special case. Perhaps it is on the verge of becoming a real plane. Or perhaps each kingdom within Ravenloft is a demiplane unto itself.
<B>George:</B> It appears as though the key to the whole thing is that he was alerted when you opened the door to his library.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
TODO: How to destroy portal? Destroy the lich (phylactery)
That evening Travian has a dream. There he sees Lord Malbain.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Malbain:</B> You have demonstrated great bravery. I reward you now with yet another tool to destroy those who have done this to me.
<B>Travian:</B> What is this tool?
<B>Malbain:</B> I tell you now the way to the place where I was destroyed, twisted, turned.
<B>Travian:</B> We really didn't get all that far at Blackvault.
<B>Malbain:</B> You were very close. The portal which you thought destroyed is merely dormant. It can be reopened. Return to where you closed the portal. There have one of your friends shift to the plane of Ravenloft. That will reopen the portal which you can then use to strike at those who destroyed me, by surprise.
<B>Malbain:</B> When you come to Ravenloft, I will come to you again.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Travian tells the party of the dream. Donner offers his full support in aiding Travian, citing the many times he has helped the party.
<H3> Bearers of Good News </H3>
The group teleports the party to Aquataine. Donner forwards Estus to the bureaucrats, drops Zachary's group to have a conversation with Moda.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> You've heard of the Lich King?
<B>Seledan:</B> Yes.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, he may be a problem sooner than later.
<B>Seledan:</B> (Sighs)
<B>Donner:</B> So, what's going on?
<B>Seledan:</B> The war with the orcs continues. Your father still has the injury.
<B>Donner:</B> What caused it?
<B>Seledan:</B> Weapon blow of some sort.
<B>Seledan:</B> We are confused by it. It is healing naturally, but we seem to be unable to heal it by magical means.
<B>Grackle:</B> Was the weapon recovered?
<B>Seledan:</B> No. It happened in battle, it is uncertain who did it or what caused it.
<B>Auric:</B> Is it a curse?
<B>Seledan:</B> It is not a curse.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, we've brought someone who knows some very powerful healing magicks. Perhaps we could visit my father and try to heal him.
<B>Seledan:</B> He does have several priests with him and we have arranged for Father Joseph to attempt to Heal him. None of these attempts have worked.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, it might be worth a trip over to see my father anyway. By the way, we have three prisoners from the team that managed to successfully assassinate me once. I've already given them over to Moda.
<B>Seledan:</B> Excellent. We shall give them an appropriate trial.
<B>Donner:</B> Of course. Can you tell me of your mission where you weren't available?
<B>Seledan:</B> We have been suffering greatly due to powerful undead who have been helping our enemies. I was part of a group who was sent to attempt to prevent additional such beings from reaching our enemies.
<B>Donner:</B> So, what did you do?
<B>Seledan:</B> There was a gate to Ravenloft on one of the Red Islands. We managed to close it.
<B>Donner:</B> How did you find it?
<B>Seledan:</B> A scout discovered it.
<B>Donner:</B> Which gate was it?
<B>Seledan:</B> We didn't go through the gate. We destroyed the gate.
<B>Donner:</B> I think I'm going to open a portal to Ravenloft.
<B>Seledan:</B> Why?
<B>Donner:</B> I believe Travian has the answer for that.
<B>Seledan:</B> (To Travian) Why?
<B>Travian:</B> A number of visions I've had about the former Lord Malbain. (Explains the most recent dream)
<B>Seledan:</B> Well. The entity you destroyed definitely came through the portal we closed. We know that. It is possible that this entity seeks to lure you to Ravenloft to destroy you. Your visions would be consistent with this. The other thing to realize is that other people can visit you with these dreams. A spellcaster could purposely be leading you to Ravenloft to trap you. I would be extremely careful.
<B>Donner:</B> A good fact is that Seledan, while a good being, is incredibly cautious and pessimistic.
<B>Seledan:</B> Divine information would reveal such information.
<B>Donner:</B> Now that is sage council.
<B>Seledan:</B> The other possibility is that if you could possibly get the help of a powerful priest of death. They could talk to the real Lord Malbain and ask him directly.
<B>Donner:</B> We'll have to consult St. Morbios.
<B>Seledan:</B> Malbain died long before you met him. It would take an incredibly powerful priest, why of nearly legendary proportions to perform such a feat.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, we have a bit of an in with the head priest of Hades at Kennetar.
<B>Donner:</B> Well before we open a gate to Ravenloft perhaps we should check with Father Kultos.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Seledan asks about new resources in the party. He offers to perform an Analyze Dweomer on one magic item since he has spare time today. As the party determines which one to get analyzed, their discussions with Seledan continues.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Seledan:</B> If you could stop your business on the Plateau and rejoin the army. We really could use the help of your and your companions.
<B>Donner:</B> Every time I come down here, I hear the name Krodol.
<B>Seledan:</B> Well, he does appear to be one of the last major barriers in this war.
<B>Donner:</B> If you could put together a plan...
<B>Seledan:</B> Really, your father is the strategist. You should go to him and find him.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, I'm out of scrying abilities for the day. You don't have any such scrying items which allow you to use without using your magic powers?
<B>Seledan:</B> I have never heard of such a thing.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, George has one.
<B>Seledan:</B> Really? (Mumbles something about George holding back knowledge)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The next day Donner scries his father.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> (To Kill'Dar) You've got Detect Thoughts, right?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Yeah.
<B>Donner:</B> Cast it.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Okay.
<B>Donner:</B> (Scries)
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Can you find him?
<B>Donner:</B> Yes, aren't you reading my mind?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, yeah.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, then you can teleport us there, can't you?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Sighs)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group shows up in the tent with the Donner's father and the other heads of the army. Everyone appears quite surprised.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> Father.
<B>King:</B> It is good to see you.
<B>Colin:</B> (Updates the King on expected reinforcements)
<B>King:</B> That is excellent, we could use their help. The elves are suffering greatly.
<B>Donner:</B> What is the largest threat at this point?
<B>King:</B> Well, I think the troops could use a morale boost. I think they need to see an enemy crushed and driven before us.
<B>Donner:</B> Seledan mentioned that you were having problems with someone named Krodol.
<B>King:</B> All reports seem to indicate that he is undead.
<B>Donner:</B> Undead? That's unheard of.
<B>Donner:</B> I heard you were wounded.
<B>King:</B> Yes, that it why I did not stand to greet you. Why don't you introduce your companions.
<B>Donner:</B> (Makes introductions of Travian, Fingle, and Estus)
<B>King:</B> (Looks at Estus suspiciously) So, you're from the Imperium?
<B>Estus:</B> Yes, I serve the Imperium as a diplomatic envoy to the Westmarch.
<B>Donner:</B> Much to my surprise, he has proven himself to be a moral and trustworthy individual.
<B>King:</B> (Discussion of Imperium) The Imperium is not welcome here.
<B>Estus:</B> I understand your suspicions. For now, I am Donner's guest.
<B>King:</B> I have never been surprised to find allies even under the most unpleasant rocks. (Glances at Grackle)
<B>Estus:</B> Indeed. I find your son quite resourceful.
<B>King:</B> Quite so. (To Donner) I'm very proud what you've made of this once lowly shepherd.
<B>Donner:</B> In any case, we are only here for a short visit. If you could prepare a dossier or briefing on Krodol, then when we return, we could help.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Lord Cerethan is also in the room. Discussions with the priest seem to indicate that the wound is related to mummy rot. Kill'Dar, the priest, and Travian use Dispel Evil, Remove Curse, and Cure Disease respectively to heal the King.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Cerethan:</B> The problem with Krodol is that his tactics have changed. Initially he was fearless. (More details) We have now acquired the means to keep him dead. (Rune on weapon) However, it seems as though this news has reached our enemies. The problem is that this thing heals quite rapidly and travels so rapidly, he can appear in three battles in one day. He can become insubstantial, travel great distances in brief periods, and can vanish from sight.
<B>Donner:</B> Could the runes be put on any weapon.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Yes.
<B>Donner:</B> On any weapon?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Certainly. But it takes effort by
<B>Donner:</B> How much effort?
<B>Cerethan:</B> We have only one caster who is capable of scribing such a rune.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, we might know someone who can...
<B>Cerethan:</B> Well, the learning time of such a rune is long.
<B>Donner:</B> From what I know of Krodol, he doesn't travel alone.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Here's the problem Kill'Dar. Krodol is responsible for many of the attacks on our brothers and sisters.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> I think you're the only surviving wizards among the elves who knows the secret of magical transportation.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Does that mean..?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Yes.
<B>Donner:</B> Kill'Dar does that mean something to you?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Yes. She is the only one who knew the secrets of the grove, who trained the elven mages, and was the most powerful among us.
<B>Cerethan:</B> I fear it's possible the worst has happened.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> You think she's been turned.
<B>Cerethan:</B> They have vampires.
<B>Cerethan:</B> So many of us have been killed and taken, she could not have revealed much.
<B>Cerethan:</B> I'm certain that we have been so compromised that this conversation will be known tomorrow.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> How long ago was she taken?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Five days. There's not many of us left.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> How bad?
<B>Cerethan:</B> (Switches the conversation to Elvish) Most of the civilians have already left. We're fighting now for vengeance so that the humans don't lose hope.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Whether we win or lose, the die may have already been cast.
<B>Cerethan:</B> There is a narrow window to perhaps turn this around.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> How?
<B>Cerethan:</B> The ships can return. We still have Sashelas' Pride. We can send a message to recall them.
<B>Cerethan:</B> It's good to see you again.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> How is your health.
<B>Cerethan:</B> As good as can be expected.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> If we kill Krodol, will they return?
<B>Cerethan:</B> If we kill Krodol and their undead allies broken, then only Gorath remains.
<B>Cerethan:</B> The trees are still there, so they will not be unopposed, but we will not lose our families.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I'd venture to say that Donner will move against Krodol.
<B>Cerethan:</B> We will send word to the fleet if Krodol is destroyed, the orcs are driven from the mainland, our fallen are recovered, and the undead destroyed.
<B>Cerethan:</B> If you can find the resting place of the undead and destroy them, that would make a great difference.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> You think Krodol would be on
<B>Cerethan:</B> We have not been able to divine the location of their resting places.
<B>Cerethan:</B> We are fortunate that Seledan was successful in his mission.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Hopefully, if we take the fight to Krodol, he will stop harassing you.
<B>Donner:</B> Father, may I speak to you in private.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Donner and his father move away from the dinner table.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> We'll take out Krodol, but I won't tell you where or when.
<B>King:</B> That is fine. We are planning on launching another major attack in the next two days. He may try to surprise us when we are engaged--he's been doing a lot of that recently.
<B>Donner:</B> Where are you attacking?
<B>King:</B> We found a large concentration of orcs and ogres. They've been an annoyance to us and need to be eliminated.
<B>Donner:</B>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Donner and company leave two bastard swords and a long sword for Runes.
<H3> You Want us to do What? </H3>
The group teleports to Kennetar. The gate guards do not allow Auric into the city, due to his shapeshifting abilities. They first visit Kieran at the library.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> (Finds Kieran) Hey
<B>Kieran:</B> What are you doing here?
<B>Donner:</B> We need some information. Find out what you can about Ravenloft.
<B>Kieran:</B> Very well.
<B>Donner:</B> Oh, we might be leaving soon. Can you get it to us in a day?
<B>Kieran:</B> Uh, I'll see what I can do. (Finds Kellian Sevenstar)
<B>Kellian:</B> (Appears annoyed at getting interrupted) Yes?
<B>Kieran:</B> What books should I read to find out about Ravenloft?
<B>Kellian:</B> Read Strahd and Empire of the Daywalker in the Myths and Legends section.
<B>Kieran:</B> Is that all?
<B>Kellian:</B> That's all we have here.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
In the meantime, Donner and his friends visit the temple of Hades.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> By the way, we have this ring. We believe that it belonged to the vampire known as Sarin the Daywalker.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> You are just a fountain of these things.
<B>Donner:</B> Sure. We were wondering if you could help us destroy it.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> We'll probably use it for bait and destroy it.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, we have some needs and you have some needs. We have some information the lich pretender, the one who styles himself a king.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> And that would be?
<B>Donner:</B> We gained some access to his library at Blackvault.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> His library is at Blackvault?
<B>Donner:</B> We went through the brass door. There were many evil
<B>Father Kultos:</B> Hmmm.
<B>Donner:</B> We left. Afterwards, we scried back there. I believe I saw the Lich King at that location.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> So, he left the Grey Vales? That is serious.
<B>Donner:</B> Anyway, the reason we are here is that we wish to verify that Travian has been getting such visions from Malbain and not from some force that.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> That is very difficult. It's beyond my power.
<B>Donner:</B> That is why we thought Morbios would be interested in aiding us here.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> He has been wanting to speak with you about some issues. I thought it might be a bit early, but perhaps it is time.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, if it's anything concerning the lich king. Considering, that he has seen me and can now scry me.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> Next time you visit us, there is a chamber I would like you to use.
<B>Donner:</B> If it's protected from scrying that would be great. I have the means to detect him, but I am unable to do more than that.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> It is not protected, but it can be used as a trap.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> I don't believe Kennetar's protections extend to the planes.
<B>Donner:</B> So, it is possible to travel in other planes and then to shift here.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> I believe it is possible.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, let us go to that chamber.
<B>Father Kultos:</B> I will tell Saint Morbios that you are here.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The party waits for Morbios to appear. Morbios enters the room--he looks kind of frail.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Morbios:</B> Kultos tells me you want to contact another plane.
<B>Donner:</B> We seek to determine if the visions that Travian is having is truly sent by Malbain.
<B>Morbios:</B> That will require contacting another plane. I can do that. The Lich King is moving. We must strike him down and destroy his means of returning.
<B>Donner:</B> Returning to the Grey Vales.
<B>Morbios:</B> Returning at all. We have his phylactery. We must strike him down and destroy it. I will see what Hades can tell me about the veracity of your visions. In exchange, I have a great favor to ask of you. Sometime ago, I asked for you help to destroy the Lich King.
<B>Donner:</B> So, you want our help in attacking the Grey Vales?
<B>Morbios:</B> Crossing the Grey Vales is suicide. There is a way to reach the Lich King's inner sanctum without crossing the Grey Vales. However, it is extremely hazardous. I have been told by beings on the outer planes that there is a way through the land of the dead to that part of Ravenloft where the Lich King has access to. If you can find that path through the lands of the dead, then we will have to way to reach his back door.
<B>Donner:</B> What if we were able to get to Ravenloft. Could we not find the Lich King there?
<B>Morbios:</B> That is even more dangerous. The land of the dead is not so hazardous. But we do not know how long the journey may be or what dangers you might face. I thought we had more time. But Vorn Kalak is moving. His destructive power is immense. He brought down the Kingdom of the West. He could destroy this city, Hensen, and the remaining cities on the Plateau.
<B>Donner:</B> Is there any way to guarantee safe passage there?
<B>Morbios:</B> Hades guards his realm jealously. There is only one way to get there.
<B>Donner:</B> What is the one way?
<B>Morbios:</B> You would have to be willing to die.
<B>Donner:</B> And what are we supposed to do when we get there?
<B>Morbios:</B> There is a way out of the land of the dead through Ravenloft.
<B>Donner:</B> I don't understand.
<B>Morbios:</B> There is a connection between Ravenloft and Hades. Those who are content to remain dead stay in Hades' realm. The restless dead often end up in Ravenloft. I believe that you have encountered such creatures in the course of your adventures.
<B>Donner:</B> Why can't we just travel there via magical means.
<B>Morbios:</B> You could travel through the land of the dead, but you would have to be dead to reach the path to Ravenloft.
<B>Donner:</B> But wouldn't we actually be dead?
<B>Morbios:</B> (Explains the metaphysics of the Greek's beliefs in the Land of the Dead)
<B>Morbios:</B> I have spoken to a spirit in the Land of the Dead who claims to know the way, but the way is perilous.
<B>Donner:</B> Do you know that spirit's name?
<B>Morbios:</B> Yes, that spirit is the hero you have known as Perseus.
<B>Donner:</B> What do you think the window of opportunity on this is?
<B>Morbios:</B> I cannot predict Vorn Kalak's behavior at this time. If he thinks that you are a threat, he will destroy everything near you.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, I'm going to have to think about this.
<B>Morbios:</B> All that I ask is that you find the portal from the Land of the Dead to Ravenloft. I am told that this portal is very near the Lich King and from there, you should be able to make your way to the portal from the Lich King's realm back to the City of the Ancients.
<B>Donner:</B> I see.
<B>Morbios:</B> I should tell you that Hades does not like his subjects leaving his realm. Those that wish to leave his realm must accomplish some task or some goal in order to leave.
<B>Donner:</B> Will we end up suffering the normal penalty for returning from Hades' realm?
<B>Morbios:</B> I believe that if you leave the Land of the Dead, you will remember everything that has transpired there.
<B>Donner:</B> What would happen to our belongings?
<B>Morbios:</B> This plane and that plane are images of each other.
<B>Donner:</B> How much time would pass?
<B>Morbios:</B> I don't know that time would pass, but it feels different.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, give me a bit of time to think about it.
<B>Morbios:</B> Very well. Let me warn you: the Lich King is the worst threat this land can see. Compared to the other threats you've mentioned, such as the demon Aishapra, are nothing compared to him. If he believes that you are some sort of threat to him, he will destroy not only you, but everyone you've touched. That includes here, Home, and even the Lower Kingdoms.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus casts a Divination for going to the Land of the Dead.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
Zeal clouds judgement as caution blunts progress<BR />Trust your heart and your soul will be free
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Ravenloft information. Strahd was the first vampire--lots of conflicting stories. Apparently original vampire. Transported the town to form the demiplane of Ravenloft. There are apparently people who live there. There are communities and undead fighters who live there and fight other undead. The entire plane is conducive to undead. Sarin was his right hand man, but he was destroyed. The story of Sarin tells of his ability to travel in daylight. He extended the reign of Strahd over large parts of the Prime Material Plane, with some being transported to Ravenloft. There was a mighty ring that Sarin wore. It's rumored that the ring itself bears his inheritance--whoever wear the rings inherits his essence, his position, and all that he was. The mists are said to be semisentient and work in favor of Strahd and his minions and against his opponents. It will part for some and thicken for others. There are wolves, etc. serving as his eyes and ears. Other beings are allowed to run small sections of Ravenloft, but Strahd is his master. There are optimistic stories of whole lands returning from Ravenloft.
A message is sent to Fingle and Auric to determine if they wish to join the party on their quest.
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
Two stone golems<BR />Four flesh golems<BR />Ten spectres