Return to Eirethune

## The Gardens to the Dead

The party left *Alantha* back in the library, cackling and snickering to her monstrous self. The party had more to consider but now were determined to return to Eirethune, making the passage with the *Shade Gauntlet* to transition through the membranes between the two worlds. Although extraneous equipment is not permitted in the Great Tower, the party took the position with the tower guards to be incredibly honest. They elaborated to the guards of the party's need to use a thin membrane between planes that was found in the High Gardens around the Tower. They would be willing to allow the guards to investigate as to what the party had, but they would need their equipment when they transition to the other world. With the fine oratory of Kazin and Brocktharian, the guards were quite amenable to their request, creating no impedance to the plans. With that, the party continued their preparations in the Ruling Enclave's quarters, finished the crafting and spell acquisition that was desired, When all was completed, the party returned to the Great Tower with all of their belongings in hopes of a smooth transition to Eirethune.

The group had scouted out the gardens previously and now it would be up to Zack to lead the party through. When the party transitioned with the *Shade Folk* before, the transition was not a simple, natural, familiar event common to the people in the group. The *Shade Folk* could transition freely, but it was considerably more jarring for the members of the party. In the garden, Zack could see the dark, desolate land beyond, the shadows of the dread *Ûtan Magnok Necropolis*, and soon the party would be there. At least Zack didn't see anyone (or anything) in the Necropolis at this point. Perhaps it would be safe.

The party members grabbed their gear, and placed their hands on each other, leading to Zack who approached the membrane between worlds. The sensations which Zack felt as he approached broke his sense of being part of anywhere; his position was no longer grounded and his sensations were chaotic. Soon each of the members were succumbing to the same sensations as Zack moved through the membrane. It was difficult to determine where or when they were now....how long did the transition take? are they where they expected they would be? They only had the words of a *Shade Folk* they had met in Haazen'Ra to guide them. Hopefully this trans-dimensional explorer, *Caergalyn*, remembered correctly as to where the portals in the High Gardens would lead the party.

The party worked to recover their senses after the transition across the membrane, but they soon became aware of their change in location. From the hot and humid High Gardens outside of the Great Tower of Learning in the large city of Uthenegar in the ever-shrinking world of Haazen'Ra, they now were in the cool and dry high desert steppes of the Mote in the southern continent of Eirethune, deep in the center of the realms of the Ûr. If the change wasn't jarring enough, they also found themselves at the entrance of the great **Ûtan Magnok Necropolis**, the city of the dead where all of the greatest Ûr of the southern continent were entombed.

Through some of Freya's knowledge and the knowledge gain from the tome, **The Ûr Across Eirethune** by *Ismajad Kahdgree,* the party was aware of some of the historical significance of the Ûtan Magnok Necropolis. For ages, this necropolis was the single place where the ever-warring clans of the Ûr permitted communal honor to all. The strongest and most powerful of the heroes of each clan were buried in clan-specific barrows within the necropolis. No desecration, disruption or theft from any of the barrows was ever permitted between the clans, rather, the clans would always pay homage to a clan's barrow if they approached it, and it was quite common to do so. A clan would rarely give offering to its own clan but would instead honor their enemies.

The Ûtan Magnok Necropolis was not small, rather it climbed through a valley, heading up into the foothills of the Chwaer Hills. The barrows were broken into different tiers, with the more ancient clans possessing barrows near the end of the valley, just as the foothills turn into mountains. As it progressed towards the mountains, the necropolis was divided into sections ending in what was called *Gates of Honor*, requiring a visiting clan to honor those they pass. The clans of any of the sections of the necropolis deserve honor from any who pass by their heroes, even if they are not individually honoring a barrow. Whether coin, or battle, or tone, or oath, the clan barrows await acknowledgement and an honoring for their clansmen, for the dead are light sleepers in the necropolis, seeking credit for what they did during their lives.

On the first of these *Gates of Honor*, there were two magic symbols, one on each of the supporting pillars: **Ivanar the Paragon**, and **Styree the Passage**. On the cross-piece on top of the pillars was nd an inscription in *Ûr Speak* saying **Honor with Tone to Survive.** The other aspect of honor that was known to *Freya*, *Zack* (from his time scouting **Shazendrar**) and *Wubba* was that each of the clans of the Ûr had their own clan-uttered tone. Unfortunately, the rubrik that *Ismajad Kahdgree* provided for translating the sound into text was not particularly good, but Freya found that she was able to understand at least a couple of the annotations, giving her a chance to show off her deep singing voice, albeit with an eastern Bavarin accent.

The party was very cautious in this strange part of their home world. Both Kazin and Aterian used their *Diving Powers* in order to determine more about the surrounding area. Through their keen perception of the natural world, both Aterian and Freya were able to discern that the mountains beyond the valley of the Ûtan Magnok Necropolis were somehow being magically affected. It was uncertain how, but the mountains rising to the summit of the Chwaer Peaks were being affected by some expansive arcane power. In a more intense divining scry of the area, Aterian was able to determine that there was nothing living in the valley of the Ûtan Magnok Necropolis, other than some incredibly small vermin and insects. What was also viewed by Aterian that the barrows of the necropolis were stacked with hundreds if not thousands of undead warriors, existing between the physical plane and the underworlds in which the dead were still active. Fortunately, none of the undead were arising at the moment, so the party took some time to rest.

After a needed moment to collect their thoughts, the party began their investigation of the necropolis. To the south of their position, the party could see a stone triptik arch through which the path continued, certainly one of the *Gates of Honor*. With careful observation, the players viewed a few inscriptions in the stones that were readily visible. On the pillars, the symbols of *Styree the Passage* and *Ivanar the Paragon* were clearly present. Across the top of the threshold, written in **Ûr Speak**, were the words *Honor with Tone to Survive*.

Although Freya had prepared herself to attempt the Ûr tones, the party wanted to wait just a bit before crossing through the arch. Wubba and Kazin, having gained some information from **The Ûr Across Eirethune,** decided to use their *Mage Hands* to drop some offerings into the bowl to one of the barrows near the arch. From afar, they could see that the barrow also had an inscription of one of the Ûr clan symbols present upon it, that of the clan ***Nazdraht***. As the *Mage Hand* moved close to the barrow, a fiery undead warrior began to materialize above the barrow. Quickly, one *Mage Hand* dropped a mithril coin into the bowl and retreated. The other *Mage Hand* quaked slightly as it carried a torch above the brazier. Should the party drop the torch in or not? Was there anything else that was needed as an offering? The party retreated the hands before any offense to the barrow was made. Now they returned to considered the book and tones more while they watched a second fiery undead knight rise from the barrow that honored clan **Nazdraht**. These two knights, *Ath'un'kaar* and *Tdjinkar*, were not names they were familiar with, and hopefully they would not become more familiar with these undead masters of fire.

With a bit more time, and some vocal exercises, Freya found some resonance in what she believed was a tone that sounded right to her. As Wubba and Zak listened, they believed her confidence in the utterance of the tone of clan *Nazdraht* to be worthy. When she finally had practiced enough, the party gathered for her performance before the first of the *Gates of Honor*. Freya stared up at the writing across the archway and uttered the tone once more.

> *Ha’Hwar...Ha’Hwar...Ha’Hwar...*
>
>

As Freya finished her tones, the writing above the archway briefly glowed. **Honor with Tone to Survive.** Now Zak and Freya moved forward through the arch an it was clear that they had honored the barrows of this first section of the necropolis sufficiently.

## Through the Ranks of the Dead

The party was pleased that they would not need to fight the ancient defenders of the clan *Nazdraht*, at least not yet. As the party passed through the archway, the defenders of the barrow seemed to grow slowly fainter. Perhaps they would now return to their deathly slumber. Yet ahead, there was something not slumbering...

Along the trail towards the next *Gate of Honor*, there was a combat or duel proceeding. Apparently, two of the undead heroes of the necropolis were battling. The party slowly approached but kept their distance as the two warriors fought in whatever manner they could bring. At times, they fought in hand to hand combat, and a moment later, they would pull back and unleash an arcane attack of tremendous fortitude. These two ancient warriors, **Uthambrot,** a fire knight from clan **Klahq**, and **Hizbatta,** a shadow knight from clan **Kormakh**, had found some reason to battle just as the party approached. During the battle, a few more of *Hizbatta's* compatriots began to arise from the clan's barrow and watch the fight continue. The battle was not easily won, but both *Hizbatta* and his supporters were quite pleased when *Uthambrot* conceded defeat. In a very formalized manner, Uthambrot kneeled before Hizbatta and awaited the victor's cleave. With a single sweep, Hizbatta took off the head of Uthambrot to the cheers of his clan members. Unlike the mortals, however, a few moments later, Uthambrot rose to grab and resettle his head on his shoulders. Nonetheless, the members of clan Kormakh, including Hizbatta, were still happy with the result. Apparently, the competitive nature between the Ûr clans continued unabated even through death.

Brocktharian was impressed with their abilities and fortitude, and needed to let the competitors know how impressed he was. Carefully, and with due respect, the paladin approached the barrow of clan Kormakh, and dropped some mithril into their offering bowl. Each of the clan members acknowledged the gift in a subtle yet formal manner. There was no doubt their victory and their martial quality was being given its due respect.

A few moments later, the party continued their trek south where they soon aproached another of the *Gates of Honor*. This gate was shouldered by a barrow from clan **Jahndrahkh** to the west. After a small hill, the closest barrow to the east was that of clan **Tvi'Ybar**. Like **Klahq** and **Kormakh**, the barrows of the duelists, these clans were unknown to the party. Freya had the most knowledge of the clans, but was only familiar with a couple of the larger clans. The rest of the party had only encounted the Ûr directly when they saved Na'awoorda, fought with and against them at the chaos of the Barren Biergen Keep, infiltrated and explored the great citadel of Shazendrar, and then escaped the massive army in the Valley of Bomar. Yet none of the Ûr they had encountered in those occasions were apparently present here...at least not yet.

As before, the party prepared their tone to cross the arch. Freya practiced her tone for clan *Nazdraht* yet again, and Wubba and Zak were both certain that Freya's performance was getting better and better. Freya's confidence increased, pleased that her musical youth in the hills north of Taitronen was coming in handy. She bellowed out another great rendition of the *Nazdraht* tone as the Zak approached the gate, but...in an instant, the drow from Calandiren was thrown back harshly...spilling down over the ground, although the fine acrobatic skills of the rogue kept him standing. The forceful arcana that had pushed Zak back from the gate seemed to coincide with another event. With near complete synchronicity to the knockback from the gate, an undead defender began to arise from the barrow of clan **Jahndrahkh**. In just a few seconds, a doom knight hero of caln *Jahndrahkh*, **Jnakah**, appear atop the barrow and, without a second thought, sent our a *Cone of Doom,* affecting most everyone in the party. Now the party needed to collect themselves and respond quickly.

Almost immediately, Kazin sent arcane black tentacles down upon the defender to lock him atop his barrow. This was followed by quick attacks by each of the party's melee crew, Zak, Freya, Brocktharian, Hormish, Tindora. Soon enough, Aterian sent his summoned friend of the earthen *Guardian Gods* into the fray to further the progress of the party in battle. It was clear to *Jnakah* that he would not be able to fight off the onslaught of the party for long. He could bring great damage to several of the party, but their power together was quite strong - much stronger than *Jnakah* could handle without help. A moment later, however, Wubba looked to the east and saw a glow arising in the sky on the other side of the boulders that limited his vision; and the glow was quickly approaching.

A series of fireballs were quick to arrive. Just above the rocks to the east, an undead Ûr wreathed in flames floated down towards the party. **Thaasta,** of clan *Tvi'Ybar,* had arrived, but probably a moment too late to assist *Jnakah* in his fight. Then again, the Ûr clans rarely commit themselves to help another clan, even with a common enemy. The fire continued to rain down upon the party from *Thaasta*, but the punishment they were giving *Jnakah* would end his threat in short measure. When the time came when *Jnakah* could no longer accept the punishment of the party, he crumbled down upon his barrow, collapsed and began to fade back into the ethereal. That is, except for his skull which rolled forward off of the barrow.

*Thaasta* blasted each and every party member, but it would not be enough. Facing the entirety of the party, even with their grevious injuries, was too great a challenge for this ancient fiery night of clan *Tvi'Ybar*. Each and every member of the party focused their power upon the knight, whether physical, arcane or divine, knocking him back, and sending him down. Moments later, *Thaasta* suffered the same fight as *Jnakah*, crumbling to the ground and fading into the ether. And as with *Jnakah*, the skull of the fallen *Thaasta* rolled away from her fallen corpse. Brocktharian, who was ever intrigued by trophies of the fallen, grabbed both of the skulls - perhaps for a reminder of past battles, or maybe these skulls could have other value.

## The Challenge before the Climb

After the battle, Zak looked up at the *Gate of Honor* they had attempted to cross through prior to the battle, and the writing on the cross-piece was now glowing. Zak stepped forward more cautiously, but steadfastly, and a few steps later, he had passed through the threshold, this time without a magically force wall in place. The party followed Zak and progressed into the next section of the necropolis.

Throughout this section of the necropolis, the party was very careful to stay as close to the path as possible. They briefly rested along the path but soon came to another of the *Gates of Honor*. The archways seemed the same, but Wubba was able to note a slight difference in writing at the top of the arch. This arch read **Honor with Tones to Survive.** After a brief discussion, the party ascertained that this must mean that the tones of TWO clans must be performed to cross into the next section. Very carefully, Brocktharian approached the two closest barrows and dropped offerings of blood and mithril into their bowls of respect. Although two spectral knights rose from the barrow, they only watched as the paladin paid homage. The first of these barrows was of clan **Ab'Ankh**. This was a clan that the party had run into in their travels near the citadel of *Shazendrar*. Given the amount of scouting that Zak had performed there, the drow could remember the tones of *Ab'Ankh* even without consulting the book of clans. To the west, a second barrow was approached, and again was honored with blood and mithril. This clan symbol was unfamiliar to the party, but the book revealed the symbol belonged to clan **Dwari**. The party performers now guessed and practiced the tones of the two clans for a few minutes. Freya and Zak consulted with the others as to the appropriateness of their tones, and when they were satisfied, they approached the archway.

> *Sseth...Sseth...Sseth... Vahg...Vahg...Vahg...*
>
>

Their tones were clear and sound, and without a moment of doubt the performers strode through the *Gate of Honor* without event. Freya and Zak were getting pretty confident with their performances at this point. Perhaps when they finally returned to civilization, they could show off their skills in some tavern for a few free drinks and grub.
The party continued southward, ever climbing through the Necropolis. The end of this section, however, was a small plateau with a similar arch that used the plural as in the previous instance. The closest barrow to the west was that of clan *Jahndrahkh*. They had fought a defender last time they failed to play their tone, but this time they would make sure it would be done correctly. To the east was the barrow of clan *Mwahb,* with whom they were unfamiliar. However, the strange annotations of that *Ismajad Kahdgree* provided in his tome were becoming more understood then they had a few hours ago. Perhaps these unfamiliar tones would resound more clearly given their growing knowledge.

> *J'Dish...J'Dish...J'Dish... Thrut...Thrut...Thrut...*
>
>

The archway briefly glowed, and the performers passed without issue and they began to climb a flight of stairs leading to the final plateau of the Ûtan Magnok Necropolis.

On the plateau, the barrows seemed to be placed more closely together. The path between them was certainly not as wide nor as traveled as previous paths. Even from the top of the stairs, Freya and Zak were able to see clans they were well-acquainted with. Easily visible from their location, the clan symbols for clans **Voglok, Iz'Gaag**, **Gargunth** and **Ukh Makh** were present on barrows on this plateau. The party had first encountered clan ***Gargunth*** in the strange pocket dimension where *Na'awoorda* was trapped, and then again at the first battle of *Biergen Keep* when both Ûr and party attempted to keep the otherworldly monsters at bay. Clan ***Iz'Gaag*** was first encountered when they came to help clan *Gargunth* fight off the creatures the following day, yet had to face both the party and *Baronet Realnore* instead. Both of those clans and that of clan **Voglok** were the primary defending clans inside the wall of the *Citadel of Shazendrar* where they helped *Lady Ulutra* escape. And finally, when the party assisted the remaining *Shade Folk* escape from the camp in the Valley of Bomar, the armies that were descending into the valley were members of all four of these clans. Now, here again, the ancient heroes of these clans, as well as those of clans **Tuvahn, Thong-Fa,** and **Zahdj**, lay in waiting for the party's arrival.

Almost immediately upon walking between these barrows, the undead defenders began to arise. None were belligerent, but they watched the party closely as they moved. The party could see a final *Gate of Honor* at the south end of the plateau which apparently was the exit into the mountains, but they were yet unable to read the inscription across the arch to find out what they must do to pass. Prior to finding out, however, the party was brought a challenge from the defenders of clan *Zahdj*.

There were four undead defenders who stood on the barrow of clan *Zahdj*, and the doom knight, *Gazadh*, called the party forth. These undead clan defenders did not speak in the same language as the inscriptions of the Necropolis, **Ûr Speak**, the obscure tongue of Ûr clans of the northern steppes, rather they spoke in a language familiar to Freya, Kazin and even Brocktharian, that of **Gwr-Ffadwr**, language of the Mote orcs and Ûr. *Gazadh* posed a 4 on 4 competition between the party and the four defenders of clan *Zahdj* to last 1 minute. None of the rest could help a combatant, even as they fell. And if a combatant of one side fell in combat, the other side must drop a combatant as well so that there was never a numerical advantage by either side. The competitors would be able to prepare themselves prior to combat's commencement with whatever magic or divine powers they had at their disposal, including the summoning of creatures should they wish it. The party was ready for a fight, and they jumped at the chance to prove themselves against clan *Zahdj*. Brocktharian, Aterian, Freya and Wubba were ready to fight these foes and test their strength and wits against them. Each was ready, and it would be a bonus that Aterian's earth element summons, *Gem Jordan* would be with them.

Besides the doom knight, *Gazahd*, there was a fire knight, *Brigs*, and two other knights, *Sziszk'ka* and *Fa*. The latter two both were wielding multiple swords and were very lightly armored. The party had not fought Ûr of this nature in the past, but Freya had heard stories about the *Blade Masters of the Ûr*. It was said that these blade masters could attack more than one foe at a time and could move freely among a battle space; they were not vulnerable to anything that could stop their movement. In fact, they could *Misty Step* almos at will as well as move and attack with great *Haste*. Where *Gazahd* could provide help to their companions, *Szisz'ka* and *Fa* would be the tremendous damage dealers, albeit in direct face to face combat.

When the time came for the battle to begin, it was *Fa* who moved and attacked first. Freya was not over-stating any part of what she had warned against. As *Fa* moved, her blades cloned themselves, with one set still in her hands while another set moved across the battlefield to attack deep within the party. Savage brutal attacks came from the Blade Master which made any armor appear like tissue to the devastating accuracy and swiftness of the highly mobile being. The party moved swiftly against her, focusing as much damage upon her as possible. Spirit Guardians, spells, hammer and sword all rained down upon *Fa*, but *Gazahd* was quick to assist with his *Veil of Misery* and a *Cone of Doom*. By the time *Szisz'ka* began her attack, Freya and Wubba were in serious trouble, although *Fa* was barely better off than they. The party had proven their ability at putting out damage as well. When Freya did fall, *Fa* stepped out of combat as well so it would only be 3 on 3. *Brigs* blasted the party with fire, but the *Gem Jordan*, the earth elemental*, Aterian* and *Brocktharian* were mostly resistant to the damage Brigs could unleash. Nonetheless, it would be Wubba who was next to fall, and *Szisz'ka,* who had been the next focus of the party, was forced to bow out as well. Now *Gazahd* was strong and stalworthy, but the Aterian, Brocktharian and Gem Jordan were able to break through the defenses of the doom knight and end his *Veil of Misery* through their unceasing bludgeoning. This time it would be *Gazahd* who would fall next, leaving only Brocktharian and Brigs to end the fight. Although Brocktharian was mostly resistant to the damage Brigs could cause, the paladin was not able to ever engage the fire knight. The fire knight could unleash fire and necrotic damage and then use a *Fire Portal* to move at a distance where Brocktharian could not reach. Had the fight gone on longer, Brigs may have one, but the paladin was able to keep himself alive until the end of the minute.

Sadly, however, Freya finally succumbed to her grevious wounds during the battle. The party sorely wished to help, but the undead on all of the barrows around clearly indicated this would not be permitted. When the battle was finally over, the party quickly revived the great ranger and began the party's healing process. The party had fought well and deserved a solid rest which the undead defenders were pleased to grant. The Ûr society is based on relentless competition and the party had been fine participants in their realm. To that end, *Gazahd* granted the party three items. A simple bone fragment, a skull with deep red glow in the eye sockets, and a very large blue diamond.

## One Final Barrow

The party needed some well-earned rest, and now began to discuss and explore their options. They knew the area around the barrows had brought forth a multitude of undead heroes from each of the clans to whom the barrows belonged, and for this reason, the party was very careful in their movements while they rested. The party truly hadn't needed to watch much while others slept or rested as nothing seemed to accidentally wander in the necropolis. The undead, themselves, were not predisposed to rise and arbitrarily attack the party, so there was definitely a small sense of peace amidst the barrows. To further investigate their situation and newly acquired items, Wubba cast a ritual magic detection spell. Not only did he determine that the skulls that had been acquired emanated *Enchantment* and *Necromancy*, but Wubba was also able to see there were *Enchantments* scattered around the base of the barrows. With closer observation of these locations, Wubba and Freya could see that there were clan symbols barely visible in the earth. Freya lent Wubba her rope, and Wubba laid the rope down on a serpentine path from their location to the final *Gate of Honor ,* marking the exit from the necropolis. This would probably allow the party to get to the final gate without disturbing the undead Ûr heroes below.

At the final gate, the the magical symbols were different than previous gates - **Ibn'Rex** and **Styee** on the pillars with **Hwyveen** across the arch. In addition, at the base of the pillars of the gate, there were three very shallow bowls with a white substance in each of them. Finally, scrawled across the cross piece, the following words were written in *Ûr Speak:*

> ***Three Different of the Favored to Walk with the Heroes***
>
>

The group wasn't sure what anything meant quite yet, but they were willing to try and figure out what was needed, and whether any of their newly acquired items would prove to be useful. The gate had a certain otherwordly vision of the mountains beyond it, though none of the party members dared touch the threshold.

With careful observation from Aterian and Brynda, the bowls appeared to have both bone dust and small minerals. The acquisitions form the barrows must have some significance. The party first put the skull they had gained from the challenge with the heroes of clan *Zahdj* into the shallow bowl by the gate, and it glowed. When replaced with the skulls previously acquired, those skulls failed to change. However, the smaller bone from clan *Zahdj* did glow, although only if the skull of clan *Zahdj* was not present. Lastly, the blue diamond that was acquired, glowed perfectly, yet no combination of what they had was capable of disturbing the visions between the final portal. Something else was needed.

Now the idea of following the rope to the last gate was clever, but it wasn't the easiest path to follow. Needless to say, one unsure footfall could awaken the dead, and so it did happen that two of the heroes of clan **Gargunth** arose to watch the party's movements towards the gate. Only moments later, these two ancient warriors of the Ûr called out to the party, requesting a challenge of combat. **Thoath**, a *Shadow Knight*, and **Bizdah**, a *Blade Master*, stood upon the mound of clan **Gargunth**, coaxing the party into a duel. Some of the party were still tired from the previous combat, but Brocktharian and Kazin took up the challenge and prepared to face them. Brocktharian had proven his stalworth abilities in the past against many of the Ûr, and Kazin had many powers at his disposal, including the newly forged *Staff of Aldoradin* that had been constructed back in the Great Tower of Uthenegar in Haazen'Ra. The challenge was accepted and the combatants began their preparation prior to the commencement of the battle.

As careful as both sides were in their preparation, neither was completely ready for what would transpire. Brocktharian brought forth his sacred and radiant powers to benefit the pair, while Kazin used the staff to transform into a great elemental. Yet it was the Blade Master, *Bizdah*, who had the greatest alacrity to act first when the duel began. The Blade Masters were devastating in the previous combat with clan *Zahdj*, and *Bizdah* was a venerated master from one of the greatest clans of the Ûr, who had risen to once again unsheath her blades. In a matter of seconds, the Blade Master charged at Brocktharian, drew out her ancient blades, and stabbed and slashed at the core of the paladin, continuously finding home until Brocktharian had fallen. As was the decreed in the rules of engagement, *Bizdah* now kneeled to signify they would no longer participate in the duel as the paladin lay dying.

If Bizdah was so immensely devastating, what would Kazin face with the *Shadow Knight?* First, Kazin would need to find the knight for they had disappeared almost immediately. Fortunately, however, *Thoath* was not prepared for what Kazin could unleash. His sorcerous and elemental power would prove to be something the shadow knight was not prepared for. Although the furtive knight could initially move about without detection, dashing about the elemental's reach, it would not continue for long. The acute senses of Kazin were able to hone in on the movements of the invisible shadow knight, and with an adept motion, the grand elemental arms reached out and grappled the invisible shadow knight. Try as they could, they could not break free from Kazin's grip, permitting the sorcerer to continually pound the still invisible warrior while trying to bring him down to the ground. The Shadow Knight attempted to use all sorts of various spells of enervation and necromancy against Kazin, but they had little effect. Nearing the end of the duel's time period, the Shadow Knight was finally able to escape, but when they did, they did not seek active combat. The ancient Ûr warrior was content with a draw against Kazin.

When the duel was over, the party rushed to see if Brocktharian was still alive, but he, like Freya before him, had passed due to his wounds. Brynda quickly called upon *Kaelia* to assist her with helping the paladin out, and he was soon returned to the living, stunned at the proficiency of the blades of *Bizdah*. The Blade Master then came forth and gave Kazin two items, a small bone and a large black diamond. Then the two spirits from clan *Gargunth* retreated to their mound and hailed the party's fighting prowess.

With the items they had honorably won from the undead combatants, the party returned to the final *Gate of Honor*. Now Brocktharian revisited the bowl by the portal, and placed a bone and the blue diamond won from the battle with clan *Zahdj*, and the bone won from the duel with clan *Gargunth.* All 3 glowed and then began to dissolve, and as they did so, the veil of unnatural vision began to part from the doorway of the portal. The absence of the strange barrier did not seem permanent, so the party quickly rushed through the gate, revealing a climbing staircase into the mountains where they had previously only seen a rockslide. The party was finally out of the **Ûtan Magnok Necropolis**.

## Links

Previous, The City of Uthenegar

Next, The Secrets of the Peaks